JP2005500088A - Method and apparatus for producing tubular knitted fabrics, in particular toe closure - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of forming a closed toe in a tubular knitted fabric, for example a sock, is provided, the method comprising setting two hanging ends (L1, L2) of the article (M) side by side; Inserting a comb structure with a plurality of teeth (85) inside the loop of at least one first row (X2); the body of the first row (X2) and the tubular knitted fabric (M) of the seam And (C) a step of stitching together at least one second loop of the seam set between and a step of opening a loop in the first row of the seam.

Description

【Technical field】
[0001]
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a tubular knitted fabric such as socks and stockings, and in particular to a method of closing a knitted toe by joining two hanging parts of the knitted toe.
[Background]
[0002]
In the manufacture of tubular knitted items, especially men's stockings and socks for sportswear, the product is knitted on a circular knitting machine, which is a machine with a needle cylinder, although not exclusively. The product thus produced has a first edge and a last edge. The last edge must be closed to form the toe of the item. For this reason, until now, a connection process has been used, which is performed by a so-called connection machine. Such a connection process is a daunting task. According to such a process, the droop at the edge of the item is pulled, set side by side, and hung on the hook of the coupling machine. In performing this operation, each seam or loop of a given row of seams must be hung on a respective hook. More particularly, each hook is hooked with two corresponding seams or loops in the same row belonging to two hanging parts set side by side on the edge of the item. When the item is hung on the hook, the proper connection is automatically performed, and a specific seam is formed by a thread in a stitch loop or stitch that intersects the stitch or loop set on the hook. Each pair of loops on the hook is associated with a seam seam connecting the droop. Next, the seams or loops set externally to the seam are cut, i.e. the seams in the row of seams adjacent to the hook opposite the hook on which the tubular article is set are cut. Finally, the tubular article is removed from the hook.
[0003]
Due to the connecting operation, it is possible to obtain a practically perfect and particularly smooth closed toe. However, as is known to those skilled in the art, as can be understood from the brief description above, such a process is used to hook individual loops or seams of the rows to be stitched onto the hooks of the coupling machine. With a significant burden on the labor of The work must be done by staff with particularly sharp vision and can therefore generally only be done by young people.
[0004]
Due to the cost and difficulty of finding the right staff to perform these tasks, it has become increasingly common to rely on linking operations. As an alternative to coupling, the toe of the tubular article is closed in a fully mechanized manner, i.e. in any case with a seam that is obtained with little effort in terms of labor. However, the quality of the finished product is low as long as it involves the execution of a large number of seams distributed in a completely random manner where the mechanized seam forms a seam with a thick thickness. An apparatus and method for closing toes using a sewing machine in combination with a knitting machine is disclosed in WO-A = 00/01869.
[0005]
EP-A-0635593 and EP-A-0593376 disclose a method and apparatus for joining two droops of knitted fiber of a tubular article to form a closed toe of the finished product. In this case, the work of closing the toes is directly performed in the circular knitting machine. Seams are obtained automatically, but the knitting machine needs to be substantially changed.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
[0006]
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and process for closing the toe of a tubular knitted fabric that can be easily automated and guarantees a high quality product.
[0007]
According to another aspect, another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a tubular woven fabric that can produce a tubular knitted fabric with a high quality seam and closed toe without the disadvantages of known joining processes. is there.
[0008]
According to a different aspect, yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can close the toe of a tubular knitted fabric with a high quality seam without a high labor burden and yet achieve a high level of output. There is.
[0009]
In order to close the tubular knitted fabric, the method according to the invention in particular comprises two droops at the edge of the knitted fabric, for example by grasping two generally diametrically opposite parts of the edge of the tubular knitted fabric itself and pulling the knitted fabric. Is to set them side by side. In at least one row of stitches or loops at the edge, the teeth of the comb structure are inserted and the loops are aligned for subsequent stitching. In this way, a seam is formed to connect the hanging portion of the knitted fabric to the seam or loop of the row next to the row into which the teeth of the comb structure are inserted, and more particularly, the row of stitches to be sewn is a comb structure. And a row located between the body of the tubular knitted fabric. Next, when the loops in the second row are stitched, the loop in which the comb structure is inserted is opened. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the loop in which the comb structure is inserted is opened by cutting the thread. However, the possibility of opening the loop in a different way is not excluded. For example, a row of stitches that receive the teeth of the comb structure can be formed using yarn that melts at a relatively high temperature, such as the temperature of the dyeing liquid. In this way, when the hanging parts of the tubular knitted fabric are joined together to close the toe, the knitted fabric is released and sent to the subsequent processing step. One of these treatment steps involves immersing the knitted fabric in a relatively hot bath, such as a dye bath, in which the meltable yarn is broken. This process removes the outer row of seams that join the droops. In the following, reference will be made to the seam cutting operation, which replaces a different operation with the same result, i.e. opening the seam resulting in the separation of the tubular knitting from the outer edge of the seam, i.e. interrupting the knitting. It should be understood that you get.
[0010]
If opening the seam is done by cutting, it is advantageous to perform the work of removing debris from the cut seam, for example using a brush or other removal member. This is not necessary as long as the meltable yarn is completely removed by heating when meltable yarn is used.
[0011]
Compared to the normal joining process, the stitching of the loops and the subsequent cutting or opening of the loops are both done in a row of stitches other than the row that is stitched and cut according to the prior art.
[0012]
As is apparent from the above description, the above method can be conveniently performed in an automatic and totally mechanized manner. This is particularly easy when the length of the seam of the row in which the teeth of the comb structure are inserted is longer than the length of the remaining seam of the knitted fabric. In this way, the insertion of the comb structure into the loop or seam of the row is very easy and can be performed by a mechanical hand without any difficulty. Preferably, the stitches to be stitched are preferably shorter than the stitches in the row in which the teeth of the comb structure are inserted, but longer than the remaining stitches of the tubular knitted fabric.
[0013]
The method is advantageously totally automated, but this excludes the possibility of carrying out in a manual or semi-manual manner, as will be described below by way of example based on a series of examples of embodiment. do not do.
[0014]
In practice, the method of the present invention is a method similar to that which occurs in a coupling machine, but in a simpler and more automatable manner, with the individual pairs of two droops in which the stitching threads are set side by side in the tubular knitted fabric. As long as a series of seams or loops intersecting the seam is formed, it is possible to obtain a seam that joins the hanging parts of the tubular knitted fabric, equivalent to a suitable connecting seam.
[0015]
To ensure that the teeth of the comb structure are inserted, the row of seams or loops adjacent to the loop is engaged with the corresponding seam of the seam that closes the toes. It is advantageous that the seam pitch joining the knitted slats is smaller than the pitch of the comb structure or seam or loop, even in the case of non-normal conditions (eg when the ends engage two adjacent loops of the same sag) Can be considered. For example, the pitch of the knitted seam can be a divisor of the pitch of the loop of the knitted fabric to be stitched or the pitch of the comb structure, for example 1/2 or 1/3.
[0016]
Indeed, the method according to the invention comprises the following steps. Ie
Gripping two substantially diametrically opposed portions of the tubular fabric at a position corresponding to the hanging end;
Pulling across the tubular knitted fabric to align the hanging ends with each other;
Pulling the tubular knitted fabric in the longitudinal direction;
Inserting the comb structure into the first row of loops such that each tooth of the comb structure is inserted into a corresponding loop of the first hanging end and a corresponding loop of the second hanging end;
Stitching said at least one second row loop adjacent to the first row together; and
Cutting the first row of loops and sliding or otherwise opening the cut half loops;
[0017]
As is known, the structure of a knitted fabric is usually helical in the sense that when the yarn is fed continuously, a continuous spiral continuum is formed. If the structure of the tubular knitted fabric is of this type, the teeth of the comb structure can eventually be inserted into adjacent rows, and similarly, the loops formed by stitching belong to different rows and belong to each other. It can be terminated by joining the corresponding seams of the two bottom ends set side by side. This does not substantially affect the final result due to the deformability of the knitted structure.
