Double sinker, circular knitting machine and knitting method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a double sinker, a circular knitting machine and a knitting method, which can suppress the protrusion of the laid yarn on the surface of the basic knitted fabric even when the state of the yarn, the state of the double sinker and the surrounding environment change; the double sinker is composed of a first sinker and a second sinker, and their bases are inserted into the same sinker groove of the circular knitting machine; the first sinker has an upper support part for supporting the laid yarn, the face yarn and the ground yarn and a lower support part located below the upper support part; the second sinker has an insertion part for inserting the loop of the laid yarn and a second sinker acting part for pressing the laid yarn and the face yarn; the upper end face of the insertion part is arranged below the upper end face of the upper support part and above the upper end face of the lower support part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a double sinker, a circular knitting machine, and a knitting method. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a double-sided fleece knitted fabric is known in which a loop is formed on the back surface of a base knitted fabric knitted from a tie-in yarn and a knit-in yarn by a lay-in yarn. The double-sided fleece knitted fabric is knitted by a circular knitting machine having a double sinker composed of two sinkers. The lay-in yarn, the tie-in yarn, and the knit-in yarn are sequentially supplied to the circular knitting machine. The lay-in yarn is supplied between the knitting needle and the double sinker. The lay-in yarn is pushed by one sinker toward the knitting needle. As a result, a loop is formed in the lay-in yarn by the knitting needle and the one sinker. Next, the tie-in yarn is supplied to the hook of the knitting needle. The tie-in yarn is wound around the loop of the lay-in yarn by the knitting needle. Then, the knit-in yarn is supplied to the hook of the knitting needle, and the knit-in yarn supplied to the knitting needle is wound around the old loop together with the tie-in yarn.

[0003] In the knitting method of the above double-sided fleece knitted fabric, the lay-in yarn is not pushed by the sinker from the time when it is wound around the tie-in yarn until the tie-in yarn and the knit-in yarn are wound around the old loop. That is, the loop of the lay-in yarn becomes loose. Therefore, when the tie-in yarn and the knit-in yarn are wound around the old loop, the root of the loop of the lay-in yarn may be pulled into the old loop by the tie-in yarn. When the root of the loop of the lay-in yarn is pulled into the old loop, the root of the loop of the lay-in yarn may protrude from the surface of the base knitted fabric in the double-sided fleece knitted fabric. For such a double-sided fleece knitted fabric, a knitting method is known in which the loop of the lay-in yarn does not protrude from the surface of the base knitted fabric, such as the knitting method disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a knitting method in which, during the period from when the tie-in yarn is wound around the lay-in yarn by the lowering of the knitting needle until the knitting needle rises to hook the knit-in yarn, the loop of the lay-in yarn is pressed by a tuft yarn (lay-in yarn) pressing section provided in one of the double sinkers so that the lay-in yarn does not become loose. Accordingly, the root of the loop of the lay-in yarn is less likely to be pulled into the loop of the tie-in yarn when the knitting needle rises. In addition, Patent Document 1 discloses another knitting method in which, from the time when the tie-in yarn is wound around the loop of the lay-in yarn until the tie-in yarn and the knit-in yarn are wound around the old loop, one sinker is brought into contact with the root of the loop of the lay-in yarn so that the lay-in yarn does not become loose.

[0005] [Prior Art Documents]

[0006] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-19943. Summary of the Invention

[0008] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0009] In the knitting method of a double-sided fleece knitted fabric by double sinkers disclosed in Patent Document 1, the movement of the laid-in yarn is suppressed by the frictional force between the laid-in yarn and the sinker. The frictional force between the laid-in yarn and the sinker varies depending on the surface states of the laid-in yarn and the sinker, the contact state between the laid-in yarn and the sinker, the temperature, the humidity, the presence or absence of a lubricant, etc. Therefore, even if the knitting method is adjusted so that the root of the loop of the laid-in yarn does not protrude from the surface of the base knitted fabric, there may be a case where the root of the loop of the laid-in yarn protrudes from the surface of the base knitted fabric due to changes in the states of the laid-in yarn and the sinker and the state of the surrounding environment. In addition, in the above knitting method, the sinker is separated from the laid-in yarn when the face yarn and the ground yarn are pulled downward by the knitting needle below the upper end of the sinker. Therefore, there may be a case where the loop of the laid-in yarn is drawn into the old loop and the root of the loop of the laid-in yarn protrudes from the surface of the base knitted fabric.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a knitting method of a double-sided fleece knitted fabric as described above such that the root of the loop of the laid-in yarn does not protrude from the surface of the base knitted fabric even when the states of the laid-in yarn, the face yarn, and the ground yarn, the state of the double sinker, and the surrounding environment change.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a double sinker, a circular knitting machine having the double sinker, and a knitting method of a double-sided fleece knitted fabric by the circular knitting machine having the double sinker, which can suppress the protrusion of the laid-in yarn on the surface of the base knitted fabric even when the states of the laid-in yarn, the face yarn, and the ground yarn, the state of the double sinker, and the surrounding environment change.

[0012] [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0013] The inventors of the present application have explored a double sinker, a circular knitting machine having the double sinker, and a knitting method of a double-sided fleece knitted fabric by the circular knitting machine having the double sinker, which can suppress the protrusion of the laid-in yarn on the surface of the base knitted fabric even when the states of the laid-in yarn, the face yarn, and the ground yarn, the state of the double sinker, and the surrounding environment change. After in-depth exploration, the inventors of the present application came up with the following constitution.

[0014] A double sinker according to an embodiment of the present invention is used in a circular knitting machine to knit a double-sided fleece fabric. The double-sided fleece fabric is knitted from a ground yarn and a face yarn to form a basic fabric, and loops of the laid yarn are formed on the back of the basic fabric by winding the laid yarn with the face yarn.

[0015] The double sinker is composed of a first sinker and a second sinker which are plate-shaped members. The bases of the first sinker and the second sinker are both located in the same sinker groove of the circular knitting machine, and the first sinker and the second sinker can move independently of each other in the radial direction of the rotating cylinder of the circular knitting machine. The first sinker has: an upper support portion extending in the radial direction of the rotating cylinder from the base of the first sinker to support the laid yarn, the face yarn, and the ground yarn; and a lower support portion located below the upper support portion. The second sinker has: an insertion portion extending in the radial direction of the rotating cylinder from the base of the second sinker and capable of being inserted into the loop of the laid yarn; and a second sinker acting portion extending upward from the proximal end of the insertion portion to push the laid yarn and the face yarn. In the second sinker, the upper end surface of the insertion portion is located below the upper end surface of the upper support portion of the first sinker and above the upper end surface of the lower support portion of the first sinker.

[0016] As described above, when the first sinker moves outward in the radial direction of the rotating cylinder, the laid yarn, the face yarn, and the ground yarn supported by the upper support portion fall onto the lower support portion. The insertion portion of the second sinker is inserted into the loop of the laid yarn that has fallen from the upper support portion by moving inward in the radial direction of the rotating cylinder. Since the upper end surface of the insertion portion of the second sinker is located below the upper end surface of the upper support portion, the insertion portion of the second sinker can move inward in the radial direction of the rotating cylinder until the loop of the laid yarn reaches the position of the insertion portion. In addition, the insertion portion pushes the loop of the laid yarn inward in the radial direction of the rotating cylinder by moving a certain amount inward in the radial direction of the rotating cylinder. That is, the second sinker surely pulls the loop of the laid yarn a certain amount toward the back of the basic fabric knitted from the face yarn and the ground yarn. Therefore, even if the states of the laid yarn, the face yarn, the ground yarn, the state of the double sinker, and the surrounding environment change, the double sinker can suppress the protrusion of the laid yarn on the surface of the basic fabric.

