Knitting tools

Abstract

In recent years, in the field of knitting tools, developments have been made focusing on reducing friction and wear. The knitting tool (1) according to the present invention and the knitting device (27) according to the present invention are suitable for reducing friction and accumulation of dirt (23) in a knitting machine compared to conventional knitting tools. For this purpose, the functional part (5) of the knitting tool (1) has a part (7) in which the absolute value of the gradient of the center of gravity line (4) is greater than 0.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Since the 19th century, knitting tools used in industrial knitting machines have undergone further development and must constantly adapt to new challenges brought about by further advances in the knitting machine field. In recent years, particularly against the backdrop of rising energy prices and production costs, there has been an increasing emphasis on reducing friction and wear. Conventional knitting tools have a shank portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the tool and, at least in its functional portion, guided in the needle slot of a knitting machine (both circular and flat knitting machines) and designed to perform a knitting action in this needle slot within a predetermined working area, essentially linearly in the longitudinal direction of the knitting machine. The force for this knitting action is transmitted to the knitting tool via a butt portion, which protrudes above the shank portion of the knitting tool in a height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool. A lateral force perpendicular to the longitudinal and height directions of the knitting tool also acts on the butt portion. This lateral force causes the knitting tool to tilt within the needle slot, which is supported by contact with the side walls of the needle slot. The inclination of the knitting tool causes it to make linear contact with the needle channel only at the top and bottom. The inclination of the knitting tool within the needle slot is clearly shown in Figure 2 of EP 1 860 219 A1, where the contact points are indicated by ellipses.

[0002] French Utility Model Patent No. 2260262 describes a knitting tool intended to reduce vibrations of the hook (loop forming means) that occur at high knitting speeds and prevent needle breakage. For this purpose, the rear shank of the needle adjacent to the butt (5 in Figure 1) has a wave-shaped configuration (4c and 4d in Figure 1). This wave-shaped configuration is intended to damp vibrations in the longitudinal direction of the needle.

[0003] German Patent Application No. 3612316 describes a knitting tool intended to have improved shock-absorbing properties. To this end, the knitting tool has at least one elongated groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the shank. Figure 4 shows a particular exemplary embodiment of this type of knitting tool, which has arcuate cutouts (11 in Figure 4) along the shank. These cutouts are intended to create bridges, reduce the weight of the knitting needle, and provide spring resilience to the part.

[0004] German Patent Application No. 3213158 describes a knitting tool having a hook element (loop forming means) and a closure element, the hooks of which can be closed by relative movement between the closure element and the hook element. Knitting tools of this type are also called compound needles. Figure 5 shows a specific exemplary embodiment of this knitting tool, which has recesses (Figures 5, 7, 9) suitable for receiving a yarn. These recesses (Figures 5, 7, 9) are directly adjacent to the hook element in the longitudinal direction and are not guided in a needle slot.

[0005] European Patent Application Publication No. 2927360 describes a knitting tool having a serpentine shank with a reduced thickness, thereby reducing friction between the knitting tool and the needle slot. The serpentine shank has multiple shanks that are offset from one another in height and extend in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool. These shanks are connected to one another by bridges that extend in the height direction. The serpentine shank has no inclined portions relative to the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool. All shanks are either aligned exactly in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool or are at a 90° angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool.

[0006] The aforementioned European Patent Application Publication No. 1,860,219 describes a knitting tool whose shank portion has a functional portion. The height of the center of gravity of the cross section of the knitting tool in a plane defined by the height and width directions varies within the functional portion depending on the position of the cross section in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool. This is achieved by so-called "floating portions." These "floating portions" are spaced apart from both the lower and upper sides of the knitting tool. Like the rest of the functional portion, the "floating portions" extend parallel to the floor of the needle slot of the knitting machine into which the knitting tool is inserted, i.e., substantially in the longitudinal direction of the knitting machine. Therefore, the height of the center of gravity within the "floating portions" is constant. The "floating portions" are spaced apart from the top and bottom surfaces of the knitting tool to reduce the contact surface between the knitting tool and the needle hole. The "floating portions" are interconnected by shank portions. They extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool, are located above and below the knitting tool, and are intended to form a linear contact surface with the needle slot. In this type of knitting tool embodiment, there are spaces above and below the "floating portion" where dirt can collect during the knitting action. Summary of the Invention

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a knitting tool and knitting system that has reduced friction and also reduced dirt pick-up compared to conventional knitting tools and knitting systems.

