Yarn end processing device for flat knitting machines

Abstract

To provide a yarn end processing device for a flat knitting machine that allows for high-precision adjustment of the gripper's position relative to the carriage. [Solution] In a flat knitting machine 2, which has a needle bed 3 on which knitting needles 3a are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction b, and knits a fabric by moving the knitting needles 3a in relation to the teeth S of the needle bed 3 as the carriage 10 moves, a yarn end processing device 1 for processing yarn ends extending from the fabric when knitting a fabric comprises a first gripper 50 and a second gripper 60 that can move in and out of relation to the teeth S and can switch between a state of not gripping the yarn and a state of gripping the yarn, and a cutter 70 that can switch between a cutting execution state in which the yarn gripped by the first gripper 50 and the second gripper 60 can be cut and a cutting standby state in which the yarn cannot be cut, the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60 and the cutter 70 are provided on the carriage 10 and are movable relative to the carriage 10 in the longitudinal direction b of the needle bed 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology of an end yarn processing device for a flat knitting machine that processes end yarns of a knitted fabric knitted on the flat knitting machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the technology of an end yarn processing device for a flat knitting machine that processes end yarns of a knitted fabric knitted on the flat knitting machine has been known. For example, it is as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an end yarn processing device that, during the knitting of a glove, holds the end yarn passing from the knitting needle holding the knitted fabric of the finger bag being knitted to the yarn feeder with two grippers, cuts the end yarn with a cutter between the two grippers, and processes the end yarn. In the end yarn processing device described in Patent Document 1, the gripper that holds the end yarn on the knitted fabric side after cutting is moved, and the end yarn is processed by inserting it into the finger bag.

[0004] Here, when processing the end yarn, it may be necessary to adjust the position of the gripper with respect to the carriage. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for processing the end yarn by knitting the end yarn on the knitted fabric side into the knitted fabric. When knitting and processing the end yarn on the knitted fabric side into the knitted fabric, the carriage is moved to move the knitting needle forward and backward with respect to the tooth opening of the needle bed, but in order to adjust the relative position of the gripper with respect to the moving carriage, it is necessary to control the movement of the gripper. Here, since the carriage and the gripper move independently, there is a problem that it is difficult to accurately adjust the relative position of the gripper with respect to the moving carriage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide a yarn end processing device for a flat knitting machine that can adjust the position of the gripper with high precision relative to the carriage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The problems that this invention aims to solve are as described above, and the means for solving these problems will now be explained.

[0008] In other words, the yarn end processing device for a flat knitting machine according to the present invention is a yarn end processing device for processing yarn end extending from the knitted fabric when knitting a fabric, in a flat knitting machine equipped with a needle bed on which knitting needles are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction, wherein the knitting needles move back and forth with respect to the teeth of the needle bed as the carriage moves, and the device moves back and forth with respect to the teeth of the needle bed to knit a fabric, comprising: a gripper that is movable back and forth with respect to the teeth and can switch between a state in which it does not grip the yarn end and a state in which it grips the yarn end; and a cutter that can switch between a cutting execution state in which it can cut the yarn end gripped by the gripper and a cutting standby state in which it cannot cut, wherein the gripper and the cutter are provided on the carriage and are movable relative to the carriage in the longitudinal direction of the needle bed. This configuration allows for highly precise adjustment of the gripper and cutter positions relative to the carriage.

[0009] Furthermore, the system may be equipped with a control device capable of controlling the movement of the gripper, and the control device may be capable of controlling the relative movement direction and speed of the gripper and the cutter with respect to the carriage according to the movement direction and speed of the carriage. This configuration allows for control over the positions of the gripper and cutter relative to the flat knitting machine.

[0010] Furthermore, the control device may maintain the position of the gripper relative to the flat knitting machine in the longitudinal direction of the needle bed by moving the gripper to the other side in the longitudinal direction of the needle bed at the same speed as the carriage as the carriage moves to one side in the longitudinal direction of the needle bed. This configuration allows the knitted fabric to be formed while the end yarn is held in place by the gripper.

[0011] Furthermore, the stroke length of the gripper and the cutter that can move relative to the carriage may be shorter than the stroke length of the carriage. By configuring it in this way, the end-of-thread processing device can be made smaller.

