JP2006299462A - Flat knitting machine for colored pattern - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flat knitting machine for colored pattern accurately forming colored pattern with every stitch unit. <P>SOLUTION: The flat knitting machine for colored pattern comprises a positive yarn feeding device 3 constituted to always positively regulate yarn feeding amount corresponding to forward yarn feeding and reverse yarn feeding of the flat knitting, and each is positively rotary driven, and at least a roll of the knitting yarn is respectively mounted, and the yarn is fed with a constant tension between a front roller 3a on upstream of yarn feeding direction of the knitting yarn S and a rear roller 3b installed on the downstream and the machine has a synthetic dyeing means 1 installed between the front roller 3a and the rear roller 3b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a color pattern flat knitting machine capable of knitting a color pattern knitted fabric having a desired color pattern while moving a knitting yarn in the horizontal direction.

  The situation surrounding the textile industry is severe, such as competition with overseas products such as China, and hollowing out of production areas due to overseas relocation of production bases. In order to develop the Japanese textile industry in a healthy manner while coexisting with overseas products as the globalization of the textile industry progresses, the color pattern flat knitting machine has also moved away from the conventional mass production system. It is necessary to establish a domestic production system that can respond to individual customer requests.

  In conventional color pattern flat knitting machines, patterning of pre-dyed knit (color pattern knitted fabric with pre-dyed knitting yarn) is performed by changing the color yarn, knitting multiple color yarns in multiple layers, and selecting the needle. There is a method (Jacquard) to replace the thread and the back thread. However, any of these methods requires advance treatment for colored yarn, and the number of colors is limited.

  On the other hand, in recent years, pre-dyed products have been produced by plate-less printing on parts and products, but the color depth is lacking due to the dyeing of the surface only, and the print alignment work relies on manual work. It is complicated.

  Therefore, the inventor of the present application has proposed a color pattern knitting machine described in Patent Document 1 as a solution to the above problem.

  This color pattern knitting machine prepares a plurality of color yarns by dyeing a knitting yarn immediately before knitting into a desired color in an inkjet dyeing unit while synchronizing with a knitting operation (knitting operation of a knitted fabric) of the knitting machine. This eliminates the need for color change and enables high-mix low-volume production.

  However, although this color pattern knitting machine can also be applied to a flat knitting machine (paragraph 0026 of Patent Document 1), changes in the tension of the knitting yarn caused by the forward feeding and the reverse feeding of the weft knitting, There was no description of means corresponding to a knitting operation such as a change in yarn direction.

  On the other hand, certain proposals have been made in Non-Patent Document 1 regarding positive yarn feeding means that can cope with such characteristics of the flat knitting machine.

However, the positive yarn feeding means described here (Non-patent Document 1, positive yarn feeding drum 1 and yarn tension control device 5 in FIG. 1) adjusts the tension of the knitting yarn with the yarn tension control device. The amount of yarn supply is adjusted, but there is expansion and contraction and slippage of the yarn on the yarn supply drum. Even if this positive yarn supplying means of Non-Patent Document 1 and the inkjet dyeing part of Patent Document 1 are combined, The stitch length of each stitch is not always kept constant, and it has not been possible to accurately generate a color pattern for each stitch.
JP 2002-294540 A (FIG. 1) "A Novel Positive Yarn-feed System for Flat-bed Knitting Machines.", WR Kennon, TDas, P.Xie., Journal of the Textile Institute, 2000, Part 3. , P.140-150 (2000) (This paper was introduced in Japanese as Qtec Information No.75-Overseas paper introduction "Active yarn feeding system for flat knitting machines" http: //www.qtec.or. jp / qtechp / qtecinformation / info75 / ronbun75.htm (Figure 1))

  An object of the present invention is to provide a color pattern flat knitting machine capable of accurately generating a color pattern in units of stitches.

The color pattern flat knitting machine according to claim 1, wherein a synthetic dyeing means for dyeing a knitting yarn into a desired color, a knitting means for knitting a color pattern knitted fabric from the dyed knitting yarn, and a knitting yarn necessary for the knitting Active yarn supplying means, and dyeing control means for controlling the dyeing operation by the synthetic dyeing means to synchronize with the yarn supply amount by the active yarn supplying means,
The positive yarn feeding means is configured to positively adjust the yarn feeding amount at all times while corresponding to the forward yarn and the reverse yarn of the flat knitting, and each is actively rotated and driven. Each knitting yarn is wound one or more times, and the knitting yarn is supplied with a constant tension between a front roller arranged upstream in the knitting yarn supply direction and a rear roller arranged downstream. The synthetic dyeing means is provided between the front roller and the rear roller.

  A color pattern flat knitting machine according to a second aspect is dependent on the first aspect, and further includes a yarn slip prevention means for preventing a yarn slip of the knitting yarn wound around the front roller.

  The color pattern flat knitting machine according to claim 3 is dependent on claim 1 or 2, wherein the back roller is configured to wind the dyed knitting yarn by point contact on the outer periphery thereof. And

  A color pattern flat knitting machine according to a fourth aspect is dependent on any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the back roller is provided with a drying means for drying the dyed knitting yarn.

  The color pattern flat knitting machine according to claim 5 is dependent on any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the synthetic dyeing means includes a solvent supply means for supplying only a colorless solvent, and the knitting is performed by the solvent supply means. The amount of solvent sprayed onto the yarn is adjusted so as to be constant throughout the synthetic dyeing means.

