Weft feeding device's slack take-up mechanism

Abstract

To provide a slack removing mechanism for a warp feeding device, which can remove slackening of a yarn by using magnetic force and which has a relatively simple structure.SOLUTION: A warp feeding device 1 has rollers (a drive roller 20, a first follower roller 51, a second follower roller 52) that can rotate in one direction and the other direction and feed warp 3b by controlling rotation in one direction. A slack removing mechanism 200 removes slackening of the yarn on a downstream side of the rollers and has a first magnet section 210 disposed on the second follower roller 52 and a second magnet section 220 that is disposed independently of the second follower roller 52 and rotates the second follower roller 52 in the other direction by action of magnetic force to the first magnet section 210.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a slack take-up mechanism technology for a warp feeding device that feeds warps to a knitting machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the technology of the slack take-up mechanism of a warp feeding device that feeds warps to a knitting machine is well-known. For example, it is as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology of sandwiching warps and wefts with horizontally knitted knitting yarns. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of first base yarns (warps) arranged in parallel in the knitting width direction and second base yarns (wefts) arranged in parallel in the vertical direction intersecting the first base yarns are sandwiched by horizontally knitting the knitting yarns.

[0004] In such a technology, a yarn feeding roller for guiding the yarn (warp) fed out from the creel to the knitting machine may be provided. Here, when a large number of such rollers are arranged in the knitting width direction, in order to drive these rollers, a mechanism that converts the reciprocating motion of a predetermined member into the rotational force of the roller is suitable. Specifically, by providing a one-way clutch on the rotating shaft of the roller connected to the predetermined member, the roller can be rotated in the forward path, and the ratchet mechanism can act in the return path to prevent the roller from rotating.

[0005] However, with a mechanism such as described above, although it is possible to feed the yarn, for example, when errors in the yarn feed amount accumulate and the yarn slackens, it is not possible to wind up the yarn to eliminate the slack. Also, for example, it is conceivable to provide a springy tensioneer in the yarn path to take up the slack, but it is difficult both spatially and cost-wise to provide individual tensioners for a large number of yarns. Further, for example, a scheme of passing weights through the yarn is also conceivable, but since it acts directly on the yarn like a tensioneer, it may affect the yarn tension. Additionally, since there is also a possibility that the release resistance changes depending on the remaining amount of yarn on the creel, these means of directly controlling the yarn may pull out more yarn from the creel than necessary, which is not preferable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem to be solved is to provide a slack take-up mechanism for a warp yarn feeding device that can eliminate yarn slack with a relatively simple configuration using magnetic force.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, the means for solving this problem will be described.

[0009] That is, the warp thread feeding device of the warp thread feeding device according to the present invention is a thread feeding device having a roller that can rotate in one direction and the other direction and can feed out the thread by controlling the rotation in the one direction. It is a slack take-up mechanism of the warp thread feeding device that takes up the slack of the thread on the downstream side of the roller. It includes a first magnet part provided on the roller, and a second magnet part provided independently of the roller, and rotates the roller in the other direction by the action of the magnetic force on the first magnet part. By configuring in this way, it is possible to eliminate the slack of the thread with a relatively simple configuration using magnetic force. Further, since magnetic force is used, problems such as wear between members do not occur unlike the case of torque application by physical connection, etc., and it is possible to improve maintainability and durability.

[0010] Further, the first magnet part has a shielding member that blocks the magnetic force acting to rotate the roller in the one direction with respect to the second magnet part. By configuring in this way, the roller can be preferably rotated in the other direction (the direction of rewinding the thread). Thereby, the slack of the thread can be effectively eliminated.

[0011] Further, the first magnet part is provided on the outer peripheral part of the roller, and one magnetic pole that acts to rotate the roller in the other direction is provided in an inclined state with respect to the radial direction of the roller so as to face the outer diameter side with respect to the other magnetic pole. By configuring in this way, the roller can be preferably rotated in the other direction (the direction of rewinding the thread). Thereby, the slack of the thread can be effectively eliminated.

[0012] Further, a plurality of the first magnet parts are provided on the outer peripheral part of the roller at equal intervals from each other. By configuring in this way, the roller can be preferably rotated in the other direction (the direction of rewinding the thread). Thereby, the slack of the thread can be effectively eliminated.

[0013] Further, the roller is rotatable using a driving force, and includes a driving roller that contacts the yarn and feeds it out, and a driven roller that is rotatable as the driving roller rotates. The first magnet portion is provided on the driven roller. By configuring in this way, since the first magnet portion can be provided on a roller (driven roller) different from the roller (driving roller) that feeds out the yarn, simplification of the roller configuration can be achieved.

