End yarn handling device for a weft knitting machine

Abstract

This invention provides an end yarn processing device for a flat knitting machine capable of precisely adjusting the position of a clamp relative to a carriage. The end yarn processing device processes the end yarns extending from the knitted fabric during the knitting process. The flat knitting machine has a needle bed with knitting needles arranged side-by-side in the length direction. The knitting needles move forward and backward relative to the teeth of the needle bed as the carriage moves, thereby knitting the fabric. The end yarn processing device includes: a first clamp and a second clamp, which are capable of moving forward and backward relative to the teeth and can switch between a state of not holding the knitting yarn and a state of holding the knitting yarn; and a cutter, which is capable of switching between a cutting execution state that can cut the knitting yarn held by the first clamp and the second clamp and a cutting standby state that cannot cut the knitting yarn. The first clamp, the second clamp, and the cutter are disposed on the carriage and are movable relative to the carriage in the length direction of the needle bed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technique for treating the end yarns of a flat knitting machine, which treats the end yarns of a woven fabric in a flat knitting machine. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, the technology of end yarn treatment devices for flat knitting machines that treat the end yarns of woven fabrics in flat knitting machines was known. For example, as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an end-yarn processing device. During the knitting of a glove, two grippers hold the end yarn from the knitting needles holding the knitted finger sleeve to the yarn feeder. A cutter is used between the two grippers to cut and process the end yarn. In the end-yarn processing device described in Patent Document 1, processing is performed by moving the grippers holding the cut end yarn on the knitted side and inserting the end yarn into the finger sleeve.

[0004] Here, when processing the end yarn, it is sometimes necessary to adjust the position of the clamp relative to the carriage. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for processing the end yarn by knitting the end yarn on the knitting side into the knitting fabric. When processing the end yarn on the knitting side by knitting it into the knitting fabric, the carriage is moved, causing the knitting needles to move forward and backward relative to the teeth of the needle bed. In order to adjust the relative position of the clamp relative to the moving carriage, it is necessary to control the movement of the clamp. Here, the carriage and the clamp move independently, so there is a problem that it is difficult to adjust the relative position of the clamp relative to the moving carriage with high precision.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4015980

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 3347079 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 to be solved is to provide an end yarn processing device for a flat knitting machine that can adjust the position of the clamp relative to the carriage with high precision.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

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

[0013] That is, the yarn end processing device of the flat knitting machine of the present invention is an yarn end processing device that processes the yarn end extending from the fabric during the knitting of the fabric in the flat knitting machine. The flat knitting machine has a needle bed in which knitting needles are arranged side by side in the length direction. The knitting needles move forward and backward relative to the teeth of the needle bed by moving with the slide, thereby knitting the fabric. The yarn end processing device of the flat knitting machine includes: a clamp that can move forward and backward relative to the teeth and can switch between a state of not holding the yarn end and a state of holding the yarn end; and a cutter that can switch between a cutting execution state and a cutting standby state. The cutting execution state is a state in which the yarn end held by the clamp can be cut, and the cutting standby state is a state in which the yarn end held by the clamp cannot be cut. The clamp and the cutter are provided on the slide and can move relative to the slide in the length direction of the needle bed.

[0014] This configuration allows for high-precision adjustment of the positions of the clamps and cutters relative to the carriage.

[0015] Alternatively, it may include a control device capable of controlling the movement of the gripper, the control device being able to control the relative movement direction and speed of the gripper and the cutter relative to the slide according to the movement direction and speed of the slide.

[0016] This configuration allows for control of the positions of the clamps and cutters relative to the knitting machine.

[0017] Alternatively, the control device can move the gripper relative to the slide on the other side of the needle bed at the same speed as the slide moves along one side of the needle bed, thereby maintaining the position of the gripper relative to the knitting machine in the length direction of the needle bed.

[0018] With this configuration, it is possible to weave fabric while holding the end yarn with a clamp.

[0019] Alternatively, the stroke length by which the clamp and the cutter can move relative to the carriage may be shorter than the stroke length by which the carriage can move.

[0020] This configuration allows for the miniaturization of the yarn end processing device.

[0021] Alternatively, it may include: a support member disposed on the carriage and supporting the two clamps and the cutter disposed between the two clamps; and a drive source that moves the support member relative to the carriage in the length direction of the needle bed.

[0022] With this configuration, the clamp and cutter can be moved by a shared drive source, thereby enabling the end yarn processing device to be miniaturized and simplified.