[0012] The carriage may also be provided with a support member that supports two grippers and a cutter provided between the two grippers, and a drive source that moves the support member relative to the carriage in the longitudinal direction of the needle bed. By configuring it in this way, the gripper and cutter can be moved by a common drive source, which in turn allows for miniaturization and simplification of the end-of-thread processing device.

[0013] Alternatively, as the carriage moves and the knitting needles move forward and backward, the gripper may be moved to a position where each knitting needle can grip the end yarn on the knitted fabric side that is held by the gripper, while the carriage is moved, thereby knitting the end yarn on the knitted fabric side into the knitted fabric. This configuration ensures that the ends of the yarn do not protrude from the knitted fabric, and that they are securely handled. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] One of the effects of this invention is that the position of the gripper relative to the carriage can be adjusted with high precision. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Front view of the end yarn processing device of a flat knitting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Plan view of the end yarn processing device. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] Front view of the first gripper, second gripper, cutter, etc. in the raised position. [Figure 6] Front view of the first gripper in the raised position. [Figure 7] Left side cross-sectional view showing the drive mechanism of the cutter in the closed state. [Figure 8] Block diagram showing the configuration of the end yarn processing device. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing a schematic procedure for processing end yarn. [Figure 10] Front view of the first gripper, second gripper, and cutter in the abutting position. [Figure 11] Front view of the first gripper, second gripper, and cutter in the lowered position. [Figure 12] Left side cross-sectional view showing the state where the gripper is in the lowered position. [Figure 13] Left side cross-sectional view showing the drive mechanism of the cutter in the open state. [Figure 14] Schematic diagram showing an overview of end yarn processing.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, the directions indicated by the arrows U, D, F, B, L, and R in the figure will be defined as the upward, downward, forward, backward, leftward, and rightward directions, respectively, for explanation. In the illustrated examples, for the sake of convenience of explanation, parts that are not actually visible are illustrated, or the illustration of parts that are actually visible is omitted.

[0017] The yarn end processing device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1 to 8 processes yarn end. In this specification, yarn end refers to knitting yarn that extends from the knitted fabric to the outside of the knitted fabric, and includes knitting yarn before it is cut by the cutter 70 described later. Also includes knitting yarn on the yarn feeder 4 side that has been separated from the knitted fabric after being cut by the cutter 70. The yarn end processing device 1 is installed on a flat knitting machine 2. The flat knitting machine 2 comprises needle beds 3 arranged opposite each other with a tooth opening S in between. The needle bed 3 is provided with a number of knitting needles 3a (see Figure 14) arranged along the longitudinal direction b of the needle bed 3. Near the tooth opening S, a yarn feeder 4 for supplying knitting yarn is provided so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction b of the needle bed 3. Hereafter, "longitudinal direction b of the needle bed 3" may be simply referred to as longitudinal direction b. In the illustrated example, the flat knitting machine 2 is shown with its longitudinal direction b oriented left to right. Furthermore, the vertical direction in the diagram is shown relative to the yarn end processing device 1, not the knitting machine 2. Specifically, in the diagram, the knitting machine 2 and the yarn end processing device 1 are shown with the direction of advancement and retraction of the hooking member 53 and the presser member 54, which will be described later, oriented in the vertical direction.

[0018] The carriages 10 shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4 are arranged in pairs facing each other on a pair of needle beds 3. The carriages 10 can reciprocate along the longitudinal direction b by a servo motor 11 (see Figure 8). The carriages 10 are equipped with a needle selection mechanism and a cam mechanism for selectively operating the knitting needles 3a of the needle bed 3. As the carriages 10 move along the longitudinal direction b, the knitting needles 3a move forward and backward relative to the tooth opening S, thereby knitting the fabric.

[0019] The yarn end processing device 1 mainly comprises a support unit 20, a moving unit 30, a drive unit 40, a first gripper 50, a second gripper 60, a cutter 70, and a control device 80.

[0020] The support section 20 shown in Figures 1 to 5 supports the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60, and the cutter 70, which will be described later. The support section 20 comprises a first support member 21, a guide rail 22, and a second support member 23.

