Warp yarn feeding device

Abstract

Provided is a warp yarn conveying device that can easily weave warp yarn downward and can suppress complication of the yarn path periphery. A warp yarn conveying device (1) that feeds warp yarn (3b) upward to a flat knitting machine (2) includes: a jacquard opening device (11) (motor (11a)) that generates a driving force; a driving roller (20) that is rotatably provided at a position below the jacquard opening device (11), a peripheral surface of the driving roller being in contact with the warp yarn (3b) that is fed from a yarn source bobbin (3a) to bend the yarn feeding direction downward; and a transmission mechanism (30) that transmits the driving force in such a manner that the driving roller (20) rotates in only one direction to feed the warp yarn (3b) downward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technology for a warp conveying device that feeds warp yarns to a flat knitting machine. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, the technology of warp conveying devices that feed warp yarns to flat knitting machines was known. For example, as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for sandwiching warp and weft yarns using transversely woven yarns. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, by transversely weaving the yarns, a plurality of first base yarns (warp yarns) arranged side by side in the weaving width direction and a second base yarn (weft yarn) arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction intersecting the first base yarns are sandwiched in.

[0004] In this type of weaving, the weft yarn is reliably inserted, for example, by a yarn feeder in the weave width direction through insertion or other means. In contrast, the warp yarn is fed from above the weaving machine and is woven downwards along with the fabric, essentially relying on the friction between the weft yarn and the weaving yarn. That is, the warp yarn is passively fed into the weaving machine. In such cases, if, for example, the tension caused by the resistance when removing the warp yarn from the yarn source spool, or the tension caused by the downward deflection based on the warp yarn's own weight, is high, the required amount of weft yarn will not be woven downwards, resulting in problems such as weft yarn spacing blockage in the longitudinal direction. If the weft yarn spacing is blocked, it becomes a cause of uneven strength when the woven fabric is used as the substrate for FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic).

[0005] Furthermore, to individually feed the warp yarns, multiple feed rollers are required. In this case, multiple warp yarns are transferred from the bobbin to the braiding machine. Therefore, there is a problem that the yarn supply path becomes complicated, making it difficult to directly drive the feed rollers.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-34737 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] The present invention was made in view of the situation described above, and the problem it solves is to provide a warp conveying device that can easily weave warp yarns downwards and suppress the complication around the yarn supply path.

[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 warp conveying device of the present invention is a warp conveying device that feeds warp yarns from above onto a flat knitting machine, comprising: a drive source that generates a driving force; a drive roller that is rotatably disposed at a position lower than the drive source, the circumferential surface of the drive roller contacting the warp yarns released from the yarn source to bend the yarn supply direction downward; and a transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force in such a way that the drive roller rotates in only one direction, thereby feeding the warp yarns downward.

[0014] With this configuration, the driving force from the drive source can be used to actively feed the warp yarns to the flat knitting machine through the rotation of the drive roller, thus making it easy to knit the warp yarns downwards. In addition, by placing the drive source above the drive roller, that is, at a position farther away from the drive roller, the complexity around the yarn supply path can be suppressed.

[0015] Additionally, it includes: a plurality of driven rollers that can rotate along with the rotation of the drive roller; and an annular belt mounted on the plurality of driven rollers, the outer peripheral surface of the annular belt contacting the peripheral surface of the drive roller, the drive roller using the peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the belt to clamp the warp yarn and feed it downward.

[0016] With this configuration, the warp yarns are held and fed out using drive rollers and belts. Therefore, even if the warp yarns are untwisted yarns such as carbon fiber, unraveling can be suppressed, and the warp yarns can be fed more properly to the flat knitting machine.

[0017] Additionally, the transfer mechanism includes a connecting member that is connected in such a way that it can rotate integrally with the drive roller in one direction and can rotate relative to the drive roller in another direction. The drive roller feeds the warp yarn downward by oscillating the connecting member based on the driving force.

[0018] This configuration allows for the continuous feeding of warp yarns to the flat knitting machine using a relatively simple structure.

[0019] Additionally, the transmission mechanism includes: a rack portion capable of reciprocating under the driving force; and a pinion gear configured to engage with the rack portion. Through the reciprocating movement of the rack portion, the pinion gear can rotate integrally with the drive roller in one direction and can rotate relative to the drive roller in another direction. The drive roller rotates in the one direction under the driving force transmitted via the pinion gear, thus feeding the warp yarn downwards.

[0020] This configuration allows the use of a rack and pinion to feed warp yarns to the flat knitting machine.

[0021] In addition, the drive source is a motor whose rotation amount can be adjusted.

[0022] This configuration allows for adjustment of the amount of warp yarns fed into the weaving machine as needed. Specifically, for example, the amount of warp yarns in a portion of the weave width direction can be increased or decreased compared to other parts.

[0023] In addition, the drive source is a moving body that can move in accordance with the weaving of the carriage based on the flat knitting machine and has a cam mechanism that can generate driving force along with the movement.

[0024] This configuration allows for space-saving and cost-effectiveness.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] As a result of the present invention, it is possible to easily weave the warp yarns downwards. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view showing the yarn feeding mechanism of the warp conveying device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a side view of the warp yarn conveying device.

[0029] Figure 3 These are side views showing the operation of the warp conveyor. (a) shows the rod rotating upwards. (b) shows the rod rotating downwards.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a side view showing the warp conveying device according to the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a side view showing the warp conveying device according to the third embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a side view showing the warp conveying device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a side view showing the warp conveying device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a side view showing the warp conveying device according to the sixth embodiment and showing the warp conveying device equipped with a slack elimination mechanism.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a side view showing the relaxation elimination mechanism.