[0008] This object is achieved by two claims, claims 1 and 12. The knitting tool comprises: The knitting tool has a shank portion extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool along which the knitting tool moves during the knitting operation; the shank portion has a cross section at all points along its length that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool and is defined by a lateral direction and a height direction; Each of these cross sections has a center of gravity through which an imaginary center of gravity line extends along the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool, interconnecting the centers of gravity of all the cross sections; The shank portion has at least one functional portion, the centroid line varies in height in the functional part (i.e. the centroid line does not have a section where the height of the centroid line is constant, i.e. a section extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool; therefore, when the gradient is zero, the second derivative of the centroid line is not equal to zero); The cross-sectional height (cross-sectional height) is less than the shank height within the functional part at all points along the length of the functional part (the shank height is the distance in the height direction between the lowest point in the height direction of the shank within the functional part and the highest point in the height direction of the shank); the functional portion has a length greater than 20%, but preferably greater than 25%, of the overall length of the knitting tool; The functional portion is characterized in that it has a subinterval in which the absolute value of the gradient of the centroid line is between 0 and ∞. Therefore, the absolute value of the gradient of the center of gravity line is greater than 0. The gradient between two points on the center of gravity line is equal to the quotient of the difference in height between these two points on the center of gravity line and the difference in the longitudinal length of the knitting tool (gradient = difference in height / difference in length). Areas of the knitting tool where the gradient cannot be calculated in this way (for example, when the difference in length between the two points on the center of gravity line is zero) are not subsections as defined in this patent application. Advantageously, the absolute value of the gradient of the center of gravity line in a subsection is between 0 and 3. Preferably, the absolute value of the gradient of the center of gravity line is between 0 and 1. Advantageously, the absolute value of the gradient of the center of gravity line is between 0.01 and 0.8, preferably between 0.025 and 0.6, over at least 50% of the length of the subsection. The center of gravity line connects the centers of gravity along the shortest path. In the subsection of the functional part, the center of gravity line continuously changes its height. In other words, the height of the center of gravity line is not constant, but rises and / or falls in the height direction along the longitudinal path of the knitting tool. It is advantageous for the center of gravity to change height so that it "oscillates" when viewed in the x-z plane. The shape of the center of gravity is due to a change in the cross section of the knitting machine substantially in the x-y plane, not a change in density or material. Such a change may simply be a vertical displacement of the cross section. The knitting tool is advantageously manufactured by stamping. It is particularly advantageous if the knitting tool is a single stamped part. In this case, the entire knitting tool preferably consists of a single material and has substantially the same density as a whole. Due to the gradient of the center of gravity, dirt in the shank region is pushed upward in the positive height direction from the shank during movement of the knitting tool in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool, and thus out of the working region of the knitting tool. The working region here refers to the region in which the knitting tool can reside during its knitting action. The knitting tool moves substantially in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool. Dirt that comes into contact with the functional part during this movement is subjected to a force perpendicular to the surface of the knitting tool at the contact point. Due to the shape of the center of gravity, this force has directional components in the direction of movement of the knitting tool and in the height direction. This results in a self-cleaning action in the working area, removing dirt and thereby increasing the reliability and service life of the knitting tool.

[0009] Further advantages are provided by a knitting tool according to the invention having at least one butt portion. The butt portion extends substantially in the height direction. Advantageously, the butt portion projects in the height direction above the surrounding area of ​​the knitting tool. Drive forces and drive motions can be transmitted to the knitting tool via the butt portion. When used in a knitting machine, the butt portion engages a cam having an arc-shaped cam curve. This cam curve can transmit the longitudinal knitting motion of the knitting machine to the butt portion by relative movement between the knitting machine and the fixed cam. Further advantages are provided by a knitting tool having at least two butt portions. The teachings according to the invention can also be used advantageously in knitting tools including two or more butt portions.

[0010] It is also advantageous if the functional portion is composed of at least two small portions, each of which has a subspace in which the absolute value of the gradient of the center of gravity line is between 0 and ∞, and these small portions are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool. The fact that the functional portion is composed of at least two small portions means that there is an area between these at least two small portions that does not belong to the functional portion of the knitting tool. This may be, for example, an area in which the center of gravity of the cross section of the knitting tool does not change its height, i.e., its height is constant. It is particularly advantageous if the distance between the at least two small portions is at least exactly the same as, and preferably 1.5 times the length of, the butt portion in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool (i.e., butt portion length). It is also advantageous if the butt portion is located between at least two small portions.

[0011] Further advantages are obtained when the knitting tool has at least one small portion of the functional part preceding the butt section in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool and at least one small portion of the functional part following the butt section in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool. The butt section, which is the force transmission point of the driving force during the knitting operation, is subjected to high loads. The leading and trailing small portions of the functional part can distribute and support the driving force transmitted during the knitting operation.

[0012] It is advantageous if at least one, but preferably two, sub-portions of the functional part are either directly adjacent to the butt section or are spaced apart from the butt section in the longitudinal direction of the tool by a distance of not more than 10% of the overall length of the tool, this distance being particularly advantageous if it is less than 5% of the overall length of the tool.

[0013] Advantageously, the functional part has at least one height extreme point (local minimum or local maximum) of the centroid line. At this at least one extreme point, the gradient of the centroid line is zero. These extreme points are flanked on both sides by the aforementioned subsections, where the gradient of the centroid line is between 0 and ∞. Lateral forces acting on the knitting tool in the needle slot tilt the knitting tool and bring it into contact with the side walls of the needle slot near the local minimum and local maximum points. As a result, the lateral forces are supported there, contact points are formed, and friction also occurs as a result of the knitting action of the knitting tool. It is particularly advantageous if, near the local minimum and local maximum points, the shank part is configured such that each contact point occurring there during the knitting action has a small contact surface.

[0014] Further advantages are obtained if at least two height extreme points of the centroid line have the same height. It is particularly advantageous if at least two local minimum points and / or two local maximum points have the same height. Further advantages are obtained if at least two local maxima have the same height and a third local maximum point has a lower height. Similarly, it is advantageous if at least two local minimum points have the same height and the third local minimum point has a greater height. It is particularly advantageous if at least two extreme points with the same centroid line height are global maximum or minimum points, i.e., if the height of the centroid line at any point is not greater (global maximum) or less (global minimum) than that point.

