JP2004522005A - A device that lifts a tubular knitted article from a knitting machine and stitches the toes together - Google Patents

Abstract

The device described here is for lifting a tubular knit article (M) from a cylinder (5) for a circular knitting machine (3) and closing the toe of said tubular knit article. The device comprises a suturing machine for sewing the toes of a tubular knitted article and a suction pipe (3), the suction pipe from the intake end (13A) in the area where the tubular knitted article is lifted from the circular knitting machine. The knitted article is deployed to the take-out section (13B) in the region where the toes are sewn. It also has a guide element (15) for guiding the tubular knitted article, said guide element being deployed inside the suction pipe and extending inside the cylinder of the circular knitting machine. A space is provided between the guiding element (15) and the inner wall of the suction pipe (13) for feeding the tubular knit article.

Description

【Technical field】
[0001]
The present invention relates to a device for lifting a knitted article such as a sock or a stocking from a circular knitting machine on which the knitted article is formed, and closing a toe of the knitted article by a sewing operation.
[Background Art]
[0002]
Many tubular knitted articles, such as socks and stockings, are currently manufactured on multiple circular knitting machines, i.e., include a cylinder with a circular bed of multiple needles. The resulting knitted article is in the form of a tube having a first edge and a last edge. The knitted article must be closed by stitching two opposed droops to form the toe of the knitted article. For this purpose, according to the most traditional techniques, the still open tubular knitted article is removed from the circular machine that formed it and sent to another production section, where it is taken up again and sewn it up , Can be connected.
[0003]
To simplify the manufacturing process, reduce labor and generally manufacturing costs, multiple systems and devices are currently being researched to sew toes in a simple manner, which can be easily automated and reliably installed. In a circular knitting machine for producing knitted articles, this can be done directly.
[0004]
EP-A-0 592 376 and EP-A-0 635 593 describe a circular knitting machine and a corresponding knitting method, wherein the tubular knitted article is closed at the end of the knitting operation. These machines and methods, together with machine accessories and parts that are not normally available and cannot be introduced into conventional existing knitting machines, have the disadvantage of requiring a special construction of the machine.
[0005]
EP-A-0 679 746 describes an apparatus for lifting a tubular knitted article from a circular knitting machine in order to leave the circular machine and perform the next stitching of the toe. The device is complicated, especially with respect to the means for lifting and handling the knitted article.
[0006]
International Patent Application Publication No. WO-A-00 / 01869 describes a method and apparatus for lifting a tubular knitted article from a circular knitting machine that produces it and closing the toe of the knitted article by stitching. The device described in the above specification is particularly advantageous in connection with its simple, reliable and inexpensive construction. In addition, the method that can be performed by this known device can achieve fast and consequently high production rates. However, this device suffers from a number of drawbacks resulting from having to be inserted into the needle cylinder of a circular knitting machine, as a result it definitely requires adjustment of the circular knitting machine and increases the diameter of the needle cylinder . In addition, the sewing machine must be provided below the circular knitting machine.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
[0007]
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device of the type specified above, whereby simple and reliable handling of tubular knitted articles is possible, in such a way as to be applicable to current circular knitting machines. Advantageously, it can be designed without having to change the knitting machine.
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0008]
The above and further objects and advantages, which will be evident from the assured description to the expert, are the removal end located in the area where the toes of the knitted article are sewn from the intake end in the area where the tubular knitted article is lifted from the circular knitting machine. Guiding the tubular knitted article to be deployed into the cylinder and to be inserted inside the cylinder of the circular knitting machine, which is deployed inside the suction pipe and extends from the inlet outside thereof and into the cylinder of the circular knitting machine. And a space between the guiding element and the inner wall of the suction pipe for the passage of the tubular knitted article.
[0009]
With the above arrangement, the tubular knitted article is formed by a circular bed of a plurality of needles around the guide element, the guide element can be made uniform with a relatively moderate cross section, and thus a plurality of knitted articles for the production of knitted goods. The knitting machine can be inserted into a needle cylinder of the size currently used. The formed tubular knitted article is sucked into the duct and guided by a guiding element along the duct until it reaches the withdrawal end of the suction pipe, at which the withdrawal of the tubular knitted article from the suction pipe. And systems for turning the knitted article outside of the suction pipe are relevant.
[0010]
According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the suction pipe is divided into two continuous parts by an intermediate separator which can be opened inside. It also has the function of supporting the guide element. When the intermediate separator opens to allow passage of the tubular knitted article, the guide element moves within the space between the inner surface of the suction pipe and the guide element to allow the tubular knit article to pass therethrough. Temporarily supported by suitable support means that can be used.
[0011]
According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide element can have a telescopically extendable part, which can extend towards the outlet end of the suction pipe. When the tubular knit article reaches the suturing means connected to the removal end, the telescoping extendable portion is extended to the removal end of the suction pipe and, after closing the toe, of the tubular knit article. Retracted for easy release. The discharge in this case can be performed by suction in the opposite direction inside the suction pipe.
[0012]
In order to facilitate the ejection of the tubular knitted article, the guide element may be composed of two parts hinged to each other around an axis perpendicular to the axis of the suction pipe, in such a manner. Can reach the inner wall of the suction pipe and can pass through the sewn tubular knitted article.
[0013]
According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for extracting a tubular knitted article from a suction pipe comprises:
A tubular knitted article, at a first edge of the knitted article itself, comprising a plurality of expansion members for spreading the tubular knitted article, wherein the plurality of expansion members extend beyond the outer diameter of the suction pipe to form a first edge of the tubular knitted article; Expand the department;
From the inside of the suction pipe to the outside, a plurality of members that turn the tubular knitted article over,
Is provided.
[0014]
The plurality of expansion members are substantially parallel to the axis of the suction pipe and move toward and away from the axis of the suction pipe to provide a position near the axis of the suction pipe and outside the diameter of the suction pipe. Multiple stems may be provided, such as taking positions. The plurality of stems are axially movable along the exterior of the suction pipe.
[0015]
It is also conceivable that the plurality of stems can be supported on one another by plates substantially perpendicular to the axis of the suction pipe. In this manner, when the plurality of stems are located near the axis of the suction pipe, the plurality of plates form a control wall to hold down the tubular knit article carried inside the suction pipe. This allows for a particularly simple device, even if it separates the stems from the plates and does not rule out the possibility of controlling the plates separately and independently of the stems. Provide form.