[0021] The first support member 21 shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4 is formed in a roughly U-shape when viewed from the side and is fixed to the front of the carriage 10. The guide rail 22 guides the movement of the second support member 23, which will be described later, and by extension the first gripper 50, second gripper 60, and cutter 70 supported by the second support member 23, in the longitudinal direction b. The guide rail 22 is provided on the upper and lower parts of the first support member 21, respectively, so as to extend along the longitudinal direction b.

[0022] The second support member 23, shown in Figures 1 to 5, supports the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60, and the cutter 70, and is supported so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction b by the upper and lower guide rails 22. The second support member 23 is supported by the guide rails 22 via rollers 22a that can roll on the guide rails 22. As shown in Figure 5, a stopper 23a that protrudes forward is formed at the lower end of the second support member 23.

[0023] The moving unit 30 shown in Figures 1 to 5 moves the first gripper 50, second gripper 60, cutter 70, etc., which will be described later, in the longitudinal direction b. The moving unit 30 is equipped with a moving motor 31, a pinion 32, and a rack 33.

[0024] The moving motor 31 shown in Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 8 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 moving motor 31 is fixed to the carriage 10 with the axial direction of its output shaft facing up and down. A pinion 32 is mounted on the output shaft of the moving motor 31. A rack 33 that meshes with the pinion 32 is provided on the front side of the pinion 32. The rack 33 is provided so as 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 moving motor 31 is converted into linear motion by the pinion 32 and the rack 33 and transmitted to the second support member 23. Note that the moving part 30 is not limited to the pinion 32 and the rack 33, but may be driven by a belt, for example.

[0025] The drive unit 40 shown in Figures 1 to 5 drives the opening and closing of the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60, and the cutter 70. The drive unit 40 comprises a first drive shaft 41, a second drive shaft 42, a first rotary motor 43, and a second rotary motor 44.

[0026] The first drive shaft 41 shown in Figures 1 to 5 is for opening and closing the second gripper 60 and the cutter 70. The first drive shaft 41 is provided so as to extend along the longitudinal direction b. The second drive shaft 42 is for opening and closing the first gripper 50. The second drive shaft 42 is provided below the first drive shaft 41 so as to extend along the longitudinal direction b. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first drive shaft 41 and the second drive shaft 42 are formed to have a circular cross-section with a portion linearly cut out, i.e., a D-shaped cross-section.

[0027] The first rotating motor 43, shown in Figures 1, 2, and 8, is rotatably connected to the first drive shaft 41. The first rotating motor 43 is located on the right side of the first support member 21. The second rotating motor 44 is rotatably connected to the second drive shaft 42. The second rotating motor 44 is located on the left side of the first support member 21. The first rotating motor 43 and the second rotating motor 44 are connected to the first drive shaft 41 and the second drive shaft 42, respectively, via gears.

[0028] The first gripper 50 shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6, and the second gripper 60 shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, are used to grip the end yarn when knitting a fabric. The second gripper 60 is located to the right of the first gripper 50. Hereinafter, the first gripper 50 and the second gripper 60 may be collectively referred to as grippers 50 and 60. The grippers 50 and 60 are movable forward and backward relative to the tooth opening S and are designed to be switchable between a state of not gripping the knitting yarn and a state of gripping the yarn. The grippers 50 and 60 are mounted on the carriage 10 via a support part 20. That is, the grippers 50 and 60 are positioned to move integrally with the carriage 10 when the carriage 10 moves in the longitudinal direction b. Furthermore, since the grippers 50 and 60 are supported by a second support member 23 that is movable in the longitudinal direction b along the guide rail 22, they are movable relative to the carriage 10 in the longitudinal direction b. Each gripper 50 and 60 comprises a first link member 51, 61, a second link member 52, 62, a latching member 53, 63, a pressing member 54, 64, and a spring 55, 65, respectively.

[0029] The first link member 51 shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6 is provided on the first drive shaft 41. More specifically, a through hole with a circular cross-section is formed at one end of the first link 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 rotation motor 43, the driving force of the first rotation motor 43 is not transmitted to the first link member 51 via the first drive shaft 41. The first shaft member 51a is inserted at the other end of the first link member 51 with its axial direction oriented left to right.

[0030] The second link member 52 shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6 is provided on the second drive shaft 42. More specifically, a D-shaped through hole is formed at one end of the second link member 52, and the second drive shaft 42 is fitted into this through hole. Therefore, when the second drive shaft 42 is rotated by the second rotary motor 44, the driving force of the second rotary motor 44 is transmitted to the second link member 52 via the second drive shaft 42. The second shaft member 52a is inserted through the other end of the second link member 52 with its axial direction oriented left to right.