[0023] Alternatively, as the knitting needles move forward and backward along with the movement of the carriage, the carriage can be moved while the clamp is moved toward a position where the end yarn on the knitted fabric side held by the clamp can hook the yarn relative to each of the knitting needles, thereby incorporating the end yarn on the knitted fabric side into the knitted fabric for processing.

[0024] With this configuration, the end yarns will not appear outside the woven fabric, allowing for reliable handling.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] As an effect of the present invention, the position of the clamp can be adjusted with high precision relative to the carriage. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a front view of the end yarn processing device of a flat knitting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a top view of the yarn end processing device.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 AA sectional view.

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 CC section view.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a front view of the first gripper, the second gripper, and the cutter, etc., located in the rising position.

[0032] Figure 6 This is the front view of the first gripper in the rising position.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a left-side sectional view of the cutter's drive mechanism, showing the cutter in the off state.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the yarn end processing device.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the general steps involved in processing the yarn ends.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a front view of the first gripper, the second gripper, and the cutter located in the contact position.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a front view of the first gripper, the second gripper, and the cutter in the descending position.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a left-side sectional view showing the gripper in the lowered position.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a left-side sectional view of the cutter's drive mechanism, showing the cutter in the open state.

[0040] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the general process of yarn end-cutting.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0042] 1. Yarn end treatment device

[0043] 2. Flat knitting machine

[0044] 3. Needle bed

[0045] 3a Knitting needles

[0046] 4. Yarn feeder

[0047] 10 Carriages

[0048] 23 Second Support Component

[0049] 50 First clamp

[0050] 60 Second clamp

[0051] 70 Cutter

[0052] 80. Control device. Detailed Implementation

[0053] 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. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the diagrams show parts that are not actually visible, or omit illustrations of parts that are actually visible.

[0054] Figures 1 to 8The end yarn processing device 1 of one embodiment of the present invention shown processes the end yarn. In this specification, end yarn refers to the yarn extending outward from the knitted fabric, including the yarn before it is cut by the cutter 70 described later. Additionally, the yarn on the feeder 4 side, which is separated from the knitted fabric after being cut by the cutter 70, is also included in the end yarn. The end yarn processing device 1 is provided on a flat knitting machine 2. The flat knitting machine 2 has a needle bed 3 arranged facing each other with teeth S separated by gaps. On the needle bed 3, a plurality of knitting needles 3a (see reference 1) are knitted together. Figure 14 The needle bed 3 is arranged in a manner that follows the length direction b. Near the toothed edge S, a yarn feeder 4 for supplying knitting yarn is provided so that it can move along the length direction b of the needle bed 3. Hereinafter, "the length direction b of the needle bed 3" will sometimes be simply referred to as the length direction b. Furthermore, in the illustration, the knitting machine 2 is shown with the length direction b pointing left and right. Also, the up and down direction in the illustration is not based on the knitting machine 2, but rather on the end yarn handling device 1. Specifically, in the illustration, the knitting machine 2 and the end yarn handling device 1 are shown with the forward and backward directions of the hook member 53 and the pressing member 54 (described later) pointing up and down.

[0055] Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The illustrated carriages 10 are arranged in pairs facing a pair of needle beds 3. The carriages 10 can be driven by a servo motor 11 (see reference). Figure 8 The slide 10 moves back and forth along the length direction b. A needle selection mechanism and a cam mechanism are provided in the slide 10 to selectively move the knitting needles 3a of the needle bed 3. As the slide 10 moves along the length direction b, the knitting needles 3a advance and retreat relative to the toothed edge S, thereby knitting the fabric.

[0056] The yarn end processing device 1 mainly includes a support part 20, a moving part 30, a driving part 40, a first clamp 50, a second clamp 60, a cutter 70, and a control device 80.

[0057] Figures 1 to 5 The support portion 20 shown supports the first clamp 50, the second clamp 60, and the cutter 70, which will be described later. The support portion 20 includes a first support member 21, a guide rail 22, and a second support member 23.

[0058] Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4The first support member 21 shown is roughly U-shaped in side view and is fixed to the front surface of the carriage 10. The guide rail 22 guides the movement of the second support member 23 (described later), and consequently the first clamp 50, the second clamp 60, and the cutter 70 supported on the second support member 23, in the length direction b. The guide rail 22 is respectively provided at the upper and lower parts of the first support member 21, extending along the length direction b.

[0059] Figures 1 to 5 The second support member 23 shown supports the first clamp 50, the second clamp 60, and the cutter 70, and is supported by upper and lower guide rails 22 so that it can move along the length direction b. The second support member 23 is supported on the guide rail 22 via rollers 22a that can roll on the guide rail 22. Figure 5 As shown, a stop 23a protruding forward is formed at the lower end of the second support member 23.