[0018]
However, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rows in which the teeth of the comb structure are inserted and the rows to be sewn together with possibly several rows immediately before and after, the yarns forming the seams in these rows. Can be obtained by cutting the yarn so that there are inlets and outlets. This provides a circular row instead of a spiral nourishment row, which facilitates the insertion and stitching or splicing operation of the comb structure and is performed at a single row level without overlapping. This particular feature will be apparent from the detailed description of one embodiment.
[0019]
The method according to the invention for closing the toe of a tubular knitted fabric is generally at the time and / or different from the location of the knitting operation of the tubular product which is carried out separately and independently from the process of knitting the tubular product, as in the case of a joining process. And / or in place.
[0020]
Alternatively and advantageously, the method of closing the toes can be carried out directly at or adjacent to the machine for manufacturing the item. In this case, the stitching method is integrated with the method of knitting the tubular article. Accordingly, the method includes the following steps. That is,
Knitting a tubular knitted fabric from the first edge to the last edge;
Setting the two hanging ends of the last edge side by side;
Inserting a comb structure having a plurality of teeth inside at least one first row loop of the seam at the bottom end;
Stitching together at least one second row loop of seams set between the first row of seams and the body of the tubular knitted fabric;
Opening (e.g., by cutting) a loop in the first row of seams into which the comb structure teeth have been inserted.
[0021]
In any case, the process of knitting the article, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, allows for the insertion of a comb structure tooth or a loop of large size or length to facilitate insertion of the teeth. With formation.
[0022]
According to another feature of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for stitching together two hanging ends of a tubular knitted fabric, such apparatus comprising:
A comb structure with a number of teeth engaging the first row of loops of the tubular knitted fabric;
If possible, a shameful member that grips one end edge of the tubular knitted fabric at two substantially diametrically opposed sites to pull the end edge of the tubular knitted fabric and align the two hanging ends of the tubular knitted fabric with each other. When;
Stitching means comprising at least one needle for stitching together the hanging ends set side by side below the comb structure;
Consists of.
[0023]
The gripping member for gripping and pulling the tubular knitted fabric may be omitted. In this case, the above operation is performed manually, for example, two bars in which the end edges of the articles with the hanging ends arranged side by side are set side by side. Can be carried out by inserting into a so-called cutting machine consisting of
[0024]
Advantageously, a cutting member for cutting the loop engaged with the comb structure can be provided, preferably with means for removing the half loop cut with the cutting member. However, as explained above, the opening of the loop adjacent to the seam can be performed by methods other than cutting. In that case, there is no means for removing the lint of the cutting member and the cut half loop.
[0025]
In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device has a pair of generally straight bars combined with the comb structure and parallel to the comb structure, between these bars: The tubular article is pressed and engages with the bottom ends set side by side for insertion of the comb structure. The comb structure can be provided separately from the pair of bars, or can be carried by one of the bars and movable relative to the bar.
[0026]
According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cutting device is combined with a comb structure in order to facilitate the cutting operation of the loops with the comb structure inserted therein. The cutting device may have a blade slidably received in a seat formed on the teeth of the comb structure. For effective cutting, the movable part of the blade may comprise a component parallel to the tooth development of the comb structure and a component orthogonal to the tooth development of the comb structure. Instead of incorporating the cutting member into the comb structure, it is possible to make and set the cutting member in another way, but it is advantageous from a structural point of view to incorporate the cutting member into the comb structure.
[0027]
Further advantageous features of the device and method according to the invention are defined in the claims.
[0028]
An apparatus according to the invention which has the function of taking out a tubular article from a circular knitting machine and transferring it to a region provided with a sewing machine suitable for sewing the toes will be described below. It should be understood that the following description is merely one of the possible uses of the apparatus and method according to the present invention and may be implemented in various machines and equipment. For example, instead of combining with the sewing machine described here, in combination with a device of the type disclosed in WO-A-00 / 01869, or in combination with one of the devices disclosed in EP-A-0697746, or others The apparatus and method according to the present invention can be used in combination with any suitable apparatus. The apparatus and method according to the invention are also disclosed in, for example, European patent application No. 008009.4 filed on Jan. 18, 2000 or the corresponding international patent application PCT / IT01 / 00009 filed Jan. 12, 2001. It can also be used in combination with other types of machines.
[0029]
In general, the invention can be applied separately instead of combining with a knitting machine with corresponding means for removing and handling tubular articles. In fact, after being manufactured in an independent production department, such tubular items can be removed from a container in which the tubular items are randomly set. In that case, the step of preparing the tubular article for the subsequent stitching process is generally performed with the intervention of the operator setting the tubular article to be sewn on a suitable support consisting of the end portion of the tubular duct, for example. As or partially mechanized. The remaining operations of pulling, positioning, stitching and ejection can be mechanized.
[0030]
The invention will be better understood with reference to the following drawings and non-limiting examples illustrating embodiments of the invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0031]
The apparatus for taking out and sewing the tubular article is shown in FIG. 4 in combination with a circular knitting machine, and in FIGS. The internal structure of the take-out device can be seen in FIGS. In some of these drawings, parts of the device have been removed for the sake of simplicity. With reference to the following, the whole of the pick-up device and the stitching device will be described with respect to a single device for picking up goods and sewing the toes. However, it is understood that the pick-up device can be combined with a different device that closes the toes or vice versa.
[0032]
In the accompanying drawings, the apparatus for picking up the tubular article and closing the toes is indicated generally at 1, and the reference numeral 3 designates the entire circular knitting machine for producing the tubular article. Only the essential components of the circular knitting machine 3 are shown, these components can be seen in particular in FIGS. 17-19, with the cylinder 5 of the needle 7 forming a circular needle bed in a manner known per se. Yes. The needle cylinder 5 is supported by a support indicated by reference numeral 9 so as to be rotatable about its own axis, and is set to be rotated by a member (not shown) meshing with the crown gear 11. The members that control the needles 7 of the circular bed are not shown, but are known per se, like all other members of the circular knitting machine 3, and are therefore not described in more detail here.
[0033]
The apparatus 1 includes a substantially U-shaped suction pipe 13, one end of which is indicated by reference numeral 13 </ b> A is hereinafter referred to as an intake end, and the other end of which is indicated by reference numeral 13 </ b> B is hereinafter referred to as an extraction end. The intake end 13 </ b> A is located below the cylinder 5 of the needle 7 of the circular knitting machine 3. In this way, the suction pipe 13 can have any diameter independent of the inner diameter of the cylinder 5.
[0034]
Inside the suction pipe 13, a guide element generally indicated by reference numeral 15 is provided. This guide element 15 (in the illustrated example, has a substantially tubular shape with a circular cross section) extends from the inside of the cylinder 5 of the needle 7 of the circular knitting machine 3 to the outside of the suction pipe 13 through the intake end 13A. The top end of the guide element 15 reaches substantially the knitting forming plane of the circular knitting machine 3.
[0035]
The guide element 15 consists of two parts, one part being indicated by reference numeral 15A and the other part being indicated by reference numeral 15B. These two parts are hinged around the axis of the trace 17 perpendicular to the axis of the suction pipe 13 and the guide element 15 itself (ie the midline). The reason for this configuration will become clearer from the description of the discharge operation of the product with the closed toe.
[0036]
The guide element 15 is supported inside the suction pipe 13 by an intermediate separator, generally indicated at 19, and the components of the intermediate separator 19 are shown in FIGS. The intermediate separator 19 also has the function of dividing the suction pipe 13 into two successive parts, the first part of these two parts extending between the intake end 13A and the intermediate separator 19 and the second part being It extends between the intermediate separator 19 and the extraction end 13B.
[0037]
As shown in detail in FIGS. 8 to 10, the intermediate separator 19 is composed of a pair of jaws 21, 22, which are actuated by respective actuators 23, 24. It consists of a cylinder and piston system. The jaws 21 and 22 are fixed to the stems of the cylinder / piston actuators 23 and 24, and the front contours indicated by reference numerals 21V and 22V are V-shaped. The jaw 21 is provided with a slot, inside which the guide element 15 is held in a coaxial position between the two front contours 21V, 22V, i.e. centered with respect to the suction pipe 15 and gripped by the jaw 22. The front part of is inserted.