[0016]
The plurality of members for turning over the knitted article are provided with a plurality of radial pushers, the pushers being movable radially and axially with respect to the suction pipe, for example, and pushing the tubular knit article externally against the outer surface of the suction pipe. And pull it along the outer surface.
[0017]
The invention also relates to a circular knitting machine provided with a device of the above type.
【The invention's effect】
[0018]
Further advantageous features of the device according to the invention are described in more detail in the appended claims, and are described in more detail below with reference to non-limiting examples of embodiments of the invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0019]
Embodiment 1
[0020]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood from the description and the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of non-limiting example, embodiments of the invention.
[0021]
An apparatus for lifting and knitting a tubular knitted article is combined with a circular knitting machine, and is shown in FIG. 4 separately from the knitting machine in FIGS. The internal structure of the pickup device is shown in FIGS. In some of the drawings, portions of the device have been removed for clarity. Hereinafter, as a single device for lifting the knitted article and closing the toe, the entirety of the pickup device and the suturing device is formed and frequently referred to, but the pickup device closes the toe and vice versa. It will be appreciated that they may be combined.
[0022]
In the accompanying drawings, a device for lifting and closing the toe of a tubular knitted article is designated generally by the reference numeral 1, while Sugou 3 generally designates a circular knitting machine for producing a tubular knitted article. Only the essential components of the circular knitting machine 3 are shown, which can be seen in particular in FIGS. 17 to 19, showing the cylinder 5 of the needle 7 forming a circular needle in a manner known per se. The needle cylinder 5 is supported by a support indicated by the reference numeral 9 in such a way that it can rotate about its own axis and is rotated by a member (not shown) which meshes with the crown gear 11. . The components for controlling the needles 7 of the circular bed are not shown, but they are also known, as are all the other components of the circular knitting machine 3, and they will not be described in further detail here.
[0023]
The device 1 comprises a substantially U-shaped suction pipe 13, one end of which is indicated by reference numeral 13A, hereinafter referred to as the intake end, the other end of which is indicated by reference numeral 13B, In the following, it will be referred to as the withdrawal end. The intake end 13A is provided below the cylinder 5 of the needle 7 of the knitting machine 3. In this way, the suction pipe 13 can have any diameter, which is independent of the inner diameter of the cylinder 5.
[0024]
Inside the suction pipe 13, a guide element indicated generally by reference numeral 15 is deployed. The guide element 15 (in the example shown having a substantially tubular structure with a circular cross section) extends outside the suction pipe 13 from the intake end 13A to the interior of the cylinder 5 of the needle 7 of the knitting machine 3. . The top end of the guide element 15 substantially reaches the plane of formation of the knitted fibers of the knitting machine 3.
[0025]
The two-part guiding element 15 is indicated at 15A on one side and 15B on the other. The two parts are hinged around an axis of the trace 17 (see in particular FIG. 17) which is perpendicular to the axis of the suction pipe 13 and the guide element 15 itself (ie to the midline). The reason for this configuration will become more apparent from the solid description of the release operation of the closed toe knitted article.
[0026]
The guide element 15 is supported inside the suction pipe 13 by an intermediate separator, generally designated by the reference numeral 19, the parts of which are shown in detail in FIGS. The intermediate separator 19 serves to divide the suction pipe 13 into two continuous parts, the first part of which is deployed between the intake end 13A and the intermediate separator 19, and the second part of which is the intermediate separator. And the take-out end 13B.
[0027]
As can be seen in detail in FIGS. 8 to 10, the intermediate separator 19 is operated by individual actuators 23 and 24, which consist for example of a cylinder piston system. The jaws 21 and 22 are fixed to the stems of the cylinder piston actuators 23 and 24 and have V-shaped front profiles, indicated by 21V and 22V. The jaw 21 has a slot, the inside of which grips the guide element 15 and keeps it in a coaxial position between the two contour parts 21V and 22V, ie is centered with respect to the suction pipe 13 As such, the front portion of the jaw 22 penetrates.
[0028]
The jaws 21 and 22 slide on a guide frame 25 fixed to the suction pipe 13.
[0029]
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 (in which the jaws 21 and 22 are shown in a closed state), the jaw 22 has an internal duct, designated by the numeral 27, which It is open to the portion 22V and to the top of the jaw itself (see especially FIG. 9). The frame 25 has a slotted opening 29 at a location corresponding to the exit area of the inner duct 27 so that the inner duct 27 can be supplied with a source of pressurized air (shown in FIG. 3) to make available a flexible pipe or hose.
[0030]
As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 17 and 18 and 19, the guide element 15 is hollow (in part 15B), in which the stem 15C is housed and terminates in a head 15E (particularly in FIG. 17A). ), The stem constituting the telescopic telescopic part of the guide element itself. Reference numeral 15D indicates an extension spring that forces the stem 15C back into the hollow tubular portion of the guide element. The pressurized air, which can be supplied via the internal duct 27 of the jaw 22, has the ability to pressurize the internal area of the hollow part 15B of the guide element 15, and overcomes the force of the extension spring 15D, which causes the stem 15C Until the stem reaches the position shown in FIGS. 17-19. The stem 15C shown in FIG. 20 is in the retracted position inside the hollow portion of the guide element 15.
[0031]
The jaws 21 and 22 of the intermediate separator 19 can be opened, so that the guide element 15 is moved in order to be able to pass through the tubular knitted article which must pass along the suction pipe 13 (as will become clear below). There are other systems for releasing and temporarily supporting the guide element 15 inside the suction pipe 13 along the suction pipe 13. These support means are clearly visible in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 and are represented in a simplified manner in the remaining figures. They are formed from three sets of sliders 31, 32, 33, which are arranged in three separate sections, spaced at regular intervals along the deployment of the suction pipe 13. . Specifically, two sets of the three sliders, that is, three sets of the sliders 31 and 32, are arranged between the suction pipe intake end 13A and the intermediate separator 19 on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the suction pipe. Are located. The other set of sliders 33 is disposed on a plane between the intermediate separator 19 and the take-out end B of the suction pipe 13. A set of sliders 31, 32 and 33 can be returned or retracted so that they do not protrude into the interior of the suction pipe 13, between the inner wall of the suction pipe 13 and the guide element 15. Leave the space completely empty. Also, each set of sliders can be displaced radially inward so that they combine with the guide element 15 and support it inside the suction pipe 13. The simultaneous action of the set of sliders 31, 32, 33 (in a manner which will be clarified below) is a tubular knitting which is discharged from the circular needle bed 37 along the suction pipe 13 towards its withdrawal end 13 B. Goods can be sent.