[0031] The first link member 61 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is provided on the first drive shaft 41. More specifically, a D-shaped through hole is formed at one end of the first link member 61, and the first drive shaft 41 is fitted into this through hole. Therefore, when the first drive shaft 41 is rotated by the first rotation motor 43, the driving force of the first rotation motor 43 is transmitted to the first link member 61 via the first drive shaft 41.

[0032] The second link member 62 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is provided on the second drive shaft 42. More specifically, a through hole with a circular cross-section is formed at one end of the second link member 62, and the second drive shaft 42 is inserted through this 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 is not transmitted to the second link member 62 via the second drive shaft 42.

[0033] The fastening members 53 shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, and the fastening members 63 shown in Figures 4 and 5, are used to capture and fasten the end yarns extending from the knitted fabric. The fastening members 53 and 63 are formed as longitudinal members with their longitudinal direction oriented vertically. The upper parts of the fastening members 53 and 63 are rotatably connected to each other via first shaft members 51a, 61a and second shaft members 52a, 62a, respectively, which are provided on the base members that support the fastening members 53 and 63 and the pressing members 54 and 64. The lower ends of the fastening members 53 and 63 are formed with hook-shaped tips 53a and 63a.

[0034] The pressing members 54 shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, and the pressing member 64 shown in Figures 4 and 5, hold the end threads that have been secured by the fastening members 53 and 63 by sandwiching them between the fastening members 53 and 63. The pressing members 54 and 64 are formed as longitudinal members with their longitudinal direction oriented vertically, and are provided behind the fastening members 53 and 63. Tip portions 54a and 64a are formed at the lower ends of the pressing members 54 and 64. Contact portions 54b and 64b are formed at the upper and lower midpoints of the pressing members 54 and 64, protruding to the left and capable of contacting the stopper 23a from above.

[0035] The springs 55 shown in Figures 3 and 6, and the spring 65 shown in Figure 4, are provided to bias the retaining members 54 and 64 downward relative to the latching members 53 and 63. The springs 55 and 65 are, for example, tension springs.

[0036] Furthermore, the latching member 63, the retaining member 64, and the spring 65 are formed to be approximately symmetrical with the latching member 53, the retaining member 54, and the spring 55.

[0037] The first gripper 50 and the second gripper 60, configured in this way, can be switched to a state where they do not grip the end of the thread by opening the tips 53a, 63a of the latching members 53, 63 and the tips 54a, 64a of the pressing members 54, 64. Conversely, they can be switched to a state where they grip the end of the thread by closing the tips 53a, 63a of the latching members 53, 63 and the tips 54a, 64a of the pressing members 54, 64.

[0038] The cutter 70 shown in Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 7 is configured to be switchable between a cutting execution state in which it can cut the end thread held by the first gripper 50 and the second gripper 60, and a cutting standby state in which it cannot cut. The cutter 70 is provided between the first gripper 50 and the second gripper 60. The cutter 70 comprises a base portion 71, a rotating member 72, a lever 73, an upper blade 74, and a lower blade 75.

[0039] The base portion 71 shown in Figure 7 is the part that supports the rotating member 72, lever 73, upper blade 74, and lower blade 75, which will be described later. The base portion 71 is formed in the shape of a plate with its surface oriented in the left-right direction.

[0040] The rotating member 72 shown in Figure 7 is fixed to the first drive shaft 41 and is provided to rotate together with the first drive shaft 41. The rotating member 72 has a first pressing portion 72a and a second pressing portion 72b that protrude radially outward from the first drive shaft 41. The first pressing portion 72a and the second pressing portion 72b are formed with a gap between them in the circumferential direction of the first drive shaft 41.

[0041] The lever 73 shown in Figure 7 is formed on a longitudinal member and is positioned with its longitudinal direction approximately vertical. The lever 73 is fixed to the base portion 71 and is provided so as to be able to swing back and forth around a pivot axis 73a located in front of and below the pivot member 72. The lever 73 is provided such that its upper end portion 73b is located between the first pressing portion 72a and the second pressing portion 72b in the circumferential direction of the first drive shaft 41.