  The color pattern flat knitting machine according to claim 6 is dependent on any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the synthetic dyeing means is an ink jet dyeing means having a spray type ink jet nozzle, and the ink jet nozzle is Two or more knitting yarns are provided so as to sandwich the knitting yarn at an angle that does not hinder the progress of the knitting yarn by jetting the knitting yarn with respect to the traveling direction of the knitting yarn.

  The color pattern flat knitting machine according to claim 7 is dependent on claim 6, and the ink jet dyeing means includes an ink jet head provided with a nozzle row in which nozzle openings smaller than the diameter of the knitting yarn are arranged linearly, The ink jet head is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the traveling direction of the knitting yarn so as to be able to perform ink jetting over the diameter of the knitting yarn by all nozzle openings of the nozzle row.

  According to the color pattern flat knitting machine according to claim 1, the positive yarn supplying means positively adjusts the yarn supply amount at all times while corresponding to the forward yarn and the reverse yarn of the flat knitting. Each of which is driven positively and each of which is wound with one or more turns of the knitting yarn, and is constant between a front roller disposed upstream in the knitting yarn supply direction and a rear roller disposed downstream. Since the knitting yarn is fed with the tension of and the synthetic dyeing means is provided between the front roller and the rear roller, it is possible to accurately generate a color pattern in units of stitches.

  According to the color pattern flat knitting machine of claim 2, in addition to the effect of claim 1, since the positive yarn feeding means is provided with the yarn slip prevention means, the yarn feeding in the positive yarn feeding means is prevented, The effect of claim 1 is more reliably exhibited.

  According to the color pattern flat knitting machine of claim 3, in addition to the effect of claim 1 or 2, the back roller is configured to wind the dyed knitting yarn by point contact on the outer periphery thereof. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the undried dye after dyeing from reattaching to unnecessary portions.

  According to the color flat knitting machine according to claim 4, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 3, the rear roller is provided with a drying means, so that color transfer in a subsequent process is prevented. Can do.

  According to the color pattern flat knitting machine of claim 5, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 4, the amount of solvent sprayed onto the knitting yarn by the solvent supply means is constant throughout the synthetic dyeing means. Therefore, even if there is a difference in the color pattern, the expansion and contraction of the knitting yarn can be made constant, and the color shift due to the expansion and contraction can be prevented.

  According to the color pattern flat knitting machine of claim 6, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 5, the ink jet nozzle of the ink jet dyeing means is arranged to Since two or more knitting yarns are provided at an angle that does not hinder the progress and the knitting yarns are not displaced, dyeing can be performed evenly without disturbing the progress of the knitting yarns during dyeing.

  According to the color pattern flat knitting machine of the seventh aspect, in addition to the effect of the sixth aspect, the ink jet head is knitted so that ink jet can be performed over the diameter of the knitting yarn by all nozzle openings of the nozzle row. Since it is inclined with respect to the traveling direction of the yarn, it can be effectively dyed on the knitting yarn in accordance with the mode of the inkjet head.

  Embodiments (examples) of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram conceptually showing an overall configuration of an example of a color pattern flat knitting machine of the present invention.

  The color pattern flat knitting machine 10 does not prepare a plurality of knitting yarns of different colors, but only prepares an uncolored knitting yarn S, and after performing necessary dyeing at an appropriate position of the knitting yarn. The knitted fabric S of a desired color pattern can be knitted while moving the dyed knitting yarn S in the horizontal direction.

  The composition includes at least a synthetic dyeing means 1 for dyeing the knitting yarn S into a desired color, a knitting means 2 for knitting a colored knitted fabric from the dyed knitting yarn S, and a knitting yarn S necessary for the knitting. A positive yarn supplying means 3 to be supplied and a dyeing control means 8 for controlling the dyeing operation by the synthetic dyeing means 1 to be synchronized with the yarn supply amount by the positive yarn supplying means 3 are provided.

  The basic feature of the color pattern flat knitting machine 10 is that the positive yarn feeding means 3 always positively adjusts the yarn feeding amount while responding to the forward yarn and the reverse yarn feeding in the flat knitting. A front roller 3a disposed upstream of the supply direction of the knitting yarn S, and a rear roller 3b disposed downstream of the knitting yarn S. The knitting yarn is fed with a constant tension between the front roller 3a and the rear roller 3b, and the synthetic dyeing means 1 is provided. This will be described in detail below.

  In addition to those described above, the color pattern flat knitting machine 10 includes a holding roller (yarn slip preventing means) 4 for preventing yarn slippage of the knitting yarn wound around the front roller 3a, and an inner side of the rear roller 3b. Are provided with a drying means 5 for drying the dyed knitting yarn S, and a step roller 6 for absorbing slackness of the knitting yarn supplied to the knitting means 2.

  In this example, the synthetic dyeing means 1 is composed of the ink jet dyeing means 1, and includes a solvent supplying means 1a for injecting only a colorless solvent onto the knitting yarn, and three ink jets for injecting dyes of the three primary colors to the knitting yarn S, respectively. A nozzle 1b, a knitting yarn guide 1f for guiding the knitting yarn S to be ejected, and a nozzle base 1i for installing them are provided. The synthetic dyeing means 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

  The knitting means 2 is a known commercially available machine (specifically, a flat knitting machine (STALL CMS320.6_50, Gauge: E7, number of stitches 349)). A cam (yarn path bolt) 2b, a yarn feeder driving cam sensor 2c, a carriage position sensor 2d, a carriage origin sensor 2e, a yarn feeder (yarn path) 2f, a needle bed 2g, and a knitting yarn guide 2h are provided.