[0060] Figures 1 to 5 The movable part 30 shown causes the first clamp 50, the second clamp 60, and the cutter 70, which will be described later, to move along the length direction b. The movable part 30 includes a movable motor 31, a pinion 32, and a rack 33.

[0061] Figures 1 to 4 as well as Figure 8 The movable motor 31 shown is the drive source for the movement of the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60, and the cutter 70 in the longitudinal direction b. The movable motor 31 fixes its output shaft axially in the vertical direction to the carriage 10. A pinion 32 is mounted on the output shaft of the movable motor 31. A rack 33 meshes with the pinion 32 on its front side. The rack 33 is arranged to extend along the longitudinal direction b. The rack 33 is connected to the second support member 23. In this way, the rotational motion of the movable motor 31 is converted into linear motion by the pinion 32 and the rack 33 and transmitted to the second support member 23. Furthermore, the moving part 30 is not limited to a structure based on the pinion 32 and the rack 33; for example, it can also be based on a belt-driven structure.

[0062] Figures 1 to 5 The drive unit 40 shown drives the opening and closing of the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60, and the cutter 70. The drive unit 40 includes a first drive shaft 41, a second drive shaft 42, a first rotary motor 43, and a second rotary motor 44.

[0063] Figures 1 to 5 The first drive shaft 41 shown is used to open and close the second gripper 60 and the cutter 70. The first drive shaft 41 is arranged to extend along the length direction b. The second drive shaft 42 is used to open and close the first gripper 50. The second drive shaft 42 is arranged below the first drive shaft 41 and extends along the length direction b. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first drive shaft 41 and the second drive shaft 42 are formed with a circular cross-section, i.e., a D-shaped cross-section, in which a portion is cut off in a straight line.

[0064] Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 8 The first rotary motor 43 shown is connected to the first drive shaft 41 in a manner that enables it to rotate. The first rotary motor 43 is located on the right side of the first support member 21. The second rotary motor 44 is connected to the second drive shaft 42 in a manner that enables it to rotate. The second rotary motor 44 is located on the left side of the first support member 21. The first rotary motor 43 and the second rotary motor 44 are respectively connected to the first drive shaft 41 and the second drive shaft 42 via gears.

[0065] Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first clamp 50 shown, and Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The second clamp 60 shown holds the end yarn during weaving. The second clamp 60 is located to the right of the first clamp 50. Hereinafter, the first clamp 50 and the second clamp 60 will sometimes be collectively referred to as clamps 50 and 60. The clamps 50 and 60 are configured to move forward and backward relative to the toothed edge S, and to switch between a state where they do not hold the weaving yarn and a state where they hold the weaving yarn. The clamps 50 and 60 are mounted on the carriage 10 via the support portion 20. That is, the clamps 50 and 60 are configured to move integrally with the carriage 10 when the carriage 10 moves along the length direction b. In addition, the clamps 50 and 60 are supported on a second support member 23 that can move along the guide rail 22 in the length direction b, and therefore can move relative to the carriage 10 in the length direction b. The clamps 50 and 60 respectively include first connecting rod components 51 and 61, second connecting rod components 52 and 62, hook components 53 and 63, pressing components 54 and 64, and springs 55 and 65.

[0066] Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first connecting rod member 51 shown is disposed on the first drive shaft 41. More specifically, a through hole with a circular cross-sectional shape is formed at one end of the first connecting rod member 51, and the first drive shaft 41 is inserted through this through hole. Therefore, even if the first drive shaft 41 is rotated by the first rotary motor 43, the driving force of the first rotary motor 43 will not be transmitted to the first connecting rod member 51 via the first drive shaft 41. The first shaft member 51a is inserted into the other end of the first connecting rod member 51 with its axial direction facing left and right.

[0067] Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second connecting rod member 52 shown is disposed on the second drive shaft 42. More specifically, a through hole with a D-shaped cross-section is formed at one end of the second connecting rod member 52, and the second drive shaft 42 is fitted into this through hole. Therefore, if the second drive shaft 42 is rotated by the second rotary motor 44, the driving force of the second rotary motor 44 will be transmitted to the second connecting rod member 52 via the second drive shaft 42. The second shaft member 52a is inserted into the other end of the second connecting rod member 52 with its axial direction facing left and right.

