Europaisches Patentamt
i» European Patent Office ® Publication number: 0 235 987 B1 Office europeen des brevets
EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION
Date of publication of the patent specification : g) intci.»: D04B 15/36 05.12.90 Application number: 87301242.1 Date of filing: 13.02.87
Method for knitting a flat knitted fabric, a flat knitting machine and a novel flat knitted fabric knitted by said flat knitting machine.
<§) Priority: 13.02.86 JP 29519/86 @ Proprietor: Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, 2-6, Dojimahama 1-chome Kita-ku, Osaka-shi Osaka 530(JP) @ Date of publication of application : 09.09.87 Bulletin 87/37 @ Inventor: Ohtake, Nobumitsu, 47-6 Ohara 1-chome Setagaya-ku, Tokyo(JP) © Publication of the grant of the patent: 05.12.90 Bulletin 90/49 @ Representative: Charlton, Peter John et al, ELKINGTON AND FIFE Beacon House 113 Kingsway, London WC2B6PP(GB) @ Designated Contracting States: CH DE ES FR GB IT LI
@ References cited: CH-A-227781 CH-A-544 829 CH-A-546847 DE-A-2544321 _. FR-A- 1113 582 L* GB-A-2147616
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Q Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned ft statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid (Art 99(1) European patent J?| convention). ACTORUM AG EP 0 235 987 B1
Description (1) The weight of the carriage is heavy, and thus, when the moving direction of the carriage is re- BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION versed at a point where the carriage arrives at an end of the reciprocal movement of the carriage, the (1) Field of the Invention 5 inertia force applied to the carriage becomes large. Accordingly, when the moving speed of the car- The present invention relates to a new method for riage is increased to obtain a high productivity, the knitting a flat knitted fabric and a flat knitting ma- carriage itself and a mechanism for driving the car- chine for implementing the above-mentioned knitting riage, such as a chain or the like are apt to be dam- method. Especially, the present invention relates to 10 aged. Accordingly, an increase of the speed of the the knitting method in which the predetermined knit- carriage in the known flat knitting machine is re- ting movement of the knitting needle is caused by stricted. operating each actuator connected to each knitting (2) It is well known to increase the number of needle in accordance with a predetermined knitting thread feeding units to increase the productivity of plan, and the flat knitting machine for implementing 15 the flat knitting machine. However, when the the above-mentioned knitting method. number of the thread feeding units is increased, it is necessary to arrange a number of cams corre- (2) Description of the Related Art sponding to the number of thread feeding units, therefore, the weight of the carriage is increased. A known flat knitting fabric hereinbefore is knit- 20 Further, since the length in the sliding direction of ted by moving a plurality of knitting needles ar- the carriage is increased, the distance of the recip- ranged slidably in a needle bed fixed on a frame of a rocal movement of the carriage is increased, so flat knitting machine into a knitting position, a tuck that ratio of a time in which both ends of the car- position or a welt position by a plurality of cams ar- riage run on the needle bed and do not contribute to ranged in a carriage moving reciprocally along the 25 the knitting of the knitted fabric during the recipro- needle bed. Accordingly, to change a knitting de- cal movement of the carriage, to the total running sign, it is necessary to correspondingly adjust an time of the carriage, is increased. This means that arrangement of the plurality of cams to the design the time wasted during the knitting is increased. of the knitted fabric to be knitted. In a case when a Therefore, there is the above-mentioned restriction jacquard mechanism is used to knit a knitted fabric 30 to the increase of the number of thread feeding having a complicated pattern, the plurality of knit- units. ting needles are operated by the jacquard mecha- (3) Since the sliding movement of the knitting nee- nism and the change of the knitting design is per- dle is performed by the cams, it is necessary to formed by adjustment of the jacquard mechanism. make complicated adjustments when changing the CH-A 227781 discloses a knitting machine where- 35 design, and an adjustment of the number of coarses in each knitting needle is provided with an electro- and/or wales is performed. Further, the carriage magnetic actuator, and these actuators are operat- having cams includes many parts, so that mainte- ed by current impulses. The current impulses origi- nance of these parts is time-consuming. nate from a contact device which operates by (4) When the speed of the flat knitting machine is movement of the carriage. 40 increased, the impact of a butt of the knitting needle There are several restrictions in the knitting of on the cam, abrasion of the knitting needle when the the flat knitted fabric performed by the known con- needle slides against the needle bed, abrasion of ventional flat knitting machine having the above- the butt of the knitting needle by sliding the butt mentioned constitution, and these restrictions will against the cam, and heat caused by the above- be explained hereinafter. The knitted fabric knitted 45 mentioned operations are increased. Therefore, by the known flat knitting machine has a plurality of there is an upper limit to the knitting speed that can knitting loops of equal size in a course direction. An be used, and there is a problem in that the life of the advantage is obtained in that the knitted fabric hav- knitting needle and parts of the flat knitting machine ing a good aesthetic appearance is provided be- are shortened, even when the flat knitting machine cause the size of the loops is uniform. However a 50 is driven at a usual speed. hand knitted fabric is highly evaluated by consum- ers as a high grade knitted product among knitted As described hereinbefore, although the flat knit- fabrics, especially among knitted fabrics for outer ting machine manufactured on the basis of the wear. The biggest advantage of the hand knitted known knitting method is widely used, for improving fabric is the irregularity in the size of the knitting 55 the productivity of the flat knitting machine and ob- loops, making it possible to obtain an individual ap- taining various knitted fabrics, the known flat knit- pearance and feeling. The appearance and the feel- ting machine has several problems to be solved. ing of the hand knitted fabric cannot be obtained by Several flat knitting machines having an im- using the known flat knitting machine having the proved mechanism are proposed. For example, a above-mentioned constitution. Therefore, although 60 flat knitting machine having a carriage of which the demand for the hand-knitted products is large, it cams are replaced with linear motors was disclosed is impossible to satisfy this demand due to limitations in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) in production capacity and high costs. No. 54-6979. However, the weight of this carriage Also, there are the following problems in the having the linear motors is heavy and the linear mo- mechanism of the flat knitting machine. 65 tors for operating the knitting needle are only in- EP 0 235 987 B1
stalled on the each carriage, so that the knitting ble of reciprocally moving in either direction along needles are only operated at a place where the car- said knitting needle guiding member, at least one riage exist. Therefore it is impossible to improve the thread feeding unit being provided in said running productivity of the conventional knitting machine. device; and an actuator for slidably moving a corre- A flat knitting machine having a plurality of disks 5 sponding knitting needle and connected to each knit- for slidably moving a corresponding knitting needle ting needle of said plurality of knitting needles; was disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,127,012. However, characterized in that a controlling apparatus having this flat knitting machine has a disadvantage that a memory storing a predetermined knitting plan and the disk must be replaced with another disk when a capable of individually operating said actuator to knitting design of the knitted fabric is changed and 10 apply a sliding movement in accordance with said it is impossible to knit a novel flat knitted fabric predetermined knitting plan to each knitting needle which cannot be knitted by the known conventional is provided, and said controlling operation of said knitting machine. actuator is performed in synchronism with the recip- rocal movement of said thread feeding unit in ac- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 15 cordance with the predetermined knitting plan when a thread is supplied through said thread feeding unit An object of the present invention is to overcome to the knitting device. the above-mentioned problems of the known knitting Said predetermined knitting plan includes sliding method and to provide a knitting method capable of lengths of the sliding movement of the knitting nee- knitting a conventional knitted fabric at a higher 20 die and orders of operation thereof. When the slid- speed than that of the known knitting method and, if ing lengths of the sliding movement of each knitting necessary, knitting a knitted fabric which cannot be needle are the same, a retracting length of each knitted by the known knitting method. knitting needle becomes the same, so that a knitting Another object of the present invention is to pro- fabrics having a plurality of loops of the same vide a flat knitting machine capable of implementing 25 length is obtained. If a predetermined knitting plan the above-mentioned knitting method. wherein different sliding lengths are provided for at A further object of the present invention is to least some knitting needle is applied, it is possible provide an knitted fabric capable of being knitted for each knitting needle to perform a knitting move- by using the above-mentioned flat knitting ma- ment at a different retracting length, so that a knit- chine. 