JP7607828B2 - Knotter device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to technology for a knotter device having a thread selection section and a thread joining section.

Conventionally, the technology of a knotter device equipped with a thread selection section and a thread splicing section has been publicly known. By using the knotter device, the thread being used can be switched to another thread of a different color, etc.

Patent document 1 discloses a yarn tying device that ties the end of a cut first yarn after a work is completed to the starting end of a second yarn for the next work. In the yarn tying device, no yarn guide is used in the process of forming stitches on a twisted stitch, but stitches are formed by the rotation of the knitting needle and the action of the latch, which creates a problem in terms of stability when forming stitches.

JP 2002-35460 A

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide a knotter device that can stably tie knots.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is as described above, and next we will explain the means for solving this problem.

In other words, the knotter device of the present invention is a knotter device equipped with a yarn selection unit and a yarn splicing unit, wherein the yarn selection unit has a guide lever that guides a new yarn supplied from a yarn source to the yarn splicing unit, and the yarn splicing unit has a guide unit capable of guiding the old yarn in a direction different from the drawing direction, a knitting needle that hooks and twists the old yarn to form a twist, hooks another part of the old yarn guided by the guide unit to pass the twist through one side to form a stitch, and passes the new yarn guided by the guide lever through the stitch, a hook unit around which the old yarn is wound when the knitting needle forms the stitch and which is operable to release the winding, and a tension imparting unit that increases the tension of the old yarn so that the stitch with the new yarn passed through passes the twist through the other side.
By configuring it in this way, the knot can be tied stably.

In addition, the relative timing of unwinding the hook portion from the old yarn and increasing the tension on the old yarn by the tension applying portion can be set arbitrarily.
This configuration can prevent the occurrence of thread breakage and thread knotting defects.

The hook portion is configured so that the timing at which it is released from the winding with the old yarn can be changed arbitrarily.
By configuring in this way, it is possible to realize a more optimal yarn knot according to the yarn.

The hook portion has a pair of hook-shaped members on which the old thread can be placed,
The knitting needle is configured to be able to advance and retreat between the pair of hook-shaped members and to be able to rotate about an axis.
By configuring in this way, the formation of the twisted stitches and the subsequent formation of the stitches can be performed stably.

The guide portion guides a portion of the old yarn downstream of the hook portion to a position facing the knitting needle via the hook portion.
By configuring in this way, the process of forming the stitches subsequent to the twisted stitches can be carried out more stably.

The yarn spool further includes a holding section capable of holding the old yarn upstream of the stitch after the new yarn has been passed through the stitch, and a cutting section that cuts unnecessary portions of the new yarn and the old yarn while the old yarn is held by the holding section, and the tension applying section increases the tension of the old yarn after it has been cut by the cutting section.
By configuring in this way, the old yarn and the new yarn can be efficiently tied together.

The tension applying portion includes the guide portion.
With this configuration, the guide portion can serve multiple roles, resulting in a simple configuration.

The knitting needle forms the twisted stitches in multiple layers.
By configuring it in this way, the knot of the thread can be made more difficult to come undone.

The effect of the present invention is that it allows for stable knot tying.

FIG. 1 is an upper left perspective view showing a knotter device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1A is a schematic front view of the knotter device, and FIG. 1B is a schematic left side view of the knotter device in a state in which a yarn for piecing is being selected. 1A is a schematic front view showing a state in which a selected yarn is hooked by the yarn guide lever and guided rearward, and FIG. FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional plan view showing a knitting needle, a hook, and a yarn guide of a yarn splicing portion, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a knotter device. 1 is a flowchart showing a yarn piecing process. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional plan view showing a state in which the old yarn is hooked on the hook, and FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional plan view showing a state in which the old yarn is released from the hook. (a) A schematic left side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the old yarn is hooked on the hook, (b) A schematic left side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the old yarn buffer is formed by the yarn guide, and (c) A schematic left side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the knitting needle has entered between the upper hook and the lower hook. 1A is a schematic left side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the knitting needle has retreated from between the upper hook and the lower hook and dragged the old yarn backward, FIG. 1B is a schematic left side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the old yarn has been twisted, and FIG. 1C is a schematic left side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the knitting needle has hooked the buffer portion of the old yarn. 1A is a schematic left side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a stitch of an old yarn has been formed, and FIG. 1B is a schematic left side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the old yarn has been wound around a hook portion of a lower hook. 1A is a schematic left sectional view showing a state in which the new yarn is entrained in front of the hook, and FIG. 1B is a schematic left sectional view showing a state in which the new yarn is drawn into a stitch. 1A is a schematic left side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cutter has cut the new yarn and the old yarn, and FIG. 1A is a schematic left side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the new yarn has been pulled out to the front side of the twisted loop, and FIG. (a) A schematic left side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a twisted loop of the old yarn is formed, (b) A schematic left side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the knitting needle has entered between the upper hook and the lower hook, and (c) A schematic left side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the knitting needle has made a half turn with the knitting needle having entered between the upper hook and the lower hook. (a) A schematic left side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the knitting needle has moved forward, (b) A schematic left side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the knitting needle has caught the old yarn during rotation, and (c) A schematic left side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a double twist has been formed.

