Method for knitting mesh fabric and single-feeder mesh fabric

Abstract

The objective is to provide a method for knitting a one-feeder mesh fabric and a mesh fabric that increases the area ratio of holes per unit area of ​​the mesh fabric without changing the arrangement and number of mesh loops. [Solution] The mesh knitted fabric 1A is formed by combining a ground loop 4 formed by overlapping first yarn 2 and second yarn 3, and a mesh loop formed by the first yarn 2 and not including the second yarn 3. The mesh loop includes a large mesh loop 5 with a circumference longer than the circumference of the ground loop 4.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a method for knitting a mesh fabric and a one - feeder mesh fabric.

Background Art

[0002] In a fabric that forms loops with two overlapping threads, a mesh fabric that forms loops at a predetermined position with a single thread is known. In the mesh fabric, loops formed by two threads and loops formed by a single thread are mixed. The loops formed by the single thread are thinner than the loops formed by the two threads. Therefore, the fabric is knitted as a mesh fabric with gaps in the portion where the loops formed by the single thread are located.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a single - knit fabric knitted using two feeders in a circular knitting machine and a method for knitting the single - knit fabric. In the knitting method described in Patent Document 1, a step of forming knit loops (ground loops) formed by two threads, a step of forming mesh loops formed by a single thread, and a step of forming pile loops formed by a single thread can be selectively executed. Therefore, the knitting method can knit a mesh fabric, a mesh fabric having pile loops, and a pile fabric. The knitting method can knit fabrics with various configurations by combining the knitting structures of ground loops, mesh loops, and pile loops.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The mesh fabric is formed by a combination of the ground loops and the mesh loops. The ground loops are formed by lowering a knitting needle holding two threads, supporting the two threads on the sinker top, and then moving the knitting needle to the knitting position. The mesh loops are formed by lowering a knitting needle holding one thread, supporting the one thread on the sinker top, and then moving the knitting needle to the knitting position. The mesh fabric can be adjusted by combining the ratio of the number of ground loops to the number of mesh loops per unit area, the arrangement of the ground loops, and other factors.

[0006] The knitting method for a circular knitting machine described in Patent Document 1 uses two feeders, resulting in a lower yield of knitted fabric compared to a knitting method using one feeder. Furthermore, in the aforementioned knitting method, the knitting position of the knitting needles in the circular knitting machine is mechanically defined by the cam for the knitting needles. Therefore, the ground loops and the mesh loops are formed as loops of approximately the same size. Consequently, in the aforementioned knitting method, to increase the area of ​​the region on the surface of the mesh knitted fabric that appears as a hole surrounded by the yarn inside the mesh loops, a method of changing the arrangement and number of mesh loops is used. However, in the case of a knitted fabric where the arrangement and number of mesh loops are not changed, it is not possible to increase the area of ​​the region surrounded by the yarn inside the mesh loops. Therefore, there is a need for a mesh knitting method and a mesh knitted fabric that increase the area of ​​the region surrounded by the yarn inside the mesh loops on the surface of the mesh knitted fabric without changing the arrangement and number of mesh loops in a one-feeder mesh knitting method using one feeder.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a method for knitting a mesh fabric and a one-feeder mesh fabric that increases the area of ​​the region (hole) surrounded by the threads inside the mesh loops on the surface of the mesh fabric without changing the arrangement and number of the mesh loops. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The inventors investigated a method for knitting mesh fabrics and single-feeder mesh fabrics that increases the area of ​​the region surrounded by the threads inside the mesh loops of the mesh fabric without changing the arrangement and number of mesh loops (hereinafter, the region surrounded by the threads inside each loop will be simply referred to as the "loop region." The regions surrounded by the threads inside each loop will be referred to as the ground loop region, the mesh loop region, the large mesh loop region, and the medium mesh loop region). As a result of diligent investigation, the inventors arrived at the following configuration.

[0009] A mesh knitted fabric according to one embodiment of the present invention is a mesh knitted fabric knitted by a combination of ground loops formed by overlapping first and second threads, and mesh loops formed by the first thread but not containing the second thread. The mesh loops include large mesh loops with a circumference longer than the circumference of the ground loop (the length of the threads constituting the needle loops).

[0010] As described above, the circumference of the ground loop is shorter than the circumference of the large mesh loop. The area of ​​the region of the large mesh loop that constitutes the mesh fabric is larger than the area of ​​the ground loop. If the area of ​​the mesh loops other than the large mesh loop is approximately the same as the area of ​​the ground loop, the area of ​​the region surrounded by yarn per unit area of ​​the mesh fabric surface formed by the large mesh loop and the ground loop is larger than the area of ​​the same region of the mesh fabric surface formed by the mesh loops other than the large mesh loop and the ground loop. For this reason, by composing the mesh loops with the large mesh loop, it is possible to increase the area of ​​the mesh loop region on the mesh fabric surface or the area ratio of the non-yarn region in the same area of ​​the mesh fabric surface without changing the arrangement and number of the mesh loops. Furthermore, it is possible to increase transparency without significantly changing the design formed by the arrangement of the ground loop and the mesh loop.

[0011] From another perspective, the mesh knitted fabric of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration: The mesh loops include medium mesh loops with a circumference shorter than the circumference of the large mesh loops.

[0012] As described above, the area of ​​the medium mesh loop region constituting the mesh knitted fabric is smaller than the area of ​​the large mesh loop region. In other words, the area of ​​the region on the surface of the mesh knitted fabric surrounded by threads formed by the medium mesh loop and the ground loop is smaller than the area of ​​the same region on the surface of the mesh knitted fabric formed by the large mesh loop and the ground loop. As a result, by composing the mesh loop with the large mesh loop and the medium mesh loop, the area of ​​the mesh loop region in the mesh knitted fabric can be increased without changing the arrangement and number of the mesh loops. Furthermore, the transparency can be increased without significantly changing the design formed by the arrangement of the ground loop and the mesh loop.

[0013] From another perspective, the mesh knitted fabric of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration: further having pile loops formed by the first yarn adjacent to the ground loops.

[0014] As described above, the pile loop is a sinker loop formed adjacent to the ground loop by the first yarn that constitutes the ground loop. In other words, the pile loop maintains its loop shape adjacent to the ground loop by the entanglement of the ground loop, which includes the first yarn that constitutes the pile loop, and an already formed old loop. By forming the large mesh loop, in a mesh knitted fabric having pile loops, the area of ​​the mesh loop region on the surface of the mesh knitted fabric can be increased without changing the arrangement and number of the mesh loops.

[0015] From another perspective, the mesh knitted fabric of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration: The first yarn or the second yarn forms a loop when overlapping with the spandex yarn. From another perspective, the mesh knitted fabric of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration: At least the ground loops, of the ground loops or the large mesh loops, form loops in an overlapping state with spandex yarn.

[0016] As described above, the mesh knitted fabric contains highly elastic spandex yarn in the ground loops formed by the first yarn and the second yarn, or in the large mesh loops formed by the first yarn. As a result, the mesh knitted fabric has elasticity due to the synergistic effect of the elasticity of the large mesh loop region and the elasticity of the loops containing the spandex yarn.

[0017] A method for knitting a one-feeder mesh fabric according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for knitting a one-feeder mesh fabric using a circular knitting machine equipped with a device for electronically controlling knitting needles and sinkers, wherein the mesh fabric is knitted using a combination of ground loops formed by overlapping first and second yarns and mesh loops formed by the second yarn being welded and the first yarn being formed, and the mesh fabric is knitted using a single feeder.

[0018] A method for knitting a 1-feeder mesh fabric according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a yarn feeding step of feeding the first yarn above the upper support portion of the sinker, and feeding the second yarn above the lower support portion of the sinker, which is located below the upper support portion, and below the upper support portion; a ground loop forming step of moving the sinker to a first sinker position where the first and second yarns fed in the yarn feeding step are supported by the lower support portion, moving the knitting needle along a first knitting needle trajectory in which the knitting needle holds the first and second yarns and forms a loop with the first and second yarns, thereby forming a ground loop by overlapping the first and second yarns supported by the lower support portion; and a large mesh loop forming step of moving the sinker to a second sinker position where the first yarn fed in the yarn feeding step is supported by the upper support portion, moving the knitting needle along a second knitting needle trajectory in which the knitting needle holds the first yarn and forms a loop with the first yarn, thereby forming a large mesh loop of the first yarn supported by the upper support portion.