30 ted fabric similar to a hand knitted fabric can be ob- According to the present invention there is pro- tained. vided a method of knitting a flat knitted fabric by us- Various type of actuators can be used as the ing a flat knitting machine comprising a plurality of above-mentioned actuator, and further, the control knitting needles each having an actuator and ar- of the operation of the actuator can be varied in ac- ranged in parallel in a plane; a knitting needle guid- 35 cordance with the type of actuator used. ing member slidably supporting said plurality of knit- For example, when a thin and compact linear mo- ting needles, extended in either direction along said tor is used as the actuator, the sliding position of plane and defining each distance between adjacent the knitting needle can be controlled by connecting knitting needles; and a running device having at the knitting needle to a movable element of the linear least one thread feeding unit and reciprocally mov- 40 motor. Namely since the sliding movement of the ing in either direction along said knitting needle guid- knitting needle and the movement of the actuator ing member, characterized in that a first signal in ac- alike are linear, connection between the knitting cordance with a predetermined knitting plan is input needle and the actuator can be obtained by connect- to each said actuator connected with the corre- ing the knitting needle to the movable element of the sponding knitting needle, to individually apply a slid- 45 linear motor. Therefore, a construction of the actu- ing movement against said knitting needle guiding ator itself and the connection between the actuator member to each knitting needle, and when a thread and the needle is simple and compact. Consequent- is supplied through said thread feeding unit of said ly, if the thin and compact type linear motor is used running device to the plurality of knitting needles to as the actuator of the flat knitting machine in ac- knit said flat knitted fabric, a second signal in ac- 50 cordance with the present invention, it is possible to cordance with the predetermined knitting plan is in- arrange many actuators in a narrow space. A linear put to said running device to reciprocally move said pulse motor, a linear direct current motor, a linear running device and said first signal is input to said induction motor or the like can be used as the actua- each actuator so that said sliding movement of said tor of the flat knitting machine in accordance with knitting needle is in synchronism with said recipro- 55 the present invention. Especially, since the linear cal movement of said running device. direct current motor has the most simple construc- According to another aspect of the present in- tion and can provide a high thrust force, the linear vention there is provided a flat knitting machine in- direct current motor is most suitable for a case cluding at least one knitting mechanism comprising a wherein thin as well as compact size and high speed plurality of knitting needles arranged in parallel in a 60 actuator are required. plane and a knitting needle guiding member slidably Although a rolling bearing such as a roller bear- supporting said plurality of knitting needles, extend- ing or ball bearing usually can be used as the bear- ed in either direction along said plane and defining ing supporting the movable element of the linear mo- each distance between adjacent knitting needles to tor, preferably a pneumatic bearing or a magnetic form knitting loop; at least one running device capa- 65 bearing is used, to decrease the sliding resistance EP 0235 987 B1
of the bearing. When the pneumatic bearing is used, plan is provided on each knitting needle in the flat compressed air must be supplied. However when a knitting machine of the present invention, it is possi- repulsion type magnetic bearing using a permanent ble to knit a knitted fabric which cannot be knitted magnetic is used, a construction of this bearing be- by the known conventional knitting machine. comes simple and the sliding resistance of the bear- 5 A flat knitted fabric is provided with at least one ing is small. Further a thin and compact rotary motor portion of a plurality of knitting loop having an irreg- and a device converting rotational movement of the ular length continuous in the direction of course. A motor to a linear movement can be used as the actu- knitting loop having an irregular length is formed by ator. In this case, since, for example, a combination variable control of the length of the each knitting of a pulley and a wire, or a screw mechanism or the 10 loop by the flat knitting machine of the present in- like must be used for converting the rotational vention. The flat knitted fabric constituted by the movement of the actuator to a linear movement, the plurality of knitting loops having an irregular length construction of this actuator is complicated. How- has a hand knitted appearance and feeling. ever, the rotary motor and a controller thereof are Further, a knitted fabric having a specific pat- more readily available than the linear motor, and 15 tern can be knitted at a high speed by using the flat thus is more convenient for production control. knitting machine of the present invention. It is, of Further, when a thin fluid cylinder and a selector course, well known that to apply a pattern to outer- valve for changing a fluid pressure of the fluid sup- wear such as a sweater increases the value of the plied to the cylinder are used as the actuator, it is product as merchandize. As methods for applying possible to perform the knitting movement of the 20 the pattern, there are a jacquard knitting method in knitting needle by a change in the fluid pressure. which two or more threads are selectively knitted Further the knitting movement of the knitting nee- and a method for forming a pattern by combining a dle may be performed by using an electromagnetic knit loop, a tuck loop, a welt loop, a front loop, a actuator, with a suitable ON-OFF control. back loop or the like. Since the former method re- The running of the running device may be per- 25 quires two or more knitting movements for one loop, formed by using a mechanical driving means similar the productivity thereof is low. Further, there is a to a mechanism used in driving of the carriage of problem in that unnecessary threads which are not the known flat knitting machine, or another driving part of the pattern are arranged on a back of the mechanism such as the linear motor or the like. knitted fabric, and thus the thickness of the knitting Various apparatus may be used as the controlling 30 fabric is increased. In the latter method, the produc- apparatus. For example, it is possible to wholly con- tivity is also low and loop transferring work is com- trol the device by a computer system or to control plicated. Further in the pattern formed by using the the device by using several computers provided above-mentioned conventional knitting method, for suitable groups, in cooperation with each other. loops, which are apparently different from loops The controlling apparatus may be comprised of first 35 constituting a ground fabric, are mixed in the ground controllers for controlling the corresponding knit- loops. Therefore it is impossible to knit a fine pat- ting needle in accordance with the predetermined tern, such as an ombre pattern. knitting plan stored in the memory, at least one sec- The course in which loops having substantially ond controller for controlling the reciprocal move- the same length and loops having substantially dif- ment of the thread feeding unit in accordance with 40 ferent lengths are arranged in mixed state can be the predetermined knitting plan, and a third control- arranged in the knitted fabric so that a pattern in ler for controlling a timing of the operation corre- the flat knitted fabric is formed by a substantially sponding to the operation of the second controller continued arrangement of the loops having differ- in the first controller in accordance with the prede- ent lengths in the flat knitted fabric by using the flat termined knitting plan. 45 knitting machine of the present invention, and thus The memory storing operation of each controller it is possible to apply an optional pattern on the knit- in accordance with the predetermined knitting plan ting fabric. may be arranged for the each controller. Accord- Since a heavy weight carriage as used in the ingly, it is unnecessary to provide a synchronizing known conventional flat knitting machine is not used means for synchronizing the operation between a 50 in the flat knitting machine of the present invention, knitting needle and the other knitting needles and/or and the running device having the plurality of a synchronizing means for synchronizing the opera- thread feeding units and which are much lighter than tion between a thread feeding unit and the other the conventional carriage is reciprocally moved in thread feeding units. Further it is possible to de- both directions along the knitting needle guiding crease the frequency of control data communica- 55 member, the thread can be fed at a speed several tion between each controller by providing a memory times higher than that of the carriage. Further since storing the operation of each controller in accord- a construction of the running device is simple and ance with the predetermined knitting plan in each the thread feeding units can be arranged in a com- controller, so that a high speed control can be real- pact arrangement, even if many thread feeding ized. 60 units are used, it is possible to make the length of The flat knitting machine of the present invention the running device short, and thus to shorten the can be used to knit various knitted fabrics which wasted running time of the running device at both can be knitted by the known conventional flat knit- ends of a running course of the running device, ting machine. Moreover, since the actuator operat- where the knitting operation of the knitted fabric is ed in accordance with the predetermined knitting 65 not performed. Since the above-mentioned factors EP 0 235 987 B1