In the following explanation, the directions indicated by the arrows U, D, F, B, L, and R in the figures are defined as the upward, downward, forward, backward, leftward, and rightward directions, respectively. In addition, in the figures, the illustration of each component has been omitted as appropriate for the sake of simplicity.

The knotter device 1 splices a thread 2 currently in use in a knitting machine with a new thread 2 wound around a thread cone, which is a thread source, by tying a hook knot. The knotter device 1 is disposed between the thread source and the knitting machine. More specifically, the thread source is disposed above the knotter device 1, and the knitting machine is disposed below the knotter device 1. In the knotter device 1, the thread 2 is fed from above downward. Hereinafter, the upstream side in the thread feeding direction is referred to as the "upstream side", and the downstream side in the thread feeding direction is referred to as the "downstream side". The knotter device 1 comprises a thread selection unit 10, a thread splicing unit 20, and a control unit 30.

The thread selection section 10 shown in Figures 1, 2(a) and 6 guides a thread 2 selected from a plurality of threads 2 supplied from a thread source to the thread splicing section 20. The thread selection section 10 mainly includes a thread selection plate 11, a thread holder 12, a separator 13, a thread guide lever 14, a first thread presser 15 and a suction 16.

The thread selection plate 11 is formed so that one thread 2 can be selected from the multiple threads 2 supplied from the thread source. The thread selection plate 11 can also simultaneously select two or more threads 2 from the multiple threads 2 supplied from the thread source. Hereinafter, the thread 2 selected by the thread selection plate 11 is referred to as the "new thread 2a", the thread 2 being used in the knitting machine is referred to as the "old thread 2b", and the thread 2 other than the old thread 2b and the new thread 2a is referred to as the "standby thread 2c". A plurality of thread selection plates 11 are arranged with the plate surface facing left and right. The multiple thread selection plates 11 are arranged so that they are lined up in the left and right direction. The thread selection plate 11 is provided so that it can swing back and forth by a solenoid provided individually. The thread 2 is inserted into the ring 11a provided at the tip of the thread selection plate 11.

The thread holder 12 is provided downstream of the thread selection plate 11. The thread holder 12 is formed so that it can be displaced between a holding position where it holds the thread 2 and a retracted position where it does not hold the thread 2. The thread holder 12 is formed so that it can be displaced, for example, by air pressure. In the holding position, the thread holder 12 can simultaneously hold the vicinity of the tips of multiple threads 2. More specifically, the thread holder 12 can simultaneously hold multiple threads 2 other than the old thread 2b.

The separator 13 is disposed between the yarn selection plate 11 and the yarn holder 12 in the yarn feeding direction. The separator 13 is formed in a plate shape with the plate surface facing in the front-to-rear direction. The separator 13 can separate the old yarn 2b from the waiting yarn 2c. Specifically, the old yarn 2b passes through the rear side of the separator 13 and is guided downward. The waiting yarn 2 passes through the ring 11a at the tip of the yarn selection plate 11, passes the front side of the separator 13, and is held by the yarn holder 12.

The thread guide lever 14 is formed so as to be able to guide the new thread 2a selected by the thread selection plate 11 to the thread splicing section 20. The thread guide lever 14 is provided so as to be able to rotate about an axis extending in the front-rear direction. The thread guide lever 14 is driven, for example, by a motor. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the thread guide lever 14 can hook the new thread 2a at the tip 14a during its rotation. A side projection 14b is provided at the middle of the thread guide lever 14. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the thread guide lever 14 can hook the old thread 2b at the side projection 14b during its rotation.

