JP2008545069A - Processing equipment for tubular knitting, especially socks - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus includes a cylindrical member (15) having an inlet end and an outlet end (15A) connected to the suction means and configured to suck the cylindrical object toward the outlet end, and the cylindrical object (T). A movable pickup element (21, 23) that engages with the first end (P) of the cylinder and removes the end from the cylindrical member, and is movable toward the outlet end, and the cylinder A molding block (43) defining a variable constriction at the outlet end of the cylindrical member in cooperation with the inner wall of the cylindrical member (15). The narrowed portion is suitable for defining a narrow and narrow portion of a passage through which a cylindrical object passes, and in the passage, the cylindrical object is in a state where at least a second end portion is expanded. To be.
[Selection] Figure 8A

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing cylindrical knitted goods such as stockings, socks, etc., and in particular, for the subsequent processing operation, the knitting is taken up, for example, by opening an end thereof, for example, an end formed by an elastic edge. Relates to a device for

  In the production of tubular knitting such as stockings or socks, a circular knitting machine is used that produces a tubular knitting with an elastic edge that defines the end on which the sock is worn and a toe that is closed by stitching or seaming. Some of these machines close the toes before the sock or other knitting is removed from the machine. On the other hand, in machines with a simpler structure, socks and other knittings are removed from the machine as semi-finished products with the toes open. This semi-finished product is then collected in a container, from which the operator picks it up one at a time and places it on a transport tube that transports the knitted fabric toward the sewing machine. There is also an automatic mechanism for picking up the knitted material and placing it in place on a tube for transporting it to the sewing machine. An example of this type of device is described in US Pat. No. 5,040,475.

  One of the problems that arises when a semi-finished product is automatically picked up and put on a tube for transport to a sewing machine is that it is difficult to open the edge of the edge correctly. For this purpose, various mechanisms have been studied.

  For example, EP-A-0882828 describes a pneumatic system. According to it, the semi-finished product is sucked into a tube having a narrow part, and a rod-like member is arranged at the end of the tube, which is inserted into the edge of the end of the knitting. Open the knitting. Next, the stretching member engages with the elastic edge and stretches the edge over the transport tube.

  However, prior art solutions that take up the elastic edge of a tubular knitted fabric such as socks have not yielded satisfactory results.

  Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide elastic edges of knitted fabrics such as socks, stockings and the like for subsequent stretching and processing over the tube and transporting to a sewing machine or other processing operation. It is to provide a very efficient apparatus and method.

  More generally, one object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that is particularly suitable for capturing tubular knitting such as stockings or socks for subsequent processing operations or for automatic recognition and subsequent processing operations. It is to be.

  Thus, in practice, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in an apparatus for processing a tubular knitted fabric: a cylinder having a first end and a second end and two connected suction means A tubular member into which a tubular knitted fabric having a first end portion and a second end portion is sucked; first end portion of the tubular knitted fabric, i.e., first end A movable pickup element for engaging with and removing from the cylindrical member, the movable pickup element being movable toward the second end of the cylindrical member; and the cylinder A molding block for defining a narrow portion of various shapes at the second end of the tubular member in cooperation with the inside of the tubular member, wherein the narrow portion is a narrow and elongated portion of the passage of the tubular knitted fabric. The cylindrical knitted fabric is at least spread at the second end Apparatus consisting of a is shaped blocks suitable for is provided.

  The first end and the second end of the tubular member can be configured with an inlet end and an outlet end for the tubular knitted fabric, respectively.

  In a preferred embodiment, the molding block has a surface portion facing and substantially parallel to a portion of the inner surface of the tubular member to define a constriction with an arcuate cross section. The narrowed portion has a substantially crescent shape and can be changed by various work steps described below.

  Preferably, the apparatus of the present invention can be provided with a suction port that is movable toward the second end of the tubular member. The suction port generates an air flow from the first end to the second end for drawing the tubular knitted fabric in the tubular member. Preferably, a blocking element can be inserted into the inlet in order to block the tubular knitting at the most suitable position. The blocking element prevents a cylindrical knitted fabric from entering the suction port, and forms a cylindrical knitted stopper that is attracted by the flow of air.

  The pickup element may be, for example, a mechanical gripper, and the suction port may form a single device that is movable in parallel to the axis of the cylindrical member. However, other configurations using independent devices that support these two elements may be employed. Integration in a single device provides advantages in terms of simplification of configuration and movement control.