[0036] Figure 10These are side views showing the operation of the slack-eliminating mechanism. (a) is a diagram showing the state of warp slack. (b) is a diagram showing the state of winding up the warp and eliminating yarn slack.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a side view showing the warp conveying device of the seventh embodiment and a warp conveying device having a slack elimination mechanism of another example. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The directions indicated by arrows U, D, F, and B in the diagram will be defined as up, down, forward, and backward, respectively. Figure 1 In the side view, the direction of the paper's forward edge and the direction of its depth are defined as the right and left directions, respectively. It should be noted that the left and right directions correspond to the weaving width direction of the flat knitting machine 2. Additionally, for simplicity, some diagrams of the constituent parts are omitted in the figures.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the warp conveying device 1 feeds the warp yarns 3b used in weaving the fabric to the flat knitting machine 2. The flat knitting machine 2 can weave the fabric by fixing multiple warp yarns 3b arranged side by side in the weaving width direction and weft yarns arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction intersecting the warp yarns 3b through transverse weaving. In the fabric, the weft yarns are inserted as insert yarns. In this way, the warp yarns 3b and the weft yarns are not formed into loops but are clamped by the weaving yarns as fixing yarns, thereby fixing each other by friction. A bobbin 3 is provided at the rear of the flat knitting machine 2. Multiple yarn source spools 3a wound with the warp yarns 3b are housed in the bobbin 3. When the flat knitting machine 2 weaves the fabric, the warp yarns 3b wound on the yarn source spools 3a are supplied to the flat knitting machine 2 via the warp conveying device 1. For example, warp yarns bundled with multiple reinforcing fibers (e.g., carbon fibers) are used as warp yarns 3b.

[0040] The flat knitting machine 2 has a front needle bed 2a and a rear needle bed 2b facing each other across a toothed opening 2c. In the flat knitting machine 2, the hooks of the knitting needles (omitted from the illustration) move in and out of the toothed opening 2c from the top side of the front needle bed 2a or the rear needle bed 2b. Weft yarn and knitting yarn are supplied to the toothed opening 2c from multiple yarn feeders (not shown).

[0041] Furthermore, the flat knitting machine 2 is equipped with warp tubes 2d capable of simultaneously supplying multiple warp yarns 3b during the knitting of the fabric. The warp tubes 2d are arranged in three rows in the front-to-back direction, with multiple rows corresponding to the number of warp yarns 3b being knitted in the knitting width direction. The warp tubes 2d are positioned so as not to interfere with the yarn feeder, which moves in the knitting width direction, and each warp yarn 3b is supplied from above to the toothed ferrule 2c through the interior.

[0042] The following uses Figures 1 to 3 The structure of the warp conveying device 1 will be described. It should be noted that, in the following, the side of the yarn source spool 3a of the yarn supply path of the warp 3b is sometimes referred to as the "upstream side", and the side of the flat knitting machine 2 is referred to as the "downstream side".

[0043] The warp yarn conveying device 1 feeds multiple warp yarns 3b used in weaving the fabric to the flat knitting machine 2 by controlling the feed amount of each warp yarn 3b. The warp yarn conveying device 1 mainly includes a drive device 10, a drive roller 20, a transmission mechanism 30, an action limiting part 40, and a driven mechanism 50.

[0044] Figure 1 The drive unit 10 shown drives the drive roller 20 (described later) via the transfer mechanism 30 (described later). The drive unit 10 includes a jacquard opening device 11 and a wire harness 12.

[0045] Figure 1 The jacquard shedding device 11 shown serves as the drive source for the operation of the warp yarn feeder 1 when feeding each warp yarn 3b to the flat knitting machine 2. Furthermore, the jacquard shedding device 11 individually controls the feed amount of each warp yarn 3b. For example, a known jacquard shedding device used in a general shuttle loom can be used as the jacquard shedding device 11. The jacquard shedding device 11 is controlled based on a pre-installed program. The jacquard shedding device 11 is positioned on a platform 4 located between the flat knitting machine 2 and the bobbin 3. The jacquard shedding device 11 is positioned above the flat knitting machine 2. The jacquard shedding device 11 is positioned above the drive roller 20, the transmission mechanism 30, the action limiting part 40, and the driven mechanism 50, which will be described later. The jacquard shedding device 11 includes a motor 11a.

[0046] Motor 11a generates driving force. Motor 11a is configured to adjust the amount of rotation, thereby adjusting the displacement of the yarn harness 12 (described later). Multiple motors 11a are provided. More specifically, motor 11a is provided for each warp yarn 3b. Motors 11a can be the same motor originally included in the jacquard shedding device 11. The operation of motor 11a is controlled by a control unit (not shown).

[0047] Figures 1 to 3 The wiring harness 12 shown is used to rotate the rod 31 (described later) up and down. One wiring harness 12 is provided for each motor 11a. The upper end of the wiring harness 12 is connected to the motor 11a via a suitable component. The lower end of the wiring harness 12 is connected to the rod 31 (described later). The wiring harness 12 extends forward from the motor 11a and is arranged to bend downwards via a direction-changing component (not shown).

[0048] In the drive unit 10 configured in this way, by driving each motor 11a according to a individually preset mode, multiple wire harnesses 12 can be individually displaced upward or downward.

[0049] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The drive roller 20 shown conveys the warp yarn 3b downstream. The drive roller 20 is positioned on the yarn feeding path of the warp yarn 3b in a manner capable of rotating about an axis extending in the left-right direction. The drive roller 20 is individually configured for each warp yarn 3b. Figure 1 As shown, adjacent drive rollers 20 in the weaving width direction are staggered in height to ensure configuration space.

