End processing device and end processing method

Abstract

Provided is an end yarn processing device and an end yarn processing method capable of cutting an end yarn in the vicinity of a knitted fabric. An end yarn processing device (1) capable of moving along the length direction of a needle bed (110) of a flat knitting machine (100) includes a gripper (30) that holds an end yarn at least from a loop extending from a clamping device (150) provided at the end of the needle bed (110) to the start of knitting of a knitted fabric (K) at a position above the notch (S) of the needle bed (110), and a cutter (60) that cuts the end yarn held above the notch (S) between a position adjacent to the gripper (30) and the loop.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an end yarn treatment device and a method for treating the end yarns of woven fabrics woven in a flat knitting machine. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, the technology of end yarn treatment devices and methods for treating the end yarns of woven fabrics woven in flat knitting machines was known.

[0003] In flat knitting machines, when starting a new knit or using new knitting yarn, the yarn guide is moved into the knitting width while the clamping devices at both ends of the needle bed hold the top of the knitting yarn, thus forming loops. After a certain amount of knitting has been completed, a cutting device is sometimes used to cut the end yarn crossing the initial loop between the clamps and the knitting fabric. Additionally, at the end of knitting, in preparation for the next knitting cycle, a cutting device is sometimes used to cut the end yarn crossing the final loop between the clamps and the knitting fabric.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for gripping the yarn between the final loop of the knitted fabric and the yarn feeder using two grippers during knitting and cutting it between the two grippers. However, during yarn feeding, the knitted yarn supplied from the yarn feeder extends low near the teeth, below the teeth from the grippers to the initial loop of the knitted fabric, making it difficult to cut the end yarn near the knitted fabric. When the point where the knitted yarn is cut is far from the knitted fabric, the handling of the knitted yarn that hangs down from the knitted fabric and remains on the knitted fabric side becomes complicated, which is not preferable. There has been no conventional end yarn handling device that solves this problem.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4015980 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned situation, and the problem to be solved is to provide an end yarn processing device and end yarn processing method that can cut the end yarn near the knitted fabric.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] The problem to be solved by the present invention has been described above, and the means for solving the problem will be described next.

[0012] That is, the yarn end processing device of the present invention is a yarn end processing device that can move along the length direction of the needle bed of the flat knitting machine, and includes: a holding unit that holds the yarn end at least from the yarn end holding mechanism provided at the end of the needle bed to the loop at the start of knitting of the fabric at a position above the teeth of the needle bed; and a cutting unit that cuts the yarn end held at the position above the teeth between a position adjacent to the holding unit and the loop.

[0013] This configuration allows for the cutting of end yarns near the knitted fabric. More specifically, even end yarns extending low near the teeth can be cut near the knitted fabric.

[0014] Alternatively, the cutting unit may cut the end yarn near the coil.

[0015] This configuration allows for further cutting of the end yarns near the knitted fabric. Therefore, the remaining end yarns in the knitted fabric can be shortened, thus eliminating or facilitating post-knitting processing.

[0016] Alternatively, the cutting unit may cut the end yarn while the end yarn crosses between the holding unit and the coil in the vertical direction.

[0017] This configuration allows for further cutting of the end yarns near the woven fabric.

[0018] Alternatively, the holding unit can be configured to move forward and backward relative to the toothed opening, and when moving forward, it is located below the end yarn, holding the end yarn above the toothed opening.

[0019] With this configuration, it is possible to switch between a state in which the end yarn is held above the teeth by advancing the holding unit, thereby cutting the end yarn, and a state in which the holding unit is retracted without hindering weaving.

[0020] Alternatively, the holding unit can be configured to move up and down relative to the toothed opening, hook the end yarn in the lowered position and rise, thereby holding the end yarn above the toothed opening, and the cutting unit can be configured to move forward and backward relative to the toothed opening, and move forward to cut the end yarn in the uppered position of the holding unit.

[0021] This configuration allows the end yarn to cross in the vertical direction, thus facilitating its cutting. Furthermore, by allowing the end yarn to cross in the vertical direction, it is possible to further cut it near the knitted fabric. Additionally, space can be easily secured for the cutting unit to operate.

[0022] Alternatively, the holding unit may be positioned above the toothed opening and separated from the toothed opening, and the cutting unit may be configured to move forward and backward relative to the toothed opening. It may also include a displacement mechanism that acts on the end yarn of the portion extending from the holding unit to the yarn feeder of the flat knitting machine, thereby displacing the end yarn toward a position close to the toothed opening and a position separated from the toothed opening.

[0023] With this configuration, the unit is kept in a position separated from the toothed edge, which makes it easy to cut the end yarn and suppresses the weaving difficulty caused by supplying the end yarn from above.

[0024] Alternatively, the holding unit may have a slit, and the cutting unit may be configured to cut the end yarn that passes through the slit from above the holding unit to the coil, and may also be provided in the holding unit.

[0025] With this configuration, the cutting unit is integrated into the holding unit, thereby enabling a compact end-yarn processing device.