  In a preferred embodiment, the pickup element, the molding block, and the suction port are arranged such that when the suction port is moved toward the second end of the cylindrical member, the pickup element is moved between the molding block and the suction port. Formed and arranged so as to be interposed between the two.

  In a preferred embodiment, the molding block has a movement in a direction inclined with respect to the axis of the tubular member so as to move towards and away from a portion of the tubular member. Is given. It is also possible to give the forming block a movement perpendicular to the axis of the tubular member.

  In order to process the tubular knitting after the elastic edge of the tubular knitting is said to have been flattened for subsequent pick-up operations, the apparatus of the present invention allows the tubular knitting to be removed from the tubular member almost completely. It is also possible to arrange a stretching device that is arranged and controlled to engage with the widened end portion of the tubular knitting to open the end portion.

  According to another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus of the type described above, wherein the suction means, the cylindrical member, and the pickup element are formed of a cylindrical knitted fabric as a second knitted member of the cylindrical member. Arranged and controlled to be partially inserted into and removed from the tubular member through the opening, and the molding block is configured when the tubular knitting is partially inserted into the tubular member. A position where the second end of the tubular member is opened to the maximum, and a position where the cross section of the passage of the tubular knitted product is narrowed to the maximum when the tubular knitted product is taken out of the tubular member again. Relating to the device.

  The device according to the invention shall have a two-stage station with two tubular members formed and arranged to sequentially flatten and spread two different end portions of the same tubular knitting. Can do.

In another different aspect, the present invention relates to a method for capturing an elastic edge of a tubular knitted fabric such as a stocking or a sock for a subsequent open and stretch process.
Disposing a tubular member having a first end and a second end;
-At least a portion of the tubular knitted material is disposed in the tubular member such that one end portion of the tubular knitted material is located near the second end of the tubular member;
Creating a narrow and elongated portion of the passageway near the second end of the tubular member;
Taking out the tubular knitted fabric with the first end portion widened through the narrow and elongated portion of the passage from the tubular member;
It relates to a method comprising steps.

  The narrow and elongated portion can be narrowed so that when the knitted fabric is almost completely removed from the tubular member, it is blocked and engaged on two opposite sides of the elastic edge.

  In yet another aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for flattening or spreading at least a portion of a tubular knitted fabric: a tubular member into which the tubular knitted fabric can be at least partially inserted; And a movable molding block for changing the cross-section of the cylindrical member, wherein at least a first position at which the cross-section of the cylindrical member is maximized and a second position at which the cross-section is narrowed to the maximum are controlled. The second position relates to an apparatus having a molding block that is a position that defines a cross section elongated in a transverse direction with respect to a direction of movement of the cylindrical knitted material in the cylindrical member.

  A suction system can be connected to the tubular member to insert the tubular knitted fabric into the tubular member at least partially by a suction action. The suction system can be inverted to produce an air flow in one direction or in the opposite direction inside the tubular member.

  In a preferred embodiment, a pickup element is connected to an end of a cylindrical member from which the cylindrical knitted material is taken out, and is engaged with the knitted fabric and moves with the knitted fabric with respect to the cylindrical member. be able to. Alternatively, the pickup member can be moved toward the tubular knitted fabric at the inlet end of the tubular member, and the knitted fabric can be sucked into a portion of the tubular member. Thereafter, the same pickup element gradually pulls the tubular knitted fabric through the narrowed cross-sectional portion, whereby the knitted fabric can be taken out so as to be flattened or widened in the lateral direction with respect to the moving vertical direction.

  When the tubular member is connected to a suction system that inserts each tubular knitted fabric into the tubular member by suction, a blocking to block the tubular knitted fabric sucked through the tubular member It is preferable to dispose an element.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, in the method for expanding or flattening at least a part of a tubular knitted fabric, the tubular knitted fabric is at least partially inserted into a tubular member, and the tubular knitted fabric There is provided a method of feeding through a portion of the narrow and narrow passage in the transverse direction with respect to the feeding direction of the tubular knitted fabric as it is fed in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the member.

  In a specific embodiment according to the present invention, a part of the tubular knitted fabric is inserted into the tubular member, and at least a part of the cross-section of the tubular member extends in the longitudinal direction in which the tubular member extends. In contrast, it is modified to create a narrow elongate passage in the transverse direction, and at least a portion of the tubular knitted fabric is allowed to pass through the narrow elongate passage.

  In one improved method, the tubular knitted fabric is sucked into the tubular member, the first end of the tubular knitted fabric is engaged with the pickup element, and the pickup element is a tubular member. The tubular knitting is pulled away from the narrow and elongated cross-sectional passage.

