CN101939473A - Needles for hosiery knitting machines that transfer knitting stitches from themselves to adjacent needles - Google Patents

Abstract

A needle comprises a needle shank (2), a hook-shaped head (3) and a needle latch (4), the head (3) is arranged at the longitudinal end or upper end of the needle shank (2), and the needle latch (4) Hinged to said needle shaft (2) close to said head (3) so as to be rotatable to open or close said head, said needle comprising at least one flap (6a, 6b), said flap Attached to the needle bar (2) and having a portion (8a, 8b) below the needle latch (4) on each of the opposite sides (7a, 7b) of the needle bar (2) , said portion can be elastically bent from a non-working position to a working position; in said working position, said pair of elastically bendable parts (8a, 8b) of said sheet (6a, 6b) is assembled on said needle bar (2 ), the knitting ring (9) at the elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of the sheet (6a, 6b) is widened, and the head (3) of the adjacent needle can be inserted in the In the space contained between the elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of the sheet (6a, 6b) in the working position and the corresponding side (7a, 7b) of the needle bar (2), by means of the said adjacent needle (1b) picks up said knitting loop (9), said sheet (6a, 6b) rests at least with its end pointing towards said head (3) against the edge of said needle bar (2) On the corresponding side (7a, 7b).

Description

Needles for hosiery knitting machines that transfer knitting stitches from themselves to adjacent needles

technical field

The present invention relates to needles for hosiery knitting machines which transfer knitting tissue from itself to adjacent needles.

Background technique

In the field of hosiery knitting machines, it is known that the needles are arranged to allow the transfer of the knitting stitch or the knitting loop from one needle to an adjacent needle arranged in the same needle bed.

One of these needles is shown, for example, in WO-02/070799. Such needles allow the exclusive transfer of the knit tissue to the needles arranged on the side of the needle from which the knit tissue has to be released.

WO 2007/057041 by the same applicant (supposed to be incorporated herein by reference) shows a method capable of transferring the knitting tissue to a needle placed on the side of the needle from which the knitting tissue must be released, or to another needle as required. side of the needle.

Basically, the needle according to WO2007/057041 comprises: a needle shank, a head arranged at the longitudinal or upper end of the needle shank, and a latch about a pivot substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the needle shank near the head. A pivot axis is hinged to the needle bar and is rotatable about said pivot axis to open or close the head. The needle comprises at least one elastically bendable foil associated with the needle shank and defining two receptacles, one on each side of the needle shank, on opposite sides of the needle shank and below the latch. The heads of adjacent needles can be inserted into these respective receptacles, thereby transferring the knitting loops carried by the needle shafts and arranged in the receptacles from said needles to the adjacent needles.

During testing, the needle has demonstrated improvements aimed at reducing wear on the lamina and head, as well as achieving greater reliability when knitting stitches or knitting loops are transferred.

Contents of the invention

The aim of the present invention is in fact to provide a needle for a hosiery knitting machine which transfers the knitting tissue from said needle to an adjacent needle and ensures a high degree of reliability.

Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a needle which allows a high degree of reliability when transferring the knitting stitches or knitting loops.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a needle which reduces the stress on the knitting structure or the knitting loop or on the part of the needle which transfers the knitting structure or the knitting loop.

Another object of the invention is to provide a needle which is highly flexible in use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a needle that can have a reduced thickness, allowing its use on high-precision knitting machines, in particular above 12 needles per inch.

This object, and these and other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a needle for a hosiery knitting machine for transferring knitting tissue from said needle to an adjacent needle, said The needle comprises a needle shank, a head arranged at a longitudinal or upper end of the needle shank and configured like a hook open towards the front side of the needle shank, and a latch close to the needle shank. The head is hinged to the needle bar about a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the needle bar and is rotatable about the pivot axis to open or close the head, wherein The needle comprises at least one blade connected to the needle shank and having a portion on each of opposite sides of the needle shank below the latch, which portion may never work The position is elastically bent to the working position, in the non-working position, the part is close to the corresponding side of the needle bar, in the working position, the part is spaced from the corresponding side of the needle bar; in the working position position, the elastically bendable portion of the sheet widens the knitting ring fitted on the needle shaft at the elastically bendable portion of the sheet, and the head of the adjacent needle can be inserted in the In the space contained between the elastically bendable portion of the sheet in the working position and the corresponding side of the needle bar to pick up the knitting loop by means of the adjacent needle; At least with its end pointing toward the head in the region in front of the head rests against the corresponding side of the needle bar, on the opposite side with respect to the corresponding side of the needle bar, the sheet's Said resiliently bendable portion has a region superimposed laterally on the head of said adjacent needle inserted between said resiliently bendable portion of said foil in said working position and said In the space contained between the corresponding sides of the needle bar.