[0038]
The jaws 21 and 22 slide on a guide frame 25 fixed to the suction pipe 13.
[0039]
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 (in FIG. 10, the jaws 21 and 22 are shown in a closed state), the jaw 22 has an internal duct denoted by 27, which is the contour of the jaw itself. It is open to 22V and the top part (see especially FIG. 9). The guide frame 25 is provided with a slot-like opening 29 at a position corresponding to the outlet area of the internal duct 27, and a flexible pipe connecting the internal duct 27 to a source of pressurized air (not shown) for purposes that will become apparent below. Or the hose can be arranged.
[0040]
As shown in FIGS. 17, 18 and 19, the guide element 15 has a hollow structure (in the portion 15B), a stem 15C is accommodated in the hollow structure, and the stem 15C terminates in a head 15E (particularly in FIG. 17A), the stem constitutes a telescopic part of the guide element itself. Reference numeral 15D designates an extension spring which acts to return the stem 15C into the hollow tubular portion of the guide element. Pressurized air that can be supplied through the inner duct 27 of the jaw 22 pressurizes the inner region of the hollow portion 15B of the guide element 15 to overcome the force of the extension spring 15D and reach the position shown in FIGS. In FIG. 20, the stem 15 </ b> C is shown in a retracted position inside the hollow portion of the guide element 15.
[0041]
In order to allow the passage of tubular items that must pass along the suction pipe 13 (as will become apparent below), the jaws 21, 22 of the intermediate separator 19 can be opened and thus the guide element 15 can be released. Thus, another system for temporarily supporting the guide element 15 in the suction pipe 13 is provided. These support means can be clearly seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, and are simplified in the remaining figures. These support means are composed of three sets of sliders 31, 32, 33 positioned in three sections, which are set at intervals along the extension direction of the suction pipe 13. More specifically, two of the three sets of sliders 31, 32, 33, that is, two sets of the three sliders 31, 32 are suction pipes between the suction pipe intake end 13A and the intermediate separator 19. It is positioned on a plane orthogonal to the axis of The set of sliders 33 is positioned in a plane between the intermediate separator 19 and the take-out end portion 13B of the machine induction pipe 13. The set of sliders 31, 32, 33 can be retracted or retracted without protruding into the suction pipe 13 so as to be completely away from the space between the inner wall of the suction pipe 13 and the guide element 15. Alternatively, each set of sliders can be displaced radially inward to engage the guide element 15 and support the guide element 15 in the suction pipe 13. By operating these sets of sliders 31, 32, 33 in synchronism, a circular needle bed 37 along the suction pipe 13 towards the extraction end 13B of the suction pipe 13 (in a manner clarified below). The tubular product released from the can be transported.
[0042]
The suction pipe 13 comprises an end portion 13C, which can move at an angle about its own axis relative to the rest of the suction pipe. In the suction pipe 13, the rotational movement of the end portion 13C is generated by an actuator 35 such as a stepper motor. The stepper motor suctions the angular position of the portion 13C of the suction pipe 13 in order to properly orient the tubular article before stitching the toes of the tubular article, as will be clear from the detailed description of the mode of operation of the overall device. Adjustment is possible with respect to the remaining part of the pipe 13 (fixed to the support structure).
[0043]
The take-out end portion 13 </ b> B of the suction pipe 13 is provided with a stitching region indicated as a whole by 37. This area has the function of removing the tubular item from the suction pipe 13, turning it over and stitching, closing the toes of the item and reinserting the item into the suction pipe 13 for final release from the device. A plurality of members are arranged.
[0044]
The stitching area 37 is provided with a unit 39 that surrounds the suction pipe 13, more precisely the part 13 C of the suction pipe 13. The unit 39 supports a member that flips over the tubular item before sewing the expansion member and the tubular item in a manner that will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The unit 39 can move in the axial direction along the end portion 13C of the suction pipe 13 in the direction indicated by the arrow ff39. For this purpose, an actuator 43 for controlling the movement of the sliding guide member 41 and the unit 39 is provided.
[0045]
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 that forms part of the unit 39 and is coaxial with the axis of the portion 13C of the suction pipe 13. The ring 45 supports a number of radial pushers 47 that constitute a member that flips the tubular article before the toes are stitched together. Each radial pusher 47 has a radially movable part controlled by a corresponding actuator 49, for example a small cylinder and piston actuator. Below the ring 45, the unit 39 comprises a wall 51 that defines an internal suction chamber 53. The internal suction chamber 53 is connected to the suction line via the opening 55, and the connection portion of the suction line to the suction chamber 53 is indicated by reference numeral 57.
[0046]
Five shaping plates 59 are provided in the suction chamber 53 of the unit 39, and these shaping plates 59 are supported by a rotating spindle 61. Each shaping plate 59 supports a stem 63 parallel to the spindle 61 itself at a position spaced from the corresponding support spindle 61. The shaping plate 59 (see in particular FIG. 12 with the overlapping pushers 47, their actuators 49 and the ring 45 removed for the sake of simplicity), relative to the axis of the suction pipe 13 at the first angular position of the spindle 61. More precisely, a substantially continuous wall perpendicular to the end portion 13C of the suction pipe 13 is formed. The wall formed by the shaping plate 59 is provided with a central hole 65 for purposes that will become apparent later.
[0047]
The shaping plate 59 is controlled to open simultaneously by vibrating each spindle 61 around its own axis. For this purpose, the mechanism shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is provided. This mechanism includes a pinion 67 fixed to the bottom end of each spindle 61 and meshing with the internal crown gear 69. By rotation, the pinion 67 and the spindle 61 are spontaneously rotated. The rotation of the internal crown gear 69 is obtained by a pinion 70, which is fixed to a shaft 72, and this shaft 72 is driven to rotate around the axis of the shaft 72 itself by a cylinder / piston actuator 74.
[0048]
On the unit 39, there is provided a gripping member which is generally aligned with the end portion 13C of the suction pipe 13 and which indicates the whole of the tubular article to be sewn, which is denoted by reference numeral 71. This gripping member includes a pair of brackets 73 (see FIGS. 1 to 3, 5 and 6 in particular), and these brackets 73 can move toward and away from each other as indicated by a double arrow f73. The movement in the direction indicated by the arrow f73 is obtained by a pair of cylinder / piston actuators which are combined with the bracket 73 and supported by a structure (particularly see FIGS. 5 and 6) having a movable part following the horizontal axis X and the vertical axis Y. It is done. As will become apparent below, the bracket 73 penetrates into the suction pipe 13, grips the edge of the tubular article and pulls it together to transfer it to the stitching machine for subsequent stitching operations. Can approach.
[0049]
The structure that supports the member 71 that holds the tubular article is supported by a base structure 75, and the base structure 75 is fixed to a fixed frame, for example, the frame of the circular knitting machine 3. The base structure 75 supports a pair of bars 77 and 79 that are substantially linear. The bar 77 is fixed to a portion of the metal member 81 that can be moved as indicated by a double arrow f81 by a cylinder / piston actuator (not shown). In this way, the bar 77 can move toward and away from the bar 79 that is instead fixed to the base plate 75.
[0050]
A comb-shaped structure 83 is provided below the fixed linear bar 79, and the comb-shaped structure 83 is shown separately in FIG. The comb structure 83 comprises a number of teeth 85 and consists of two parts 83A, 83B which are connected to each other and define an intermediate seat for sliding of the cutting blade 87. The comb structure 83 can move in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the fixed linear bar 79 as indicated by a double-headed arrow f83 (see particularly FIG. 6). The cutting blade 87 housed in the comb structure 83 moves together with the comb structure 83 and follows the movement of the comb structure 83 as indicated by an arrow f83. This movement is obtained by a cylinder / piston actuator or equivalent actuator shown at 89 in FIG.