[0032]
The suction pipe 13 has an end portion 13C that is angularly movable about its own axis and is associated with the rest of the suction pipe. The rotational movement of the end portion 13C of the suction pipe 13 is provided by an actuator 35, for example, a stopper motor. The actuator is capable of adjusting the angular position of a portion 13C of the suction pipe 13 with respect to the rest of the pipe (fixed to the support structure), and before suturing the toe of the tubular knit article, In the proper direction. It will become clear from the detailed description of the mode of operation of the whole device.
[0033]
The withdrawal end 13B of the suction pipe 13 is provided with a suturing area indicated by reference numeral 37 as a whole. The plurality of members arranged in this area pull out the inverted tubular knitted article from the inside of the suction pipe 13, close the toe of the knitted article by sewing, and re-insert the knitted article into the suction pipe 13. Has the function of releasing it from the device at the end.
[0034]
A unit 39 provided in the suturing area 37 surrounds the suction pipe 13, more precisely a part 13C thereof. The unit 39 supports the expansion member and the member that turns the tubular knitted article before it is sewn, in the manner described in detail with reference to FIGS. The unit 39 is movable in the axial direction along the end portion 13C of the suction pipe 13 in the direction indicated by the arrow f39. For this purpose, a sliding guide 41 and an actuator 43 for controlling the movement of the unit 39 are provided.
[0035]
The unit 39 is shown in detail in the perspective views of FIGS. 11 and 12, the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13, and the view from below of FIG. FIG. 11 shows a ring 45 which forms part of the unit 39 and is coaxial with the axis of the part 13C of the suction pipe 13. The ring 45 supports a plurality of radial pushers 47, which constitute a member for turning the tubular knitted article over before the toes are sewn. Each pusher 47 is moved radially, controlled by a corresponding actuator 49, for example a small cylinder piston actuator. Below the ring 45, the unit 39 has a wall 51 delimiting an internal suction chamber 53. The internal suction chamber is connected to a suction line via an opening 55, and the connection to the suction chamber 53 is indicated by the reference numeral 57.
[0036]
Inside the suction chamber 53 located in the unit 39, five shaped plates 59 supported by the rotating spindle 61 are provided. Each shaped plate 59 supports a stem 63 parallel to the spindle 61 itself at a position spaced from the corresponding support spindle 61. The configuration of the shape plate 59 is such that, with particular reference to FIG. 12, the overlying pusher 47, its actuator 49, and the ring 45 have been removed for clarity of presentation. In the angular position, it forms a substantially continuous wall perpendicular to the axis of the suction pipe 13, exactly to the end portion 13 </ b> C of the suction pipe 13. The wall formed by the shape plate 59 has a central hole 65 for purposes which will become apparent hereinafter.
[0037]
The shape plates 59 are controlled so that they open simultaneously by means of rocking each spindle 61 about its own axis. For this purpose, the mechanism shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is provided, which is fixed to the bottom end of each spindle 61 and has a pinion 67 which meshes with an internally toothed crown gear 69. , Its rotation causes a spontaneous rotation of the pinion 67 and thereby of the spindle 61. The rotation of the toothed crown gear 69 is obtained by a pinion 70 fixed to a shaft 72, which is driven around its own axis by a cylinder piston actuator 74.
[0038]
A gripping member provided on the unit 39 and substantially aligned with the end portion 13C of the suction pipe 13 is generally indicated by reference numeral 71 and is for gripping a tubular knitted article to be sewn. The gripping member comprises a pair of brackets 73 (see in particular FIGS. 1-3 and FIGS. 5-6) that are movable relative to each other with respect to the retraction and approaching movements indicated by the double arrow f73. Movement in the direction indicated by arrow f73 is obtained by a pair of cylinder piston actuators, which are supported by a structure coupled to the bracket 73 and moving sequentially about the horizontal axis X and the vertical axis Y (particularly FIG. 5). And FIG. 6 again). As will become apparent below, a bracket 73 penetrates the interior of the suction pipe 13, grips the edge of the tubular knitted article, and pulls it closer together to carry it to the suturing machine for the next suturing operation. .
[0039]
The structure that supports the member 71 that holds the tubular knitted article is supported by a substructure 75 that is alternately constrained to a fixed frame, for example, the frame itself of the knitting machine 3. The substructure 75 supports a pair of substantially linear bars 77 and 79. Bar 77 is fixed to a portion of metal section 81 that is movable by a cylinder piston actuator (not shown), as indicated by arrow f81. In this way, the bar 77 can move away from or to a bar 79 that is instead fixed with respect to the base plate 75.
[0040]
Below the fixed straight bar 79, a comb-shaped structure 83, which is shown in detail in FIG. 16, is provided. Comb structure 83 is formed from two portions 83A and 83B having a plurality of teeth 85 and connected together to define an intermediate seat for sliding cutting blade 87. The comb structure 83 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal development of the fixed linear bar 79, as indicated by the double-headed arrow f83 (see especially FIG. 6). The cutting blade 87 housed inside the comb structure 83 moves with the comb structure 83 and the movement continues as indicated by the arrow f83. The movement is provided by a cylinder piston actuator, or equivalent, indicated by reference numeral 89 in FIG.