Description of drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of the needle of the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in the appended In the picture:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a needle according to the invention, wherein the elastically bendable portion of the foil is in the working position;

Figure 2 is a front view of the needle of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a needle according to the invention, wherein the elastically bendable portion of the foil is in an inoperative position;

Figure 4 is a front view of the needle of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the transfer of a knitting loop from one needle to an adjacent needle;

Figure 6 is a front view of the transfer of a knitting loop from one needle to an adjacent needle;

Figure 7 is a side view of the working state of Figures 5 and 6 taken from one side;

Figure 8 is a side view of the working state of Figures 5 and 6 taken from the other side;

Figure 9 is an enlarged top view of the working state of Figures 5 and 6;

Figures 10 and 11 are perspective views of the transition process of the elastically bendable portion of the foil from the active position to the rest position during the longitudinal movement of one needle relative to two adjacent needles;

Figure 12 is a schematic view of a part of a cylinder of a circular knitting machine, flattened and equipped with needles according to the invention in the embodiment shown in the previous figures;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a first structural variant of the needle according to the invention;

Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of a part of a cylinder of a circular knitting machine, flattened and equipped with needles according to the invention in the structural variant shown in Figure 13;

15 and 16 are perspective views of the transition process of the elastically bendable portion of the sheet from the active position to the rest position during the longitudinal movement of the needles according to the second structural variant of the invention relative to the needle holder of the hosiery knitting machine;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a third structural variant of the needle according to the invention;

Figure 18 is a view of a flattened sheet of the needle shown in Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a fourth structural variant of the needle according to the invention;

Figure 20 is a view of a flattened sheet of the needle shown in Figure 19 .

Detailed ways

Referring to the drawings, a needle according to the invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 1, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. , the head 3 and the needle latch 4, the needle bar 2 has an elongated shape.

The head 3 is arranged at the longitudinal or upper end of the needle shaft 2 and is shaped like a hook opening towards the front side of the needle shaft 2 in a manner similar to needles of known type.

The needle latch 4 is hinged to the needle bar 2 near the head 3 about a pivot axis 4a substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the needle bar 2 and rotates about this pivot axis 4a to open or close the head 3, as already Known types of needles like that.

Along its extent, the needle shaft 2 has on its front side and near its longitudinal or lower end, which is positioned opposite the head 3, at least one heel 5 protruding from its front side and which can be known per se. The mode cooperates with the needle actuating cam provided in the hosiery knitting machine equipped with the needle 1 .

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 , the needle according to the invention comprises at least one foil 6 a, 6 b connected to the needle shaft 2 and on each of the opposite sides 7 a, 7 b of the needle shaft 2 1. There are parts 8a, 8b below the needle latch 4, which can be elastically bent from the rest position to the work position. In the rest position, this part is close to the corresponding side 7a or 7b of the needle bar 2, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 In the working position, this part is spaced from the corresponding side 7a or 7b of the needle bar 2, as shown in particular in FIGS. 1 and 2 . In the working position, said portions 8a, 8b widen the knitting loop 9 fitted on the needle bar 2 at said portions 8a, 8b of the lamellae 6a, 6b, and between the portions 8a, 8b of the lamina 6a, 6b and In the space contained between the corresponding sides 7a, 7b of the needle shaft 2, when the parts 8a, 8b are in the working position, the head 3 of the adjacent needle 1b can be inserted to pick up the knitting loop 9 by means of said adjacent needle 1b, This will become more apparent below.

The lamellae 6 a , 6 b rest against the needle bar 2 at least with their ends pointing toward the head 3 in the front region of the head 3 . Basically, said end constitutes the upper end of the lamellae 6 a , 6 b , the region of said end resting against the needle shaft 2 offset forwards with respect to the position of the head 3 .

On the opposite side with respect to the corresponding side 7a, 7b of the needle shaft 2, the portion 8a, 8b of the sheet 6a, 6b has an area which can laterally overlap the head of the adjacent needle 1a, 1b inserted into the In the space contained between the portion 8a, 8b of the lamellae 6a, 6b in the working position and the corresponding side 7a, 7b of the needle bar 2 .

More specifically, without changing the fact that the parts 8a, 8b may be a single piece suitably shaped to place the part 8a on one side 7a of the needle bar 2 and the part 8b on the other side 7b of the needle bar 2 A part of the sheet (this will be described in more detail below), preferably two sheets 6a, 6b, one on each side 7a, 7b of the needle bar 2, the two sheets pointing at The lower end of the needle bar 2 is fixed to the corresponding sides 7a, 7b of the needle bar 2 at the ends.