  The active yarn supplying means 3, the restraining roller 4, the drying means 5, and the step roller 6 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3, and the dyeing control means 8 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

  The knitting yarn S is provided as a yarn package SP in which the knitting yarn S is wound in a large amount.

  With this configuration, in the color pattern flat knitting machine 10, the knitting yarn S is supplied from the raw yarn package SP through a knot sensor of a known flat knitting machine and is fed by the front roller 3 a of the positive yarn feeding means 3. The ink-jet means (synthetic dyeing means) 1 is sent to the ink-jet dyeing.

  At this time, the knitting yarn S is dyed in a state where it is kept at a constant tension between the front roller 3a and the rear roller 3b of the positive yarn feeding means 3, and is dried by the drying means 5 provided on the rear roller 3b. Then, it reaches the knitting means 2 through the step roller 6.

  In the knitting means 2, the knitting yarn S dyed in a predetermined color at a predetermined position is guided to the yarn feeder 2f, a needle (not shown, adjusted in and out depending on the stitch from the needle bed), and the needle bed 2g. As a result, an accurate color pattern knitted fabric is knitted in units of stitches.

  According to the color pattern flat knitting machine 10, as described above, the synthetic dyeing unit 1 uses the knitting yarn S maintained at a constant tension between the front roller 3 a and the rear roller 3 b of the positive yarn feeding unit 3. Since dyeing is performed, the knitting yarn S to be dyed is not stretched and contracted, and if the yarn feeding amount of the active yarn given from various conditions is accurate in units of stitches, it corresponds to the exact yarn feeding amount. Thus, it is possible to accurately dye in units of stitches, and as a result, the generated color pattern knitted fabric has an accurate color pattern in units of stitches.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing the synthetic dyeing means provided in the color pattern flat knitting machine of FIG. Accordingly, the same reference numerals are given to the parts already described, and a duplicate description is omitted. Further, this block diagram shows the synthetic dyeing means 1 viewed from above.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the synthetic dyeing means 1 includes a solvent supply means 1a along the path of the knitting yarn S in addition to the three ink jet nozzles 1b for the three primary colors. A desired color is synthesized and generated by a combination of the ejection amounts of the three inkjet nozzles 1b for these three primary colors.

  The solvent supply means 1a is similar in physical structure to the ink jet nozzle 1b, and is different from the solvent used in the ink jet nozzle 1b and is colorless (including those that do not affect the coloring). ) Are sprayed onto the knitting yarn S dyed by the inkjet nozzle 1b.

  The amount of injection is adjusted so that the amount of solvent injected onto the knitting yarn S is constant throughout the synthetic dyeing means 1. That is, the solvent supply means 1a causes the same amount of solvent to be injected onto the knitting yarn S. As a result, the knitting yarn S includes a certain amount of solvent regardless of the color pattern, When the knitting yarn S is swollen and stretched, it is similarly swollen and stretched uniformly.

  Therefore, according to the synthetic dyeing means 1 provided with the solvent supply means 1a, the expansion and contraction of the knitting yarn S can be made constant even if there is a difference in the color pattern, and color misregistration due to the expansion and contraction can be prevented. The effect of the solvent supply means 1a will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b).

  As this solvent, water is frequently used, and it is appropriately selected depending on the dyeing method and the kind of the dye, and changes correspondingly.

  In addition, the number of inkjet nozzles for dyeing purposes is not limited to three for the three primary colors, and may be four including black, which is frequently used in general inkjet printers, or may be two or less. Further, nozzles for fluorescent colors and special effect colors may be added.

  The position where the solvent supply means 1a is provided may be not only after color dyeing, but also before or during color dyeing. Further, the solvent supply means may not have the same physical structure as the color dyeing means, but may have a different physical structure.

  Further, in the same manner as the solvent supply means 1a, a material that exerts various effects on the knitting yarn, for example, an adhesive agent or a dyeing agent for alkaline agent may be supplied to the knitting yarn.

  FIG. 3 conceptually shows the details of the main part of the color pattern flat knitting machine of FIG. 1, (a) is a side view thereof, and (b) is a plan view thereof. The synthetic dyeing means 1, the positive yarn supplying means 3, the yarn slip preventing means (restraining roller) 4, the drying means 5, and the step roller 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The solvent supplying means 1a and the ink jet nozzle 1b of the synthetic dyeing means 1 are installed so as to face the knitting yarn S passing through the inside thereof, and each passing knitting yarn S is covered so as not to interfere with the passage. The injection chamber 1h is provided, and the front and rear portions through which the knitting yarn S passes are the above-described knitting yarn guide 1f. The ejection chamber 1h is provided with a recovery port 1g that sucks and collects the ejected excess dye and the like, as indicated by white arrows.

  Here, the synthetic dyeing means (inkjet dyeing means) 1 of the present invention is further characterized in that, as shown in the figure, the solvent supply means 1a and the ink jet nozzle 1b are ejected with respect to the traveling direction of the knitting yarn. Therefore, the knitting yarn has an angle that does not hinder the progress of the knitting yarn (in this example, the angle θ = 60 degrees in FIG. 3B) and the knitting yarn S is not displaced (that is, tilted by the same angle θ). It is a point that two or more are provided across S.