[0050] The warp yarn 3b, released from behind the drive roller 20 (into the yarn source spool 3a housed in the bobbin holder 3), is fed into the upper end of the circumferential surface 20a of the drive roller 20. The warp yarn 3b is fed into the circumferential surface 20a in a direction tangential to the upper end of the circumferential surface 20a. Furthermore, the warp yarn 3b abuts against the circumferential surface 20a and is guided by the circumferential surface 20a in a downward bending manner.

[0051] Multiple teeth 20b are arranged around the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the drive roller 20. The multiple teeth 20b are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0052] The drive roller 20 configured in this way passes through Figure 2 and Figure 3 Rotating counterclockwise in the right-hand view shown here can feed the warp yarn 3b downstream. Hereinafter, regarding the rotation direction of the drive roller 20, the counterclockwise direction in the right-hand view, that is, the direction in which the warp yarn 3b is fed downstream, is sometimes referred to as the "positive direction", and the opposite direction, that is, the clockwise direction in the right-hand view, is referred to as the "reverse direction".

[0053] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The transmission mechanism 30 shown transmits the driving force from the drive unit 10 to the drive roller 20. The transmission mechanism 30 includes a lever 31 and a ratchet mechanism 32.

[0054] The lever 31 is used to rotate the drive roller 20 and is configured to rotate (or swing up and down) coaxially with the drive roller 20. The lever 31 is arranged to extend longitudinally from the center of rotation toward approximately the rear. The lever 31 has a first hook portion 31a and a second hook portion 31b.

[0055] The first hook portion 31a is the part that hooks the wire bundle 12, and is formed in a roughly inverted U-shaped hook shape. The first hook portion 31a is formed at the rear end of the rod 31.

[0056] The second hook 31b is the part that hooks the spring 41, which will be described later, and is formed into a roughly U-shaped hook. The second hook 31b is formed in the middle of the front and rear of the rod 31 (in front of the first hook 31a).

[0057] The ratchet mechanism 32 restricts the rotation direction of the drive roller 20 and is assembled at the rotation center of the lever 31, so as to rotate along with the lever 31. The ratchet mechanism 32 is configured to engage with the drive roller 20 when the lever 31 rotates upward and not engage with the drive roller 20 when the lever 31 rotates downward.

[0058] That is, the ratchet mechanism 32 causes the drive roller 20 to rotate in the positive direction as the lever 31 rotates upward. On the other hand, the ratchet mechanism 32 prevents the drive roller 20 from rotating in the reverse direction as the lever 31 rotates downward.

[0059] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The motion limiting part 40 shown restricts or controls the movement of the lever 31, and includes a spring 41 and a range of motion limiting part 42.

[0060] Spring 41 applies downward force to rod 31, using a tension coil spring. The upper end of spring 41 is fixed to the second hook 31b of rod 31. The lower end of spring 41 is fixed to any part of warp conveying device 1. This "any part" is the portion that will not move even if rod 31 rotates.

[0061] Figure 3 The movement range limiting part 42 shown limits the rotation range of the rod 31 and includes an upper limiting part 42a and a lower limiting part 42b.

[0062] The upper limiting part 42a limits the upward rotation range of the rod 31 and is provided above the rod 31. More specifically, the upper limiting part 42a is formed at a position where it abuts against the rod 31 when the rod 31 has rotated upward by a predetermined angle, thus limiting the upward rotation range of the rod 31.

[0063] The lower limiting part 42b limits the downward rotation range of the rod 31 and is provided below the rod 31. More specifically, the lower limiting part 42b is formed at a position where it abuts against the rod 31 when the rod 31 has rotated downward by a predetermined angle, thus limiting the downward rotation range of the rod 31.

[0064] Here, when the drive roller 20 rotates, the yarn bundle 12 moves in a straight line, while the rod 31 moves in an arc. Therefore, if the stroke of the yarn bundle 12 is too large, the displacement of the yarn bundle 12 will be disproportionate to the amount of warp yarn 3b being fed. Therefore, in the warp yarn feeding device 1 of this embodiment, the rotation range of the rod 31 is limited by the movement range limiting part 42. In addition, by limiting the upward rotation range of the rod 31, plastic deformation of the spring 41 can be suppressed.

[0065] Figure 2 and Figure 3The driven mechanism 50 shown operates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive roller 20, and includes a first driven roller 51, a second driven roller 52, and an annular belt 53.

[0066] The first driven roller 51 is configured to rotate about an axis extending in the left-right direction and is positioned approximately above the drive roller 20.

[0067] A plurality of teeth 51a are provided around the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the first driven roller 51. The plurality of teeth 51a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The first driven roller 51 is configured such that the teeth 51a mesh with the teeth 20b of the drive roller 20. Thus, the first driven roller 51 rotates along with the rotation of the drive roller 20.

[0068] The second driven roller 52 is positioned in front of and below the first driven roller 51 and approximately in front of the drive roller 20, in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis extending in the left-right direction. The second driven roller 52 rotates along with the rotation of the first driven roller 51 via the annular belt 53, which will be described later.

[0069] The annular belt 53 is mounted on the first driven roller 51 and the second driven roller 52, and the outer peripheral surface of the annular belt 53 abuts against the drive roller 20. More specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the annular belt 53 is configured to abut against the portion of the circumferential surface 20a of the drive roller 20 that contacts the warp yarn 3b.

[0070] The following uses Figure 3 The operation of the warp conveying device 1 when conveying warp yarn 3b to the flat knitting machine 2 will be explained.

[0071] When the warp yarn 3b is fed to the flat knitting machine 2, the motor 11a of the drive unit 10 is first driven, causing the yarn bundle 12 to be displaced upward by a predetermined amount. In this way, as... Figure 3 As shown in (a), the rod 31 connected to the yarn harness 12 rotates upward, causing the drive roller 20 to rotate in the positive direction. This causes the warp yarn 3b to be fed downstream. The displacement of the yarn harness 12, which determines the amount of warp yarn 3b being fed, is set with consideration for the amount required for weaving the fabric.