[0015] It is advantageous if the surface of the shank portion facing in the positive height direction of the knitting tool (i.e., the direction in which the butt portion projects above the peripheral area of ​​the knitting tool) (hereinafter referred to as the top surface) has the same height in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool at the locations of at least two local maxima of the center of gravity line, and / or if the surface of the shank portion facing in the negative height direction of the knitting tool (i.e., the direction pointing downwards towards the floor of the needle slot during the knitting action) (hereinafter referred to as the bottom surface) has the same height at the locations of at least two local minima of the center of gravity line. The positive height direction and the negative height direction are diametrically opposite each other. It is particularly advantageous if the top surface has the same height at the locations of the global maxima of the center of gravity line and / or if the bottom surface has the same height at the locations of the global minima of the center of gravity line.

[0016] The knitting tool according to the invention also provides advantages if at least one extreme point has a surface that is raised laterally relative to the surface of the majority of the functional part. As mentioned above, the knitting tool used in the knitting machine contacts the needle slots near the extreme points. Raising the surface at these locations relative to the rest of the functional part creates a clearly defined contact surface at the raised locations, preventing other areas of the knitting tool from forming contact points with parts of the knitting machine, for example due to manufacturing inaccuracies. Further advantages are obtained if the surface is raised in such a way that primarily point-like contact points are formed with the knitting machine during the knitting operation.

[0017] Advantageously, the shank is spaced apart from the minimum shank height of the functional part at the location of the local maximum of the center of gravity and from the maximum shank height of the functional part at the location of the local minimum of the center of gravity, and it is particularly advantageous if this distance is at least half the size of the maximum shank height of the functional part.

[0018] Further advantages are obtained if at least one subsection of the functional part comprises at least one triangular recess and / or at least one wavy recess across the entire transverse extent of the functional part in the xz-plane, It is particularly advantageous if the height of the recess in the height direction is at least 50%, preferably at least 65%, of the height of the shank part.

[0019] The knitting device according to the present invention provides advantages if the surface of the shank portion facing the positive height direction of the knitting device (top surface) has a gradient path with a local gradient maximum in the positive longitudinal direction of the knitting device (i.e., in the extension direction of the knitting device) before at least one local height maximum point of the center of gravity line, and / or if the surface of the shank portion facing the negative height direction of the knitting device (bottom surface) has a gradient path with a local gradient minimum in the positive longitudinal direction of the knitting device (i.e., in the extension direction of the knitting device) before at least one local height minimum point of the center of gravity line. The positive longitudinal direction of the knitting device, i.e., the extension direction of the knitting device, is the direction of the knitting device toward the end of the shank portion where the loop-forming elements are located. The bottom and top surfaces thus form a "dirt receiver" at the above-mentioned position. The dirt receiver moves dirt due to the gradient path of the surface, preferably in the negative longitudinal direction of the knitting device. As a result, the dirt is kept away from the formed loops or the textile.

[0020] It is advantageous if the absolute value of the local gradient maximum on the surface of the shank facing in the positive height direction of the knitting tool (top surface) and / or the local gradient minimum on the surface of the shank facing in the negative height direction of the knitting tool (bottom surface) is between 0.57 and 2.75. Preferably, however, the absolute value of the local gradient maximum on the top surface and / or the local gradient minimum on the bottom surface is between 0.83 and 1.74. A further advantage is obtained if the absolute value of the local gradient minimum on the bottom surface is greater than the absolute value of the local gradient maximum on the top surface.

[0021] A further advantage is obtained if the surface of the shank knitting tool facing in the positive height direction (top surface) and the surface of the shank knitting tool facing in the negative height direction (bottom surface) are substantially parallel to each other in subsections of the functional part. The top and bottom surfaces are parallel to each other at least in each subsection. As a result, the material and stress distribution are consistent in these subsections. It is particularly advantageous if the top and bottom surfaces are substantially parallel throughout the entire functional part.

[0022] It is advantageous if the last local maximum of the centroid line of the functional part, as seen in the negative longitudinal direction of the knitting tool, opposite to the direction of extension, is a global maximum. A further advantage is obtained if this last maximum in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool is at most 30 mm, but preferably at most 15 mm, away from the end of the knitting tool as seen in the negative longitudinal direction of the knitting tool. In this way, tilting or twisting of the knitting tool about an axis extending laterally is prevented, and good guidance of the knitting tool in the knitting machine is achieved.

[0023] The object of the invention is also to provide a knitting device having at least one needle slot adapted to receive a knitting tool and to guide it during operation, At least one knitting tool comprises: The knitting tool has a shank portion extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool along which the knitting tool moves during the knitting operation; the shank portion has a cross section at all points along its length that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool and is defined by a lateral direction and a height direction; Each of these cross sections has a center of gravity through which an imaginary center of gravity line extends along the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool, interconnecting the centers of gravity of all the cross sections; The shank portion has at least one functional portion, The center of gravity changes height in the functional area, the height of the cross section is less than the height of the shank portion within the functional portion at all points along the length of the functional portion (the height of the shank portion is the distance in the height direction between the lowest point in the height direction of the shank portion within the functional portion and the highest point in the height direction of the shank portion); the functional portion has a length greater than 20%, but preferably greater than 25%, of the overall length of the knitting tool; The functional part is achieved by a knitting device having a subsection in which the absolute value of the gradient of the centroid line is between 0 and ∞. Thus, in each subsection, the center of gravity line forms an angle with the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool that is greater than 0° and less than 90°. This means, in particular, that in each subsection, the center of gravity line is not parallel to the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool. The shape of this center of gravity line is due to a change or "shift" in relation to the cross section of the knitting tool in the xy plane, and not due to a change in density or material.

