Yarn length measuring device and buffering device for braided yarn

Abstract

Provided is a yarn length measuring device and a knitting yarn buffering device that enable high-precision yarn length measurement. The device includes a rotating member (210) rotatably disposed on a prescribed mounting member (rotating support portion (220)), an introduction portion (211) disposed at a position offset from a rotating axis (B) of the rotating member (210) to introduce knitting yarn (Y) unwound from an upstream side of a yarn supply direction to a downstream side of the yarn supply direction, an exit portion (212) to exit the knitting yarn (Y) introduced from the introduction portion (211) to a yarn supply path (A) on the downstream side of the yarn supply direction, and a rotation amount detection portion (230) to detect a rotation amount of the rotating member (210).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a yarn length measuring device capable of measuring the yarn length of a braided yarn released from a buffer device, and to the technology of a buffer device for braided yarn. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, techniques for measuring the yarn length of the braided yarn released from the buffer device and supplied to the braiding machine are known. For example, as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for measuring the amount of yarn pulled out when it is pulled out from a rotating drum.

[0004] In the technology described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, optical sensors are arranged at four locations at 90-degree intervals along the circumference around the rotating drum. Each optical sensor detects the light blocking caused by the pulled-out yarn, thereby measuring the amount of yarn pulled out.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6250274 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, even with optical sensors arranged at four locations, it is impossible to detect the yarn passing between these optical sensors, thus leaving room for improvement in the accuracy of yarn length measurement.

[0010] The present invention was made in view of the situation described above, and the problem to be solved is to provide a yarn length measuring device and a buffer device for knitting yarn that can achieve high-precision yarn length measurement.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] The problem to be solved by the present invention has been described above, and the means for solving the problem will be described next.

[0013] That is, the yarn length measuring device of the present invention comprises: a rotating member rotatably disposed on a predetermined mounting member; an inlet portion disposed at a position offset from the rotation axis of the rotating member, for inletting braided yarn unwound from the upstream side of the yarn supply direction to the downstream side of the yarn supply direction; an outlet portion for outletting the braided yarn inlet from the inlet portion to a yarn supply path on the downstream side of the yarn supply direction; and a rotation amount detection portion for detecting the rotation amount of the rotating member.

[0014] This configuration enables high-precision yarn length measurement.

[0015] Alternatively, the outlet portion may be disposed on the rotation axis of the rotating member.

[0016] This design reduces the load on the weaving yarn.

[0017] Alternatively, the inlet portion may be formed at a position where the shortest distance from the rotation axis is less than 20 mm.

[0018] This configuration enables more precise yarn length measurement.

[0019] Alternatively, the rotation amount detection unit may have a detection part that rotates integrally with the rotating member, and the rotation amount may be detected by detecting changes in the surface of the detection part that occur along with the rotation of the detection part.

[0020] This configuration enables more precise yarn length measurement.

[0021] In addition, the buffer device of the present invention includes: the yarn length measuring device of the present invention; and a bobbin, wherein the bobbin is wound with and stores braided yarn, and is disposed at a position upstream of the yarn supply direction than the yarn length measuring device.

[0022] This configuration enables high-precision yarn length measurement.

[0023] Invention Effects

[0024] As a result of the present invention, it enables high-precision yarn length measurement. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the overall structure of a flat knitting machine equipped with a yarn length measuring device and a buffer device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the structure related to the control of the flat knitting machine.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a front view showing a yarn supply device equipped with a yarn length measuring device and a buffer device.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a front view showing the yarn length measuring device.

[0029] Figure 5 This is the front view showing the rotating component.

[0030] Figure 6 (a) is a front view showing the measurement of the yarn length of the braided yarn in the yarn length measuring device. (b) is a cross-sectional view of (a) showing the measurement of the yarn length of the braided yarn in the yarn length measuring device.

[0031] Figure 7 (a) is a front view showing the rotating member of the second embodiment. (b) is a perspective view showing the rotating member of the third embodiment. (c) is a perspective view showing the rotating member of the fourth embodiment.

[0032] Figure 8 (a) is a front view showing the rotating member of the fifth embodiment. (b) is a front view showing the rotating member of the sixth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The directions indicated by arrows U, D, F, B, L, and R in the diagrams will be defined as up, down, forward, backward, left, and right, respectively. Additionally, for ease of explanation, some component diagrams may be omitted in certain diagrams.