[0019] As described above, in the method for knitting a one-feeder mesh fabric, a mesh fabric including the ground loop and the large mesh loop is knitted by the yarn feeding step, the ground loop forming step, and the large mesh loop forming step, all of which are performed in the one feeder. In the yarn feeding step, the first yarn is fed above the upper support and the second yarn is fed above the lower support. In the ground loop forming step, the sinker is moved to the first sinker position and the knitting needle, which is located in the rising position on the first knitting needle trajectory, is pulled down to the lower position (knit position). The first yarn and the second yarn held by the knitting needle are supported by the lower support. Thus, the ground loop is formed by the first yarn and the second yarn. In the large mesh loop forming step, the sinker is moved to the second sinker position and the knitting needle, which is located in the rising position on the second knitting needle trajectory, is pulled down to the lower position. The first yarn held by the knitting needle is supported by the upper support. Therefore, the large mesh loop is formed with the first yarn. The second yarn is not held by the knitting needle. As a result, no loop is formed on the second yarn.

[0020] The circumference of the ground loop and the large mesh loop formed in this manner is determined by the distance between the part of the sinker that supports the first or second yarn and the lowering position of the knitting needle. Therefore, the large mesh loop supported by the upper support part is formed with a longer circumference than the ground loop supported by the lower support part. In this way, the large mesh loop can be constructed by adjusting the position of the sinker without changing the arrangement and number of the mesh loops. This makes it possible to increase the area of ​​the mesh loop region on the surface of the mesh knitted fabric or the area ratio of the non-yarn region in the same area of ​​the mesh knitted fabric surface. This makes it possible to improve productivity compared to mesh knitted fabric knitted with two feeders.

[0021] From another perspective, the method for knitting a one-feeder mesh fabric of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration: further including a middle mesh loop forming step of moving the sinker to the first sinker position, moving the knitting needle along the second knitting needle trajectory, and the first yarn supported by the lower support portion forming a middle mesh loop.

[0022] As described above, in the method for knitting a one-feeder mesh fabric, a mesh fabric including the ground loop, the large mesh loop, and the medium mesh loop is knitted by the yarn feeding process, the ground loop forming process, the large mesh loop forming process, and the medium mesh loop forming process, all of which are performed in the one feeder. In the medium mesh loop forming process, the sinker is moved to the first sinker position, and the knitting needle, which is in the rising position on the second knitting needle trajectory, is pulled down to the lower position. The first yarn held by the knitting needle is supported by the lower support. Thus, the medium mesh loop is formed on the first yarn. At this time, no loop is formed on the second yarn, which is not held by the knitting needle.

[0023] In the method for knitting a one-feeder mesh fabric, the first yarn is supported by the lower support and the knitting needle holding the first yarn is pulled down to the lowered position, thereby forming a medium mesh loop with a circumference shorter than the circumference of the large mesh loop formed by the first yarn supported by the upper support. In this way, the large mesh loop and the medium mesh loop can be formed without changing the arrangement and number of the mesh loops by adjusting the position of the sinker. This makes it possible to increase the area of ​​the mesh loop region on the surface of the mesh fabric. Furthermore, productivity can be improved compared to mesh fabrics knitted with two feeders.

[0024] From another perspective, the method for knitting a one-feeder mesh knitted fabric of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration. The method further includes a pile loop forming step of moving the sinker to the second sinker position, moving the knitting needle along the first knitting needle track, and forming a pile loop with the first yarn supported by the upper support portion.

[0025] As described above, in the method for knitting the one-feeder mesh knitted fabric, in the one feeder, a mesh knitted fabric including a ground loop, a large mesh loop, and a pile loop is knitted by the yarn feeding step, the ground loop forming step, the large mesh loop forming step, and the pile loop forming step. In the pile loop forming step, the sinker is moved to the second sinker position, and the knitting needle located at the ascending position in the first knitting needle track is pulled down to the descending position. The first yarn held by the knitting needle is supported by the upper support portion of the sinker. The second yarn held by the knitting needle is supported by the lower support portion of the sinker. Thus, the ground loop is formed by the first yarn and the second yarn. Also, a pile loop is formed at a portion supported by the upper support portion of the first yarn.

[0026] In the method for knitting the one-feeder mesh knitted fabric, the pile loop is formed at a position adjacent to the ground loop by the first yarn constituting the ground loop. That is, the pile loop maintains a loop shape at a position adjacent to the ground loop by entanglement of the ground loop including the first yarn constituting the pile loop and the already formed old loop. Thereby, while improving productivity compared to a mesh knitted fabric knitted by two feeders, by constituting the large mesh loop, the area of the region of the mesh loop on the surface of the mesh knitted fabric is increased without changing the arrangement and number of the mesh loops, and a knitted fabric having pile loops can be obtained.

[0027] From another perspective, the method for knitting a one-feeder mesh fabric of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration: The yarn feeding step involves feeding spandex yarn to a knitting needle that moves along the first knitting needle trajectory or the second knitting needle trajectory.

[0028] As described above, the method for knitting the 1-feeder mesh fabric can form the ground loop, the large mesh loop, or the medium mesh loop containing the spandex yarn. As a result, the mesh fabric can have improved elasticity through the synergistic effect of the elasticity due to the deformation of the holes in the large mesh loop and the elasticity of the loop itself containing the spandex yarn.

[0029] The technical terms used herein are used solely for the purpose of defining specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0030] As used herein, "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more relatedly listed components.

[0031] In this specification, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and variations thereof, identifies the presence of a described feature, process, element, component, and / or equivalent thereof, but may include one or more of the steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0032] In this specification, “attached,” “connected,” “joined,” and / or their equivalents are used in a broad sense and include both “direct and indirect” attachments, connections, and connections. Furthermore, “connected” and “joined” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or connections, but may include direct or indirect connections or connections.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meanings as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0034] Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology and this disclosure, and not as ideal or overly formal unless expressly defined herein.

[0035] It is understood that several techniques and processes are disclosed in this description of the present invention. Each of these has its own individual benefit and may be used in conjunction with one or more, or possibly all, of the other disclosed techniques.

[0036] Therefore, for clarity, the description of this invention refrains from unnecessarily repeating all possible combinations of the individual steps. However, this specification and the claims should be read with the understanding that all such combinations are within the scope of the invention.

[0037] This specification describes embodiments of the knitting method for mesh fabrics and single-feeder mesh fabrics according to the present invention.

[0038] The following description includes numerous specific examples to provide a complete understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be carried out without these specific examples.

[0039] Therefore, the following disclosure should be considered illustrative of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention to any specific embodiment shown in the following drawings or description.

[0040] [loop] In this specification, a loop refers to a portion of the yarn that has been bent by a knitting needle and a sinker. The loop is formed in an omega shape with a portion open.

[0041] [Old Loop] In this specification, "old loop" refers to a portion that has already been formed into a loop shape by an upstream process. The yarn that is drawn into the old loop by the knitting needle forms a new loop (a new old loop) while entangled with the old loop.

[0042] [Needle Loop] In this specification, a needle loop means a loop that extends from the portion in contact with the old loop, resulting from being drawn into the old loop by the knitting needle, to the surface of the knitted fabric. In other words, the needle loop extends from the portion in contact with the old loop in the direction of the knitting needle. The needle loop is in contact with the knitting needle during loop formation.

[0043] [Sinker Loop] In this specification, a sinker loop means a loop that extends from the portion in contact with the old loop by being pulled into the old loop by the knitting needle to the back of the knitted fabric. The sinker loop extends from the portion in contact with the old loop in the direction in which the sinker is located. The sinker loop is in contact with the sinker during loop formation.

[0044] [Circular knitting machine] In this specification, a circular knitting machine means a device for making tubular knitted fabric. The circular knitting machine comprises a cylindrical rotating cylinder (needle bed) that rotates with a plurality of knitting needles housed inside, and a disc-shaped sinker dial (needle bed) that rotates with a plurality of sinkers housed inside. The circular knitting machine knits a tubular knitted fabric using the knitting needles and the sinkers. A plurality of yarns are supplied to the circular knitting machine. The circular knitting machine can efficiently knit a tubular knitted fabric by stacking the supplied yarns in a spiral pattern.

[0045] [to entangle, to intertwine] In this specification, "entangle" means a state in which one thread is in contact with another thread. When another thread is passed through a loop of one thread to form a loop of the other thread, a loop is formed in the loop of the first thread due to the other thread becoming entangled. By forming the loop through the entanglement of threads, the size of the loop is restricted by friction or other forces so that it does not easily change.