[0014] Further, a plurality of the second magnet portions are provided at equal intervals in the rotational direction on another roller that is rotatable using a driving force different from the driving force. By configuring in this way, the slack of the yarn can be eliminated more effectively.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] As an advantage of the present invention, the slack of the yarn can be eliminated with a relatively simple configuration using magnetic force.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, the directions indicated by the arrows U, D, F, and B in the figure are defined as the upward direction, downward direction, forward direction, and backward direction, respectively, for explanation. Also, the direction toward the front of the paper and the depth direction of the paper in the side view such as FIG. 1 are defined as the right direction and the left direction, respectively, for explanation. Note that the left-right direction corresponds to the knitting width direction of the flat knitting machine 2. In the figure, for the sake of simplification of illustration, the illustration of each component is appropriately omitted.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the warp feeding device 1 provided with the take-up mechanism 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention feeds the warp 3b used for knitting the knitted fabric to the flat knitting machine 2. The flat knitting machine 2 can knit a knitted fabric by fixing a plurality of warps 3b arranged in parallel in the knitting width direction and wefts arranged in parallel in the vertical direction intersecting the warps 3b by knitting the knitting yarn horizontally. In the knitted fabric, the weft is inserted as an inlay yarn. In this way, the warp 3b and the weft do not form stitches, and are fixed to each other by friction by being sandwiched between the knitting yarns as holding yarns. A creel stand 3 is provided behind the flat knitting machine 2. A plurality of yarn source reels 3a around which the warp 3b is wound are stored in the creel stand 3. When the flat knitting machine 2 knits a knitted fabric, the warp 3b wound around the yarn source reel 3a is supplied to the flat knitting machine 2 via the warp feeding device 1. As the warp 3b, for example, a bundle of a plurality of reinforcing fibers (for example, carbon fibers) is used.

[0019] The flat knitting machine 2 includes a front needle bed 2a and a rear needle bed 2b that face each other front and back with the mouth 2c in between. In the flat knitting machine 2, the hooks of knitting needles (not shown) advance and retract into the mouth 2c from the tip side of the front needle bed 2a or the rear needle bed 2b. Weft yarns and knitting yarns are supplied to the mouth 2c from a plurality of yarn feeders (not shown).

[0020] Further, the flat knitting machine 2 is provided with a warp pipe 2d that can simultaneously supply a plurality of warp yarns 3b when knitting a knitted fabric. The warp pipe 2d is provided such that three rows are arranged in the front-rear direction and a plurality of rows are arranged in the knitting width direction corresponding to the number of warp yarns 3b to be knitted. The warp pipe 2d is arranged at a position where it does not interfere with the yarn feeder that moves in the knitting width direction, and each warp yarn 3b is supplied to the mouth 2c from above by passing the warp yarns 3b through the inside thereof.

[0021] Hereinafter, the configuration of the warp feeding device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. In the following, the yarn source reel 3a side of the yarn feeding path of the warp yarn 3b may be referred to as the "upstream side", and the flat knitting machine 2 side may be referred to as the "downstream side".

[0022] The warp feeding device 1 feeds a plurality of warp yarns 3b used for knitting a knitted fabric to the flat knitting machine 2 while controlling the feed amount for each warp yarn 3b. The warp feeding device 1 mainly includes a driving device 10, a driving roller 20, a transmission mechanism 30, an operation restricting portion 40, a driven mechanism 50, and a slack take-up mechanism 200. Details of the slack take-up mechanism 200 will be described later.

[0023] The driving device 10 shown in FIG. 1 drives the driving roller 20 described later via the transmission mechanism 30 described later. The driving device 10 includes a jacquard shedding device 11 and a harness 12.

[0024] The Jacquard shedding device 11 shown in Fig. 1 serves as the driving source for the operation of the warp feeding device 1 when sending each warp 3b to the flat knitting machine 2. Further, the Jacquard shedding device 11 individually controls the feeding amount of each warp 3b. As the Jacquard shedding device 11, for example, a known Jacquard shedding device used in a general shuttle loom can be adopted. The Jacquard shedding device 11 performs control based on a pre-programmed program. The Jacquard shedding device 11 is arranged on a base 4 disposed between the flat knitting machine 2 and the creel stand 3. The Jacquard shedding device 11 is arranged above the flat knitting machine 2. Also, the Jacquard shedding device 11 is arranged above the driving roller 20, transmission mechanism 30, operation restricting portion 40, and driven mechanism 50, which will be described later. The Jacquard shedding device 11 includes a motor 11a.