[0068] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first connecting rod member 61 shown is disposed on the first drive shaft 41. More specifically, a through hole with a D-shaped cross-section is formed at one end of the first connecting rod member 61, and the first drive shaft 41 is fitted into the through hole. Therefore, if the first drive shaft 41 is rotated by the first rotary motor 43, the driving force of the first rotary motor 43 will be transmitted to the first connecting rod member 61 via the first drive shaft 41.

[0069] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The second linkage member 62 shown is disposed on the second drive shaft 42. More specifically, a through hole with a circular cross-sectional shape is formed at one end of the second linkage member 62, and the second drive shaft 42 is inserted through the through hole. Therefore, even if the second drive shaft 42 is rotated by the second rotary motor 44, the driving force of the second rotary motor 44 will not be transmitted to the second linkage member 62 via the second drive shaft 42.

[0070] Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The hook component 53 shown, and Figure 4 and Figure 5 The hook-and-hook member 63 shown captures and hooks the end yarn extending from the woven fabric. Hook-and-hook members 53 and 63 are formed as long strips oriented vertically. The other ends of the first connecting members 51 and 61 and the other ends of the second connecting members 52 and 62 are respectively connected to the upper parts of the hook-and-hook members 53 and 63 via first shaft members 51a and 61a and second shaft members 52a and 62a, respectively, in a manner rotatable relative to each other. The first shaft members 51a and 61a and the second shaft members 52a and 62a are disposed on the base members supporting the hook-and-hook members 53 and 63 and the pressing members 54 and 64. Hook-shaped tip portions 53a and 63a are formed at the lower ends of the hook-and-hook members 53 and 63.

[0071] Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The pressing member 54 shown, and Figure 4 and Figure 5 The pressing member 64 shown is held between the hook members 53 and 63 by the end yarn hooked by the hook members 53 and 63. The pressing members 54 and 64 are formed as long strips oriented vertically and are located behind the hook members 53 and 63. Top portions 54a and 64a are formed at the lower ends of the pressing members 54 and 64. Abutment portions 54b and 64b are formed at the middle of the upper and lower parts of the pressing members 54 and 64, protruding to the left and able to abut against the stop member 23a from above.

[0072] Figure 3 and Figure 6 The spring 55 shown, and Figure 4 The spring 65 shown is configured to exert a force downward on the pressing members 54 and 64 relative to the hook members 53 and 63. The springs 55 and 65 are, for example, tension springs.

[0073] Furthermore, the hook member 63, the pressing member 64, and the spring 65 are formed to be approximately symmetrical about left and right with respect to the hook member 53, the pressing member 54, and the spring 55.

[0074] The first clamp 50 and the second clamp 60 configured in this way can switch to a state where they do not hold the end yarn by opening the top ends 53a and 63a of the hook members 53 and 63 and the top ends 54a and 64a of the pressing members 54 and 64. Conversely, they can switch to a state where they hold the end yarn by closing the top ends 53a and 63a of the hook members 53 and 63 and the top ends 54a and 64a of the pressing members 54 and 64.

[0075] Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 7 The cutter 70 shown is configured to switch between a cutting execution state and a cutting standby state. The cutting execution state is capable of cutting the end yarn held by the first clamp 50 and the second clamp 60, while the cutting standby state is incapable of cutting the end yarn held by the first clamp 50 and the second clamp 60. The cutter 70 is disposed between the first clamp 50 and the second clamp 60. The cutter 70 includes a base portion 71, a rotating member 72, a rod 73, an upper blade 74, and a lower blade 75.

[0076] Figure 7 The base portion 71 shown is the part that supports the rotating member 72, rod 73, upper blade 74, and lower blade 75, which will be described later. The base portion 71 is formed as a plate with its surface facing left and right.

[0077] Figure 7The rotating member 72 shown is fixed to the first drive shaft 41 and is arranged to rotate together with the first drive shaft 41. A first pressing portion 72a and a second pressing portion 72b are formed on the rotating member 72, protruding radially outward from the first drive shaft 41. The first pressing portion 72a and the second pressing portion 72b are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the first drive shaft 41.

[0078] Figure 7 The rod 73 shown is formed as a long strip and is arranged in a generally vertical direction along its length. The rod 73 is configured to swing back and forth about a rotation axis 73a fixed to the base portion 71 and located below the front of the rotating member 72. The upper end portion 73b of the rod 73 is positioned between the first pressing portion 72a and the second pressing portion 72b in the circumferential direction of the first drive shaft 41.