[0026] Alternatively, the holding unit may have an suction port configured to move up and down relative to the toothed opening, the suction port attracting the end yarn in the descending position and holding the end yarn above the toothed opening by rising.

[0027] This configuration allows the yarn end to be held above the tooth opening by attraction.

[0028] Alternatively, the suction port may enter the interior of the toothed opening while it is in the descending position.

[0029] With this configuration, the suction port enters the interior of the toothed opening, thus the holding unit can easily hold the end yarn.

[0030] Alternatively, the yarn end processing device may include a yarn end removal unit, which attracts and removes the yarn ends cut by the cutting unit.

[0031] This configuration prevents the cut-off yarn ends from hindering the weaving of the fabric.

[0032] In addition, the end yarn processing method of the present invention is a method for processing the end yarn of a knitted fabric knitted by a flat knitting machine. The end yarn is held at a position above the teeth of the needle bed, extending at least from the end yarn holding mechanism provided at the end of the needle bed of the flat knitting machine to the loop at the start of the knitting of the fabric. The end yarn held at the position above the teeth is cut off at the end on the loop side.

[0033] This configuration allows for the cutting of end yarns near the knitted fabric. More specifically, even end yarns extending low near the teeth can be cut near the knitted fabric.

[0034] Invention Effects

[0035] As an effect of the present invention, the end yarns can be cut near the knitted fabric. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 (a) is a front view schematic diagram showing the overall structure of the flat knitting machine using the end yarn processing device of the first embodiment, and (b) is a side view schematic diagram showing the structure of the needle bed and carriage.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the clamping device.

[0038] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional perspective view of the suction device that is also installed in the clamping device.

[0039] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of a carriage equipped with an end yarn processing device.

[0040] Figure 5 (a) is a perspective view of the yarn end processing device, and (b) is a side view schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the gripper and cutter.

[0041] Figure 6 These are diagrams illustrating the operation of a flat knitting machine when the yarn is being fed in, using an end yarn handling device. (a) is a front view showing the state before the yarn is about to be fed in. (b) is a front view showing the state in which the gripper moves forward relative to the tooth. (c) is a front view showing the state in which the yarn guide moves toward the knitted fabric side. (d) is a front view showing the state in which the carriage and the yarn guide move within the knitting width.

[0042] Figure 7 It continues Figure 6 The diagrams illustrating the action are as follows: (a) is a front view showing the state in which the gripper retracts relative to the teeth and lifts the end yarn; (b) is a front view showing the state in which the end yarn is attracted; (c) is a front view showing the state in which the end yarn is cut; and (d) is a side view showing the state in which the end yarn is cut.

[0043] Figure 8 These are diagrams illustrating the operation of a flat knitting machine when the yarn is being fed out using an end yarn handling device. (a) is a front view showing the state at the end of the knitting process. (b) is a front view showing the state in which the gripper moves forward relative to the teeth. (c) is a front view showing the state in which the yarn guide moves outward. (d) is a front view showing the state in which the gripper retracts relative to the teeth and lifts the end yarn.

[0044] Figure 9 It continues Figure 8 The diagrams illustrating the operation are as follows: (a) is a front view showing the carriage moving within the weaving width; (b) is a front view showing the end yarn being attracted; and (c) is a front view showing the end yarn being cut.

[0045] Figure 10 This is an operational illustration of a flat knitting machine using the yarn end treatment device of the second embodiment. (a) is a front view showing the state before the yarn is about to be inserted, (b) is a front view showing the state in which the carriage and yarn guide are moved into the knitting width, and (c) is a front view showing the state in which the yarn end is attracted by the attraction device.

[0046] Figure 11 It continues Figure 10 The diagrams illustrating the operation are as follows: (a) is a front view showing the state in which the suction device is raised and the end yarn is lifted; (b) is a front view showing the state in which the end yarn is cut.

[0047] Figure 12 This is an operational illustration of a flat knitting machine using the end yarn processing device of the third embodiment. (a) is a side view showing the pressing member positioned above the end yarn, (b) is a side view showing the end yarn being pressed down using the pressing member, and (c) is a side view showing the state just before the end yarn is about to be cut.

[0048] Figure 13 (a) is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the yarn end processing device according to the third embodiment, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the yarn end is pressed down by the pressing part.

[0049] Figure 14 (a) is a perspective view showing a portion of the gripper and cutter of the yarn end treatment device according to the fourth embodiment; (b) is a top view showing the overall structure of the knitting machine using the yarn end treatment device; and (c) is a side view showing the overall structure of the knitting machine using the yarn end treatment device.

[0050] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0051] 1. Yarn end treatment device

[0052] 30 grippers

[0053] 33 Suction device

[0054] 35, 37, 70 retaining components

[0055] 60 and 80 cutters

[0056] 100 Horizontal Knitting Machine

[0057] 150 clamping device Detailed Implementation

[0058] The directions indicated by arrows U, D, F, B, L, and R in the diagram will be defined as up, down, forward, backward, left, and right, respectively. Additionally, for simplicity, some diagrams of the constituent parts have been omitted from the illustration.