[0024] Further advantages are obtained when the length of the needle slot in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool, the reach of the functional part in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool, and the stroke of the knitting action of the knitting tool during the knitting action are mutually adjusted so that at least 80%, advantageously 90%, but preferably 100% of the reach of the functional part of the knitting tool in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool remains within the needle slot during the knitting action. The reach of the functional part in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool describes the position of the functional part relative to other parts of the knitting tool in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool. The reach of the functional part in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool is the area between the front and rear limits of the functional part in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool. If the functional part has several small parts arranged spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool, the reach of the functional part also includes the area of ​​the knitting tool located between these small parts, for example, a butt section located between two small parts. The knitting tool is guided by the needle slot at its functional part, and the driving force is supported by the needle slot. There is a contact area between the functional part of the knitting tool and the needle slot. If too much of the functional part protrudes from the needle slot during the knitting operation, the needle guidance will be poor. The range selected as above has proven advantageous for ensuring good guidance of the knitting tool. Ideally, the guiding part of the knitting tool remains completely within the needle slot throughout the entire knitting operation, i.e., does not protrude from the needle slot, especially in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool.

[0025] A further advantage is achieved if the upper edge of the needle slot is separated in the height direction by a maximum of 0.5 mm, but preferably a maximum of 0.3 mm, from the highest point of the face of the shank portion of the knitting tool facing in the positive height direction (i.e., the top surface). This distance is hereinafter referred to as the height distance. Advantageously, the height distance is as small as possible. Advantages are achieved if the upper edge of the needle slot is at the same level as or higher than the top surface at its highest point in the positive height direction. In this way, it is ensured that the functional part of the knitting tool makes contact with the needle slot at the position of at least one local maximum point, and in particular that no contact with the needle slot is made in a small part of the functional part. It is particularly advantageous if the upper edge has substantially the same height in the height direction as the top surface at its highest point in the positive height direction.