[0025] The motor 11a generates a driving force. The motor 11a is provided so that its rotation amount can be adjusted, and by adjusting the rotation amount, the displacement amount of the harness 12, which will be described later, can be adjusted. A plurality of motors 11a are provided. More specifically, the motor 11a is provided for each warp 3b. The motor 11a that is originally provided in the Jacquard shedding device 11 can be used. The operation of the motor 11a is controlled by a control portion (not shown).

[0026] The harness 12 shown in Figs. 1 to 3 is for rotating the lever 31, which will be described later, up and down. One harness 12 is provided for each motor 11a. The upper end portion of the harness 12 is connected to the motor 11a via an appropriate member. The lower end portion of the harness 12 is connected to the lever 31, which will be described later. The harness 12 extends forward from the motor 11a and is provided so as to bend downward by a direction-changing member (not shown).

[0027] In the driving device 10 configured as described above, by driving each motor 11a according to an individually preset pattern, a plurality of harnesses 12 can be individually displaced upward or downward.

[0028] The drive roller 20 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 feeds the warp yarns 3b downstream. The drive roller 20 is provided rotatably about an axis extending in the left-right direction on the yarn feeding path of the warp yarns 3b. The drive roller 20 is provided for each warp yarn 3b. As shown in FIG. 1, the drive rollers 20 adjacent to each other in the knitting width direction are arranged with their heights shifted from each other in order to secure an arrangement space.

[0029] At the upper end of the peripheral surface 20a of the drive roller 20, the warp yarns 3b fed out from the rear of the drive roller 20 (the yarn source reel 3a stored in the creel stand 3) are fed in. The warp yarns 3b are fed onto the peripheral surface 20a from a direction along the tangential direction at the upper end of the peripheral surface 20a. Then, the warp yarns 3b are brought into contact with the peripheral surface 20a and guided by the peripheral surface 20a to bend downward.

[0030] A plurality of teeth 20b are provided over the entire circumference on the outer peripheral surface of the drive roller 20. The plurality of teeth 20b are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0031] The drive roller 20 configured as described above can feed the warp yarns 3b downstream by rotating in the counterclockwise direction in the right side view shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Hereinafter, regarding the rotation direction of the drive roller 20, the counterclockwise direction in the right side view, that is, the direction in which the warp yarns 3b are fed downstream, may be referred to as the "forward direction", and the clockwise direction in the right side view, which is the direction opposite to the forward direction, may be referred to as the "reverse direction".

[0032] The transmission mechanism 30 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 transmits the driving force from the driving device 10 to the drive roller 20. The transmission mechanism 30 includes a lever 31 and a ratchet mechanism 32.

[0033] The lever 31 is for rotating the drive roller 20 and is provided rotatably (rockably up and down) about the same axis as the drive roller 20. The lever 31 is provided so that its longitudinal direction extends substantially rearward from the rotation center. The lever 31 includes a first hook portion 31a and a second hook portion 31b.

[0034] The first hook portion 31a is a portion where the harness 12 is hooked, and is formed in a substantially inverted U-shaped hook. The first hook portion 31a is formed at the rear end portion of the lever 31.

[0035] The second hook portion 31b is a portion where a spring 41 described later is hooked, and is formed in a substantially U-shaped hook. The second hook portion 31b is formed at a middle portion in the front-rear direction of the lever 31 (ahead of the first hook portion 31a).

[0036] The ratchet mechanism 32 regulates the rotation direction of the drive roller 20, is incorporated in the rotation center portion of the lever 31, and is formed to rotate along with the rotation of the lever 31. The ratchet mechanism 32 is formed to engage with the drive roller 20 when the lever 31 rotates upward, but not to engage with the drive roller 20 when the lever 31 rotates downward.

[0037] That is, due to the ratchet mechanism 32, the drive roller 20 rotates in the forward direction as the lever 31 rotates upward. On the other hand, due to the ratchet mechanism 32, the drive roller 20 does not rotate in the reverse direction as the lever 31 rotates downward.

[0038] The operation restricting portion 40 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 restricts or controls the operation of the lever 31, and includes a spring 41 and a movement range restricting portion 42.

[0039] The spring 41 biases the lever 31 downward, and a tension coil spring is used. The upper end of the spring 41 is fixed to the second hook portion 31b of the lever 31. The lower end of the spring 41 is fixed to an arbitrary portion of the warp feeding device 1. The arbitrary portion is a portion that does not move even when the lever 31 rotates.

[0040] The movement range restricting portion 42 shown in FIG. 3 restricts the rotation range of the lever 31, and includes an upper restricting portion 42a and a lower restricting portion 42b.