The lamellae 6 a , 6 b extend towards the head 3 and rest with their ends directed towards the head 3 against corresponding sides 7 a , 7 b of the needle bar 2 .

Each lamella 6a, 6b has a corresponding portion 8a, 8b elastically bendable towards or away from the corresponding side 7a, 7b of the needle bar 2. Each part 8a, 8b is elastically bendable against its elastic reaction towards the corresponding side 7a, 7b of the needle bar 2, so as to move into the working position when no force is exerted thereon.

Each lamella 6a, 6b is configured with a lower region 20a, 20b positioned to be attached to and fixed to a corresponding side 7a, 7b of the needle bar 2 and a middle region forming part 8a, 8b and the upper region 11a, 11b, which ends at the upper end 12a, 12b, or as in the shown embodiment is limited to said upper end 12a, 12a, which rests against the corresponding side 7a, 7b of the needle bar 2 12b.

The middle region, which constitutes the elastically bendable portion 8a, 8b towards or away from the corresponding side face 7a, 7b of the needle shaft 2, preferably starts from its lower end when there is no force acting on it, consists of: a first section 13a, 13b, the first section folded away from the corresponding side 7a, 7b of the needle bar 2; the second section 14a, 14b, the second section is substantially parallel to the corresponding side 7a, 7b of the needle bar 2; and the third section 15a , 15b, the third section is folded toward the corresponding side faces 7a, 7b of the needle bar 2.

Each part 8 a , 8 b has on its front side a front protrusion 16 a , 16 b which defines with its upper contour a bearing shoulder 17 a , 17 b for the knitting ring 9 . Preferably, the support shoulder 17a, 17b is defined on the upper side of the front protrusion 16a, 16b of the second section 14a, 14b of the portion 8a, 8b of the lamina 6a, 6b.

Furthermore, each part 8a, 8b has on its rear side a rear protrusion 18a, 18b configured to be laterally superimposed on an adjacent needle shank 2 on the opposite side with respect to the corresponding side 7a, 7b of the needle shaft 2. The area on the head 3 of 1a, 1b. Said rear protrusions 18a, 18b can cooperate with the head 3 of an adjacent needle 1a, 1b by resting against it. Preferably, the rear protrusion 18a, 18b is arranged on the rear side of the second section 14a, 14b of the portion 8a, 8b of the lamellae 6a, 6b.

Suitably, the first section 13a, 13b of the portion 8a, 8b of the sheet 6a, 6b is located in front of the head 3 at least at the second section 14a, 14b of the portion 8a, 8b close to the sheet 6a, 6b, so that the knitting The ring 9 defines a seat for the latch of an adjacent needle during transfer, as will become more apparent hereinafter.

The lower regions 20a, 20b of the lamellae 6a, 6b are secured to the sides 7a, 7b in suitably placed recesses and the portions 8a, 8b are offset forwards with respect to said lower regions 20a, 20b.

The area of the needle 1 occupied by the parts 8a, 8b of the lamellae 6a, 6b has an increased footprint towards the front side of the needle relative to the adjacent area of the needle shaft 2 in the front-rear direction.

Advantageously, between the needle latch 4 and the end of the portion 8a, 6b of the lamination 6a, 6b directed towards the head 3, the needle bar 2 has a portion 8a, 8b for joining the needle bar 2 to the lamination 6a, 6b. Bonding area 10 up.

The bonding area 10 is shaped like a wedge tapering towards the head 3 .

The bonding area 10 has a front surface 10c which is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the needle shaft 2 so as to combine the area occupied by the parts 8a, 8b of the lamellae 6a, 6b with the section of the needle shaft 2 arranged above.

Said front surface 10c of the joining area 10 has a curved lower section joining it with the bottom side.

Furthermore, the joining region 10 is laterally delimited by sides 10a, 10b, at least for a section from its upper end, which are shaped like two sides inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the needle shaft 2 and gradually approaching each other towards the head 3. flat.

Expediently, the lower end of the joining region 10 is wider than the distance between the opposite sides 7 a , 7 b of the needle shaft 2 in the region adjoining the joining region 10 .

The upper end 12a , 12b of each lamina 6a , 6b , ie the end directed towards the head 3 , is connected to the bonding area 10 near the base of the bonding area 10 .

More specifically, the upper end 12a, 12b of each lamina 6a, 6b rests so as to be slidable parallel to the longitudinal axis of the needle shaft 2 in a recess 19a, 19b formed on the corresponding side of the joining area 10 .

The bonding area 10 may be at least partially formed by a block fixed to the needle shaft 2, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 . In this embodiment, the upper part of the bonding area 10 is formed directly in the needle shaft 2 , while the remaining part of the bonding area 10 is formed in a block rigidly fixed to the needle shaft 2 as a continuation of the upper part.