[0072] Here, as described above, the first driven roller 51 is configured such that its teeth 51a mesh with the teeth 20b of the drive roller 20. Therefore, as the drive roller 20 rotates in the positive direction, the first driven roller 51 rotates clockwise in the right-hand view. As a result, the second driven roller 52, which is connected to the first driven roller 51 via the annular belt 53, also rotates clockwise in the right-hand view.

[0073] Therefore, the drive roller 20 can feed the warp yarn 3b downwards while it is held between the circumferential surface 20a and the outer circumferential surface of the annular belt 53. This prevents the warp yarn 3b from easily detaching from the drive roller 20, ensuring reliable downstream feeding. Furthermore, it prevents the downstream feeding of only the portion of the reinforcing fibers constituting the warp yarn 3b that contacts the circumferential surface 20a. Additionally, even if the warp yarn 3b is a yarn that is simply bundled with carbon fibers without twisting, unraveling can be prevented, allowing for more appropriate feeding of the warp yarn 3b to the flat knitting machine 2.

[0074] On the other hand, if the upward driving force of harness 12 is released, then as Figure 3 As shown in (b), the rod 31 connected to the yarn harness 12 rotates downwards by the force of the spring 41. However, due to the action of the ratchet mechanism 32, even if the rod 31 rotates downwards, the drive roller 20 will not rotate in the reverse direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the warp yarn 3b from returning to the upstream side.

[0075] In this way, by using the driving force from the drive unit 10 to rotate the drive roller 20 in the warp conveying device 1, each warp yarn 3b used in weaving the fabric can be actively conveyed to the flat knitting machine 2. This overcomes the tension applied to the warp yarns 3b (tension caused by the resistance to release the warp yarns 3b when they are taken out of the yarn source spool 3a, and tension caused by the downward deflection based on the weight of the warp yarns 3b), allowing the warp yarns 3b to be woven downwards in the amount required for weaving the fabric. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the blocking of weft yarns that are parallel in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, with a relatively simple structure such as the drive roller 20 and the conveying mechanism 30, the conveying of the warp yarns 3b to the flat knitting machine 2 can be continuously performed.

[0076] Furthermore, multiple drive rollers 20 need to be arranged in the knitting width direction to individually control the warp yarns 3b. In this case, multiple warp yarns are transferred from the bobbin to the knitting machine. Therefore, the freedom of arrangement of the drive device 10 is relatively low. Therefore, in this embodiment, by arranging the drive device 10 for rotating the drive roller 20 at a position relatively far from the flat knitting machine 2, multiple warp yarns 3b can be actively and individually fed without complicating the yarn supply path. More specifically, instead of directly rotating the drive roller 20 via the drive device 10, the drive device 10 is configured to be connected to the rod 31 via the wire harness 12. This eliminates the need to arrange the drive device 10 around the yarn supply path, allowing it to be arranged relatively far from the flat knitting machine 2. Therefore, complicating the yarn supply path can be suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, since the feed amount of each warp yarn 3b can be adjusted individually using each motor 11a of the jacquard opening device 11, the amount of a portion of the warp yarn 3b in the weave width direction of the woven fabric can be increased or decreased compared to other parts.

[0078] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concept of the invention as described in the claims.

[0079] For example, in this embodiment, the flat knitting machine 2, which feeds the warp yarn 3b into the warp yarn conveyor 1, knits the fabric by fixing the warp yarn 3b and the weft yarn using knitting yarn. However, it is also possible to knit the fabric without using the weft yarn. Specifically, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5955197... Figure 1 As shown, the flat knitting machine 2 can also clamp the warp yarn by the positional relationship between the knitting yarn supplied from the warp yarn and the warp yarn, which is moved between the phases of the knitting yarn and the warp yarn relative to the front and back sides.

[0080] Furthermore, the warp yarn 3b is fed towards the upper end of the circumferential surface 20a of the drive roller 20, but it can also be fed towards the portion further back than the upper end of the circumferential surface 20a. After passing the upper end of the circumferential surface 20a, it is guided by the circumferential surface 20a in a downward bending manner. As a result, the length of the warp yarn 3b in contact with the circumferential surface 20a is increased, thereby reducing the slippage of the warp yarn 3b relative to the circumferential surface 20a and improving the feeding accuracy of the warp yarn 3b.

[0081] Furthermore, each warp yarn 3b is fed into the flat knitting machine 2 at the moment the knitting direction reverses, according to the required amount corresponding to the next loop row. Thus, each warp yarn 3b is fed into the flat knitting machine 2 at the same time. However, this is not a limitation; for example, the warp yarn 3b, fixed by the fixing yarn, can also be fed into the flat knitting machine 2 via the knitting needle when each knitting needle enters the toothed 2c. That is, each warp yarn 3b can also be fed into the flat knitting machine 2 at different times.

[0082] In addition, in this embodiment, motor 11a is used as the drive source, but a solenoid can also be used.

[0083] In addition, in this embodiment, the rotation direction of the drive roller 20 is limited by the ratchet mechanism 32, but any structure that can transmit force in only one direction and not in the other direction is acceptable, such as a one-way clutch.

[0084] Next, use Figure 4 The structure of the warp conveying device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0085] The difference between the warp conveying device 1 of the second embodiment and the warp conveying device 1 of the first embodiment is that a drive device 60 is provided instead of a drive device 10. This difference will be explained below. It should be noted that in... Figure 4 And the following Figures 5 to 7 The illustration of the driven mechanism 50 is omitted in the text.