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, the upper blade 74 is provided on the base portion 71 below the lever 73. The lower blade 75 is fixed to the base portion 71 and is provided so as to be able to swing up and down around a pivot axis 75a located below the lever 73. The lower end portion 73c of the lever 73 is fitted to the upper end portion of the lower blade 75. By swinging up and down, the lower blade 75 can open and close the space between the tip of the lower blade 75 and the tip of the upper blade 74.

[0043] The cutter 70 configured in this way can be switched to a cutting standby state by opening the tip of the upper blade 74 and the tip of the lower blade 75, and can be switched to a cutting execution state by closing the tip of the upper blade 74 and the tip of the lower blade 75.

[0044] The control device 80 shown in Figure 8 controls the operation of the yarn end processing device 1. The control device 80 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, a storage unit such as RAM or ROM, etc. The control device 80 is configured to control the operation of the servo motor 11, the moving motor 31, the first rotating motor 43, and the second rotating motor 44.

[0045] In the yarn end processing device 1 configured in this way, the carriage 10 can be moved in the longitudinal direction b by driving the servo motor 11 with the control device 80. Since the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60 and the cutter 70 are provided on the carriage 10, the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60 and the cutter 70 can be moved integrally with the carriage 10 in the longitudinal direction b when the servo motor 11 is driven.

[0046] Furthermore, when the control device 80 drives the mobile motor 31, the pinion 32 and rack 33 can convert the rotational motion of the mobile motor 31 into linear motion. More specifically, when the mobile motor 31 is driven, the second support member 23 connected to the rack 33 is moved in the longitudinal direction b, and consequently, the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60, and the cutter 70 supported by the second support member 23 are moved relative to the carriage 10 in the longitudinal direction b.

[0047] The control device 80 is configured to acquire information on the direction and speed of movement of the carriage 10. The control device 80 is configured to control the relative direction and speed of movement of the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60, and the cutter 70 with respect to the carriage 10, according to the direction and speed of movement of the carriage 10. This allows the positions of the grippers 50, 60 and the cutter 70 to be controlled relative to the flat knitting machine 2. This prevents the grippers 50, 60 and the cutter 70 from interfering with components on the flat knitting machine 2, such as the yarn feeder 4. The control device 80 can also, for example, control the grippers 50, 60 to move at the same speed as the carriage 10, but in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the carriage 10, thereby maintaining the position of the grippers 50, 60. In addition, the control device 80 can also move the grippers 50, 60 in the same direction as the direction of movement of the carriage 10, thereby shortening the time required to move to the target position.

[0048] The grippers 50, 60 and cutter 70 are configured to be movable relative to the carriage 10 by a stroke length L1 in the longitudinal direction b. The stroke length L1 is set to be shorter than the movable stroke length L2 of the carriage 10.

[0049] The operation of the thread end processing device 1 during thread end processing will be described below. Figure 9 shows a schematic procedure for processing thread end with the thread end processing device 1. In step S1, it is confirmed that the grippers 50 and 60 are in the reference position. The reference position is the state in which the hooking members 53 and 63 and the pressing members 54 and 64 of the grippers 50 and 60 are in the raised position furthest from the tooth opening S, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, in the direction of advancement and retraction of the hooking members 53 and 63 and the pressing members 54 and 64. In the longitudinal direction b, the reference position is the center position of the movable stroke range of the grippers 50 and 60.

[0050] In step S2, the moving motor 31 is driven to move the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60, and the cutter 70 relative to the carriage 10 via the pinion 32 and rack 33. Specifically, the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60, and the cutter 70 are moved to the side edge of the knitted fabric where the end yarn processing will be performed.

[0051] In step S3, once the knitting of the fabric using the knitting yarn is completed and a yarn end is generated from the knitting needle 3a to the yarn feeder 4, the first rotation motor 43 and the second rotation motor 44 are driven to rotate the first drive shaft 41 and the second drive shaft 42 in a clockwise direction when viewed from the left side, as shown in Figure 12, from the state shown in Figure 3. As the first drive shaft 41 and the second drive shaft 42 rotate, the first link member 61 and the second link member 62 also rotate in a clockwise direction when viewed from the left side.