provide multiple effects, it is possible to increase tion of a thread feeding unit in a typical knitting ex- the productivity by powers of ten, compared with ample in accordance with the present invention; the conventional knitting method, by using the knit- Fig. II is a view of model loops of an embodiment ting method of the present invention. of the flat knitted fabric; Further since the knitting needles do not strike 5 Fig. 12 is a view of model loops of another embodi- against any portions of the machine, it is possible to ment of the flat knitted fabric in accordance with the drastically decrease the resistance of the sliding present invention; portions, lengthen the life of the knitting needles on Figs. I3(a) through I3(c) are plan views of a unit the like, and realize a high speed operation of the knitted fabric illustrating a maximum distance portion flat knitting machine. Also, since the knitting nee- 10 in the knitted fabric respectively; dies are individually controlled by the actuators in Fig. 14 is an enlarged model view of a knitted por- the flat knitting machine, a complicated knitting pat- tion of the knitted fabric; tern, which can not be realized by the known con- Fig. 15 is a model loop view illustrating an embodi- ventional knitting machine, can be obtained by using ment of the knitted fabric having a pattern; and, a microcomputer or the like. Further, even if the 15 Fig. 16 is a model loop view illustrating another same knitting pattern as that of the knitted fabric embodiment of the knitted fabric having a pattern. knitted by the known conventional flat knitting ma- chine is knitted by the flat knitting machine of the present invention, it is possible to produce a hand- DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODI- knitted type fabric by the flat knitting machine of the 20 MENTS present invention. Further it is possible to produce a knitted fabric having a pattern at the same knitting An embodiment of the flat knitting machine of the speed as that used when knitting a plain knitted fab- present invention is shown in Figs. I and 2. As ric at a high speed, by using the flat knitting machine shown in Figs. I and 2, a main portion of the flat knit- of the present invention. It is further possible to 25 ting machine is comprised of a plurality of knitting easily change the knitting design of the knitted fab- needles I arranged in parallel in a plane, a knitting ric by changing the operation of the controlling ap- needle guiding member 16 slidably supporting the plu- paratus. rality of knitting needles I and extended in either di- The present invention will now be described with rection along the same plane, a running device 4 reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments 30 having at least one thread feeding unit 3 and recip- of the flat knitting machine and the flat knitted fab- rocally moving in either direction along the knitting ric according to the invention. needle guiding member 16, actuators 17 connected in- dividually to the plurality of knitting needles I, re- BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS spectively, and applying a sliding movement to each 35 knitting needle, and a controlling apparatus (not Figure I is a front view illustrating an embodiment shown in Figs. I and 2) for controlling the actuators of a flat knitting machine in accordance with the 17 to operate synchronously with the reciprocal present invention; movement of the thread feeding units 3. Fig. 2 is a side view of the flat knitting machine il- The flat knitting machine has a machine frame I00 lustrated in Fig. I; 40 comprised of two legs and side frames I02 and I02' Fig. 3 is a front view illustrating an embodiment of mounted through base members I0I and I0I' on the an extra thin moving magnet type linear direct cur- machine frame I00. Actuators 17 are mounted rent motor used as an actuator of the flat knitting through supporting plates I03 and 103' on the side machine in accordance with the present invention; frames I02 and I02' and the sliding needle guide mem- Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view of the linear di- 45 ber 16 is also mounted on the side frames I02 and rect current motor illustrated in Fig. 3; I02'. The running device 4 is supported on a sup- Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an embodi- porting rail 14 and the supporting rail 14 is attached ment of a rotary motor type actuator used as anoth- through supporting rail holding members I05 and I05' er actuator of the flat knitting machine in accord- and supporting brackets I04 and I04' to the side ance with the present invention; 50 frames I02 and I02'. A thread package 5 is mounted Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an embodi- at the rear of the base member I0I. Pillars I06 and ment of a multistage type actuator; I06' are also arranged on the base member I0I, and a Fig. 7 is a front view illustrating an embodiment of guiding member supporting member I07 holding a a moving magnet type linear direct current motor for guiding roller (shown only in Fig. 2) and a spring 6 is driving a running device used in the flat knitting ma- 55 attached to the pillars I06 and I06'. A brush I09 is ar- chine in accordance with the present invention; ranged through a supporting bar I08 behind the knit- Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along a line ting needles I. A-B of the linear direct current motor illustrated in When knitting with the flat knitting machine as Fig. 7; shown in Figs. I and 2, a thread 13 is fed from the Fig. 9 is a functional block view illustrating an em- 60 thread package 5, through the guiding roller and the bodiment of a controlling apparatus used in the flat spring 6 for applying tension to the thread 13, to the knitting machine in accordance with the present in- thread feeding unit 3, and the running device 4 hav- vention; ing the thread feeding unit 3 is reciprocally moved in Fig. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating the oper- either direction along the guiding member 16. In the ation of the knitting needle corresponding to a posi- 65 flat knitting machine as shown in Figs. I and 2, the EP 0 235 987 B1 10
plurality of knitting needles I arranged in the guiding ement Ha adhered to a position corresponding to the member 16 are connected through a jack 19 to the ac- position of the rubber magnet lib, on the stator 7b as tuators 17, respectively. As described in detail shown in Fig. 4. Therefore, pulse signals denoting a hereinafter, the plurality of knitting needles I are sli- moving distance of the movable element 2 are emit- dably moved in accordance with the predetermined 5 ted from the magnetic resistance element II, and knitting plan to knit a desired knitted fabric by acti- thus a control of the positioning of the movable ele- vating each actuator 17 through a controlling appa- ment 2 can be achieved. Since the above-mentioned ratus. controlling technique is also well-known and is de- Two thread-feeding type flat knitting machines, scribed in detail in the above-mentioned report by each having a running device 4 and 4', are ar- 10 Y. Kano, a detailed description of this technique will ranged on the two supporting rails 14 and 14' (Fig. 2 not be given in this specification. shows the supporting rail holding member I05 and In this embodiment of the present invention, the I05'), respectively, and one thread feeding unit 3 is linear direct current motor is used as the actuator, arranged on each running device 4 and 4' is shown but various rotary motors can be also used as the in Figs. I and 2. Note, it is possible to increase the 15 actuator, and the case wherein the rotary motor is number of running devices 4 and 4' by increasing used is shown in Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 5, a pulley the number of supporting rails 14 and 14' and/or the 21 having two grooves is attached to one end of a number of thread feeding units 3 on the running de- rotational shaft of a rotary motor 20, and two pins vices 4 and 4'. For example, ten thread feeding 25, 26 are attached at the same rotational angle in type flat knitting machines can be used by a corre- 20 each groove, as shown in Fig. 5. One end of a wire sponding increase in the number of supporting rails 23 is attached to the pin 25 in a state wherein the 14 and 14', or by arranging two running device on wire 23 is wound in a normal revolutional direction in five supporting rails, respectively. Although Figs. I the groove, and the other end of the wire 23 is at- and 2 show a flat knitting machine having a single tached to a pin 26 in a state wherein the wire 23 is bed, a flat knitting machine having a V-shaped dou- 25 wound in a reverse revolutional direction in the ble bed can be obtained by arranging a knitting groove. The wire 23 is formed in loop through pullies mechanism including the guiding member 16, the knit- 22a, 22b capable of freely rotating, and a jack 19 is ting needles I and the actuators 17 symmetrically on connected through a connecting member 24 to the both sides of the thread feeding line. wire 23. As the jack [9 is connected to the knitting Figures 3 and 4 show an embodiment in which line- 30 needle i, it is possible to cause a sliding movement ar direct current motors are used as the actuators of the knitting needle I to obtain a knitting movement 17 of the knitting machine of the present invention. thereof by a normal rotation or a reverse rotation Figure 3 is a front view of the linear direct current of the rotary motor 20. motor, and Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view thereof. If a replacement of a damaged knitting needle is As shown in Fig. 3, a knitting needle I is connected 35 to be made, if the jack 19 is arranged between the ac- to a movable element 2 of the linear direct current tuator [7 and the knitting needle I as shown in Fig. 5, motor. The movable element 2 is slidably arranged in the knitting needle can be replaced without remov- bearings 10a and 10b on a stator 7b. As shown in Fig. ing the actuator 17, and thus is extremely convenient 3, coils 12 are arranged on the stator 7b and four for maintenance of the machine. Preferably, the permanent magnets 8 are arranged on the movable 40 jack 19 is also arranged between the knitting needle I element 2 opposing the coils 12. The thrust force ap- and the actuator 17 in the linear motor of the first em- plied to the movable element 2 can be controlled by bodiment. switching a leading direction of the electric current Generally, a plurality of knitting needles I are ar- according to the polarities of the permanent mag- ranged in parallel and with a high density in the knit- nets 8. Since the movable element 2 is constituted 45 ting machine. The density of the arrangement of the with an iron core 7a and the permanent magnets 8, in knitting needles I, i.e., a gauge depends on the de- the linear direct current motor, a lead wire for the sign of the flat knitted fabric to be knitted. The dis- movable element, which is necessary in a linear tance between the axes of adjacent knitting needles pulse motor, becomes unnecessary. I is approximately from 2 mm to 9 mm. Note, when an The operational principle of the moving magnet 50 actuator 17 is to be connected to each knitting nee- three phase linear direct current motor shown in dle I, sometimes the width of the actuator 17 is larger Figs. 3 and 4 is well known by persons with ordinary than a distance between the axes of the adjacent skill in the art and is described in detail in an knitting needles I. In this case, the actuator 17 may "Analysis of Moving Magnet Type Linear DC