[0079] Figure 7 The upper blade 74 shown is disposed on the base portion 71 below the rod 73. The lower blade 75 is configured to swing up and down about a rotation axis 75a fixed to the base portion 71 and disposed below the rod 73. The lower end portion 73c of the rod 73 is fitted into the upper end of the lower blade 75. By swinging up and down, the tip of the lower blade 75 can be opened and closed between the tip of the lower blade 75 and the tip of the upper blade 74.

[0080] The cutter 70 configured in this way switches to a cutting standby state by opening the top ends of the upper blade 74 and the lower blade 75, and switches to a cutting execution state by closing the top ends of the upper blade 74 and the lower blade 75.

[0081] Figure 8 The control device 80 shown controls the operation of the yarn handling device 1. The control device 80 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, a storage unit such as RAM and ROM, etc. The control device 80 is configured to control the operation of the servo motor 11, the motion motor 31, the first rotary motor 43, and the second rotary motor 44.

[0082] In the yarn end processing device 1 configured in this way, the carriage 10 can be moved in the length direction b by driving the servo motor 11 by the control device 80. The first clamp 50, the second clamp 60 and the cutter 70 are provided on the carriage 10, so by driving the servo motor 11, the first clamp 50, the second clamp 60 and the cutter 70 can be moved integrally with the carriage 10 in the length direction b.

[0083] Furthermore, by driving the movable motor 31 through the control device 80, the rotational motion of the movable motor 31 can be converted into linear motion using the pinion 32 and the rack 33. More specifically, when the movable motor 31 is driven, the second support member 23 connected to the rack 33 can be moved in the length direction b, thereby causing the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60, and the cutter 70, which are supported on the second support member 23, to move relative to the carriage 10 in the length direction b.

[0084] The control device 80 is configured to acquire information about the moving direction and speed of the carriage 10. The control device 80 is configured to control the relative moving direction and speed of the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60, and the cutter 70 relative to the carriage 10 based on the moving direction and speed of the carriage 10. This allows control of the positions of the grippers 50, 60, and the cutter 70 relative to the flat knitting machine 2. Therefore, the grippers 50, 60, and the cutter 70 can be prevented from interfering with components on the flat knitting machine 2, such as the yarn feeder 4. Furthermore, the control device 80 can, for example, maintain the positions of the grippers 50, 60 by moving them at the same speed as the carriage 10 in the opposite direction to the moving direction of the carriage 10. In addition, the control device 80 can also move the grippers 50, 60 in the same direction as the moving direction of the carriage 10, thereby shortening the time required to reach the target position.

[0085] The grippers 50 and 60 and the cutter 70 are configured to move relative to the carriage 10 in the longitudinal direction b by a stroke length L1. The stroke length L1 is set to be shorter than the stroke length L2 that the carriage 10 can move.

[0086] The operation of the yarn end processing device 1 during yarn end processing will be described below. Figure 9 This describes the general steps of the yarn end processing device 1 processing the yarn end. In step S1, it is confirmed that the clamps 50 and 60 are in the reference position. The reference position is set in the forward and backward direction of the hook members 53 and 63 and the pressing members 54 and 64, such as... Figures 3 to 5 The hook members 53 and 63 and the pressing members 54 and 64 of the clamps 50 and 60 shown are in the raised position furthest from the toothed edge S. Furthermore, the reference position is set at the center of the travel range that the clamps 50 and 60 can move in the length direction b.

[0087] In step S2, the drive motor 31 moves the first clamp 50, the second clamp 60, and the cutter 70 relative to the carriage 10 via the pinion 32 and rack 33. Specifically, the first clamp 50, the second clamp 60, and the cutter 70 are moved to the side edge of the woven fabric for the yarn end treatment.

[0088] In step S3, when the knitting of the fabric using the knitting yarn temporarily ends and the yarn ends are generated from the knitting needle 3a to the yarn feeder 4, the first rotary motor 43 and the second rotary motor 44 are driven, as follows: Figure 12 As shown, from Figure 3 The state shown causes the first drive shaft 41 and the second drive shaft 42 to rotate clockwise when viewed from the left. Along with the rotation of the first drive shaft 41 and the second drive shaft 42, the first connecting rod member 61 and the second connecting rod member 62 also rotate clockwise when viewed from the left.