[0046] [knit] In this specification, “knit” means the action of forming a loop with a knitting needle in a single feeder. Knit includes an upward step of raising the knitting needle from a knit position (downward position) below the old loop to a clearing position (upward position) where the latch is located above the old loop; a holding step of holding new yarn with the knitting needle at the clearing position; and a downward step of moving the knitting needle holding the new yarn from the clearing position to the knit position so that the new yarn passes through the old loop. The knit position (downward position) is the lowest point to which the knitting needle descends, guided by the cam. The knitting needle forms a loop by holding the yarn and descending to the knit position. The clearing position (upward position) is the position where the latch is located above the old loop. At the clearing position, the old loop is released from the latch and is hooked onto the stem. Subsequently, as the knitting needle descends to the knit position, the old loop separates from the knitting needle.

[0047] [Welt] In this specification, “welting” means the action of preventing new yarn from being held on the needle in a feeder. Welting means the process of maintaining the state in which old loops are held in the feeder. [Effects of the Invention]

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the area of ​​the mesh loop region (holes) on the surface of the mesh knitted fabric can be increased without changing the arrangement and number of the mesh loops. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0049] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of a mesh knitted fabric as seen from the surface, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a structural diagram of a mesh knitted fabric as seen from the surface, relating to a modified example 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a structural diagram of a mesh knitted fabric viewed from the surface, relating to a modified example 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the knitting section of a circular knitting machine using the knitting method for a one-feeder mesh knitted fabric according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view of a sinker inserted into the sinker groove of a circular knitting machine using a one-feeder mesh knitting method according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the trajectory diagram of the knitting needle and sinker and the yarn feeding diagram in the knitting method of a one-feeder mesh knitted fabric according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the knitting needle, the first yarn, and the second yarn with respect to the sinker located at the first sinker position in the yarn feeding step of the knitting method for a one-feeder mesh fabric according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the knitting needle, the first yarn, and the second yarn with respect to the sinker located at the second sinker position in the yarn feeding step of the knitting method for a one-feeder mesh fabric according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the sinker, knitting needle, first yarn, and second yarn in the ground loop formation step of the knitting method for a one-feeder mesh fabric according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the sinker, knitting needle, first yarn, and second yarn in the large mesh loop formation step of the knitting method for a one-feeder mesh knitted fabric according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 11]Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the sinker, knitting needle, first yarn, and second yarn in the mesh loop formation step of the knitting method for a one-feeder mesh fabric according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the sinker, knitting needle, first yarn, and second yarn in the pile loop formation step of the knitting method for a one-feeder mesh fabric according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows another embodiment of the trajectory diagram of the knitting needle and sinker and the yarn feeding diagram in a knitting method for a one-feeder mesh fabric according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0050] The following describes each embodiment with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same parts will not be repeated. Note that the dimensions of the components in each drawing do not faithfully represent the dimensions of the actual components or the dimensional ratios of each component. Furthermore, even if the same reference numeral or name is used, the part is not necessarily completely identical in all embodiments, and there may be differences other than those mentioned in the text. For example, material, size, shape, yarn composition in knitted fabric, and role.

[0051] <Embodiment 1> <Mesh knit fabric> <Ground loop + large mesh loop> The mesh knitted fabric 1A according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a structural diagram of the mesh knitted fabric 1A according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention as seen from the surface. In Figure 1, the mesh knitted fabric 1A has the front side facing the viewer towards the page.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, the mesh fabric 1A is knitted using the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3. The mesh fabric 1A is knitted using a combination of ground loops 4 and large mesh loops 5.

[0053] Ground loop 4 is a loop formed (plated) by the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3. Ground loop 4 is a needle loop that extends from the part in contact with the already formed old loop to the surface of the knitted fabric. Ground loop 4 is the base loop of the mesh knitted fabric 1A. Ground loop 4 is formed by the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 in an overlapping state.

[0054] Large mesh loop 5 is a mesh loop formed by the first yarn 2. Large mesh loop 5 is a needle loop that extends from the part in contact with an already formed old loop to the surface of the knitted fabric. Large mesh loop 5 is a loop that constitutes a part (hole) that appears to be a gap in the mesh knitted fabric 1A. Large mesh loop 5 is formed by the first yarn 2 without including the second yarn 3. The circumference of large mesh loop 5 is longer than the circumference of ground loop 4. Therefore, the area Sbm of the space (region) surrounded by the inner yarn of large mesh loop 5 (see dark gray area) is larger than the area Sg of the space (region) surrounded by the inner yarn of ground loop 4 (see light gray area).

[0055] In this embodiment, the mesh knitted fabric 1A has ground loops 4 and large mesh loops 5 arranged alternately in the horizontal direction (course direction) of the knitted fabric. A first ground loop 4a and a first large mesh loop 5a adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction are connected via sinker loops that extend from the portion in contact with the old loop to the back surface of the knitted fabric. The first yarn 2 constituting the first ground loop 4a is connected to the first yarn 2 constituting the first large mesh loop 5a adjacent to it in the horizontal direction. The second yarn 3 constituting the first ground loop 4a is connected to the second yarn 3 constituting the second ground loop 4b adjacent to the first large mesh loop 5a in the horizontal direction, without constituting the first large mesh loop 5a. The first yarn 2 constituting the first large mesh loop 5a is connected to the first yarn 2 constituting the second ground loop 4b.

[0056] Furthermore, in the mesh knit fabric 1A, ground loops 4 and large mesh loops 5 are arranged alternately in the vertical direction (wale direction) of the fabric. The first large mesh loop 5a is intertwined with the third ground loop 4c as an old loop. The first large mesh loop 5a passes through the third ground loop 4c from the back to the front of the fabric. The first large mesh loop 5a is intertwined with the fourth ground loop 4d as an old loop. In other words, the fourth ground loop 4d passes through the first large mesh loop 5a from the back to the front of the fabric.

[0057] In this way, the mesh knitted fabric 1A, in which ground loops 4 and large mesh loops 5 are arranged alternately in the horizontal and vertical directions, is knitted as a mesh knitted fabric in which the area Sbm of the large mesh loops 5, which appear as holes, is larger than the area Sg of the ground loops 4, which appear as holes when viewed from the surface of the knitted fabric, and these areas are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions. Note that the ground loops 4 and large mesh loops 5 in the mesh knitted fabric 1A can be combined in any arrangement.

[0058] The area Sbm of the holes in the large mesh loops 5 that make up the mesh knit fabric 1A is larger than the area Sg of the holes in the ground loops 4. As a result, by replacing mesh loops of approximately the same size as the ground loops 4 with the large mesh loops 5, the area ratio of non-yarn areas on the surface of the mesh knit fabric 1A can be increased without changing the arrangement or number of mesh loops. Furthermore, the transparency can be increased without significantly altering the design formed by the arrangement of the ground loops 4 and mesh loops.

[0059] <Modification 1 of Embodiment 1> <Ground loop + Large mesh loop + Medium mesh loop> Next, a modified example 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a mesh knitted fabric 1B, will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a structural diagram of the mesh knitted fabric 1B as seen from the surface.

[0060] As shown in Figure 2, the mesh fabric 1B is knitted using the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3. The mesh fabric 1B is knitted using a combination of ground loops 4, large mesh loops 5, and medium mesh loops 6.

[0061] The medium mesh loop 6 is a mesh loop formed by the first yarn 2. The medium mesh loop 6 is a needle loop that extends from the part in contact with the old loop to the surface of the knitted fabric. The medium mesh loop 6 is a loop that makes up the parts that appear to have gaps in the mesh knitted fabric 1B. The medium mesh loop 6 is formed by the first yarn 2 without including the second yarn 3. The circumference of the medium mesh loop 6 is shorter than the circumference of the large mesh loop 5. Therefore, the area Ssm (see light gray area) of the medium mesh loop 6 region is smaller than the area Sbm (see dark gray area) of the large mesh loop 5 region.

[0062] In the mesh knitted fabric 1B of this embodiment, ground loops 4, large mesh loops 5, and medium mesh loops 6 are arranged in a predetermined order in the horizontal direction of the knitted fabric. A first ground loop 4a and a first large mesh loop 5a adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction are connected via a sinker loop. A first medium mesh loop 6a adjacent to the first large mesh loop 5a is connected to the first medium mesh loop 5a via a sinker loop. A second large mesh loop 5b is connected to the first medium mesh loop 6a via a sinker loop in the horizontal direction. The first yarn 2 constituting the second large mesh loop 5b is connected to the first yarn 2 constituting the first medium mesh loop 6a. The second yarn 3 constituting the first ground loop 4a is connected to the second yarn 3 constituting the second ground loop 4b adjacent to the second large mesh loop 5b in the horizontal direction, without constituting the first large mesh loop 5a, the first medium mesh loop 6a, or the second large mesh loop 5b. The first yarn 2 constituting the first medium mesh loop 6a is connected to the first yarn 2 constituting the second large mesh loop 5b.