The first thread presser 15 is provided upstream of the thread holder 12, in front of the separator 13. The first thread presser 15 is formed so that it can be displaced between a pressing position where it presses the thread 2 so as not to move, and a retracted position where it does not press the thread 2. The first thread presser 15 is formed so that it can be displaced, for example, by air pressure. In the pressing position, the first thread presser 15 can press the threads other than the new thread 2a, i.e., the old thread 2b and the vicinity of the tip of the waiting thread 2c.

The suction 16 is provided downstream of the yarn holder 12. The suction 16 is configured to be able to suck and hold the tip of the yarn 2. The suction 16 is also configured to be able to suck and remove yarn waste generated during the yarn splicing process.

When one thread selection plate 11 is selected in the thread selection section 10 configured in this manner, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the selected thread selection plate 11 rotates, and the new thread 2a, which is the thread 2 inserted into the ring 11a of the thread selection plate 11, is pulled backward. In this state, when the thread guide lever 14 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the front, the new thread 2a pulled backward is hooked on the tip of the thread guide lever 14, and the old thread 2b is hooked on the side protrusion 14b, as shown in FIG. 3(a). When the thread guide lever 14 is further rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the front, the new thread 2a is guided to the rear side of the separator 13, and the old thread 2b is guided to the front side of the separator 13, as shown in FIG. 3(b). In this way, the thread selection section 10 can select one new thread 2a from the multiple threads 2 supplied from the thread source and guide the selected new thread 2a to the thread splicing section 20.

The yarn splicing section 20 shown in Figures 1 and 4 to 6 etc. splices the new yarn 2a and the old yarn 2b selected by the yarn selection section 10 by tying a hook knot. The yarn splicing section 20 is provided downstream of the yarn selection section 10. The yarn splicing section 20 mainly includes a knitting needle 21, a hook 22, a yarn guide 23, a cutter 24, a second yarn presser 25, a third yarn presser 26 and a tensioner 27.

The knitting needle 21 shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5 is for forming stitches when joining yarns. For example, a latch needle is used as the knitting needle 21. The knitting needle 21 is provided with its longitudinal direction facing the front-to-rear direction. The knitting needle 21 is provided so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction. The knitting needle 21 is provided so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the front-to-rear direction. As shown in Figure 5(a), a hook portion 21a is formed at the front end of the knitting needle 21, on which the old yarn 2b and the new yarn 2a can be hooked. The hook portion 21a is formed in a hook shape.

1, 4 and 5, the hook 22 supports the old yarn 2b in a straight line. The old yarn 2b is wound around the hook 22 when the knitting needle 21 forms a stitch. The hook 22 is provided in front of the knitting needle 21. The hook 22 is provided so as to be movable in the left-right direction. The hook 22 has a pair of hook-shaped members on which the old yarn 2b can be placed. Hereinafter, the upper hook-shaped member is referred to as the upper hook 22a, and the lower hook-shaped member is referred to as the lower hook 22b. The upper hook 22a and the lower hook 22b are arranged at a distance in the vertical direction. The upper hook 22a is arranged above the knitting needle 21. The lower hook 22b is arranged below the knitting needle 21. The upper hook 22a and the lower hook 22b each have a main body portion 28 and a hook portion 29.

The main body 28 is provided with its longitudinal direction facing the left-right direction. The hook portion 29 is formed at the left end of the main body 28. The hook portion 29 is formed in a hook shape that bends backward and rightward from the left end of the main body 28. The upper hook 22a and the lower hook 22b are formed at the hook portion 29 so that the old thread 2b can be hooked thereon.

By forming the hook 22 in this manner, the knitting needle 21 is arranged to be able to move back and forth between the upper hook 22a and the lower hook 22b.

The yarn guide 23 shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5 is capable of guiding the old yarn 2b in a direction different from the drawing direction. The yarn guide 23 is formed in a substantially L-shape. More specifically, the yarn guide 23 has a first portion 23a whose longitudinal direction is oriented substantially in the vertical direction, and a second portion 23b extending to the right from the lower end of the first portion 23a. The upper end of the first portion 23a is fixed to a gear 23A that can rotate around an axis extending in the left-right direction. The first portion 23a is provided to the left of the knitting needle 21 and the hook 22. The second portion 23b is formed to extend to the right of the old yarn 2b. In addition, the yarn guide 23 can apply tension to the old yarn 2b by rotating.

1 and 4 cuts off unnecessary portions of the new thread 2a and the old thread 2b while the old thread 2b is held by the second thread holder 25 described below. The cutter 24 is positioned upstream of the hook 22 and is configured to be able to cut the portions of the new thread 2a and the old thread 2b upstream of the knot. The cutter 24 is configured to be able to move between a cutting position where the new thread 2a and the old thread 2b are cut, and a retracted position where the old thread 2b and the new thread 2a are not cut.