[0034] First, the overall structure of the flat knitting machine 1 equipped with the yarn feeding device 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the flat knitting machine 1 mainly includes a needle bed 10, a carriage 20, a yarn path track 30, a servo motor 40, a yarn stand 50, a control unit 60, and a yarn supply device 100.

[0036] Figure 1 The needle beds 10 shown are arranged facing each other front to back, separated by teeth (not shown). The front and rear needle beds 10 are, for example, arranged in an inverted V-shape from the side, tilting upwards towards the front-to-back center (the facing sides). On each needle bed 10, a plurality of knitting needles 11 are arranged in a manner that runs along the length (left-right direction) of that needle bed 10. The front and rear needle beds 10 can move left and right relative to each other when transferring loops (shifting loops).

[0037] A pair of carriages 20 are arranged facing each other from above relative to the front and rear needle beds 10. The front and rear carriages 20 are connected by bridges 20a arranged to span multiple yarn path tracks 30. The carriages 20 can be driven by a servo motor 40 (see reference). Figure 2 The needles 11 of the needle bed 10 reciprocate along its length. The carriage 20 is equipped with a needle selection mechanism (not shown) for selectively moving the knitting needles 11 of the needle bed 10, and a cam mechanism 21 (see reference 20). Figure 2 ).

[0038] Figure 1 The yarn guide 30 shown has multiple sections arranged above the toothed edge, extending along the length of the needle bed 10. A yarn guide 31 for supplying the knitting yarn Y is movably supported on the yarn guide 30.

[0039] exist Figure 1 The yarn tray 50 shown is equipped with a yarn bobbin 51 on which braided yarn Y is wound. The braided yarn Y from the yarn bobbin 51 is supplied to the yarn guide 31 via a yarn supply path A. Here, the yarn supply path A refers to the path through which the braided yarn Y is supplied from the yarn bobbin 51 to the yarn guide 31. In addition, a top spring 52 is provided above the yarn bobbin 51. The top spring 52 applies tension to the braided yarn Y pulled out from the yarn bobbin 51 and supplied downstream in the yarn supply direction (towards the yarn guide 31). The top spring 52 is located on the yarn supply path A.

[0040] Figure 2 The control unit 60 shown is used to control the operation of the flat knitting machine 1. The control unit 60 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, a storage unit such as RAM and ROM, etc. The storage unit of the control unit 60 stores various information, programs, etc. for controlling the flat knitting machine 1. The control unit 60 is provided in an appropriate location on the flat knitting machine 1 (for example, inside the main body of the flat knitting machine 1 (below the needle bed 10 on the rear side)).

[0041] The control unit 60 is connected to the servo motor 40 and can control the operation of the servo motor 40. By controlling the operation of the servo motor 40, the control unit 60 can move the carriage 20 arbitrarily. In addition, the control unit 60 can detect the position of the carriage 20 based on the rotational speed of the servo motor 40. Furthermore, the control unit 60 is connected to the carriage 20 (more specifically, the triangular mechanism 21) and can control the operation of the carriage 20.

[0042] The control unit 60 controls various parts of the flat knitting machine 1 based on a pre-made knitting program. Specifically, the control unit 60 controls the operation of the servo motor 40 to move the carriage 20 back and forth along the length of the needle bed 10. At this time, the knitting needles 11 move forward and backward relative to the teeth by means of the triangular mechanism 21 mounted on the carriage 20, thereby enabling knitting actions such as loop forming, loop gathering, and float knitting, as well as the exchange of loops between the front and rear needle beds 10. By repeatedly performing such reciprocating movement of the carriage 20, the fabric K is knitted.

[0043] Next, use Figures 1 to 6 The structure of the yarn feeding device 100 will be described. The yarn feeding device 100 stores the braided yarn Y from the yarn bobbin 51 and supplies the stored braided yarn Y to the yarn guide 31 with approximately constant tension. Figure 1 As shown, the yarn feeding device 100 is positioned to the side of the flat knitting machine 1 (left side in the illustration). The yarn feeding device 100 is located in the yarn feeding path A. It should be noted that, although only one yarn feeding device 100 is shown in the illustration, multiple yarn feeding devices 100 can be provided as needed (e.g., the number corresponding to the number of yarn guides 31). The yarn feeding device 100 mainly includes a support part 110, a buffer device 120, a resistance imparting part 130, a yarn length measuring device 200, and a control part 300.