[0017] From another aspect, it is more preferable that the double sinker of the present invention has the following configuration. The first sinker has a first sinker acting portion at the front end portion of the upper support portion, and the first sinker acting portion pushes out the loop of the laid yarn in a state where the loop of the laid yarn is inserted into the insertion portion of the second sinker.

[0018] As described above, while the yarn loop of the laid yarn is being withdrawn from the insertion portion of the second sinker, it is pushed radially inward of the rotary cylinder by the first sinker action portion of the first sinker. That is, since the yarn loop of the laid yarn is made to disengage from the insertion portion of the second sinker while maintaining the state of being pushed radially inward of the rotary cylinder by the first sinker action portion, a slack condition does not occur. Therefore, even if the state of the laid yarn, the state of the face yarn, the state of the ground yarn, the state of the double sinker, and the surrounding environment change, the double sinker can suppress the protrusion of the laid yarn on the surface of the base fabric.

[0019] From another viewpoint, it is more preferable that the double sinker of the present invention has the following configuration. The first sinker action portion extends in the radial direction of the rotary cylinder and has an outer edge that has no depression from the upper end face to the lower end face when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the first sinker. The end face of the second sinker action portion facing radially inward of the rotary cylinder is connected to the upper end face of the insertion portion and, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the second sinker, is arranged to extend below and above the upper end face of the upper support portion. The upper end face of the insertion portion is located below the upper end face of the upper support portion and above the lower end face of the upper support portion.

[0020] Due to the formation of the configuration as described above, the second sinker inserts the insertion portion into the yarn loop of the laid yarn by moving radially inward of the rotary cylinder. Correspondingly, the second sinker tightens the yarn loop of the laid yarn by the second sinker action portion. In addition, the first sinker smoothly pushes out the yarn loop of the laid yarn from the insertion portion of the second sinker by the first sinker action portion. In addition, the first sinker moves the yarn loop of the laid yarn to the lower support portion of the first sinker. Accordingly, even if the state of the laid yarn, the state of the face yarn, the state of the ground yarn, the state of the double sinker, and the surrounding environment change, the double sinker can suppress the protrusion of the laid yarn on the surface of the base fabric.

[0021] According to another aspect, it is more preferable that the circular knitting machine with the aforementioned double sinkers has a configuration including the following. With the aforementioned face yarn wound with the aforementioned yarn laying and the aforementioned ground yarn supplied being pulled downward by the knitting needles of the aforementioned circular knitting machine to a position lower than the upper support portion of the aforementioned first sinker, the aforementioned first sinker moves toward the radially outer side of the aforementioned rotating cylinder in a state where the aforementioned face yarn and the aforementioned ground yarn are supported by the aforementioned upper support portion, and the aforementioned first sinker causes the aforementioned face yarn and the aforementioned ground yarn to fall from the aforementioned upper support portion to the aforementioned lower support portion. Correspondingly, the aforementioned second sinker moves toward the radially inner side of the aforementioned rotating cylinder, and the aforementioned second sinker causes the aforementioned insertion portion to insert into the loop of the aforementioned yarn laying. The aforementioned second sinker presses the loop of the aforementioned yarn laying toward the radially inner side of the aforementioned rotating cylinder through the aforementioned second sinker action portion.

[0022] As described above, the circular knitting machine with the aforementioned double sinkers causes the aforementioned first sinker to move toward the radially outer side of the aforementioned rotating cylinder. Accordingly, the circular knitting machine causes the aforementioned yarn laying, the aforementioned face yarn, and the aforementioned ground yarn supported by the upper support portion of the aforementioned first sinker to fall to the lower support portion of the aforementioned first sinker. In addition, the circular knitting machine causes the aforementioned second sinker to move toward the radially inner side of the aforementioned rotating cylinder. Accordingly, the circular knitting machine causes the insertion portion of the aforementioned second sinker, which is located below the upper end surface of the upper support portion of the aforementioned first sinker, to insert into the loop of the aforementioned yarn laying that has fallen from the upper support portion of the aforementioned first sinker.

[0023] The circular knitting machine presses the loop of the aforementioned yarn laying toward the radially inner side of the aforementioned rotating cylinder by a predetermined moving amount through the insertion portion of the aforementioned second sinker. That is, the circular knitting machine pulls the loop of the aforementioned yarn laying toward the back surface of the aforementioned basic knitted fabric woven by the aforementioned face yarn by a predetermined amount. Accordingly, even if the states of the aforementioned yarn laying, the aforementioned face yarn, the aforementioned ground yarn, the states of the aforementioned double sinkers, and the surrounding environment change, the circular knitting machine with the aforementioned double sinkers can suppress the protrusion of the aforementioned yarn laying on the surface of the aforementioned basic knitted fabric.

[0024] According to another aspect, it is more preferable that the circular knitting machine with the aforementioned double sinkers has a configuration including the following. The aforementioned second sinker with the aforementioned insertion portion correctly inserted into the loop of the aforementioned yarn laying moves toward the radially outer side of the aforementioned rotating cylinder, and the aforementioned first sinker moves toward the radially inner side of the aforementioned rotating cylinder. And the aforementioned first sinker prevents the loop of the aforementioned yarn laying from moving toward the radially outer side of the aforementioned rotating cylinder through the first sinker action portion of the aforementioned first sinker.

[0025] As described above, the circular knitting machine having the aforementioned double sinkers causes the insertion portion of the aforementioned second sinker to withdraw from the yarn loop of the aforementioned laid-in yarn. At this time, the circular knitting machine presses the yarn loop of the aforementioned laid-in yarn toward the radially inner side of the aforementioned rotating needle cylinder through the first sinker action portion of the aforementioned first sinker. That is, since the laid-in yarn is separated from the insertion portion of the aforementioned second sinker while maintaining the state of being pressed toward the radially inner side of the aforementioned rotating needle cylinder through the first sinker action portion, the situation of slack does not occur. Therefore, even if the state of the aforementioned laid-in yarn, the state of the aforementioned face yarn, the state of the aforementioned ground yarn, the state of the aforementioned double sinkers, and the surrounding environment change, the circular knitting machine having the aforementioned double sinkers can suppress the protrusion of the aforementioned laid-in yarn on the surface of the aforementioned base fabric.

[0026] From another aspect, it is more preferable that the knitting method of the double-sided fleece fabric by the circular knitting machine having the aforementioned double sinkers and using the laid-in yarn, the face yarn, and the ground yarn includes the following steps.

[0027] In the laid-in yarn loop forming step included in the aforementioned knitting method, in a state where the aforementioned second sinker is moved more toward the radially outer side of the aforementioned rotating needle cylinder than the knitting needles of the aforementioned circular knitting machine and the aforementioned knitting needles are moved more upward than the upper support portion of the aforementioned first sinker, the aforementioned laid-in yarn is supplied to a position higher than the upper support portion of the aforementioned first sinker and between the aforementioned knitting needles and the aforementioned second sinker. And, the aforementioned laid-in yarn is pressed toward the radially inner side of the aforementioned rotating needle cylinder to a position exceeding the aforementioned knitting needles by the second sinker action portion of the aforementioned second sinker to form the yarn loop of the aforementioned laid-in yarn.

[0028] In the face yarn loop forming step included in the aforementioned knitting method, the aforementioned face yarn is supplied to a position higher than the aforementioned second sinker and the aforementioned second sinker is moved toward the radially outer side of the aforementioned rotating needle cylinder. Then, the aforementioned face yarn is pulled downward by the aforementioned knitting needles to a position lower than the upper end surface of the upper support portion of the aforementioned first sinker. Then, the aforementioned laid-in yarn and the aforementioned face yarn are pressed toward the radially inner side of the aforementioned rotating needle cylinder to a position exceeding the aforementioned knitting needles by the aforementioned second sinker action portion. And, the aforementioned knitting needles are raised to the aforementioned upper support portion, and the aforementioned face yarn is wound around the aforementioned laid-in yarn to form the yarn loop of the aforementioned face yarn at a position more radially outer of the aforementioned rotating needle cylinder of the aforementioned laid-in yarn.