[0059] An end-yarn processing apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention processes the end yarns of a woven fabric knitted in a flat knitting machine 100. Before describing the end-yarn processing apparatus 1 below, firstly, using... Figure 1 The overall structure of the flat knitting machine 100 with the application end yarn processing device 1 will be described.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the flat knitting machine 100 mainly includes a needle bed 110, a carriage 120, a yarn guide rail 130, a top plate 140, a clamping device 150, and a suction device 160.

[0061] The needle beds 110 are arranged facing each other at opposite ends, separated by teeth S. The front and rear needle beds 110 are arranged in an inverted V shape from the side, tilted upwards toward the side facing each other. In each needle bed 110, a plurality of knitting needles 111 are arranged along the length of the needle bed 110.

[0062] A pair of carriages 120 are arranged facing each other from above relative to the front and rear needle beds 110. The front and rear carriages 120 are connected by bridges 120a arranged to span multiple yarn guide rails 130. The carriages 120 can reciprocate along the length of the needle bed 110 by a servo motor. The carriages 120 are provided with a needle selection mechanism and a cam mechanism for selectively actuating the knitting needles 111 of the needle bed 110.

[0063] Multiple yarn guide rails 130 are arranged above the toothed teeth S, extending along the length of the needle bed 110. A yarn feeder 131 for supplying the knitting yarn Y is movably supported on the yarn guide rails 130.

[0064] A yarn bobbin 141 is provided on the top plate 140. A braided yarn Y is wound on the bobbin 141a. The braided yarn Y from the yarn bobbin 141 is supplied to the yarn feeder 131 via an appropriate yarn feeding path.

[0065] The flat knitting machine 100 controls its various parts based on a pre-made knitting program. Specifically, by controlling the operation of the servo motors and other parts, the flat knitting machine 100 enables the carriage 120 to reciprocate along the length of the needle bed 110. The yarn feeder 131 is configured to reciprocate independently relative to the carriage 120 along the length of the needle bed 110. During the reciprocating movement of the carriage 120, the knitting needles 111 are moved forward and backward relative to the toothed teeth S using a cam mechanism or the like mounted on the carriage 120, thereby performing the knitting action. By repeatedly performing this reciprocating movement of the carriage 120, the fabric K is knitted.

[0066] The clamping device 150 holds the knitting yarn Y used in the knitting of the fabric K, respectively disposed at both ends of the needle bed 110 in the length direction. The clamping device 150 is provided with a suction device 160 for attracting and removing the end yarns processed by the end yarn treatment device 1. It should be noted that... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram shows a structure with two clamping devices 150 at the right and left ends of the needle bed 110, but it is also possible to have one clamping device 150 at the right and left ends of the needle bed 110.

[0067] The following uses Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structure of the clamping device 150 and the suction device 160 will be described.

[0068] exist Figure 2 The clamping device 150 shown is provided with a suction device 160. The suction device 160 is provided with a discharge path 161 for the end yarn processed by the end yarn processing device 1. The end yarn cut by the cutter 60 (described later) can be attracted from the suction port 161a formed at the upper end of the discharge path 161 and discharged to the outside from the discharge path 161b formed at the lower end of the discharge path 161.

[0069] In the flat knitting machine 100 configured in this way, when switching to a new knitting yarn Y midway through the knitting process, a yarn feeding process is performed to introduce the new knitting yarn into the knitting fabric. Similarly, when starting a new knitting process, a yarn feeding process is also performed to introduce the new knitting yarn into the knitting fabric. Furthermore, at the end of the knitting process, the knitting yarn is exited from the end of the knitting fabric. During yarn feeding and exiting, the end yarn of the knitting fabric is cut using an end yarn processing device 1 provided in the flat knitting machine 100. The end yarn processing is performed while the tip of the knitting yarn Y is held by a clamping device 150. The end yarn cut by the end yarn processing device 1 is discharged to the outside via a suction device 160.

[0070] The following uses Figure 4 and Figure 5 The structure of the end yarn processing device 1 will be described.

[0071] The yarn end processing device 1 processes the yarn end by cutting the yarn end of the loop extending from the clamping device 150 to the beginning of the knitting of the fabric K, and the yarn end of the loop extending from the end of the knitting of the fabric K to the yarn feeder 131. Hereinafter, the loop at the beginning of the knitting of the fabric K is sometimes referred to as the "initial loop," and the loop at the end of the knitting of the fabric K is sometimes referred to as the "final loop." The yarn end processing device 1 is configured to move along the length direction of the needle bed 110 of the flat knitting machine 100. The yarn end processing device 1 is provided on one side of one of the front and rear pairs of slides 120. In this embodiment, the yarn end processing device 1 is provided on the front slide 120.

[0072] The yarn end processing devices 1 are respectively provided on the right and left sides of the carriage 120. The left and right yarn end processing devices 1 are configured to be symmetrical to each other. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the description of the left yarn end processing device 1 will be provided, and the description of the right yarn end processing device 1 will be omitted. The yarn end processing device 1 includes a first base 10, a first drive source 20, a gripper 30, a second base 40, a second drive source 50, and a cutter 60.