[0026] It is also advantageous if the knitting tool of the knitting device has a butt portion raised in the positive height direction relative to the functional portion, which butt portion engages with a recess (cam curve) of the knitting device, and the highest point of the surface (top surface (10)) of the knitting tool of the shank portion facing the positive height direction is spaced apart from the cam curve in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool. In this way, the top surface of the knitting tool is prevented from accidentally engaging with the cam curve at these points. Accidental engagement could cause the knitting tool to get stuck, which could result in damage to the knitting tool and / or the knitting device. The distance in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool between the highest point in the positive height direction and the cam curve is a safety distance. The safety distance is advantageously greater than zero. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a knitting tool (1) having a functional part (5). [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA passing through the functional part (5) of the knitting tool (1) at the position of the maximum point (14) of the center of gravity line (4). [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a BB cross-sectional view passing through the functional part (5) of the knitting tool (1) at the position of the minimum point (15) of the center of gravity line (4). [Figure 4]FIG. 4 shows a knitting tool (1) having a triangular recess (19) in the functional part (5). [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a knitting tool (1) having wavy recesses (20) in the functional part (5). [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a knitting tool (1) having a dirt receiver (21) on its surface in the area of ​​the minimum point (15) and the maximum point (14) of the center of gravity line (4). [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows three sub-steps for removing dirt (23) from the working area (24) of the knitting tool (1). [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a knitting device (27) comprising three needle slots (28) in one of which a knitting tool (1) is mounted. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows the knitting device (27), four cam elements (29) and the knitting tool (1). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a top view of a knitting device (27) having three needle slots (28), each of which is fitted with a knitting tool (1). [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view in the xz plane passing through the needle slot (28) in which the knitting tool (1) is mounted. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a knitting tool (1) in which the absolute value of the local gradient maximum (40) of the top surface (10) is smaller than the absolute value of the local gradient minimum (41) of the bottom surface (13). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a knitting tool 1 having a shank portion 2, which extends primarily in the longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool and has a hook-shaped loop-forming element 3 at a first end in the positive longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool. At all points along its length in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool, the shank portion 2 has a cross-section 8 that lies in a plane defined by the transverse direction y and the height direction x. In the functional portion 5, the height of this cross-section 8 in the height direction x, i.e., the cross-section height 22, is less than the shank portion height 6 at all points. The shank portion height 6 is the height between the minimum and maximum extensions of the functional portion 5 in the height direction x. The cross-sections 8 and their centers of gravity 9 are exemplarily shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 1 shows a center of gravity line 4 that interconnects all the centers of gravity 9 of the cross-sections 8 of the shank portion by the shortest path. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, this center of gravity line 4 includes three local maxima 14 and three local minima 15. However, other advantageous embodiments of the knitting tool 1 may have more or fewer maxima 14 and / or minima 15. In the region of the three maxima 14, the top surface 10 has the same height. In the region of the three minima 15, the bottom surface 13 has the same height in the height direction x. In the subsections 7 of the functional part 5, the centroid line 4 has a gradient greater than zero. In these subsections 7, the shank 2 is therefore inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool, in particular does not extend parallel to the longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows the cross section AA, the location of which is indicated in FIG. 1 , passing through the shank portion 2 at the location of the maximum point 14 of the center of gravity line 4 in the functional portion 5. A portion of the functional portion 5 is shown, and the functional portion 5 extends throughout the entire shank portion height 6. The shank portion height 6 is bounded in the positive height direction x by a maximum shank portion height 12 and in the negative height direction x by a minimum shank portion height 11. The cross section 8 is shown hatched and has a center of gravity 9 that is "located" at the center of the cross section 8 as viewed in the height direction x and the lateral direction y. The cross section 8 is bounded downward in the negative height direction x by a bottom surface 13 of the knitting tool 1. The bottom surface 13 is also visible in FIG. 2 as a region located outside the cross section and continuing below the cross section 8. The cross section 8 is bounded upward in the positive height direction x by a top surface 10 of the knitting tool 1. The top surface 10 is located at the location of the maximum shank portion height 12. In contrast, at cross section 8, bottom surface 13 (and therefore shank portion 2) is spaced from minimum shank portion height 11 by bottom distance 16. In other words, below local maximum point 14, there is a "clearance" between shank portion 2 and minimum shank portion height 11 in the negative height direction x.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows the cross section BB, the location of which is indicated in FIG. 1 , through the shank portion 2 at the minimum point 15 of the center of gravity line 4 in the functional portion 5. A portion of the functional portion 5 is shown, and the functional portion 5 extends throughout the entire shank portion height 6. The shank portion height 6 is bounded in the positive height direction x by a maximum shank portion height 12 and in the negative height direction x by a minimum shank portion height 11. The cross section 8 is shown hatched and has a center of gravity 9 that is "located" at the center of the cross section 8 when viewed in the height direction x and the lateral direction y. The cross section 8 is bounded upward in the positive height direction x by a top surface 10 of the knitting tool 1. The top surface 10 can also be seen in FIG. 3 as a region located outside the cross section and continuing above the cross section 8. The cross section 8 is bounded downward in the negative height direction by a bottom surface 13 of the knitting tool 1. In FIG. 3, the bottom surface 13 is at the minimum shank portion height 11. In contrast, at cross section 8, top surface 10 is spaced atop distance 17 from maximum shank height 12. In other words, above maximum point 15, there is "clearance" between shank 2 and maximum shank height 12 in the positive height direction x.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows a knitting tool 1 according to the present invention having a butt portion 18, which is suitable for capturing and transmitting drive forces and drive motions to the knitting tool 1 during knitting. Two adjacent sub-portions 33 of the functional portion 5 are located in front of and behind the butt portion 18 in the positive longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool. The two sub-portions 33 together form the functional portion 5. The two sub-portions 33 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool by a functional portion distance 31, which is approximately 1.5 times the butt portion length 32 of the butt portion 18. In this exemplary embodiment, the butt 18 is located between the two sub-portions 33 of the functional portion 5. The shape of the shank portion 2 in the sub-portion 33 of the functional portion 5 has a plurality of triangular recesses 19. These triangular recesses 19 have a substantially triangular shape in the xz plane and extend "overall" in the lateral direction of the shank portion 2 of the knitting tool 1. The top surface 10 and the bottom surface 13 of the shank portion 2 are substantially parallel to each other in the functional portion 5 .

[0032] FIG. 5 shows a knitting tool 1 according to the present invention, which also includes a butt portion 18 and a functional part 5 having two small portions 33. In contrast to the shape of the embodiment of FIG. 4, the shape of the shank portion 2 at the small portion 33 has a plurality of wavy recesses 20. These wavy recesses 20 have a substantially wavy or arcuate shape in the xz plane and extend "overall" in the transverse direction of the shank portion 2 of the knitting tool 1. One of the two small portions 33 is located in front of the butt portion 18 in the longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool, and the other of the two small portions 33 is located behind the butt portion 18 in the longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool. The two small portions 33 are directly adjacent to the butt portion 18. Therefore, there is no space between the small portions 33 and the butt portion 18 in the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool. The last local maximum point of the centroid line 4 of the functional part 5, which is opposite the stretch direction when viewed in the negative longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool, is the global maximum point of the functional part 5. The knitting tool 1 is particularly well supported and guided by this global maximum in that it is prevented from tilting about an axis extending in the transverse direction y.

[0033] 6 shows a knitting tool 1 according to the present invention, which includes a butt section 18 and a guide section 5, the guide section 5 including two subsections 33. In the guide section 5, the shank section 2 has a subsection 7 in which the shank section 2 and the center of gravity 4 are substantially straight and inclined at an angle to the longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool (therefore, the absolute value of the gradient of the center of gravity 4 is greater than zero). The top surface 10 of the shank section 2 has a dirt receiving section 21 in the region of each local maximum point 14. The bottom surface 13 of the shank section 2 has a dirt receiving section 21 in the region of each local minimum point 15. In the case of a dirt receiving section 21 located in front of the local maximum point 14 of the center of gravity 4 as viewed in the positive longitudinal direction of the knitting tool, the top surface 10 of the shank section 2 has a gradient with a local maximum value (local gradient maximum) just before the local maximum point 14 of the center of gravity 4. In the case of the dirt catcher 21 located in front of the local minimum 15 of the centroid 4 in the positive longitudinal direction of the knitting tool, the bottom surface 13 of the shank 2 has a gradient with a local minimum (local gradient minimum) in front of the local minimum 15 of the centroid 4. The top surface 10 and the bottom surface 13 are therefore more strongly inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the knitting tool; in other words, the absolute value of the gradient is greater than the absolute value of the gradient in the adjacent small section 7 of the shank 2. During the reverse movement of the knitting tool 1 in the negative longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool, the dirt catcher 21 increases the transport of dirt in the negative longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool. In this way, dirt is kept away from the part of the knitting tool 1 containing the loop-forming elements 3, reducing the possibility of soiling the formed loops and the textile.