[0051]
As seen particularly in FIG. 16, the cutting blade 87 includes a number of slots 87A, which are inclined with respect to the cutting edge 87B of the blade 87. Pins 83C are inserted into the slots 87A, and these pins 83C are fixed to the portion 83B of the comb structure 83. The blade 87 extends at one end thereof to form an attached portion 87C, and a slot 87D perpendicular to the cutting edge 87B of the blade itself is formed in the attached portion 87C. A slider 91 having a movable portion that is parallel to the cutting edge 87B and is operated by a cylinder / piston actuator or an equivalent actuator 93 is engaged with the slot 87D. In particular, the actuator 93 is supported by a base plate 75 as shown in FIG. The slot 87D allows the cutting blade 87 to move in a direction orthogonal to the cutting edge 87B so as to follow the movement indicated by the double-directional arrow f83 of the comb-shaped structure 83, and is always mechanically connected to the actuator 93. To maintain. Due to the operation of the actuator 93, a thrust force is generated on the blade 87 in the direction shown by the arrow f87 (FIG. 16). A motion with one component and one component that is orthogonal occurs. The action of this movement is the action of cutting the loop of the seam row into which the comb structure 83 is inserted in order to sew the toes of the tubular article so that it will become clear below.
[0052]
The stitching area 37 is further provided with a stitching machine denoted as a whole by reference numeral 95, and is shown separately from other machine members in FIG. The stitching machine 95 is omitted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 for the sake of simplicity. The sewing machine includes a sewing needle 96 and a mouth 99 for sucking a sewing thread. Reference numeral 101 denotes a so-called “鈎 needle” which gives a vertical movement to the sewing thread which is supplied from the thread winding and which is appropriately picked up by the sewing needle 96. The configuration of the needle 101 is shown purely as an example. The scissors may be of the rotating or vibrating type, for example. Similarly, the form of the needle cooperating with the heel needle may be different. The structure of the stitching machine 95 is of a type known per se to those skilled in the art and is therefore not described in further detail here. Any type of stitching performed with the needle 96 will be described in more detail with reference to the operation of the apparatus.
[0053]
The sewing machine 95 is actuated by an actuator denoted by reference numeral 97 in FIG. 4 as a whole, and sews as shown by an arrow f95 in FIG.
[0054]
The sewing machine 95 is combined with a holding member that holds the tubular article after the toes are sewn together to cut the fiber portion outside the seam. This holding member is generally designated by reference numeral 103, the position of the holding member relative to the other members of the apparatus is shown in FIG.
[0055]
The holding member 103 includes a pair of bars 105, and these bars 105 are substantially parallel to the movable portion of the stitching machine 95, the fixed bar 77, and the movable bar 79. The holding bar 105 moves perpendicular to its extension in the direction indicated by the double arrow f105 in FIG. In this way, the holding bars can move towards each other to hold the item and move away from each other to release the item. This movement is obtained by a cylinder / piston actuator (not shown) housed in the structure of the holding member 103 fixed to the sewing machine 95. Since the holding member 103 is fixed to the sewing machine 95, the holding member 103 is moved integrally with the sewing machine when the sewing machine 95 performs the sewing operation in the direction of the arrow f95. This allows the bar 105 to be aligned with the tubular items that are sewn together.
[0056]
Further, after the cutting operation by the blade 87, a system for removing the remainder of the thread is fixed to the stitching machine 95. This system is designated as a whole by the reference numeral 107, and the position of the device relative to the other members is shown in FIG. Has been. The structure of the removal system 107 in a possible embodiment is shown in the perspective view of FIG. The removal system 107 comprises one or more brush members 109, which rotate around the axis of the vertical axis inserted into the suction port 111 and pass through the suction port 111 by the brush member 109 to form a tubular article. The remainder of the yarn separated from is sucked away.
[0057]
The operation of the above-described apparatus will be exemplified below with particular reference to FIGS.
[0058]
FIG. 17 shows the last step of knitting the tubular article M with the needles 7 of the circular bed of the circular knitting machine 3. The tubular item begins to be knitted from edge B1, which is the bottom portion in FIG. 17 and remains open in the finished item. If the tubular article M is a sock, the edge constitutes an elastic edge of the sock. Edge B2 is formed in the final knitting process, and this edge B2 is stitched together to form a closed toe of the final product.
[0059]
During the formation of the tubular article M, the tubular article M itself is between the cylinder 5 of the needle 7 and the guide element 15, more precisely between the part of the guide element projecting against the intake end 13 A of the suction pipe 13. Set to the space. In this step, the intermediate separator 19 set along the suction pipe 13 is closed, so that the jaws 21, 22 grip the guide element 15 and hold it in position in the suction pipe 13. Preferably, at least one of the set of sliders 31, 32 is also gripped and these sliders engage the guide elements. The portion of the suction pipe between the intake end portion 13 </ b> A and the intermediate separator 19 is maintained at a negative pressure through the suction port portion 14 set adjacent to the intermediate separator 19 on the intake side of the suction pipe 13. The suction port 14 is connected to a suction fan or the like (not shown).
[0060]
The stem 15 </ b> C that can be extracted from the guide element 15 is previously pushed to the extraction position by pressurized air supplied through the jaws of the separator member 19. In this extraction position, the head 15E of the stem 15C comes on the plane of the plate 59 and these plates are opened to pass the head itself. When the shaping plate 59 is closed, the stem 15C remains engaged with the head 15E on the plate itself through the hole 65 between the shaping plates 59. This means that even if there is no pressure in the guide element 15 and therefore the jaws of the separator member 19 are open, it remains in the extraction position. In this embodiment, the stem 63 fixed to the plate 59 is above the axis of the stem 15C, and the radial load on the stem 63 is reduced for reasons that will become clear below. The seat is at least partially housed in a seat formed in the stem below.
[0061]
When the tubular article M is completed by the circular bed of the needle 7 of the circular knitting machine 3, the tubular article M is removed from the needle and as a result of the negative pressure in the suction pipe 13, it reaches the position shown in FIG. That is, it is sucked until it approaches the intermediate separator 19. The movement of the item M along the suction pipe 13 is guided by the guide element 15, and the item M slides in the free space between the inner wall of the suction pipe 13 and the guide element 15. The sliders 31, 32 are alternately opened and closed in order to be able to pass the product M image across the cross section on which the sliders 31, 32 act, so that only one of the set of sliders, i. Or 32 is engaged with the guide element 15. In this way, the tubular article M can pass beyond the portion where the slider is set, and can reach the position shown in FIG.
[0062]
In order for the tubular item M to reach the extraction end 13B of the suction pipe 13 so that the tubular item M is supported by the wall formed by the shaping plate 59 in the position shown in FIG. Are released by moving them away from each other. Then, the suction through the mouth portion 14 is stopped, and the suction through the suction line connected to the chamber 53 in the movable unit 39 through the connection portion 57 is activated. This latter suction can be activated in the previous step, ie the step shown in FIG.
[0063]
In this way, the tubular article M reaches the position shown in FIG. 19 and is supported by the wall formed by the closed form of the shaping plate 59. In this case, the movement of the tubular article M is guided by the guide element 15 extending to the shaping 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 goods to pass through. The opening of the slider 33 can be synchronized with a new movement of the closing of the intermediate separator 19 so that the guide element 15 is always properly held in a substantially central position in the suction pipe 13. Alternatively, lateral support of the guide element can also be obtained at least in part by engaging a hole in the wall defined by the plate 59.
[0064]
The function of the subsequent process is to take the tubular item M from the suction pipe 13, turn it over and close it, thereby sewing the edge B2 of the item to form a closed toe.
[0065]
For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 20 (only the end region of the suction pipe 13 is shown), the plates 59 are rotated by a rotating spindle 61 so as to displace the stems 63 fixed to these plates 59 radially outward. Displaced.
[0066]
Since both the plate 59 and the stem 63 are located above the take-out end 13B and thus outside the suction pipe 13, the branching movement of the stem 63 prevents the stem 63 from being defined by the edge of the suction pipe 13. It can be extended to the part coming to the outer radial position outside the part (shown in FIG. 20). In this position, the fiber portion of the article M close to the edge B1 is stretched so as to be substantially outside the obstructing portion of the suction pipe 13.