Alternatively, the bonding area 10 can be integrally formed with the needle shaft 2, as in the structural variant of the needle according to the invention shown in FIG. 13 .

In this structural variant, elements of the needle which correspond to elements already described in FIGS. 1 to 12 are designated with the same reference numerals.

Unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the upper ends 12a, 12b of the portions 8a, 8b of the tabs 6a, 6b are slidably inserted into a slot 19 open at the front, which The groove is located in a downward region close to the base of the bonding region 10 .

In this structural variant, since the sides 10a, 10b of the joining region are further retracted towards the rear side of the needle bar 2 as provided in the embodiment shown in FIGS. The first section 13a, 13b of 8b has a rear protrusion 22a, 22b, thereby allowing said first section 13a, 13b to fit in any case similar to that provided by the needle 1 as the needle 1 moves longitudinally relative to the adjacent needle. The sides 10a, 10b of the bonding region 10 of adjacent needles.

In a second structural variant, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the joining region 10 is not provided with inclined sides, since the needle shaft 2 has mutually parallel sides at said joining region 10 . In this second structural variant, the bonding area 10 is formed only by the front surface 10c, which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the needle shaft 2, so that at the front the area occupied by the parts 8a, 8b of the lamellae 6a, 6b is separated from the arrangement. The segments of the upper needle bar 2 are combined. Furthermore, the upper ends 12a, 12b of the portions 8a, 8b of the tabs 6a, 6b are slidingly inserted into recesses 19a, 19b formed in both sides of the needle bar 2, in a manner similar to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 12 .

In this second structural variant, other elements of the needle which correspond to elements already described in FIGS. 1 to 12 are designated with the same reference numerals.

In the third and fourth embodiments of the needle according to the invention, shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, the needle is arranged substantially as in the second construction variant shown in FIGS. Each sheet 6a, 6b is formed integrally rather than as two separate parts.

In a third structural variant, the lamellae 6 a , 6 b are obtained by means of a single portion 23 formed from a blank shown in FIG. 18 and folded along a line 24 . The blank portion 23 is further bent to provide the first section 13a, 13b and the third section 15a, 15b.

In a fourth structural variant, the lamellae 6 a , 6 b are obtained by means of a single portion 25 formed from a blank shown in FIG. 20 and folded along a line 26 . The blank portion 25 is further bent to provide the first section 13a, 13b and the third section 15a, 15b.

In the structural variant shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 , since the two lamellae 6 a , 6 b are integrally formed, there is a single lower region 20 a for integrally fixing the lamina to the needle bar 2 .

In the structural variants shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 , other elements of the needle corresponding to elements already described in the preceding figures are designated with the same reference numerals.

In all shown embodiments, the part of the needle shaft 2 between the part 8a, 8b of the lamellae 6a, 6b above the bonding area 10 and the head 3 has a front cut which reduces the front of the needle shaft 2 . Space is taken up so as to avoid interference with the back protrusions 18a, 18b of the portions 8a, 8b of the laminae 6a, 6b of adjacent needles during the transfer of the knitting loop 9.

By equipping a hosiery knitting machine with the needles of the invention and by actuating these needles as described below, it is possible to transfer the knitting tissue or knitting loop 9 directly from one needle 1 to one located laterally with respect to the needle 1 and Adjacent needles 1 a or 1 b without picking up the knitting tissue or additional elements of the knitting loop 9 .

For the sake of simplicity and clarity, the method used to transfer the knitting structure or knitting loop 9 from one needle to the adjacent needle will be described generally with reference to the embodiment of the needle shown in FIGS. aspect, the description is also applicable to the structural variants of the needles shown in the subsequent figures. Particular aspects of the use of the needle according to the invention will also be described with explicit reference to some structural embodiments of the needle.

For greater clarity, the needles adjacent to the needles 1 that have to release the knitting tissue or the knitting loop 9 have been designated with the reference numerals 1a, 1b, but can be provided like the previously described needles 1 .

Given the description of the transfer of the loop of knitting 9 from needle 1 to the adjacent needle 1b, for greater clarity, reference is made to a circular hosiery knitting machine, assuming that the needle between which the loop of knitting 9 is transferred is located in the part of the knitting machine constituting the needle holder. cylinder 40, then without changing the fact that the needle according to the invention can also be used in circular knitting machines with cylinder and dial, or more generally in linear and circular knitting with single or double beds in the plane.

In the following description, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9 , it is assumed that the needle 1 arranged between the needles 1 b , 1 a is the one carrying the knitting loop 9 and must release it to the adjacent needle 1 b , while the needle 1 is arranged at The other needle 1 a on the opposite side of the needle 1 b is not affected by the transfer of the knitting loop 9 . Needle 1 is also referred to below as "release needle", needle 1 b as "receive needle" and needle 1 a as "inactive needle".