[0063] Furthermore, in the mesh knitted fabric 1B, the ground loop 4, large mesh loop 5, and medium mesh loop 6 are arranged in a predetermined order along the longitudinal direction of the fabric. The first large mesh loop 5a is intertwined with the third ground loop 4c as an old loop. The first large mesh loop 5a passes through the third ground loop 4c from the back to the front of the fabric. The first large mesh loop 5a is intertwined with the second medium mesh loop 6b as an old loop. In other words, the second medium mesh loop 6b passes through the first large mesh loop 5a from the back to the front of the fabric. The second medium mesh loop 6b is intertwined with the third large mesh loop 5c as an old loop. In other words, the third large mesh loop 5c passes through the second medium mesh loop 6b from the back to the front of the fabric. The third large mesh loop 5c is intertwined with the fourth ground loop 4d as an old loop. In other words, the fourth ground loop 4d passes through the third large mesh loop 5c from the back to the front of the fabric.

[0064] In this way, the mesh knitted fabric 1B, in which ground loops 4, large mesh loops 5, and medium mesh loops 6 are arranged in a predetermined order in the horizontal and vertical directions of the knitted fabric, is knitted as a fabric having loop regions of different sizes due to the large mesh loops 5 having a larger loop region area than the ground loops 4 and the medium mesh loops having a smaller loop region area than the large mesh loops 5. The ground loops 4, large mesh loops 5, and medium mesh loops 6 in the mesh knitted fabric 1B can be combined in any arrangement.

[0065] The area Ssm of the medium mesh loop 6 that constitutes the mesh knitted fabric 1B is smaller than the area Sbm of the large mesh loop 5. By composing the mesh loops with large mesh loops 5 and medium mesh loops 6, the area of ​​the mesh loop region per unit area of ​​the mesh knitted fabric 1B can be increased without changing the arrangement and number of mesh loops. In addition, the mesh knitted fabric 1B that includes large mesh loops 5 and medium mesh loops 6 has a wider variety of mesh loop combination patterns with respect to the ground loop 4, thus improving the design of the mesh knitted fabric 1B.

[0066] <Modification 2 of Embodiment 1> <Ground loop + large mesh loop + pile loop> Next, a modified example 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a mesh knitted fabric 1C, will be described using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a structural diagram of the mesh knitted fabric 1C as seen from the surface.

[0067] As shown in Figure 3, the mesh fabric 1C is knitted with the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3. The mesh fabric 1C is knitted with a combination of ground loops 4, large mesh loops 5, and pile loops 7.

[0068] Pile loop 7 is a loop formed by the first yarn 2. Pile loop 7 is a sinker loop that extends to the back of the knitted fabric from the portion in contact with an already formed old loop. Pile loop 7 is a loop formed by pile knitting in the mesh knitted fabric 1C. Pile loop 7 is formed by the first yarn 2. Pile loop 7 is formed as a sinker loop adjacent to and connected to the ground loop 4.

[0069] In this embodiment, the mesh knitted fabric 1C has a course in which two ground loops 4 and one large mesh loop 5 are arranged alternately in the horizontal direction (course direction) of the knitted fabric, and a course in which one ground loop 4 and two large mesh loops 5 are arranged alternately is repeated. In addition, a pile loop 7 is formed between two ground loops 4 in the horizontal direction. For example, the first ground loop 4a and the second ground loop 4b are connected via the first pile loop 7a, which is a sinker loop. The first yarn 2 that constitutes the first ground loop 4a is connected to the first yarn 2 that constitutes the first pile loop 7a. The second yarn 3 that constitutes the first ground loop 4a is connected to the second yarn 3 that constitutes the second ground loop 4b which is adjacent to the first large mesh loop 5a in the horizontal direction. In other words, the second yarn 3 that constitutes the first ground loop 4a does not constitute the first pile loop 7a. The first yarn 2 that constitutes the first pile loop 7a is connected to the first yarn 2 that constitutes the second ground loop 4b.

[0070] In this way, the mesh knitted fabric 1C, in which two ground loops 4 and one large mesh loop 5 are arranged alternately in the horizontal and vertical directions of the knitted fabric, is knitted as a mesh knitted fabric having pile by forming pile loops 7 between adjacent ground loops 4.

[0071] The first pile loop 7a is formed adjacent to the first ground loop 4a by the first yarn 2 that constitutes the first ground loop 4a. In other words, the first pile loop 7a maintains its loop shape adjacent to the first ground loop 4a by the entanglement of the first yarn 2 that constitutes the first ground loop 4a and the old loop. The mesh knitted fabric 1C can form a large mesh loop 5. By forming the large mesh loop 5, the area of ​​the mesh loop region of the mesh knitted fabric 1C can be increased without changing the arrangement and number of mesh loops. By also forming the pile loop 7a, a novel knitted fabric design is obtained in which the area of ​​the mesh loop region has been increased and pile loops are also arranged.

[0072] Furthermore, the mesh knit fabrics 1A, 1B, and 1C may contain spandex yarn 8, which is a highly elastic material. The mesh knit fabrics 1A and 1B may also be constructed by layering spandex yarn 8 on the first yarn 2 or the second yarn 3. In the mesh knit fabrics 1A and 1B, at least the ground loop 4 among the ground loop 4, large mesh loop 5, or medium mesh loop 6 is made of the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 layered with spandex yarn 8. In the mesh knit fabric 1C, at least the ground loop 4 among the ground loop 4 or large mesh loop 5 is made of the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 layered with spandex yarn 8.

[0073] As described above, the mesh knit fabrics 1A, 1B, and 1C containing spandex yarn 8 can have their elasticity improved by the synergistic effect of the elasticity due to the deformation of the holes in the large mesh loops 5 or medium mesh loops 6 and the elasticity of the loops containing spandex yarn 8 themselves.

[0074] <Embodiment 2> <1. Method for knitting feeder mesh fabric> <Overall configuration of the circular knitting machine 100> A circular knitting machine 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the knitting main part of the circular knitting machine 100 that uses a method for knitting a single-feeder mesh knitted fabric. Figure 5 is a side view of the sinker 109 inserted into the sinker groove 106a of the circular knitting machine 100. The circular knitting machine 100 is intended to knit a single-feeder mesh knitted fabric (hereinafter simply referred to as "mesh knitted fabric") which is knitted by a single feeder.

[0075] As shown in Figure 4, the circular knitting machine 100 is a knitting machine that knits cylindrical fabrics. The circular knitting machine 100 mainly comprises a frame 101, a rotating cylinder 102, a knitting needle cam holder 103, a knitting needle cam 104, knitting needles 105, a sinker dial 106, a sinker cap 107a, a cap ring 107b, a sinker cam 108, a sinker needle selection device 108a, a sinker 109, a yarn carrier ring support 110, a yarn carrier ring 111, a yarn carrier holder 112, a yarn carrier 113, and a knitting needle selection device (not shown). The circular knitting machine 100 is installed with the axis of the rotating cylinder 102 oriented in the vertical direction.

[0076] The frame 101 supports the main components of the circular knitting machine 100. The frame 101 is arranged on a substantially circular surface. The rotating cylinder 102 and the sinker dial 106 are supported inside the frame 101. The frame 101 also houses a winding device (not shown), a power source (not shown) such as the rotating cylinder 102, etc. A sinker cap 107a is provided on the inner circumference of the cap ring 107b. A yarn carrier ring support 110 is provided on the outer circumference of the cap ring 107b.

[0077] The rotating cylinder 102 is a component that moves multiple knitting needles 105 in a continuous manner. The rotating cylinder 102 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The rotating cylinder 102 is configured to be rotatable by a power source (not shown) with its axis as the center of rotation. Multiple knitting needle grooves 102a, which house and guide the knitting needles 105, are formed on the outer circumference of the rotating cylinder 102. The knitting needle grooves 102a are formed to extend in the axial direction of the rotating cylinder 102. Furthermore, the knitting needle grooves 102a are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotating cylinder 102. In other words, the knitting needle grooves 102a are formed on the outer surface of the rotating cylinder 102 at equal central angles with respect to the axis of the rotating cylinder 102.

[0078] The knitting needle cam holder 103 is a component that houses the knitting needle cam 104, which moves the knitting needle 105. The knitting needle cam holder 103 is installed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The axis of the rotating cylinder 102 and the axis of the knitting needle cam holder 103 overlap. As a result, the inner circumference of the knitting needle cam holder 103 and the outer circumference of the rotating cylinder 102 are arranged concentrically when viewed from the axial direction.