[0067]
When the stem 63 engages the tubular article M, the telescopic stem 15C of the guide element 15 is retracted into the part 15B of the guide element 15, thus reducing the pressure in the part 15B of the guide element 15. . The retraction of the stem is obtained by the action of the extension spring 15. In FIG. 20, the stem 15C is shown in the retracted position.
[0068]
By moving the unit 39 vertically downward as indicated by the arrow f39, the stems 63 come to positions where they are set laterally outward and laterally with respect to the extraction end 13B of the suction pipe 13. The tubular article is engaged with the stem 63, and therefore follows the stem 63 and surrounds the suction pipe 13 from the outside in the region surrounding the extraction end 13B of the suction pipe 13. The unit 39 continues to descend until the stem 63 is completely released from the tubular article M (FIG. 22).
[0069]
In order to withdraw the tubular item M completely from within the suction pipe 13, turn the tubular item M over the outer surface of the suction pipe 13 and turn it over, the pusher 47 is pressed against the tubular item M (FIG. 23), and the unit 39 is moved to the arrow f39. As shown in FIG. 24, it is further displaced downward (FIG. 24). In this manner, the further downward movement of the movable unit 39 indicated by the arrow f39 causes the tubular article M to be pulled along the outer surface of the suction pipe 13 until the unit 39 reaches the position shown in FIG. In this position, the tubular article M is completely outside the suction pipe 13. The tubular article M is turned over with respect to the form knitted by the circular knitting machine 3. The pusher 47 is branched again to release the tubular item M which remains in the position shown in FIG. 25 and grips on the outer surface of the suction pipe 13 due to the flexibility of the tubular item M itself (and in particular the first edge B1). If the tubular article M is particularly long, the downward stroke of the unit 39 by the pusher 47 in the closed position can be repeated a number of times, returning the unit 39 after each prior opening of the pusher 47 so that the pusher 47 Prevents the tubular article from being pulled upward again during the upward stroke.
[0070]
As shown in FIG. 24, the suction pipe 13 is provided with two slits 13D, and these slits 13D extend in a direction parallel to the axis of the suction pipe with a certain stretch from the take-out end 13B, that is, the edge of the suction pipe 13. Yes. The function of these slits is to allow the bracket 73 to grip the tubular item M and to slide the tubular item M partially from the suction pipe 13 to close the toe of the item by stitching. However, prior to performing this operation, the tubular article M may require angular positioning.
[0071]
In fact, the seam line that is intended to close the toe of the item must be oriented very accurately with respect to the item itself, usually defining the heel and toe area of the pocket, i.e. the sock or stocking foot. It represents the portion of the fiber that is to be formed. The stitch line must be very accurately positioned relative to these pockets of fiber. In order to properly orient the tubular item prior to the stitching operation, the item may be marked during the knitting operation, for example by several stitches of yarns of a different color from the yarn color of the item. The marking obtained in this way can be detected by a photocell (not shown) set near the extraction end 13B of the suction pipe 13. Orientation of the tubular article M at an appropriate angle is obtained at this point by rotating the portion 13C of the suction pipe 13 by means of an actuator 35 about its own axis. This rotation is a movement that moves the device from the position of FIG. 24 to the position of FIG. These two figures actually differ only with respect to the different positions of the slit 13D formed near the extraction end 13D of the suction pipe 13. The deviation in angular position between the two drawings represents the amount by which the portion 13C of the suction pipe 13 is rotated relative to the rest of the suction pipe itself in order to move the tubular article to the correct angular position.
[0072]
During this step of angular positioning, or in any case at an appropriate moment, unit 39 is returned upward until the position shown in FIG. 26 is reached, and pusher 47 remains in the retracted position, i.e. No contact with tubular items during movement.
[0073]
When the unit 39 reaches the top position shown in FIG. 26, the pusher is closed again so as to press the tubular article M against the outer surface of the suction pipe 13 in the vicinity of the extraction end 13B of the suction pipe 13. When the tubular item M is re-engaged by pressing the tubular item M against the outer surface of the portion 13C of the suction pipe 13, the portion 13C causes the slits 13D to enter their initial position, ie the axis of the portion 13C of the suction pipe. And can be rotated again to move to a plane perpendicular to the plane of FIG. This rotational movement of the portion 13C of the suction pipe 13 again obtained by the actuator 35 does not cause an angular movement of the tubular article M as long as the tubular article M is held by a pusher 47 that is advantageously coated with a material with a high coefficient of friction. . In this way, the portion 13C of the suction pipe 13 slides and rotates within the tubular item M, that is, slides on the inner surface of the tubular item M.
[0074]
In the form of FIG. 26, the tubular article M is in the correct angular position for subsequent stitching operations and can therefore be picked up by the bracket 73 of the gripping member 71. The brackets 73 approaching each other are lowered for this purpose in the suction pipe 13 according to a plane perpendicular to the plane shown in FIG. 26 until they move to the position shown in FIG. 27 representing the longitudinal section of the suction pipe 13. Accordingly, the bracket 73 is located on a plane including the axis A of the portion 13C of the suction pipe 13,
A slit 13D is also located on this plane. In this way, as shown by arrow Df73 in FIG. 27, the bracket 73 is branched to pull the edge B2 of the tubular article M, thus closing the two flaps of the edge together. The branching motion of the bracket 73 is combined with the lifting motion of the bracket, thus reaching the final position shown in FIG. In the final stage of the lifting movement of the bracket 73, the pusher 47 holds the tubular item M and can therefore be brought back into the suction pipe 13 to pull the tubular item M longitudinally.
[0075]
In this position, the edge B2 of the tubular article M is stretched or pulled by the bracket 73 so that the two flaps of the edge are aligned with each other. The brackets 73 move to the vertical position so that their bottom ends are slightly above the straight bars 77,79. Accordingly, the straight bars 77 and 79 are close to each other and grip the tubular article M at an appropriate position of the edge B2. This is shown schematically in FIG. 29, which shows a longitudinal section according to a plane orthogonal to the plane of FIG. The straight bar 77 approaches the fixed bar 79. In FIG. 28, L1 and L2 indicate two suspended lower ends of the edge B2 that are close to each other as a result of the tension of the edge B2 performed by the bracket 73 of the gripping member 71. The item can be pulled by a slight downward movement of the unit 39 by the pusher 47.
[0076]
FIG. 29A is a schematic enlarged view of the region showing the hanging ends L1, L2 of the fibers that form the edges of the tubular article to be closed. As shown in the schematic cross-section of the fibers, the fibers show a series of rows X2 set on bars 77, 79, some of which are made of thicker yarns than the other rows. The thick row described above forms a portion of relatively thick fiber that is supported on bars 77, 79 set side by side. The bars 77, 79 need not necessarily be pressed against the fibers so that they remain appropriately free to slide in the lateral direction. Retention in the longitudinal direction is ensured by supporting on the bars 77, 79 a relatively thick portion of fiber obtained with the thick thread indicated by FG in FIG. The portion of the tubular article consisting of row X2 is removed in a subsequent cutting operation, so that it is usually made of yarn of lower quality than the yarn of the remaining portion of tubular article M.
[0077]
During the stitching operation, the edge formed in the row X2 can be lifted and held by suction through the suction port, which is combined with the stitching machine 95 and indicated generally at 102 in FIGS.
[0078]
Due to the movement in the direction indicated by the arrow f 83, the comb structure 83 is at this point immediately below the row in which the teeth 85 of the comb structure 83 are set to face the comb structure 83, that is, directly below the straight bars 77 and 79. Is pushed toward the tubular article M until it penetrates the seam or loop of the row located at. As shown in detail with reference to FIG. 44 and subsequent drawings and as seen in the diagram of FIG. 29A, the loop in the row (indicated by X1) can conveniently insert the teeth 85 of the comb structure 83. In order to be longer than the remaining loops of the item.
[0079]
The movement of the comb structure 83 in the direction indicated by the arrow F83 is controlled by the above-described actuator 89 (see FIG. 6), although not shown in FIG. 29 for the sake of brevity. The closing movement of the linear bars 77, 79 and the subsequent movement of the comb structure 83 are shown in turn in FIGS. 30, 31 and 32, which show these movements in schematic plan view.