The second thread presser 25 shown in Figs. 1 and 4 presses the old thread 2b. The second thread presser 25 is arranged downstream of the cutter 24. The second thread presser 25 is arranged upstream of the knitting needle 21 and the hook 22. The second thread presser 25 is formed to be displaceable between a pressing position where the thread 2 is pressed so as not to move and a retracted position where the thread 2 is not pressed. The second thread presser 25 is formed to be displaceable, for example, by air pressure. In the pressing position, the second thread presser 25 can press the part of the old thread 2b upstream of the knot. Note that Figs. 1 and 4 show a state in which the cutter 24 is located at the cutting position and the second thread presser 25 is located at the retracted position, but in reality, when the second thread presser 25 is located at the pressing position, the cutter 24 is located at the cutting position.

The third thread presser 26 shown in Figures 1 and 4 presses the old thread 2b. The third thread presser 26 is positioned downstream of the second thread presser 25. The third thread presser 26 is positioned downstream of the knitting needle 21 and the hook 22. The third thread presser 26 is formed so that it can be displaced between a presser position where it presses the thread 2 so as not to move, and a retracted position where it does not press the thread 2. The third thread presser 26 is formed so that it can be displaced, for example, by air pressure. In the presser position, the third thread presser 26 can press the portion of the old thread 2b downstream of the knot.

The tensioner 27 applies tension to the old thread 2b. The tensioner 27 is configured to be displaceable between a biased position where tension is applied to the old thread 2b by biasing with a spring, and a retracted position where tension is not applied to the old thread 2b.

The control unit 30 shown in Figure 6 controls the operation of the yarn selection unit 10 and the yarn splicing unit 20. The control unit 30 includes a memory unit such as a RAM, ROM, HDD, etc., and an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU. The control unit 30 can appropriately control the timing of operation of each component of the yarn selection unit 10 and the yarn splicing unit 20. The control unit 30 can operate each component in cooperation with the knitting machine, and can perform yarn splicing based on knitting data of the knitting machine, for example.

Below, using Figures 7 to 14, we will explain the operation of each component of the knotter device 1 when splicing yarn.

First, in step S1 shown in Fig. 7, the old thread 2b is hooked onto the hook 22. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8(a), the hook 22 moves to the right. As a result, the hook 22 hooks the old thread 2b at the hook portion 29 as shown in Fig. 9(a).

Next, in step S2, a twist 4 is formed in the old yarn 2b. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the yarn guide 23 rotates to bring the portion of the old yarn 2b downstream of the hook 22 forward. This forms a bent portion of the old yarn 2b in front of the knitting needle 21. Hereinafter, the bent portion of the old yarn 2b is referred to as the buffer 3. The buffer 3 extends from below the lower hook 22b to the front of the knitting needle 21, and then bends again to extend downward toward the third yarn presser 26.

Next, the hook 22 moves to the right and pulls the old yarn 2b further to the right. Next, as shown in FIG. 9(c), the knitting needle 21 moves forward and enters between the upper hook 22a and the lower hook 22b. After the hook 22 moves to the left, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the knitting needle 21 moves rearward and exits between the upper hook 22a and the lower hook 22b, thereby hooking the old yarn 2b and dragging it rearward. Next, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the knitting needle 21 rotates half a turn, twisting the old yarn 2b and forming a loop-shaped twist 4.

Next, in step S3, the stitch 5 of the old yarn 2b is formed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10(c), the knitting needle 21 moves forward, and the hook portion 21a hooks the buffer 3 portion of the old yarn 2b. Next, as shown in FIG. 11(a), the knitting needle 21 moves backward and exits between the upper hook 22a and the lower hook 22b, and the old yarn 2b is passed through the twisted stitch 4 to form the stitch 5. At this time, the old yarn 2b is initially wound around the main body portion 28 of the lower hook 22b, but as the hook 22 moves slightly to the right and the knitting needle 21 pulls the old yarn 2b backward, the old yarn 2b is wound around the hook portion 29 of the lower hook 22b as shown in FIG. 11(b).

After that, the yarn guide 23 rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow shown in Figure 5 (b) and returns to its original position. Furthermore, the second yarn presser 25 is displaced to the presser position, thereby pressing down the portion of the old yarn 2b upstream of the hook 22.