[0041]
As seen particularly in FIG. 16, the cutting blade 87 includes a plurality of slots 87A that are inclined with respect to the cutting edge 87B of the blade 87. In the slot 87A, there is an insertion pin 83C fixed to a part 83B of the comb-shaped structure 83. At one of its ends, the blade 87 extends to form an attachment portion 87C, in which a slot 87D is formed which is perpendicular to the cutting edge 87B of the blade itself. The slot 87D is associated with a slider 91 which is parallel to the cutting edge 87B and has a movement provided by a cylinder piston actuator or an equivalent actuator 93. The actuator 93 is supported by a base plate 75, as can be seen in particular in FIG. The slot 87D allows the cutting blade 87 to move in a direction perpendicular to the cutting edge 87B, and keeps the movement of the comb-shaped structure 83 indicated by the double-headed arrow f83, always in mechanical connection with the actuator 93. Has been maintained. Operation of the actuator 93 causes a thrust force on the blade 87 in the direction indicated by arrow f87 (FIG. 16), which (due to the arrangement of the pins 83C and the inclined slots 87A) results in a comb-shaped structure 83. One component perpendicular to the longitudinal development portion and one component parallel thereto are moved. The effect of this movement is to sever the loops of the seam row, as will become apparent below, into which a comb-shaped structure 83 is inserted to sew the toes of the tubular knitted article.
[0042]
The suturing area 37 is further provided with a suturing machine indicated generally by reference numeral 95 and is shown separately from other mechanical members in FIG. The suturing machine 95 has been removed for clarity in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The suturing machine has a suction port for sucking the suture needle 96 and the suture 99. Reference numeral 101 designates what is referred to as a "key needle", supplied by a bobbin and properly lifted by a suture needle 96, thus imparting a lifting and lowering action to the suture. The shape of the key needle 101 is clearly shown as an example. The key needle is, for example, of a rotary or swing type. Similarly, the shape of the needle cooperating therewith may be different. The construction of the suturing machine 95 is of a type already known per se to the expert and therefore will not be described in great detail here. The type of suturing performed by the needle 96 will in each case be described in more detail with reference to the operation of the device.
[0043]
The suturing machine 95 performs the stitching movement indicated by the arrow f95 in FIG. 4 and also provided by the actuator indicated generally at 97 in FIG.
[0044]
According to the suturing machine 95, it is a holding member for holding down the tubular knitted article after the toes are sewn to cut a part of the fiber outside the seam. The holding member is indicated generally by the reference numeral 103, its position with respect to the other parts of the device is illustrated in FIG. 4, and its structure is illustrated in detail in the perspective view of FIG.
[0045]
The holding member 103 includes a pair of bars 15, which are substantially parallel to the movement of the suturing machine 95 and the fixed bar 77 and the movable bar. The retaining bars 105 move at right angles to their own deployment in the direction indicated by the double arrow in FIG. In this way, they are brought closer together to hold the knitted article or apart from each other to release the knitted article. The movement is provided by a cylinder piston actuator housed (not shown) in the structure of the holding member 103 fixed to the suturing machine 9. Since the holding member 103 is fixed to the suturing machine 95, when the suturing machine performs a stitching motion in the direction of arrow f95, the holding member is moved integrally with the suturing machine. This allows the bar 105 to be brought into alignment with the tubular knitted article to be sewn.
[0046]
Finally, after the cutting operation performed by the blade 87, a system is fixed to the suturing machine 95 to remove the remaining thread, said system being indicated by the reference numeral 107 and its system with respect to another part of the device. The location is shown in FIG. The structure of the removal system 107 in a possible embodiment is illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. The removal system 107 includes one or more brush members 109 that rotate about the axis of a vertical shaft inserted into the suction port 111 to remove the yarn separated from the tubular knit article by the brush 109. The remainder is sucked off through the suction port and removed.
[0047]
The operations described are described below with particular reference to FIGS.
[0048]
FIG. 17 shows the last step of knitting the tubular knitted article M with the needles 7 of the needle bed of the circular knitting machine 3. The tubular knitted article starts knitting from the edge B1, which is the bottom part in FIG. 17 and remains open in the finished knitted article. The tubular knitted article M is a sock, said edge constituting a flexible edge of the sock. The last knitting step represents the formation of a braided edge B2 to create a closed toe of the finished product.
[0049]
During the formation, the tubular knitted article M is itself between the cylinder 5 of the needle 7 and the guide element 15, more precisely a part of said guide element projecting with respect to the intake end 13A of the suction pipe 13. Come to space and be set. In this step, the intermediate separator 19 provided along the suction pipe 13 is closed, whereby the jaws 21 and 22 grip the guide element 15 and hold it in place inside the suction pipe 13. Preferably, at least one of the sets of sliders 31 and 32 is also gripped by the combination of the slider with the guide element. Part of the suction pipe between the intake end 13A and the intermediate separator 19 is maintained at a negative pressure via the suction port 14, and the suction port is adjacent to the intermediate separator 19 on the intake side of the suction pipe 13. It is provided. The suction port 14 is connected to a suction fan or the like (not shown).
[0050]
The stem 15C, which can be withdrawn from the guide element 15, is pre-pressed to its withdrawal position by the pressurized air supplied via the jaws of the separator member 19. In this extracted position, the head 15E of the stem 15C lies on the plane of the plate 59, which opens to allow the passage of the head itself. Closing the shape plate 59 leaves it mated with the head 15E on the plate itself via the holes 65 between the shape plates 59. This means that the stem 15C remains pulled in place inside the guide element 15, even without pressure, ie when the jaws of the separator member 19 are open. In this configuration, the stem 63 fixed to the plate 59 faces upward with respect to the axis of the stem 15C, and is at least partially housed in a seat formed on the stem below the head 15E, and In such a manner, the radial burden on stem 63 is reduced for reasons that will become apparent below.
[0051]
When the tubular knitted article M is completed by the circular bed of needles of the circular knitting machine 3, it is lowered from the needles, and a negative pressure is generated inside the suction pipe 13, and the tubular knitted article is shown in FIG. The tubular knit article is sucked along the suction pipe 13 until it takes a position, that is, until the tubular knit article approaches the intermediate separator 19. The movement of the knitted article M along the suction pipe 13 is guided by the guide element 15, and the knitted article M slides in the free space between the suction pipe 13 and the guide element 15. One of a set of sliders during the passage of the knitted article M while they are closed and opened in a selective manner so that the sliders 31 and 32 can pass through the knitted article M beyond the horizontal plane Only 31 or 32 is associated with the guide element. In this way, the tubular knitted article M can pass beyond the section where the slider can be set and reach the position illustrated in FIG.