[0052] As a result, the latching members 53 and 63 of the grippers 50 and 60 descend and move toward the tooth opening S. As the latching members 53 and 63 descend, the pressing members 54 and 64 also descend, but as shown in Figure 10, at some point the contact portions 54b and 64b of the pressing members 54 and 64 come into contact with the stopper 23a. The pressing members 54 and 64, having moved to the contact position, are restricted from descending by the stopper 23a. Therefore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, only the latching members 53 and 63 descend and move toward the descending position closest to the tooth opening S. In this state, the yarn feeder 4 is moved so that the end of the yarn is above the tip portions 53a and 63a of the latching members 53 and 63. As a result, the end of the yarn is caught by the tip portions 53a and 63a of the latching members 53 and 63.

[0053] In step S4, the first rotating motor 43 and the second rotating motor 44 are reversed to raise the locking members 53 and 63, moving them away from the tooth opening S. The tips 53a and 63a of the locking members 53 and 63, while holding the end of the thread, approach the tips 54a and 64a of the pressing members 54 and 64, whose movement is restricted by the stopper 23a. As the locking members 53 and 63 are raised further, the end of the thread held by the tips 53a and 63a of the locking members 53 and 63 is gripped between them and the tips 54a and 64a of the pressing members 54 and 64, which are biased by the springs 55 and 65.

[0054] Here, the restriction on the pressing members 54 and 64 by the stopper 23a acts on the side approaching the tooth opening S, but does not act on the side moving away from the tooth opening S. Therefore, if the drive is continued, in step S5, the braided yarn gripped between the tips 53a and 63a of the latching members 53 and 63 and the tips 54a and 64a of the pressing members 54 and 64 can be pulled up to a position where it can be cut by the cutter 70.

[0055] In step S6, the end of the thread is cut by operating the cutter 70 in conjunction with the drive of the first drive shaft 41. Specifically, when the latching members 53 and 63 are in the raised position shown in Figures 3 to 5, the cutter 70 is in a closed state with the upper blade 74 and lower blade 75 closed, as shown in Figure 7. In step S3, in order to lower the latching member 53, the first drive shaft 41 rotates clockwise in a left-side view, and as a result, the second pressing part 72b fixed to the first drive shaft 41 also rotates clockwise in a left-side view. As a result, as shown in Figure 13, the second pressing part 72b presses the upper end 73b of the lever 73, and the lever 73 rotates around the pivot axis 73a so that the lower end 73c faces forward. Then the lower blade 75 rotates clockwise in a left-side view around the pivot axis 75a, and the upper blade 74 and lower blade 75 are in an open cutting standby state.

[0056] Then, in step S4, in order to raise the latching member 53, the first drive shaft 41 rotates counterclockwise in a left-side view, and as a result, the second pressing part 72b fixed to the first drive shaft 41 also rotates counterclockwise in a left-side view. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, the first pressing part 72a presses the upper end 73b of the lever 73, and the lever 73 rotates around the pivot axis 73a so that the lower end 73c faces rearward. When this happens, the lower blade 75 rotates counterclockwise in a left-side view around the pivot axis 75a, and the upper blade 74 and the lower blade 75 are closed, resulting in a cutting execution state. In this way, the closing of the upper blade 74 and the lower blade 75 makes it possible to cut the end of the thread between the first gripper 50 and the second gripper 60.

[0057] Here, the end yarn is held on both sides of the cutting point by the cutter 70 by the first gripper 50 and the second gripper 60, so it is not cut off but each is held as an end yarn. In step S7, the grippers 50 and 60 are moved in the longitudinal direction b, and moved forward and backward at the teeth opening S as needed to process the end yarn on the knitted fabric side. In step S8, the grippers 50 and 60 are moved in the longitudinal direction b, and moved forward and backward at the teeth opening S as needed to process the end yarn on the yarn feeder 4 side.

[0058] The following illustrates the process from step S1 to step S8 in Figure 9 using Figure 14, specifically for the case of knitting a glove finger pocket. Figure 14(a) shows the state after the knitting of one finger pocket F1 is completed. In the needle bed 3 holding the finger pocket F1, the next finger pocket F2 is knitted in the adjacent width p portion. The yarn feeder 4 moves away from the knitting needles 3a of the needle bed 3 holding the finger pocket F1, taking the end yarn Y with it. The grippers 50 and 60 approach the teeth opening S, and the end yarn Y passes over them (from step S1 to S2).