Next, in step S4, the new yarn 2a is drawn into the stitch 5. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12(a), the knitting needle 21 moves forward, and then the yarn guide lever 14 of the yarn selection unit 10 rotates as shown in Figs. 3(a) and 3(b), thereby bringing the new yarn 2a forward of the hook 22. Next, as shown in Fig. 12(b), the knitting needle 21 moves backward with the new yarn 2a hooked at the hook portion 21a, thereby passing the new yarn 2a through the stitch 5. Then, the yarn guide lever 14 returns to its original position as shown in Fig. 2(a).

Next, in step S5, the old thread 2b is unwound from the hook 22. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the hook 22 moves to the left, causing the wound portion of the old thread 2b to come off the lower hook 22b.

Next, in step S6, tension is applied to the old yarn 2b and the new yarn 2a. Specifically, the cutter 24 is displaced to the cutting position, and cuts the parts of the new yarn 2a and the old yarn 2b above the hook 22 as shown in FIG. 13(a), and displaces to the retreated position after cutting. Next, the knitting needle 21 moves rearward and pulls the new yarn 2a hooked on the hook portion 21a rearward, thereby pulling the cut end of the new yarn 2a toward the stitch 5. The knitting needle 21 moves further rearward, and as shown in FIG. 13(b), the cut end of the new yarn 2a passes through the stitch 5 to the rear, and the new yarn 2a is released from the hook portion 21a of the knitting needle 21.

Next, while the part of the old thread 2b upstream of the hook 22 is held down by the second thread holder 25, the old thread 2b is pulled downstream by the tension of the tensioner 27. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14(a), the stitch 5 and the new thread 2a threaded through the stitch 5 are pulled out to the front of the twisted loop 4 through the twisted loop 4. Next, the third thread holder 26 is displaced to the holding position to hold down the part of the old thread 2b downstream of the hook 22. Then, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the thread guide 23 rotates to hook the old thread 2b, and tension is applied to the old thread 2b and the new thread 2a in the direction of tightening the knot, as shown in FIG. 14(b). Furthermore, the third thread holder 26 is displaced to the retracted position, and tension is applied to the old thread 2b by the tensioner 27, etc., completing the knot, and the old thread 2b and the new thread 2a are spliced.

As described above, in the knotter device 1 according to this embodiment, by tying the old yarn 2b and the new yarn 2a together, the knot can be made smaller than when it is tightly knotted, and therefore the resistance during knitting in the knitting machine can be reduced. Also, unlike a splicer that connects the yarn ends by untwisting and intertwining the fibers, it is possible to prevent the yarn joint from bleeding even when the colors of the old yarn 2b and the new yarn 2a are different from each other.

When the new yarn 2a is an elastic yarn or other stretchable yarn, the position of the new yarn 2a shown by the two-dot chain circle in Figures 12(b) to 14(a) (for example, a position between the stitch 5 and the tip 14a of the yarn guide lever 14, and in the vicinity of the stitch 5) is held down by another holding member (not shown) while the cutter 24 cuts the new yarn 2a and the knitting needle 21 pulls the new yarn 2a. This makes it possible to prevent the new yarn 2a, whose tension has been released, from coming out of the knot when the new yarn 2a is cut by the cutter 24. The holding down by the holding member is released after the knot has been tightened by the yarn guide 23.

In the knotter device 1 according to this embodiment, the components of the thread selection unit 10 and the thread splicing unit 20 do not operate in a mechanically linked manner, but operate individually. Therefore, the timing of the operation of each component of the thread selection unit 10 and the thread splicing unit 20 can be individually controlled by the control unit 30.

Therefore, depending on the breakability of the old thread 2b and the new thread 2a and the degree of surface friction, the relative timing of the unwinding of the hook 22 from the old thread 2b and the increase in tension on the old thread 2b by the tensioner 27 and the thread guide lever 14 can be set arbitrarily.

For example, if the surfaces of the old thread 2b and the new thread 2a are relatively slippery, the stitch 5 through which the new thread 2a is passed may not be able to pass through the twisted loop 4 to the rear side, and the knot may not be formed properly. To prevent this, the timing of unwinding the old thread 2b around the lower hook 22b may be delayed. For example, the old thread 2b may be left wound around the lower hook 22b for a while while tension is being applied to the old thread 2b and the new thread 2a. This allows the size of the twisted loop 4 to be maintained large even while the stitch 5 through which the new thread 2a is passed is being pulled out to the front side of the twisted loop 4, making it easier for the stitch 5 through which the new thread 2a is passed to pass through the twisted loop 4.