[0073] The first base portion 10 is formed in the shape of a plate and is arranged with the plate surface facing the left and right directions. The first base portion 10 is formed to support the first drive source 20, which will be described later.

[0074] A first drive source 20 is disposed on the left surface of the first base portion 10, generating driving force. The first drive source 20 can be, for example, an electric motor, but any drive source such as an actuator driven by compressed air can also be used. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram illustrates different types of drive sources. The operation of the first drive source 20 is controlled by a control unit (not shown).

[0075] The gripper 30 is positioned closer to the toothed edge S than the first drive source 20 to hold the end yarn of the knitted fabric K. Here, "holding" the end yarn by the gripper 30 also includes "locking" the end yarn. The gripper 30 is formed as a plate that is roughly L-shaped in side view and is positioned so as to be inclined downward toward the toothed edge S. More specifically, the gripper 30 has a plate-shaped main body 31 that is inclined downward toward the toothed edge S, and a hook portion 32 that is bent upward and backward is formed at the end of the main body 31 on the toothed edge S side.

[0076] The gripper 30 is configured to move by the driving force of the first drive source 20. The gripper 30 is configured to move forward and backward relative to the toothed jaw S. More specifically, as... Figure 5As shown in (b), the gripper 30 is configured to move in a manner that simultaneously descends and advances relative to the toothed jaws S, and simultaneously rises and retracts from the toothed jaws S. Hereinafter, the position where the gripper 30 advances relative to the toothed jaws S is sometimes referred to as the "descending position," and the position where the gripper 30 retracts relative to the toothed jaws S is sometimes referred to as the "rising position." Figure 5 In (b), the descending position of the gripper 30 is represented by a double-dotted line, and the ascending position of the gripper 30 is represented by a solid line. It should be noted that in... Figure 5 In (b), the gripper 30 is positioned above the toothed opening S, but it can also be positioned below the toothed opening S.

[0077] When processing the end yarn of the knitted fabric K, the gripper 30 thus formed is able to hold the end yarn extending from the clamping device 150 to the initial loop of the knitted fabric K at a position higher than the toothed edge S of the needle bed 110. Here, "position higher than the toothed edge S" means a position higher than the upper end of the needle bed 110. In addition, when processing the end yarn of the knitted fabric K, the gripper 30 is able to hold the end yarn extending from the last loop of the knitted fabric K to the yarn feeder 131 at a position higher than the toothed edge S of the needle bed 110.

[0078] The second base portion 40 is formed in the shape of a plate, and is disposed on the left side of the first base portion 10 with the plate surface facing in a generally vertical direction. The second base portion 40 is formed to support the second drive source 50, which will be described later.

[0079] A second drive source 50 is disposed on the upper surface of the second base portion 40, generating driving force. The second drive source 50 can be, for example, an electric motor, but any drive source such as an actuator driven by compressed air can also be used. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram illustrates different types of drive sources. The operation of the second drive source 50 is controlled by a control unit (not shown).

[0080] The cutter 60 is positioned closer to the toothed end S than the second drive source 50, and cuts the end yarn of the initial loop extending from the clamping device 150 to the knitted fabric K at the loop-side end. Here, "loop-side end" of the end yarn refers to a position 1mm to 30mm from the loop, preferably 1mm to 10mm from the loop, and more preferably 1mm to 5mm from the loop. More specifically, the cutter 60 cuts the end yarn held by the gripper 30 at a position above the toothed end S between the position adjacent to the gripper 30 and the initial loop of the knitted fabric K. Here, "position adjacent to the gripper 30" includes not only the downstream side of the gripper 30 in the yarn feeding direction but also the upstream side of the gripper 30. In this embodiment, the cutter 60 cuts the end yarn between the gripper 30 and the initial loop of the knitted fabric K. The cutter 60 is configured to switch between a state of not cutting the end yarn and a state of cutting the end yarn by opening and closing the first blade 61 and the second blade 62. The cutter 60 is disposed on the upper surface of the second base portion 40 and is located below the gripper 30.

[0081] The cutter 60 is configured to operate by the driving force of the second drive source 50. The cutter 60 is configured to move forward and backward relative to the toothed opening S. When moving forward relative to the toothed opening S, the cutter 60 is positioned between the gripper 30 in the raised position and the toothed opening S. In a position where the cutter 60 is retracted relative to the toothed opening S, the first blade 61 and the second blade 62 are open without cutting the end yarn; in a position where the cutter 60 is moving forward relative to the toothed opening S, the first blade 61 and the second blade 62 are closed, enabling it to cut the end yarn.

[0082] Next, use Figure 6 and Figure 7 This explains the operation of the yarn end treatment device 1 and the horizontal knitting machine 100 during yarn feeding. Figure 6 and Figure 7 An example of a woven fabric K with a horizontal striped pattern is shown, which is woven using red yarn YR and blue yarn YB. The example shows a scenario where red yarn YR is inserted to switch the yarn used in the weaving from blue yarn YB to red yarn YR.