[0029] In the ground yarn loop forming step included in the aforementioned knitting method, the aforementioned second sinker is moved toward the radially outer side of the aforementioned rotating needle cylinder, and the aforementioned ground yarn is supplied to a position higher than the upper support portion of the aforementioned first sinker. And, the aforementioned face yarn and the aforementioned ground yarn are pulled downward by the aforementioned knitting needles to a position lower than the upper end surface of the upper support portion of the aforementioned first sinker to form the yarn loop of the aforementioned ground yarn.

[0030] The knitting steps included in the foregoing knitting method cause the foregoing first sinker to move toward the radially outer side of the foregoing rotating cylinder, causing the foregoing feed yarn, the foregoing face yarn, and the foregoing ground yarn to disengage from the upper support portion of the foregoing first sinker. Further, the foregoing face yarn and the foregoing ground yarn are pulled downward by the foregoing knitting needles to a position lower than the lower support portion of the foregoing first sinker, causing the foregoing face yarn and the foregoing ground yarn to be wound around the formed old loops supported by the lower support portion of the foregoing first sinker.

[0031] The feed yarn adjustment step included in the foregoing knitting method, when causing the foregoing feed yarn, the foregoing face yarn, and the foregoing ground yarn to disengage from the upper support portion of the foregoing first sinker in the foregoing knitting step, causes the insertion portion of the foregoing second sinker to be inserted into the yarn loop of the foregoing feed yarn. Further, the yarn loop of the foregoing feed yarn is pressed toward the radially inner side of the foregoing rotating cylinder by the second sinker action portion of the foregoing second sinker.

[0032] The new loop formation step included in the foregoing knitting method causes the foregoing second sinker to move toward the radially outer side of the foregoing rotating cylinder, and causes the foregoing first sinker to move toward the radially inner side of the foregoing rotating cylinder. The yarn loop of the foregoing feed yarn is disengaged from the insertion portion of the foregoing second sinker by the first sinker action portion of the foregoing first sinker, and the yarn loop of the foregoing feed yarn is pressed toward the radially inner side of the foregoing rotating cylinder to a position beyond the foregoing knitting needles, thereby forming a new loop formed by the foregoing face yarn and the foregoing ground yarn.

[0033] As described above, the knitting method for a double-sided fleece fabric performed by a circular knitting machine having the foregoing double sinkers includes a feed yarn loop formation step, a face yarn loop formation step, a ground yarn loop formation step, a knitting step, a feed yarn adjustment step, and a new loop formation step. In the feed yarn adjustment step, by causing the foregoing first sinker to move toward the radially outer side of the foregoing rotating cylinder, the yarn loop of the foregoing feed yarn supported by the upper support portion of the foregoing first sinker falls to the lower support portion of the foregoing first sinker. The insertion portion of the foregoing second sinker is inserted into the yarn loop of the foregoing feed yarn by causing the foregoing second sinker to move toward the radially inner side of the foregoing rotating cylinder. Further, by causing the foregoing second sinker to move a predetermined amount toward the radially inner side of the foregoing rotating cylinder, the yarn loop of the foregoing feed yarn is pulled a predetermined amount toward the radially inner side of the foregoing rotating cylinder. That is, the yarn loop of the foregoing feed yarn is surely pulled a predetermined amount toward the back surface of the foregoing base fabric knitted by the foregoing face yarn. Accordingly, even if the states of the foregoing feed yarn, the foregoing face yarn, and the foregoing ground yarn, the states of the foregoing double sinkers, and the surrounding environment change, the foregoing knitting method can suppress the protrusion of the foregoing feed yarn on the surface of the foregoing base fabric. Here, the highly relevant description indicates the vertical positional relationship when the first sinker and the second sinker are inserted into one sinker groove.

[0034] The technical terms used in this specification are for the purpose of defining specific embodiments only, and are not used to limit the present invention by means of the foregoing technical terms.

[0035] As used in this specification, "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more of the related listed components.

[0036] In this specification, the use of "including", "comprising", or "having" and variations thereof is used to indicate the presence of the described features, processes, elements, components, and / or equivalents thereof, and may also include one or more of the steps, actions, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0037] In this specification, terms such as "mounted", "connected", "coupled", and / or equivalents thereof are used in a broad sense and include both "directly" and "indirectly" mounting, connecting, and coupling. Additionally, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but may include direct or indirect connections or couplings.

[0038] All terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms), unless otherwise defined, have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0039] Terms that are commonly used and defined in a dictionary should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the context of the related art and this specification, and are not to be interpreted in an ideal or extreme form even if not explicitly defined in this specification.

[0040] The description of the present invention is understood to disclose several techniques and processes. These techniques and processes each have individual effects, and in addition, one or more of the disclosed techniques or all of the techniques may be used together as appropriate.

[0041] Therefore, for clarity, in the description of the present invention, unnecessary listing of all possible combinations of each step is avoided as much as possible. However, this specification and the claims should be interpreted as including such combinations within the scope of the present invention.

[0042] This specification describes embodiments of a double sinker, a circular knitting machine having a double sinker, and a method of knitting a double-sided fleece fabric using a circular knitting machine having a double sinker.

[0043] In the following description, several specific examples are described to enable a complete understanding of the present invention. However, it is obvious that even if these specific examples are not fully listed, those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains should be able to practice the present invention.

[0044] Accordingly, the following disclosure should be regarded as illustrative of the present invention and not as limiting the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the following drawings or description.

[0045] [Double-sided fleece fabric]

[0046] In this specification, the so-called double-sided fleece fabric refers to a fabric composed of a surface-side yarn loop, a back-side yarn loop, and loop-shaped back-side fleece loops knitted to the back of the fabric. The aforementioned double-sided fleece fabric is knitted with face yarn to form the aforementioned surface-side yarn loops, with ground yarn to form the aforementioned back-side yarn loops, and with laying-in yarn to form the aforementioned back-side fleece loops. The aforementioned double-sided fleece fabric is knitted by winding the aforementioned face yarn around the aforementioned laying-in yarn and then overlapping the aforementioned ground yarn on the aforementioned face yarn.

[0047] [Yarn loop]

[0048] In this specification, the so-called yarn loop refers to a portion formed by bending the middle part of a yarn into a loop shape using knitting needles and sinkers. The yarn loop is formed in the shape of an Ω character with a part of the loop-shaped portion open.

[0049] [Old loop]

[0050] In this specification, the so-called old loop refers to a portion that has been formed into a loop shape through an upstream knitting step. In the aforementioned double-sided fleece fabric, the aforementioned old loop is composed of warp-knitted ground yarn and face yarn. The aforementioned double-sided fleece fabric knits a new loop formed by the aforementioned ground yarn and the aforementioned face yarn into the aforementioned old loop.

[0051] [Laying-in yarn]

[0052] In this specification, the so-called laying-in yarn refers to the yarn of the yarn loop that forms the back-side fleece loops in the knitting of the aforementioned double-sided fleece fabric. When taking the laying-in yarn, face yarn, and ground yarn as the knitting unit, the aforementioned laying-in yarn is the first yarn supplied to the circular knitting machine.

[0053] [Face yarn]

[0054] In this specification, the so-called face yarn refers to the yarn that forms the aforementioned surface-side yarn loops in the knitting of the aforementioned double-sided fleece fabric. The face yarn is the yarn supplied to the circular knitting machine after the laying-in yarn.

[0055] [Ground yarn]

[0056] In this specification, the so-called ground yarn refers to the yarn that forms the aforementioned back-side yarn loops in the knitting of the aforementioned double-sided fleece fabric. The ground yarn is the yarn supplied to the circular knitting machine after the face yarn.