On the other hand, if the surfaces of the old yarn 2b and the new yarn 2a are relatively smooth, the stitch 5 through which the new yarn 2a is passed may be pulled too far toward the front of the twisted loop 4, causing the twisted loop 4 to turn inside out and the new yarn 2a to become entangled with the old yarn 2b. To prevent this, the timing for unwinding the old yarn 2b around the lower hook 22b may be accelerated. For example, the old yarn 2b may be unwound around the lower hook 22b between Figures 12(a) and 12(b), that is, before the new yarn 2a is pulled into the stitch 5. This reduces the size of the twisted loop 4, preventing the stitch 5 through which the new yarn 2a is passed from being pulled too far toward the rear of the twisted loop 4.

In this way, the timing for unwinding the hook 22 from the old thread 2b in response to an increase in tension on the old thread 2b by the tensioner 27 and the thread guide 23 can be set as desired. This makes it possible to prevent thread breakage and poor thread knotting.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea of the invention described in the claims.

For example, in this embodiment, the knitting needle 21 is configured to form a single twist 4, but it may be configured to form multiple twists. A method for forming multiple twists 4 will be described below.

As shown in Fig. 15(a), the knitting needle 21 rotates half a turn, twisting the old yarn 2b and forming a loop-shaped twist 4. Next, as shown in Fig. 15(b), the knitting needle 21 moves forward without the latch passing through the twist 4, and enters between the upper hook 22a and the lower hook 22b.

Next, as shown in Fig. 15(c), the knitting needle 21 rotates half a turn while being inserted between the upper hook 22a and the lower hook 22b. Next, as shown in Fig. 16(a), the knitting needle 21 moves backward.

Next, as shown in Fig. 16(b), the knitting needle 21 rotates in the same direction as before. As the knitting needle 21 rotates, it hooks the old yarn 2b at the hook portion 21a. As the knitting needle 21 rotates half a turn from the state shown in Fig. 16(a), the old yarn 2b is wound twice around the knitting needle 21, as shown in Fig. 16(c). This allows the twist stitch 4 to be formed twice.

This makes it harder for the knot between the old thread 2b and the new thread 2a to come undone. It is also possible to form three or more twists 4 by repeating the steps shown in Figures 15 and 16.

The present invention can be applied to a knotter device having a thread selection unit and a thread splicing unit.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 knotter device 10 yarn selection section 14 yarn guide lever 20 yarn splicing section 21 knitting needle 22 hook 23 yarn guide 24 cutter 25 second yarn presser 26 third yarn presser 27 tensioner

Claims (8)

A knotter device having a thread selection unit and a thread splicing unit,
The yarn selection unit includes:
a guide lever for guiding a new yarn supplied from a yarn source to the yarn splicing section;
The yarn splicing unit includes:
a guide section capable of guiding the old yarn in a direction different from the drawing direction;
a knitting needle that hooks and twists the old yarn to form a twisted stitch, hooks another part of the old yarn guided by the guide portion and passes the twisted stitch to one side to form a stitch, and passes the new yarn guided by the guide lever through the stitch;
a hook portion around which the old yarn is wound when the knitting needle forms the stitch, and which is operable to release the winding;
and a tension applying section that increases the tension of the old yarn so that the stitch through which the new yarn is passed passes through the twisted loop on the other side.
Knotter device. The relative timing of unwinding the hook portion from the old yarn and increasing the tension on the old yarn by the tension applying unit can be set arbitrarily.
The knotter device according to claim 1 . The hook portion is configured to be able to arbitrarily change the timing at which it is released from the winding of the old yarn.
The knotter device according to claim 1 or 2. The hook portion has a pair of hook-shaped members on which the old thread can be placed,
The knitting needle is configured to be movable between the pair of hook-shaped members and rotatable around an axis.
A knotter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The guide portion guides a portion of the old yarn downstream of the hook portion to a position facing the knitting needle via the hook portion.
A knotter device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. a holding portion capable of holding the old yarn on an upstream side of the stitch after the new yarn is passed through the stitch;
a cutting unit that cuts off unnecessary portions of the new yarn and the old yarn while the old yarn is held by the holding unit;
Equipped with
The tension applying portion is
increasing the tension of the old yarn after the cutting by the cutting section;
A knotter device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The tension applying portion includes the guide portion.
A knotter device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The knitting needle forms the twisted stitches in multiple layers.
A knotter device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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