[0044] Figure 3 The support portion 110 shown supports the buffer device 120, yarn length measuring device 200, etc., which will be described later. The support portion 110 is formed, for example, by combining multiple plate-shaped components. The support portion 110 is provided on a suitable installation object. The support portion 110 includes an upper guide portion 111 and a lower guide portion 112.

[0045] The upper guide portion 111 is the portion through which the braided yarn Y from the top spring 52 is introduced. The upper guide portion 111 has a hole that extends through in the vertical direction and allows the braided yarn Y to pass through. The upper guide portion 111 is supported by a suitable arm that protrudes to the right from the right surface of the support portion 110.

[0046] The lower guide portion 112 is the portion that leads out the braided yarn Y from the buffer device 120, which will be described later. The lower guide portion 112 has a hole that extends through in the vertical direction and allows the braided yarn Y to pass through. The lower guide portion 112 is supported at a position lower than the upper guide portion 111 by a suitable arm that protrudes to the right from the right surface of the support portion 110.

[0047] Figure 3The buffer device 120 shown pulls out the braided yarn Y from the yarn bobbin 51 and stores the braided yarn Y. The braided yarn Y stored in the buffer device 120 is pulled out (released) downstream in the yarn feeding direction as needed. The buffer device 120 is disposed on the support portion 110 between the upper guide portion 111 and the lower guide portion 112. The buffer device 120 includes a housing 121, a drive portion 122, a winding portion 123, and a bobbin 124.

[0048] The housing 121 internally houses the drive unit 122, which will be described later. The housing 121 is fixed to the right surface of the support unit 110.

[0049] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The drive unit 122 shown drives the winding unit 123, which will be described later. The drive unit 122 is disposed inside the housing 121. The drive unit 122 has a suitable drive source (e.g., a motor).

[0050] Figure 3 The winding section 123 shown winds the braided yarn Y from the upper guide section 111 into the bobbin 124, which will be described later. The winding section 123 is located below the housing 121 and is rotatably disposed within the housing 121. The winding section 123 rotates about a rotation axis in the vertical direction by the driving force of the drive section 122. The winding section 123 rotates clockwise when viewed from above.

[0051] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The bobbin 124 shown is capable of storing the braided yarn Y. The bobbin 124 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape with its axial direction pointing up and down. The bobbin 124 is disposed on the housing 121 below the winding section 123. The bobbin 124 stores the braided yarn Y by winding the braided yarn Y around its outer peripheral surface. The braided yarn Y is wound onto the bobbin 124 through the winding section 123 in a certain winding manner (so that the length of the yarn per turn is approximately the same).

[0052] The braided yarn Y stored in the bobbin 124 is pulled out (unwound) along with the braiding action of the flat knitting machine 1 (carriage 20, yarn guide 31, etc.) and supplied to the downstream side in the yarn supply direction. The position of the braided yarn Y unwound from the bobbin 124 changes in a clockwise rotation along the outer circumference of the bobbin 124 when viewed from above.

[0053] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The resistance-applying part 130, as shown, applies friction-based resistance to the braided yarn Y pulled from the bobbin 124. The resistance-applying part 130 is disposed below the bobbin 124. The resistance-applying part 130 is formed with an opening in the vertical direction to allow the braided yarn Y to pass through. The resistance-applying part 130 includes an abutment part 131, a receiving part 132, and a force-applying part 133. Furthermore, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The resistance-imposing part 130 is shown in a cross-sectional view.

[0054] The abutment portion 131 is the part that abuts against the lower end of the tube 124. The abutment portion 131 is a generally frustum-shaped cone, formed as a cylindrical shape with openings at both ends. The surface of the abutment portion 131 that abuts against the tube 124 is an inclined surface that widens in diameter upwards when viewed in cross-section. In this embodiment, the angle of the inclined surface relative to the horizontal direction is approximately 25 degrees. The abutment portion 131 is formed, for example, from a membrane or the like.

[0055] The receiving portion 132 is the part that receives the force of the force-applying portion 133, which will be described later. The receiving portion 132 is formed to extend downward from the lower end of the abutment portion 131. The receiving portion 132 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape with openings at the top and bottom. The inner diameter of the opening formed in the upper part of the receiving portion 132 is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the opening formed in the lower part.