[0089] As a result, the hook components 53 and 63 of the grippers 50 and 60 descend and move towards the toothed opening S. Along with the descent of the hook components 53 and 63, the pressing components 54 and 64 also descend, but... Figure 10 As shown, the abutting portions 54b and 64b of the pressing members 54 and 64, which become pressing members midway, are in an abutting position abutting against the stop member 23a. The pressing members 54 and 64, having moved to the abutting position, are restricted from descending by the stop member 23a. Therefore, as... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, only the hook members 53 and 63 descend, moving to the descending position closest to the toothed mouth S. In this state, the yarn feeder 4 is moved so that the end yarn crosses over the top parts 53a and 63a of the hook members 53 and 63. Thus, the end yarn is captured by the top parts 53a and 63a of the hook members 53 and 63.

[0090] In step S4, the first rotary motor 43 and the second rotary motor 44 are reversed, causing the hook members 53 and 63 to rise and move away from the toothed opening S. The top ends 53a and 63a of the hook members 53 and 63, while capturing the end yarn, approach the top ends 54a and 64a of the pressing members 54 and 64, whose movement is restricted by the stop member 23a. When the hook members 53 and 63 are raised further, the end yarn captured by the top ends 53a and 63a of the hook members 53 and 63 is clamped between them and the top ends 54a and 64a of the pressing members 54 and 64, which are subjected to force by the springs 55 and 65, and is thus held.

[0091] Here, the stop 23a restricts the pressing members 54 and 64 on the side closest to the toothed opening S, but not on the side furthest from the toothed opening S. Therefore, when the drive continues further, in step S5, the braided yarn held between the top ends 53a and 63a of the hook members 53 and 63 and the top ends 54a and 64a of the pressing members 54 and 64 can be lifted to a position where it can be cut by the cutter 70.

[0092] In step S6, the end yarn is cut by actuating the cutter 70 in conjunction with the drive of the first drive shaft 41. Specifically, when the hook members 53 and 63 are located... Figures 3 to 5When the position shown is rising, as Figure 7 As shown, the cutter 70 is in the closed state with the upper blade 74 and lower blade 75 closed. In step S3, to lower the hook member 53, the first drive shaft 41 rotates clockwise when viewed from the left, and simultaneously, the second pressing part 72b fixed to the first drive shaft 41 also rotates clockwise when viewed from the left. Thus, as Figure 13 As shown, the second pressing part 72b presses the upper end 73b of the rod 73, and the rod 73 rotates around the rotation axis 73a with the lower end 73c facing forward. In this way, the lower blade 75 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 75a to the left, and enters the cutting standby state with the upper blade 74 and the lower blade 75 open.

[0093] Furthermore, in step S4, to raise the hook member 53, the first drive shaft 41 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the left. Simultaneously, the second pressing part 72b, fixed to the first drive shaft 41, also rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the left. Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown, the first pressing part 72a presses the upper end 73b of the rod 73, and the rod 73 rotates about the rotation axis 73a with the lower end 73c facing rearward. This causes the lower blade 75 to rotate counterclockwise about the rotation axis 75a when viewed to the left, resulting in a cutting execution state where the upper blade 74 and lower blade 75 are closed. Thus, by closing the upper blade 74 and lower blade 75, the end yarn between the first clamp 50 and the second clamp 60 can be cut.

[0094] Here, since the end yarns are held on both sides of the cut portion by the cutter 70 by the first clamp 50 and the second clamp 60, they are not released and are held as end yarns. In step S7, the clamps 50 and 60 are moved in the length direction b, and the end yarns on the knitted side are processed by moving forward and backward relative to the toothed opening S as needed. In step S8, the clamps 50 and 60 are moved in the length direction b, and the end yarns on the feeder 4 side are processed by moving forward and backward relative to the toothed opening S as needed.

[0095] The following uses Figure 14 The case showing the weave of the finger cots of the gloves. Figure 9 The processing of steps S1 to S8. Figure 14 (a) indicates the state at which the knitting of one finger cot F1 is completed. In the needle bed 3 holding the finger cot F1, the next finger cot F2 is knitted at the adjacent width p portion. The yarn feeder 4 pulls the end yarn Y away from the knitting needle 3a of the needle bed 3 holding the finger cot F1. The clamps 50 and 60 approach the toothed mouths S, and the end yarn Y crosses over them (steps S1 to S2).

[0096] Next, as Figure 14As shown in (b), the end yarn Y is captured using grippers 50 and 60, and the end yarn Y is lifted upwards and held (steps S3 to S5). Then, as... Figure 14 As shown in (c), the portion between the first clamp 50 and the second clamp 60 of the end yarn Y is cut using the cutter 70 (step S6). As a result, end yarn Y1 is generated on the finger sleeve F1 side, which is the knitted fabric, and end yarn Y2 is generated on the yarn feeder 4 side.

