End yarn processing device and end yarn processing method

Abstract

To provide a yarn end processing device capable of cutting a yarn end near a knitted fabric.SOLUTION: A yarn end processing device 1 can move along a longer direction of a needle bed 110 of a flat-knitting machine 100 and has a catcher 30 to hold a yarn end extending from at least a gripper device 150 disposed on an end of the needle bed 110 to a stitch for starting knitting a knitted fabric K so as to be above a tooth port S of the needle bed 110, and a cutter 60 to cut the yarn end held above the tooth port S between a position adjacent to the catcher 30 and the stitch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for an end yarn processing device and an end yarn processing method for processing end yarns of a fabric knitted on a flatbed knitting machine. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, techniques for an end yarn processing device and an end yarn processing method for processing an end yarn of a fabric knitted on a flat knitting machine are well known.

[0003] In a flat knitting machine, when starting new knitting or using a new knitting yarn, the tip of the knitting yarn is gripped by gripper devices provided at both ends of the needle bed, and the yarn carrier is moved within the knitting width to form a stitch. When a certain amount of knitting has been done in this way, a cutter device may be used to cut the end yarn that passes between the gripper and the first stitch of the knitted fabric. Furthermore, at the end of knitting, a cutter device may be used to cut the end yarn that passes between the gripper and the last stitch of the knitted fabric in preparation for the next knitting.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which, during knitting, two grippers are used to grip a knitting yarn between the final stitch of a knitted fabric and a yarn feeder, and the yarn is cut between the two grippers. However, when inserting the yarn, the knitting yarn fed from the yarn feeder extends low near the needle gap, for example, it is located below the needle gap from the gripper to the first stitch of the knitted fabric, making it difficult to cut the end yarn near the knitted fabric. If the point where the knitting yarn is cut is far from the knitted fabric, it is undesirable because it becomes complicated to handle the knitting yarn that hangs down from the knitted fabric and remains on the knitted fabric side. There has not been a conventional end yarn processing device that solves this problem. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4015980 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem to be solved is to provide an end yarn processing device and an end yarn processing method that can cut an end yarn near the knitted fabric. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be described.

[0008] That is, the end yarn processing device according to the present invention is an end yarn processing device that is movable along the longitudinal direction of the needle bed of a flat knitting machine, and includes: a holding means that holds an end yarn extending from an end yarn holding mechanism provided at at least an end of the needle bed to a knitting start stitch of a knitted fabric above a needle gap of the needle bed; and a cutting means that cuts the end yarn held above the needle gap between a position adjacent to the holding means and the stitch. The end yarn is located below the tooth gap, and the holding means lifts the end yarn and holds it above the tooth gap. It is something. With this configuration, the end yarn can be cut near the knitted fabric. More specifically, even an end yarn that extends low near the needle gap can be cut near the knitted fabric.

[0009] The cutting means may cut the end yarn in the vicinity of the stitch. By configuring in this way, the end yarn can be cut closer to the knitted fabric, and therefore the end yarn remaining in the knitted fabric can be shortened, making it possible to eliminate or facilitate post-processing after knitting.

[0010] The cutting means may cut the end yarn while the end yarn is held between the holding means and the stitch in the vertical direction. By configuring in this way, the end yarn can be cut closer to the knitted fabric.

[0011] The holding means may be configured to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the needle opening, and when advanced, be positioned below the end yarn and hold the end yarn above the needle opening. By configuring it in this manner, it is possible to switch between a state in which the end yarn is held above the needle opening by advancing the holding means so that the end yarn can be cut, and a state in which the holding means does not interfere with knitting by retracting it.

[0012] The holding means may be configured to be movable up and down relative to the tooth gap, and when in a lowered position, it hooks the end yarn and rises to hold the end yarn above the tooth gap, and the cutting means may be configured to be able to move forward and backward relative to the tooth gap, and when the holding means is in a raised position, it advances and cuts the end yarn. By configuring in this way, the end yarn can be made to cross in the vertical direction, which makes it easier to cut the end yarn. Also, since the end yarn can be made to cross in the vertical direction, the end yarn can be cut closer to the knitted fabric. Also, it is easier to ensure space for the cutting means to operate.

[0013] In addition, the holding means may be positioned above the tooth gap and spaced apart from the tooth gap, and the cutting means may be configured to be able to move forward and backward relative to the tooth gap, and may further include a displacement mechanism that acts on the end yarn at the portion extending from the holding means to the yarn feeder of the flat knitting machine, displacing the end yarn between a position close to the tooth gap and a position away from the tooth gap. With this configuration, the holding means is positioned away from the needle gap, making it easier to cut the end yarn, and also making it possible to reduce the difficulty in knitting caused by the end yarn being fed from above.