[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates, by way of example, three steps how the "self-cleaning" of a knitting tool works. In the starting position (here, step a), dirt 23 accumulates in the working area 24 of the knitting tool 1. In this example, the dirt 23 may consist of numerous fibers, dust, and wear particles. The center of gravity 4, which is not shown in this drawing for clarity, extends between the maximum point 14 and the minimum point 15 and clearly has a gradient greater than zero. In step b) of FIG. 7, the knitting tool 1 is shown during a forward movement 25. Due to the rise of the center of gravity 4 in the subsection 7, the dirt 23 is pushed in the positive longitudinal direction z and height direction x of the knitting tool during the forward movement 25 of the knitting tool 1. In step c) of FIG. 7, the knitting tool 1 is shown during a reverse movement 26. Due to the movement of the knitting tool 1 and the rise of the center of gravity 4, the dirt 23 is pushed in the negative longitudinal direction z and height direction x of the knitting tool. In the figure, the knitting tool 1 is arranged in the knitting machine so that the longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool is the upright direction, and therefore the gravitational acceleration g points in the negative longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool. Therefore, dirt 23 that protrudes above the knitting tool in the height direction due to being pushed out of the working area 24 falls from the knitting machine due to its weight resulting from the Earth's acceleration g. In all embodiments of the teachings according to the invention, dirt 23 protruding from the working area 24 will be further "worn" by the relative movement between the knitting tool 1 and the cam element 29 or dial (in the case of a horizontally arranged knitting tool). Therefore, dirt on the knitting tool 1 and the knitting device 27 is reduced.

[0035] FIG. 8 shows a portion of a knitting apparatus 27 including three needle slots 28. The leftmost needle slot of the three needle slots 28 in FIG. 8 is fitted with a knitting tool 1 (in this case, a knitting needle whose loop-forming element 3 is a hook). The middle and right needle slots 28 are not fitted with a knitting tool 1 so that the needle slots 28 can be better seen. Normally, during knitting, knitting tools 1 are fitted in all needle slots 28. The knitting tool 1 includes a butt portion 18 that protrudes above the other parts of the knitting tool 1 and the needle slots in the height direction x.

[0036] FIG. 9 shows a knitting tool 1 and four cam elements 29, each including a cam curve 30. The butt 18 of the knitting tool 1 can engage with each of the four cam curves to initiate longitudinal movement of the knitting tool 1. This movement results from relative movement between the knitting tool 1 and the cam elements 29. To more clearly show the position of the cam elements 29 relative to the knitting tool 1 and the shape of the cam curves, the cam elements 29 are depicted rotated 90° around the axis of the knitting tool's longitudinal direction z. In the correct installation position, the recess of the cam curve 30 is actually open in the negative height direction x, allowing the knitting tool butt 18 to engage one of the cam curves 30 in the height direction x. The center of gravity 4 of the knitting tool 1 has two maxima 14, which are also located at the highest point of the top surface 10 in the positive height direction x. For clarity, the entire center of gravity 4 is not shown in the figure, but only its two maxima 14. These highest points of the top surface 10 are spaced apart from the cam curves 30 in the longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool by a safety distance 38 that is greater than zero. In this way, it is prevented that the shank portion 2 of the knitting tool 1 unnecessarily "gets caught" on one of the cam curves 30, which would affect the drive movement of the knitting tool 1 or cause the knitting tool 1 to jam.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a top view of a knitting device 27 including three needle slots 28. Each of the three needle slots 28 houses a knitting tool 1 including a functional portion 5 having two sub-portions 33. The uppermost and lowermost knitting tools 1 are shown in an extended state. They represent two different extended state variations. There is only one extended state for one knitting operation. However, in FIG. 10, both variations are shown in one drawing. In the extended state, the knitting tool reaches the furthest point of the knitting operation in the positive longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool. In the first extended state variation shown for the uppermost knitting tool 1 of the three knitting tools 1 in FIG. 10, the functional portion 5 of the knitting tool 1 is completely housed in the uppermost needle slot 28 and has an edge distance 35 relative to the front edge of the needle slot 28. The middle knitting tool 1 is shown in a retracted state. It reaches the furthest point of the knitting operation in the negative longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool. The distance between the loop-forming elements 3 of the middle and top knitting tools in Fig. 10 in the longitudinal direction z of the knitting tools corresponds to the stroke 34 of the knitting action. The bottom knitting tool 1 in the figure is shown in a second variant in the stretched state. In this case, the stroke 34 is so large that the functional part 5 moves out of the needle slot 28 during the knitting action. At least 80% of the length of the functional part 5 of the knitting tool 1 in the longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool always remains within the needle slot 28 during the knitting action.