In order to transfer the knitting loop 9 from one needle 1 to the adjacent needle 1b, after forming the knitting loop 9 and after delooping the previously formed knitting loop, the needle 1 is lifted by means of the needle actuating cam of the mating heel 5, A section thus protrudes above the knit forming plane 21, which is well known as shown and formed by sinkers (not shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 for simplicity) which hold the just formed knitting loop 9 . The needles 1 of the knitting loop 9 have to be released to a certain extent to bring the parts 8a, 8b of the sheets 6a, 6b to the knitting forming plane 21 and to completely withdraw the parts 8a, 8b from the area occupied by the so-called "strips", The strip laterally defines a seat in which the needle slides, the seat being constituted by an axial groove in the side of the barrel 40 . In this way, the lamina 6a, 6b, which is pressed against the release needle 1 first due to the presence of the strip, is moved with its parts 8a, 8b away from the needle bar 2 by means of the elastic counterforce and thus transferred to the working position. As the release needle 1 is lifted, the needle shaft 2 of the needle 1 slides up to the resting shoulders 17a, 17b within the knitting loop 9, which is first passed through the bonding area 10 and then by the part 8a of the lamina 6a, 6b , 8b through, the knitting ring 9 is gradually widened so as to be suitable for passing through at least the receiving needle 1b. During this step, the presence of the bonded area 10 ensures a gradual expansion of the knitted loop 9, thus avoiding excessive stress of the knitted loop and the sheets 6a, 6b.

At this point, the receiving needle 1 b to which the knitting loop 9 is to be transferred moves upwards relative to the releasing needle 1 , thereby inserting its open head 3 into the space contained between the part 8 b of the releasing needle 1 and the needle shank 2 . It should be noted that the receiving needle 1 b places its head between the rear projection 18 b of the releasing needle 1 and the side 7 b of the needle bar 2 when it is lifted. Due to this fact, the receiving needle 1b prevents the portion 8b of the sheet 6b from being completely crushed by the knitting loop 9 abutting against the side 7b of the needle shaft 2 of the releasing needle 1, the first section 13b defining a front abutment which prevents The latch 4 of the receiving needle 1b is rotated around the axis 4a, ensuring that the latch 4 of the receiving needle 1b is opened, as shown in FIG. 7 . The inactive needle 1a is at a lower position than the position occupied by the receiving needle 1b, but its head 3 is preferably in any case arranged between the rear protrusion 18a and the side 7a of the needle shaft 2 and is therefore The back projection 18a "covers" so as not to interfere with the transfer process of the knitting loop 9 , as shown in particular in FIG. 8 .

Then, after having completed the lifting of the receiving needle 1b until its head 3 is above the knitting formation plane 21 and thus above the knitting loop 9 to be engaged, the releasing needle 1 is lowered and the receiving needle 1b is preferably raised into contact with the knitting tissue. Hold the position corresponding to the position.

The lowering of the release needle 1 moves the receiving needle 1b so that the receiving needle 1b protrudes upwards with its head from the portion 8b of the foil 6b. Moreover, the lowering of the needle 1 causes the knitting loop 9 provided around the sheets 6a, 6b to slide along the third section 15b of the portion 8b, moving the knitting loop 9 towards the needle bar 2 and bringing the knitting loop 9 to the head of the receiving needle 1b department.

It should be noted that the head 3 of the receiving needle 1b actually protrudes upwards from the portion 8b of the sheet 6b because the upper end of the sheet 6b rests against the needle shaft 2 of the release needle 1 in the area located in front of the head 3, Without interfering with the portion 8b of the sheet 6b of the release needle 1 , it is therefore not necessary to separate its upper end from the needle shaft 2 of the release needle 1 . In this way, the wear on the head 3 of the receiving needle 1b and on the foil 6b of the releasing needle 1 can be significantly reduced.

The two needles 1 and 1b can Descend together below the knitting forming plane 21 . During this descent, the parts 8a, 8b of the lamellae 6a, 6b are moved into the rest position by engaging the straps.

This function of the strip is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 with reference to the second structural variant of the needle 1, wherein the strip has been designated with reference numeral 27 and the seat or groove laterally defined by the strip 27 has been used. The reference numeral 28 has been used and the syringe (more generally the needle holder) has been designated with the reference numeral 40.

It should be noted that the presence of the rest shoulders 17a, 17b allows the transfer of the knitting loop 9 just above the knitting formation plane 21, since said supporting shoulders 17a, 17b by themselves enable the correct positioning of the transferred knitting loop 9. Position so that it does not fall along the needle shaft 2 of the release needle 1.