[0056] The force-applying part 133 applies force upward to the receiving part 132. For example, a compression coil spring can be used as the force-applying part 133. The upper end of the force-applying part 133 abuts against the upper part (the portion around the opening) of the receiving part 132. The lower end of the force-applying part 133 is supported on the support part 110 via a suitable member (in this embodiment, the rotary support part 220 described later). The force-applying part 133 applies force via the receiving part 132 in such a way that it presses the abutting part 131 against the lower end of the tube 124.

[0057] As described above, by pressing the abutment portion 131 of the resistance-applying portion 130 against the lower end of the bobbin 124, friction-based resistance can be applied to the braided yarn Y between the abutment portion 131 and the bobbin 124. With this structure, when the braided yarn Y is pulled downstream in the yarn feeding direction, a certain degree of tension can be applied to the braided yarn Y passing between the abutment portion 131 and the bobbin 124. This prevents the braided yarn Y pulled from the bobbin 124 from being excessively released due to inertia. Furthermore, an opening is formed on the entire resistance-applying portion 130 (abutment portion 131, receiving portion 132, and force-applying portion 133) to allow the braided yarn Y pulled from the bobbin 124 to pass through. The braided yarn Y, tensioned by the abutment portion 131, is supplied to the downward guide portion 112 through this opening.

[0058] It should be noted that in the flat knitting machine 1, a suitable tensioner can be provided at a position downstream of the lower guide 112 in the yarn feeding direction to eliminate slack in the knitting yarn Y pulled out from the lower guide 112. Therefore, even if the knitting yarn Y slacks due to the movement of the carriage, the tensioner can absorb the slack in the knitting yarn Y.

[0059] Figures 4 to 6The yarn length measuring device 200 shown is capable of measuring the yarn length of the braided yarn Y pulled from the bobbin 124. The yarn length measuring device 200 is disposed below the bobbin 124 (downstream in the yarn supply direction). The yarn length measuring device 200 includes a rotating member 210, a rotating support 220, and a rotation amount detection unit 230.

[0060] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The rotating member 210 shown is rotatably mounted on the tube 124. The rotating member 210 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with its axial direction pointing vertically. That is, an internal space extending vertically is formed in the rotating member 210. In this embodiment, from the viewpoint of suppressing vibration during rotation, the vertical length of the rotating member 210 is made relatively small (for example, smaller than the outer diameter of the disk portion 231 described later). For example, a length of 50 mm to 100 mm can be used for the vertical length of the rotating member 210.

[0061] Furthermore, the rotating member 210 is shaped such that its upper portion is wider than its lower portion. The radius of the upper portion of the rotating member 210 is smaller than the radius of the portion of the bobbin 124 where the braided yarn Y is wound. The rotating member 210 is supported on the rotating support portion 220 (described later) in a manner that allows it to rotate about a rotation axis B oriented vertically. The rotation axis B is located at the center of the rotating member 210 in plan view (see reference). Figure 6 (b)

[0062] The rotating member 210 is disposed below the cylinder 124. The rotating member 210 is arranged such that its upper half is approximately located within the opening of the resistance-applying part 130 (the abutment part 131, the receiving part 132, and the force-applying part 133). Furthermore, the rotating member 210 is arranged such that its rotation axis B is approximately aligned with the center of the cylinder 124 when viewed from above. The rotating member 210 includes an inlet part 211 and an outlet part 212.

[0063] The guide section 211 guides the braided yarn Y from the bobbin 124 downstream in the yarn feeding direction. The guide section 211 is formed to open horizontally at the upper part of the rotating member 210. The guide section 211 is formed to communicate between the outer peripheral surface of the upper part of the rotating member 210 and the internal space of the rotating member 210.

[0064] like Figure 5As shown, the guide portion 211 is positioned offset from the rotation axis B. More specifically, the guide portion 211 is located radially outward from the rotation axis B. In this embodiment, the shortest distance L (radial distance) from the guide portion 211 to the rotation axis B is made shorter than 20 mm. Here, the shortest distance L is the distance from the outermost portion of the guide portion 211 relative to the rotation axis B (the outer peripheral surface of the upper part of the rotating member 210) to the rotation axis B. In this embodiment, the shortest distance L is the radius of the upper part of the rotating member 210.