[0080]
When the teeth 85 of the comb structure 83 pass through the individual loops of each row in the tubular article M, the movable linear bar 77 is connected to the seam below the row through which the teeth 85 of the comb structure 83 penetrate. It can be retracted so that the members of the stitching machine 95 that sew along the loop of rows can be inserted. The stitching operation is schematically shown in FIG.
[0081]
In FIG. 33, the needle 96, the mouth 99, and the heel needle 101 of the stitching machine 95 are shown. A comb structure 83 can also be seen and is inserted into the seam or loop of the tubular article M in the corresponding row. The stitching area is shown enlarged in FIG. In FIG. 34, the comb structure 83 and the corresponding teeth 85 are shown in two parts 83A, 83B (separated from each other in the perspective view of FIG. 16) connected to each other and having a blade 87 therebetween. The blade is in this form in a retracted position, ie, a position set rearward with respect to the teeth 85.
[0082]
The movement of the sewing machine members and in particular the needle 96 and the heel needle 101 supplying the sewing thread F is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the needle 96 is a so-called piston needle, that is, a needle provided with an opening / closing member 96A. Such needles are known per se from the prior art, in particular from the patents cited in the preamble of this description. However, other types of needles and / or acupuncture needles can be used. For example, a latch needle or an eye needle may be used. The sequence of stitching operations is clearly shown in FIG. 35 and is known per se for other types of applications, so a detailed description is not necessary here.
[0083]
However, for reasons that will become more apparent from FIG. 44 and the subsequent figures, the pitch of the seam formed by the stitching machine 95 with the needle 96 is the pitch of the comb structure 83 and its teeth 85, ie the row X1. It should be appreciated that it is smaller than the loop pitch. In particular, it can be envisaged that the pitch of the seams is equal to half or one third of the pitch of the loops in the row X1 and thus the teeth 85 of the comb structure 83.
[0084]
36, 37 and 38 show the subsequent cutting process of the loop of the row X2 into which the teeth 85 of the comb structure 83 are inserted. Before carrying out this cutting operation, the drooping lower end portions L1 and L2 of the tubular article M joined to each other by the seam indicated by C in FIGS. 36 to 38 were supported by the stitching machine 95 forming the seam C. It is gripped and held by the holding bar 105 of the holding member 103. Thereby, the tubular article M can be held even after performing the cutting operation. The cutting is performed by moving the blade 87 housed in the comb structure 83 so as to move from the position of FIG. 36 to the position of FIG. By this movement, the blade 87 cuts all the loops of the row X2 in which the teeth 85 of the comb structure 83 are inserted in advance.
[0085]
At this point, the comb structure 83 can be moved away from the item to reach the position shown in FIG. 38, while the tubular item M is provided for this purpose and previously held close together. It is held by the bar 105. The cutting thread debris on the seam C is removed by a removal device 107, which is schematically shown in FIG. 39 with a brush having a horizontal axis parallel to the bar 105, but in practice FIG. It can have the shape shown in FIG. 41 shows an enlarged view of an operating mechanism (in this case, having a vertical axis) of the brush 109 for removing the yarn wastes indicated by the symbol FR in FIG.
[0086]
When the above sewing, cutting and lint removal operations are completed, the article M can be removed from the apparatus after being turned back again so as to be in the final form corresponding to the form when it was made on the circular knitting machine 3. For this purpose, in order to return the item to the front by the movement of the unit 39 and the action of the slider 47, a reversing operation is performed with respect to the previously performed reversing operation. At this time, the product whose toes are closed with the seam C is sucked through the suction port 16 (FIG. 43) and removed from the apparatus, and negative pressure is applied to the suction pipe 13 through the suction port 16. Is added.
[0087]
Moving the part 15B of the guide element 15 relative to the part 15A around the hinge axis 17 facilitates removal, so that the part 15B of the guide element is on the side opposite to the side on which the suction port 16 is provided. Thus, a wide passage is formed in contact with the inner wall of the suction pipe 13 to move the tubular article M sewn toward the suction port 16.
[0088]
When the above operation is completed, the apparatus returns to the configuration shown in FIG. 17 in order to sew the subsequent tubular article M that has begun to be formed on the circular knitting machine 3.
[0089]
44, 45 and 46 show in detail the knitted structure of the edge part B2 of the tubular article M for closing with the previously described seam. FIG. 44 shows a portion of the edge region B2 of the tubular article. The symbol X1 represents a relatively long seam or loop BX1 row into which the teeth 85 of the comb structure 83 are inserted. As clearly shown in FIG. 44, the loop BX1 is longer than the remaining loop BX which is located below and forms the body of the tubular article.
[0090]
On the row X1, there are provided a number of rows X2 consisting of the same yarns or inferior yarns as the yarns forming the lower row loops or stitches BX. The loop or stitch in row X2 has the same dimensions as loop BX.
[0091]
In FIG. 44, C is a seam formed by a stitching machine. As shown in FIG. 44, the seam C is formed at a position corresponding to the stitch row X3 located below the stitch row X1. In other words, the seam C is formed in a row of stitches or loops adjacent to the row in which the teeth 85 of the comb structure 83 are inserted and is substantially different compared to a normal seam made on a linking machine.
[0092]
Further, the pitch of the stitches C is greater than the pitch or loop pitch of the item rows X3 and X1 and any other rows. This is also substantially different from the normal way of curving tubular items, where the seam has exactly the same pitch as the stitched stitch or loop pitch. The pitch of seam C, which is smaller than the loop pitch, is selected such that the gripping of any possible abrupt failure of the rope by the teeth 85 of the comb structure 83 does not adversely affect the final result of the stitching operation. In fact, even if two adjacent loops are taken into the same tooth 85 of the comb structure 83, the seam C (which has a relatively small pitch) grips the loop and thus the item can be completely stitched together. Instead, in conventional linking machines, if the item to be sewn is incorrectly hooked onto the hook of the machine, the product will result in an irreparable defect that must be rejected as a defective product.
[0093]
Basically, the loops of the row X3 are sewn together by joining the loops of the drooping lower end L1 to the corresponding loops of the drooping lower end L2 by the stitches formed by the sewing thread forming the seam C. The sewing thread forms a seam chain, and a seam that does not join the two hanging ends of the tubular article is disposed between the stitches joining the two hanging ends.
[0094]
FIG. 45 shows two portions of the stitch or loop row X3 to be stitched together. The separate display of this individual row of stitches or loops X3 clearly shows the stitching state occurring at a pitch greater than the loop pitch. Reference numerals XC1 and XC2 indicate loops formed by sewing threads. More specifically, the loop XC1 is a loop that engages with the yarns forming both loops of the lower end of the edge M1 of the article M set side by side, and XC2 is two lower ends. The loop formed with the sewing thread which does not join a part is shown. In this example, the seam is a single chain seam, but different embodiments are not excluded.
[0095]
FIG. 46 shows the article in the stitching area in the same manner as that shown in FIG. 44, but shows a state after the cutting operation with the blade 47. As previously described, the cut is made in row X1, ie the row in which the comb structure tooth 85 is inserted. Unlike what is done with conventional linking machines, the stitches or loops in this row separated by cutting are precisely relatively long, and in the case of conventional linking machines, they are hooked on the hooks of such linking machines. The row of stitches formed is a row in which sewing is performed. In contrast, in the case of the present invention, the cutting is performed in adjacent rows outside the seam, i.e. in the row set on the opposite side of the row of hooks to the side on which the body of the tubular article is set.
[0096]
44 and 46 schematically show that the first row of row X2, ie the row immediately after row X1, is formed of a yarn FG with a large cross section that can be easily bent. Instead of the first row of row X2, the row immediately following it can be formed with a yarn with a large cross section, or one or more rows can be formed with a yarn with a large cross section. The function of this thread is as previously illustrated with respect to the step of preparing the article for the stitching operation.