[0086] The drive unit 60 includes a wire harness 12, a movable body 61, a needle-like body 62, a needle bed 63, and a direction-changing roller 64. It should be noted that the wire harness 12 is the same as in the first embodiment, so its description is omitted.

[0087] The movable body 61 is capable of reciprocating synchronously with the carriage (not shown) of the flat knitting machine 2 in the knitting width direction, and is driven by a motor and timing belt (not shown). A cam surface 61a is provided on the lower surface of the movable body 61.

[0088] The needle-like body 62 is formed in a needle shape with its length direction pointing forward and backward, and is provided for each thread bundle 12. The front end of the needle-like body 62 is formed in a hook shape to engage with the thread bundle 12. The needle-like body 62 has a needle heel 62a formed in such a way that its front and rear middle portions protrude upward. Multiple needle-like bodies 62 are arranged on the needle bed 63 in a manner that is arranged in the left and right direction.

[0089] Furthermore, the drive unit 60 includes an actuator (not shown) configured to switch between a needle-selecting state and a non-needle-selecting state of the needle body 62. The switching between the needle-selecting and non-needle-selecting states is determined based on a pre-installed program. In the needle-selecting state, when the moving body 61 moves in the knitting width direction, the needle heel 62a is guided by the cam surface 61a, thereby causing the needle body 62 to move back and forth. On the other hand, in the non-needle-selecting state, the needle heel 62a is recessed into the needle bed 63. Therefore, even if the moving body 61 moves in the knitting width direction, the needle heel 62a is not guided by the cam surface 61a. Therefore, the needle body 62 does not move back and forth. Thus, the cam surface 61a generates a driving force that moves the needle body 62 along with the movement of the moving body 61.

[0090] The direction conversion roller 64 converts the direction of the wire harness 12 so that the wire harness 12 extending forward from the front end of the needle body 62 extends downward in a curved manner to convert the extension direction of the wire harness 12.

[0091] In the warp conveying device 1 of the second embodiment configured in this way, if the moving body 61 moves back and forth synchronously with the carriage of the flat knitting machine 2 in the knitting width direction, only the needle-like body 62 in the selected needle state moves forward and backward. As a result, the yarn bundle 12 is displaced vertically, causing the rod 31 to rotate upward. As a result, the drive roller 20 can be rotated in the positive direction, feeding the warp yarn 3b downstream.

[0092] Furthermore, by using a drive device 60 configured as described above to drive the drive roller 20, space can be saved and costs can be reduced.

[0093] Next, use Figure 5 The structure of the warp conveying device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0094] The difference between the warp conveying device 1 of the third embodiment and the warp conveying device 1 of the first embodiment is that a drive device 70 is provided instead of a drive device 10. This difference will be explained below.

[0095] The drive device 70 includes a movable body 61, a needle-like body 72, a needle bed 73, a working link 74, and a working rod 75. It should be noted that the movable body 61 is the same as in the second embodiment, therefore its description is omitted. Furthermore, the needle-like body 72 and the needle bed 73 are respectively equivalent to the needle-like body 62 and the needle bed 63 in the second embodiment.

[0096] The working link 74 is part of the linkage mechanism and includes a rotating member 74a, a first connecting part 74b and a second connecting part 74c.

[0097] The rotating member 74a is configured to rotate about an axis extending in the left-right direction. The rotating member 74a is connected to the front end of the needle-like body 72 in a swingable manner via a first connecting part 74b, and is connected to the upper end of the working rod 75 (described later) in a swingable manner via a second connecting part 74c.

[0098] The working rod 75 actuates the rod 31 and is formed into a rod shape made of materials such as metal or resin, and is arranged with its length direction pointing vertically. As described above, the upper end of the working rod 75 is connected to the rotating member 74a, and its lower end is connected to the first hook portion 31a of the rod 31.

[0099] In the warp conveying device 1 of this third embodiment, when the needle-like body 72 in the needle selection state moves forward and backward along with the reciprocating movement of the moving body 61 in the knitting width direction, the working link 74 rotates, causing the working rod 75 to move up and down. More specifically, when the needle-like body 72 moves backward and the working link 74 rotates clockwise in the right-hand view, the working rod 75 moves upward, causing the rod 31 to rotate upward. As a result, the drive roller 20 can rotate in the positive direction, feeding the warp yarn 3b downstream.

[0100] In addition, Figure 5 In the example shown, rod 31 is forced downward by spring 41, but rod 31 can also be displaced downward by the rotation of the working link 74, so spring 41 may not be necessary. (The following will be discussed...) Figure 6 The example shown is the same.

[0101] In addition, Figure 5 In this diagram, the first connecting portion 74b and the second connecting portion 74c are shown to have approximately the same length, but for example, the length of the second connecting portion 74c can be longer than the length of the first connecting portion 74b. This increases the displacement of the working rod 75 relative to the needle-like body 72, thereby enabling miniaturization of the cam mechanism.

[0102] Next, use Figure 6 The structure of the warp conveying device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0103] The difference between the warp conveying device 1 of the fourth embodiment and the warp conveying device 1 of the first embodiment is that a drive device 80 is provided instead of a drive device 10. This difference will be explained below.

[0104] The drive device 80 includes a movable body 61, a needle-like body 72, a needle bed 73, a sliding member 84, and a working rod 86. It should be noted that the movable body 61 is the same as in the second embodiment, therefore its description is omitted. Furthermore, the needle-like body 72 and the needle bed 73 are the same as in the third embodiment, therefore their description is omitted.

[0105] The sliding member 84 is a member that can slide back and forth and is fixed to the front end of the needle-like body 72. Thus, the sliding member 84 moves back and forth in tandem with the forward and backward movement of the needle-like body 72. The sliding member 84 is provided with an elongated hole 84a that is inclined in the longitudinal direction relative to the front-back direction. More specifically, the elongated hole 84a is formed at an angle downwards as it faces rearwards.