[0041] The upper restricting portion 42a restricts the upward rotation range of the lever 31 and is provided above the lever 31. More specifically, the upper restricting portion 42a is formed at a position where it abuts against the lever 31 when the lever 31 rotates upward by a predetermined angle, and restricts the upward rotation range of the lever 31.

[0042] The lower restricting portion 42b restricts the downward rotation range of the lever 31 and is provided below the lever 31. More specifically, the lower restricting portion 42b is formed at a position where it abuts against the lever 31 when the lever 31 rotates downward by a predetermined angle, and restricts the downward rotation range of the lever 31.

[0043] Here, when rotating the drive roller 20, the harness 12 operates linearly, while the lever 31 operates in an arc shape. For this reason, if the stroke of the harness 12 becomes too large, the displacement amount of the harness 12 and the feed amount of the warp 3b will not be proportional. Therefore, in the warp feeding device 1 according to the present embodiment, the rotation range of the lever 31 is restricted by the movement range restricting portion 42. Further, by restricting the upward rotation range of the lever 31, it is possible to suppress the plastic deformation of the spring 41.

[0044] The driven mechanism 50 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 operates in accordance with the rotation of the drive roller 20 and includes a first driven roller 51, a second driven roller 52, and an endless belt 53.

[0045] The first driven roller 51 is rotatably provided about an axis extending in the left - right direction and is disposed substantially above the drive roller 20.

[0046] On the outer peripheral surface of the first driven roller 51, a plurality of teeth 51a are provided over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the first driven roller 51. The plurality of teeth 51a are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The first driven roller 51 is provided such that the teeth 51a mesh with the teeth 20b of the drive roller 20. Thereby, the first driven roller 51 rotates (synchronously rotates) with the rotation of the drive roller 20.

[0047] The second driven roller 52 is provided rotatably about an axis extending in the left - right direction, in front - lower of the first driven roller 51 and substantially in front of the driving roller 20. The second driven roller 52 rotates as the first driven roller 51 rotates via an endless belt 53 described later.

[0048] The endless belt 53 is provided so as to span between the first driven roller 51 and the second driven roller 52, and its outer peripheral surface is in contact with the driving roller 20. More specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the endless belt 53 is provided so as to be in contact with the portion of the peripheral surface 20a of the driving roller 20 that contacts the warp 3b.

[0049] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, the operation of the warp feeding device 1 when feeding the warp 3b to the knitting machine 2 will be described.

[0050] When feeding the warp 3b to the knitting machine 2, first, the motor 11a of the driving device 10 is driven to displace the harness 12 upward by a predetermined amount. Then, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the lever 31 connected to the harness 12 rotates upward, rotating the driving roller 20 in the forward direction. Thereby, the warp 3b is fed to the downstream side. The displacement amount of the harness 12 that determines the feeding amount of the warp 3b is set in consideration of the amount required for knitting the knitted fabric.

[0051] Here, as described above, since the first driven roller 51 is provided such that the teeth 51a mesh with the teeth 20b of the driving roller 20, as the driving roller 20 rotates in the forward direction, it rotates in the clockwise direction when viewed from the right side. Then, the second driven roller 52 connected to the first driven roller 51 via the endless belt 53 also rotates in the clockwise direction when viewed from the right side.

[0052] As a result, the driving roller 20 can send out the warp 3b downward while clamping the warp 3b between the circumferential surface 20a and the outer circumferential surface of the endless belt 53. By doing so, it becomes difficult for the warp 3b to come off the driving roller 20, and the warp 3b can be reliably sent out to the downstream side. In addition, it is possible to suppress only the portion of the plurality of reinforcing fibers constituting the warp 3b that is in contact with the circumferential surface 20a from being sent to the downstream side. Further, even if the warp 3b is a yarn that is only bundled with carbon fibers and not twisted, it is possible to suppress the dispersion, and the warp 3b can be more suitably sent to the flat knitting machine 2.

[0053] On the other hand, when the driving force acting on the harness 12 upward is released, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the lever 31 connected to the harness 12 rotates downward by the biasing force of the spring 41. However, due to the action of the ratchet mechanism 32, even if the lever 31 rotates downward, the driving roller 20 does not rotate in the reverse direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the warp 3b from being returned to the upstream side.