In this case, the transfer of the parts 8a, 8b of the lamina 6a, 6b from the active position to the inactive position after transfer of the knitting loop 9 can be achieved with the release needle 1 lowering between the adjacent needles 1a, 1b, This is because the first sections 13a, 13b of the portions 8a, 8b of the sheets 6a, 6b engage the sides 10a, 10b of the bonding area 10, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 .

The non-working needle 1a does not participate in the transfer of the knitting loop 9, and the non-working needle 1a can be used to reduce the degree of elastic deformation of the portion 8a of the sheet 6a of the adjacent release needle 1 when it leaves the corresponding side 7a of the release needle 1, thereby reducing the transferred The stresses experienced by the knitting loop 9 and the other sheet 6b. This can be achieved by limiting the front extension or eliminating the portion of the strip 21 that is directly below the knitting forming plane 21, so that the portion 8a, 8b of the foil 6a, 6b of each needle can be moved exactly to the working position by the elastic reaction force, while It is not withdrawn upwards with respect to the knitting forming plane 21, and by presetting the bonding area 10 for the needle 1a at the portion 8a of the sheet 6a adjacent to the releasing needle 1, it can The cooperation of the portion 8a of the tab 6a limits or prevents the portion 8a of the tab 6a from bending away from the side 7a of the needle bar 2 . Next, the release needle 1 rises together with the inactive needle 1a, so that the release needle 1 slides inside the knitting ring 9 until the release needle 1 moves against the rest shoulder 17b of the sheet 6b, its part 8b in the active position, and with The contact of the bonded area 10 of the inactive needle 1a continues to limit the separation of the portion 8a of the tab 6a from the side 7a of the release needle 1 . This possibility of using inactive needles 1 a is shown in FIG. 12 , which shows groups of three needles 1 , 1 a , 1 b being actuated sequentially in the direction indicated by arrow 30 . In said figures, for the sake of simplicity, all needles are shown with the corresponding latch 4 open, without altering the fact that the latch 4 can be opened or closed on the head of the needle 3 depending on the working conditions of the needle.

This use of a non-working needle is also possible with the various structural variants of the needle 1 described above.

In order to resist the elastic bending of the parts 8a, 8b, during the widening of the knitting loop 9, other elements of the knitting machine can be used, in addition to having the rear protrusion 18b resting against the head 3 of the receiving needle 1b, Such as sinkers 29 and/or strips 27 .

In practice, as shown in FIG. 14 , by means of a radial movement of the sinker 29 along the cylinder 40 (which can be obtained in a manner known per se) and by means of a lifting movement of the release needle 1 , in the portion 8a of the laminae 6a, 6b After reaching the working position, the sinker 29 can be caused to insert into the space contained between the sides 7a, 7b of the release needle 1 and the parts 8a, 8b of the laminae 6a, 6b, the sinker 29 being arranged on the side of the release needle 1b and is arranged on the side opposite to the release needle 1 of the inactive needle 1a.

Likewise, the area of the strip 21 close to the sinker 29 can be shaped such that after the release pin 1 is lifted after the parts 8a, 8b of the laminae 6a, 6b have moved to the working position by elastic counterforce, the two strips 27 will The indicated area, which is arranged on the side of the receiving needle 1b and on the opposite side of the inactive needle 1a to the releasing needle 1, is positioned between the side 7a, 7b of the releasing needle 1 and the part 8a, 8b of the lamellae 6a, 6b contained in the space.

In both cases, the sinker 29 and/or the strip 27 cooperates with the rear protrusion 18a, 18b of the second part 14a, 14b of the part 8a, 8b of the sheet 6a, 6b, ensuring that the part 8a, 8b is prevented from being damaged by the knitting loop. 9 to press against the needle bar 2 of the release needle 1.

In order to transfer the knitting loop 9 not to the adjacent needle 1b arranged on the right of the needle 1 but to the adjacent needle arranged on the left in the figure, it is sufficient to actuate said needle arranged on the left as described above with reference to the receiving needle 1b. carry on.

Of course, if the needles according to the invention are used in a disc knitting machine with cylinder and dial, the needles move radially outwards instead of rising and radially inwards instead of lowering.

Based on the above description given with reference to a single-bed circular knitting machine, the kinematic changes imparted to the needles can in any case be derived directly with reference to the knitting machine to which the needles according to the invention are mounted.

The specific structure of the needles according to the invention allows to provide the needles according to the invention with a reduced thickness, thus allowing their use in high precision (above 18 needles per inch) knitting machines.

It should be noted that the needles according to the invention can advantageously be used on double-bed knitting machines to transfer knitting structures from one needle bed to another, and also to transfer knitting structures from one needle of one needle bed to the other. To adjacent needles of the same needle bed, without the need for relative motion between the needle beds, thus avoiding the precision and complexity problems that these motions bring.