[0106] The structure of the working rod 86 is substantially the same as that of the working rod 75 in the third embodiment. The working rod 86 is guided by a guide member (not shown) in a manner that does not move in the front-back direction, that is, it is guided to be able to move only in the vertical direction. A pin 86a is provided at the upper end of the working rod 86. The pin 86a is formed to extend to the left from the upper end of the working rod 86 and is inserted into the elongated hole 84a of the sliding member 84.

[0107] In the warp conveying device 1 of this fourth embodiment, when the needle-like body 72 in the needle selection state moves forward and backward along with the reciprocating movement of the moving body 61 in the knitting width direction, the sliding member 84 reciprocates back and forth, and the pin 86a is guided by the elongated hole 84a. This causes the working rod 86 to move upward, causing the rod 31 to rotate upward. Consequently, the drive roller 20 can rotate in the positive direction, feeding the warp yarn 3b downstream.

[0108] The second to fourth embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the technical concept of the invention as described in the claims.

[0109] For example, as long as the moving body 61 moves in accordance with the weaving of the carriage based on the flat knitting machine 2, it is not limited to moving synchronously with the carriage of the flat knitting machine 2 as in the second to fourth embodiments, but can also move in advance of the movement of the carriage.

[0110] Furthermore, the inclination angle of the elongated hole 84a can be set arbitrarily, or it can be formed with a relatively large inclination angle relative to the horizontal direction, that is, it can be formed in a relatively long direction. As a result, the displacement of the working rod 86 relative to the needle-shaped body 72 can be increased, thereby enabling the miniaturization of the cam mechanism.

[0111] Alternatively, the jacquard opening device 11 of the first embodiment can also be used as a driving device. Figure 5 And the device composed of the mechanisms shown in Figure 6.

[0112] Next, use Figure 7 The structure of the warp conveying device 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0113] The difference between the warp conveying device 1 of the fifth embodiment and the warp conveying device 1 of the first embodiment is that it includes a transfer mechanism 90 instead of a transfer mechanism 30. This difference will be explained below.

[0114] The transmission mechanism 90 includes a pinion 91, a ratchet mechanism 92, and a rack 93.

[0115] The pinion 91 is used to rotate the drive roller 20 and is positioned to the right of the drive roller 20 so as to be able to rotate about the same axis as the drive roller 20. Multiple teeth 91a are arranged around the entire circumference of the outer surface of the pinion 91. The multiple teeth 91a are evenly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0116] The ratchet mechanism 92 restricts the rotation direction of the drive roller 20 and is assembled at the rotation center of the pinion 91, so as to rotate along with the rotation of the pinion 91. The ratchet mechanism 92 is configured to engage with the drive roller 20 when the pinion 91 rotates counterclockwise in the right-hand view, and not engage with the drive roller 20 when the pinion 91 rotates clockwise in the right-hand view.

[0117] That is, via the ratchet mechanism 92, as the pinion 91 rotates counterclockwise in the right-hand view, the drive roller 20 rotates in the forward direction. On the other hand, via the ratchet mechanism 32, the drive roller 20 does not rotate in the reverse direction as the pinion 91 rotates clockwise in the right-hand view.

[0118] The rack 93 is used to rotate the drive roller 20 and is positioned behind the drive roller 20 in a vertically oriented manner along its length. The rack 93 is guided by a guide member (not shown) in a manner that prevents movement in the longitudinal direction, i.e., it is guided to be able to move only in the vertical direction.

[0119] On the front surface of the rack 93, multiple teeth 93a are arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction. The rack 93 is configured such that the teeth 93a mesh with the teeth 91a of the pinion 91.

[0120] The lower end of the wire harness 12 is connected to the upper end of the rack 93. The upper end of the spring 41 is engaged at the lower end of the rack 93, and the spring 41 applies downward force to it.

[0121] In the warp conveying device 1 of this fifth embodiment, when the motor 11a of the drive device 10 is driven to displace the yarn bundle 12 upward by a predetermined amount, the rack 93 connected to the yarn bundle 12 moves upward. Here, as described above, the rack 93 is arranged such that its teeth 93a mesh with the teeth 91a of the pinion 91. Therefore, when the rack 93 moves upward, the pinion 91 rotates counterclockwise in the right-hand view, and the drive roller 20 rotates in the forward direction. As a result, the warp yarn 3b can be fed downstream.

[0122] Furthermore, by adjusting the gear ratio, the conveying capacity of the drive roller 20 can be increased compared to the vertical movement of the wire harness 12 based on the drive source. This enables the miniaturization of the cam mechanism.

[0123] Next, use Figure 8 and Figure 9 The structure of the warp conveying device 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0124] The difference between the warp conveying device 1 of the sixth embodiment and the warp conveying device 1 of the first embodiment is that it also includes a slack elimination mechanism 200. This difference will be explained below.

[0125] In the warp yarn conveying device 1, for example, if the warp yarn 3b is not used as intended during the weaving of a fabric, a conveying error may occur. When this conveying error accumulates, slack in the warp yarn 3b may occur at a position downstream of the drive roller 20, and the warp yarn 3b may come into contact with other objects, potentially affecting the weaving of the fabric, which is undesirable. The slack elimination mechanism 200 is provided to eliminate the slack in the warp yarn 3b, and includes a first magnet part 210, a second magnet part 220, and a shielding member 230.

[0126] The first magnet portion 210 is a magnet disposed on the second driven roller 52 and is formed in a cuboid shape. Multiple first magnet portions 210 are arranged radially toward the second driven roller 52 along their length. The first magnet portions 210 are arranged at equal intervals around the second driven roller 52. In this embodiment, six first magnet portions 210 are arranged at 60° intervals. In a side view, the radially outer surface of each first magnet portion 210 is positioned approximately at the same level as the outer peripheral surface of the second driven roller 52. The first magnet portion 210 includes an S pole portion 211 and an N pole portion 212.

