Improvements introduced in rectilineal knitting machines

Abstract

 The invention refers to a series of improvements intr­oduced in rectilineal knitting machines, having as purpose the obtention of a full automatization in the attaining of patterns of mesh transfers, concretely over one same knitting line and with selective side movement.
In accordance with said improvements, the machine in­corporates, besides the classical knitting lines (2A, 5A), respective auxiliary knitting lines (2B, 5B), mo­unted with possibility of slide on the former and which in turn constitute the physical support for a plurality of side transfer punches, numerically and positionally coincident with the needles of the corresponding knitting line, being these auxiliary knitting lines movable longi­tudinally with the concourse of step by step motors (9A, 9B) and through adequate transmissions (10, 11), so that each side trans­fer punch is susceptible of changing its position, pass­ing from a situation of opposition to a certain needle, to the situation of opposition to an adjacent needle or to a needle separated two, three or more spaces from the primitive one, so that one needle assigns the mesh to a punch and through the programmed movement of the auxiliary knitting line which corresponds, said punch assigns the same mesh to a different needle of the same knitting line.

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention refers to a series of impro­vements introduced in rectilineal knitting machines, concretely orientated towards the consecution of a full automatization in the obtention of the samples of mesh transfer over one same knitting line and with selective side movement.

ANTECEDENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present transfer rectilineal knitting machines are basically equipped with two knitting lines in whi­ch are housed the special needles for transfer, tog­ether with the tacks and other elements of selection and weaving necessary for the obtention of Links-­Links samples, braids and other linkings of trans­fer.

[0003] It must be highlighted that in this type of lig­atures, the basic structure is that of a fabric at only one knitting line, which is obtained through the transfer of mesh from the previous knitting line to the latter and viceversa; therefore it is impossible to obtain, in these conventional machines, the trans­fer of mesh of a knitting line in itself. For the ob­tention of this type of samples one appeals, at pres­ent, to semi-automatic machines in which, in an arti­san mode, that is, with manual participation, this type of weaving is made possible.

[0004] It is not necessary to highlight the problem der­ived from this need of manual participation in the process, and which is fundamentally centered in the cost aspect.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] With the improvements which the invention proposes one attains, in a rational and productive mode, a full automatization of the manufacturing process of fabrics with side transfer of mesh, being able to at­tain patterns with drawing effects not only on the inside or medium area of the fabric, no matter if on one and one knit, channeled, etc. but also on the rims of same (drop stitches) working at one or two knitting lines.

[0006] In accordance with the fundamental objective of the invention, which is centered on the move of mesh of a knitting line in itself or side transfer, that is atta­ined through some auxiliary mechanisms which are mater­ialized, in essence, in some punches with transfer in­corporated to same, set forth within some auxiliary knitting lines that have a selective side movement cor­responding to one, two, three.... needles, at the same time, independently from the movement of the knitting lines of needles or of weaving.

[0007] Each of the needles corresponds with a punch or tack of side transfer.

[0008] If needle and punch have been selected through the corresponding work program, both elements advance in synchronization; the needle delivers the mesh to the punch and it transfer same to another needle of the same knitting line, after transmitting through a step by step motor, to the auxiliary punch knitting line, the selective side movement necessary for such change.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] To complement the description which is being made and in order to aid to a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, we enclose to the present specification, as an integral part of same, a set of drawings in which illustratively and not limi­tatively, the following has been represented:

Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.- Show different manual processes for the obtention of the side transfer in conventional semi-automatic machines.

Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.- Represent different types of samples of side transfer, which may be obtain­ed in a classical mode, that is, in an artisan mode, or industrially, through the use of rectilineal knit­ting machines with the improvements object to the pres­ent invention.

Figure 12.- Shows a schematic perspective represent­ation of the head of a rectilineal knitting machine ma­de in accordance with the improvements of the invent­ion.

Figures 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19.- Schematica­ally represent, transversally, respective portions cor­responding to the sequence of work of the principal elements which participate in the side transfer pur­sued.

Figures 20 and 21.- Schematically show two relat­ive positions between needles and punches in their stage of transfer.

Figure 22.- Shows, finally, two views of one of the mentioned punches of side transfer, in which it is observed that structure of such punches and in whi­ch it is seen the transfer incorporated to same.

PREFERENT EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Before getting into the development of the impro­vements of the invention and for a better understand­ing of same, it is necessary to explain the manual pro­cess followed for the obtention of the side transfer of mesh in the conventional semi-automatic machines, as starting from this process it will be easier to un­derstand the latter explanations relative to the dif­ferent operational sequences of the automatic process which is attained with the new improvements.

[0011] In this sense, in figures 1 to 3 it can be seen the side transfer of a mesh using only one punch. For the move of two, three, four and up to eight mesh­es, it is frequent to use a tool, represented in fig­ure 4. For a multiple move, of more than eight mesh­es, much more sophisticated tools are usually utili­zed, of the type represented in figure 5.