  By doing so, the dyeing does not adversely affect the progress of the knitting yarn S and does not deviate the knitting yarn S. Therefore, the same amount of dye or solvent is supplied from both nozzles 1a and 1b, and the knitting yarn is evenly knitted. It adheres to the yarn S and is absorbed.

  A restraining roller 4 (yarn slip prevention means) provided on the front roller 3a of the positive yarn feeding means 3 is configured to rotate the knitting yarn S wound around the front roller 3a together with the outer periphery of the front roller 3a while rotating the front roller 3a. The knitting yarn S is prevented from slipping by being pressed so as not to slip against 3a.

  In such a flat knitting machine provided with positive yarn feeding means so far, such a yarn slip prevention means is provided with discontinuous fluctuations in the amount of knitting yarn used in the knitting means 2 (carriage rightward, stop, leftward, The installation was negative because preventing thread slippage would cause thread breakage.

  In the present invention, the yarn slip prevention means 4 is provided in order to enable strict yarn feeding by the positive yarn feeding means, to eliminate the occurrence of yarn breakage, and to enable accurate dyeing of stitch units. .

  This yarn slip prevention means 4 prevents the yarn slip at the front roller 3a, and works together with the rear roller 3b to keep the tension of the knitting yarn S wound between the two members constant. As a certainty, the knitting yarn S can be accurately dyed in units of stitches.

  As a method of making the tension of the knitting yarn S between the front roller 3a and the rear roller 3b of the positive yarn supplying means 3 constant, a method of rotating the rear roller 3b with respect to the front roller 3a at a constant rate is used. As a result, the knitting yarn S between them is stretched at a certain rate, and the expansion and contraction of the knitting yarn S between the front roller 3a and the rear roller 3b caused by loosening of the knitting yarn S is prevented. The frictional resistance with the front roller 3a can be increased to further prevent the yarn from slipping.

  In this manner, the tension of the knitting yarn S between the front roller 3a and the rear roller 3b can be made constant while the knitting yarn S is fed at a predetermined speed and yarn feed amount without slipping by the front roller 3a.

  The rear roller 3b of the positive yarn feeding means 3 is rotationally driven and is configured to wind the dyed knitting yarn S by point contact on the outer periphery thereof. More specifically, in this example, the outer peripheral shape of the rear roller 3b is a hexagonal frame, and the knitting yarn S is wound around the outside of the frame by point contact.

  Further, in this example, the rear roller 3b includes a small roller 3c that freely rotates and winds the dyed knitting yarn S with a similar structure around the outer periphery thereof by point contact. The dyed knitting yarn S is wound around one or more turns between the rear roller 3b and the small roller 3c, and finally supplied to the step roller 6. The small roller 3c rotates together with the rotation of the rear roller 3b.

  In this way, when the dyed knitting yarn S is wound by point contact, it is possible to prevent color transition before the dye is dried.

  The small roller 3c is also provided with yarn receiving grooves for receiving the knitting yarn S at regular intervals in the axial direction of the outer peripheral frame body. The small roller 3c is predetermined with respect to the rear roller 3b as shown in the figure. By inclining the angle, the knitting yarn S is wound at a constant interval between them.

  Such a small roller 3c is called a Nelson roller, and is a well-known technique in this field.

  The reason why the small roller 3c is provided in the rear roller 3b in this way is to increase the winding distance by arranging the rollers 3b and 3c in the front and rear in addition to the effect of the Nelson roller. Instead, the rear roller 3b may be enlarged. Further, the small roller 3c may be the same size as the rear roller 3b.

  In this example, the drying means 5 is installed on the center side and the inside of the frame of the rotating rear roller 3b so as not to rotate. As a specific example of the drying means 5, an electric heating means, for example, a nichrome wire heater, an infrared lamp, a halogen lamp heater or the like is suitable.

  When such drying means 5 is provided, the dyed knitting yarn S is dried in a limited space in a short time, and the color transfer in the subsequent process while corresponding to the yarn feeding speed of the color pattern flat knitting machine 10 is achieved. Can be prevented.

  In order to prevent deterioration of the knitting yarn S due to an increase in heating temperature, it is preferable to adjust the temperature by arranging a non-contact temperature sensor or the like above (or in the vicinity of) the rear roller 3b. Further, when the knitting yarn S is stopped, the knitting yarn S may be deteriorated or burned out.

  The position where the drying means 5 is installed is not limited to the inside of the rear roller 3b described above, but between the rear roller 3b and the small roller 3c, the rear roller 3b, the periphery of the small roller 3c, the small roller 3c and the step roller 6 Between the step roller 6 and the knitting means 2 may be provided alone or in addition.

  When it is provided between the small roller 3c and the step roller 6, and between the step roller 6 and the knitting means 2, since only one knitting yarn S is being fed, it is provided so as to cover the knitting yarn S. Can do. In that case, for example, a knitting yarn S may be passed through a halogen lamp heater having a reflection plate attached to the entire surface.

  Since this halogen lamp heater has good responsiveness, it is convenient to prevent burning of the knitting yarn S when the yarn is stopped.