[0054] In this way, in the warp feeding device 1, by rotating the driving roller 20 using the driving force from the driving device 10, each warp 3b used for knitting the knitted fabric can be actively sent to the flat knitting machine 2. As a result, against the tension applied to the warp 3b (tension due to the release resistance when taking out the warp 3b from the yarn source reel 3a and tension due to the downward deflection of the warp 3b due to its own weight), the amount of the warp 3b required for knitting the knitted fabric can be made to knit down. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the interval between the wefts arranged in the vertical direction from being clogged. In addition, with a relatively simple configuration such as the driving roller 20 and the transmission mechanism 30, the feeding of the warp 3b to the flat knitting machine 2 can be continuously performed.

[0055] In addition, a large number of drive rollers 20 need to be arranged in the width direction of the fabric in order to individually control the warp threads 3b. In this case, a large number of warp threads will pass from the creel stand to the knitting machine. For this reason, the degree of freedom in arranging the drive device 10 is relatively low. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by arranging the drive device 10 for rotating the drive roller 20 at a position relatively far from the flat knitting machine 2, a large number of warp threads 3b can be actively sent individually without complicating the periphery of the yarn feeding path. More specifically, instead of directly rotating the drive roller 20 by the drive device 10, the drive device 10 and the lever 31 are connected via the harness 12, so that it is not necessary to arrange the drive device 10 around the yarn feeding path, and the drive device 10 can be arranged at a position relatively far from the flat knitting machine 2. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the complication of the periphery of the yarn feeding path.

[0056] In addition, since the feed amount of each warp thread 3b can be individually adjusted using each motor 11a of the jacquard shedding device 11, for example, the amount of the warp threads 3b in a part in the width direction of the knitted fabric can be increased or decreased compared to other parts.

[0057] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, the configuration of the slack removal mechanism 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0058] In the warp thread feeding device 1, for example, when the warp threads 3b are not used as expected in the knitting of the knitted fabric, a feeding error may occur. If this feeding error accumulates, slack of the warp threads 3b will occur on the downstream side of the drive roller 20, and the warp threads 3b may come into contact with other objects, which may affect the knitting of the knitted fabric and is not preferable. The slack removal mechanism 200 is provided to eliminate this slack of the warp threads 3b, and includes a first magnet portion 210, a second magnet portion 220, and a shielding member 230.

[0059] The first magnet part 210 is a magnet provided on the second driven roller 52 and is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A plurality of first magnet parts 210 are provided with their longitudinal directions facing the radial direction of the second driven roller 52. The first magnet parts 210 are provided at equal intervals from each other in the circumferential direction of the second driven roller 52. In the present embodiment, six first magnet parts 210 are provided at intervals of 60° from each other. The first magnet parts 210 are provided such that, in a side view, the outer surface on the radially outer side thereof is substantially at the same position as the outer peripheral surface of the second driven roller 52. The first magnet part 210 includes an S-pole part 211 and an N-pole part 212.

[0060] The S-pole part 211 is arranged on the counterclockwise side in a right side view of the first magnet part 210. Specifically, the S-pole part 211 is provided so as to be located at the front part of the first magnet part 210 when the second driven roller 52 rotates and the first magnet part 210 is located at the uppermost position.

[0061] The N-pole part 212 is arranged on the clockwise side in a right side view of the first magnet part 210. Specifically, the N-pole part 212 is provided so as to be located at the rear part of the first magnet part 210 when the second driven roller 52 rotates and the first magnet part 210 is located at the uppermost position. The N-pole part 212 is provided so as to be adjacent to the S-pole part 211.

[0062] The second magnet part 220 is a magnet provided independently of the second driven roller 52 and is fixed to the knitting machine 2 below the second driven roller 52. More specifically, the second magnet part 220 is provided such that the center in the front-rear direction thereof is located slightly rearward of the center of the second driven roller 52. The second magnet part 220 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view. The second magnet part 220 includes an S-pole part 221 and an N-pole part 222.

[0063] The S-pole part 221 is provided so as to constitute the rear part of the second magnet part 220.

[0064] The N-pole part 222 constitutes the front part of the second magnet part 220 and is provided so as to be adjacent to the S-pole part 221. The N-pole part 222 is provided at a position closer to the second driven roller 52 than the S-pole part 221.

[0065] The shielding member 230 shields or demagnetizes the magnetic force of the first magnet portion 210. More specifically, the shielding member 230 blocks the magnetic force that acts to rotate the second driven roller 52 in the reverse direction with respect to the second magnet portion 220. The shielding member 230 is formed of an iron piece which is a ferromagnetic material, and is provided so as to cover the magnetic pole surface of the N-pole portion 212 of the first magnet portion 210.

[0066] Next, the operation of the relaxation mechanism 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Hereinafter, regarding the rotation direction of the second driven roller 52, the counterclockwise direction in the right side view, that is, the direction in which the slack of the warp 3b is wound up may be referred to as the "winding-up direction".