[0097] Next, as Figure 14 As shown in (d), the end yarn Y1 on the fabric side is woven into the finger sleeve F1, which serves as the fabric, by moving the knitting needles 3a forward and backward along with the movement of the carriage 10. At this time, the second gripper 60 is moved to a position where the end yarn Y1 on the fabric side, held by the second gripper 60, can hook yarn relative to each knitting needle 3a, while the end yarn Y1 is woven in by tucking. Furthermore, the second gripper 60 is lowered towards the toothed edge S. By weaving the end yarn Y1 on the fabric side into the finger sleeve F1, which serves as the fabric, the end yarn does not appear outside the fabric, ensuring reliable processing.

[0098] Here, with the relative position of the second clamp 60 to the carriage 10 in the longitudinal direction b remaining constant, the length of the end yarn Y1 from the loop to the second clamp 60 decreases each time a loop of end yarn Y1 is woven in. This results in a load being applied to the end yarn Y, potentially causing it to break. Therefore, when weaving in the end yarn Y1, by moving the second clamp 60 relative to the carriage 10 in a direction opposite to the carriage 10's travel direction each time a loop is woven in, the tension of the end yarn from the loop to the second clamp 60 is kept constant. This reduces the load applied to the end yarn Y1 on the fabric side held by the second clamp 60, preventing breakage of the end yarn Y1.

[0099] Next, as Figure 14 As shown in (e), after the first clamp 50 and the second clamp 60 are moved away from the finger sleeve F1, the yarn feeder 4 is moved toward the finger sleeve F1. Then, in order to set a height at which the end yarn Y2 can be hooked at the knitting needle 3a, the second clamp 60 is lowered, and the knitting needle 3a moves forward and backward along with the movement of the slide 10. Thus, using the end yarn Y2 held by the first clamp 50 on the side of the yarn feeder 4, the starting stitch of the next finger sleeve F2 begins next to the finger sleeve F1.

[0100] Next, as Figure 14As shown in (f) to (i), the end yarn Y2 on the side of the yarn feeder 4 is used to knit the finger sleeve F2. In knitting the finger sleeve F2, the tip portion of the fingertip is first knitted using the end yarn. Then, the back and belly portion of the fingertip is knitted into a bag shape using knitting yarn from the previously knitted portion through plain knitting. When knitting the finger sleeve F2, the slide 10 needs to be moved to allow the knitting needle 3a to move forward and backward, but this also causes the first clamp 50 provided on the slide 10 to move along with it. This would put a load on the end yarn Y2 held by the first clamp 50, which is not preferable. Therefore, the control device 80 moves the first clamp 50 relative to the slide 10 in the other side of the length direction b at the same speed as the slide 10 moves, thereby maintaining the position of the first clamp 50 in the length direction b relative to the flat knitting machine 2. Therefore, no load is applied to the end yarn Y2 on the side of the yarn feeder 4 held by the first clamp 50, and the breakage of the end yarn Y2 can be prevented.

[0101] As described above, in the yarn end processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, by providing the first clamp 50, the second clamp 60, and the cutter 70 on the carriage 10 and being able to move relative to the carriage 10 in the longitudinal direction b of the needle bed 3, the positions of the clamps 50, 60, and the cutter 70 can be adjusted with high precision relative to the carriage 10. Therefore, when processing the yarn end, the position of at least one of the first clamp 50 and the second clamp 60 relative to the carriage 10 can be adjusted, reducing the load applied to the yarn end and preventing the yarn end from being stretched and breaking.

[0102] Furthermore, in a structure where the gripper and carriage move separately as described in Patent Document 1, the gripper's stroke length needs to be equal to or greater than the carriage's stroke length in order for the gripper to travel parallel to the carriage. On the other hand, in the yarn end processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the stroke length L1 of the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60, and the cutter 70 is shorter than the stroke length L2 of the carriage 10, thus enabling the yarn end processing apparatus 1 to be miniaturized.

[0103] Furthermore, the first clamp 50, the second clamp 60, and the cutter 70 are supported by a second support member 23, which is configured to move relative to the carriage 10 in the longitudinal direction b, driven by a movable motor 31. Thus, the first clamp 50, the second clamp 60, and the cutter 70 can be moved by a single drive source such as the movable motor 31, thereby enabling miniaturization and simplification of the yarn end processing device 1.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the carriage 10 is a component of the horizontal knitting machine 2, but it can also be a component of either the yarn end processing device 1 or the horizontal knitting machine 2.