  The step roller 6 is a well-known combination of three rollers, a front and rear fixed roller with respect to the traveling direction of the knitting yarn S, and a roller fixed in accordance with the looseness of the knitting yarn S in the middle. And a roller adapted to vary the inter-axis distance between the two and absorbs this slack.

  4 (a), (b) and (c1) to (f2) are diagrams for conceptually explaining the relationship between the synthetic dyeing means of the present invention and the knitting yarn.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (a), in order not to deviate the knitting yarn S, the solvent supply means 1a of the synthetic dyeing means 1 and the inkjet nozzle 1b are divided into three equal parts in the circumferential direction of the knitting yarn S. You may make it provide so that it may surround. Moreover, you may provide so that it may divide into 4 or more equally.

  In FIG. 4B, the solvent supply means 1a of the synthetic dyeing means 1 and the inkjet head 1e provided in the inkjet nozzle 1b are conceptually shown. Moreover, the ellipse with an arrow surrounding the knitting yarn S shown in the figure is one that naturally twists while the knitting yarn S is taken out from the yarn package SP and fed as shown in FIG. It is shown that.

  4 (c1), (d1), etc. show a state in which a nozzle row 1d in which a large number of nozzle openings 1c smaller than the diameter of the knitting yarn S are arranged in a straight line is formed on the end face of the inkjet head 1e. The relationship between the direction of the nozzle row 1d of the inkjet head 1e and the traveling direction of the knitting yarn S is shown.

  On the other hand, FIGS. 4C2 and 4D show how the ink droplets I ejected from the nozzle row 1d in the arrangements of FIGS. 4C1 and 4D1 adhere to the knitting yarn 1d. ing.

  In FIG. 4 (c1), the direction of the nozzle row 1d and the traveling direction of the knitting yarn S are inclined by a predetermined angle, and ink jetting is possible over the diameter of the knitting yarn S by all the nozzle openings 1c of the nozzle row 1d. It is like that.

  In this way, as shown in FIG. 4 (c2), the ink droplet I actually adheres over a wider range of the outer periphery of the knitting yarn S due to the twisting of the knitting yarn S. That is, even if the ink droplet I is ejected from one direction, the ink droplet I adheres around the knitting yarn S over a range of 90 degrees or more from that direction.

  Therefore, if the solvent supply means 1a and the ink jet nozzle 1b are installed so as to face each other with the knitting yarn S interposed therebetween, the ink droplets I can be sufficiently adhered over the entire circumference of the knitting yarn S. The knitting yarn S can be dyed evenly.

  The degree of inclination installation of the nozzle row 1d, that is, the inclination installation of the inkjet head 1e is appropriately adjusted depending on the degree of penetration of the ink droplet I into the knitting yarn S, the degree of twisting of the knitting yarn I, and the like. Is.

  In FIG. 4D1, the direction of the nozzle row 1d and the traveling direction of the knitting yarn S are parallel, and the nozzle row 1d is exactly at the center of the traveling direction of the knitting yarn S.

  In this way, it seems that the ink droplet I adheres only to the center portion of the knitting yarn S. However, as shown in FIG. Is attached to the knitting yarn S in a wider range. Therefore, depending on the case, the inkjet head 1e may not be inclined.

4 (e1), (e2), (f1), and (f2) show the same phenomenon when the inkjet head 1e has two nozzle rows 1d and two knitting yarns S are fed simultaneously. Is described. In practice, a plurality of knitting yarns S are often fed simultaneously. In this case as well, the above-described tilting of the inkjet head 1e, twisting of the knitting yarn S, and ink droplets on the knitting yarn S are performed. In consideration of the penetration degree of I, the optimum combination can be selected.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the control relationship in the color pattern flat knitting machine of FIG. 1, and the flow of control in the color pattern flat knitting machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this figure, stepping motors 3d and 3e are rotational driving means provided individually for the front roller 3a and the rear roller 3b.

  As described in FIG. 1, the dyeing control means 8 operates in accordance with a controller 8a composed of a personal computer (PC) capable of real-time processing and an instruction from the controller 8a, and controls the ink jet nozzles 1a and 1b of the synthetic dyeing means 1. And a nozzle controller 8b to be controlled.

  The counter board 8c provided in the controller 8a receives and processes signals from various sensors 2c, 2d, and 2e. The DIO board 8d receives a command signal from the controller 8a as a stepping motor 3d, 3e, and an inkjet nozzle. It is converted into a control signal for 1a and 1b and output.

  As described above, the knitting yarn S is dyed by the ink jet nozzles 1a and 1b of the synthetic dyeing means 1 and dried, and then fed to the knitting means 2 while being fed by the positive yarn feeding means 3. NC is generated.

  During this time, the knitting operation by the knitting means 2 is detected by a carriage position sensor 2d provided on the carriage 2a, a carriage origin sensor 2e, and a yarn feeder driving cam sensor 2c provided on a yarn feeder (yarn path) 2f. It is input to 8a.

  Setting information necessary for knitting the color pattern is input to an external storage device (not shown) attached to the controller 8a. The setting information includes knitting structure information, knitting operation information, stitch length information, raw yarn information, yarn length from the installation position of the synthetic dyeing means to the reference position of the yarn path 2f, and pattern information.

  The setting information is once called to an internal storage unit (not shown) of the controller 8a at the same time as the operation is started, and then processed by the controller 8a. The processing calculates the consumption amount of the raw yarn from the setting information, instructs the stepping motors 3d and 3e via the DIO board 8d to start the yarn feeding, and these stepping motors 3d according to the active yarn feeding amount. 3e is driven to rotate.