[0038] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a knitting device 27. The cross-section is in the xz plane and passes through a needle slot 28 in which a knitting tool 1 is mounted. An upper edge 36 of the needle slot 28 is located a height distance 37 away from a highest point 39 of the top surface 10 of the knitting tool 1 (and therefore from the shank portion 2). The upper edge 36 is located higher in the positive height direction x than the highest point of the top surface 10. A needle slot 28 in which the upper edge 36 is at the same height in the positive height direction x as the highest point of the top surface 10 is also advantageous for all embodiments of the present invention. In this case, the height distance 37 is zero.

[0039] FIG. 12 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a knitting tool 1 having essentially the same features as the knitting tool 1 of FIG. 6. Compared to FIG. 6, this knitting tool 1 has a top surface 10 with a local gradient maximum 40 having a smaller absolute value than the local gradient minimum 41 of the bottom surface 13. The flatter gradient of the top surface 10 of this type of knitting tool 1 allows the knitting tool 1 to be better guided and move more smoothly during the knitting operation, thereby reducing frictional forces occurring in the needle slots of the knitting device. This knitting tool 1 further differs from the knitting tool 1 shown in FIG. 6 in that the last local maximum 14 of the centroid line 4 of the functional part 5, as viewed in the negative longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool (i.e., opposite the stretching direction), is a global maximum 42. This global maximum 42 is spaced from the end of the knitting tool 1 in the longitudinal direction z of the knitting tool, as viewed in the negative longitudinal direction z, by a distance selected to be as small as possible. In this way, the knitting tool 1 is prevented from tilting or twisting about an axis extending in the transverse direction y. This measure also improves the guidance and smooth movement of the knitting tool 1 during the knitting operation. The above-mentioned features change the shape of the dirt receiving portion 21 formed by the top surface 10 compared to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 6, but it has been found that this form of dirt receiving portion 21 supports the self-cleaning action described above in paragraph

[0034] . [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1: Knitting tools 2: Shank 3: Loop forming element 4: Center of gravity line 5: Functional part 6: Shank height 7: Subinterval 8: Cross section 9: Center of gravity 10:Top surface 11: Minimum shank height 12: Maximum shank height 13: Bottom 14: Maximum point of center of gravity line 4 15: Minimum point of center of gravity line 4 16: Bottom distance 17:Top distance 18: Bat section 19: Triangular recess 20: Wavy recesses 21: Dirt receiving section 22: Section height 23: Dirt 24: Operating area 25: Forward movement 26: Reverse movement 27: Knitting device 28: Needle slot 29: Cam element 30: Cam curve 31: Functional distance 32: Length of butt part (18) 33: Small part of functional part (5) 34: Knitting strokes 35: Edge distance 36: Upper edge of needle slot (28) 37: Vertical distance 38: Safety distance 39: Highest point of the top surface (10) 40: Local gradient maximum of top surface (10) 41: Local gradient minimum of the base (13) 42: Global maximum point of centroid line (4) x: Height direction y: horizontal direction z: longitudinal direction of the knitting tool

Claims

1. The knitting tool (1) has a shank portion (2) extending substantially in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool, which moves during the knitting operation; the shank portion (2) has, at all points along its length, a cross section (8) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool and defined by a transverse direction (y) and a height direction (x); Each of these cross sections (8) has a center of gravity (9) through which an imaginary center of gravity line (4) extends along the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool, interconnecting the centers of gravity (9) of all the cross sections (8), The shank portion (2) has at least one functional portion (5), The center of gravity (4) changes height in the functional portion, the height of the cross section (8) is less than a shank height (6) within the functional part (5) at all points along the length of the functional part (5), the shank height being the distance in a height direction (x) between the lowest point of the shank part (2) within the functional part (5) in the height direction (x) and the highest point of the shank part (2) in the height direction (x); The functional portion (5) has a length greater than 20% of the overall length of the knitting tool (1), The functional portion (5) has a subsection (7) in which the absolute value of the gradient of the centroid line (4) is between 0 and ∞, A knitting tool (1) characterized in that within the functional portion (5), the center of gravity (4) does not have a portion where the height of the center of gravity (4) is constant.

2. 2. A knitting tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the knitting tool (1) has at least one butt portion (18).

3. 3. A knitting tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the functional part (5) is composed of at least two small parts (33), each of which has a subspace (7) in which the absolute value of the gradient of the center of gravity line (4) is between 0 and ∞, and these small parts (33) are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool.

4. A knitting tool (1) according to claim 3, which is dependent on claim 2, characterized in that the knitting tool (1) has at least one small portion (33) of the functional part (5) preceding the butt portion (18) as viewed in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool, and at least one small portion (33) of the functional part (5) following the butt portion as viewed in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool.

5. A knitting tool (1) according to claim 3 or claim 4, dependent on claim 2, characterized in that at least one of the small portions (33) of the functional part (5) is either directly adjacent to the butt portion (18) or is spaced from the butt portion (18) in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool by a distance of not more than 10% of the total length of the knitting tool.

6. 6. A knitting tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the functional part (5) has an extremum point which is a local minimum (15) or maximum (14) of the height of the centroid line (4), at which the gradient of the centroid line (4) is zero.