[0083] Figure 6 (a) shows the state after weaving with the blue yarn YB and before the red yarn YR is introduced. The blue yarn YB is the state after exiting the yarn, as described later. Figure 6 In the state shown in (a), the yarn feeder 131 for supplying red knitting yarn YR is located to the side of the needle bed 110. The red knitting yarn YR is supplied from the yarn bobbin 141 to the yarn feeder 131, and the end of the knitting yarn YR is held by the clamping device 150.

[0084] Next, in order to insert the red knitting yarn YR, firstly, as... Figure 6 As shown in (b), the left gripper 30 moves to the descending position, advancing relative to the toothed jaws S. Then, as... Figure 6 As shown in (c), the yarn feeder 131 moves toward the knitted fabric K side, and the red knitted yarn YR crosses over the gripper 30. Then, as... Figure 6 As shown in (d), the carriage 120 and the yarn feeder 131 move within the knitting width, and several loops are knitted by the knitting needles 111, etc. At this time, it is preferable to perform anti-unraveling knitting at the beginning of the knitting. The same applies to other embodiments described later.

[0085] Next, as Figure 7 As shown in (a), the left gripper 30 moves towards the position where the end yarn extends vertically. In this state, the left gripper 30 moves from the descending position to the ascending position, retracting relative to the tooth S, thereby lifting the red braided yarn YR upwards. Thus, the left gripper 30 is positioned below the end yarn when advancing relative to the tooth S, and holds the end yarn above the tooth S. Here, "advancing" of the gripper 30 does not refer to the exact moment the gripper 30 advances relative to the tooth S, but rather to the state of advancing relative to the tooth S. The left gripper 30 hooks the end yarn in the descending position and rises to the ascending position, thereby holding the end yarn above the tooth S by crossing the end yarn between the initial loop and the gripper 30 in the vertical direction. Next, as... Figure 7 As shown in (b), the suction device 160 applies tension to the red braided yarn YR by attracting the yarn end.

[0086] Next, as Figure 7 As shown in (c) and (d), the cutter 60 advances between the gripper 30 and the initial loop of the knitted fabric K at a position above the toothed opening S, cutting the end yarn between the gripper 30 and the initial loop of the knitted fabric K. More specifically, the cutter 60 advances relative to the toothed opening S with the gripper 30 in the raised position, cutting the end yarn extending in the vertical direction. The cut end yarn is drawn away by the suction device 160, releasing the holding provided by the clamping device 150, and thus discharged to the outside.

[0087] During yarn feeding, the yarn Y supplied from the yarn feeder 131 extends low near the toothed edge S, below the initial loop from the clamping device 150 to the knitted fabric K, making it difficult to cut the end yarn. Therefore, in the end yarn processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, by using the gripper 30 to hold the yarn Y extending from the clamping device 150 to the initial loop of the knitted fabric K at a position above the toothed edge S, the yarn Y can be easily cut using the cutter 60.

[0088] Furthermore, since the gripper 30 can move along with the carriage 120, by moving the gripper 30 towards the position where the end yarn extends vertically during end yarn cutting, the cutter 60 can cut the end yarn while it crosses between the gripper 30 and the initial coil in the vertical direction. Here, when the end yarn is cut above the toothed opening S, the end yarn connected to the coil is located inside the toothed opening S along with the coil, so the yarn length in the vertical direction up to the position where the cutter 60 can operate is shorter than in the horizontal direction. When the extension direction of the end yarn is close to horizontal, it is difficult for it to appear above the toothed opening S, and when it is cut at the position where it appears, the end yarn remaining in the knitted fabric K becomes longer. In addition, the cutter 60 is not limited to operating above the toothed opening S; it can also enter the interior of the toothed opening S to cut the end yarn. With this configuration, the end yarn remaining in the knitted fabric can be further shortened. It should be noted that when the cutter 60 is, for example, scissor-shaped, the blade opens and closes along the length of the opening of the toothed opening S and cuts the end yarn in the closed state. However, when the end yarn extends at a near-horizontal angle, it is difficult for the scissors to function. As a result, it is impossible to cut inside the toothed opening S; only the portion above the toothed opening S can be cut, and the end yarn remaining in the knitted fabric K cannot be shortened.

[0089] In contrast, in the yarn end processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the yarn end is cut while it is passing between the gripper 30 and the initial loop in a vertical direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the yarn end extends at a near-horizontal angle, the yarn end can be cut near the loop of the knitted fabric K, thus shortening the amount of yarn end remaining in the knitted fabric K. More specifically, the cutter 60 can cut the yarn end at a position 1mm to 30mm from the loop, preferably 1mm to 10mm from the loop, and more preferably 1mm to 5mm from the loop. This reduces the burden of post-processing after knitting.

[0090] Next, use Figure 8 and Figure 9 This explains the operation of the yarn end processing device 1 and the horizontal knitting machine 100 during yarn output. Figure 8 and Figure 9 An example of a woven fabric with a horizontal striped pattern is shown, which is woven using red yarn YR and blue yarn YB. The scene shows the weaving being finished using blue yarn YB and the blue yarn YB being unwound.