[0052]
In order for the tubular knitted article M to reach the withdrawal end 13B of the suction pipe 13, the tubular knitted article is intermediately supported on the wall formed by the shape plate 59 in the position shown in FIG. The separator 19 is opened by moving the jaws 21 and 22 apart or closer. The suction via the suction port 14 is interrupted here and the suction acts via a suction line, which is connected by a connection 57 to the chamber 53 inside the movable unit 39. This suction can also be effected in a previous step, that is, the one shown in FIG.
[0053]
In this way, the tubular knit article M reaches the position represented in FIG. 19, and the tubular knit article is supported by the wall formed by the shaped plate 59 in the closed state. Here too, the movement of the tubular article M is guided by the guide element 15 which extends to the shape plate 59. During the opening of the jaws of the intermediate separator 19, the slider 33, previously closed to support the guide element 15, is opened to allow the passage of the knitted article. The opening of the slider 33 can be synchronized with a new movement for the closing of the intermediate separator 19, in such a way preferably during which the guide element 15 is brought to a substantially central position inside the suction pipe 13. , Fastened. Also, lateral support of the guide element is provided, at least in part, in combination with a hole in the wall defined by the plate 59.
[0054]
The function of the next step is to withdraw the tubular knitted article M from the suction pipe 13, turn it over and perform a closing operation, thereby sewing the edge B2 of the knitted article to form its closed toe. Are combined.
[0055]
For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 20 (only the end area of the suction pipe 13 is represented), the plate 59 is moved by a rotating spindle 61 and a stem 63 fixed to the plate 59 is removed. Transfer radially outward.
[0056]
When both the plate 59 and the stem 63 are on the withdrawal end 13B, i.e., outside the suction pipe 13, the movement of the branch of the stem 63 depends on the extra parts defined by the edges of the suction pipe 13. It can extend to a point located outside radial position outside the encumbrance. In this position, a portion of the fibers of the knitted article M near the edge B1 is pulled so that it is substantially outside the excess 9 of the suction pipe 13.
[0057]
When the stem 63 is combined with the tubular knitted article M, the telescopic telescoping stem 15C of the guide element 15 can be retracted inside its part B, thus reducing the pressure inside the part 15B of the guide element 15. The retraction of the stem is obtained by the effect of the extension spring 15D. In FIG. 20, the stem 15C is shown in its retracted position.
[0058]
The downward vertical movement of the unit 39, as indicated by the arrow f39, causes the stem 63 to move to a position where the stem is set outwardly and side by side with respect to the discharge end 13B of the suction pipe 13. Take it. The tubular knit article is still assembled by the stem 63 and therefore follows it, the stem surrounding the suction pipe 13 from the outside in the area surrounding the discharge end 13B of the suction pipe. The descending movement of the unit 39 continues until the stem 63 is completely released from the tubular knitted article M (FIG. 22).
[0059]
The pusher 47 is pressed against the tubular knitted article M to completely turn the tubular knitted article M from the inside of the suction pipe 13 by pulling it out from the inside of the suction pipe 13 and bringing it over the surface of the suction pipe 13 (FIG. 23). , Unit 39 is moved further down from this point, as indicated by arrow 39 (FIG. 24). In this manner, the tubular knitted article M is moved further downward, as indicated by the arrow f39 of the movable unit 39, until the unit 39 reaches the position shown in FIG. Drawn along. In this position, the tubular knitted article M is completely outside the suction pipe 13. Further, the tubular knitted article is turned over in relation to the state of being knitted by the circular knitting machine M. Due to the elasticity of the knitted article itself (and especially its first edge B1) gripping on the outer surface of the suction pipe 13, a pusher is used to release the tubular knitted article M remaining in the position shown in FIG. 47 can be divided again. If the tubular knitted article M is particularly long, the pusher 47 is first opened and then closed during the downward stroke of the unit 39 so that the pusher does not pull the tubular knitted article up again. The downward stroke of the unit 39 in the upright position can be repeated many times, returning the unit 39 upward each time.
[0060]
As can be seen in FIG. 24, the suction pipe 13 has two slits extending from the withdrawal end 13B, ie from the edge of the suction pipe 13, and extending for a certain length in a direction parallel to the axis of the suction pipe. 13D. The function of these slits is to allow the bracket 73 to grip the tubular knit article M and to close the toe of the knit article by stitching, in particular to slide the knit article out of the suction pipe 13. However, before performing this operation, the tubular knit article M may require angular positioning.
[0061]
In fact, a suture line designed to close the toe of a knitted article needs to have a very precise action, usually with respect to the knitted article itself, providing a pocket, i.e. a part of the fiber, of a sock or stocking. Designed to form toe area and heel area. The suture lines must take very precise positions relative to those pockets of fiber. In order to orient the tubular knitted article in a preferred direction prior to the stitching operation, the knitted article is fully produced during suturing, for example, by several stitches of a knitting yarn having a different color from the knitting thread of the knitted article. The production made therefore is measured by a photocell (not shown) provided near the outlet end 13B of the suction pipe 13. The proper orientation of the tubular knitted article M is obtained at this point by rotating a portion 13C of the suction pipe 13 by means of an actuator 35 about its own axis. This rotation is a movement that brings the device from the position of FIG. 24 to the position of FIG. The two figures differ in fact only with respect to another position of the slit 13D made near the intake end 13D of the suction pipe 13. The deviation of the angular position between the two figures represents an appropriate amount, whereby a portion 13C of the suction pipe 13 is rotated with respect to the rest of the pipe itself to bring the tubular knit article to the correct angular position. Take.
[0062]
26. During the angular positioning step or at the appropriate moment, if necessary, return the unit upwards until the unit 39 reaches the position shown in FIG. 26, and the pusher 47 remains in its retracted position, ie said upward movement During this time, it remains out of contact with the tubular knitted article.
[0063]
Once the unit 39 has reached the apex shown in FIG. 26, the pusher is closed again, pushing the tubular knitted article M against the outer surface of the suction pipe 13 near its outer end 13B. Once the tubular knitted article M has been assembled by pushing it again against the outer surface of a portion 13C of the suction pipe 13, that portion 13C can be rotated again, and the slit 13D is placed in its original position, namely the suction The pipe is taken on a plane that includes the axis of the section 13C and that is perpendicular to the plane of FIG. This movement of the rotation of the portion 13C of the suction pipe 13, also performed by the actuator 35, stops the angular movement of the tubular knitted article M by the pusher 47, which is advantageously coated with a metal having a high coefficient of friction. Do not produce until done. In this manner, a portion 13C of the suction pipe 13 rotates inside the tubular knitted article M in a sliding manner, i.e., sliding on the inner surface of the tubular knitted article.