[0067] FIG. 5(a) shows a state in which the warp 3b is slack downstream of the driving roller 20 due to a feed error or the like. When the warp 3b is slack in this way, when the first magnet portion 210 and the second magnet portion 220 are in the positional relationship shown in FIG. 4, an attractive force by the N-pole portion 222 of the second magnet portion 220 acts on the S-pole portion 211a of the first magnet portion 210a located at the lower front part among the six first magnet portions 210.

[0068] At this time, when the lever 31 is stopped or is rotating upward, even if an attractive force by the N-pole portion 222 acts on the S-pole portion 211a due to the action of the ratchet mechanism 32, the second driven roller 52 does not rotate in the winding-up direction.

[0069] On the other hand, when the lever 31 is rotating downward, the second driven roller 52 rotates in the winding-up direction until the S-pole portion 211a and the N-pole portion 222 are substantially opposed to each other by the S-pole portion 211a being attracted to the N-pole portion 222.

[0070] At this time, among the six first magnet parts 210, the magnetic pole surface of the N-pole part 212b of the first magnet part 210b located at the lower rear part is covered by the shielding member 230. For this reason, the attracting force of the N-pole part 212b to the S-pole part 221 is shielded or demagnetized. Therefore, the second driven roller 52 is suppressed from rotating in the direction opposite to the winding direction.

[0071] When the second driven roller 52 rotates in the winding direction in this way, the driving roller 20 rotates in the reverse direction. As a result, the warp yarn 3b on the downstream side of the driving roller 20 is wound up, and the slack of the warp yarn 3b can be eliminated. Further, along with the rotation of the driving roller 20, the endless belt 53 also operates in the direction of winding up the warp yarn 3b. Therefore, the warp yarn 3b can be wound up in a state where the warp yarn 3b is sandwiched between the peripheral surface 20a of the driving roller 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the endless belt 53.

[0072] Also, as described above, in the slack take-up mechanism 200, magnetic force is used for winding up the warp yarn 3b. For this reason, unlike the case of torque application by physical connection, for example, problems such as wear between members do not occur, and the maintainability and durability can be improved.

[0073] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea of the invention described in the claims.

[0074] For example, in the present embodiment, the flat knitting machine 2 that feeds the warp yarn 3b by the warp yarn feeding device 1 forms a knitted fabric by fixing the warp yarn 3b and the weft yarn using knitting yarn. However, the knitted fabric may be formed without using the weft yarn. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 of Japanese Patent No. 5955197, the flat knitting machine 2 may sandwich the warp yarn depending on the positional relationship between the knitting yarn fed from two carriers that move the phase of the warp yarn forward and backward and the warp yarn.

[0075] Further, although the warp 3b is fed to the upper end portion of the circumferential surface 20a of the drive roller 20, it may be fed to a portion behind the upper end portion of the circumferential surface 20a and guided by the circumferential surface 20a to bend downward after passing through the upper end portion of the circumferential surface 20a. Thereby, since the length of the warp 3b in contact with the circumferential surface 20a increases, slippage of the warp 3b with respect to the circumferential surface 20a can be reduced, and the feeding accuracy of the warp 3b can be improved.

[0076] Also, each warp 3b is fed into the flat knitting machine 2 by the required amount for the next one course at the timing when the knitting direction is reversed. In this way, each warp 3b is fed into the flat knitting machine 2 at the same timing. However, it is not limited to this. For example, at the timing when each knitting needle advances to the tooth opening 2c, the warp 3b fixed by yarn holding by the knitting needle may be fed into the flat knitting machine 2. That is, each warp 3b may be fed into the flat knitting machine 2 at different timings from each other.

[0077] Also, in the present embodiment, although the motor 11a is used as the drive source, a solenoid may be used.

[0078] Also, in the present embodiment, although the rotation direction of the drive roller 20 is restricted by the ratchet mechanism 32, any configuration may be used as long as it can transmit force only in one direction and does not transmit force in the other direction. For example, a one-way clutch may be used.

[0079] Also, in the present embodiment, although the second magnet portion 220 is fixed to the flat knitting machine 2, similar to the first magnet portion 210, magnets may be provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the roller, and it may be configured to always rotate and generate a force that rotates the second driven roller 52 in the winding direction. However, this force is set to be smaller than the rotational force of the drive roller 20 when feeding the warp 3b to the downstream side, and is set so as not to interfere with the feeding of the warp 3b.

[0080] In addition, in the present embodiment, six first magnet portions 210 are provided. However, the number of the first magnet portions 210 can be any number.