Mo- be arranged in a multistage manner and the movable tors Driven by Three Phase Current for a Long 55 element of the actuator also arranged in a multi- Stroke" by Y. Kano et al. of Tokyo University of stage manner, and the knitting needles I arranged in Agriculture and Technology, published as a report one plane may be connected by a straight arm or a on the study of Magnets in the Institute of Electri- folded arm. For example, when the width of the actu- cal Engineers of Japan, Vol MAG-85, No. III-II9, ator is 6 mm and the distance between the adjacent Page 77 - 86. Therefore, a detailed description of 60 knitting needles is 2 mm, the actuators 17 are ar- this operation will not be given in this specification. ranged in three stages, and the movable element of A positioning sensor of the movable element 2 is the actuator 17 arranged at a center position there- constituted by a thin rubber magnet lib adhered to of is connected to the corresponding knitting needle the movable element 2, as shown in Fig. 3, and mag- I by the straight arm. Note, the movable elements of netized at a fine pitch, and a magnetic resistance el- 65 the actuators 17 arranged as an upper stage and a 11 EP 0 235 987 B1 12 lower stage may be connected to the corresponding tively, by the magnet ostriction type positioning sen- knitting needle I by a folded arm having an L-shape. sor. However, an alternative system, e.g., a posi- A driving system of the running device for recip- tioning sensor wherein a wire fixed to the movable rocally moving the thread feeding unit in either di- element rotates a rotary encoder, can be used. rection along the knitting needle guiding member and 5 When increasing the knitting speed by increasing the supporting rail supporting the running device the number of the thread feeding units, a number of will be now explained. As is well known, the cams to cams corresponding to the number of thread feed- be used for knitting and the thread feeding unit are ing units must be provided to a carriage in a conven- simultaneously reciprocally moved along the needle tional flat knitting machine. Therefore the carriage bed by the carriage in the conventional flat knitting 10 becomes too large and heavy, resulting in the sev- machine, and the carriage is driven by a combina- eral disadvantages described herebefore. Howev- tion of a rotary motor and chain. In the flat knitting er in the flat knitting machine of the present inven- machine of the present invention, it is possible to tion, the increase in the knitting speed can be drive the running device by a rotary motor and a achieved by providing a plurality of the thread feed- chain or a belt. However, when a plurality of run- 15 ing units to the running device, providing a plurality ning devices are moved independently, respective- of the running devices to the supporting rail, and ly, a plurality of driving systems are necessary and providing a plurality of the supporting rails, or a the system thus becomes extremely complicated. combination of the above-mentioned means. In this Therefore, as described in claims 14 and 15, if a line- case, since it is unnecessary to provide a cam to ar motor mechanism wherein the stator is the sup- 20 the running device, even if many thread feeding de- porting rail and the movable element is the running vices are arranged on the running device, the run- device is used, and the running device moves recip- ning device can be moved at a high speed. rocally on the supporting rail, it is possible to pro- Further, the knitting needles in the conventional vide a simple driving system in which several run- flat knitting machine are applied with a sliding move- ning devices can be independently moved. Further, 25 ment by a reciprocal movement of the carriage in- if a moving magnet type linear direct current motor cluding the cams. Therefore, when a loop transfer- is used as the linear motor, the movable element may ring work is performed between two arrays of knit- be fundamentally constituted by an iron core and a ting needles in a V type flat knitting machine, to knit permanent magnet, and thus a lead wire connecting a knitted fabric having a special pattern, it is neces- the movable element to an electric source is unnec- 30 sary to move the carriage without feeding the essary, and the construction of the driving mecha- thread. However, in the flat knitting machine of the nism is simplified. present invention, the knitting needles can be indi- Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an embodiment in which vidually moved by activating the corresponding ac- the moving magnet type linear direct current motor tuators, and it is not necessary to move the running mechanism wherein the stator is the movable ele- 35 device. Therefore, the loop transferring work in the ment and the core is the supporting rail. Figure 7 is flat knitting machine of the present invention is a front view and Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view tak- much easier than the conventional flat knitting ma- en along the line A-B. Figure 7 shows a moving mag- chine. net linear direct current motor wherein two movable A controlling apparatus for controlling the opera- elements, i.e., the running device 4 and the running 40 tion of the actuator slidably moving the knitting nee- device 4', move on one stator, i.e., the supporting dle in synchronism with the reciprocal movement of rail 14. The movable elements are constituted by the thread feeding unit, and a method for knitting by magnets 48 and 48' and iron cores 47 and 47' and using this controlling apparatus will be described are slidably supported on the stator 14 by bearings with reference to Fig. 9 showing a functional block 40a and 40b. The movable element magnets 48 and 45 view of an embodiment of the controlling apparatus 48' comprise four pole, and coils 42 are aligned in relating to the flat knitting machine of the present in- one row along the direction of the reciprocal move- vention. As shown in Fig. 9, each of a plurality of ment of the movable elements 48 and 48' on the sta- knitting needles 1-1 to 1-n is connected with one of a tor 14, thus constituting a three phase linear direct plurality of actuators 17-1 to 17-n slidably and indi- current motor. 50 vidually moving the knitting needles 1-1 to 1-n. The The operational principle of the moving magnet lin- actuators 17-1 to 17-n are correspondingly connect- direct is well known and de- ear current motor ed with first controllers 32-1 to 32.n for scribed in detail in above-mentioned Y. individually report by control of the movement caused Kano. Therefore a detailed description of this tech- sliding by inputting a first signal to each actuator 17-1 to 17.n. The first nique will not be given in this specification. 55 In the embodiment using this type of driving mech- controllers 32-1 to 32.n are provided with memories anism, positioning sensors 45 and 45' and a posi- 31-1 to 31 -n to operating the first controllers 32-1 to tion controller (not shown in the drawing) becomes 32-n in accordance with the predetermined knitting necessary for each movable elements 48 and 48', plan stored in the memories 31 -1 to 31 -n. Each of a to ensure that the plurality of movable elements 48 60 plurality of the thread feeding units 3-1 to 3-m is and 48' move freely on the stator 14. In the drawing, connected with one of a plurality of running devices a system in which positions of the movable elements 4-1 to 4-m, and the running devices 4-1 to 4-n are 48 and 48', i.e., the running device, are sensed by correspondingly connected with second controllers detection of the measuring elements 45 and 45' at- 35-1 to 35-m controlling the reciprocal movement tached to the movable elements 48 and 48' respec- 65 13 EP 0 235 987 B1 14
caused by inputting a second signal to the running position hs , is output from the third controller 33 to devices 4-1 to 4-m. The second controllers are pro- a first controller 32-I2. vided with memories 34-1 to 34-m for operating the (4) A timing signal controlling a sliding position of second controllers 35-1 to 35m in accordance with knitting needle I-17 in such a manner that a position the predetermined knitting plan stored in the memo- 5 of a top end of the knitting needle I-17 is moved to the ries 34-1 to 35-m. position h3 , is output from the third controller 33 to Further a third controller 33 outputting operation a first controller 32-i7. timing signals to the first controllers 32-1 to 32n in (5) A timing signal controlling a sliding position of with the of the second knitting needle I-19 in such a manner that a position synchronization operation 10 controllers 35-1 to 35 is used. The third controller of a top end of the knitting needle I-19 is moved to the 33 is provided with a memory 36 for operating the position h4 , is output from the third controller 33 to third controller 33 in accordance with the predeter- a first controller 32-ig. mined knitting plan stored in the memory 36. The data stored in the memories 31 and 36 i, 34j, 1 5 Similarly, the positions of each knitting needle in are prepared by another fundamental computer 30 the sliding direction are sequentially controlled in programming a knitting design for the knitted fabric such a manner that the positions of the top end of in accordance with the predetermined knitting plan, the each knitting needle are moved to the positions and this data is transmitted to the memories 31 j, 34j, hi , h2 , hs , h3 , and Fu when the thread feeding unit and 36, respectively, by a suitable communicating 20 approaches that knitting needle. A concrete data, means. As the communicating means, the data can e.g., moving length of the corresponding knitting be directly transmitted by a data communication needle or the like regarding the position hi , h2 , hs , channel, or the data can be indirectly transmitted by h3 and ru , is previously stored in each memory 31 of a tape, a disk, a bubble memory or the like. Regard- each first controller 32 for every knitting course. ing the data stored in the memories; for example, da- 25 The positions of the top ends of the knitting needle ta of sliding positions of the knitting needles for in a standard knitting design are illustrated in Fig. every knitting course, is stored in the memories 31, 10. However, it is possible to form different stitches to 31. n of the first controllers; data of distances of such as a tuck stitch or the like by changing the val- the reciprocal movement of the running device with ue corresponding to the positions hi , I12 , hs , h3 the thread feeding unit for every knitting course 30 and h4 , to knit various knitted fabrics having dif- and data of patterns of