[0091] Figure 8 (a) indicates the state where the weaving ends with the blue weaving yarn YB. Figure 8In the state shown in (a), the yarn feeder 131 for supplying the blue knitting yarn YB is located on the right side of the knitted fabric K. At this time, the left and right grippers 30 are in the raised position, retracting relative to the toothed mouth S. In addition, it is preferable to perform anti-unraveling knitting at the end of the knitting process.

[0092] Next, as Figure 8 As shown in (b), the gripper 30 on the right moves upward above the toothed jaws S. Then, as... Figure 8 As shown in (c), the yarn feeder 131 is moved to a position to the right of the carriage 120.

[0093] Next, as Figure 8 As shown in (d), the right gripper 30 moves from the lowered position to the raised position, retracting relative to the toothed opening S, thereby lifting the blue braided yarn YB upwards. In this way, the right gripper 30 hooks the end yarn in the lowered position and rises to the raised position, thereby holding the end yarn above the toothed opening S.

[0094] Next, as Figure 9 As shown in (a), the carriage 120 moves within the knit width so that the right-side gripper 30 is positioned where the end yarn of the knit K extends vertically. Thus, the gripper 30 holds the end yarn with the end yarn between the last loop and the gripper 30 crossing vertically. Then, as... Figure 9 As shown in (b), while the clamping device 150 holds the end yarn, the attracting device 160 attracts the end yarn, thereby applying tension to the blue braided yarn YB.

[0095] Next, as Figure 9 As shown in (c), the cutter 60 advances above the toothed edge S between the gripper 30 and the last loop of the braid K, cutting the end yarn between the gripper 30 and the last loop of the braid K. More specifically, with Figure 7 Similarly, as shown in (d), during yarn feeding, the cutter 60 advances relative to the top of the last loop while the gripper 30 is in the rising position to cut the end yarn. The cut end yarn is then drawn away by the suction device 160 and discharged to the outside.

[0096] Therefore, the end yarn of the knitted fabric K produced during yarn exit can be processed. The portion of the end yarn near the last loop, which crosses between the clamping device 150 and the last loop of the knitted fabric K, is lifted directly upward using the gripper 30, and the end yarn is cut between the gripper 30 and the last loop, thereby cutting the end yarn near the knitted fabric K.

[0097] 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.

[0098] For example, in the first embodiment, two yarn end treatment devices 1 are provided on the carriage 120, and different yarn end treatment devices 1 are used when the yarn is fed in and when the yarn is unfurled. However, it is also possible to provide only one yarn end treatment device 1 on the carriage 120, and use the same yarn end treatment device 1 when the yarn is fed in and when the yarn is unfurled. However, when the yarn end treatment device 1 is provided only on one side of the carriage 120, it is preferable to have a mechanism for changing the left and right positions of the yarn end treatment device 1 in order to cope with the start of weaving.

[0099] In the first embodiment, the yarn end-cutting device 1 is mounted on the carriage 120 and moves integrally with the carriage 120 along the length of the needle bed 110, but it can also move independently of the carriage 120. When the yarn end-cutting device 1 moves independently of the carriage 120, it can move on the same guide rail as the carriage 120, or it can move on other guide rails (such as the yarn path guide rail 130) that extend parallel to the guide rail on which the carriage 120 moves. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments described later.

[0100] In the first embodiment, the gripper 30 is configured to move vertically, hooking the end yarn in the lowered position and moving to the raised position, thereby holding the end yarn above the toothed opening S. However, it may not be configured to move vertically. Even if the gripper 30 is not configured to move vertically, after advancing the gripper 30 relative to the toothed opening S, the yarn feeder 131 may be moved so that the end yarn passes over the gripper 30, thereby holding the end yarn above the toothed opening S.

[0101] In addition, in the first embodiment, the cutter 60 cuts the end yarn at a position downstream of the gripper 30 in the yarn feeding direction, more specifically between the gripper 30 and the loop of the knitted fabric K, but it can also cut the end yarn at a position upstream of the gripper 30 in the yarn feeding direction.

[0102] Next, use Figure 10 and Figure 11 The structure of the yarn end processing device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0103] The difference between the yarn end processing device 1 of the second embodiment and the yarn end processing device 1 of the first embodiment is that, as a unit for holding the yarn end above the toothed opening S, a suction device 33 is provided instead of a gripper 30. The structure and operation of the yarn end processing device 1 of the second embodiment will be described below.

[0104] like Figure 10As shown in (a), the suction device 33 is configured such that the suction port 34 is disposed above the toothed opening S with its direction of downward orientation, and air can be drawn from the suction port 34. The suction device 33 is configured to be able to reciprocate along the length direction of the needle bed 110, and is configured to be able to move up and down relative to the toothed opening S.

[0105] When inserting the yarn, such as Figure 10 As shown in (b), the carriage 120 and the yarn feeder 131 move within the knitting width, and the loops are knitted in rows, for example, by the knitting needles 111, etc. Then, as... Figure 10 As shown in (c), the suction device 33 descends to a predetermined descending position while positioned above the initial loop of the braided fabric K, drawing the red braided yarn YR upwards. While drawing the red braided yarn YR upwards, the suction device 33 may also descend to the suction port 34 and enter the interior of the toothed opening S.