[0079] The knitting needle cam 104 is a grooved cam that determines the vertical position (axial direction of the rotating cylinder 102) of the knitting needle 105 for each rotation angle of the rotating cylinder 102. The knitting needle cam 104 is housed in the knitting needle cam holder 103. The knitting needle cam 104 is positioned opposite the knitting needle groove 102a of the rotating cylinder 102. The knitting needle cam 104 has a cam groove that moves the knitting needle 105 along the knitting needle trajectory, which is the trajectory of the knitting needle 105.

[0080] The knitting needle cam 104 moves the knitting needle 105 along the knitting needle trajectory for knitting yarn in one feeder via the cam groove. The knitting needle cam 104 and a knitting needle selection device (not shown) can guide the knitting needle 105 to the first knitting needle trajectory Rn1 (see Figure 6) or the second knitting needle trajectory Rn2 (see Figure 6) within one feeder. The knitting needle selection device can also take trajectories for welts and tucks in addition to knits. It is also possible to insert welts and tucks in addition to knits using the knitting needle selection device. Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented even without the knitting needle selection device by using a mechanism that replaces it. For example, the present invention can be realized by using knitting needle cams for each knitting needle trajectory and knitting needles having knitting needle protrusions at corresponding positions.

[0081] The knitting needle 105 is a needle used for knitting fabric by passing the middle portions of the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 through old loops (knockover). A hook 105a for holding yarn is formed at the tip of the knitting needle 105. The hook 105a is provided with a latch 105b for opening and closing the opening. When the opening of the hook 105a is closed by the latch 105b, the knitting needle 105 does not hold the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 with the hook 105a. A knitting needle projection 105c is formed in the middle portion of the knitting needle 105, protruding perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the knitting needle 105 and along the surface of the plate material. The knitting needles 105 are inserted into the knitting needle grooves 102a of the rotating cylinder 102. The knitting needle projection 105c is inserted into the cam groove of the knitting needle cam 104. As a result, each knitting needle 105 rotates integrally with the rotating cylinder 102 and moves vertically along the cam groove of the knitting needle cam 104.

[0082] The sinker dial 106 is a component that moves multiple sinkers 109 in a continuous manner. The sinker dial 106 is formed in a substantially disc shape. The sinker dial 106 is fixed to the rotating cylinder 102 such that the axis of the sinker dial 106 overlaps with the axis of the rotating cylinder 102. Multiple sinker grooves 106a, which house and guide the sinkers 109, are formed on the upper surface of the sinker dial 106. The sinker grooves 106a extend radially along the sinker dial 106 at equal central angles from the axis of the sinker dial 106. The sinker dial 106 is also fixed to the rotating cylinder 102 such that the sinker grooves 106a are positioned between adjacent knitting needle grooves 102a of the rotating cylinder 102.

[0083] The sinker cap 107a is a component that houses the sinker cam 108, which moves the sinker 109. The sinker cap 107a is supported by the cap ring 107b. The sinker cam 108 is housed on the lower surface of the sinker cap 107a. The lower surface of the sinker cam 108 faces the upper surface of the sinker dial 106.

[0084] The sinker cam 108 is a plate cam that determines the position of the sinker 109 at each rotation angle in the radial direction of the sinker dial 106. The sinker cam 108 is positioned opposite the sinker groove 106a of the sinker dial 106. The sinker cam 108 has a cam groove that moves the sinker 109 along the sinker trajectory, which is the trajectory of the sinker 109. The sinker cam 108 moves the sinker 109 along the sinker trajectory for weaving the thread in one feeder using the cam groove. The sinker 109 is guided by the sinker cam 108 and the sinker needle selection device 108a to the first sinker position Ps1 (see Figure 6) or the second sinker position Ps2 (see Figure 6) in one feeder. The present invention can be implemented by using a mechanism that replaces the sinker needle selection device, even without changing the trajectory using the sinker needle selection device 108a as in this embodiment. For example, the present invention can be realized by using sinkers having sinker cams for each sinker trajectory and sinkers having sinker protrusions corresponding to each sinker cam.

[0085] The sinker 109 is a component that assists in feeding the first yarn 2 and second yarn 3 to the knitting needle 105, holds the old loop, and assists the knitting needle 105 in passing through the old loop. The sinker 109 is housed in a movable state in one of the sinker grooves 106a of the sinker dial 106. Each sinker 109 is positioned between adjacent knitting needles 105 housed in the rotating cylinder 102. As a result, the sinker 109 rotates together with the sinker dial 106 and is also moved independently in the radial direction of the rotating cylinder 102 (the radial direction of the sinker dial 106) by the sinker cam 108.

[0086] As shown in Figure 5, the sinker 109 has a sinker base 109a, a lower support portion 109b, an upper support portion 109c, a sinker engagement portion 109d, a groove portion 109e, and a sinker projection portion 109f. The sinker 109 is configured to be movable within the sinker groove 106a of the sinker dial 106 in the direction of arrow Ar1, which is radially inward of the rotating cylinder 102 (hereinafter simply referred to as "radially inward"), and in the direction of arrow Ar2, which is radially outward of the rotating cylinder 102 (hereinafter simply referred to as "radially outward").

[0087] The sinker base 109a, which is the base of the first sinker, is a plate-shaped portion that serves as the foundation for supporting each part of the sinker 109. The sinker base 109a is inserted into the sinker groove 106a. One plate surface of the sinker base 109a is in slidable contact with the side surface of the sinker groove 106a. The sinker 109 has a circumferential position and a vertical position determined on the sinker dial 106, and slides radially.

[0088] The lower support portion 109b shown in Figure 5 is the part that supports the first thread 2 and the second thread 3. The lower support portion 109b is located above the sinker base portion 109a and is positioned to extend radially inward from the sinker base portion 109a (in the direction of arrow Ar1). The upper end surface 109h (sinker top) of the lower support portion 109b protrudes above the sinker groove 106a. The lower support portion 109b supports the first thread 2 and the second thread 3 by its upper end surface 109h.

[0089] The upper support portion 109c is the part that supports the first thread 2. The upper support portion 109c is located above the lower support portion 109b and is positioned to extend radially inward from the sinker base portion 109a. The upper support portion 109c supports the first thread 2 by its upper end surface 109g (sinker nose). The upper end surface 109g is located above the upper end surface 109h of the lower support portion 109b by a height H. In addition, a sinker engagement portion 109d that protrudes radially inward is formed on the front end surface of the upper support portion 109c.

[0090] The groove 109e is the portion formed between the lower support portion 109b and the upper support portion 109c. The groove 109e catches the first thread 2 and the second thread 3 between the upper end surface 109h of the lower support portion 109b and the lower end surface of the upper support portion 109c.

[0091] The sinker projection 109f is the part that receives guidance from the sinker cam 108. The sinker projection 109f is formed in the middle of the sinker base 109a. The sinker projection 109f protrudes from the sinker base 109a above the sinker groove 106a so as to follow the plate surface of the sinker 109. The sinker projection 109f is inserted into the cam groove of the sinker cam 108.

[0092] As shown in Figure 4, the yarn carrier ring support 110 is a member that supports the yarn carrier ring 111. Multiple yarn carrier ring supports 110 are fixed in the circumferential direction of the cap ring 107b, extending upward from the outer circumference of the cap ring 107b. The yarn carrier ring 111 is fixed to the tip of each of the multiple yarn carrier ring supports 110. Multiple yarn carrier holders 112 are provided on the yarn carrier ring 111. Furthermore, the yarn carrier holders 112 are provided with yarn carriers 113 that supply the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 to the vicinity of the knitting needle 105 and the sinker 109. The yarn carriers 113 are positioned above the knitting needle 105 and the sinker 109.

[0093] The circular knitting machine 100, configured in this way, supplies the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 from multiple yarn carrier holders 112 to the vicinity of the knitting needles 105 and sinkers 109 via yarn carriers 113. The circular knitting machine 100 rotates the rotary cylinder 102 to capture each yarn with the knitting needles 105, while the sinkers 109 assist in feeding the yarn to the knitting needles 105 and support the loops. Furthermore, by rotating the rotary cylinder 102, the circular knitting machine 100 moves the knitting needles 105 up and down at each feeder, while moving the sinkers 109 radially in the direction of the rotary cylinder 102 to entangle the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 with the old loops and continuously knit the fabric.

