A THREAD FEED MECHANISM FOR CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINES

1293637 Knitting-machines E M NEBEL 18 March 1970 [18 March 1969] 12908/70 Heading D1C A circular knitting-machine) feed for, e.g. elastic rubber threads comprises a feed regulator from which the thread passes over an element which actuates a highly sensitive switch so that when the thread tension drops below a preadjustable value the thread feed regulator stops and when it rises again through this value the feed recommences. Rubber thread from package 2 passes over deflecting roller 4 through a vertically movable control arm 5 and over a feed regulator 6 comprising two taper rolls of which one is fast on a hollow shaft 7 freely rotatable but not movable axially. Within shaft 7 is a shaft 9 carrying gear wheel 10 which meshes with a second gear wheel 11 driven through a flexible, drive from the knitting machine. Wheel 10 carries one part 13 of a clutch which is engaged and disengaged with the lower part 14 of shaft 7 when wheel 10 is raised and lowered by electromagnet 15 and spring 16. In leaving regulator 6, the thread 1 passes over rollers 19, 18, 20 and a roller 22 carried on a lever 26. When the machine stops using thread, lever 26 rises and engages stop 22a the tension on roller 18 drops and a switch 17 associated with it is actuated to energize elecetromagnet 15 and stop the thread by releasing the clutch. At the same time brake 21 is actuated to stop shaft 7. When tension increases or decreases, lever 26 is lowered or raised and lever 5 is raised or lowered to increase or decrease the rate of thread feed by moving the thread on the rollers.