[0127] The S-pole portion 211 is disposed on the counterclockwise side of the right side view of the first magnet portion 210. Specifically, the S-pole portion 211 is configured to be located on the front side of the first magnet portion 210 when the second driven roller 52 rotates and the first magnet portion 210 is at its uppermost position.

[0128] The N-pole portion 212 is disposed on the clockwise side of the right-side view of the first magnet portion 210. Specifically, the N-pole portion 212 is configured to be located on the rear side of the first magnet portion 210 when the second driven roller 52 rotates and the first magnet portion 210 is at its highest position. The N-pole portion 212 is disposed adjacent to the S-pole portion 211.

[0129] The second magnet 220 is a magnet disposed independently of the second driven roller 52 and fixed to the flat knitting machine 2 below the second driven roller 52. More specifically, the second magnet 220 is disposed such that its front and rear centers are located slightly behind the center of the second driven roller 52. The second magnet 220 is formed into a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the side. The second magnet 220 includes an S pole portion 221 and an N pole portion 222.

[0130] The S-pole portion 221 is provided in such a way that it constitutes the rear portion of the second magnet portion 220.

[0131] The N-pole portion 222 forms the front portion of the second magnet portion 220 and is arranged adjacent to the S-pole portion 221. The N-pole portion 222 is located closer to the second driven roller 52 than the S-pole portion 221.

[0132] The shielding member 230 shields or demagnetizes the magnetic force of the first magnet portion 210. More specifically, the shielding member 230 shields the magnetic force acting on the second magnet portion 220 in a manner that causes the second driven roller 52 to rotate in the opposite direction. The shielding member 230 is formed of an iron sheet that is a strongly magnetic material and is provided to cover the magnetic pole surface of the N pole portion 212 of the first magnet portion 210.

[0133] Next, use Figure 9 and Figure 10 The operation of the slack elimination mechanism 200 will be explained. Hereinafter, the direction of rotation of the second driven roller 52 will sometimes be referred to as the "winding direction" as the counterclockwise direction in the right-side view, i.e., the direction of slack in winding the warp yarn 3b.

[0134] Figure 10 (a) indicates a state where the warp yarn 3b is slack on the downstream side of the drive roller 20 due to conveying errors, etc. In this case of warp yarn 3b slack, when the first magnet section 210 and the second magnet section 220 become... Figure 9 When the positions are shown, the adsorption force of the N pole portion 222 of the second magnet portion 220 acts on the S pole portion 211a of the first magnet portion 210a located in the lower front part of the six first magnet portions 210.

[0135] At this time, when the lever 31 stops, or during the upward rotation, the second driven roller 52 will not rotate in the winding direction due to the action of the ratchet mechanism 32, even if the adsorption force of the N pole 222 acts on the S pole 211a.

[0136] On the other hand, during the downward rotation of the rod 31, the S-pole 211a is attracted by the N-pole 222, thereby causing the second driven roller 52 to rotate in the winding direction to a position where the S-pole 211a and the N-pole 222 are approximately facing each other.

[0137] At this time, the magnetic pole surface of the N pole portion 212b of the rear lower portion of the six first magnet portions 210 is covered by the shielding member 230. Therefore, the attraction force of the N pole portion 212b relative to the S pole portion 221 is shielded or demagnetized. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the second driven roller 52 from rotating in the opposite direction to the winding direction.

[0138] Thus, when the second driven roller 52 rotates in the winding direction, the drive roller 20 rotates in the reverse direction. As a result, the warp yarn 3b downstream of the drive roller 20 is wound up, eliminating any slack in the warp yarn 3b. Furthermore, along with the rotation of the drive roller 20, the annular belt 53 also moves in the direction of winding the warp yarn 3b. Therefore, the warp yarn 3b can be wound up while being held between the circumferential surface 20a of the drive roller 20 and the outer circumferential surface of the annular belt 53.

[0139] Furthermore, as described above, magnetic force is used in the relaxation elimination mechanism 200 for winding the warp yarn 3b. Therefore, unlike cases such as torque application based on physical connections, problems such as wear between components are not generated, and maintainability and durability are improved.

[0140] Next, use Figure 11 The structure of the warp conveying device 1 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0141] The difference between the warp conveying device 1 of the seventh embodiment and the warp conveying device 1 of the sixth embodiment lies in the arrangement of the first magnet part 210 of the slack elimination mechanism 200. This difference will be explained below.

[0142] like Figure 11 As shown, the first magnet portion 210 is arranged with its length direction radially inclined relative to the second driven roller 52. More specifically, the first magnet portion 210 is arranged such that the S pole portion 211 faces the outer diameter side more than the N pole portion 212.

[0143] When the warp yarn 3b is relaxed, the first magnet portion 210 and the second magnet portion 220 become Figure 11In the positional relationship shown, the magnetic pole surface of the S pole portion 211c of the first magnet portion 210c located at the lower front of the six first magnet portions 210 is approximately facing the N pole portion 222 of the second magnet portion 220. On the other hand, the magnetic pole surface of the N pole portion 212d of the first magnet portion 210d located at the lower rear of the six first magnet portions 210 is not facing the S pole portion 221 of the second magnet portion 220. Therefore, the second driven roller 52 rotates in the winding direction due to the attraction force between the S pole portion 211c and the N pole portion 222.

[0144] Thus, when the second driven roller 52 rotates in the winding direction, the drive roller 20 rotates in the reverse direction. As a result, the warp yarn 3b on the downstream side of the drive roller 20 is wound up, eliminating slack in the warp yarn 3b.