7. 7. The knitting tool (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that a top surface (10) of the shank portion (2), which is a surface facing in the positive height direction (x) of the knitting tool (1), has the same height in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool at the positions of at least two of the local maximum points (14) of the center of gravity line (4), and / or a bottom surface (13) of the shank portion (2), which is a surface facing in the negative height direction (x) of the knitting tool (1), has the same height at the positions of at least two of the local minimum points (15) of the center of gravity line (4).

8. 8. A knitting tool (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that at least one of the lateral (y) facing side surfaces of the shank portion (2) is raised in the lateral (y) direction relative to the majority of the functional part (5) at the position of at least one of the extreme points (14).

9. 9. A knitting tool (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the shank portion (2) is spaced apart from the minimum shank height (11) of the functional part (5) at the position of the local maximum point (14) of the center of gravity line (4), and the shank portion (2) is spaced apart from the maximum shank height (12) of the functional part (5) at the position of the local minimum point (15) of the center of gravity line (4).

10. A knitting tool (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5 or any one of claims 6 to 9 which rely on any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that at least one of the sub-portions (33) of the functional part (5) comprises at least one triangular recess (19) and / or at least one wavy recess (20) which extends across the entire transverse direction (y) of the functional part (5) in the x-z plane.

11. The top surface (10) of the shank portion (2), which is the surface facing the positive height direction (x) of the knitting tool (1), has a gradient path with a local gradient maximum (40) before at least one local maximum point (14) of height of the center of gravity line in the positive longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool, which is the extension direction of the knitting tool. and / or 11. A knitting tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the bottom surface (13) of the shank portion (2), which is the surface facing in the negative height direction (x) of the knitting tool (1), has a gradient path with a local gradient minimum (41) before at least one local height minimum point (15) of the center of gravity line (4) in the positive longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool, which points in the extension direction of the knitting tool.

12. 12. A knitting tool (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the absolute value of the local gradient maximum (40) of the top surface (10) and / or the value of the local gradient minimum (41) of the bottom surface (13) is between 0.57 and 2.

75.

13. A knitting tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a top surface (10) of the shank portion (2) facing in the positive height direction (x) of the knitting tool (1) and a bottom surface (13) of the shank portion (2) facing in the negative height direction (x) of the knitting tool (1) are substantially parallel to each other in the partial section (7) of the functional part (5).

14. 14. A knitting tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the last local maximum point (14) of the centroid line (4) of the functional part (5) in the negative longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool is a global maximum point (42).

15. A knitting device (27) having at least one needle slot (28) configured to receive a knitting tool (1) and guide the knitting tool (1) during operation, further comprising at least one knitting tool (1) according to claim 1.

16. the length of the needle slot (28) in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool (1); the reach of the functional part (5) in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool (1), and The size of the stroke (34) of the knitting movement of the knitting tool (1) during the knitting movement 16. The knitting device (27) according to claim 15, characterized in that the functional parts (5) of the knitting tool (1) are adjusted to one another so that at least 80% of the reach of the functional parts (5) of the knitting tool in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool remains within the needle slots (28) during the knitting operation.

17. 17. A knitting device (27) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the upper edge (36) of the needle slot (28) is spaced apart in the height direction (x) by a maximum of 0.5 mm from the highest point (39) of the top surface (10), which is the surface facing the positive height direction (x) of the knitting tool (1) of the shank portion.

18. 18. The knitting device (27) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the knitting tool (1) has a butt portion (18) raised in the positive height direction (x) relative to the functional part (5), the butt portion (18) engages with a cam curve (30) which is a recess of the knitting device (27), and the highest point (39) of the top surface (10) of the shank portion, which is the surface facing the positive height direction (x) of the knitting tool (1), is separated from the cam curve (30) in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool.

19. A knitting tool as described in claim 1, characterized in that the functional part (5) has a length greater than 25% of the entire length of the knitting tool (1).

20. A knitting tool as described in claim 3 or claim 4, which quotes claim 2, characterized in that at least two of the small portions (33) of the functional part (5) are either directly adjacent to the butt portion (18) or are spaced from the butt portion (18) in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool by a distance of less than 10% of the overall length of the knitting tool.

21. The length of the needle slot (28) in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool (1), the reach of the functional part (5) in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool (1), and The size of the stroke (34) of the knitting movement of the knitting tool (1) during the knitting movement 16. The knitting device according to claim 15, characterized in that the functional parts (5) of the knitting tool (1) are adjusted to one another so that at least 90% of the reach of the functional parts (5) of the knitting tool in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool remains within the needle slots (28) during the knitting operation.

22. The length of the needle slot (28) in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool (1), the reach of the functional part (5) in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool (1), and The size of the stroke (34) of the knitting movement of the knitting tool (1) during the knitting movement 16. The knitting device according to claim 15, characterized in that the functional parts (5) of the knitting tool (1) are adjusted to one another so that at least 100% of the reach of the functional parts (5) of the knitting tool in the longitudinal direction (z) of the knitting tool remains within the needle slots (28) during the knitting operation.

23. A knitting device as described in Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the upper edge (36) of the needle slot (28) is spaced a maximum of 0.3 mm in the height direction (x) from the highest point (39) of the top surface (10), which is the surface facing the positive height direction (x) of the knitting tool (1) of the shank portion.

Images