running speed of the run- ferent knitting designs. A distance between the top ning device is stored in the memories 35-i to 35-m of end of the knitting needle in a retracted position and the second controllers, and data for selecting a run- an outermost end 16a of the knitting needle guiding member 16 is defined the shown in ning device to be driven for every knitting course by position hs as and data for selecting a knitting needle to be operat- 35 Fig. 10, and the size of the loops in the knitted fabric ed in accordance with the position of the thread is determined by the position hs. The data for the po- feeding unit are stored in the memory 36 of the third sition hs are previously stored in the each first con- controller. troller in accordance with the predetermined knitting An example of the operation of the knitting plan for every course. Therefore if the data for the needles in accordance with the functional princi- 40 position hs are suitably programmed when the de- ple of Fig. 9 is now described with reference to Fig. signed data is stored in the fundamental computer, 10. i.e., the computer 30 in Fig. 9 for designing the knit- When the thread feeding unit 3 moving recipro- ting design of the knitting fabric, it is possible to knit cally along the knitting needle guiding member 16 ad- a knitting fabric having the appearance and feeling vances in the direction from left to right in Fig. 10, 45 of a hand knitted fabric, or a knitted fabric having a while feeding a thread 13, and reaches a position pattern. just above the knitting needle 1-9 the third control- The dimensions of the embodiment of the flat knit- , de- ler 33 emits the following operation timing signals for ting machine and knitting examples are now scribed with reference to Figs. I to 10. every knitting needle to each first controller. 50 The knitting mechanism in accordance with the invention is flat (1 ) A timing signal controlling a sliding position of present applied to a knitting ma- chine width of 21 needle knitting needle I-2 such a manner that a position of having a knitting inches, a i.e., number of knitting needles inch, of inside of hook (hereinafter, referred to gauge, per an edge a 9, total number of knitting needles of 189, and as "top end") the needle I-2 is moved to the a a knitting distance between adjacent knitting needles of about third controller 55 position hi , is output from the 33 to 2.82 mm. A moving magnet type linear direct current first controller a 32-2. motor as described in Figs. 3 and 4 is connected to (2) A timing signal controlling a sliding position of each knitting needle as an actuator. The thickness knitting needle I-7 in such a manner that a position of of the outside frame of a movable element in this ac- end of the needle I-7 is moved to the a top knitting 60 tuator is 3 mm, and the magnets used are made of an position h2 , is output from the third controller 33 to element from a neodymium cobalt group of rare a first controller 32-7. earth elements (supplied by Sumitomo Tokushu Kin- (3) A timing signal controlling a sliding position of zoku K.K.). The thickness of the magnet is 2.4 mm, knitting needle I-12 in such a manner that a position the thickness of the coil is 1.8 mm, and the gap be- of a top end of the knitting needle I-12 is moved to the 65 tween the magnet and the coil is 0.8 mm, giving a to- 15 EP 0 235 987 B1 16 tal thickness of 8 mm. Therefore, in this example the A moving magnet linear direct current motor can three motors are arranged in three stages, and be also used for a driving mechanism of the running each motor is superimposed on the other in a state device. In this case, the supporting rail is used as wherein a position of each motor coincides a the stator and the running device is used as the position of the corresponding knitting needle to 5 movable element. In this example, two supporting form a 9 gauge knitting mechanism. In this linear di- rails and a running device on each supporting rail rect current motor, four magnets having a 12 mm are used as shown in Figs. I and 2 to form the mov- width, 40 mm height, and I.2 mm thickness are used, ing magnet type linear direct current motor mecha- and arranged in such a manner that the magnetic nism of two thread feeding system. The construc- poles opposing the coil 12 are alternately N or S. The 10 tion of this motor is the same as that of the motor magnetic flux density in the coils is about 4,000 shown in Fig. 7. The thickness of the iron cores 47 gauss. and 47' is 2 mm, the thickness of the magnet 48 is 5 The coils 12 are arranged at a pitch of 12 mm and, mm, the thickness of the coil 42 is 4.5 mm, and a gap coreless type coils having a total width of the coil of between the coil and the magnet is 0.5 mm. The coil 12 14 mm, a winding width at one side of 5 mm, and a 15 prepared by winding a 0.26 mm
loop lj.j and is a summation of a needle loop and a fabric and another corresponding knitted fabric is sinker loop as indicated by oblique lines in the en- the same. closed space S in Fig. 12. The term "irregular" in this Even if the flat knitted fabric is knitted under a specification may include a case wherein the length condition in which a thread tension is carefully kept of the loop changes continuously, as in the prior 5 constant during the knitting, there is usually an er- art, but preferably, the size of each adjacent indi- ror of 0% to 4% in the length of the loop. According- vidual loop is discontinuously changed. ly, the term "the summation of the length of the loops The irregular loops similar to loops in a hand knit- is the same" is interpreted such that a difference of ted fabric can be formed by discontinuously chang- the value of the summation is within 4% of the value ing the size of each adjacent individual loop. Note, 10 of the summation. if the size of loop is merely changed at random, the When the number of knitting rows in which the dimension of knitted fabric formed as an aggregate summation of the length of the loops constituting a of irregular loops is greatly changed for every portion having a maximum length measured or calcu- course, or every wale, and it is impossible to obtain a lated under the above-mentioned conditions is the knitted fabric having the dimensions determined in 15 same, is at least 10% of total number of the knitting the predetermined knitting design. Especially in a rows constituting the specific knitting fabric, an ex- fully fashioned knitted fabric, a length of the knit- cellent shape of the flat knitted fabric can be main- ting fabric is changed at every course and/or eve- tained. In Fig. II, a value of summation of the length ry wale, and when a sweater is made by sewing to- of the loops in a course between a loop £z-\ and a gether this knitted fabric, a course or a wale having 20 loop ^2-6 and a value of summation in a course be- short will draw of the knitted a length up one portion tween a loop £z-\ and a loop £zs , and a value of fabric, so that the shape of the sweater is degrad- summation in between ^4-1 and ed. To solve this and obtain a course a loop a problem a good shape, -^4-6 preferably the knitting is carried out in such a man- loop is different from two above-mentioned ner that the number of knitting rows in which a sum- 25 values. Preferably, the number of knitting rows in which the summation of the of the in the mation of the length of the loops constituting a por- length loops tion having a maximum length in a course direction or course direction or in the wale direction in the same a wale direction of a specific knitted fabric is the is 30% or more of the total number of the knitting same is at least 10% of the total number of the knit- rows of the course or the wale, to maintain the ted rows of the course or the wale constituting the 30 shape of the knitted fabric. specific knitted fabric. Regarding the term "an irregular length of the The term "a portion having a maximum length in a loop", in a loop having a different length, the differ- course direction or wale direction of a specific knit- ence in the length of the loop is 4% or more. Howev- ted fabric" is now explained with reference to Figs. er since the difference in the length of the loop I3(a) to I3(c). The portion having the maximum length 35 does not clearly appear when the above-mentioned is a portion having a largest dimension in the course difference is 5% to 6%, preferably the difference direction or the wale direction of a piece of knitted in the length of the loop is 10% or more when knitting knitted fabric forming one segment of the knitted fabric. a fabric having such irregular loops. For example, in a front body of a vest shown in Fig. A portion having the irregular loops may be par- I3(a), the portion having the maximum length in the 40 tially or wholly arranged in the knitted fabric. Fur- course direction is Ciand the maximum length in the ther, the irregular loops may be formed in a knitted fabric having a jacquard pattern by applying this wale is Wi , and in a sleeve shown in Fig. I3(b), the portion having the maximum length in the course di- technique to a thread constituting the jacquard pat- rection is C2 and the maximum length in the wale is tern. W2. Where the knitted fabric has a constant width 45 The manufacture of this knitted fabric having ir- and long length, such as a jersey, the portion hav- regular loops can be achieved by the flat knitting ing the maximum length is defined for the unit of knit- machine of the present invention, by suitably chang- ted fabric to be cut as one piece from the fabric ing the retracting length of each knitting needle. The when making apparel. For example, in Fig. I3(c), the retracting length is defined as a distance L as portion having the maximum length in the course di- 50 shown in Fig. 14. rection is C3 and the maximum length in the wale is An example of the knitted fabric having the irreg- W3. Note, when a shape of the unit of knitted fabric ular loop will now be described. In this fabric, two corresponds to a shape of a portion constituting the threads of acrylic spun yarn 2/26 Nm are used. The apparel and is not usually a rectangle, often only first course in this knitting process is knitted by ap- one portion has the maximum length in the course di- 55 plying data making each retracting length of the knit- needles to each and rection or the wale direction. In this case, the mean- ting different, knitting needle, ing of "the summation of the length of the loops con- the second course is knitted by applying data mak- stituting the portion having the maximum length in the ing each retracting length of the knitting needles dif- course direction or in the wale direction of the ferent. This second data is different from the data spe- for the first This is cific knitted fabric is the same" may be interpreted 60 course. knitting procedure re- such that a value obtained by converting the value peated for 120 courses. In this process, the knitted fabric is knitted of the above-mentioned summation in a specific in such a manner that the summation of the course or wale to a value of summation in another retracting length of each knitting needle in the fifth corresponding course or wale on the basis of the course is the same as that in the first and number of loops constituting the specific knitted 65 course, this knitting procedure is repeated.