Moreover, the use of the needles according to the invention to be able to transfer the stitches from either side of the needles actuatable in alternating motion of the knitting machine allows the knit regions of the resulting knitwear to have any shape that increases or decreases the stitches, thereby improving Its quality and finish.

It has been found in practice that the needle according to the invention fully achieves the intended purpose, since by limiting the sliding between the elastically bendable portion of the sheet and the head of the adjacent needle to which the knitting tissue or loop is to be transferred, Wear on these components is reduced, resulting in long-term needle reliability.

Moreover, during the transfer of the knitted tissue or the knitted loop, the heads of the adjacent needles are covered by the elastically bendable portion of the sheet of the releasing needle, ensuring high precision and reliability in the transfer operation of the knitted tissue or the knitted loop.

Another advantage of the needle according to the invention is that it is possible to prevent the elastically bendable portion of the sheet from being pressed against the shank of the needle due to the effect of the transferred knitting tissue or knitting ring, and/or by means of an adjacent needle or by means of a needle. Mounted to other elements of the knitting machine, it prevents or limits the elastically bendable portion of the sheet from being separated from the needle bar that must release the knitting tissue or the knitting loop needle, thus allowing a high degree of versatility in actuation and use.

The needle thus conceived is subject to numerous modifications and variants, all within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may further be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

In fact, the materials used as well as the dimensions can be arbitrary according to requirements and the state of the art.

This application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No. MI2008A000121, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

When technical features indicated in the claims are followed by reference signs, these reference signs are included only to increase the intelligibility of these claims, and therefore these reference signs are exemplified by these reference signs The interpretation of each component determined by the manner is not in any way restrictive.

Claims (26)