[0057] [Circular knitting machine]

[0058] In this specification, a circular knitting machine refers to a device for manufacturing a tubular knitted fabric. The aforementioned circular knitting machine has a cylindrical rotating needle cylinder (needle bed) and a disc-shaped sinker plate (needle bed), and the rotating needle cylinder rotates while accommodating a plurality of knitting needles. The sinker plate rotates while accommodating a plurality of sinkers. The aforementioned circular knitting machine uses the aforementioned knitting needles and the aforementioned sinkers to knit a tubular knitted fabric. The aforementioned circular knitting machine receives the supply of multiple yarns. The aforementioned circular knitting machine can stack the supplied multiple yarns in a spiral shape and efficiently knit a cylindrical knitted fabric.

[0059] [Entangled (wound around), Entangled by (wound with)]

[0060] In this specification, the so-called "entangled (wound around), entangled by (wound with)" refers to a state in which another yarn contacts the periphery of a certain yarn. When a loop of another yarn passes through a loop of a certain yarn to form a loop of the other yarn, it means that the other yarn is wound around the loop of the certain yarn to form a loop. Since the loops are formed by the entanglement of the yarns, they are subject to certain restrictions such as frictional force, making it difficult for the size of the loops to change.

[0061] [Effects of the Invention]

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, even when the states of the laid-in yarn, the face yarn, the ground yarn, the double sinkers, and the surrounding environment change, it is possible to suppress the protrusion of the laid-in yarn on the surface of the basic knitted fabric. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view showing the main part for knitting of a circular knitting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 2 A side view showing a first sinker inserted into a sinker groove according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 3 A side view showing a second sinker inserted into a sinker groove according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 4 A side view and a top view showing a double sinker inserted into a sinker groove according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 5 A flowchart showing the steps of a knitting method for a double-sided fleece knitted fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 6 A line diagram showing the actions of knitting needles, first sinkers, and second sinkers in a knitting method for a double-sided fleece knitted fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 7 Schematic diagram showing the supply of the laying-in yarn during the laying-in loop formation step.

[0070] Figure 8 Schematic diagram showing the pushing of the laying-in yarn during the laying-in loop formation step and the supply of the face yarn during the face yarn loop formation step.

[0071] Figure 9 Schematic diagram showing the pulling-in of the face yarn during the face yarn loop formation step.

[0072] Figure 10 Schematic diagram showing the pushing of the face yarn during the face yarn loop formation step.

[0073] Figure 11 Schematic diagram showing the supply of the ground yarn during the ground yarn loop formation step.

[0074] Figure 12 Schematic diagram showing the pulling-in of the ground yarn during the ground yarn loop formation step.

[0075] Figure 13 Schematic diagram showing the separation of the laying-in yarn from the upper support portion of the first sinker during the knitting step.

[0076] Figure 14 Schematic diagram showing the winding of the face yarn and the ground yarn around the old loops and the tensioning of the laying-in yarn during the laying-in yarn adjustment step.

[0077] Figure 15 Schematic diagram showing the pushing of the laying-in yarn during the laying-in yarn adjustment step.

[0078] Figure 16 Schematic diagram showing the separation of the yarn loop of the laying-in yarn during the new loop formation step.

[0079] Explanation of reference numerals

[0080] 1: Circular knitting machine

[0081] 2: Frame

[0082] 3: Rotating cylinder

[0083] 3a: Needle groove

[0084] 4: Cam stand for needles

[0085] 5: Cam for needles

[0086] 6: Needle

[0087] 6a: Needle hook

[0088] 6b: Needle tongue

[0089] 6c: Needle protruding portion

[0090] 7: Sinker ring plate

[0091] 7a: Sinker groove

[0092] 8: Sinker cover

[0093] 9: Cam for the first sinker

[0094] 10: Cam for the second sinker

[0095] 11: Double sinker

[0096] 12: First sinker

[0097] 12a: Base of the first sinker

[0098] 12b: Lower support part

[0099] 12c: Upper support part

[0100] 12d: Acting part of the first sinker

[0101] 12e: Groove part

[0102] 12f: Protruding part of the first sinker

[0103] 12g: Upper end face

[0104] 12h: Upper end face

[0105] 13: Second sinker

[0106] 13a: Base of the second sinker

[0107] 13b: Insertion part

[0108] 13c: Acting part of the second sinker

[0109] 13d: Protruding part of the second sinker

[0110] 13e: Upper end face

[0111] 13f: Lower end face

[0112] 14: Yarn guide ring support

[0113] 15: Yarn guide ring

[0114] 16: Yarn guide support

[0115] 17: Yarn guide

[0116] Ar1,Ar2,Ar3,Ar4: Arrow

[0117] k: Ground yarn

[0118] Rk: Loop of the ground yarn

[0119] r: Yarn laying

[0120] Rr: Loop of the yarn laid

[0121] t: Face yarn

[0122] Rt: Loop of the face yarn t

[0123] Ro: Old loop

[0124] Rn: New loop

[0125] P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6: Positions

[0126] S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6: Steps A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J: Marking lines. Detailed implementation manners

[0127] Hereinafter, each implementation manner will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be repeatedly described. In addition, the dimensions of the constituent members in each drawing do not faithfully represent the actual dimensions of the constituent members and the dimensional ratios of the constituent members, etc.

[0128] <Overall structure of the circular knitting machine 1>

[0129] Using Figures 1 to 3 to illustrate the circular knitting machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the main part of the circular knitting machine 1 for knitting. Figure 2 Side view of the first sinker 12. Figure 3 Side view of the second sinker 13. In this embodiment, Figure 4 Side view of the double sinker 11. The circular knitting machine 1 weaves a double-sided fleece fabric using the yarn laid r, the face yarn t, and the ground yarn k.

[0130] As Figure 1 shown, the circular knitting machine 1 is a knitting machine that weaves a cylindrical knitted fabric. The circular knitting machine 1 mainly includes: a frame 2, a rotating needle cylinder 3, a cam frame 4 for knitting needles, a cam 5 for knitting needles, knitting needles 6, a sinker carrier 7, a sinker cover 8, a cam 9 for the first sinker, a cam 10 for the second sinker, a double sinker 11, a guide ring support 14, a guide ring 15, a guide device support 16, and a guide device 17. The circular knitting machine 1 sets the axis of the rotating needle cylinder 3 to be in the vertical direction.

[0131] The frame 2 supports the main constituent members of the circular knitting machine 1. The frame 2 is configured to be substantially cylindrical. The rotating needle cylinder 3 and the sinker carrier 7 are supported inside the frame 2. In addition, a winding device (not shown), a power source for the rotating needle cylinder 3 (not shown), etc. are also provided inside the frame 2. The sinker cover 8 and the guide ring support 14 are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the frame 2.

[0132] A member that rotates the needle cylinder 3 to continuously move a plurality of knitting needles 6. The needle cylinder 3 is configured to be substantially cylindrical. Further, the needle cylinder 3 is configured to be rotatable about its axis by a power source (not shown). The outer periphery of the needle cylinder 3 has a plurality of needle grooves 3a in the form of grooves for accommodating and guiding the knitting needles 6. The needle grooves 3a extend in the axial direction of the needle cylinder 3. Further, the needle grooves 3a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the needle cylinder 3. That is, the needle grooves 3a are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the needle cylinder 3 at equal central angles with respect to the axis of the needle cylinder 3.