[0081] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the configuration of the take-up mechanism 200 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0082] The difference between the take-up mechanism 200 according to the second embodiment and the take-up mechanism 200 according to the first embodiment is that the arrangement of the first magnet portions 210 is different. This difference will be described below.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 6, the first magnet portion 210 is provided in a state where its longitudinal direction is inclined with respect to the radial direction of the second driven roller 52. More specifically, the first magnet portion 210 is provided such that the S-pole portion 211 faces the outer diameter side more than the N-pole portion 212.

[0084] When the warp 3b is slack, when the first magnet portion 210 and the second magnet portion 220 are in the positional relationship shown in FIG. 6, the magnetic pole surface of the S-pole portion 211c of the first magnet portion 210c located in the lower front part among the six first magnet portions 210 generally faces the N-pole portion 222 of the second magnet portion 220. On the other hand, the magnetic pole surface of the N-pole portion 212d of the first magnet portion 210d located in the lower rear part among the six first magnet portions 210 does not face the S-pole portion 221 of the second magnet portion 220. Therefore, the second driven roller 52 rotates in the winding direction by the attracting force between the S-pole portion 211c and the N-pole portion 222.

[0085] When the second driven roller 52 rotates in the winding direction in this way, the driving roller 20 rotates in the reverse direction. As a result, the warp 3b on the downstream side of the driving roller 20 is wound up, and the slack of the warp 3b can be eliminated.

[0086] In the take-up and slackening mechanism 200 of the warp feed device 1 according to the first and second embodiments, the ratio of the rotation amounts is set such that the drive roller 20: the first driven roller 51: the second driven roller 52 = 1:2:2. That is, the rotation amount of the second driven roller 52 by the first magnet portion 210 and the second magnet portion 220 is half that of the drive roller 20. The feed amount per course of the warp 3b is about 3.5 mm, and the feed error is estimated to be about ±0.1 to 0.2 mm. Here, due to the relative positional relationship between the first magnet portion 210 and the second magnet portion 220, non-winding of the warp 3b ( "no winding") may occur. However, since the amount of winding per time is about 2 to 3 mm, for example, even if "no winding" of +0.2 mm occurs continuously 10 times, the accumulated feed error can be eliminated by one winding.

[0087] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the configuration of the take-up and slackening mechanism 200 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0088] The difference between the take-up and slackening mechanism 200 according to the third embodiment and the take-up and slackening mechanism 200 according to the first embodiment is that the take-up and slackening mechanism 200 further includes a take-up and slackening roller 240, and the second magnet 220 is provided on the take-up and slackening roller 240. Hereinafter, this difference will be described.

[0089] The take-up and slackening rollers 240 are respectively provided for each second driven roller 52 and are fixed to a common rotation shaft 240a extending in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 7(a), each take-up and slackening roller 240 is provided below and in front of the second driven roller 52 so as to be rotatable around the rotation shaft by a driving force from a common driving source. A plurality of second magnet portions 220 are provided on the take-up and slackening roller 240 at equal intervals in the rotation direction of the take-up and slackening roller 240.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the second magnet portion 220 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the take-up and slackening roller 240. In this case, the take-up and slackening roller 240 is provided at a position that does not overlap the second driven roller 52 in a side view.

[0091] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the second magnet portion 220 may be disposed on a roller surface radially inside the outer peripheral surface of the take-up roller 240. In this case, the take-up roller 240 is provided at a position overlapping the second driven roller 52 in a side view.

[0092] The take-up roller 240 always rotates in the clockwise direction in a right side view, and thereby always applies a force in the take-up direction to the second driven roller 52. When thread slack occurs, the second driven roller 52 is rotated by this force in the take-up direction, and thereby the slack of the warp thread 3b can be eliminated. On the other hand, when no thread slack occurs, the second driven roller 52 does not rotate because the tension of the warp thread 3b overcomes the take-up force.

[0093] Note that the configuration of the take-up mechanism 200 according to the third embodiment is not a configuration in which the second magnet 220 is attached to a plurality of rollers 240 fixed to the rotary shaft 240a as described above, but may be a configuration in which the second magnet 220 is attached to the rotary shaft 240a itself without the roller 240 being fixed. In this case, the rotary shaft 240a to which the second magnet 220 is attached is included in the "other roller" according to the present invention.

[0094] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, another example of the warp thread feeding device 1 provided with the take-up mechanism 200 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described.

[0095] The difference between the warp thread feeding device 1 shown in FIG. 8 and the warp thread feeding device 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the like is that it includes a drive device 60 instead of the drive device 10. Hereinafter, this difference will be described. Note that in FIG. 8, the illustration of the driven mechanism 50 is omitted.