[0094] <Method of knitting mesh fabric: Ground loop + Large mesh loop> Next, a method for knitting a single-feeder mesh fabric using a circular knitting machine 100 will be described using Figures 4 to 10. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the trajectory of the knitting needle 105 and the sinker 109 between one feeder 1Fd in the method for knitting a single-feeder mesh fabric according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the knitting needle 105, the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 with respect to the sinker 109 located at the first sinker position Ps1 in the yarn feeding process S1 of the method for knitting a single-feeder mesh fabric. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the knitting needle 105, the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 with respect to the sinker 109 located at the second sinker position Ps2 in the yarn feeding process S1 of the method for knitting a single-feeder mesh fabric. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the sinker 109, the knitting needle 105, the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 in the ground loop formation process S2 of the method for knitting a single-feeder mesh fabric. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the sinker 109, knitting needle 105, first yarn 2, and second yarn 3 in the large mesh loop formation process S3 of the one-feeder mesh knitting method.

[0095] In Figure 6, the small dashed line represents the sinker trajectory Rs of sinker 109. The solid line represents the needle trajectory Rn of knitting needle 105. The dotted line represents the first yarn 2. The double dotted line represents the second yarn 3. The long dashed line represents spandex yarn 8. The sinker trajectory Rs moves radially outward of the circular knitting machine 100 as it moves in the direction of arrow Ar3. The needle trajectory Rn moves upward of the circular knitting machine 100 as it moves in the direction of arrow Ar4.

[0096] A one-feeder mesh knitted fabric is a mesh knitted fabric produced by a single feeder. The circular knitting machine 100 knits a one-feeder mesh knitted fabric (hereinafter simply referred to as "mesh knitted fabric") using each yarn, which is fed in the order of second yarn 3, first yarn 2, and first yarn 2 is fed from above second yarn 3.

[0097] As shown in Figure 6, in the circular knitting machine 100, the knitting needles 105 are configured to move along either a first knitting needle trajectory Rn1 or a second knitting needle trajectory Rn2, by selecting an operating trajectory using a needle selection device (not shown). The knitting needles 105 moving along the first knitting needle trajectory Rn1 move below the knitting needles 105 moving along the second knitting needle trajectory Rn2.

[0098] The first needle trajectory Rn1 shows the movement of the knitting needle 105 when it holds the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 and forms a loop with the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3. The second needle trajectory Rn2 shows the movement of the knitting needle 105 when it holds the first yarn 2 without holding the second yarn 3 and forms a loop with the first yarn 2. When the knitting needle 105 moves along the first needle trajectory Rn1, the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 are fed to the needle 105 above the lower end of the latch 105b when it is open by the yarn carrier 113. When the knitting needle 105 moves along the second needle trajectory Rn2, the first yarn 2 is fed to the needle 105 above the lower end of the latch 105b when it is open by the yarn carrier 113, and the second yarn 3 is fed to the needle 105 below the lower end of the latch 105b when it is open.

[0099] The sinker 109 is guided by the sinker cam 108 and the sinker needle selector 108a to one of two selected trajectories. That is, the sinker 109 is moved by the sinker cam 108 and the sinker needle selector 108a to either the first sinker position Ps1 or the second sinker position Ps2. The first sinker position Ps1 is located radially outward from the circular knitting machine 100 than the second sinker position Ps2.

[0100] At the first sinker position Ps1, the yarn carrier 113 feeds the first yarn 2 above the upper support portion 109c around the sinker 109, and the second yarn 3 is fed above the lower support portion 109b and below the upper support portion 109c. At the first sinker position Ps1, the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 are held by the knitting needle 105 as the knitting needle 105 lowers and supported by the upper end surface 109h of the lower support portion 109b.

[0101] At the second sinker position Ps2, the yarn carrier 113 supplies the first yarn 2 above the upper support portion 109c around the sinker 109, and the second yarn 3 above the lower support portion 109b and below the upper support portion 109c. A sinker engagement portion 109d exists between the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3. Therefore, at the second sinker position Ps2, the first yarn 2 held by the knitting needle 105 is supported by the upper end surface 109g of the upper support portion 109c as the knitting needle 105 moves downward. Similarly, the second yarn 3 held by the knitting needle 105 is supported by the upper end surface 109h of the lower support portion 109b as the knitting needle 105 moves downward.

[0102] The method for knitting a single-feeder mesh fabric includes a yarn feeding process S1, a ground loop formation process S2, and a large mesh loop formation process S3. The ground loop formation process S2 and the large mesh loop formation process S3 are carried out in any combination based on the structure of the mesh fabric. In this embodiment, the method for knitting a single-feeder mesh fabric is used to knit mesh fabric A1 (see Figure 1).

[0103] As shown in Figure 7, the yarn feeding process S1 is the process of feeding the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 to the knitting needle 105 and the sinker 109. The first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 are fed near the knitting needle 105 and the sinker 109 by the yarn carrier 113. The fed first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 are held by the knitting needle 105.

[0104] As shown in Figure 6, in the yarn feeding process S1, the first yarn 2 is fed above the lower end of the open latch 105b on the knitting needle 105 as it moves along the first needle trajectory Rn1 and the second needle trajectory Rn2. The second yarn 3 is fed above the lower end of the open latch 105b on the knitting needle 105 as it moves along the first needle trajectory Rn1.

[0105] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in the yarn feeding process S1, the first yarn 2 is fed above the upper support portion 109c so that it is supported by the upper end surface 109g of the upper support portion 109c. Also, in the yarn feeding process S1, when the sinker 109 is in the second sinker position Ps2, the second yarn 3 is fed above the lower support portion 109b and below the upper support portion 109c so that it is supported by the upper end surface 109h of the lower support portion 109b. In this case, the second yarn 3 is fed from upstream of the first yarn 2 (see Figure 6).

[0106] As shown in Figure 9, the ground loop formation step S2 is a step in which a ground loop 4 is formed by the knitting needle 105 and the sinker 109. In the ground loop formation step S2, the sinker 109 is moved to the first sinker position Ps1 by the sinker cam 108 (see Figure 4). The sinker 109 supports the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 that were supplied in the yarn supply step S1 by the upper end surface 109h of the lower support portion 109b.

[0107] As shown in Figure 6, the knitting needle 105 is lowered to the lower position Pnd along the first knitting needle trajectory Rn1 by the knitting needle cam 104. The knitting needle 105 holds the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 as it moves downward and passes under the old loop Ro (see Figure 7). Furthermore, the knitting needle 105 moves upward and forms a ground loop 4 by entangling the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 in the old loop Ro (see Figure 7) while overlapping them.

[0108] As shown in Figure 9, the size of the ground loop 4 is determined based on the width H1 from the upper end surface 109h of the lower support portion 109b to the lowering position Pnd. The area of ​​the ground loop 4 formed by two threads is smaller than the area of ​​the loop formed by one thread.

[0109] As shown in Figure 10, the large mesh loop formation process S3 is a process of forming a large mesh loop 5 using knitting needles 105 and sinkers 109. In the large mesh loop formation process S3, the sinker 109 is moved to the second sinker position Ps2 by the sinker cam 108 and the sinker needle selection device 108a (see Figure 4). The sinker 109 supports the first yarn 2 supplied in the yarn supply process S1 by the upper end surface 109g of the upper support portion 109c. The second yarn 3 is supported by the upper end surface 109h of the lower support portion 109b.

[0110] As shown in Figure 6, the knitting needle 105 is moved along the second knitting needle trajectory Rn2 by the knitting needle cam 104 (see Figure 4) and the knitting needle selection device. The knitting needle 105 holds the first yarn 2 as it moves downward and passes through the old loop Ro (see Figure 8). At this time, the knitting needle 105 does not hold the second yarn 3 which is fed below the lower end of the open latch 105b. Furthermore, the knitting needle 105 moves upward and forms a large mesh loop 5 while entangling the first yarn 2 in the old loop Ro.

[0111] As shown in Figure 10, the size of the large mesh loop 5 is determined based on the width H2 from the upper end surface 109g of the upper support portion 109c to the lowered position Pnd. Therefore, the circumference of the large mesh loop 5, which is determined based on the width H2 which is greater than the width H1, is longer than the circumference of the ground loop 4. Thus, the area of ​​the large mesh loop 5 is larger than the area of ​​the ground loop 4.

[0112] In the one-feeder mesh knitting method, the first yarn 2 is supported by the upper support part 109c, and the knitting needle 105 holding the first yarn 2 is moved to the lower position Pnd, thereby forming a large mesh loop 5 with a circumference longer than the circumference of the ground loop 4 formed by the first yarn 2 and second yarn 3 supported by the lower support part 109b. This improves productivity compared to knitting the mesh fabric 1A with two feeders, and allows for an increase in the area ratio of the mesh loop area per unit area of ​​the mesh fabric 1A without changing the arrangement and number of mesh loops, for example, by replacing a mesh loop of approximately the same size as the ground loop 4 with a large mesh loop 5.