[0014] The holding means may have a notch, and the cutting means may be configured to be able to cut the end yarn passing from above the holding means through the notch to the stitch, and may be installed alongside the holding means. With this configuration, the cutting means is provided together with the holding means, and the end yarn processing device can be made compact.

[0015] The holding means may also have a suction port configured to be movable up and down relative to the tooth opening, and may suck in the end yarn when the suction port is in a lowered position, and may hold the end yarn above the tooth opening by rising. With this configuration, the end yarn can be held above the needle opening by suction.

[0016] The suction port may be configured to enter the inside of the nozzle when in the lowered position. With this configuration, the suction port enters the inside of the needle opening, making it easier for the holding means to hold the end yarn.

[0017] The end yarn processing device may also include end yarn removing means for sucking and removing the end yarn cut by the cutting means. By configuring in this way, it is possible to prevent the cut end yarn from interfering with the knitting of the knitted fabric.

[0018] The end yarn processing method according to the present invention is a method for processing end yarns of a knitted fabric knitted by a flat knitting machine, and includes a thread extending from an end yarn holding mechanism provided at an end of a needle bed of the flat knitting machine to a knitting start stitch of the knitted fabric. , located below the needle bed's needle opening The end thread Lifting ,before Teeth The end yarn held above the needle opening is cut at the end on the stitch side. With this configuration, the end yarn can be cut near the knitted fabric. More specifically, even an end yarn that extends low near the needle gap can be cut near the knitted fabric. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The effect of the present invention is that the end yarn can be cut near the knitted fabric. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1A is a schematic front view showing the overall configuration of a flat knitting machine to which an end yarn processing device according to a first embodiment is applied, and FIG. 1B is a schematic side view showing the configuration of a needle bed and a carriage. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a suction device provided in addition to the gripper device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a carriage provided with an end yarn processing device. [Figure 5] 1A is a perspective view of an end yarn processing device, and FIG. 1B is a side view illustrating the operation of a catcher and a cutter. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram of the operation of thread insertion in a flat knitting machine to which an end yarn processing device is applied, including (a) a schematic front view showing the state immediately before thread insertion, (b) a state in which the catcher has advanced toward the needle gap, (c) a state in which the yarn carrier has been moved toward the knitted fabric, and (d) a state in which the carriage and yarn carrier have been moved within the knitting width. [Figure 7] 6A and 6B are explanatory views of the operation, and are a front view showing (a) a state in which the catcher is retracted from the needle opening to lift the end yarn, (b) a state in which the end yarn is sucked, and (c) a state in which the end yarn is cut, and (d) a side view showing a state in which the end yarn is cut. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating the operation of a flat knitting machine to which an end yarn processing device is applied when letting out yarn, showing (a) the state at the end of knitting, (b) the state in which the catcher has advanced toward the tooth gap, (c) the state in which the yarn carrier has been moved outward, and (d) the state in which the catcher has retreated toward the tooth gap and the end yarn has been lifted. [Figure 9] 9 is a continuation of FIG. 8, showing the operation of the carriage being moved into the knitting width, FIG. 9 is a front view showing the state in which the end yarn is sucked in, and FIG. 9 is a front view showing the state in which the end yarn is cut. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are front views illustrating the operation of a flat knitting machine to which an end yarn processing device according to a second embodiment is applied, showing (a) the state immediately before thread insertion, (b) the state after the carriage and yarn carrier have been moved into the knitting width, and (c) the state after the end yarn has been sucked in by the suction device. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are explanatory views of the operation, and are a front view showing a state in which the suction device is raised and the end yarn is lifted, and a state in which the end yarn is cut. [Figure 12]10A and 10B are side views illustrating the operation of a flat knitting machine to which an end yarn processing device according to a third embodiment is applied, showing (a) a state in which a pressing member is positioned above an end yarn, (b) a state in which the end yarn is pressed down by the pressing member, and (c) a state immediately before the end yarn is cut. [Figure 13] 10A is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the end yarn processing device of the third embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the end yarn is pressed down by the pressing portion. [Figure 14] 10A is a perspective view showing a part of a catcher and a cutter of an end yarn processing device according to a fourth embodiment, FIG. 10B is a schematic plan view showing the overall configuration of a flat knitting machine to which an end yarn processing device is applied, and FIG. 10C is a schematic side view of the same. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In the following description, the directions indicated by arrows U, D, F, B, L, and R in the drawings are defined as the upward direction, downward direction, forward direction, backward direction, leftward direction, and rightward direction, respectively. In addition, in the drawings, illustration of each component part is omitted as appropriate for simplification of the illustration.

[0022] An end yarn processing device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention processes end yarns of a fabric knitted on a flat knitting machine 100. Before describing the end yarn processing device 1, the overall configuration of the flat knitting machine 100 to which the end yarn processing device 1 is applied will first be described below with reference to FIG.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the flat knitting machine 100 mainly comprises a needle bed 110, a carriage 120, a yarn guide rail 130, a top plate 140, a gripper device 150, and a suction device 160.