[0133] A member that houses the knitting needle cam 5 for moving the knitting needle 6. The knitting needle cam holder 4 is configured to be substantially cylindrical. The knitting needle cam holder 4 is supported by the frame 2 such that the axis of the knitting needle cam holder 4 coincides with the axis of the needle cylinder 3. Accordingly, when viewed from the axial direction, the inner periphery of the knitting needle cam holder 4 and the outer periphery of the needle cylinder 3 are concentric. The knitting needle cam 5 is detachably housed in the inner periphery of the knitting needle cam holder 4. The knitting needle cam 5 is a cylindrical groove cam that determines the position of the knitting needle 6 in the vertical direction (axial direction of the needle cylinder 3) every time the needle cylinder 3 rotates a predetermined angle. The knitting needle cam 5 is arranged to face the needle grooves 3a of the needle cylinder 3.

[0134] A knitting needle 6 for knitting a yarn into a knitted fabric by passing (winding) the middle portion of the yarn through the old loop Ro. The knitting needle 6 is formed of a plate material. The front end portion of the knitting needle 6 has a needle hook 6a for hooking the yarn. The needle hook 6a is provided with a needle tongue 6b for opening and closing the opening portion. When the opening portion of the needle hook 6a is closed by the needle tongue 6b, the knitting needle 6 cannot hook the yarn with the needle hook 6a. The middle portion of the knitting needle 6 has a knitting needle protrusion 6c that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the long side direction of the knitting needle 6 and protrudes along the plate surface of the plate material. The knitting needles 6 are respectively located in the needle grooves 3a of the needle cylinder 3. Further, the knitting needle protrusions 6c are located in the cam grooves of the knitting needle cam 5. Accordingly, each knitting needle 6 rotates together with the needle cylinder 3 and simultaneously moves up and down along the cam grooves of the knitting needle cam 5.

[0135] The sinker ring 7 is a member that causes a plurality of double sinkers 11 to move continuously. The sinker ring 7 is formed in a substantially disk shape. The sinker ring 7 is fixed to the rotary cylinder 3 and fixed so that the axis of the sinker ring 7 coincides with the axis of the rotary cylinder 3. That is, the sinker ring 7 rotates together with the rotary cylinder 3. The upper surface of the sinker ring 7 has a plurality of sinker grooves 7a in a groove shape for accommodating and guiding the double sinkers 11. Moreover, the sinker grooves 7a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the sinker ring 7. The sinker grooves 7a extend in the radial direction of the sinker ring 7 at equal central angles with the axis of the sinker ring 7 as the center. And the sinker ring 7 is fixed to the rotary cylinder 3 and fixed so that the sinker grooves 7a are located between the adjacent needle grooves 3a of the rotary cylinder 3.

[0136] The sinker cover 8 is a member that houses the first sinker cam 9 and the second sinker cam 10 that cause the double sinkers 11 to move. The sinker cover 8 is formed in a substantially disk shape. The sinker cover 8 is disposed on the frame 2 and disposed so that the axis of the sinker cover 8 coincides with the axis of the rotary cylinder 3. The lower surface of the sinker cover 8 faces the upper surface of the sinker ring 7. The first sinker cam 9 and the second sinker cam 10 are detachably housed under the sinker cover 8. The first sinker cam 9 and the second sinker cam 10 are plate cams that determine the radial position of the double sinkers 11 on the sinker ring 7 at every predetermined rotation angle. The first sinker cam 9 and the second sinker cam 10 are arranged to face the sinker grooves 7a of the sinker ring 7.

[0137] The double sinkers 11 are members that hold the yarn and the old loops Ro supplied to the knitting needles 6 and assist the knitting needles 6 to pass through the old loops Ro. The double sinkers 11 are housed in the plurality of sinker grooves 7a of the sinker ring 7 in a state where they can move separately. And each double sinker 11 is located between the adjacent knitting needles 6 housed in the rotary cylinder 3. The double sinkers 11 are composed of a first sinker 12 and a second sinker 13. Therefore, one first sinker 12 and one second sinker 13 are inserted into one sinker groove 7a.

[0138] The first sinker 12 has a first sinker protrusion 12f that protrudes upward and is higher than the sinker groove 7a (refer to Figure 2 ). Similarly, the second sinker 13 has a second sinker protrusion 13d that protrudes upward and is higher than the sinker groove 7a (refer to Figure 3)。The first sinker protrusion 12f is inserted into the cam groove of the first sinker cam 9. The second sinker protrusion 13d is inserted into the cam groove of the second sinker cam 10. Accordingly, the first sinker 12 and the second sinker 13 rotate with the sinker disk 7. Also, the first sinker 12 and the second sinker 13 are independently moved in the radial direction of the rotary cylinder 3 (the radial direction of the sinker disk 7) by the first sinker cam 9 and the second sinker cam 10, respectively.

[0139] The yarn guide ring support 14 is a member that supports the yarn guide ring 15. The yarn guide ring support 14 is composed of a plurality of rod-shaped members. The yarn guide ring support 14 is fixed in a plurality along the circumferential direction of the frame 2 and is fixed to extend upward from the outer peripheral portion of the frame 2. The yarn guide ring 15 is fixed to the front end portions of the plurality of yarn guide ring supports 14. The yarn guide ring 15 is provided with a plurality of yarn guide supports 16. Further, the yarn guide support 16 is provided with a yarn guide 17 that guides the yarn to the vicinity of the knitting needle 6 and the double sinker 11. The yarn guide 17 is disposed above the knitting needle 6 and the double sinker 11.

[0140] The circular knitting machine 1 configured as such supplies a plurality of yarns to the vicinity of the knitting needle 6 and the double sinker 11 via the plurality of yarn guide supports 16 and the yarn guide 17. The circular knitting machine 1 rotates the rotary cylinder 3 to hook each yarn by the knitting needle 6, and supports the distribution of the yarn and the loops to the knitting needle 6 by the double sinker 11. Further, the circular knitting machine 1 rotates the rotary cylinder 3 to move the knitting needle 6 up and down. Additionally, the circular knitting machine 1 moves the double sinker 11 in the radial direction of the rotary cylinder 3 to wind the plurality of yarns around the old loops Ro and continuously knit a knitted fabric.

[0141] <Double sinker 11>

[0142] Next, Figure 2 and Figure 3 will be used to specifically describe the double sinker 11 for double-sided fleece knitted fabric. Figure 2 Side view of the first sinker 12 that constitutes the double sinker 11. Figure 3 Side view of the second sinker 13 that constitutes the double sinker 11. Figure 4 Side view and top view of the double sinker 11 inserted into the sinker groove 7a. The first sinker 12 and the second sinker 13 are located in the same sinker groove 7a.

[0143] As Figure 2As shown, the first sinker 12 is a plate-shaped member that supports the feed yarn r, the face yarn t, and the ground yarn k. The first sinker 12 has: a first sinker base portion 12a, a lower support portion 12b, an upper support portion 12c, a first sinker acting portion 12d, a groove portion 12e, and a first sinker protruding portion 12f. The first sinker 12 is configured to be movable within the sinker groove 7a of the sinker disk 7 in the direction of arrow Ar1 toward the radially inner side (hereinafter simply referred to as "radially inner side") of the rotary cylinder 3 and in the direction of arrow Ar2 toward the radially outer side (hereinafter simply referred to as "radially outer side") of the rotary cylinder 3.

[0144] The first sinker base portion 12a of the base portion of the first sinker 12 is a plate-shaped portion that serves as the basis for supporting the respective portions of the first sinker 12. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the first sinker 12, the first sinker base portion 12a is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The first sinker base portion 12a is located within the sinker groove 7a. One plate surface of the first sinker base portion 12a is slidably in contact with the side surface of the sinker groove 7a.

[0145] As Figure 4 shown, one plate surface of the other side of the first sinker base portion 12a is slidably in contact with one plate surface of the second sinker base portion 13a of the second sinker 13 (the dotted portion). The lower end surface of the first sinker base portion 12a is slidably in contact with the bottom surface of the sinker groove 7a. That is, the position of the first sinker 12 in the circumferential direction and the vertical direction of the sinker disk 7 is restricted. The rectangular first sinker base portion 12a is thus located within the sinker groove 7a to stabilize the posture and movement state of the first sinker 12.