[0064]
In the state of FIG. 26, the tubular knitted article M is in the correct angular position for the next suturing operation, and is therefore lifted by the bracket 73 of the gripping member 71. The brackets 73 brought closer together are lowered for this purpose until they move inside the suction pipe 13 to the position shown in FIG. FIG. 27 shows a longitudinal section of the suction pipe 13 along a plane perpendicular to the plane shown in FIG. Therefore, the bracket 73 is located on a plane including the axis A of the portion 13C of the suction pipe 13, and the slit 13C is also located there. In this way, as shown by the arrow f73 in FIG. 27, the offset of the bracket 73 can pull the edge B2 of the tubular knitted article M, thus bringing the two hanging parts closer together. The biasing movement of the bracket 73 is combined with the raising movement of the bracket, thereby reaching the final position illustrated in FIG. In the last stage of the upward movement of the bracket 73, the pusher 47 can be brought back up to the suction pipe 13 in order to hold the tubular knitted article M and pull it in the longitudinal direction.
[0065]
In this position, the edge B2 of the tubular knitted article M is extended or pulled by the bracket 73 so that the two depending parts of the edge are aligned with each other. Brackets 73 are taken in a vertical position so that their bottom ends are slightly above straight bars 77 and 79. Therefore, it is possible to grip the tubular knitted article M at an appropriate position of the edge B2 by approaching the straight bar. This is shown schematically in FIG. 29, which shows a longitudinal section through a plane perpendicular to the plane of FIG. The straight bar 77 is brought to the fixed bar 79. In FIG. 28, L1 and L2 indicate two hanging portions of the edge portion B2, which are brought closer to each other as a result of the pulling of the edge portion B2 performed by the bracket of the gripping member 71. The tubular knitted article can be pulled by slightly moving the unit 39 with the pusher 47 downward.
[0066]
FIG. 29A is a schematic enlarged view of the area where the droops L1, L2 of the fibers forming the edges of the tubular knitted article to be closed are visible. As can be seen in the schematic cross-sectional view of the fiber, the fiber has a series of rows X2 provided on bars 77 and 79, some of which rows are knitted with a thicker yarn than the thickness of another row. Are made. The thick rows form part of a thicker fiber, which is supported by bars 77, 79 arranged in alignment with one another. The bars 77, 79 do not need to be pressed against the fibers, but instead are pulled in the transverse direction, suitably free to slide. The longitudinal retention is compensated by the fact that a portion of the thicker fiber obtained by the thicker thread, indicated by FG in FIG. A portion of the tubular knitted article formed from row X2 is removed during the next cutting operation, and is consequently produced, usually with a poorer knitting yarn than the excess knitting yarn of tubular knitted article M.
[0067]
During the suturing operation, the edge formed by row X2 is generally indicated at 102 in FIGS. 33 and 34 and may be lifted and held by suction via a suction port associated with suturing machine 95. .
[0068]
The movement in the direction indicated by the arrow f83 causes the teeth 85 of the comb-shaped structure 83 to penetrate through the interior of the seams or loops of the rows provided facing the comb-shaped structure 83, The body 83 is pushed towards the tubular knitted article M at this point. In this case, the row is directly below the straight bars 77 and 79. As can be seen in the illustration of FIG. 29A, the loops in this row (indicated by X1) are longer than the remaining loops of the knitted article so that the teeth 85 of the comb structure 83 can be advantageously inserted.
[0069]
The movement of the comb-shaped structure 83 in the direction indicated by the arrow f83 is controlled by the actuator 89 (see FIG. 6), which is not shown in FIG. 29 for clarity. The closing movement of the straight bars 77 and 79 and the next movement of the comb-shaped structure 83 are shown in a schematic plane, in succession in FIGS.
[0070]
When the teeth 85 of the comb structure 83 pass through the individual loops of the individual rows in the tubular knit article M, the movable straight bar 77 can be retracted so that the members of the suturing machine 95 can be inserted, and the suturing machine can Stitching is performed along the loop of the row of seams below the row, and the teeth of the comb-shaped structure 83 penetrate the inside thereof. The stitching operation is schematically illustrated in FIG.
[0071]
FIG. 33 shows the needle 96, the opening 99, and the key needle 101 of the suturing machine 95. A comb structure 83 can also be seen, which is inserted inside the corresponding row of seams or loops of the tubular product M. The suture area is shown enlarged in FIG. The figures show how the comb structure 83 and the corresponding teeth 85 consist of two parts 83A and 83B (shown separately from each other in the perspective view of FIG. 16). The parts are connected to each other and a blade is provided between them, said blade being in this position in the retracted position, i.
[0072]
The movements of the members of the suturing machine, in particular the key needle 101 and the needle 96 for supplying the suture F, are shown in FIG. In this example of embodiment, needle 96 is referred to as a piston needle, which is a needle with an open closure member 96A. Such needles are known per se from the state of the art, in particular from the prior patents mentioned in the introductory part of this description. However, other types of needles and / or key needles can be used. For example, a latch needle or an eye needle may be used. The continuous operation of the stitching operation can be clearly seen in FIG. 35 and is known per se for another type of application; therefore, no detailed description is required here.
[0073]
However, the stitch pitch formed by the suturing machine 95 with the needle 96 is smaller than the pitch of the comb-shaped structure 83 and its teeth 85, that is, smaller than the pitch of the loop of the row X1. In particular, it is possible to consider that the stitch pitch is equal to the pitch of the loops of row X1, ie half or one-third of the teeth 85 of the comb structure 83.
[0074]
36, 37 and 38 show the next step of cutting the loop of row X2, in which the teeth of the comb structure 83 are inserted inside the loop of row X2. Before performing this cutting operation, the hanging parts L1 and L2 of the tubular knitted article M, which are joined to each other here by a sewn portion indicated by reference numeral C in FIGS. The holding member is supported by the suturing machine 95 that has created the seam C. This makes it possible to suppress the tubular knitted article M even after the cutting operation is performed. The cutting is performed by moving the blade 87 housed inside the comb-shaped structure 83 and moving the blade from the position shown in FIG. 36 to the position shown in FIG. By this movement, the blade 87 cuts all the loops of the row X2 into which the teeth 85 of the comb-shaped structure 83 have been inserted in advance.