10 19 EP 0 235 987 B1 20
Further regarding the retracting length of two knit- As the pattern capable of being knitted by using ting needles at the ends and the retracting length of loops having different lengths, various pattern can a knitting needle in the center, the knitting process be applied. For example, a flower pattern, a letter is controlled in such a manner that the values of the pattern, a birds eyes pattern formed by arranging summations of those retracting lengths become the 5 the loops A and loops B shown in Fig. 15 alternately, same during the I20 courses. When a plain stitch or the like can be applied. Consequently, a pattern fabric and a rib stitch fabric are knitted under the in which the loops have different lengths and are ar- conditions described hereinbefore, and the retract- ranged in a substantially continuous state so that ing length of the knitting needle is changed from I.5 the pattern appears in the aggregate, can be adopt- mm to 8.0 mm, both knitted fabrics have suitably ir- 10 ed. regular loops, as in a hand knitted fabric and the The pattern of the present invention can be ap- shapes of the knitted fabrics are excellent. plied to a jacquard knitted fabric. In this case, the A knitted fabric having a pattern capable of be- lengths of the loops constituting a jacquard pattern ing knitted by the flat knitting machine of the are changed, so that a pattern in which the pattern present invention will now be described with refer- 15 made by the jacquard knitting and the pattern made ence to Figs. 15 and 16. by the different lengths of the loops are over- A model loop view of an embodiment of this type lapped, can be obtained. Further, the pattern of the of knitted fabric is shown in Fig. 15. The knitted fab- present invention can be applied to a knitted fabric ric shown in Fig. 15 comprises a group of relatively including different shapes of loops, e.g., a knit small loops, indicated as A, and a group of relative- 20 loop, a tuck loop, a welt loop, a front loop, a back ly large loops, indicated as Bj. Note, in this fabric loop, or the like. The knitted fabric the of the the letter H3_| is formed by the group of relatively having pattern first present invention can be knitted by means of the large loops. In Fig. 15, (1) indicates a course. invention and This first is formed the flat knitting machine of the present by course (1) by aggregating of the corre- loops A, and the second course (2) and third course 25 suitably changing a retracting length of the A. sponding knitting needle. (3) are also formed by aggregation loops fabric the above in the fourth the A and An example of a knitted having However, course (4), loops will be described. In this two the Bi to B5 in pattern now fabric, relatively large loops are arranged a threads of 2/24 Nm and the flat mixed state. Then several courses in which the acrylic spun yarn 30 knitting machine having six knitting needles inch loops A and the loops Bi are mixed are knitted, as per of the present invention, are used. Data of a re- shown in Fig. 15, and thus the letter f~B_j is formed tracting length of the knitting needle in accordance in the flat knitted fabric. with the pattern in Fig. 15 is applied to each knitting A model loop view of another embodiment of this needle. Namely, as the retracting length of each type of knitted fabric is shown in Fig. 16. The knitted 35 knitting needle, a length of I.O + 0.3 mm is adopted fabric shown in Fig. 16 is comprised of a group of for first, second and third courses. A length of 5.0 middle size loops, indicated as A, a group of rela- ± 0.3 mm is adopted for five knitting needles from tively large loops, indicated as B, and a group of rel- third needle to seventh needle viewed from the left atively small loops, indicated as C. A diamond pat- in the fourth course, and a length of I.O ± 0.3 mm is tern is formed in the knitted fabric by the group of 40 adopted for the other knitting needles in the fourth relatively large loops B, and the group of relatively course. A length of 5.0 ± 0.3 mm is adopted for small loops C is arranged between each of the loops three knitting needles of the second and third nee- B forming the outline of the diamond pattern, so that dles viewed from the left and the third needle this outline of the diamond pattern become clearer. viewed from the right in the fifth course, and a In this case, the term "a loop having a different 45 length of I.O ± 0.3 mm is adopted for the other knit- length" also denotes loops in which the length of the ting needles in the fifth course. This knitting proce- loop is different by 4% or more. However, since the dure is repeated for I20 courses in accordance with loops having the length of loops difference of 5% to the pattern shown in Fig. 15. 6% cannot form the pattern alone, preferably the The obtained knitted fabric have a plurality of difference of 10% or more is applied to the length of 50 holes formed by the group of relatively large loops, the loops. To form an ombre pattern, preferably a and the letter I B i is formed by these continuous difference of 10% to 100% is to the of applied length large loops. the loops, more preferably, a difference of 100% to 500% is applied to obtain a clear pattern. If a differ- ence of 500% or more is adopted in the length of the 55 Claims loop, problems will occur in the knitting process. the kind of As the loops for forming pattern, one 1 A method of flat knitted fabric by us- in kinds of . knitting a loop, i.e., loop B as shown Fig. 15, or two flat machine a plurality of shown in 16 ing a knitting comprising loop, i.e., loop B and loop C, as Fig. may needles each having an actuator and ar- be used. if three be knitting Further, or more loops can 60 ranged in parallel in a plane; a knitting needle guid- used to form a pattern when various types of loops member said of knit- the ing slidably supporting plurality having different lengths of the loops are used, needles, extended in either direction along said and it is to ting pattern becomes complicated possible and each distance between adjacent knitted fabric plane defining provide a having a high quality pat- knitting needles; and a running device having at tern. 65 least one thread feeding unit and reciprocally mov-
11 21 EP 0 235 987 B1 22 ing in either direction along said knitting needle guid- ting plan, and a third controller (33) for controlling ing member, characterized in that a first signal in ac- an operation timing corresponding to an operation cordance with a predetermined knitting plan is input of the second controller in the first controller in ac- to each said actuator connected with the corre- cordance with the predetermined knitting plan. sponding knitting needle, to individually apply a slid- 5 5. A flat knitting machine according to claim 3, ing movement against said knitting needle guiding characterized in that said controlling apparatus member to each knitting needle, and when a thread comprises first controllers (32-j) having a memory is supplied through said thread feeding unit of said (31 -i) storing sliding positions of a corresponding running device to the plurality of knitting needles to knitting needle (1-j), connected to a corresponding knit said flat knitted fabric, a second signal in ac- 10 actuator (17-j) and performing positioning control of cordance with the is in- predetermined knitting plan the corresponding knitting needle in accordance put to a drive of said running device to reciprocally with the at least said and said first in- predetermined knitting plan, one move running device signal is second controller (35-1 35-m) said each that said ... having a memory put to actuator so sliding move- of ment of said knitting needle is in synchronism with 15 (34-1 ... 34-m) storing running plans a corre- said reciprocal movement of said running device. sponding running device (4-1 ... 4-m), arranged of 2. A method of knitting a flat knitted fabric ac- every thread feeding unit (3) and for performing control of the running of the thread feeding unit in cording to claim 1 , characterized in that said prede- termined knitting plan includes sliding lengths be- accordance with the predetermining knitting plan, tween a top position of said knitting needle most ex- 20 and a third controller (33) having a memory (36) truded from said knitting needle guiding member and storing an operation timing plan corresponding to a top position of said knitting needle most retracted operation of the second controller in the first con- into said knitting needle guiding member and se- troller and outputting operation timing signals the quences of applying the sliding movement to each first controller in accordance with the predeter- knitting needle, whereby the knitting movement at a 25 mined knitting plan. different retracting length can be applied for at 6. A flat knitting machine according to claim 3, least some knitting needles. characterized in that a thin and compact type linear 3. A flat knitting machine including at least one motor having a movable element (2) connected to knitting mechanism comprising a plurality of knitting said knitting needle (1) is used as the actuator, needles (1-1 1.n) arranged in parallel in a plane 3Q whereby a sliding movement of each knitting needle ... is controlled. and a knitting needle guiding member (16) slidably individually 7. A flat machine to claim supporting said plurality of knitting needles, extend- knitting according 3, characterized in that thin and linear ed in either direction along said plane and defining a compact type each distance between needles to motor having a movable element (2) connected to adjacent knitting needle is used the and form a at least one running device (4) 35 said knitting (1) as actuator, a knitting loop; is used capable of reciprocally moving in either direction magnetic bearing (10) as a bearing support- the along said knitting needle guiding member, at least ing the movable element, whereby sliding move- of each needle is control- one thread feeding unit (3) being