[0059] Next, as shown in Figure 14(b), the grippers 50 and 60 capture the end yarn Y and pull it upward to hold it (steps S3 to S5). Then, as shown in Figure 14(c), the portion of the end yarn Y between the first gripper 50 and the second gripper 60 is cut by the cutter 70 (step S6). As a result, end yarn Y1 is created on the finger pocket F1 side, which is the knitted fabric, and end yarn Y2 is created on the yarn feeder 4 side.

[0060] Next, as shown in Figure 14(d), the yarn ends Y1 on the fabric side are knitted into the knitted finger pocket F1 by moving the knitting needles 3a in conjunction with the movement of the carriage 10. At this time, the yarn ends Y1 on the fabric side are held by the second gripper 60, and the second gripper 60 is moved to a position where each knitting needle 3a can grip the yarn, while knitting the yarn ends Y1 into the fabric by tuck. The second gripper 60 is also lowered so that it approaches the teeth opening S. By knitting the yarn ends Y1 on the fabric side into the knitted finger pocket F1, the yarn ends can be securely processed without coming out of the fabric.

[0061] Here, if the longitudinal position b of the second gripper 60 with respect to the carriage 10 remains constant, the length of the end yarn Y1 from the stitch to the second gripper 60 decreases each time a stitch is knitted in. This puts a load on the end yarn Y, and there is a risk that the end yarn Y may break. Therefore, when knitting in the end yarn Y1, the second gripper 60 is moved relative to the carriage 10 in the opposite direction to the carriage 10's direction of movement each time a stitch is knitted in, so that the tension of the end yarn from the stitch to the second gripper 60 remains constant. This reduces the load on the end yarn Y1 on the knitted fabric side that is held by the second gripper 60, and prevents the end yarn Y1 from breaking.

[0062] Next, as shown in Figure 14(e), the first gripper 50 and the second gripper 60 are moved away from the finger pocket F1, and then the yarn feeder 4 is moved toward the finger pocket F1. Then, the second gripper 60 is lowered to a height at which the yarn end Y2 can be caught by the knitting needle 3a, and the knitting needle 3a is moved forward and backward as the carriage 10 moves, so that the yarn end Y2 on the yarn feeder 4 side, which is held by the first gripper 50, is used to start knitting the next finger pocket F2 next to the finger pocket F1.

[0063] Next, as shown in Figures 14(f) to (i), the end yarn Y2 on the yarn feeder 4 side is knitted to proceed with the knitting of the finger pouch F2. In knitting the finger pouch F2, the tip of the fingertip is first knitted using the end yarn. Next, the back and belly of the fingertip is knitted in a pouch shape using knitting yarn, starting from the previously knitted part, by plain knitting. When knitting the finger pouch F2, it is necessary to move the carriage 10 in order to advance and retract the knitting needle 3a, but when this is done, the first gripper 50 attached to the carriage 10 also moves. This puts a load on the end yarn Y2 held by the first gripper 50, which is undesirable. Therefore, the control device 80 maintains the position of the first gripper 50 relative to the flat knitting machine 2 in the longitudinal direction b by moving the first gripper 50 to the other side in the longitudinal direction b at the same speed as the carriage 10 moves to one side in the longitudinal direction b. This prevents stress from being placed on the end yarn Y2 on the yarn feeder 4 side that is held by the first gripper 50, thereby preventing the end yarn Y2 from breaking.

[0064] As described above, in the yarn end processing device 1 according to this embodiment, the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60, and the cutter 70 are provided on the carriage 10 and are movable relative to the carriage 10 in the longitudinal direction b of the needle bed 3, thereby enabling high-precision adjustment of the positions of the grippers 50, 60, and cutter 70 relative to the carriage 10. Therefore, when processing yarn end, the position of at least one of the first gripper 50 and the second gripper 60 relative to the carriage 10 can be adjusted to reduce the load on the yarn end, thereby preventing problems such as the yarn end being pulled and broken.

[0065] Furthermore, in a configuration where the gripper and carriage move separately, as described in Patent Document 1, the gripper's stroke length had to be equal to or greater than the carriage's stroke length in order to make the gripper move in parallel with the carriage. On the other hand, in the end-of-yarn processing device 1 according to 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, so the end-of-yarn processing device 1 can be made smaller.