[0065] The outlet section 212 leads the braided yarn Y introduced from the inlet section 211 down the yarn supply path A in the yarn supply direction. The outlet section 212 is formed to open downward at the lower end of the rotating member 210. The outlet section 212 communicates with the internal space of the rotating member 210 and is provided on the rotation axis B.

[0066] Figure 4 and Figure 6 The rotary support 220 shown in (a) supports the rotating member 210 so that it can rotate about the rotation axis B. The rotary support 220 has a through hole extending in the vertical direction, into which the lower part of the rotating member 210 is inserted. The rotary support 220 has a suitable bearing (not shown) for smooth rotation of the rotating member 210. The rotary support 220 is fixed to the right surface of the support 110 in a manner located below the resistance-applying part 130. A recess is formed on the upper surface of the rotary support 220 to hold the lower end of the force-applying part 133.

[0067] Figure 4 and Figure 6 The rotation amount detection unit 230 shown can detect the rotation amount of the rotating member 210. The rotation amount detection unit 230 is housed inside the rotating support unit 220. The rotation amount detection unit 230 includes a disk part 231 and a sensor part 232.

[0068] The disc portion 231 rotates integrally with the rotating member 210. The disc portion 231 is formed in a generally disc shape with its thickness direction pointing vertically. The disc portion 231 is fixed to the rotating member 210 with the rotating member 210 inserted through the opening in the center when viewed from above. Figure 6 As shown in (b), a suitable slit 231a is formed on the surface of the disk portion 231. It should be noted that... Figure 6 In (b), a slit 231a is shown on a portion of the surface of the disk portion 231, but the slit 231a is formed approximately throughout the entire (circumference) surface of the disk portion 231.

[0069] The sensor unit 232 is capable of detecting changes in the surface of the disk portion 231 caused by the rotation of the disk portion 231. The sensor unit 232 is configured as an optical encoder. Specifically, the sensor unit 232 is an optical sensor capable of detecting changes in the surface of the disk portion 231 by detecting the passage of light (e.g., infrared light) through the slit 231a of the disk portion 231 and by detecting the blocking of light outside the slit 231a. By using the detection result of the sensor unit 232, the amount of rotation of the disk portion 231 (rotating member 210) can be detected. It should be noted that the sensor unit 232 is not limited to detecting changes in the surface of the disk portion 231 by detecting the passage or blocking of light; it can also be a sensor unit that detects changes in the surface of the disk portion 231 by detecting the reflection of light illuminating the surface of the disk portion 231. In addition, the sensor unit 232 is not limited to the sensor unit configured as an optical encoder; it can also be the sensor unit configured as a magnetic encoder or other types of encoders. Specifically, the sensor unit 232 is not limited to an optical sensor; various sensors capable of detecting changes in the surface of the disk portion 231, such as a magnetic sensor, can be used. Furthermore, the sensor unit 232 is not limited to a sensor unit constituting an encoder; it can also be a sensor unit constituting other detection devices capable of detecting changes in the surface of the disk portion 231. Additionally, as long as the sensor unit 232 can detect the amount of rotation of the disk portion 231, it may not be necessary to detect changes in the surface of the disk portion 231.

[0070] Figure 2 The control unit 300 shown is used to control the operation of the yarn feeding device 100. The control unit 300 includes a processing unit such as a CPU, and a storage unit such as RAM and ROM. The storage unit of the control unit 300 stores various information and programs for controlling the yarn feeding device 100. The control unit 300 is connected to the drive unit 122 of the buffer device 120 and can control the operation of the drive unit 122. Furthermore, the control unit 300 is connected to the rotation amount detection unit 230 (sensor unit 232) and can obtain the detection results of the sensor unit 232. In addition, the control unit 300 is communicatively connected to the control unit 60 and can exchange information with the control unit 60. It should be noted that in this embodiment, an example is shown where the control unit 300 and the control unit 60 are separate units, but the control unit 300 and the control unit 60 can also be integrally constructed to replace this structure.

[0071] The following describes the yarn supply process performed by the yarn supply device 100.

[0072] First, the control unit 300 stores the braided yarn Y in the buffer device 120. For example... Figure 3As shown, the control unit 300 drives the drive unit 122 (winding unit 123) to pull out the braided yarn Y from the yarn bobbin 51, wind it, and store it in the bobbin 124. At this time, the control unit 300 controls the operation of the winding unit 123 based on the yarn length of each turn of the braided yarn Y wound on the bobbin 124, the driving amount of the drive unit 122, etc., thereby enabling a constant amount of braided yarn Y to be wound on the bobbin 124. It should be noted that the yarn length of each turn of the braided yarn Y can be input to the control unit 300 as an appropriate value, or it can be calculated by the control unit 300 using pre-stored information such as the circumference and diameter of the bobbin 124.