[0096] The drive device 60 includes a harness 12, a moving body 61, a needle-like body 62, a needle bed 63, and a direction-changing roller 64. Note that the harness 12 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0097] The moving body 61 is capable of reciprocating in the knitting width direction in synchronization with the carriage (not shown) of the flat knitting machine 2, and is driven by a motor and a timing belt (not shown). A cam surface 61a is provided on the lower surface of the moving body 61.

[0098] The needle-like body 62 is formed in a needle shape with its longitudinal direction oriented in the front-rear direction, and is provided for each harness 12. The front end of the needle-like body 62 is formed in a hook shape, and the harness 12 is engaged therewith. The needle-like body 62 includes a butt 62a formed so that the middle part in its front-rear direction protrudes upward. The needle-like bodies 62 are provided on the needle bed 63 so as to be arranged in a plurality in the left-right direction.

[0099] Further, the drive device 60 includes an actuator (not shown), and is configured to be able to switch the needle-like body 62 between a needle selection state and a non-needle selection state by the actuator. The switching between the needle selection state and the non-needle selection state is determined based on a pre-programmed program. In the needle selection state, when the moving body 61 moves in the knitting width direction, the butt 62a of the needle-like body 62 is guided by the cam surface 61a, so that the needle-like body 62 moves forward and backward. On the other hand, in the non-needle selection state, the butt 62a of the needle-like body 62 is sunk into the needle bed 63. Therefore, even when the moving body 61 moves in the knitting width direction, the butt 62a is not guided by the cam surface 61a. Thus, the needle-like body 62 does not move forward and backward. In this way, the cam surface 61a generates a driving force for moving the needle-like body 62 as the moving body 61 moves.

[0100] The direction-changing roller 64 changes the direction of the harness 12, and is formed so as to change the extending direction of the harness 12 so that the harness 12 extending forward from the front end of the needle-like body 62 bends downward and extends.

[0101] In the warp feed device 1 according to the second embodiment configured as described above, when the moving body 61 reciprocates in the knitting width direction in synchronization with the carriage of the flat knitting machine 2, only the needle bodies 62 in the needle selection state move back and forth. As a result, the harness 12 is displaced up and down, and the lever 31 is rotated upward. Thereby, the drive roller 20 can be rotated in the forward direction, and the warp 3b can be fed out to the downstream side.

[0102] Further, by driving the drive roller 20 using the drive device 60 configured as described above, it is possible to achieve relatively space saving and cost reduction.

Explanation of Signs

[0103] 1 Warp feed device 2 Flat knitting machine 3a Yarn source reel 3b Warp 10, 60 Drive device 11 Jacquard shedding device 11a Motor 20 Drive roller 30 Transmission mechanism 31 Lever 51 First driven roller 52 Second driven roller 53 Endless belt 61 Moving body 61a Cam surface 103 Rack 104 Pinion gear 200 Slack take-up mechanism 210 First magnet part 220 Second magnet part 230 Shielding member 240 Slack take-up roller

Claims

1. In a yarn feeding device having a roller that can rotate in one direction and the other direction and can feed out yarn by controlling the rotation in the one direction, a slack take-up mechanism of a warp yarn feeding device that takes up the slack of the yarn downstream of the roller, a first magnet part provided on the roller, a second magnet part provided independently of the roller and rotating the roller in the other direction by the action of a magnetic force on the first magnet part, comprising, a slack take-up mechanism of a warp yarn feeding device.

2. The first magnet part, has a shielding member that blocks the magnetic force acting to rotate the roller in the one direction with respect to the second magnet part, The slack take-up mechanism of the warp yarn feeding device according to Claim 1.

3. The first magnet part, is provided on the outer peripheral part of the roller, and is provided in a state inclined with respect to the radial direction of the roller such that one magnetic pole acting to rotate the roller in the other direction faces the outer diameter side more than the other magnetic pole, The slack take-up mechanism of the warp yarn feeding device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. The first magnet part, is provided in a plurality of numbers at equal intervals on the outer peripheral part of the roller, The slack take-up mechanism of the warp yarn feeding device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The roller, is rotatable using a driving force, and includes a driving roller that contacts and feeds out the yarn, and a driven roller that is rotatable along with the rotation of the driving roller, including, The first magnet part, is provided on the driven roller, The slack take-up mechanism of the warp yarn feeding device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The second magnet part, is provided in a plurality of numbers at equal intervals in the rotation direction on another roller that is rotatable using a driving force different from the driving force, The slack take-up mechanism of the warp yarn feeding device according to Claim 5.

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