[0024] The needle beds 110 are arranged so as to face each other in the front and rear with the needle bed gap S in between. The front and rear needle beds 110 are arranged in an inverted V shape in side view, sloping upward toward the opposing sides. Each needle bed 110 is provided with a large number of knitting needles 111 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the needle bed 110.

[0025] A pair of carriages 120 are arranged in front and behind so as to face the front and rear needle beds 110 from above. The front and rear carriages 120 are connected by a bridge 120a arranged so as to straddle a plurality of yarn guide rails 130. The carriages 120 can be moved back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the needle beds 110 by a servo motor. The carriages 120 are provided with a needle selecting mechanism and a cam mechanism for selectively operating the knitting needles 111 of the needle beds 110.

[0026] A plurality of yarn guide rails 130 are arranged above the needle bed gap S so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the needle bed 110. A yarn feeder 131 that feeds the knitting yarn Y is supported on the yarn guide rails 130 so as to be movable.

[0027] A yarn cone 141 is provided on the top plate 140. The yarn cone 141 has a cone 141a around which a knitting yarn Y is wound. The knitting yarn Y from the yarn cone 141 is fed to the yarn feeder 131 via an appropriate yarn feeding path.

[0028] The flatbed knitting machine 100 controls each part based on a knitting program etc. created in advance. Specifically, the flatbed knitting machine 100 can move the carriage 120 back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the needle bed 110 by controlling the operation of each part such as the servo motor. The yarn feeder 131 is configured to be able to move back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the needle bed 110 independently of the carriage 120. When the carriage 120 moves back and forth, a cam mechanism etc. mounted on the carriage 120 moves the knitting needles 111 forward and backward relative to the needle gap S, thereby performing a knitting operation. By repeating such back and forth movement of the carriage 120, a knitted fabric K is knitted.

[0029] The gripper devices 150 hold the knitting yarn Y used to knit the knitted fabric K, and are provided at both longitudinal ends of the needle bed 110. The gripper devices 150 are provided with suction devices 160 for sucking and removing the end yarn processed by the end yarn processing device 1. Although Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show a configuration in which two gripper devices 150 are provided at each of the right and left ends of the needle bed 110, a configuration in which one gripper device 150 is provided at each of the right and left ends of the needle bed 110 may also be used.

[0030] The configurations of the gripper device 150 and the suction device 160 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0031] The gripper device 150 shown in Fig. 2 is provided with a suction device 160. The suction device 160 is provided with a discharge path 161 for the end yarn processed by the end yarn processing device 1, and the end yarn cut by the cutter 60 (described later) can be sucked in through a suction port 161a formed at the upper end of the discharge path 161 and discharged to the outside through a discharge path 161b formed at the lower end of the discharge path 161.

[0032] In the flat knitting machine 100 configured in this manner, when switching to a new knitting yarn Y during knitting of a fabric, threading is performed to introduce the switched knitting yarn into the fabric. Also, when starting new knitting, threading is performed to introduce a new knitting yarn into the fabric. Also, at the end of knitting, threading is performed to pull out the knitting yarn from the end of the fabric. When threading and threading are performed, a process is performed to cut the end yarn of the knitted fabric by an end yarn processing device 1 provided in the flat knitting machine 100. The end yarn is processed with the tip of the knitting yarn Y held by a gripper device 150. The end yarn cut by the end yarn processing device 1 is discharged to the outside by a suction device 160.

[0033] The configuration of the end yarn processing device 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0034] The end yarn processing device 1 processes the end yarn by cutting the end yarn extending from the gripper device 150 to the start stitch of the knitted fabric K and the end yarn extending from the end stitch of the knitted fabric K to the yarn feeder 131. Hereinafter, the start stitch of the knitted fabric K may be referred to as the "first stitch," and the end stitch of the knitted fabric K may be referred to as the "last stitch." The end yarn processing device 1 is configured to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the needle bed 110 of the flatbed knitting machine 100. The end yarn processing device 1 is provided on one of a pair of front and rear carriages 120. In this embodiment, the end yarn processing device 1 is provided on the front carriage 120.

[0035] The end yarn processing device 1 is provided on each of the right and left sides of the carriage 120. The left and right end yarn processing devices 1 are configured symmetrically to each other. Unless otherwise specified, the left end yarn processing device 1 will be described below, and the right end yarn processing device 1 will not be described. The end yarn processing device 1 includes a first base portion 10, a first drive source 20, a catcher 30, a second base portion 40, a second drive source 50, and a cutter 60.

[0036] The first base portion 10 is formed in a plate shape and is provided with its plate surface facing in the left-right direction. The first base portion 10 is formed to support a first drive source 20, which will be described later.