[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, the braided yarn Y stored in the bobbin 124 is pulled out of the bobbin 124 during the braiding action of the flat knitting machine 1. The yarn length of the braided yarn Y pulled out of the bobbin 124 is measured by the yarn length measuring device 200. It should be noted that the explanation of the yarn length measurement performed by the yarn length measuring device 200 will be described later.

[0074] The control unit 300 obtains the measurement result of the yarn length of the braided yarn Y pulled from the bobbin 124, and drives the drive unit 122 (winding unit 123) based on the yarn length measurement result, thereby pulling out the braided yarn Y and winding it onto the bobbin 124. By winding the pulled-out length of braided yarn Y onto the bobbin 124 in this way, a constant amount of braided yarn Y can be stored in the bobbin 124.

[0075] The following uses Figure 6 The measurement of yarn length by the yarn length measuring device 200 will be explained.

[0076] If the knitting yarn Y is pulled out from the bobbin 124 along with the knitting action of the flat knitting machine 1, the rotating member 210 rotates clockwise when viewed from above, along with the action of the knitting yarn Y. More specifically, when the knitting yarn Y wound on the bobbin 124 is pulled out, the position of the knitting yarn Y unwound from the bobbin 124 changes in a clockwise rotational manner along the outer circumference of the bobbin 124 when viewed from above. Along with this action of the knitting yarn Y, the guide portion 211 of the rotating member 210, which is located at a position offset from the rotation axis B, is pressed by the knitting yarn Y (see reference). Figure 6 (a) Thus, the rotating member 210 rotates clockwise about the rotation axis B when viewed from above.

[0077] The rotation amount detection unit 230 detects changes in the surface of the disk portion 231, which rotates integrally with the rotating member 210. The control unit 300 obtains the detection result from the rotation amount detection unit 230 and measures the length of yarn pulled out from the bobbin 124 based on the detection result. For example, the control unit 300 can measure the length of yarn pulled out from the bobbin 124 by calculating the rotation amount using the rotating member 210 (the number of turns of the braided yarn Y pulled out from the bobbin 124) and the length of yarn per turn of the braided yarn Y wound on the bobbin 124.

[0078] The control unit 300 is capable of storing the yarn length measured above. In addition, the control unit 300 is capable of determining the yarn length consumed for each weaving action (e.g., the length of each loop) based on information obtained from the control unit 60 related to the rotational speed of the servo motor 40 and the operation of the carriage 20.

[0079] The yarn feeding device 100 configured as described above can achieve high-precision yarn length measurement. That is, in a yarn feeding device, for example, where optical sensors are arranged at four circumferentially spaced intervals around the bobbin 124, each optical sensor detects the light interruption caused by the pulled-out braided yarn Y, thereby measuring the amount of yarn Y pulled out. However, in such a structure, even with optical sensors arranged at four locations, it is impossible to detect the yarn passing between each optical sensor; therefore, there is room for improvement in the accuracy of yarn length measurement. Alternatively, increasing the number of optical sensors could be considered to improve the accuracy of yarn length measurement, but in this case, the cost would likely increase.

[0080] On the other hand, the yarn feeding device 100 of this embodiment rotates the rotating member 210 by the movement of the braided yarn Y fed down the yarn feeding path A downstream in the yarn feeding direction. Therefore, by detecting the amount of rotation of the rotating member 210, high-precision yarn length measurement can be achieved. In addition, compared with structures that increase the number of optical sensors for detecting the braided yarn Y, the above structure can achieve high-precision yarn length measurement with a simple structure. As a result, cost increases can be suppressed and the accuracy of yarn length measurement can be improved. Furthermore, according to the structure of the yarn feeding device 100, compared with the case where optical sensors are arranged around the bobbin 124, the radial dimension of the rotation amount detection unit 230 can be reduced, and the device can be made more compact.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the guide portion 212 of the rotating member 210 is provided on the rotation axis B. This reduces the load on the braided yarn Y passing through the internal space of the rotating member 210.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the guide portion 211 of the rotating member 210 is formed at a position that is relatively short (less than 20 mm) from the shortest distance L on the rotation axis B. As a result, when the lead-out of the knitting yarn Y stops (i.e., when the operation of the knitting yarn Y stops), it is easy to suppress the rotating member 210 from continuing to rotate due to inertia, thus enabling higher accuracy in yarn length measurement.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by detecting the change in the surface of the disc portion 231 (rotation amount detection portion 230) that rotates integrally with the rotating member 210 due to the movement of the weaving yarn Y, a higher precision yarn length measurement can be achieved.