provided in said ment knitting individually running device; and an actuator for slidably led. (17) A flat machine claim moving a corresponding knitting needle (1 ) and con- 40 8. knitting according to 3, nected to each needle of said plurality characterized in that a thin and compact type linear knitting (1-1 movable 1-n) of knitting needles; characterized in that a direct current motor having a element (2) ... connected to said knitting needle (1) is used as the controlling apparatus (32) having a memory (31) of each knit- and of actuator, whereby a sliding movement storing a predetermined knitting plan capable needle is controlled. individually operating said actuator to apply slid- 45 ting individually a 9. A flat knitting machine according to claim 3, ing movement in accordance with said predeter- characterized in that thin and mined to each needle and of a compact type rotary knitting plan knitting op- motor and device rotational the movement of said de- (20) a converting move- erating reciprocal running ment of said motor to linear movement is used as the vice in synchronism with said knitting plan is actuator, whereby sliding movement of each knitting provided, and said controlling operation of said ac- 50 is in with the needle is individually controlled. tuator performed synchronism recipro- 10. A flat machine claim cal of said thread unit in accord- knitting according to 3, movement feeding characterized in that said needle is discon- with the when knitting ance predetermined knitting plan a nectably connected to the movable element of the thread is supplied through said thread feeding unit device. 55 actuator. to the knitting 11. A flat machine claim machine claim knitting according to 3, 4. A flat knitting according to 3, in of in that said characterized that a plurality actuators are ar- characterized controlling apparatus in and the first controllers for ranged multistage construction, plurality comprises (32-1 ... 32-n) per- of knitting needles arranged in the plane and the forming positioning control of the corresponding movable elements of the actuators are connected needle in accordance with the 60 knitting (1-1 ... 1-n) with said arms, respectively. predetermined knitting plan stored in the memory, at 12. A flat knitting machine according to claim 3, least one second controller (35-1 ... 35-m) for con- characterized in that a rail supporting (14) said run- trolling the reciprocal movement of the thread feed- ning device (4) is arranged along said knitting nee- unit in accordance with the knit- ing predetermined 65 die guiding member (1 6) and two or more of said run-
12 23 EP 0 235 987 B1 24 ning devices (4, 4') are slidably arranged on the 3. Flachstrickmaschine mit wenigstens einem rail. Strickmechanismus, mit mehreren Stricknadeln (1-1 13. A flat knitting machine according to claim 3, ... 1-n), die parallel in einer Ebene angeordnet sind characterized in that two or more rails (14), 14') sup- und einem die mehreren Stricknadeln gleitend stiit- porting said running device are arranged along said 5 zenden Stricknadelfuhrungsteil (16), welches sich in knitting needle guiding member (1 6) and at least one beiden Richtungen entlang der Ebene erstreckt und running device is slidably arranged on the rail. zur Bildung einer Strickmasche den jeweiligen Ab- 14. A flat knitting machine according to claim 3, stand zwischen benachbarten Stricknadeln defi- characterized in that a rail supporting said running niert; und mindestens einer Lauferyorrichtung (4), device is arranged along said knitting needle guid- 10 die in der Lage ist, sich in jeder Richtung entlang ing member and a linear motor type driving mecha- dem Stricknadelfuhrungsteil hin und her zu bewe- nism in which the stator is the rail and the movable gen, wobei wenigstens eine Fadenzufuhreinheit (3) element is the running device, is formed between in der Laufervorrichtung vorgesehen ist; und mit ei- the rail and the running device. nem Stellglied (17) zum gleitenden Bewegen einer zu- 15. A flat knitting machine according to claim 3, 15 gehorigen Stricknadel (1), das mit jeder Stricknadel characterized in that a rail supporting said running der mehreren Stricknadeln (1-1 ... 1.n) verbunden device is arranged along said knitting needle guid- ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dal3 ein Steuergerat ing member and a linear direct current motor type (32) mit einem Speicher (31) vorgesehen ist, welches driving mechanism in which the stator is the rail and einen vorgegebenen Strickplan speichert und in der the movable element is the running device, is 20 |_age ist, das Stellglied individuell derart zu betrei- formed between the rail and the running device. ben, daB dieses entsprechend dem vorbestimmten Strickplan eine Gleitbewegung auf jede der Strick- nadeln ausiibt, und die Hin- und Her-Bewegung der Patentanspriiche Laufervorrichtung synchron zu dem Strickplan zu 25 betreiben, und daB die Steueroperation des Stell- 1. Verfahren zum Stricken eines flachgestrickten glieds synchron zu der Hin- und Her-Bewegung der Gewebes unter Verwendung einer Flachstrickma- Fadenzufuhreinheit entsprechend dem vorgegebe- schine mit mehreren, parallel in einer Ebene ange- nen Strickplan ausgefuhrt wird, wenn der Strick- ordneten Stricknadeln, von denen jede ein Stellglied vorrichtung durch die Fadenzufuhreinheit ein Fa- aufweist; einem die mehreren Stricknadeln gleitend 30 den zugefuhrt wird. stiitzenden Stricknadelfuhrungsteil, welches sich in 4. Flachstrickmaschine nach Anspruch 3, da- beiden Richtungen entlang der Ebene erstreckt und durch gekennzeichnet, daB das Steuergerat auf- den jeweiligen Abstand zwischen benachbarten weist: erste Steuervorrichtungen (32-1 ... 32-n) zur Stricknadeln begrenzt; und einer sich in jeder Rich- Durchfiihrung der Positionierungssteuerung der dem hin und 35 tung entlang Stricknadelfuhrungsteil entsprechenden Stricknadel (1-1 ... 1-m) in Uberein- her bewegenden Laufervorrichtung mit wenigstens stimmung mit dem in dem Speicher gespeicherten einer Fadenzufuhreinheit, dadurch gekennzeich- vorbestimmten Strickplan, wenigstens eine zweite net, daB, entsprechend einem vorbestimmten Strick- Steuervorrichtung (35-1 35-m) zur Steuerung ein erstes in der mit einer ... plan, Signal jedes zugeho- der Hin- und Her-Bewegung der Fadenzufuhrein- rigen Stricknadel verbundenen Stellglieder eingege- heit in Obereinstimmung mit dem vorbestimmten ben wird, auf Stricknadel einzeln eine urn jede Strickplan und eine dritte Steuervorrichtung (33) Gleitbewegung gegen das Stricknadelfuhrungsteil einer ent- mehreren Strick- zur Steuerung Betriebszeitsteuerung, aufzubringen, und daB, wenn den einer der zweiten Steuervor- nadeln ein Faden Stricken des sprechend Operation zum flachgestrickten in der ersten in Ober- Gewebes durch die Fadenzufuhreinheit der Laufer- richtung, Steuervorrichtung einstimmung mit dem vorbestimmten Strickplan. wird, ein zweites ent- vorrichtung zugefuhrt Signal 5. Flachstrickmaschine nach Anspruch 3, da- einem vorbestimmten Strickplan einem sprechend durch gekennzeichnet, daB das Steuergerat erste Antrieb der Laufervorrichtung zugefuhrt wird, urn mit einem die hin und her und Steuervorrichtungen (32-i) Speicher (31- Laufervorrichtung zu bewegen, der die einer Strick- daB das erste Signal in jedes Stellglied eingegeben 50 i), Gleitpositionen zugehorigen wird, so daB die Gleitbewegung der Stricknadel zu nadel (1-i) speichert, und die ersten Steuervorrich- der Hin- und Her-Bewegung der Laufervorrichtung tungen mit einem entsprechenden Stellglied (17-0 synchron ist. verbunden sind und die Positionierungssteuerung 2. Verfahren zum Stricken eines flachgestrick- der zugehorigen Stricknadel entsprechend dem ten Gewebes nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekenn- 55 vorbestimmten Strickplan durchfiihren, wenigstens zeichnet, daB der vorbestimmte Strickplan Gleitlan- eine zweite Steuervorrichtung (35-1 ... 35-m) mit ei- gen zwischen einer oberen Position der am wenig- nem Speicher (34-1 ... 34-m). welche die Laufplane sten aus dem Stricknadelfuhrungsteil herausragen- einer entsprechenden Laufervorrichtung (4-1 ... den Stricknadel, und einer oberen Position der am 4-m) fur jede Fadenzufuhreinheit (3) speichert und weitesten in das Stricknadelfuhrungsteil zuruckge- 60 die Positionierungssteuerung des Laufs der Faden- zogenen Stricknadel, und Sequenzen des Aufbrin- zufuhreinheit entsprechend dem vorbestimmten gens der Gleitbewegung auf jede Stricknadel ent- Strickplan durchfuhrt, und eine dritte Steuervor- halt, wodurch wenigstens einige der Stricknadeln ei- richtung (33) mit einem Speicher (36) aufweist, die ne Strickbewegung mit einer unterschiedlichen einen dem Betrieb der zweiten Steuervorrichtung Riickzugslange ausgesetzt werden konnen. 65 entsprechenden Betriebszeitsteuerungsplan fur
13 25 EP 0 235 987 B1 26 die erste Steuervorrichtung speichert und Be- die Laufervorrichtung tragt, und daB zwischen der triebszeitsteuerungssignale an die erste Steuer- Schiene und der Laufervorrichtung ein Antriebsme- vorrichtung entsprechend dem vorbestimmten chanismus vom Gleichstrommotor-Typ gebildet ist, Strickplan ausgibt. wobei der Stator die Schiene und das bewegbare 6. Flachstrickmaschine nach Anspruch 3, da- Element die Laufervorrichtung ist. durch gekennzeichnet, daB als Stellglied ein schma- ler und kompakter Linearmotor mit einem bewegba- ren Element (2), das mit einer Stricknadel (1) verbun- Revendications den ist, verwendet wird, wodurch die Gleitbewegung jeder Stricknadel einzeln gesteuert wird. 10 1. Methode pour tricoter un tissu tricote a plat en 7. Flachstrickmaschine nach Anspruch 3, da- utilisant une machine a tricoter rectiligne compre- durch gekennzeichnet, daB als Stellglied ein schma- nant une pluralite d'aiguilles a tricoter ayant chacu- ler und kompakter Linearmotor mit einem bewegba- ne un declencheur et arrangees parallelement dans ren Element (2), das mit einer Stricknadel (1) verbun- un plan, un organe de guidage de I'aiguille a tricoter den ist, verwendet wird und daB ein magnetisches 15 supportant coulissante ladite pluralite d'aiguilles a Lager (10) als Lager zum Stutzen des bewegbaren tricoter, s'etendant dans chaque direction le long Elements verwendet wird, wodurch die Gleitbewe- dudit plan et definissant chacunes une distance en- gung jeder Stricknadel einzeln gesteuert wird. tre les aiguilles a tricoter adjacentes; et un mecanis- 8. Flachstrickmaschine nach Anspruch 3, da- me d'entramement ayant au moins une unite de sor- durch gekennzeichnet, daB als Stellglied ein schma- 20 tie du fil et se deplacant en va-et-vient dans cha- ler und kompakter Gleichstrom-Linearmotor mit ei- que direction le long dudit organe de guidage de