[0012] In figures 1 to 3 is expressed, graphically, the simplest process, that is, that of moveing the mesh from one needle to its closest one, and that is loc­ated in the same knitting line. This move is made with the concourse of the punch P which is introd­uced from the hook of needle A through the eyepiece OJ represented in the punches of figure 4. After­wards, making a manual movement of ascent and des­cent of the group formed by needle and punch (see ar­row of figure 1) one attains to pass the mesh M (fig­ure 2) to the body of the punch, which is liberated from the head of the needle A. The punch O and the mesh N to be transferred, follow the traject indic­ated by the arrow and go to look for the neighbour needle B, to which body is moved by the mesh M, fol­lowig the oscilating movement indicated by the arrow of figure 3.

[0013] In the graphic of figure 5 is represented the pos­ition of the utmost ascent of the group formed by needles and punches, in a multiple side translation of meshes which process has the same basic movements stated previously.

[0014] As previously stated, figures 6 to 11 are differ­ent patterns, quite representative, of the cited side transfer. The samples 6 and 7 correspond to two clas­sical drop stitches obtained at two knitting lines and of a different knit structure, whilst in figu­res 8 and 9 there appear two types of open work ob­tained inside a garment. In the sample of figure 10 are observed continuous side transfers, with the crossings making rhombuses over a knit bottom that has been weaved with all the needles of the opposite knitting line. The body represented in figure 11 is to make up a garment of a "NORDIC" style, and in it are noted the changes of smooth knit, Jacquard, can­nalé, and their internal and external drop stit­ches.

[0015] All these samples can be made not only manually with the conventional semi-automatic machines, but also in a fully automatic mode, with a machine pro­vided with the improvements object of the invention. It should be highlighted that with the automatic pr­ocess preconized, besides obtaining its industria­lization, one accedes to an unknown and unlimited sample collection within this branch of knit wear.

[0016] In a more concrete mode, the improvements that are preconized are centered in the disposition ab­ove the two knitting lines of normal needles or of weaving 2A and 2B such as shown in figures 12 to 18, of two other auxiliary knitting lines 5A and 5B which serve as a stand to the punches of side transfer or drawers 6A and 6B, which are actuated by corresponding cams 7A and 7B, which transmit to them a longitudinal movement, synchronized with that of the corresponding needles 1A and 1B.

[0017] These needles, as well, are mounted with the possibility of a longitudinal movement, impuls­ed by their cams in the corresponding knitting lines of needles 2A and 2B, supporting, inside the hook of each of said needles, the meshes 3A and 3B of the fabric 4.

[0018] The auxiliary knitting lines 5A and 5B are mounted in a sliding mode, as represented in fig­ure 12. These knitting lines have a side movement which is transmitted from the step by steps mot­ors 9A and 9B, through spindles 10A and 10B and the nuts 11A and 11B, to the solidary tensioners 12A and 12B respectively, of the auxiliary knit­ting lines 5A and 5B.

[0019] This side movement is transmitted to the cited knitting lines as per the program of the pattern, at the adequate time, in a selective and independent mo­de, not only for each of them in between but also with regard to the weaving knitting lines. The movements may be one, two, three, four, five, etc. steps, each step making up a "module of movement" of amplitude co­incident with the movement between two adjacent nee­dles, which movement is made in accordance with the arrow represented in figure 12.

[0020] On the operational stage shown in figure 13, the needles 1A and 1B are at rest, as well as the tacks or punches of side transfer 6A and 6B. The carriage, on its longitudinal movement along the knitting lines, causes needle 1A to go up, through the transfer cams, as shown by figure 14, and thanks to the action of the auxiliary cams 7A, fixed in the very carriage, the punch 6A of side transfer initiates, at the same time, the advance movement, also indicated in the cited figure 14.

[0021] Afterwards and as in turn shown by figure 15, the needle 1A in its ascent movement forces the mesh 3A to get located in the position 8, formed by an echeloning ofthe very needle, being kept at said position until the punch 6A, which continues with its advance movement, is introduced in the cited mesh 3A, between the body of needle and its corres­ponding transfer.

[0022] Afterwards, a descent movement of the needle 1A is initiated, which goes back to its initial posi­tion, as shown by figure 16, whilst the mesh 3A is hooked in the punch of side transfer 6A which, through the action of the cam 7A starts a go back and a slight oscillation, until attaining that the rear hook G of said punch is under the safety wire AS, as shown by figure 16.

[0023] In this safety position the punches of transfer 6A reach a higher situation, in the sense indicated by the arrow of figure 16, and remain outside the reach of the detachment teeth DD of the knitting li­nes of needles or of weaving.

[0024] It is precisely in this situation shown in fig­ure 16, when the carriage in its longitudinal move­ment, has arrived at one of the ends of its tra­vel, when it is produced the side movement of the knitting line 5A, support of the side transfer pun­ches, causing that all the meshes supported in the previously indicated mode, move modularly in an amplitude corresponding to the space defined by one, two, three or more needles, as per the disposition preset in the program of the pattern, remaining the meshes situated opposite new needles, which have been referenced with 1AG.