[0145] Furthermore, in the slack elimination mechanism 200 of the warp conveying device 1 in the sixth and seventh embodiments, the rotation ratio is set to drive roller 20: first driven roller 51: second driven roller 52 = 1:2:2. That is, the rotation of the second driven roller 52, based on the first magnet 210 and the second magnet 220, is half that of the drive roller 20. The conveying amount for each loop of warp yarn 3b is set to approximately 3.5 mm, and the conveying error is estimated to be approximately ±0.1 to 0.2 mm. Here, due to the relative positional relationship between the first magnet 210 and the second magnet 220, a situation may occur where the warp yarn 3b is not wound ("no winding"). However, since the winding amount per turn is approximately 2 to 3 mm, even if, for example, a "no winding" of +0.2 mm occurs 10 times consecutively, the accumulated conveying error can be eliminated by a single winding.

[0146] The relaxation elimination mechanism 200 of the warp conveying device 1 according to the sixth and seventh embodiments of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and appropriate modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concept of the invention as described in the claims.

[0147] For example, in the sixth and seventh embodiments, the second magnet 220 is fixed to the flat knitting machine 2, but it can also be configured similarly to the first magnet 210, with magnets evenly spaced on the rollers in the circumferential direction, generating a force that rotates continuously and causes the second driven roller 52 to rotate in the winding direction. However, this force is set to be less than the rotational force of the drive roller 20 when conveying the warp yarn 3b downstream, and is set so as not to hinder the conveying of the warp yarn 3b.

[0148] Furthermore, in the sixth and seventh embodiments, six first magnet portions 210 are provided, but the number of first magnet portions 210 can be set to any number.

[0149] Industrial availability

[0150] This invention can be applied to a warp conveying device that feeds warp yarns to a flat knitting machine.

[0151] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0152] 1. Warp yarn conveying device

[0153] 2. Flat knitting machine

[0154] 3a Yarn Source Reel

[0155] 3b warp yarn

[0156] 10, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 drive units

[0157] 11 Jacquard opening device

[0158] 11a motor

[0159] 20 drive rollers

[0160] 30. Transmission Mechanism

[0161] 31 strokes

[0162] 51 First driven roller

[0163] 52 Second driven roller

[0164] 53 Circular Belt

[0165] 61 moving bodies

[0166] 61a Cam surface

[0167] 103 rack

[0168] 104 small gears

[0169] 200 Relaxation Elimination Mechanism

[0170] 210 First Magnet Section

[0171] 220 Second Magnet Section

[0172] 230 Shielding components

Claims

1. A warp yarn conveying device, wherein the warp yarn conveying device feeds warp yarns from above onto a flat knitting machine, wherein, The warp yarn conveying device includes: The driving source generates driving force; A drive roller, which is rotatably disposed below the drive source, has its circumferential surface in contact with the warp yarn released from the yarn source to bend the yarn supply direction downward. as well as A transfer mechanism transmits the driving force in such a way that the drive roller rotates in only one direction, feeding the warp yarn downwards. The transmission mechanism includes a rotation limiting member and a connecting member. The rotation limiting member restricts the rotation direction of the drive roller, configured to transmit force only in one direction and not in the other. The connecting member is connected to the drive roller via the rotation limiting member in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally with the drive roller in the one direction and to rotate relative to the drive roller in the other direction. The drive roller feeds the warp yarn downwards by oscillating the connecting member based on the driving force.

2. The warp conveying device according to claim 1, wherein, The warp conveying device also includes: A plurality of driven rollers, the plurality of driven rollers being rotatable in tandem with the rotation of the drive roller; and An annular belt is mounted on the plurality of driven rollers, and the outer peripheral surface of the annular belt contacts the peripheral surface of the drive roller. The drive roller uses the circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the belt to clamp the warp yarn and feed it downward.

3. The warp conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The drive source is a motor whose rotational speed can be adjusted.

4. The warp conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The drive source is a moving body that can move in accordance with the weaving of the carriage based on the flat knitting machine and has a cam mechanism that can generate driving force along with the movement.

5. A warp yarn conveying device, wherein the warp yarn conveying device feeds warp yarns from above onto a flat knitting machine, wherein, The warp yarn conveying device includes: The driving source generates driving force; A drive roller, which is rotatably disposed below the drive source, has its circumferential surface in contact with the warp yarn released from the yarn source to bend the yarn supply direction downward. as well as A transfer mechanism transmits the driving force in such a way that the drive roller rotates in only one direction, feeding the warp yarn downwards. The transmission mechanism has the following features: A rack portion, which is capable of reciprocating under the driving force; A rotation limiting member restricts the rotation direction of the drive roller, configured to transmit force only in one direction and not in the other direction; as well as A pinion gear, configured to engage with the rack portion and reciprocate via the rack portion through the rotation limiting member, is connected to the drive roller in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally with the drive roller in one direction and to rotate relative to the drive roller in another direction. The drive roller rotates in the one direction by the driving force transmitted via the pinion, feeding the warp yarn downwards.

6. The warp conveying device according to claim 5, wherein, The warp conveying device also includes: A plurality of driven rollers, the plurality of driven rollers being rotatable in tandem with the rotation of the drive roller; and An annular belt is mounted on the plurality of driven rollers, and the outer peripheral surface of the annular belt contacts the peripheral surface of the drive roller. The drive roller uses the circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the belt to clamp the warp yarn and feed it downward.

7. The warp conveying device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The drive source is a motor whose rotational speed can be adjusted.

8. The warp conveying device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The drive source is a moving body that can move in accordance with the weaving of the carriage based on the flat knitting machine and has a cam mechanism that can generate driving force along with the movement.

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