[0075]
At this point, the comb structure 83 can move away from the knitted product and reach the position shown in FIG. 38, where the tubular knitted article M is provided for this purpose and held down by the holding bar 105 which is pre-closed. Can be The cut excess knitting thread above seam C schematically illustrates a brush with a horizontal axis parallel to bar 105 in FIG. 39, but in fact the state shown in FIG. Some are removed by the removal system 107. The enlarged view of FIG. 41 shows, in this case, the operating mechanism of the brush 109 for removing the extra knitting yarn indicated by reference numeral FR in the enlarged view of FIG.
[0076]
When the suturing, cutting, and knitting thread removal operations are completed, the knitted article M is turned over again to its final form corresponding to that manufactured by the circular knitting machine 3, and then knitted. The article M is removed from the device. For this purpose, a reversing operation is performed by the movement of the unit 39 and the action of the slider 47 in relation to the operation performed before the flipping of the knitted article. Negative pressure is applied at this point via suction port 16 to the interior of suction pipe 13 (FIG. 43), and the knitted article with its toes closed by seam C is suctioned through suction port 16 and removed from the device.
[0077]
The movement of the part 15B of the guide element 15 with respect to the part 15A around the hinge axis 17 facilitates the removal operation, and thus widens the passage for feeding the sewn tubular knitted article M towards the suction opening 16. While still in place, a part of the guide element approaches the inner wall of the wall of the suction pipe 13 on the opposite side of the location where the suction port 16 is provided.
[0078]
Upon completion of the above operations, the apparatus returns to the state shown in FIG. 17 for stitching the next tubular knitted article M, during which its formation on the circular knitting machine 3 begins.
[0079]
The drawings only clearly show possible embodiments according to the invention in order to provide a practical lighting of said invention, which may vary its embodiments and arrangements within the basic concept. Good. The presence of reference signs in the appended claims is only for the purpose of facilitating its understanding in light of the preceding description and the accompanying drawings, and in no way limits the scope of protection defined in the claims .
[Brief description of the drawings]
[0080]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for lifting a tubular knitted article from a cylinder of a circular knitting machine and an apparatus for sewing a toe of a knitted article.
FIG. 2 is a side view taken along the line II-II of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a view taken along line III-III of FIG. 3;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an apparatus combined with a circular knitting machine.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a suture area with elements removed to make the drawing clearer.
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing the same member as viewed from another viewpoint.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a suturing machine for closing a toe of the tubular knitted article lifted by the pickup device.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an intermediate separator provided along a suction pipe of the pickup device.
FIG. 9 is an inner member of the intermediate separator of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of an intermediate separator.
FIG. 11 shows a movable shaft unit that supports an expanding member and a member that turns a tubular knitted article upside down in preparation for sewing the toes.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the same unit as FIG. 11 with parts removed.
FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the unit shown in FIGS. 11 and 12;
FIG. 14 is a view as viewed from below along the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 shows a pair of bars holding the knitted article during the first stage of toe stitching.
FIG. 16 shows a comb-shaped structure for hanging a knitted article during sewing, and a cutting member housed inside the comb-shaped structure.
FIG. 17 shows, in a cross section through the axis of the suction pipe, a device for lifting the knitted article (or part of the device), an expansion member and a member for turning the knitted article over in preparation for sewing the toes.
FIG. 17A is an enlarged view of an extraction area of a suction pipe.
FIG. 18 shows, in a cross-section through the axis of the suction pipe, a device for lifting the knitted article (or part of the device), an expansion member and a member for turning the knitted article upside down in preparation for sewing the toes.
FIG. 19 shows, in a cross-section through the axis of the suction pipe, a device for lifting the knitted article (or part of the device), an expansion member and a member for turning the knitted article upside down in preparation for sewing the toes.
FIG. 20 shows, in a cross-section through the axis of the suction pipe, a device for lifting the knitted article (or part of the device), an expansion member and a member for turning the knitted article over in preparation for sewing the toes.
FIG. 21 shows, in a cross-section through the axis of the suction pipe, a device for lifting the knitted article (or part of the device), an expansion member and a member for turning the knitted article upside down in preparation for sewing the toes.
FIG. 22 shows, in a cross-section through the axis of the suction pipe, a device for lifting the knitted article (or part of the device), an expansion member and a member for turning the knitted article over in preparation for sewing the toes.
FIG. 23 shows, in a cross-section through the axis of the suction pipe, a device for lifting the knitted article (or part of the device), an expansion member and a member for turning the knitted article over in preparation for sewing the toes.
FIG. 24 shows, in a cross-section through the axis of the suction pipe, a device for lifting the knitted article (or part of the device), an expansion member and a member for turning the knitted article upside down in preparation for sewing the toes.
FIG. 25 shows, in a cross section through the axis of the suction pipe, a device for lifting the knitted article (or part of the device), an expansion member and a member for turning the knitted article over in preparation for sewing the toes.
FIG. 26 shows, in a cross-section through the axis of the suction pipe, a device for lifting the knitted article (or part of the device), an expansion member and a member for turning the knitted article upside down in preparation for sewing the toes.
FIG. 27 shows, in a cross-section through the axis of the suction pipe, a device for lifting the knitted article (or part of the device), an expansion member and a member for turning the knitted article upside down in preparation for sewing the toes.
FIG. 28 shows, in a cross-section through the axis of the suction pipe, a device for lifting the knitted article (or part of the device), an expansion member and a member for turning the knitted article upside down in preparation for sewing the toes.
FIG. 29 is a sectional view taken along the line XXIX-XXIX in FIG. 28;
FIG. 29A is an enlarged view of a central region in FIG. 29;
FIG. 30 shows a comb structure in which the knitted article is hung and a comb structure is inserted into each row of seams, and a pair of bars for holding a woven article as a preliminary step for sewing the toes. 29, taken along the line XXX-XXX in FIG.
FIG. 31 shows a comb structure in which the knitted article is hung and the comb structure is inserted into each row of seams, and a pair of bars holding a woven article as a preliminary step for sewing the toes. 29, taken along the line XXX-XXX in FIG.