[0037] The first drive source 20 is provided on the left surface of the first base portion 10 and generates a drive force. As the first drive source 20, for example, a motor is used, but any drive source such as an actuator driven by compressed air may also be used. Different types of drive sources are illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. The operation of the first drive source 20 is controlled by a control unit (not shown).

[0038] The catcher 30 is provided closer to the needle gap S than the first drive source 20, and holds the end yarn of the knitted fabric K. Here, "holding" the end yarn by the catcher 30 also means "locking" the end yarn. The catcher 30 is formed in a plate shape that is roughly L-shaped in a side view, and is provided so as to incline downward toward the needle gap S side. More specifically, the catcher 30 has a plate-shaped main body 31 that inclines downward toward the needle gap S side, and a hooking portion 32 that is bent so as to incline upward and rearward is formed at the end of the main body 31 on the needle gap S side.

[0039] The catcher 30 is configured to be operable by the driving force of the first drive source 20. The catcher 30 is configured to be able to advance and retreat relative to the tooth gap S by moving back and forth. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the catcher 30 is configured to be able to advance toward the tooth gap S while descending and retreat from the tooth gap S while ascending. Hereinafter, the position of the catcher 30 advanced toward the tooth gap S may be referred to as the "lowered position," and the position of the catcher 30 retreated from the tooth gap S may be referred to as the "raised position." In FIG. 5(b), the lowered position of the catcher 30 is indicated by a two-dot chain line, and the raised position of the catcher 30 is indicated by a solid line. Note that in FIG. 5(b), the lowered position of the catcher 30 is above the tooth gap S, but it may also be below the tooth gap S.

[0040] The catcher 30 formed in this manner can hold the end yarn extending from the gripper device 150 to the first stitch of the knitted fabric K above the needle gap S of the needle bed 110 when processing the end yarn of the knitted fabric K. Here, "above the needle gap S" means above the upper end of the needle bed 110. Furthermore, the catcher 30 can hold the end yarn extending from the last stitch of the knitted fabric K to the yarn feeder 131 above the needle gap S of the needle bed 110 when processing the end yarn of the knitted fabric K.

[0041] The second base portion 40 is formed in a plate shape and is provided on the left side of the first base portion 10 with the plate surface facing substantially in the vertical direction. The second base portion 40 is formed so as to support a second drive source 50, which will be described later.

[0042] The second drive source 50 is provided on the upper surface of the second base portion 40 and generates a drive force. As the second drive source 50, for example, a motor is used, but any drive source such as an actuator driven by compressed air may also be used. Different types of drive sources are illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. The operation of the second drive source 50 is controlled by a control unit (not shown).

[0043] The cutter 60 is provided closer to the needle gap S than the second drive source 50, and cuts the end yarn extending from the gripper device 150 to the first stitch of the knitted fabric K at the end on the stitch side. Here, the "end on the stitch side" of the end yarn means a position 1 mm to 30 mm from the stitch, preferably a position 1 mm to 10 mm from the stitch, and more preferably a position 1 mm to 5 mm from the stitch. More specifically, the cutter 60 cuts the end yarn held by the catcher 30 above the needle gap S between a position adjacent to the catcher 30 and the first stitch of the knitted fabric K. Here, the "position adjacent to the catcher 30" includes not only the downstream side of the catcher 30 in the yarn feeding direction but also the upstream side of the catcher 30. In this embodiment, the cutter 60 cuts the end yarn between the catcher 30 and the first stitch of the knitted fabric K. The cutter 60 is configured to be switchable between a state in which the end yarn is cut and a state in which the end yarn is not cut by opening and closing the first blade portion 61 and the second blade portion 62. The cutter 60 is provided on the upper surface of the second base portion 40 and below the catcher 30.

[0044] The cutter 60 is operable by the driving force of the second drive source 50. The cutter 60 is configured to be able to advance and retreat relative to the tooth gap S by moving back and forth. When the cutter 60 advances relative to the tooth gap S, it is located between the tooth gap S and the catcher 30 in the raised position. When the cutter 60 is retracted relative to the tooth gap S, the first blade portion 61 and the second blade portion 62 are open so as not to cut the end yarn, and when the cutter 60 advances relative to the tooth gap S, the first blade portion 61 and the second blade portion 62 are closed so as to be able to cut the end yarn.

[0045] Next, the operation of the end yarn processing device 1 and the flat knitting machine 100 during yarn insertion will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figures 6 and 7 show an example in which a knitted fabric K formed into a horizontal stripe pattern is knitted using a red knitting yarn YR and a blue knitting yarn YB, and show a scene in which the red knitting yarn YR is inserted in order to switch the yarn used for knitting from the blue knitting yarn YB to the red knitting yarn YR.