[0097]
As explained before, the row of stitches in a normal tubular article extends spirally. According to an improved embodiment of the present invention, in order to stitch or toe the toes more precisely, the stitch rows associated with the seams joining the droops forming the toes are circular instead of spiral. I can envisage being. This is obtained by interrupting the yarn forming the fiber. FIG. 47 schematically shows a part of the rows X1, X2, X3 in the region where the yarn is interrupted. In this embodiment, each row is formed of yarns having a start and end indicated (for each row) by I1, I2, I3 and F1, F2, F3. The resulting fully circular rows X1, X2, X3 of the stitches can be aligned along the comb structure 83 without the teeth 85 being deformed and inserted into the individual loops of the row X1. Similarly, stitches at seam C only involve a row X3 loop and do not interfere with adjacent row loops.
[0098]
With reference to the above figures, a complex device has been illustrated that can be combined with the circular knitting machine 3 to obtain a stitched or curled complete tubular article at the outlet. However, the present invention can be implemented in a simple form, for example by a semi-automatic or almost fully manual device, in any case much more than conventional linking while simultaneously maintaining a high quality finished product. The toes can be closed with an advantageous action.
[0099]
48-53 show a possible embodiment of a manually operated device, where the operator manually inserts the tubular item to close the toe. This device is generally indicated at 201 and has an insertion guide device formed in the form of a guillotine, with two parallel bars defining a passage for inserting a tubular article. Tubular items are indicated by M. The insertion guide device 201 is divided into three parts. The first portion 201A is fixed to the load support structure 203 of the apparatus. The second portion 201B can be moved by pedal control by the action of the actuator 205 so as to approach, for example, a comb-shaped structure indicated by reference numeral 207 having the same function as the comb-shaped structure 83 described above.
[0100]
The two possible positions of the second part 201B of the guide device 201 can be seen in FIGS. In FIG. 48, the second portion 201B is aligned with the first portion 201A, whereas in FIG. 49, the second portion 201B is in contact with the comb structure.
[0101]
The third portion 201C of the guide device 201 is fixed to the structure of the device, and is aligned with the second portion 201B when the second portion 201B is in the position of FIG.
[0102]
The comb structure 207 in this case consists of a number of rigid components 207A, which are joined together in a flexible manner and fastened to a chain 209 and run on two wheels 211. A closed orbit-type comb structure is formed, and one of the two wheels 211 is motor-driven.
[0103]
Reference numeral 213 generally indicates a stitching machine similar to the stitching machine described above, shown separately in FIG. 50, and in FIG. 51 in combination with a part of the comb structure, ie one of the wheels 211. Is shown. The stitching machine 213 includes a needle 215 and a vibration type heel needle 217.
[0104]
In particular, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 52, the comb-shaped structure 207 has a slit extending into its teeth 208, through which the disk-shaped element 219 can pass, and the disk-shaped element 219 is supported by the shaft 221. The shaft 221 is rotationally driven by a motor 223.
[0105]
As shown in the plan view of FIG. 53, a guide contour member 225 is provided in the lower stitching region of the comb structure 207, and the guide contour member 225 includes the first linear portion 225A and the subsequent curved portion. 225B. Curved portion 225B has a rotational axis perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 53 and is substantially parallel to the edge of wheel 227 driven by a motor (not shown). The wheel 227 is located below the disk-shaped blade 219 and has the function of pulling along the tubular article during the cutting operation, as will be described in detail below.
[0106]
The above apparatus operates as follows. Individual items are inserted into the first portion 201A of the guide device 201. The item is manually pressed to the second portion 201B of the guide device 201. At this point, the operator pulls the item and, by means of a special control device, inserts the second portion 201B against the comb structure so that the comb structure teeth 208 are inserted into the loop of the item. Displace. The article has a knitted structure equivalent to that previously described, and has the same purpose columns X1, X2, X3 with the dimensions previously described. When the comb structure 207 engages the item, the comb structure 207 advances in the direction indicated by arrow F207 and carries the item to the stitching machine. Here, the sewing operation and the cutting operation by the disk-type blade 219 are performed. The lint is removed by the brush 231.
[0107]
FIG. 54 shows a different embodiment of a device 301 for semi-automatic stitching of tubular items. This device includes a device 303 for positioning and pulling an article and a stitching assembly 305 similar to the devices of FIGS. 48-53.
[0108]
The positioning and pulling device 303 includes a circular table 307 that rotates about a fixed shaft 309. The circular rotary table 307 supports a number of suction pipes 311, and the rear portions (not shown) of these suction pipes 311 are connected to a suction device. The suction pipe 311 performs the same operation as that performed by the end portion 13C of the suction pipe 13 described above. The suction pipe 311 includes end slits 311, and a bracket 313 that is equivalent to the bracket 73 described with respect to the first embodiment and is combined with the unit 305 is inserted into these end slits 311.
[0109]
The fixed shaft 309 supports a large number (four in the illustrated example) of guide members 315, and the corresponding actuator 317 controls the conversion movement of the corresponding ring 319 in parallel with the shaft 309 and the suction pipe 311. The ring 319 supports a number of pushers 321 equivalent to the pusher 47. Guide member 315 defines four stations with corresponding rings 319 and pushers 321 through which each suction pipe 311 passes to properly position the tubular article to be stitched.
[0110]
The operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 54 will be described below. Each tubular article is inserted into a suction pipe 311 with its edge at position 311X. The operator inserts the edge of the item into the suction pipe, leaving the elastic starting end or wide portion of the item outside the pipe so that the item wraps around the pipe. The turntable 307 rotates one step to move the suction pipe with the tubular article attached to the next station, and the axial movement of each ring 319 parallel to the pipe and the action of the pusher 321 causes the tubular article to move from the previous implementation. In the same manner as that illustrated with reference to FIG. 24, the configuration is reversed outside the suction pipe.
[0111]
Subsequent one-step rotation moves the suction pipe to the next station where it directs the tubular article in the same manner as described with reference to FIGS.
[0112]
Further, by one step of rotation, the suction pipe is aligned with the bracket 313 to pick up the tubular article and insert it into the guillotine type guide member of the device 305. From this position, except that the tubular article remains engaged at the outer edge of the suction pipe which is displaced one step further than the rotation of the rotating table 307 during or at the end of the stitching operation. 48 to 53, the operation is the same as that described for the apparatus of FIGS.
[0113]
The last ring 319 is used with the corresponding pusher 321 to return the tubular item again, and the tubular item is removed by suction through the pipe in the same manner as described for the first embodiment. .
[0114]
Thus, the apparatus of FIG. 54 operates in a semi-automatic configuration, with the only manual operation being to install tubular items on individual suction pipes, and all subsequent operation cycles are performed automatically.
[0115]
The system for turning over items may be in different forms. For example, instead of the ring 319 and the pusher 321, a shaping rubber wheel that cooperates with the surface of the suction pipe 311 can be used. This applies to the first station and the item is first turned over outside the suction pipe.
[0116]
The drawings merely illustrate possible embodiments of the invention merely to illustrate the actual aspects of the invention, and may be modified with respect to the embodiments and configurations without departing from the scope of the invention. Is understood. The reference signs in the claims are only for easy understanding from the viewpoints of the above description and drawings, and do not limit the scope of protection defined in the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[0117]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for picking up a tubular knitted fabric from a cylinder of a circular knitting machine and a device for stitching up the toes of an article.
FIG. 2 is a side view taken along the line II-II in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an apparatus combined with a circular knitting machine.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a part of a stitching region in which elements are omitted for simplifying the drawing.
6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the same elements from different observation points.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a stitching machine that closes the toe of a tubular article picked up by a pickup device.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an intermediate separator provided along the suction pipe of the pickup device.
9 is a view showing an internal member of the intermediate separator of FIG.
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of an intermediate separator.
FIG. 11 shows a movable axial unit that supports a member that flips and prepares a tubular article to sew an expansion member and a toe.
12 shows the unit of FIG. 11 with parts removed.
13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the unit of FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG.
14 is a view seen from below along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a pair of bars that hold items during the initial process of swallowing toes.
FIG. 16 shows a comb structure engaged with an article during sewing and a cutting member housed in the comb structure.
FIG.