1. A needle for a hosiery knitting machine for transferring knitting tissue from said needle to an adjacent needle, said needle comprising a needle shaft (2), a head (3) and a latch (4), The head (3) is arranged at the longitudinal end or upper end of the needle bar (2) and is shaped like a hook open towards the front side of the needle bar (2), and the latch (4) is close to The head (3) is hinged to the needle bar (2) about a pivot axis (4a) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the needle bar (2), and about the pivot axis (4a) ) is rotatable to open or close said head (3), characterized in that said needle comprises at least one blade (6a, 6b) connected to said needle shaft (2) and (2) has a portion (8a, 8b) on each of its opposite sides (7a, 7b) below said latch (4), said portion being elastically bendable from a rest position to an active position, In the rest position, the part is closer to the corresponding side (7a, 7b) of the needle bar (2), in the working position, the part is closer to the corresponding side (7a, 7a) of the needle bar (2). , 7b) apart; in the working position, the elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of the sheet (6a, 6b) is opposed to the sheet (6a) fitted on the needle bar (2). , 6b) at the elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of the knitting loop (9) widened, and the head (3) of the adjacent needle can be inserted in the sheet (6a) in the working position , 6b) in the space contained between the elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) and the corresponding side (7a, 7b) of the needle bar (2), to pick up by the adjacent needle (1b) said knitting ring (9); said sheets (6a, 6b) rest against said needles at least with their ends directed towards said head (3) in the region located in front of said head (3) On the corresponding side (7a, 7b) of the bar (2), on the opposite side with respect to the corresponding side (7a, 7b) of the needle bar (2), the elastically elastic The curved portion (8a, 8b) has an area which can be superimposed laterally on the head (3) of said adjacent needle (1b) which is inserted in said sheet (6a) in said working position. , 6b) in the space contained between said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) and the corresponding side (7a, 7b) of said needle bar (2). 2. Needle according to claim 1, characterized in that the lamella (6a, 6b) has for each side (7a, 7b) of the needle shaft (2) a lower region (20a, 20b), said lower region is positioned to be attached to and fixed on a corresponding side (7a, 7b) of said needle bar (2); a middle region, said middle region constituting said movable an elastically curved portion (8a, 8b); and an upper region (11a, 11b) terminating in the corresponding side (7a, 7a, 1b) of said sheet (6a, 6b) resting against said needle bar (2). 7b) on the upper end (12a, 12b). 3. Needle according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the lower regions (20a, 20b) of the lamellae (6a, 6b) are fixed to the needle shaft (2) in corresponding recesses. Corresponds to the sides (7a, 7b). 4. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said lamellae (6a, 6b) is located in said lamina (6a, 6b) In front of said lower region (20a, 20b). 5. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said lamina (6a, 6b) in the absence of a force acting on it From its lower end it consists of: a first section (13a, 13b), said first section being folded away from the corresponding side (7a, 7b) of said needle bar (2); a second section (14a, 14b), said Said second section is substantially parallel to the corresponding sides (7a, 7b) of said needle bar (2); and a third section (15a, 15b), said third section is folded towards the corresponding Sides (7a, 7b); said third section (15a, 15b) is located in front of said head (3). 6. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first segment (13a, 13a, 13b) at least at said second section (14a, 14b) close to said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said lamella (6a, 6b) is arranged forwardly with respect to said head (3) . 7. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said area which can be superimposed laterally on the head (3) of said adjacent needle (1b) is formed by said lamina (6a, 6b) defined by the rear protrusion (18a, 18b) of the second section (14a, 14b) of the elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b). 8. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first segment (13a, 13a, 13b) defines a seat for said latch (4) of said adjacent needle (1b), thereby preventing its latch (4) from moving relative to said needle of said adjacent needle (1b). The lever (2) turns about a pivot axis (4a). 9. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said lamina (6a, 6b) has, on its front side, a supporting shoulders. 10. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support shoulder is formed by said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said sheet (6a, 6b). The upper side of the nose portion (16a, 16b) of the second section (14a, 14b) is defined. 11. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said sheet (6a, 6b) can cooperate with the setting of said knitting machine in An element on one side of the needle (1) so as to hold or transfer the elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of the sheet (6a, 6b) in the rest position and to be compatible with the knitting Said elements of the machine are disengaged, thereby transferring said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said sheet (6a, 6b) to said working position. 12. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said lamina (6a, 6b) can cooperate with the setting of said knitting machine in An element on one side of the needle (1), thereby holding the elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of the foil (6a, 6b) in the working position. 13. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said lamellae (6a, 6b) can cooperate with that of an adjacent needle (1b). side (7), thereby transferring or maintaining said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said sheet (6a, 6b) into said rest position. 14. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said sheet (6a, 6b) is compatible with a The sides of the seat in the needle holder (40) and designed to accommodate the needle (1) cooperate to transfer the elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of the sheet (6a, 6b) to or remain in the rest position as described. 15. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said lamina (6a, 6b) can be combined with said needle holder (40 ) cooperating with a portion of the side defining the seat for receiving an adjacent needle, thereby transferring or maintaining said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said sheet (6a, 6b) into said working position. 16. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said lamina (6a, 6b) can cooperate with the setting of said knitting machine in The sinker (24) on the side of the needle (1), thereby transferring or maintaining the elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of the sheet (6a, 6b) in the rest position, or Said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said sheet (6a, 6b) remains in said working position. 17. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that between said latch (4) and said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said lamina (6a, 6b) Between the ends pointing to the head (3), the needle bar (2) has the elastically bendable portion ( 8a, 8b) Combined binding region (10). 18. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said joining zone (10) is shaped like a wedge tapering towards said head (3) of said needle (1). 19. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the region of said needle in which said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said lamina (6a, 6b) is arranged along said The front-rear direction of the needle (1) has an increased occupied space towards the front side of the needle (1) relative to the adjacent area; the bonding area (10) has a front surface (10c) which is relatively The longitudinal axis of the needle bar (2) is inclined so that the area of the needle bar (2) provided with the elastically bendable parts (8a, 8b) of the lamellae (6a, 6b) is frontally aligned with the upper adjacent areas are combined. 20. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said joining zone (10) is bounded laterally by side faces (10a, 10b), at least for a section from its upper end, Said sides are shaped like planes inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of said needle shaft (2) and gradually approaching each other towards said head (3). 21. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower end of said binding area (10) is larger than that of said needle shaft (2) adjacent to said binding area (10). The distance between the opposite sides (7a, 7b) in the region is wide. 22. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said lamina (6a, 6b) is directed towards said head (3) The upper end (12a, 12b) of the upper end (12a, 12b) is connected to the bonding area (10) near the base of the bonding area (10). 23. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said lamina (6a, 6b) is directed towards said head (3) The upper ends (12a, 12b) of the upper end (12a, 12b) rest so as to be able to slide in the recesses (19a, 19b) formed on the corresponding sides of the said joint area (10) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of said needle shaft (2). 24. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said front surface (10c) of said binding zone (10) has an arc near the base of said binding zone (10) Form joint part. 25. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first segment (13a, 13a, 13b) slidably engages the sides (10a, 10b) of the bonding area (10) of an adjacent needle (1b) such that after said needle (1) is moved longitudinally relative to the adjacent needle (1b), said sheet Said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of (6a, 6b) is transferred from said operative position to said inoperative position. 26. Needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastically bendable portion (8a, 8b) of said needle shaft (2) located in said lamellae (6a, 6b) The part between said head (3) has a front cut so as to avoid interference with said elastically bendable part (8a, 8b) of said foil (6a, 6b) of an adjacent needle (1b).

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