[0046] Fig. 6(a) shows the state immediately before the red knitting yarn YR is inserted after knitting with the blue knitting yarn YB. The blue knitting yarn YB is in the state after the yarn release described below. In the state shown in Fig. 6(a), the yarn feeder 131 for feeding the red knitting yarn YR is located to the side of the needle bed 110. The red knitting yarn YR is supplied to the yarn feeder 131 from the yarn cone 141, and the end of the knitting yarn YR is held by the gripper device 150.

[0047] Next, in order to insert the red knitting yarn YR, first, as shown in Fig. 6(b), the left catcher 30 moves to a lowered position and advances toward the needle gap S. Next, as shown in Fig. 6(c), the yarn feeder 131 moves toward the knitted fabric K, and the red knitting yarn YR passes over the catcher 30. Next, as shown in Fig. 6(d), the carriage 120 and the yarn feeder 131 move into the knitting width, and several courses of stitches are knitted using the knitting needles 111, etc. At this time, it is preferable to perform a knitting stop at the knitting start portion. The same applies to other embodiments described later.

[0048] Next, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the left catcher 30 moves to a position where the end yarn extends in the vertical direction, and in this state, the left catcher 30 moves from the lowered position to the raised position and retreats from the needle gap S, thereby lifting the red knitting yarn YR upward. In this way, the left catcher 30 is positioned below the end yarn when advancing relative to the needle gap S and holds the end yarn above the needle gap S. Here, "when advancing" of the catcher 30 does not mean the timing at which the catcher 30 advances relative to the needle gap S, but the state in which the catcher 30 has advanced relative to the needle gap S. The left catcher 30, while in the lowered position, hooks the end yarn and rises to the raised position, thereby holding the end yarn above the needle gap S so that the end yarn between the first stitch and the catcher 30 passes in the vertical direction. Next, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the suction device 160 sucks the end yarn, thereby applying tension to the red knitting yarn YR.

[0049] 7(c) and (d), the cutter 60 advances between the catcher 30 and the first stitch of the knitted fabric K above the needle gap S, and cuts the end yarn between the catcher 30 and the first stitch of the knitted fabric K. More specifically, the cutter 60 advances relative to the needle gap S while the catcher 30 is in the raised position, and cuts the end yarn extending in the vertical direction. The cut end yarn is sucked and removed by the suction device 160, and is discharged to the outside by releasing the gripper device 150 from its hold.

[0050] During threading, it is difficult to cut the end yarn because the knitting yarn Y fed from the yarn feeder 131 extends low near the needle gap S, for example, it is located below the needle gap S from the gripper device 150 to the first stitch of the knitted fabric K. Therefore, in the end yarn processing device 1 according to this embodiment, the knitting yarn Y extending from the gripper device 150 to the first stitch of the knitted fabric K is held above the needle gap S by the catcher 30, so that the knitting yarn Y can be easily cut by the cutter 60.

[0051] Furthermore, because the catcher 30 can move in conjunction with the movement of the carriage 120, when cutting the end yarn, the catcher 30 can be moved to a position where the end yarn extends vertically. This allows the cutter 60 to cut the end yarn while the end yarn is vertically crossing between the catcher 30 and the first stitch. Here, when cutting the end yarn above the needle gap S, the end yarn connected to the stitch is located inside the needle gap S together with the stitch, so the yarn length until it appears in a position where the cutter 60 can act is shorter in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. If the extending direction of the end yarn is close to horizontal, it takes a long time for it to appear above the needle gap S. If it is cut at the position where it appears, the end yarn remaining in the knitted fabric K will be long. Furthermore, the cutter 60 is not limited to acting above the needle gap S, and may also enter the needle gap S to cut the end yarn. This configuration makes it possible to further shorten the end yarn remaining in the knitted fabric. If the cutter 60 is, for example, scissor-shaped, the blades open and close along the longitudinal direction of the opening of the tooth gap S, and cut the end yarn when closed, but it is difficult to use the scissors when the end yarn extends at an angle close to horizontal. As a result, it is not possible to cut inside the tooth gap S, and the part that appears above the tooth gap S is cut, and the end yarn remaining in the knitted fabric K cannot be shortened.

[0052] In contrast, in the end yarn processing device 1 according to this embodiment, the end yarn is cut while the end yarn is passing vertically between the catcher 30 and the first stitch, so compared to when the end yarn extends at an angle close to horizontal, the end yarn can be cut near the stitch of the knitted fabric K, and the end yarn remaining in the knitted fabric K can be shortened. More specifically, the cutter 60 can cut the end yarn at a position 1 mm to 30 mm from the stitch, preferably at a position 1 mm to 10 mm from the stitch, and more preferably at a position 1 mm to 5 mm from the stitch. This reduces the burden of post-processing after knitting.