[0146] Figure 2 The lower support portion 12b shown supports the old loop Ro, the feed yarn r, the face yarn t, and the ground yarn k. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the first sinker 12, the lower support portion 12b is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The lower support portion 12b is located above the first sinker base portion 12a. Further, the lower support portion 12b is arranged such that the long side direction extends from the first sinker base portion 12a toward the radially inner side (the direction of arrow Ar1). The upper end surface 12h of the lower support portion 12b protrudes upward and is higher than the sinker groove 7a. The lower support portion 12b supports the old loop Ro, the feed yarn r, the face yarn t, and the ground yarn k through the upper end surface 12h.

[0147] The upper supporting part 12c supports the part of the sinker yarn r, the face yarn t, and the ground yarn k. When viewed from the side, the upper supporting part 12c is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is shorter than the lower supporting part 12b. The upper supporting part 12c is located above the lower supporting part 12b. Also, the upper supporting part 12c is arranged such that the long side direction is from the first sinker base 12a toward the radially inner side. The upper supporting part 12c supports the sinker yarn r, the face yarn t, and the ground yarn k through the upper end face 12g. In addition, the front end of the upper end face 12g of the upper supporting part 12c has an inclined surface for causing the sinker yarn r, the face yarn t, and the ground yarn k to descend downward. Further, the front end face of the upper supporting part 12c has a first sinker acting part 12d for causing the loop Rr of the sinker yarn r hooked on the second sinker 13 to descend downward.

[0148] When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the first sinker 12, the first sinker acting part 12d has an outer edge that extends along the radial direction without depression from the upper end face 12g of the upper supporting part 12c to the lower end face of the upper supporting part 12c. Accordingly, the first sinker acting part 12d has a function of a guide member for guiding the sinker yarn r, the face yarn t, and the ground yarn k that contact the radially inner end face and the lower end face of the first sinker acting part 12d to the lower supporting part 12b.

[0149] The groove part 12e holds the part of the old loop Ro. The groove part 12e is formed by the upper end face 12h of the lower supporting part 12b and the lower end face of the upper supporting part 12c. That is, the groove part 12e is located between the lower supporting part 12b and the upper supporting part 12c. The groove part 12e holds the old loop Ro with the upper end face 12h of the lower supporting part 12b and the lower end face of the upper supporting part 12c so that the old loop Ro supported on the upper end face 12h of the lower supporting part 12b does not float upward as the knitting needle 6 moves upward.

[0150] The first sinker protrusion 12f is the part that transmits the force from the first sinker cam 9 to the first sinker 12. The first sinker protrusion 12f is located at the middle part of the first sinker base 12a. The first sinker protrusion 12f protrudes upward from the first sinker base 12a along the plate surface of the first sinker 12 and is higher than the sinker groove 7a. The first sinker protrusion 12f is located in the cam groove of the first sinker cam 9.

[0151] Figure 3 The shown second sinker 13 is a plate-like member that presses the sinker yarn r and the ground yarn k. The second sinker 13 has a second sinker base 13a, an insertion part 13b, and a second sinker acting part 13c. The second sinker 13 is configured to be movable in the sinker groove 7a of the sinker carrier 7 in the direction of the arrow Ar1 toward the radially inner side and the direction of the arrow Ar2 toward the radially outer side.

[0152] The second sinker base 13a at the base of the second sinker 13 is a plate-like portion that serves as the foundation for supporting various parts of the second sinker 13. When viewed from the side, the second sinker base 13a is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The second sinker base 13a is located within the sinker groove 7a.

[0153] As Figure 4 shown, one plate surface of the second sinker base 13a is slidably in contact with the other plate surface of the first sinker base 12a. The other plate surface of the second sinker base 13a is slidably in contact with the side surface of the sinker groove 7a. The lower end surface of the second sinker base 13a is slidably in contact with the bottom surface of the sinker groove 7a. That is, the position of the second sinker 13 in the circumferential direction and the vertical direction of the sinker carrier 7 is restricted. The rectangular second sinker base 13a is thus located within the sinker groove 7a to stabilize the posture and movement state of the second sinker 13.

[0154] Figure 3 The insertion portion 13b shown in the figure is a part where the loop Rr of the yarn r can be inserted. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the second sinker base 13a, the insertion portion 13b protrudes radially inward (in the direction of arrow Ar1). The insertion portion 13b has a flat upper end surface 13e and a lower end surface 13f formed as an inclined surface. The lower end surface 13f is arranged as an inclined surface that slopes upward as it goes radially inward. The front end of the insertion portion 13b is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the loop Rr of the yarn r. The insertion portion 13b is located above the second sinker base 13a. Also, the insertion portion 13b extends radially inward from the second sinker base 13a.

[0155] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the second sinker base 13a, the upper end surface 13e of the insertion portion 13b is located below the upper end surface 12g of the upper support portion 12c of the first sinker 12 that has been inserted into the sinker groove 7a. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the second sinker base 13a, the lower end surface 13f of the insertion portion 13b is located above the upper end surface 12h of the lower support portion 12b of the first sinker 12. Due to this configuration, the front end of the insertion portion 13b is included in the range of the inner diameter portion of the loop Rr of the yarn r located between the upper end surface 12g of the upper support portion 12c and the upper end surface 12h of the lower support portion 12b. The insertion portion 13b can insert into the loop Rr of the yarn r immediately after the loop Rr of the yarn r has disengaged from the upper end surface 12g of the upper support portion 12c. Accordingly, the double sinker 11 can increase the time during which the insertion portion 13b can insert into the loop Rr of the yarn r.

[0156] Figure 3The portion where the second sinker acting portion 13c shown presses the feed yarn r and the face yarn t. The second sinker acting portion 13c extends upward and radially inward from the proximal end of the end portion on the side of the second sinker base portion 13a of the insertion portion 13b. That is, the end face of the second sinker acting portion 13c is inclined radially inward. The lower end of the second sinker acting portion 13c is connected to the upper end face 13e of the aforementioned insertion portion 13b. And the second sinker acting portion 13c is arranged to extend below and above the upper end face 12g of the upper support portion 12c of the first sinker 12. Due to such a configuration, the second sinker acting portion 13c inclined radially inward can press the feed yarn r and the face yarn t radially inward of the rotary cylinder 3.

[0157] In addition, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate surfaces of the first sinker 12 and the second sinker 13 inserted into the sinker groove 7a, the second sinker acting portion 13c is arranged to extend from below the upper end face 12g of the upper support portion 12c of the first sinker 12 to above the upper end face 12g. Accordingly, the second sinker acting portion 13c is configured to be able to press the feed yarn r and the face yarn t supported on the upper end face 12g of the upper support portion 12c of the first sinker 12.

[0158] The portion where the second sinker protrusion 13d transmits the force from the second sinker cam 10 to the second sinker 13. When viewed from the side, the second sinker protrusion 13d is formed at a position not overlapping with the first sinker protrusion 12f. In the present embodiment, the second sinker protrusion 13d is formed at the middle portion of the second sinker base portion 13a, but it may be formed at the end portion without limitation. The second sinker protrusion 13d protrudes upward from the second sinker base portion 13a along the plate surface of the second sinker 13 and is higher than the sinker groove 7a. The second sinker protrusion 13d is inserted into the cam groove of the second sinker cam 10.