[0113] <Modification 1 of Embodiment 2> <Method of knitting mesh fabric: Ground loop + Large mesh loop + Medium mesh loop> Next, a modified example 1 of the knitting method for a one-feeder mesh knitted fabric according to modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described using Figures 6 and 11. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the sinker 109, knitting needle 105, first yarn 2 and second yarn 3 in the mesh loop formation step S4 of the knitting method for a one-feeder mesh knitted fabric.

[0114] The method for knitting a feeder mesh fabric includes a yarn feeding process S1, a ground loop formation process S2, a large mesh loop formation process S3, and a medium mesh loop formation process S4. The ground loop formation process S2, the large mesh loop formation process S3, and the medium mesh loop formation process S4 are carried out in any combination based on the structure of the mesh fabric.

[0115] As shown in Figures 6 and 11, the intermediate mesh loop formation process S4 is a process of forming the intermediate mesh loop 6 using the knitting needle 105 and the sinker 109. In the intermediate mesh loop formation process S4, the sinker 109 is moved to the first sinker position Ps1 by the sinker cam 108 and the sinker needle selection device 108a (see Figure 4). The sinker 109 supports the first yarn 2 supplied in the yarn supply process S1 (see Figure 7) with the upper end surface 109h of the lower support portion 109b.

[0116] As shown in Figure 6, the knitting needle 105 is moved along the second knitting needle trajectory Rn2 by the knitting needle cam 104 (see Figure 4) and the knitting needle selection device. The knitting needle 105 holds the first yarn 2 as it moves downward and passes through the old loop Ro (see Figure 7). At this time, the knitting needle 105 does not hold the second yarn 3 which is fed below the lower end of the open latch 105b. Furthermore, as the knitting needle 105 moves downward, it forms the middle mesh loop 6 while entangling the first yarn 2 in the old loop Ro.

[0117] As shown in Figure 11, the size of the medium mesh loop 6 is determined based on the width H1 from the upper end surface 109h of the lower support portion 109b to the lowering position Pnd of the knitting needle 105. Therefore, the circumference of the medium mesh loop 6, determined based on a width H1 that is smaller than the width H2, is shorter than the circumference of the large mesh loop 5. The circumference of the medium mesh loop 6, determined based on a width H1, is approximately the same as the circumference of the ground loop 4, which is also determined based on a width H1. Therefore, the area Ssm of the medium mesh loop 6 region is smaller than the area Sbm of the large mesh loop 5 region (see Figure 2). Also, in this embodiment, since the second yarn 3 is a thicker yarn, the area Ssm of the medium mesh loop 6 region formed by the first yarn 2 is larger than the area of ​​the ground loop 4 region formed by the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3.

[0118] In the modified method 1 of the one-feeder mesh knitting method, the knitting needle 105 holding the first yarn 2 is pulled down to the lower position Pnd and the first yarn 2 is supported by the lower support part 109b, thereby forming a medium mesh loop 6 with a circumference shorter than the circumference of the large mesh loop 5 formed by the first yarn 2 supported by the upper support part 109c. By constructing large mesh loops 5 and medium mesh loops 6 having loop regions of different sizes in the mesh knitting fabric 1A, the range of designs can be broadened. Furthermore, productivity can be improved compared to the knitting method in which mesh knitting fabric is knitted with two feeders, while increasing the area ratio of holes per unit area of ​​the mesh knitting fabric without changing the arrangement and number of mesh loops.

[0119] <Modification 2 of Embodiment 2> <Method of knitting mesh fabric: Ground loop + Large mesh loop + Pile loop> Next, a modified example 1 of the knitting method for a one-feeder mesh fabric according to modified example 2 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described using Figures 6 and 12. Figure 13 is an alternative embodiment of the trajectory diagram of the knitting needle 105 and sinker 109 and the yarn feeding diagram in the knitting method for a one-feeder mesh fabric.

[0120] The method for knitting a feeder mesh fabric includes a yarn feeding process S1, a ground loop formation process S2, a large mesh loop formation process S3, and a pile loop formation process S5. The ground loop formation process S2, the large mesh loop formation process S3, and the pile loop formation process S5 are carried out in any combination based on the structure of the mesh fabric.

[0121] As shown in Figure 12, the pile loop formation step S5 is a step in which the pile loop 7 is formed by the knitting needle 105 and the sinker 109. In the pile loop formation step S5, the sinker 109 is moved to the second sinker position Ps2 by the sinker cam 108 and the sinker needle selection device 108a (see Figure 4). The sinker 109 supports the first yarn 2 supplied in the yarn supply step S1 with the upper end surface 109g of the upper support part 109c and supports the second yarn 3 with the upper end surface 109h of the lower support part 109b.

[0122] As shown in Figure 6, the knitting needle 105 is moved along the first knitting needle trajectory Rn1 by the knitting needle cam 104 and the knitting needle selection device. The knitting needle 105 holds the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 as it moves downward and passes under the old loop Ro (see Figure 8). Furthermore, the knitting needle 105 moves upward and forms a ground loop 4 while entangling the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3 in the old loop Ro. At this time, the portion of the first yarn 2 supported by the upper support portion 109c forms a larger pile loop 7 than when it is supported by the lower support portion 109b.

[0123] As shown in Figure 12, in the pile loop formation step S5, the first yarn 2 forms the pile loop 7.

[0124] In the one-feeder mesh knitting method, the first yarn 2 is fed above the upper support section 109c, allowing for the formation of large mesh loops 5 that are larger than the ground loops 4. Furthermore, the pile loops 7 are formed adjacent to the ground loops 4 by the first yarn 2 that constitutes the ground loops 4. In other words, the pile loops 7 maintain their loop shape adjacent to the ground loops 4 by the entanglement of the ground loops 4 and the old loops Ro, including the first yarn 2 that constitutes the pile loops 7. This improves productivity compared to knitting methods that use two feeders to knit the mesh, and by forming the pile loops 7, it is possible to increase the area ratio of the mesh loop area per unit area of ​​the mesh knitting fabric without changing the arrangement and number of mesh loops, while still having the pile loops 7.

[0125] <Other Embodiments> A method for knitting a one-feeder mesh fabric using a first yarn 2, a second yarn 3, and a spandex yarn 8 will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 8 and Figure 13. Figure 13 is an alternative embodiment of the trajectory diagram of the knitting needle 105 and sinker 109 and the yarn feeding diagram in a method for knitting a one-feeder mesh fabric according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] The yarn feeding process S1 may also be configured to supply spandex yarn 8, which is made of elastic rubber or the like, on top of the first yarn 2 or the second yarn 3. Note that the yarn feeding position of spandex yarn 8 relative to the knitting needle 105 differs between the configuration shown in Figure 6 and the configuration shown in Figure 13.

[0127] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the yarn feeding process S1 feeds the first yarn 2, the second yarn 3, and the spandex yarn 8 to the knitting needle 105 and the sinker 109. The first yarn 2, the second yarn 3, and the spandex yarn 8 are fed near the knitting needle 105 and the sinker 109 by the yarn carrier 113. The fed first yarn 2, the second yarn 3, and the spandex yarn 8 are held by the knitting needle 105.

[0128] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, in the yarn feeding process S1, the first yarn 2 is fed above the upper support portion 109c so that it can be supported by the upper end surface 109g of the upper support portion 109c. Also in the yarn feeding process S1, the second yarn 3 and the spandex yarn 8 are fed above the lower support portion 109b and below the upper support portion 109c so that they can be supported by the upper end surface 109h of the lower support portion 109b. In this case, the spandex yarn 8 is fed from upstream of the first yarn 2.

[0129] As shown in Figure 6, in the yarn feeding process S1, the first yarn 2 and the spandex yarn 8 are fed by the yarn carrier 113 above the lower end of the open latch 105b on the knitting needle 105 as it moves along the first needle trajectory Rn1 and the second needle trajectory Rn2. The second yarn 3 is fed by the yarn carrier 113 above the lower end of the open latch 105b on the knitting needle 105 as it moves along the first needle trajectory Rn1.

[0130] In the ground loop formation process S2 and the pile loop formation process S5, the knitting needle 105 moves downward to hold the first yarn 2, the second yarn 3 and the spandex yarn 8, and passes under the old loop Ro (see Figures 7 and 8). Furthermore, the knitting needle 105 moves upward to form the ground loop 4, while entangling the first yarn 2, the second yarn 3 and the spandex yarn 8 with the old loop Ro. The spandex yarn 8 forms the ground loop 4 together with the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3.

[0131] In the large mesh loop formation process S3, the knitting needle 105 moves downward to hold the first yarn 2 and the spandex yarn 8, and passes through the old loop Ro (see Figure 8). Furthermore, the knitting needle 105 moves upward, forming the large mesh loop 5 while entangling the first yarn 2 and the spandex yarn 8 with the old loop Ro. The spandex yarn 8 together with the first yarn 2 forms the large mesh loop 5.