[0066] Furthermore, the first gripper 50, the second gripper 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 moving motor 31. In this way, the first gripper 50, the second gripper 60, and the cutter 70 can be moved by a single drive source, the moving motor 31, thus making the end yarn processing device 1 smaller and simpler.

[0067] In this embodiment, the carriage 10 is a component of the flat knitting machine 2, but it may be a component of either the yarn end processing device 1 or the flat knitting machine 2.

[0068] Furthermore, the opening and closing mechanisms for the first gripper 50 and the second gripper 60 are not limited to the mechanisms of this embodiment, but may be mechanisms such as the thread end insertion device described in Patent Document 2. Also, the opening and closing mechanism for the cutter 70 is not limited to the mechanisms of this embodiment, but may be mechanisms such as the one described in Patent Document 1.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end yarn is treated by cutting it and knitting it into the fabric. However, the method of treating the end yarn is not limited to knitting it into the fabric; for example, as described in Patent Document 1, it may be treated by inserting it into the fabric. Also, if the length of the end yarn on the fabric side after cutting is about 10 mm, the end yarn on the fabric side may be released immediately. In this case, cutting the end yarn itself constitutes "end yarn treatment."

[0070] Furthermore, in steps S7 and S8 of Figure 9, when the end yarn is knitted into the fabric (Figures 14(d), (h)), the relative position of the first gripper 50 or the second gripper 60 with respect to the carriage 10 is adjusted. However, in addition to adjusting the position, the control device 80 may also control the first gripper 50 or the second gripper 60, which is holding the end yarn to be knitted, by slightly opening it to hold the yarn loosely. This prevents the end yarn from breaking, as it is pulled as the end yarn held by the first gripper 50 or the second gripper 60 is knitted into the fabric, allowing the end yarn to gradually slip out of the first gripper 50 or the second gripper 60.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the first gripper 50 and the second gripper 60 are driven by the moving motor 31 and move in the longitudinal direction b, but the first gripper 50 and the second gripper 60 may each be moved by their own separate motors. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 1. End-of-thread processing device 2 Flat knitting machine 3 Needle bed 3a knitting needle 4 Yarnfida 10 Carriage 23 Second support member 50 First Grippa 60 Second Grippa 70 Cutter 80 Control device

Claims

1. In a flat knitting machine equipped with a needle bed on which knitting needles are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction, the knitting machine knits a fabric by the movement of the carriage, wherein the yarn end processing device handles the yarn ends extending from the knitted fabric when knitting the fabric, A gripper that is movable forward and backward relative to the tooth opening and can switch between a state in which it does not grip the end thread and a state in which it grips the end thread, A cutter capable of switching between a cutting execution state in which the end thread gripped by the gripper can be cut and a cutting standby state in which it cannot be cut, It is equipped with, The gripper and the cutter are, It is provided on the carriage and is movable relative to the carriage in the longitudinal direction of the needle bed, A yarn end processing device for flat knitting machines.

2. The system includes a control device capable of controlling the movement of the gripper, The control device is The relative movement direction and speed of the gripper and cutter with respect to the carriage can be controlled according to the movement direction and speed of the carriage. A yarn end processing device for a flat knitting machine according to claim 1.

3. The control device is As the carriage moves to one side in the longitudinal direction of the needle bed, the gripper is moved relative to the carriage to the other side in the longitudinal direction of the needle bed at the same speed as the carriage, thereby maintaining the position of the gripper relative to the flat knitting machine in the longitudinal direction of the needle bed. A yarn end processing device for a flat knitting machine according to claim 2.

4. The stroke length of the gripper and the cutter relative to the carriage is shorter than the stroke length of the carriage. A yarn end processing device for a flat knitting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A support member provided on the carriage, which supports the two grippers and the cutter provided between the two grippers, A drive source for moving the support member relative to the carriage in the longitudinal direction of the needle bed, Equipped with, A yarn end processing device for a flat knitting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. As the carriage moves, the knitting needles advance and retract, the gripper moves to a position where each knitting needle can grip the end yarn on the fabric side held by the gripper, while the carriage is moved, thereby knitting the end yarn on the fabric side into the fabric. A yarn end processing device for a flat knitting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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