[0053] Next, the operation of the end yarn processing device 1 and the flat knitting machine 100 at the time of yarn let-out will be described using Figures 8 and 9. Figures 8 and 9 show an example in which a knitted fabric formed into a horizontal stripe pattern is knitted using a red knitting yarn YR and a blue knitting yarn YB, and show a scene in which knitting is completed with the blue knitting yarn YB and the blue knitting yarn YB is let-out.

[0054] Fig. 8(a) shows a state where knitting has been completed with the blue knitting yarn YB. In the state shown in Fig. 8(a), the yarn feeder 131 for feeding the blue knitting yarn YB is located on the right side of the knitted fabric K. At this time, the left and right catchers 30 are located in the raised position and are retracted from the needle gap S. It is preferable to perform knitting to prevent unraveling at the end of knitting.

[0055] Next, as shown in Fig. 8(b), the right catcher 30 advances above the needle gap S. Next, as shown in Fig. 8(c), the yarn feeder 131 is moved to the right of the carriage 120.

[0056] Next, as shown in Figure 8 (d), the right catcher 30 moves from the lowered position to the raised position and retracts from the needle gap S, thereby lifting the blue knitting yarn YB upward. In this way, the right catcher 30, while in the lowered position, hooks the end yarn and rises to the raised position, thereby holding the end yarn above the needle gap S.

[0057] Next, as shown in Fig. 9(a), the carriage 120 moves into the knitting width so that the right-side catcher 30 is positioned at a position where the end yarn of the knitted fabric K extends in the vertical direction. As a result, the catcher 30 holds the end yarn so that the end yarn between the last stitch and the catcher 30 passes in the vertical direction. Next, as shown in Fig. 9(b), the gripper device 150 holds the end yarn while the suction device 160 sucks the end yarn, thereby applying tension to the blue knitting yarn YB.

[0058] Next, as shown in Figure 9(c), the cutter 60 advances above the needle bed gap S between the catcher 30 and the last stitch of the knitted fabric K, and cuts the end yarn between the catcher 30 and the last stitch of the knitted fabric K. More specifically, as in the case of thread insertion shown in Figure 7(d), the cutter 60 advances above the last stitch with the catcher 30 in the raised position, and cuts the end yarn. The end of the cut end yarn is sucked and removed by the suction device 160, and discharged to the outside.

[0059] This makes it possible to process the end yarn of the knitted fabric K that occurs when the yarn is let out. Of the end yarn that spans between the gripper device 150 and the last stitch of the knitted fabric K, the portion near the last stitch is lifted straight up by the catcher 30, and the end yarn is cut between the catcher 30 and the last stitch, so that the end yarn can be cut near the knitted fabric K.

[0060] The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the invention described in the claims.

[0061] For example, in the first embodiment, two end yarn processing devices 1 are provided on the carriage 120, and different end yarn processing devices 1 are used for thread insertion and thread release, but one end yarn processing device 1 may be provided on the carriage 120, and the same end yarn processing device 1 may be used for thread insertion and thread release. However, if the end yarn processing device 1 is provided on only one side of the carriage 120, it is preferable to provide a mechanism for switching the left and right positions of the end yarn processing devices 1 to accommodate the start of knitting.

[0062] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the end yarn processing device 1 is provided on the carriage 120 and moves integrally with the carriage 120 in the longitudinal direction of the needle bed 110, but it may also move independently of the carriage 120. When the end yarn processing device 1 moves independently of the carriage 120, it may run on the same rail as the carriage 120, or it may move on a separate rail (such as the yarn guide rail 130) extending parallel to the rail on which the carriage 120 moves. This is the same in the second to fourth embodiments described later.

[0063] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the catcher 30 is configured to be movable up and down, and holds the end yarn above the needle opening S by hooking the end yarn when in the lowered position and moving to the raised position, but it does not have to be configured to be movable up and down. If the catcher 30 is not configured to be movable up and down, the catcher 30 may be advanced toward the needle opening S, and then the yarn feeder 131 may be moved to pass the end yarn over the catcher 30, thereby holding the end yarn above the needle opening S.

[0064] In addition, in the first embodiment, the cutter 60 cuts the end yarn downstream of the catcher 30 in the yarn feeding direction, more specifically between the catcher 30 and the stitches of the knitted fabric K, but it may also cut the end yarn upstream of the catcher 30 in the yarn feeding direction.

[0065] Next, the configuration of an end yarn processing device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0066] The end yarn processing device 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the end yarn processing device 1 according to the first embodiment in that a suction device 33 is provided instead of the catcher 30 as a means for holding the end yarn above the needle gap S. The configuration and operation of the end yarn processing device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below.

[0067] 10(a), the suction device 33 is provided above the tooth gap S with its suction port 34 facing downward, and is configured to be able to suck air through the suction port 34. The suction device 33 is configured to be able to move back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the needle bed 110, and is also configured to be able to move up and down relative to the tooth gap S.