  At the same time, the controller 8a calculates the dyeing timing from the set stitch length for each stitch number of the knitted fabric according to the positive yarn feeding amount, and the inkjet nozzles 1a, 1b via the DIO board 8d and the nozzle controller 8b. Outputs the dyeing command.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of terms used in calculation in the color pattern flat knitting machine in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing calculation expressions used in the dyeing control means provided in the color pattern flat knitting machine in FIG. The calculation of the above-described knitting yarn consumption, that is, the positive yarn feeding amount will be described with reference to these drawings.

  The amount of yarn supplied when performing flat knitting using all the knitting needles of the flat knitting machine 10 is as follows.

However,
・ Total number of stitches per course Ns_max
・ Set stitch length Ls (mm)
-Knitting needle spacing Ln (mm)
-Carriage travel Lc (mm) with the reverse knitting end position (A0) as the origin
・ Distance from the knitting end position to the knitting start position of the next course La (mm)
-Yarn elongation rate Df (%) in forward direction yarn feeding
・ The elongation rate Dr (%) of the yarn in reverse direction yarn feeding.
(1) Forward yarn feeding The flat knitting machine 10 is knitted by a reciprocating motion of a carriage 2a (a mechanism including a knitting cam that gives a knitting motion to a knitting needle and a yarn feeder driving cam 2b that gives a reciprocating motion to a yarn feeder 2f). .

  The knitting needle moves up and down by the action of a knitting cam provided on the back surface of the carriage 2a to perform knitting. The yarn feeder 2f moves in parallel with the carriage 2a by the action of the yarn feeder driving cam 2b provided at the upper portion of the carriage 2a, and supplies the yarn to the hook of the knitting needle.

At this time, the yarn feeder 2f is controlled by the knitting machine so that a predetermined distance (La / 2) precedes the knitting needle raised to the highest point by the action of the knitting cam. Then, when the knitting movement of the last knitting needle is finished, the action of the yarn feeder driving cam 2b of the carriage 2a is released, only the carriage 2a passes, and the yarn feeder 2f stands by at that position. (Knitting end positions A0 and A'0)
The carriage 2a that has started the forward stroke starts the movement of the yarn feeder 2f by causing the yarn feeder drive cam 2b to act on the upper portion of the yarn feeder 2f at the position A0. Then, after the yarn feeder 2f passes the left knitting needle, when the yarn feeder 2f reaches the position A1, the leftmost knitting needle (knitting needle 1) at the highest point starts to descend and knitting is started.

<Between A0 and A1>
Since knitting is not performed from A0 (Lc = 0) to A1 (Lc = La), the yarn consumption required for forming the stitches is zero. However, since the yarn is returned from A0 to A1 by the movement of the yarn feeder 2f at this time, the La-length yarn is stored in the step roller. (Storage thread La)
<Between A1 and A2>
When knitting is started from the position of A1 (Lc = La), first, the storage yarn La is knitted.Therefore, the yarn supply amount until A2 (Lc = Laa) where consumption of the storage yarn La ends is zero. It is. The movement distance Laa-La of the carriage (yarn feeder) 2a until the consumption of the storage yarn La is finished is the movement (La (Ln / Ls)) by the stitch formation by the storage yarn amount La and the knitting caused by the movement. This is the sum of the movements due to the stitch formation (La (Ln / Ls) (Ln / Ls)) for the return of the yarn, and can be expressed by Equation 1 in FIG.

  Therefore, Laa becomes Equation 2 in FIG. Therefore, Expression 3 in FIG. 7 is obtained between A1 (Lc = La) and A2 (Lc = Laa).

<Between A2 and A'0>
From A2 (Lc = Laa) where the knitting of the storage yarn La ends to A'0 (Lc = La + Ns_max · Ln) where the knitting of the total number of stitches Ns_max ends, a new knitting starts from the end of the knitting of the storage yarn La An amount of yarn is consumed by subtracting the yarn return (Lc-Laa) due to movement of the carriage 2a from the yarn length ((Lc-Laa) Ls / Ln). Therefore, the yarn feed amount Lyf in the forward direction is expressed by Equation 4 in FIG.
(2) Reverse-direction yarn supply When knitting in the forward direction (right) direction is completed, the position of the yarn feeder 2f is at a position a certain distance (La / 2) to the right of the leftmost knitting needle (knitting needle number 1). (A'0 position)
Subsequently, when the carriage 2a that has started the reverse stroke passes the position A'0, the carriage 2a starts to move by supplying the yarn feeder driving cam 2b to the upper portion of the yarn feeder 2f. When the yarn feeder 2f passes the right end knitting needle (knitting needle Ns_max) and reaches the knitting start position A′1, the right end knitting needle (knitting needle Ns_max) at the highest point descends and knitting is started.

<Between A'0 and A'1>
Since knitting is not performed from A′0 (Lc = La + Ns_max · Ln) to A′1 (Lc = Ns_max · Ln), the yarn consumption required for forming the stitches is zero. However, at this time, the yarn feed port 2f has the same amount of yarn as the moving distance (La + Ns_max · Ln−Lc) from A′0 (Lc = La + Ns_max · Ln). mm) is expressed by Equation 5 in FIG. 7 when Ns_max · Ln ≦ Lc <La + Ns_max · Ln.