[0105] Furthermore, the opening and closing mechanisms of the first clamp 50 and the second clamp 60 are not limited to the mechanism of this embodiment; for example, they could be mechanisms such as the yarn insertion device described in Patent Document 2. Similarly, the opening and closing mechanism of the cutter 70 is not limited to the mechanism of this embodiment; for example, it could be the mechanism described in Patent Document 1.

[0106] In this embodiment, the end yarn is processed by cutting and weaving it into the fabric. However, the method of processing the end yarn is not limited to weaving it into the fabric; for example, it can be processed by inserting it into the fabric as described in Patent Document 1. Furthermore, if the length of the end yarn on the fabric side after cutting is approximately 10 mm, the end yarn on the fabric side can be released immediately. In this case, cutting the end yarn itself becomes "end yarn processing".

[0107] In addition, Figure 9 In steps S7 and S8, when the end yarns are woven into the fabric for processing ( Figure 14 (d) and (h)), adjust the relative position of the first clamp 50 or the second clamp 60 with respect to the carriage 10. However, in addition to adjusting the position, the control device 80 can also control the first clamp 50 or the second clamp 60 holding the end yarn to be knitted in to slightly open and loosely hold the yarn. Thus, even if the end yarn held by the first clamp 50 or the second clamp 60 is stretched as it is knitted into the fabric, the end yarn will gradually fall off the first clamp 50 or the second clamp 60, which can suppress end yarn breakage.

[0108] In addition, in this embodiment, both the first clamp 50 and the second clamp 60 move in the length direction b using the moving motor 31 as the driving source, but the first clamp 50 and the second clamp 60 can also be moved by separate motors.

Claims

1. An end yarn processing device (1) for a flat knitting machine (2), the end yarn processing device (1) being an end yarn processing device (1) for processing the end yarns extending from the fabric during knitting in the flat knitting machine (2), the flat knitting machine (2) having a needle bed (3) with knitting needles (3a) arranged side by side in the length direction (b), the knitting needles (3a) being moved forward and backward relative to the teeth (S) of the needle bed (3) by moving along a carriage (10), thereby knitting the fabric, wherein, The yarn end processing device (1) of the flat knitting machine (2) includes: The clamps (50, 60) are capable of moving forward and backward relative to the toothed mouth (S) and can switch between a state of not holding the end yarn and a state of holding the end yarn. as well as The cutter (70) is capable of switching between a cutting execution state and a cutting standby state. The cutting execution state is a state in which the end yarn held by the clamps (50, 60) can be cut, and the cutting standby state is a state in which the end yarn held by the clamps (50, 60) cannot be cut. The clamps (50, 60) and the cutter (70) are disposed on the carriage (10) and are movable relative to the carriage (10) in the length direction (b) of the needle bed (3).

2. The end yarn processing device (1) of the flat knitting machine (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The yarn end processing device (1) of the flat knitting machine (2) is equipped with a control device (80) capable of controlling the movement of the clamps (50, 60). The control device (80) can control the relative movement direction and speed of the clamp (50, 60) and the cutter (70) relative to the slide (10) according to the movement direction and speed of the slide (10).

3. The end yarn processing device (1) of the flat knitting machine (2) according to claim 2, wherein, The control device (80) moves the clamps (50, 60) relative to the slide (10) to the other side of the needle bed (3) along the length direction (b) of the needle bed (3) at the same speed as the slide (10), thereby maintaining the position of the clamps (50, 60) relative to the flat knitting machine (2) in the length direction (b) of the needle bed (3).

4. The end yarn processing device (1) of the flat knitting machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The stroke length (L1) by which the clamps (50, 60) and the cutter (70) can move relative to the carriage (10) is shorter than the stroke length (L2) by which the carriage (10) can move.

5. The end yarn processing device (1) of the flat knitting machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The yarn end processing device (1) of the flat knitting machine (2) includes: a support member (23) disposed on the carriage (10) and supporting the two clamps (50, 60) and the cutter (70) disposed between the two clamps (50, 60); and a drive source (31) that causes the support member (23) to move relative to the carriage (10) in the length direction (b) of the needle bed (3).

6. The end yarn processing device (1) for the flat knitting machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, As the knitting needles (3a) move forward and backward along with the movement of the slide (10), the end yarns on the knitting side are knitted into the knitting fabric for processing by moving the clamps (50, 60) to a position where the end yarns on the knitting fabric side held by the clamps (50, 60) can hook the yarns relative to each of the knitting needles (3a) at each of the knitting needles (3a).

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