[0068] During yarn insertion, as shown in Fig. 10(b), the carriage 120 and the yarn feeder 131 move into the knitting width, and several courses of stitches are knitted by the knitting needles 111, etc. Next, as shown in Fig. 10(c), the suction device 33 descends to a predetermined descending position while positioned above the first stitch of the knitted fabric K, and sucks the red knitting yarn YR upward. When sucking the red knitting yarn YR upward, the suction device 33 may descend until the suction port 34 enters the inside of the knitting gap S.

[0069] Next, as shown in Fig. 11(a), the suction port 34, which is in the lowered position, rises to a predetermined raised position while sucking the red knitting yarn YR upward, thereby holding the end yarn above the needle gap S. Next, as shown in Fig. 11(b), the cutter 60 advances between the suction device 33 and the first stitch of the knitted fabric K above the needle gap S, and cuts the end yarn between the suction device 33 and the first stitch of the knitted fabric K. The cut end yarn is sucked and removed by the suction device 160, and is released from the gripper device 150, whereby it is discharged to the outside.

[0070] This makes it possible to process the end yarn of the knitted fabric K that occurs when the yarn is inserted. Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, even when the yarn is let out, the suction device 33 is moved to just above the last stitch and the end yarn is held by the suction device 33 above the needle gap S, thereby making it possible to cut the end yarn near the knitted fabric K. By configuring the device to hold the end yarn using the suction device 33 in this way, it is possible to eliminate the need for complicated operations and restrictions on operation timing.

[0071] Next, the configuration of an end yarn processing device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0072] The end yarn processing device 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the end yarn processing device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a holding member 35 instead of the catcher 30. The holding member 35 is configured to be movable back and forth without moving up and down, rather than moving back and forth while moving up and down like the catcher 30 of the first embodiment. The holding member 35 may be provided with a drive source different from the carriage 120 and configured to be movable in accordance with the movement of the carriage 120. The holding member 35 is located above the needle gap S and spaced apart from it, and constantly holds the knitting yarn Y above the needle gap S.

[0073] However, when the knitting yarn Y is held by the holding member 35, the position of the knitting yarn Y is too high and the knitting yarn Y cannot be hooked by the knitting needle 111 when forming a stitch. Since the holding member 35 does not move in the vertical direction, it is necessary to press the knitting yarn Y down toward the needle gap S. Therefore, in the third embodiment, a pressing member 36 is provided as a member that presses the knitting yarn Y down toward the needle gap S.

[0074] The pressing member 36 is provided on the side of the holding member 35 and is formed to be movable up and down. The pressing member 36 may be formed to move up and down linearly, or may be formed to move up and down by swinging in an arc. As shown in Fig. 12(a), the pressing member 36 is located above the knitting yarn Y extending from the gripper device 150 to the yarn feeder 131.

[0075] When a stitch is formed by the knitting needle 111, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the pressing member 36 descends to a predetermined position and presses the knitting yarn Y down toward the needle gap S. In this way, the pressing member 36 acts on the end yarn of the portion extending from the holding member 35 to the yarn feeder 131, and serves as a displacement mechanism that displaces the end yarn between a position close to the needle gap S and a position away from the needle gap S. This makes it possible to hook the knitting yarn Y with the knitting needle 111. When cutting the end yarn, as shown in FIG. 12(c), with the pressing member 36 raised to a predetermined position, a cutter 60 configured to be able to advance and retreat relative to the needle gap S advances toward the needle gap S and cuts the end yarn between the holding member 35 and the stitch.

[0076] In this way, in the end yarn processing device 1 according to the third embodiment, the holding member 35 is positioned away from the needle opening S, which makes it easier to cut the end yarn and also reduces the difficulty in knitting caused by the end yarn being supplied from above.

[0077] In the third embodiment, the holding member 35 and the pressing member 36 are configured as separate members, but as in the holding member 37 shown in Figure 13, a displacement mechanism that presses down the knitting yarn Y toward the needle opening S may be integrally provided in the holding member 37.

[0078] The holding member 37 shown in Figure 13(a) is formed in a bifurcated fork shape and is provided so as to be positioned above and spaced apart from the tooth gap S. The holding member 37 is configured to be able to move forward and backward relative to the tooth gap S. The holding member 37 includes a holding portion 38 and a pressing portion 39.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 13(a), the holding portion 38 is formed to extend in the front-rear direction above the knitting gap S, and is located below the knitting yarn Y that extends from the gripper device 150 to the yarn feeder 131.

[0080] The pressing portion 39 extends substantially in the left-right direction from a longitudinal midpoint of the holding portion 38 on the near side of the knitting yarn Y, and is formed so as to bend and extend rearward beyond the knitting yarn Y and the needle gap S. The pressing portion 39 is located above the knitting yarn Y that extends from the gripper device 150 to the yarn feeder 131.