<Between A'1 and A0>
From A'1 (Lc = Ns_max · Ln) to A0 (Lc = 0), the amount of movement (Ns_max · Ln -Lc) of the yarn feeder 2f is pulled out and the amount of yarn ((Ns_max · Ln- Since Lc) Ls / Ln) is consumed, the yarn supply amount Lyr (mm) during this period is expressed by Equation 6 in FIG. 7 when O ≦ Lc <Ns_max · Ln.

From the above, the forward yarn feed amount Lyf (mm) is expressed by equation 7 in FIG. 7, and the reverse yarn supply amount Lyr (mm) is expressed by equation 8 in FIG.

However ・ Total number of stitches per course Ns_max
・ Set stitch length Ls (mm)
-Knitting needle spacing Ln (mm)
-Carriage travel Lc (mm) with the reverse knitting end position (A0) as the origin
・ Distance from the knitting end position to the knitting start position of the next course La (mm)
-Yarn elongation rate Df (%) in forward direction yarn feeding
・ The elongation rate Dr (%) of the yarn in reverse direction yarn feeding.
(3) Dyeing site assignment The dyeing site Np is assigned in order to the set stitch length unit for the amount obtained by subtracting the yarn length from the yarn starting knitting point to each nozzle from the yarn supply amount.

Np = (Lyf + Lyr-Lyoffset-Lvoffset × Nv) / Ls
Lyf: Forward yarn feed amount
Lyr: Yarn feed amount in the reverse direction
Lyoffset: Distance from the yarn knitting start point to the coloring reference point (mm)
Lvoffset: Nozzle spacing
Nv: Nozzle number
Ls: Setting stitch length (mm)
The nozzle opening (injection) time Tn (μs) is determined by the gradation of the dyed portion, the yarn speed at the time of dyeing, and the like.

Tn = [Tvp (Ic / Imax)] (Ry / Ry_max)-Tvrag
Tvp: Nozzle control cycle (μs)
Tvrag: Time required to open and close the nozzle (μs)
Ic: Color gradation (0-255)
Imax: Total gradation of color (255)
Ry: Yarn speed (mm / s)
Ry_max: Maximum thread speed (mm / s)
In this way, the color pattern flat knitting machine 10 of the present invention is configured to always positively and accurately adjust the yarn feed amount in units of stitches while corresponding to the forward yarn and the reverse yarn feed of the flat knitting. The combination of the positive yarn feeding means 3 and the synthetic dyeing means 1 provided so as to dye the knitting yarn S having a constant tension in the positive yarn feeding described above provides an accurate color for each stitch. A colored pattern knitted fabric can be generated.

  FIG. 8 conceptually illustrates a color pattern knitted fabric knitted by the color pattern flat knitting machine of FIG. 1, and (a) is a color pattern when no solvent supply means is used in the synthetic dyeing means. The figure which shows an example of a knitted fabric, (b) is a figure which shows an example of the color pattern knitted fabric at the time of using a solvent supply means on the same conditions, (c) is the color pattern knitted fabric at the time of using a solvent supply means It is a figure which shows another example.

  In this figure, the color patterns of the actual stitches of the color pattern knitted fabrics NC1, NC2, NC3 knitted by the color pattern flat knitting machine 10 are conceptually represented by symbols such as “×, ▲, ●, ◆”. In the drawings, the difference between these symbols indicates a difference in color pattern.

  As described above, the colored knitted fabric NC1 shows a case where the solvent supply means 1a is not used. The unevenness of the amount of the solvent adhering to the knitting yarn S causes expansion and contraction of the knitting yarn S, and the stitches are aligned. The color pattern is not generated well.

  On the other hand, in the color pattern knitted fabric NC2 using the solvent supply means 1a, the color pattern is generated accurately and accurately in units of stitches. This situation is also the same in the color pattern knitted fabric NC3 which is a more complicated arrangement of color patterns.

  In the examples of the above-mentioned color pattern knitted fabric, the ground color is indicated by “×”, which is a single one, but all the portions including the ground color portion are originally stitch units. It is possible to have a desired color differently.

  9A to 9E are diagrams conceptually showing various other examples of the synthetic staining means of the present invention. In the above description, the inkjet dyeing means 1 has been described as an example of the synthetic dyeing means 1, but the synthetic dyeing means 1 is not limited to this.

  FIGS. 9A and 9B show a ballpoint pen type dyeing means (synthetic dyeing means) 1A, and FIG. 9B is a side view of FIG. This ball-point pen type dyeing means (synthetic dyeing means) 1A includes a ball-point pen type pen 1j, which is separated from and in contact with the knitting yarn S for dyeing.

  FIG. 9C shows an electrostatic photosensitive dyeing means (synthetic dyeing means) 1B, which includes a toner supplier 1k, a charger 1m, a photosensitive drum 1n, and a fixing drum 1o. The photosensitive drum 1n is sensitized by laser light. Each color toner adhering to is attached to the knitting yarn S and dyed.

  FIG. 9 (d) shows a thermal transfer dyeing means (synthetic dyeing means) 1C, which is an ink ribbon 1p, a roller 1q for bringing the ink ribbon 1p close to the knitting yarn S on its outer periphery, and facing the roller 1q with the knitting yarn S interposed therebetween. A heater 1r is provided, and the ink on the ink ribbon 1p is attached to the knitting yarn S by thermal transfer and dyed.