[0159] <Method of knitting double-sided fleece fabric>

[0160] Next, a method of knitting a double-sided fleece fabric by a circular knitting machine 1 having double sinkers 11 will be described. The double-sided fleece fabric is a fabric in which loops Rr of the feed yarn r are formed on the back surface of the base fabric knitted from the face yarn t and the ground yarn k. The circular knitting machine 1 knits a double-sided fleece fabric from the respective yarns supplied in the order of the feed yarn r, the face yarn t, and the ground yarn k. And the circular knitting machine 1 forms loops of the feed yarn r, the face yarn t, and the ground yarn k using one knitting needle 6, the first sinker 12 on one circumferential side of the rotary cylinder 3 at the position of the one knitting needle 6, and the second sinker 13 on the other circumferential side of the rotary cylinder 3 at the position of the one knitting needle 6.

[0161] Figure 5A diagram showing the flow of each step of the knitting method for a double-sided fleece fabric. Figure 6 A movement line diagram of the knitting needles 6, the first sinker 12, and the second sinker 13 in the knitting method of the double-sided fleece fabric. Figure 7 A diagram showing the state of supplying the laying-in yarn r in the laying-in loop forming step S1. Figure 8 A diagram showing the state of pushing the laying-in yarn r in the laying-in loop forming step S1 and the state of supplying the face yarn t in the face yarn loop forming step S2. Figure 9 A diagram showing the state of pulling in the face yarn t in the face yarn loop forming step S2. Figure 10 A diagram showing the state of pushing the face yarn t in the face yarn loop forming step S2. Figure 11 A diagram showing the state of supplying the ground yarn k in the ground yarn loop forming step S3. Figure 12 A diagram showing the state of pulling in the ground yarn k in the ground yarn loop forming step S3. Figure 13 A diagram showing the state of the yarn separating from the upper support portion 12c of the first sinker 12 in the knitting step S4. Figure 14 A diagram showing the state of the face yarn t and the ground yarn k winding around the old loop Ro in the knitting step S4 and the state of tightening the laying-in yarn r in the laying-in yarn adjustment step S5. Figure 15 A diagram showing the state of pushing the laying-in yarn r in the laying-in yarn adjustment step S5. Figure 16 A diagram showing the state of the yarn loop Rr of the laying-in yarn r separating in the new loop forming step S6.

[0162] The knitting method of the double-sided fleece fabric carried out by the circular knitting machine 1 having the double sinkers 11 includes a laying-in loop forming step S1, a face yarn loop forming step S2, a ground yarn loop forming step S3, a knitting step S4, a laying-in yarn adjustment step S5, and a new loop forming step S6. Figure 6 The dashed line in it is the movement line diagram of the first sinker 12. The solid line is the movement line diagram of the second sinker 13. The two-dot chain line is the movement line diagram of the knitting needle 6. The movement line diagrams of the first sinker 12 and the second sinker 13 show positions moving toward the radially outer side of the circular knitting machine 1 along the direction from the reference line to the arrow Ar3. The movement line diagram of the knitting needle 6 shows a position moving upward of the circular knitting machine 1 along the direction from the reference line to the arrow Ar4.

[0163] As Figures 5 to 7 shown, in the laying-in loop forming step S1, the first sinker 12 is at the forward position P1 which is the radially innermost within the movable range. The second sinker 13 (the dotted part) is at the retracted position P6 which is the radially outermost within the movable range (refer to Figure 6The marking line A) in it. The second sinker 13 is located radially outside compared to the knitting needle 6. The needle hook 6a and the needle tongue 6b are located above the upper support portion 12c of the first sinker 12. At this time, the needle hook 6a and the needle tongue 6b are in the state of the old loop Ro. That is, the knitting needle 6 is located inside the old loop Ro. In this positional relationship, the feed yarn r is supplied from the yarn guide 17 to a position above the upper support portion 12c of the first sinker 12 and between the knitting needle 6 and the second sinker 13. At this time, the feed yarn r is supplied to a position below the opened needle tongue 6b.

[0164] As Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 shown, in the feed yarn loop forming step S1, the second sinker 13 is moved to the forward position P3 (refer to Figure 6 the marking line B) in it. The second sinker action portion 13c of the second sinker 13 is moved to the radially inner side compared to the knitting needle 6. The feed yarn r passes through the second sinker action portion 13c of the second sinker 13 and is pushed to the radially inner side compared to the knitting needle 6. Through the knitting needle 6 and the second sinker 13, a yarn loop Rr is formed on the feed yarn r.

[0165] As Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 9 shown, in the face yarn loop forming step S2, the face yarn t is supplied to a position above the second sinker 13 and to a position below the needle hook 6a of the knitting needle 6 (refer to Figure 8 ). The second sinker 13 is moved to the front intermediate position P4 which is more radially outside than the forward position P3 (refer to Figure 6 the marking line C) in it. The face yarn t is pulled down by the knitting needle 6 to a position lower than the upper end face 12g of the upper support portion 12c of the first sinker 12 in the state where the needle hook 6a of the knitting needle 6 hooks it (refer to Figure 6 the marking line C) in it. At this time, the face yarn t passes under the feed yarn r. The needle tongue 6b of the knitting needle 6 is closed by the old loop Ro. Accordingly, a yarn loop Rt of the face yarn is formed.

[0166] As Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 10 shown, in the face yarn loop forming step S2, the second sinker 13 is moved to the forward position P3 which is more radially inside than the front intermediate position P4 (refer to Figure 6 the marking line D) in it. The feed yarn r and the face yarn t pass through the second sinker action portion 13c and are pushed to the radially inner side compared to the knitting needle 6. At the same time, the face yarn t is lifted to the upper support portion 12c of the first sinker 12 (refer to Figure 6In the marking line D). Accordingly, the yarn loop Rt of the veil t changes from a posture in a substantially vertical direction to a posture in a substantially horizontal direction. In addition, the veil t and the laying-in yarn r are pushed radially inward to a position beyond the knitting needle 6. The latch 6b of the knitting needle 6 is opened by the yarn loop Rt of the veil t.

[0167] As Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 11 shown, in the ground yarn loop forming step S3, the ground yarn k is supplied from the yarn guide 17 to a position above the upper support portion 12c of the first sinker 12 and to a position below the hook 6a of the knitting needle 6 (refer to Figure 6 the marking line E) in

[0168] As Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 12 shown, in the ground yarn loop forming step S3, the second sinker 13 is moved to an intermediate position P5 (refer to Figure 6 the marking line F) in Figure 6 which is more radially outward than the forward position P3. The yarn loop Rt of the veil t and the ground yarn k are pulled down by the knitting needle to a position lower than the upper end surface 12g of the upper support portion 12c of the first sinker 12 (refer to

[0169] the marking line F) in Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 13 shown. At this time, the ground yarn k moves along the inner circumferential surface of the hook 6a and is located radially outside the yarn loop Rt of the veil t. Accordingly, the ground yarn k forms a yarn loop Rk of the ground yarn k on the radially outside of the yarn loop Rt of the veil t. The latch 6b of the knitting needle 6 is closed by the old loop Ro. Figure 6 the marking line G) in Figure 6 which is the radially outermost retracted position P2 within the movable range in the direction of the arrow (refer to

[0170] As Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 14As shown, in the yarn laying adjustment step S5, when the yarn loop Rr of the laying yarn r, the yarn loop Rt of the face yarn t, and the yarn loop Rk of the ground yarn k fall from the upper supporting portion 12c of the first sinker 12 during the knitting step S4, the second sinker 13 is moved in the direction of the arrow toward the advancing position P3 that is more radially inward than the rear intermediate position P5 (refer to Figure 6 the reference line H in

[0171] As Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 15 shown, in the yarn laying r adjustment step, the second sinker 13 is moved to the advancing position P3 that is more radially inward than the rear intermediate position P5 (refer to Figure 6 the reference line I in Figure 6 ). The yarn loop Rr of the laying yarn r is pushed radially inward by the second sinker action portion 13c of the second sinker 13 (refer to