FIG. 28 shows a device for picking up an item (or a part of the device), an expansion member and a member for turning the item upside down and preparing the toe for cross-section through the axis of the suction pipe, 17A is an enlarged view of the outer region of the suction pipe.
29 is a sectional view taken along line XXIX-XXIX in FIG. 28. FIG.
29A is an enlarged view of the central region of FIG. 29. FIG.
FIG. 30
FIG. 32 shows a pair of bars that hold the article and comb structure in the process of inserting the comb structure into each row of stitches as a pre-process for stitching the article and stitching the toes. It is sectional drawing along line XXX-XXX.
FIG. 33 is a view showing a comb structure and a stitching machine inserted into an article during stitching.
FIG. 34 is an enlarged view of the details of FIG.
FIG. 35 is a schematic view showing the action of the needle of the stitching machine during the stitching operation.
FIG. 36
FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a step of cutting a loop of a row of tubular items into which a comb structure is inserted.
FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a process of removing thread waste after cutting a loop adjacent to the stitching row.
41 is a diagram showing details of FIG. 40. FIG.
FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a system for removing thread debris.
FIG. 43 is an axial cross-sectional view of the end portion of the suction pipe in the step of removing the tubular article after the sewing operation.
FIG. 44
FIG. 46 is a schematic view showing a weaving operation performed on an article during toe stitching.
FIG. 47 is a schematic diagram showing a row with stitching in an improved embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 48 and
FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a semi-automatic stitching device according to the present invention in two different operating positions.
49A is an enlarged view of the details of FIG. 49. FIG.
50 is a perspective view of a stitching machine combined with the apparatus of FIGS. 48 and 49 with parts removed. FIG.
FIG. 51
53 shows details of the stitching and cutting area of the device of FIGS. 48 and 49. FIG.
FIG. 54 is a perspective view showing another semi-automatic device according to the present invention.

Claims (42)

Setting the two hanging ends of the tubular knitted fabric side by side;
Inserting a comb-shaped structure having a plurality of teeth inside at least one first row loop of the seam at the bottom end;
Stitching together at least one second loop of seams set between the first row of seams and the body of the tubular knitted fabric;
A method for forming a closed toe in a tubular knitted fabric, comprising: opening a loop of a first row of seams. The loops in the second row join each loop in the first row of the two hanging ends to the corresponding loop in the second row of the two hanging ends by a seam formed of a sewing thread. The method of claim 1, wherein the two are sewn together. The sewing thread forms at least one chain of loops, and stitches that do not join the hanging ends of the tubular knitted fabric are arranged at intervals between the stitches that join the two hanging ends. Item 3. The method according to Item 2. 4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the loops in the first row are opened by cutting. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of removing yarn debris generated by cutting the loop in the first row. 4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first row of loops is obtained using easily breakable yarns. The method according to claim 6, wherein the easily breakable yarn is a yarn that can be broken by heating. 8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the first row of loops has a longer length than the second row of loops and the remaining loops forming the tubular knitted fabric. 8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second row of loops is shorter than the first row of loops and longer than the remaining loops of the tubular knitted fabric. 10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one second row loop is stitched with a seam having a pitch smaller than the pitch of the loop. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one second row loop is stitched at a stitching pitch equal to or less than half the pitch of the loop. 12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one second row of loops are sewn together at a stitching pitch that is less than the pitch of the comb structure teeth. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one second row loop is sewn at a stitching pitch equal to or less than half the tooth pitch of the comb structure. Gripping two substantially diametrically opposed portions of the tubular fabric at a position corresponding to the hanging end;
Pulling across the tubular knitted fabric to align the hanging ends with each other;
Pulling the tubular knitted fabric in the longitudinal direction;
Inserting the comb structure into the first row of loops such that each tooth of the comb structure is inserted into a corresponding loop at the first and second bottom ends; ;
Stitching said at least one second row of loops together;
Opening the first row of loops;
The method according to claim 1, comprising: 15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stitching of the second row of loops is performed by a single chain type seam. Knitting a tubular knitted fabric from the first edge to the last edge;
Setting the two hanging ends of the last edge side by side;
Inserting a comb-shaped structure with a plurality of teeth inside at least one first row loop of the seam at the bottom end;
Stitching together loops of at least one second row of seams set between the first row of seams and the body of the tubular knitted fabric;
Opening a loop in the first row of seams. A method for producing a tubular knitted fabric with closed toes. The loops in the second row join each loop in the first row of the two hanging ends to the corresponding loop in the second row of the two hanging ends by a seam formed of a sewing thread. The method according to claim 16, wherein the two are sewn together. The sewing thread forms at least one chain of stitches, and the stitches that do not join the two hanging ends of the tubular knitted fabric are arranged at intervals between the stitches that join the two hanging ends. The method according to claim 17. 19. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the loops in the first row are opened by cutting. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of removing yarn debris generated by cutting the loop in the first row. 19. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the first row of loops is obtained using easily breakable yarns. The method according to claim 21, wherein the easily breakable yarn is a yarn that can be broken by heating. The main body of the product is knitted, and at the end of the knitting of the main body of the product, a loop having a length longer than the loop of the row forming the main body of the product is formed in at least the first row of stitches. The method according to any one of 16-22. 24. A method according to claim 23, characterized in that after the first row of stitches, a fiber strip thicker than the fibers forming the body of the article is formed. 25. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein the at least one second row of loops are stitched together with a seam having a pitch smaller than the pitch of the loops. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the at least one second row loop is stitched at a stitch pitch equal to or less than half of the loop pitch. 27. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 26, wherein the at least one second row of loops are sewn at a stitching pitch that is less than the pitch of the teeth of the comb structure. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least one second row loop is sewn at a stitching pitch equal to or less than half the tooth pitch of the comb structure. Gripping two substantially diametrically opposed portions of the tubular knitted fabric at a position corresponding to the hanging end;
Pulling across the tubular knitted fabric to align the hanging ends with each other;
Pulling the tubular knitted fabric in the longitudinal direction;
Inserting the comb structure into the first row of loops such that each tooth of the comb structure is inserted into a corresponding loop at the first and second bottom ends; ;
Stitching said at least one second row of loops together;
Opening the first row of loops;
29. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 28, comprising: 30. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 29, wherein the stitching of the second row of loops is performed by a single chain type seam. In an apparatus for stitching two hanging ends of a tubular knitted fabric and forming a closed toe of the tubular knitted fabric,
A comb structure with a plurality of teeth engaging the first row of loops of the tubular knitted fabric;
Stitching means comprising at least one needle for stitching together the hanging ends set side by side below the comb structure;
A device characterized by being combined. In order to pull the end edge of the tubular knitted fabric and align the two hanging ends of the tubular knitted fabric with each other, it has a gripping member for gripping one end edge of the tubular knitted fabric at two substantially diametrically opposed sites. 32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein: 33. An apparatus according to claim 31 or claim 32, comprising a cutting member for cutting a loop engaged with the comb structure. The apparatus according to claim 33, further comprising a member for removing lint generated by cutting the loop. Furthermore, it has a pair of substantially linear bars combined with the comb structure and provided in parallel with the comb structure, and a tubular knitted fabric with the hanging ends arranged side by side between these bars The device according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the device is pressed. 36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the comb structure is carried by one of the bars and is movable relative to the bar. 37. The apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 36, wherein a seat for the comb structure is formed in a tooth of the comb structure. The cutting member is provided with a cutting movable part provided with a component parallel to the longitudinal development portion of the comb structure and a component orthogonal to the longitudinal development portion of the comb structure. The apparatus according to any one of 31 to 37. The holding member for holding the tubular knitted fabric between the main body of the tubular knitted fabric and the comb shaped structure during the cutting of the seam engaged with the comb shaped structure is described in any one of claims 31 to 38. The device described. A cutting machine into which an edge of the tubular knitted fabric is inserted, so that the cutting machine and the comb structure can insert the comb structure into the tubular knitted fabric engaged with the cutting machine; 32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the apparatus is in relative motion. 41. The apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 40, wherein the comb structure is a flexible structure. The knitting machine which manufactures the tubular knitted fabric which has an apparatus as described in any one of Claims 31-41.