[0081] When forming a stitch with the knitting needle 111, as shown in Figure 13(b), the holding member 37 rotates clockwise when viewed from the front, causing the pressing portion 39 to press the knitting yarn Y down toward the needle gap S. This makes it possible for the knitting needle 111 to hook the knitting yarn Y. When cutting the end yarn, the holding member 37 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the front, returning to the state shown in Figure 13(a), and with the end yarn held above the needle gap S by the holding portion 38, the cutter 60, which is configured to be able to advance and retreat relative to the needle gap S, advances toward the needle gap S and cuts the end yarn between the holding member 35 and the stitch. This allows the end yarn to be processed.

[0082] Next, the configuration of an end yarn processing device 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0083] The end yarn processing device 1 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the end yarn processing device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a holding member 70 instead of the catcher 30, a cutter 80 instead of the cutter 60, and the cutter 80 is housed within the holding member 70. The configuration and operation of the end yarn processing device 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described below.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 14(a), the holding member 70 is composed of two upper and lower plate-like bodies, and a cutter 80 is housed in the space formed between the two plate-like bodies. The cutter 80 is provided so as to be able to slide back and forth. A notch portion 71 having an arc shape in a plan view is formed on the right part of the holding member 70. As shown in Figs. 14(b) and (c), the knitting yarn Y from the gripper device 150 passes from above the holding member 70 through the notch portion 71 and across to the first stitch of the knitted fabric K.

[0085] The cutter 80 can slide rearward to cut the end yarn accommodated in the notch 71. In this way, in the end yarn processing device 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the cutter 80 for cutting the end yarn is provided next to the holding member 70, so that the end yarn processing device 1 can be made compact.

[0086] The cutter 80 may be provided to slide on the upper or lower surface of the holding member 70. The upper surface of the holding member 70 is an example of a position that is upstream of the holding member 70 in the yarn feeding direction and adjacent to the holding member 70. The shape of the notch 71 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, rectangular in plan view. By making the notch 71 rectangular in plan view, it is possible to prevent the end yarn from escaping from the notch 71. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 End yarn processing device 30 Catcher 33 Suction device 35, 37, 70 Retaining member 60, 80 cutter 100 flat knitting machine 150 Gripper device

Claims

1. An end yarn processing device that is movable along the longitudinal direction of a needle bed of a flat knitting machine, a holding means for holding an end yarn extending from an end yarn holding mechanism provided at at least an end of the needle bed to a knitting start stitch of the knitted fabric above the needle bed needle gap; cutting means for cutting the end yarn held above the needle gap between a position adjacent to the holding means and the stitch; Equipped with The end yarn is located below the tooth gap, The holding means lifts the end yarn and holds it above the needle opening. End yarn processing device.

2. The cutting means cuts the end yarn in the vicinity of the stitch. The end yarn processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The cutting means cuts the end yarn while the end yarn is held between the holding means and the stitch in the vertical direction. The end yarn processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the holding means is configured to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the needle opening, and when advanced, is positioned below the end yarn and holds the end yarn above the needle opening. The end yarn processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the holding means is configured to be movable up and down relative to the needle opening, and when in a lowered position, hooks the end yarn and rises to hold the end yarn above the needle opening; the cutting means is configured to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the needle gap, and advances to cut the end yarn when the holding means is in the raised position. The end yarn processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the holding means is located above the tooth gap and spaced apart from the tooth gap; The cutting means is configured to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the tooth gap, The knitting machine further includes a displacement mechanism that acts on an end yarn of a portion extending from the holding means to a yarn feeder of the flat knitting machine to displace the end yarn between a position close to the tooth gap and a position away from the tooth gap. The end yarn processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the holding means has a notch; The cutting means is configured to be able to cut the end yarn passing from above the holding means through the notch portion and across the stitch, and is provided alongside the holding means. The end yarn processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The holding means has a suction port configured to be movable up and down relative to the needle opening, and when the suction port is in a lowered position, it sucks the end yarn, and when it rises, it holds the end yarn above the needle opening. The end yarn processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The suction port enters the inside of the tooth gap when in the lowered position. The end yarn processing device according to claim 8.

10. an end yarn removing means for sucking and removing the end yarn cut by the cutting means; The end yarn processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. A method for treating an end yarn of a knitted fabric knitted by a flat knitting machine, comprising: Lifting an end yarn located below a needle gap of the needle bed, which extends from an end yarn holding mechanism provided at least at an end of the needle bed of the flat knitting machine to a knitting start stitch of the knitted fabric, and holding the end yarn above the needle gap; The end yarn held above the needle gap is cut at the end on the stitch side. End thread processing method.

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