FIG. 32 shows, as a preliminary step to sew the toes, a knitted article and a comb structure at the stage of inserting the comb structure into each row of seams, and a pair of bars holding the woven article 29, taken along the line XXX-XXX in FIG.
FIG. 33 shows a comb structure and a suturing machine inserted into a knit article during stitching.
FIG. 34 is an enlarged view of a detailed portion of FIG. 33;
FIG. 35 is a schematic view of the movement of the needle of the suturing machine during the stitching operation.
FIG. 36 shows a step of cutting a loop of a row of tubular knitted articles and inserting a comb structure therein.
FIG. 37 illustrates the step of cutting the loops of a row of tubular knitted articles and inserting a comb structure therein.
FIG. 38 illustrates the step of cutting the loops of a row of tubular knitted articles and inserting a comb structure therein.
FIG. 39 shows a step of cutting a loop of a row of tubular knitted articles and inserting a comb structure therein.
FIG. 40 shows a step of removing excess knitting yarn after cutting the loop next to the suture row.
FIG. 41 is a detailed view of FIG. 40;
FIG. 42 is a perspective view illustrating a possible embodiment of a system for removing excess knitting yarn.
FIG. 43 is an axial cross-sectional view of an end portion of a suction pipe at a stage of removing a tubular knit article after a knitting operation.

Claims (29)

An apparatus for lifting a tubular knitted article from a cylinder of the circular knitting machine and closing a toe of the knitted article,
The device comprises means for closing the toe of the tubular knitted article;
A suction pipe extending from an intake end in an area where the tubular knit article is lifted from the circular knitting machine to an extraction end in an area where the toes of the knit article are sewn;
A guide element for deploying inside the suction pipe and extending outside the suction pipe and guiding the tubular knitted article from the intake end side for insertion into the cylinder of the circular knitting machine; Providing a space between the element and the inner wall of the suction pipe for feeding the tubular knit article;
An apparatus characterized in that: The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a system for extracting a tubular knit article from a suction pipe and turning the tubular knit article over outside of the suction pipe is associated with a withdrawal end of the suction pipe. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the suction pipe is internally divided into two continuous parts by an openable intermediate separator. The means associated with the suction pipe support the guide element inside the suction pipe, the support element being provided in the space between the inner wall of the suction pipe and the guide element therein. The device according to claim 1, wherein the knitted article can be sent. A plurality of said support means comprising a plurality of transverse sliders supported by a suction pipe and movable to assemble and selectively release guide elements inside the suction pipe. An apparatus according to claim 4. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that a plurality of said support means are installed in three sections, which are arranged at a distance along the suction pipe. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein two of said sections are provided on a portion of the suction pipe between the intake end and the intermediate separator, and one of the sections is provided between the extraction end and the intermediate separator. 6. The device according to 4 or 5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guiding element has a part that is extendable towards the discharge end of the suction pipe. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the extendable portion comprises a single acting pneumatically controlled telescopic extension. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 9, wherein the intermediate separator is associated with an air supply channel controlling a telescopic extension of the guide element. The device according to claim 1, wherein the guide element is composed of two parts hinged to one another about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the suction pipe. . Said system for extracting a tubular knitted article from a suction pipe,
At the first edge of the knitted article itself, a plurality of expansion members are provided to spread the tubular knit, said member extending the first edge of the tubular knitted article beyond the outer diameter of the suction pipe;
From the inside of the suction pipe to the outside, comprising a plurality of means for turning over the tubular knitted article,
The device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of said expansion members approach and retract from the axis of the suction pipe to take a position substantially parallel to and near the axis of the suction pipe and outside the diameter of the suction pipe. 13. The device of claim 12, comprising a plurality of stems for providing movement, wherein the plurality of stems are axially movable along an exterior of the suction pipe. A plurality of said stems are each supported by a plate substantially perpendicular to the axis of the suction pipe; when the plurality of stems are located near the axis of the suction pipe, the plurality of plates are carried inside the suction pipe. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatus forms a control wall for holding the tubular knitted article. Each of the plurality of plates is supported by a rotating spindle substantially parallel to the axis of the suction pipe and the plurality of stems, the rotation of the spindle moving the plurality of stems closer and closer to the axis of the suction pipe. 15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the device is moved backward. The contrasting wall formed by the plurality of plates has a central hole that aligns with the guide element when the plurality of stems are near the axis of the suction pipe, the guide element with its own end, The device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the device is inserted into the hole. 17. The device according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the guiding element has a lateral seat for insertion of a plurality of the stems. A plurality of said members for turning over the tubular knitted article are provided with a plurality of radial pushers, which move radially and axially with respect to said suction pipe and its exterior, and press against the outer surface of the suction pipe, to the outer surface. Apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the tubular knit article is pulled. Apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein a suction line associated with the expansion member is for sucking tubular knitted articles against a plurality of the expansion members. The plurality of expansion members and the member for turning a tubular knitted article upside down are supported by an axially movable unit along a suction pipe, according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that: The described device. 21. Apparatus according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the suction line is connected to a suction chamber formed in the unit. The suction pipe has an end portion, the end portion being angularly movable about its own axis with respect to another portion of the suction pipe, the actuator is configured such that the end portion has its own axis. 22. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided for controlling the movement of rotation around it. 23. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction pipe has a slit at its withdrawal end for passing a member for gripping the edge of the knitted article. The gripping member has two brackets, which can be moved toward and away from each other, at whose edges the tubular knitted article is combined at two substantially radially opposed points to pull the edges. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the plurality of brackets are axially movable with respect to the suction pipe. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a member for holding the tubular knit article after suturing the toes to cut a portion of the fiber outside the formed seam. apparatus. In connection with the suction pipe, a first suction opening is provided between the intermediate separator and the intake end of the suction pipe, and a second suction opening is provided between the extraction end and the intermediate separator. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the knitted article is removed via the second suction opening after stitching its toes. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate separator is composed of a pair of jaws that engage the guide element inside a suction pipe. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the extensible part is combined with a system for closing a discharge end of a suction pipe at its free end. The closure system comprises a plurality of the plates supporting the plurality of stems, wherein the plurality of plates, when closed, define a connection hole at a free end of the extendable portion. Apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 18.