  FIG. 9E shows a dot impact type dyeing means (synthetic dyeing means) 1D, which is an ink ribbon 1s, a roller 1t for bringing the ribbon close to the knitting yarn S on its outer periphery, and facing the roller 1t with the knitting yarn S interposed therebetween. The impact wire 1u is provided, and the ink of the ink ribbon 1s is attached to the knitting yarn S and dyed by dot impact.

  These synthetic dyeing means 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, like the ink jet dyeing means 1, generate a desired color by synthesizing the three primary colors. Already, the basic technology is color printing on plain paper. For the dyeing of the knitting yarn S.

  The above-described embodiment is merely an example of the color pattern flat knitting machine of the present invention. In each of the above descriptions, the synthetic dyeing means 1, the positive yarn feeding means 3, the yarn slip prevention means 4, which are specifically described for each part, Various combinations of modified examples of the drying means 5, the step roller 6, and the dyeing control means 8 are possible, and in particular, various combinations of the synthetic dyeing means 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are possible. Demonstrate a synergistic effect.

  Further, from each specific example, those that can be easily changed and modified by those skilled in the art, and those belonging to an equivalent range belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

  The color pattern flat knitting machine of the present invention can be used in all industrial fields in which it is required to accurately knit a color pattern knitted fabric having a desired color pattern in units of stitches using only one knitting yarn.

The whole block diagram which shows notionally the whole structure of an example of the color pattern flat knitting machine of this invention The block diagram which shows notionally the synthetic dyeing means with which the color pattern flat knitting machine of FIG. 1 is equipped Fig. 1 conceptually shows the details of the main parts of the color pattern flat knitting machine in Fig. 1, (a) is a side view thereof, and (b) is a plan view thereof. (A), (b), (c1)-(f2) is the figure which illustrates notionally the relationship between the synthetic | combination dyeing means of this invention and a knitting yarn. The block diagram which shows the control relationship in the color pattern flat knitting machine of FIG. Explanatory drawing of the term used by the calculation in the color pattern flat knitting machine of FIG. The figure which shows the computing equation used with the dyeing control means with which the color pattern flat knitting machine of FIG. 1 is equipped. FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates a color pattern knitted fabric knitted by the color pattern flat knitting machine of FIG. 1, and (a) shows an example of a color pattern knitted fabric when no solvent supply means is used in the synthetic dyeing means. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of a colored pattern knitted fabric when the solvent supply unit is used under the same conditions, and FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating another example of the colored pattern knitted fabric when the solvent supply unit is used. Figure (A)-(e) is a figure which shows notionally various other examples of the synthetic dyeing means of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Synthetic dyeing means (inkjet dyeing means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a Solvent supply means 1b Inkjet nozzle 1c Nozzle port 1d Nozzle row 1e Inkjet head 2 Knitting means 3 Positive yarn feeding means 3a Front roller 3b Back roller 4 Yarn slip prevention means 5 Drying means 8 Dyeing control means 10 Color pattern flat knitting machine NC color Pattern knitted fabric SP yarn package S knitting yarn

Claims (7)

Synthetic dyeing means for dyeing the knitting yarn into a desired color, knitting means for knitting a colored knitted fabric from the dyed knitting yarn, active yarn supplying means for supplying the knitting yarn necessary for the knitting, and the synthetic dyeing Dyeing control means for controlling the dyeing operation by the means to synchronize with the yarn feeding amount by the positive yarn feeding means,
The positive yarn feeding means is configured to positively adjust the yarn feeding amount at all times while corresponding to the forward yarn and the reverse yarn of the flat knitting, and each is actively rotated and driven. Each knitting yarn is wound one or more times, and the knitting yarn is supplied with a constant tension between a front roller arranged upstream in the knitting yarn supply direction and a rear roller arranged downstream. ,
A color pattern flat knitting machine, wherein the synthetic dyeing means is provided between the front roller and the rear roller.   The color pattern flat knitting machine according to claim 1, further comprising yarn slip prevention means for preventing yarn slippage of the knitting yarn wound around the front roller.   3. The color pattern flat knitting machine according to claim 1, wherein the back roller is configured to wind the dyed knitting yarn around the outer periphery thereof by point contact.   The color pattern flat knitting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a drying means for drying the dyed knitting yarn is provided on the rear roller.   The synthetic dyeing means includes a solvent supply means for supplying only a colorless solvent, and the solvent supply means adjusts the amount of solvent sprayed onto the knitting yarn to be a constant amount throughout the synthetic dyeing means. The color pattern flat knitting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The synthetic dyeing means is an ink jet dyeing means provided with a spray type ink jet nozzle, and the ink jet nozzle is at an angle that does not impede the progress of the knitting yarn by its injection with respect to the direction of the knitting yarn. The colored flat knitting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein two or more knitting yarns are provided so as not to deviate.   The inkjet dyeing means includes an inkjet head provided with a nozzle row in which nozzle ports smaller than the diameter of the knitting yarn are arranged in a straight line, and the inkjet head has a diameter of the knitting yarn by all the nozzle ports of the nozzle row. 7. The color pattern flat knitting machine according to claim 6, wherein the color pattern flat knitting machine is installed so as to be inclined with respect to a traveling direction of the knitting yarn so that ink jetting is possible.

Images