[0106] Next, as Figure 11 As shown in (a), the suction port 34, located in the descending position, rises to a predetermined ascending position after drawing the red braided yarn YR upwards, thereby holding the end yarn above the toothed mouth S. Then, as... Figure 11 As shown in (b), the cutter 60 advances above the toothed end S between the suction device 33 and the initial loop of the braided fabric K, cutting the end yarn between the suction device 33 and the initial loop of the braided fabric K. The cut end yarn is drawn away by the suction device 160, releasing the holding provided by the clamping device 150, and thus discharged to the outside.

[0107] Therefore, the end yarn of the knitted fabric K generated during yarn feeding can be processed. Although detailed explanation is omitted, during yarn exit, the suction device 33 is also moved to directly above the last loop, and the end yarn is held above the tooth opening S by the suction device 33, thereby allowing the end yarn to be cut near the knitted fabric K. In this way, by configuring the end yarn to be held by the suction device 33, complex operations and operational timing restrictions are eliminated.

[0108] Next, use Figure 12 The structure of the yarn end processing device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0109] The difference between the yarn end processing device 1 of the third embodiment and the yarn end processing device 1 of the first embodiment is that a holding member 35 is provided instead of the gripper 30. Unlike the gripper 30 of the first embodiment, which moves both vertically and horizontally, the holding member 35 is configured to move horizontally without vertical movement. The holding member 35 may also have a different drive source than the carriage 120 and is configured to move along with the carriage 120. The holding member 35 is located above the toothed opening S, at a position separated from the toothed opening S, and always holds the braided yarn Y above the toothed opening S.

[0110] However, when the knitting yarn Y is held by the holding member 35, the position of the knitting yarn Y is too high, making it impossible to hook the knitting yarn Y with the knitting needle 111 during loop formation. Since the holding member 35 does not move vertically, it is necessary to press the knitting yarn Y downwards towards the tooth opening S. Therefore, in the third embodiment, a pressing member 36 is provided as the member for pressing the knitting yarn Y downwards towards the tooth opening S.

[0111] The pressing member 36 is disposed to the side of the retaining member 35 and is configured to move up and down. The pressing member 36 can be configured to move up and down linearly, or it can be configured to move up and down by swinging in an arc. Figure 12 As shown in (a), the pressing member 36 is located above the braided yarn Y extending from the clamping device 150 to the yarn feeder 131.

[0112] When forming loops using knitting needle 111, such as Figure 12 As shown in (b), the pressing member 36 descends to a predetermined position, pressing the knitting yarn Y towards the tooth S. Thus, the pressing member 36 acts as a displacement mechanism, which acts on the end yarn extending from the holding member 35 towards the yarn feeder 131, displacing the end yarn towards a position close to the tooth S and towards a position separated from the tooth S. Therefore, the knitting yarn Y can be hooked using the knitting needle 111. When cutting the end yarn, as... Figure 12 As shown in (c), when the pressing member 36 is raised to the specified position, the cutter 60, which is configured to move forward and backward relative to the toothed edge S, moves forward relative to the toothed edge S and cuts the end yarn between the holding member 35 and the coil.

[0113] Thus, in the end yarn processing device 1 of the third embodiment, by keeping the member 35 in a position separated from the toothed mouth S, the end yarn can be easily cut off, and the weaving difficulty caused by the supply of end yarn from above can be suppressed.

[0114] It should be noted that in the third embodiment, the retaining member 35 and the pressing member 36 are configured as separate components, but they can also be configured as follows: Figure 13As shown in the retaining member 37, the retaining member 37 is integrally equipped with a displacement mechanism that presses the braided yarn Y toward the tooth S side.

[0115] Figure 13 The retaining member 37 shown in (a) is formed in the shape of two forks and is positioned above the toothed opening S, in a position separated from the toothed opening S. The retaining member 37 is configured to move forward and backward relative to the toothed opening S. The retaining member 37 includes a retaining portion 38 and a pressing portion 39.

[0116] like Figure 13 As shown in (a), the holding part 38 is formed to extend back and forth above the toothed mouth S and is located below the braided yarn Y that extends from the clamping device 150 to the yarn feeder 131.

[0117] The pressing part 39 is formed to extend from the middle of the length direction of the holding part 38 in a generally left-right direction at a position closer to the front side than the braided yarn Y, and bends and extends rearward past the braided yarn Y and the toothed edge S. The pressing part 39 is located above the braided yarn Y that extends from the clamping device 150 to the yarn feeder 131.

[0118] When forming loops using knitting needle 111, such as Figure 13 As shown in (b), by rotating the holding member 37 clockwise in the main view, the pressing part 39 presses the knitting yarn Y downward toward the tooth S side. This allows the knitting needle 111 to hook the knitting yarn Y. When cutting the end yarn, the holding member 37 rotates counterclockwise in the main view and returns to its original position. Figure 13 In the state shown in (a), with the end yarn held above the toothed opening S by the holding part 38, the cutter 60, which is configured to move forward and backward relative to the toothed opening S, moves forward relative to the toothed opening S and cuts the end yarn between the holding member 35 and the coil. Thus, the end yarn can be processed.