[0025] In figures 20 and 21, it has been schematically represented these positions for the translation of the meshes. Concretely in figure 20 the posit­ion is equivalent to that of figure 16,that is, the meshes 3A are opposite the needles 1A. After a mo­vement to the left, equivalent to two spaces bet­ween needles, one passes to the position of the figure 21, in which the meshes are situated oppo­site two new needles 1AG, which are neighbours of the needles 1A which supported the meshes before.

[0026] In this new situation and under the action of the carriage of cams that initiates a new longitudinal travel, opposite the former, the needles 1AG ascends, as per figure 17, which is introduced within the mesh 3A, between the body of the punch 6A and its trans­fer T, as per the drawing in figure 18, and by means of synchronized movements, goes back the punch of si­de transfer, with which the mesh is supported within the hook of a new needle 1AG as shown in figure 19.

[0027] With these movements, described previously, one attains to move the meshes from the normal knitting line 2A to the punches 6A of the auxiliary knitting line 5A, which is located above the opposite knit­ting line. When the side movement of the auxiliary knitting line equivalent to one, two, three or more needles, has been effected, said meshes, on being transferred to the initial knitting line 2A will have effected a side movement of one, two, three or more needles, as per what is programmed, without in­terfering at any moment to the meshes 3B which are formed in the opposite knitting line 2B.

[0028] In the same way as it has been described for the needles 1A, one may actuate on the needles 1B situ­ated in the opposite knitting line, following the same process. Likewise, the side movement of the knitting lines 5A and 5B may be from right to left or from left to right, as convenient.

[0029] When this sytem of transfer is used in the ed­ges of the sides of the fabric, one may obtain the drop stitch at only one knitting line, acting al­ternatively on the two edges, or either with fa­bric at two knitting lines, acting alternatively on the two or four edges and making the movements toward the inside of the fabric.

[0030] The punch of side transfer offers a structure which appears perfectly reflected in figures 21 and 22, in which it is also appreciated the form of the transfer T associated to same, and which cooperates with it, as well as the safety hook G previously ci­ted.

[0031] It is not considered necessary to make more ex­tensive this description so that any expert in the art may understand the scope of the invention and the advantages derived from same.

[0032] The materials, shape, size and disposition of the elements will be susceptible of variation, provided it does not mean an alteration to the essentiality of the invention.

[0033] The terms under which this specification has been described must always be taken in a broad and non limitative sense.

Claims

1.- Improvements introduced in rectilineal knit­ting machines, which, having by purpose to attain a full automatization in the obtention of patterns of mesh transfer, over one same knitting line and with selective side movement, are essentially cha­racterized in that they consist in the disposition, in correspondence with the classical knitting lines of normal or weaving needles, of respective auxiliar­y knitting lines which make up the physical support for punches of side transfer, having it been provid­ed that said knitting lines, auxiliary, be provided with means of longitudinal movement regarding the needles knitting lines, which allow their relative movement in a selective mode, independent and with modular movements, on basis of a module of slide co­incident with the distancing between two adjacent needles, in a variable amplitude, coincident with said module or multiple of same, whilst each punch of side transfer is in turn provided with means of longitudinal actuation, synchronized with the move­ment of the needles, between two limit situations, one of retroaction or inoperance and another operat­ing one in which said punches are projected towards the medium plane of the machine where it is produc­ed the transfer of mesh and where said punches coo­perate with the needles of the opposite knitting line.

2.- Improvements introduced in rectilineal knit­ting machines, as per claim 1, characterized in that the means of longitudinal or side movement for the auxiliary knitting lines to which purpose these are mounted in a sliding mode over the knitting lines of needles, consist in step by step motors, to which outlet axles are coaxially solidary respective spin­dles, which operate in the sine of nuts solidarized to two tensioners which in turn are solidary to the respective auxiliary knitting lines, having it been provided that each impulse or step of the motor det­ermines an axial movement of the corresponding tension­er, or what is the same, a longitudinal movement of the corresponding auxiliary knitting line, in accord­ance with the modular movement cited, being the speci­fic amplitude of the movement for each auxiliary knit­ting line and at every time, the one determined by the number of impulses or steps made by the motor at that time, according to the program or governing of same, adequate to the pattern to be obtained.

3.- Improvements introduced in rectilineal knit­ting machines, as per claim 1, characterized in that the means of longitudinal actuation of each of the punches or tacks set forth at one of the auxiliary knitting lines, consist in a cam fastened to the very carriage of actuation of the needles, in consequence existing in said carriage two auxiliary cams, one for each auxiliary knitting line bearing the punches of side transfer.

4.- Improvements introduced in rectilineal knit­ting machines, as per claims 1 and 3, characterized in that each tack of punch of side transfer incorpo­rates at its rear end or opposite to the area of transfer of mesh of the machine, a hook with which a safety wire cooperates set forth in the corresponding auxiliary knitting line, so that after the reception of a mesh on the part of said punch, same initiates a go back process and a slight inclination, governed by the correspodning carriage cam, with which its hook fits in the safety wire, in a position in which its mesh bearing end is over-elevated and out of the reach of the detachment teeth of the needle or weav­ing knitting lines, at which mesh bearing end besides is set forth duly solidarized to the side transfer punch, a transfer.

Drawing