[0084] It should be noted that the disc portion 231 in this embodiment is one embodiment of the detection portion of the present invention.

[0085] Furthermore, the rotating support portion 220 of this embodiment is one embodiment of the mounting component specified in this invention.

[0086] The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the technical concept of the invention as described in the claims.

[0087] For example, in this embodiment, an example is shown where the guide portion 211 of the rotating member 210 is formed at a position where the shortest distance L from the rotation axis B is shorter than 20 mm, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the shortest distance L may also be 20 mm or more.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is shown where the angle of the inclined surface of the abutment portion 131 of the resistance-imposing portion 130 relative to the horizontal direction is approximately 25 degrees in cross-section, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The angle of the inclined surface relative to the horizontal direction may also be formed at a larger angle (e.g., approximately 45 degrees). Alternatively, the angle of the inclined surface relative to the horizontal direction may be formed at an angle less than 25 degrees.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is shown where the abutment portion 131 of the resistance-imposing portion 130 is formed in a generally frustum-shaped, upside-down configuration; however, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the abutment portion 131 may also be formed in a generally disc-shaped configuration. In this case, the upper surface of the disc abuts against the lower end face of the bobbin 124. Additionally, in this case, an opening is formed in the center of the disc to allow the braided yarn Y from the bobbin 124 to pass through.

[0090] Hereinafter, other embodiments (second to sixth embodiments) of the rotating member 210 will be described.

[0091] Figure 7 The structure of the inlet portion 211 of the rotating member 210A in the second embodiment shown in (a) is different from that of the rotating member 210 in the first embodiment. In addition, the rotating member 210A is formed such that its vertical dimension is larger than that of the rotating member 210 in the first embodiment.

[0092] The rotating member 210A is formed with an inlet portion 211 opening obliquely upward. A portion of the upper outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 210A is cut obliquely upward, and the inlet portion 211 is formed on the upward-facing surface. The outlet portion 212 of the rotating member 210A is located on the rotation axis B of the rotating member 210B, and the inlet portion 211 is located radially outward from the rotation axis B. According to the structure of the rotating member 210A in the second embodiment, even if the distance between the bobbin 124 and the rotating member 210A increases, the braided yarn Y can be easily introduced into the inlet portion 211.

[0093] Figure 7 The rotating member 210B of the third embodiment shown in (b) is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with its axial direction pointing vertically. The rotating member 210B has an inlet portion 211 that opens upwards on its upper surface and an outlet portion 212 that opens downwards on its lower surface. The outlet portion 212 is located on the rotation axis B of the rotating member 210B, and the inlet portion 211 is located radially outwards from the rotation axis B. Furthermore, the rotating member 210B has a path that is inclined relative to the vertical direction, connecting the inlet portion 211 and the outlet portion 212.

[0094] Figure 7 The rotating member 210C of the fourth embodiment shown in (c) is formed from a plate-shaped member bent into a generally L-shape. The rotating member 210C has an inlet portion 211 extending through the horizontally oriented plate surface and an outlet portion 212 extending through the vertically oriented plate surface. The outlet portion 212 is located on the rotation axis B of the rotating member 210C, and the inlet portion 211 is located radially outward from the rotation axis B. According to the above structure, the rotating member 210C can be formed relatively easily by opening holes in the plate-shaped member.

[0095] Figure 8 The rotating member 210D of the fifth embodiment shown in (a) includes a rotating body 213 rotatably disposed on the tube 124 about a rotation axis B, and an arm 214 extending horizontally from the rotating body 213. The rotating body 213 is rotatably supported on a suitable member (e.g., a rotating support 220). The guide portion 211 of the rotating member 210D is formed into a cylindrical shape with an opening in the vertical direction and is disposed at the top end of the arm 214.