[0119] Next, use Figure 14 The structure of the yarn end processing device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0120] The yarn end processing device 1 of the fourth embodiment differs from the yarn end processing device 1 of the first embodiment in that it has a holding member 70 instead of a gripper 30, and a cutter 80 instead of a cutter 60, with the cutter 80 housed within the holding member 70. The structure and operation of the yarn end processing device 1 of the fourth embodiment will be described below.

[0121] like Figure 14 As shown in (a), the retaining member 70 is composed of two plate-like bodies, upper and lower, and a cutter 80 is housed in the space formed between the two plate-like bodies. The cutter 80 is configured to slide back and forth. A top-view arc-shaped cutout 71 is formed on the right side of the retaining member 70. Figure 14 (b) and Figure 14 As shown in (c), the braided yarn Y from the clamping device 150 passes over the retaining member 70 through the cutout 71 and crosses over to the initial loop of the braided fabric K.

[0122] The cutter 80 can cut the end yarn contained in the cut portion 71 by sliding backward. In this way, in the end yarn processing device 1 of the fourth embodiment, by providing the cutter 80 for cutting the end yarn together with the holding member 70, the end yarn processing device 1 can be made more compact.

[0123] It should be noted that the cutter 80 can also be configured to slide on either the upper or lower surface of the retaining member 70. The upper surface of the retaining member 70 is, for example, located upstream of and adjacent to the retaining member 70 in the yarn feeding direction. Furthermore, the shape of the cut portion 71 is arbitrary; for example, it can be rectangular in plan view. By making the cut portion 71 rectangular in plan view, it is possible to prevent the end yarn from escaping from the cut portion 71.

Claims

1. An end yarn processing device (1), said end yarn processing device (1) being movable along the length direction of the needle bed (110) of a flat knitting machine (100), wherein, The yarn end processing device (1) includes: Holding units (30, 33, 35, 37, 70) hold the end yarn at least from the end yarn holding mechanism (150) provided at the end of the needle bed (110) to the loop at the start of the knitting of the fabric (K) at a position above the teeth (S) of the needle bed (110); as well as Cutting units (60, 80) cut the end yarn held above the tooth (S) from a position adjacent to the holding units (30, 33, 35, 37, 70) to the coil. The end yarn is located below the toothed opening. The holding unit lifts the yarn end and holds it above the toothed opening.

2. The yarn end processing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The cutting unit (60, 80) cuts the end yarn near the coil.

3. The yarn end processing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cutting unit (60, 80) cuts the end yarn while the end yarn passes between the holding unit (30, 33, 35, 37, 70) and the coil in the vertical direction.

4. The yarn end processing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The holding units (30, 35, 37, 70) are configured to move forward and backward relative to the toothed opening (S), and when moving forward, they are located below the end yarn and hold the end yarn above the toothed opening (S).

5. The yarn end processing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The holding unit (30) is configured to move up and down relative to the toothed opening (S), hooking the end yarn in the lowered position and rising to hold the end yarn above the toothed opening (S). The cutting unit (60) is configured to move forward and backward relative to the toothed mouth (S), and to cut the end yarn while the holding unit (30) is in the raised position.

6. The yarn end processing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The retaining units (35, 37) are located above the toothed opening (S) and are separated from the toothed opening (S). The cutting unit (60) is configured to move forward and backward relative to the toothed edge (S). The yarn end processing device (1) also includes a displacement mechanism (36, 37) that acts on the yarn end of the portion extending from the holding unit (35, 37) to the yarn feeder (131) of the flat knitting machine (100) to displace the yarn end from a position separated from the tooth (S) to a position closer to the tooth (S).

7. The yarn end processing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The retaining unit (70) has a cutout (71). The cutting unit (80) is configured to cut the end yarn that crosses over to the coil from above the holding unit (70) through the cut portion (71) and is also provided in the holding unit (70).

8. The yarn end processing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The holding unit (33) has an suction port (34) configured to move up and down relative to the toothed opening (S). The suction port (34) attracts the end yarn in the lowered position and holds the end yarn above the toothed opening (S) by rising.

9. The yarn end processing device (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The suction port (34) enters the interior of the toothed mouth (S) when it is in the lowered position.

10. The yarn end processing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The yarn end processing device (1) includes a yarn end removal unit (160) which attracts and removes the yarn ends cut by the cutting unit (60, 80).

11. A method for treating end yarns, wherein the method treats the end yarns of a woven fabric (K) woven using a flat knitting machine (100), wherein, The end yarn, which extends at least from the end yarn holding mechanism (150) at the end of the needle bed (110) of the flat knitting machine (100) to the loop at the start of the knitting of the fabric (K) and is located below the teeth of the needle bed, is lifted and held in a position above the teeth (S). The end yarn on the coil side is cut off and held above the tooth (S).

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