nem bewegbaren Element (2), das mit einer Strickna- I'aiguille a tricoter, caracterisee en ce qu'un premier del (1) verbunden ist, verwendet wird, wodurch die signal en accord avec un plan de tricotage prede- Gleitbewegung jeder Stricknadel einzeln gesteuert termine est envoye a chacun desdits declencheurs wird. 25 connectes avec I'aiguille a tricoter correspondante, 9. Flachstrickmaschine nach Anspruch 3, da- pour appliquer individuellement un mouvement de durch gekennzeichnet, daB als Stellglied ein schma- coulissement contre ledit organe de guidage de ler und kompakter Rotationsmotor (20) und eine Vor- I'aiguille a tricoter a chaque aiguille a tricoter, et richtung zum Umwandeln der Rotationsbewegung lorsqu'un fil est fourni au travers de ladite unite de des Motors in Linearbewegung verwendet werden, 30 sortie de fil dudit mecanisme d'entramement a la plu- wodurch die Gleitbewegung jeder Stricknadel ein- ralite d'aiguilles a tricoter pour tricoter ledit tissu tri- zeln gesteuert wird. cote a plat, un second signal en accord avec le plan 10. Flachstrickmaschine nach Anspruch 3, da- de tricotage predetermine est emis a un entrame- durch gekennzeichnet, daB die Stricknadel losbar ment dudit mecanisme d'entramement pour deplacer mit dem bewegbaren Element des Stellglieds verbun- 35 en va-et-vient ledit mecanisme d'entratnement et le- den ist. dit premier signal est emis vers chaque declencheur 11. Flachstrickmaschine nach Anspruch 3, da- de sorte que ledit mouvement de coulissement de durch gekennzeichnet, daB mehrere Stellglieder in I'aiguille a tricoter est synchrone avec ledit mouve- mehrstufiger Anordnung vorgesehen sind, und daB ment de va-et-vient dudit mecanisme d'entrame- die mehreren in einer Ebene angeordneten Strickna- 40 ment. deln und die bewegbaren Elemente der Stellglieder 2. Methode pour tricoter un tissu tricote a plat, jeweils mit den Armen verbunden sind. selon la revendication 1, caracterisee en ce que le- 12. Flachstrickmaschine nach Anspruch 3, da- dit plan de tricotage predetermine comprend des lon- durch gekennzeichnet, daB entlang des Stricknadel- gueurs de coulissement entre une position superieu- fiihrungsteils (16) eine Schiene (14) vorgesehen ist, 45 re de ladite aiguille a tricoter la plus en saillie dudit welche die Laufervorrichtung (4) tragt, und daB organe de guidage de I'aiguille a tricoter et une posi- zwei Oder mehr Laufervorrichtungen (4, 4') glei- tion superieure de ladite aiguille a tricoter la plus re- tend auf der Schiene angeordnet sind. tractee dans ledit organe de guidage de I'aiguille a 13. Flachstrickmaschine nach Anspruch 3, da- tricoter, et des sequences d'application du mouve- durch gekennzeichnet, daB entlang des Stricknadel- 50 ment de coulissement a chaque aiguille a tricoter, fuhrungsteils (16) zwei oder mehr Schienen (14, 14') par lesquelles le mouvement de tricotage avec une vorgesehen sind, welche die Laufervorrichtung tra- longueur de retraction differente peut etre appli- gen, und daB wenigstens eine der Laufervorrichtun- quee pour au moins certaines aiguilles. gen gleitend auf der Schiene angeordnet ist. 3. Machine a tricoter rectiligne comprenant au 14. Flachstrickmaschine nach Anspruch 3, da- 55 moins un mecanisme de tricot comprenant une plura- durch gekennzeichnet, daB entlang des Stricknadel- lite d'aiguilles a tricoter (1-1 ... 1.n) arrangees paral- fiihrungsteils eine Schiene vorgesehen ist, welche lelement dans un plan et un organe de guidage de die Laufervorrichtung tragt, und daB zwischen der I'aiguille a tricoter (16) supportant coulissante iadite Schiene und der Laufervorrichtung ein Antriebsme- pluralite d'aiguilles a tricoter, s'etendant dans cha- chanismus vom Linearmotor-Typ gebildet ist, wobei 60 que direction le long dudit plan et definissant cha- der Stator die Schiene und das bewegbare Element que distance entre les aiguilles a tricoter adjacen- die Laufervorrichtung ist. tes pour former une boucle de tricot; au moins un 15. Flachstrickmaschine nach Anspruch 3, da- mecanisme d'entramement (4) capable de deplacer durch gekennzeichnet, daB entlang des Stricknadel- en va-et-vient dans chaque direction le long dudit fuhrungsteils eine Schiene vorgesehen ist, welche 65 organe de guidage de I'aiguille a tricoter, au moins
14 27 EP 0 235 987 B1 28
une unite de sortie de fil (3) etant prevue dans ledit et-vient de chaque aiguille a tricoter est controle in- mecanisme d'entramement; et un declencheur (17) dividuellement. pour deplacer en coulissement une aiguille a tricoter 7. Machine a tricoter rectiligne selon ia revendi- (1) correspondante et connecte a chaque aiguille a cation 3, caracterisee en ce qu'un moteur lineaire tricoter de ladite pluralite (1-1 ... 1-n) d'aiguilies a tri- 5 du type compact et fin ayant un element mobile (2) coter; caracterisee en ce qu'est prevu un appareil connects* a ladite aiguille a tricoter (1) est utilise de controle (32) ayant une memoire (31 ) pour emma- comme declencheur, et un palier magnetique (10) est gasiner un plan de tricotage predetermine et qui est utilise comme palier de support de Pelement mobile, capable de faire fonctionner individuellement ledit de sorte que le mouvement de coulissement de cha- declencheur pour appliquer un mouvement de cou- 1 o que aiguille a tricoter est controle individuellement. lissement en accord avec ledit plan de tricotage pre- 8. Machine a tricoter rectiligne selon la revendi- determine a chaque aiguille a tricoter et de faire cation 3, caracterisee en ce qu'un moteur a courant fonctionner le mouvement de va-et-vient dudit me- direct lineaire du type compact et fin et ayant un ele- canisme d'entraTnement de fagon synchrone avec ment mobile (2) connecte a ladite aiguille a tricoter (1 ) ledit plan de tricotage, et ladite operation de contro- 15 est utilise comme declencheur, de sorte qu'un mou- le dudit declencheur est executee de fagon syn- vement de coulissement de chaque aiguille a tricoter chrone avec le mouvement de va-et-vient de ladite est individuellement controle. unite de sortie de fil en accord avec le plan de trico- 9. Machine a tricoter rectiligne selon la revendi- tage predetermine lorsqu'un fil est fourni au tra- cation 3, caracterisee en ce qu'un moteur rotatif vers de ladite unite de sortie de fil vers le mecanis- 20 (20) du type compact et fin et qu'un organe de con- me de tricotage. version de mouvement de rotation dudit moteur en 4. Machine a tricoter rectiligne selon la revendi- mouvement lineaire est utilise comme declencheur, cation.3, caracterisee en ce que ledit appareil de de sorte que le mouvement de chaque aiguille a tri- controle comprend des premiers controleurs (32-1 coter est controle individuellement. 32-n) pour executer un controle de positionne- 25 10. Machine a tricoter rectiligne selon la revendi- ... tricoter ment de I'aiguille a tricoter (1-1 1-n) correspondan- cation 3, caracterisee en ce que I'aiguille a ... connectee de detachable I'element mobi- te en accord avec le plan de tricotage predetermine est fagon a dans la memoire, au moins un second le du declencheur. emmagasine Machine tricoter selon la revendi- controleur (35-1 35.m) controler les mouve- 1 1 . a rectiligne ... pour cation 3, caracterisee en ce qu'une pluralite de de- ments de va-et-vient de Punite de sortie du fil en ac- 30 clencheurs sont disposes sur une structure multipa- cord avec le plan de tricotage predetermine, et un tricoter controler la liers, et une pluralite d'aiguilies a arrangees troisieme controleur (33) pour tempori- le et les elements mobiles des declen- fonctionnement dans plan sation de correspondant a une ope- cheurs sont connectes auxdits bras, respective- ration du second controleur dans le contro- premier ment. accord le de tricotage predeter- 35 leur, en avec plan 12. Machine a tricoter rectiligne selon la revendi- mine. rail de accord la cation 3, caracterisee en ce qu'un support 5. Machine a tricoter rectiligne en avec d'entraTnement est ledit (14) dudit mecanisme (4) dispose revendication 3, caracterisee en ce que appa- de de tricoter des controleurs le long dudit organe guidage I'aiguille a reil de controle comprend premiers deux desdits mecanismes d'entrame- memoire emmagasiner 40 (16) et ou plus (32-j) ayant une (31 -j) pour ment sont coulissants sur le rail. trico- (4, 4') disposes des positions de coulissement d'une aiguille a 1 3. Machine tricoter rectiligne selon la revendi- connectee declen- a ter (1-i) correspondante, a un cation 3, caracterisee en ce que deux rails (14, 14') cheur correspondant (1 7-i) et pour executer un con- ou plus supportant ledit mecanisme d'entrafnement trole de positionnement de I'aiguille a tricoter cor- 45 sont disposes le long dudit organe de guidage de respondante en accord avec le plan de tricotage I'aiguille a tricoter (16) et au moins un mecanisme predetermine, au moins un second controleur (35-1 d'entraTnement est dispose coulissant sur le rail. ... 35-m) ayant une memoire (34-1 ... 34.m) pour em- 14. Machine a tricoter rectiligne selon la revendi- magasiner des plans d'entraTnement pour un meca- cation 3, caracterisee en ce qu'un rail de support nisme d'entramement (4-1 ... 4-m) correspondant, 50 dudit mecanisme d'entratnement est dispose le long disposes a chaque unite de sortie de fil (3) et pour dudit organe de guidage de I'aiguille a tricoter et executer un controle de PentraTnement de Punite de qu'un mecanisme d'entramement du type a moteur li- sortie du fil en accord avec le plan de tricotage pre- neaire dans lequel le stator est le rail et I'element mo- determine, et un troisieme controleur (33) ayant une bile est le mecanisme d'entramement, est forme en- memoire (36) pour emmagasiner un plan de tempori- 55 tre le rail et le mecanisme d'entramement. sation du fonctionnement correspondant au fonc- 15. Machine a tricoter rectiligne selon la revendi- tionnement du second controler dans le premier con- cation 3, caracterisee en ce qu'un rail de support troleur et pour emettre des signaux de temporisation dudit mecanisme d'entramement est dispose le long de fonctionnement vers le premier controleur, en dudit organe de guidage de I'aiguille a tricoter et accord avec le plan de tricotage predetermine. 60 qu'un moteur a courant direct lineaire du type a me- 6. Machine a tricoter rectiligne selon la revendi- canisme d'entramement dans lequel le stator est le cation 3, caracterisee en ce qu'un moteur lineaire rail et I'element mobile est le mecanisme d'entrame- du type compact et fin ayant un element mobile (2) ment, est forme entre le rail et le mecanisme d'entraT- connecte a ladite aiguille a tricoter (1) est utilise com- nement. me declencheur, de sorte qu'un mouvement de va- 65
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