[0096] The guide portion 212 of the rotating member 210D is formed into a cylindrical shape with an opening in the vertical direction, and is disposed on the rotation axis B below the rotating body 213. It should be noted that the guide portion 212 is schematically shown in the illustration, but the guide portion 212 is integrally formed with the rotating member 210D. The rotating member 210D of the fifth embodiment can use the same rotation amount detection unit 230 (encoder) as the first embodiment.

[0097] Figure 8 The structure of the guide portion 211 of the rotating member 210E shown in (b) of the sixth embodiment differs from that of the rotating member 210D of the fifth embodiment. The guide portion 211 of the rotating member 210E is formed in a hook shape capable of hooking the braided yarn Y. According to the above structure, the braided yarn Y can be easily guided into the guide portion 211.

[0098] According to the structures of the second to sixth embodiments described above, it is also possible to realize a rotating member in which the outlet portion 212 is provided on the rotation axis B and the inlet portion 211 is provided at a position offset from the rotation axis B. The second to sixth embodiments described above achieve substantially the same effects as the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concept of the invention as described in the claims.

[0100] For example, in the embodiments described above, the buffer device 120 and the yarn length measuring device 200 are formed separately, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the buffer device 120 and the yarn length measuring device 200 can also be formed integrally. In this case, for example, a structure in which the yarn length measuring device 200 is disposed on the bobbin 124 can be adopted. In addition, when the yarn length measuring device 200 is disposed on the bobbin 124, for example, a structure in which the buffer device 120 and the yarn length measuring device 200 are disposed on the bobbin 124 can be adopted. Figure 8 The outlet portion 212 of the rotating member 210D in the fifth embodiment and the rotating member 210E in the sixth embodiment is formed as a different member from the inlet portion 211. In this case, the outlet portion 212 can be rotatably supported on a suitable member, or it can be supported on a suitable member in a non-rotatable manner.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the guide portion 212 of the rotating member 210 is provided on the rotation axis B, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the guide portion 212 may also be provided at a position offset from the rotation axis B. However, from the viewpoint of reducing the load on the knitting yarn Y, it is preferable to provide the guide portion 212 at a position close to the rotation axis B.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, a flat knitting machine 1 is shown as an example of a knitting machine, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to various other knitting machines (such as circular knitting machines, warp knitting machines, etc.). That is, the yarn feeding device 100 of this embodiment can be configured in the yarn feeding path A of various knitting machines.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, examples of measuring yarn length by means of a control unit 300 provided in the yarn supply device 100 are shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, some or all of the functions of the control unit 300 can also be performed by a control unit (e.g., a personal computer) separately provided with the yarn supply device 100. For example, the yarn length measurement can also be performed by a PC or control unit 60 provided external to the flat knitting machine 1.

[0104] Industrial availability

[0105] This invention can be applied to a yarn length measuring device and a yarn buffering device for measuring the yarn length of the braided yarn released from the buffer device.

[0106] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0107] 1. Flat knitting machine

[0108] 100 Yarn feeding device

[0109] 120 buffer device

[0110] 200 Yarn Length Measuring Device

Claims

1. A yarn length measuring device, wherein, The yarn length measuring device includes: A rotating component, which is rotatably mounted on a specified mounting component; The guide section is located at a position offset from the rotation axis of the rotating member, and guides the braided yarn unwound from the upstream side of the yarn supply direction to the downstream side of the yarn supply direction. The export section exports the braided yarn introduced from the inlet section to the downstream side of the yarn supply path in the yarn supply direction; as well as A rotation detection unit is included to detect the rotation amount of the rotating component. The inlet portion is integrally formed with the rotating component. The inlet portion is formed at a position where the shortest distance from the rotation axis is less than 20 mm. The rotating member is configured to rotate by the movement of the braided yarn fed through the yarn feeding path downstream in the yarn feeding direction.

2. The yarn length measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The outlet is located on the rotation axis of the rotating component.

3. The yarn length measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The outlet portion is integrally formed with the rotating member and is formed in a cylindrical shape.

4. The yarn length measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The rotation amount detection unit has a detection part that rotates integrally with the rotating member, and detects the rotation amount by detecting the changes in the surface of the detection part that occur as the detection part rotates.

5. A cushioning device for woven yarn, wherein, The buffer device includes: The yarn length measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and A bobbin, which is wound with and stores braided yarn, is positioned upstream of the yarn length measuring device in the yarn supply direction.

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