Circular knitting machine and a method for moving the needles of a circular knitting machine

Abstract

A circular textile knitting machine includes a drive chain for each needle inserted in a respective longitudinal groove, located below a respective needle and operatively interposed between the respective needle and actuating cams. The drive chain includes a sub-needle arranged below the needle and engaged with the needle to be axially moved in the respective longitudinal groove together with the needle. The sub-needle includes a movable butt radially movable between an operating position, in which it is extracted to be engaged with respective first paths defined by first actuating cams and cause activation of the needle, and a non-operating position, in which it is retracted to not be engaged with the first paths. A selector is partly located below the sub-needle and partly alongside the sub-needle and is configured for oscillating between an active position, in which it pushes the movable butt into the operating position, and a rest position, in which it allows the movable butt to return into the non-operating position. The selector is axially uncoupled from the sub-needle and from the needle in a manner such that the needle and the sub-needle are never pushed or pulled axially by the selector. A selecting device acts upon command on the selectors so as to cause the passage thereof into the active position.