[0132] As shown in Figure 13, in another embodiment of the yarn feeding process S1, the first yarn 2 is fed by the yarn carrier 113 above the lower end of the open latch 105b on the knitting needle 105 as it moves along the first needle trajectory Rn1 and the second needle trajectory Rn2. The second yarn 3 and the spandex yarn 8 are fed by the yarn carrier 113 above the lower end of the open latch 105b on the knitting needle 105 as it moves along the first needle trajectory Rn1.

[0133] In the ground loop formation process S2 and the pile loop formation process S5, the knitting needle 105 moves downward to hold the first yarn 2, the second yarn 3 and the spandex yarn 8, and passes under the old loop Ro (see Figures 7 and 8). Furthermore, the knitting needle 105 moves upward to form the ground loop 4 while entangling the first yarn 2, the second yarn 3 and the spandex yarn 8 with the old loop Ro. The ground loop 4 is formed on the spandex yarn 8 together with the first yarn 2 and the second yarn 3.

[0134] In the large mesh loop formation process S3, the knitting needle 105 moves downward to hold the first yarn 2 and pass through the old loop Ro (see Figure 8). Furthermore, the knitting needle 105 moves upward, forming the large mesh loop 5 while entangling the first yarn 2 and spandex yarn 8 in the old loop Ro. At this time, the knitting needle 105 does not hold the second yarn 3 and spandex yarn 8 which are fed below the lower end of the open latch 105b. The spandex yarn 8, together with the second yarn 3, is connected to the ground loop 4 adjacent to the large mesh loop 5.

[0135] The method for knitting the feeder mesh fabric allows for the formation of ground loops 4 containing spandex yarn 8, large mesh loops 5, or medium mesh loops 6. This improves the elasticity of the mesh fabric 1A through the synergistic effect of the elasticity caused by the deformation of the holes in the large mesh loops 5 and the elasticity of the loops themselves containing spandex yarn 8.

[0136] In the above-described embodiment 2, the method for knitting the mesh fabric is a one-feeder mesh fabric knitting method in which the mesh fabric 1A is knitted using one feeder Fd1 (see Figure 6). However, the method for knitting the mesh fabric may also be a two-feeder mesh fabric knitting method in which the mesh fabric is knitted using two feeders.

[0137] In the modified example 2 of Embodiment 1 described above, the mesh knitted fabric 1C is knitted by combining ground loops 4, large mesh loops 5, and pile loops 7. Furthermore, in the mesh knitted fabric 1C, at least the ground loops 4, of which the ground loops 4 or large mesh loops 5 are formed by first yarn 2, second yarn 3, and spandex yarn 8, respectively. However, the mesh knitted fabric may also be knitted to include medium mesh loops 6 instead of some of the large mesh loops 5. The mesh knitted fabric is knitted by combining ground loops 4, medium mesh loops 6, and pile loops 7. In the mesh knitted fabric, at least the ground loops 4, of which the ground loops 4 or medium mesh loops 6 are formed by first yarn 2, second yarn 3, and spandex yarn 8.

[0138] In the modified example 2 of the above-described embodiment 2, the method for knitting a single-feeder mesh fabric includes a yarn feeding step S1, a ground loop forming step S2, a large mesh loop forming step S3, and a pile loop forming step S5. Furthermore, in the ground loop forming step S2, the large mesh loop forming step S3, and the pile loop forming step S5, ground loops 4 and large mesh loops 5 containing spandex yarn 8 are formed. However, the method for knitting a single-feeder mesh fabric may also include a yarn feeding step, a ground loop forming step, a large mesh loop forming step S3, a medium mesh loop forming step, and a pile loop forming step, and in the ground loop forming step, the large mesh loop forming step S3, and the medium mesh loop forming step, ground loops and medium mesh loops containing spandex yarn 8 are formed.

[0139] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments described above are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it is possible to carry out the invention by appropriately modifying the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0140] 1A, 1B, 1C Mesh knit fabric 2. First thread 3. Second thread 4 Ground Loop 4a First Ground Loop 4b Second Ground Loop 4c Third Ground Loop 4d The fourth ground loop 5 large mesh loops 5a First large mesh loop 5b Second large mesh loop 5c Third large mesh loop 6 Medium Mesh Loops 6a First medium mesh loop 6b Second medium mesh loop 7 Pile Loops 7a First pile loop 8 Spandex yarn 100 circular knitting machine 101 frames 102 Rotating Cylinder 102a Knitting needle groove 103 Cam holder 104 Cam for knitting needles 105 knitting needles 105a Hook 105b Latch 105c Knitting needle protrusion 106 Sinker Dial 106a Sinker groove 107a Sinker Cap 107b Cap Ring 108 Sinker Cam 108a Sinker needle sorting device 109 Sinker 109a Sinker base 109b Lower support part 109c Upper support part 109d Sinker engagement part 109e Groove 109f Sinker protrusion 109g, 109h top surface 110 Yarn Carriering Support 111 Yarn Carrier 112 Yarn Carrier Holder 113 Yarn Carrier Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4 (arrows) Rn knitting needle orbit Rn1 1st knitting needle orbit Rn2 2nd knitting needle orbit Rs sinker trajectory Ps1 First sinker position Ps2 Second sinker position Pnd lowering position H, H1, H2 width Sbm, Ssm, Sg area Ro Old Loop S1 Yarn feeding process S2 Ground loop formation process S3 Large Mesh Loop Formation Process S4 Intermediate mesh loop formation process S5 Pile Loop Formation Process 1Fd 1 feeder

Claims

1. A ground loop formed by the overlapping first and second threads, A mesh loop formed by the first thread and not including the second thread, A mesh knit fabric formed by a combination of the following: The aforementioned mesh loop is Includes a large mesh loop with a circumference longer than the circumference of the aforementioned ground loop, Mesh knit fabric.

2. In the mesh knitted fabric according to claim 1, The aforementioned mesh loop is This includes a medium mesh loop with a circumference shorter than the circumference of the aforementioned large mesh loop, Mesh knit fabric.

3. In the mesh knitted fabric according to claim 1, The pile loop further comprises the first thread formed adjacent to the ground loop, Mesh knit fabric.

4. In the mesh knitted fabric according to claim 1 or 2, The first thread or the second thread is It forms loops when overlapped with spandex yarn. Mesh knit fabric.

5. In the mesh knitted fabric according to claim 3, Of the ground loop or the large mesh loop, at least the ground loop is: It forms loops when overlapped with spandex yarn. Mesh knit fabric.

6. Using a circular knitting machine equipped with knitting needles and sinkers, A ground loop formed by the overlapping first and second threads, A mesh loop formed by the first thread, A method for knitting a mesh fabric using a single feeder, wherein the mesh fabric is knitted using a combination of the following: A thread supply process comprising supplying the first thread above the upper support portion of the sinker, and supplying the second thread from above the lower support portion of the sinker, which is located below the upper support portion, and below the upper support portion, A ground loop forming step is performed by moving the sinker to a first sinker position where the first and second yarns supplied in the yarn feeding step are supported by the lower support portion, moving the knitting needle along a first knitting needle trajectory in which the knitting needle holds the first and second yarns and forms a loop with the first and second yarns, and forming a ground loop by overlapping the first and second yarns supported by the lower support portion, A large mesh loop forming step is performed by moving the sinker to a second sinker position where the first yarn supplied in the yarn supply step is supported by the upper support part, moving the knitting needle along a second knitting needle trajectory in which the knitting needle holds the first yarn and forms a loop with the first yarn, and forming a large mesh loop of the first yarn supported by the upper support part, A method for knitting a single-feeder mesh fabric, including the following:

7. In the method for knitting a one-feeder mesh fabric according to claim 6, The process further includes a middle mesh loop forming step of moving the sinker to the first sinker position, moving the knitting needle along the second knitting needle trajectory, and forming a middle mesh loop of the first yarn supported by the lower support portion.

1. Method for knitting feeder mesh fabric.

8. In the method for knitting a one-feeder mesh fabric according to claim 6, The process further includes a pile loop forming step of moving the sinker to the second sinker position, moving the knitting needle along the first knitting needle trajectory, and forming a pile loop with the first yarn supported by the upper support portion.

1. Method for knitting feeder mesh fabric.

9. A method for knitting a one-feeder mesh fabric according to any one of claims 6 to 8, The aforementioned yarn feeding process is, Spandex yarn is fed to a knitting needle that moves based on the first knitting needle trajectory or the second knitting needle trajectory.

1. Method for knitting feeder mesh fabric.

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