[0172] the reference line I in Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 16 shown, in the new loop formation step S6, the first sinker 12 is moved to the advancing position P1 that is more radially inward than the retracted position P2. Correspondingly, the second sinker 13 is moved in the direction of the arrow toward the outside in the radial direction (refer to Figure 6 the reference line J in

[0173] ). Accordingly, the movement of the yarn loop Rr of the laying yarn r toward the outside in the radial direction is blocked by the first sinker 12. In addition, the yarn loop Rr of the laying yarn r is disengaged from the insertion portion 13b of the second sinker 13, and thus falls from the insertion portion 13b of the second sinker 13 that has been moved to the lower supporting portion 12b of the first sinker 12. The yarn loop Rt of the face yarn t and the yarn loop Rk of the ground yarn k are hooked by the knitting needle 6 to form a new loop Rn. And the yarn loop Rt and the yarn loop Rk become the old loop Ro in the next supply.The insertion part 13b of the second sinker 13 that constitutes the double sinker 11 for double-sided fleece knitted fabric of the circular knitting machine 1 as described above is located below the upper end surface 12g of the upper support part 12c of the first sinker 12 and above the upper end surface 12h of the lower support part 12b of the first sinker 12. Therefore, in the knitting step S4, during the period before the yarn loop Rr of the laid yarn r that has fallen from the upper support part 12c of the first sinker 12 reaches the lower support part 12b of the first sinker 12, it is inserted by the insertion part 13b of the second sinker 13. The yarn loop Rr of the laid yarn r is pushed inward in the radial direction by a predetermined movement amount by the second sinker 13. That is, the yarn loop Rr of the laid yarn r is surely pulled by a predetermined amount toward the back side of the base knitted fabric by the second sinker 13.

[0174] In addition, while the yarn loop Rr of the laid yarn r is being withdrawn from the insertion part 13b of the second sinker 13, it is pushed inward in the radial direction by the first sinker action part 12d of the first sinker 12. That is, since the yarn loop Rr of the laid yarn r is made to disengage from the insertion part 13b of the second sinker 13 while maintaining the state of being pushed inward in the radial direction by the first sinker action part 12d, a slack situation does not occur. Accordingly, even if the states of the laid yarn r, the face yarn t, and the ground yarn k, the state of the double sinker 11, and the surrounding environment change, the double sinker 11, the circular knitting machine 1 having the double sinker 11, and the knitting method of the double-sided fleece knitted fabric can suppress the protrusion of the yarn loop Rr of the laid yarn r on the surface of the base knitted fabric by the double sinker 11.

[0175] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the above embodiments are merely examples for implementing the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the above embodiments can be appropriately changed and implemented within the scope not departing from its gist.

[0176] In the present embodiment, the double sinker 11, the circular knitting machine 1 having the double sinker 11, and the knitting method of the double-sided fleece knitted fabric by the circular knitting machine 1 knit a double-sided fleece knitted fabric from the respective yarns supplied in the order of the laid yarn r, the face yarn t, and the ground yarn k. However, for the double-sided fleece knitted fabric knitted using the double sinker, the circular knitting machine having the aforementioned double sinker, and the knitting method of the double-sided fleece knitted fabric by the aforementioned circular knitting machine, a base knitted fabric composed of a yarn loop on the surface side and a yarn loop on the back side can be knitted from two yarns, and scaly back side loops can be knitted on the knitted surface on the back side with another yarn.

Claims

1. A double sinker, used in a circular knitting machine to knit a double-sided fleece fabric. The double-sided fleece fabric is knitted with a ground fabric by a face yarn and a ground yarn, and loops of the laid-in yarn are formed on the back of the ground fabric by winding the face yarn around the laid-in yarn. The double sinker is composed of a first sinker and a second sinker which are plate-shaped members. The bases of the first sinker and the second sinker are both located in the same sinker groove of the circular knitting machine, and the first sinker and the second sinker can move independently of each other in the radial direction of the rotating cylinder of the circular knitting machine. The first sinker has: an upper support portion, extending in the radial direction of the rotating cylinder from the base of the first sinker, supporting the laid-in yarn, the face yarn and the ground yarn; and a lower support portion, located below the upper support portion. The second sinker has: an insertion portion, extending in the radial direction of the rotating cylinder from the base of the second sinker, and can be inserted into the loop of the laid-in yarn; and a second sinker acting portion, extending upward from the base end of the insertion portion, pushing the laid-in yarn and the face yarn. The upper end surface of the insertion portion is located below the upper end surface of the upper support portion and above the upper end surface of the lower support portion.

2. The double sinker according to claim 1, wherein, The first sinker described above has a first sinker acting portion at the front end of the upper support portion described above. The first sinker acting portion pushes out the loop of the laid yarn in a state where the insertion portion of the second sinker described above is inserted into the loop of the laid yarn from the insertion portion of the second sinker described above.

3. The double sinker according to claim 2, wherein, The first sinker acting portion extends in the radial direction of the rotary cylinder described above, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the first sinker, it has an outer edge without recesses from the upper end surface to the lower end surface of the upper support portion described above; The end surface of the second sinker acting portion facing the radial inner side of the rotary cylinder described above is connected to the upper end surface of the insertion portion described above, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the second sinker, it is arranged to extend below and above the upper end surface of the upper support portion described above; The upper end surface of the insertion portion described above is located below the upper end surface of the upper support portion described above and above the lower end surface of the upper support portion described above.

4. A circular knitting machine, having the double sinker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In a state where the face yarn wound with the laid-in yarn and the supplied ground yarn are pulled down by the knitting needles of the circular knitting machine to a position lower than the upper support portion of the first sinker, The first sinker moves outward in the radial direction of the rotating cylinder in a state where the upper support portion supports the face yarn and the ground yarn, so that the face yarn and the ground yarn fall from the upper support portion to the lower support portion. The second sinker moves inward in the radial direction of the rotating cylinder, so that the insertion portion is inserted into the loop of the laid-in yarn, and the loop of the laid-in yarn is pushed inward in the radial direction of the rotating cylinder by the second sinker acting portion.

5. The circular knitting machine according to claim 4, wherein, The second sinker described above, which has its insertion portion correctly inserted into the loop of the laid yarn, moves toward the radial outer side of the rotary cylinder, and the first sinker described above moves toward the radial inner side of the rotary cylinder. The first sinker acting portion of the first sinker prevents the loop of the laid yarn from moving toward the radial outer side of the rotary cylinder.

6. A knitting method for a double-sided fleece fabric, using a circular knitting machine as claimed in claim 4 or 5, and using a laid-in yarn, a face yarn and a ground yarn to knit the double-sided fleece fabric. The knitting method comprises: A knitting step of moving the first sinker towards the radially outer side of the rotary needle cylinder, causing the laid-in yarn, the face yarn and the ground yarn to disengage from the upper supporting portion of the first sinker, pulling the face yarn and the ground yarn downwards by the knitting needles to a position lower than the lower supporting portion of the first sinker, and causing the face yarn and the ground yarn to wind around the old loops that have been knitted and supported by the lower supporting portion of the first sinker; A laid-in yarn adjustment step of, when the laid-in yarn, the face yarn and the ground yarn disengage from the upper supporting portion of the first sinker in the knitting process, inserting the insertion portion of the second sinker into the yarn loop of the laid-in yarn, and pushing the yarn loop of the laid-in yarn towards the radially inner side of the rotary needle cylinder by the second sinker acting portion of the second sinker; and A new loop forming step of moving the second sinker towards the radially outer side of the rotary needle cylinder and moving the first sinker towards the radially inner side of the rotary needle cylinder, causing the yarn loop of the laid-in yarn to disengage from the insertion portion of the second sinker by the first sinker acting portion of the first sinker, and pushing the yarn loop of the laid-in yarn towards the radially inner side of the rotary needle cylinder to a position beyond the knitting needles, thereby forming a new loop formed by the face yarn and the ground yarn.

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