  In an embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the tubular knitted fabric is sucked into the tubular member, the first end of the tubular knitted fabric is engaged with the pickup element, and the pickup element is It is moved away from the tubular member, thereby pulling the tubular knitting through the narrow and elongated cross-sectional passage.

  Other preferred features and embodiments of the invention are set forth in the appended claims and are described in more detail below as embodiments of the invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

  The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description and the accompanying drawings showing a practical embodiment of the invention. However, the present invention is not limited by the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 to FIG. 8 are diagrams showing in detail an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment, each cylindrical object is pulled up from the container and sent to a device that widens or flattens one end (hereinafter also simply referred to as an end) of the cylindrical object. Each cylindrical object always reaches the device that is pulled up and flattened or widened in the same direction. When the cylindrical object is a sock, its toes always face forward and its edges face rearward, that is, the toes become the front end and the edge become the rear end with respect to the feed direction. In this way, it reaches the tubular member of the device to be expanded or flattened. However, as will be apparent from the following description, this is not always necessary.

  FIG. 1 shows the entire machine in which the apparatus of the present invention can be used. The machine is known per se and does not form the subject of the present invention and is therefore briefly described to the extent necessary to understand the function and purpose of the device forming the subject of the present invention. The apparatus that forms the subject of the present invention can be used by being applied to machines or apparatuses other than those shown in the drawings. The machine shown in FIG. 1 is generally designated 1 and has a container 3. Inside the container 3, cylindrical knittings such as socks are randomly stored. The pick-up member 5 individually picks up the cylindrical objects, pulls them up in the direction of the arrow f5, carries them to the inlet of the suction duct 7, and the individual cylindrical objects pass through the inlet of the suction duct 7 and pass through the intermediate standby station 9. It is sucked into the interior and is sucked and spread by the appropriate air pressure at the station 9.

  The inlet / outlet portion 9A of the station 9 is connected to a cylindrical feed duct 7 of the container 3 and a cylindrical duct 11 having a poor orientation. A device 13 known per se is arranged at the end of the duct 11, so that poorly oriented socks or other tubular knitted goods are extracted from the device and returned to the container 3. The inlet / outlet portion 9A of the station 9 is also in communication with a tubular member 15 whose upper end is connected to the apparatus of the present invention, indicated generally at 17 and described in more detail below.

  The cylindrical object can also be configured to be sent directly to the cylindrical member 15 through a pneumatic conveying duct extending from, for example, one or more circular knitting machines.

  An outline of the transport tube 19 is shown beside the tubular machine 15, and each tubular object is arranged on the transport tube 19 by covering its elastic edge on the transport tube 19. The The conveyance tube 19 is fixed to a known type of conveyance device (eg, carousel mechanism), and conveys a cylindrical object placed on the conveyance tube 19 to a stitching station (not shown) every time.

  The apparatus denoted as 21 as a whole is an apparatus that stretches the elastic edge of the cylindrical object that is placed on the outer surface of the transfer tube 19. A plurality of transfer tubes 19 are arranged on the transfer device, and the cylindrical object is transferred to a machine equipped with several stations for performing various processes on the cylindrical object in order to prepare for sewing, for example, at a later stage. It can also be configured to send. The stitching is performed at a station (not shown) at the last stage of the machine. Various preparatory work is performed by holding a cylindrical object on each conveyance tube.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing details of each member connected to the upper end portion of the cylindrical member 15. 3 to 7 are diagrams showing the relationship of each of these members with the apparatus of the present invention.

  The cylindrical member 15 has an inlet end portion connected to the inlet portion 9 of the station 9 and an outlet end portion indicated by 15A in FIG. 5, and individual cylindrical knitted fabrics inserted into the cylindrical member 15 are Then, it is taken out from the cylindrical member 15 through the outlet end portion and sent toward the transport tube 19. The processing apparatus 17 of the present invention is connected to the outlet end portion 15A of the cylindrical member 15.

  In this embodiment, the device has a pick-up member composed of a mechanical gripper having a fixed element 21 that cooperates with a moving element 23. The actuator 25 controls the movement of the moving part (comprising a slider) of the pickup element in the direction of the bidirectional arrow f23. The slider 23 moves in the direction of the bidirectional arrow f23 to move closer to the gripper 21 and away from the gripper 21.

  The grippers 21 and 23 forming the pickup device are supported by a vertical movement element which is indicated by 27 as a whole and moves in the direction of a bidirectional arrow f27 parallel to the axis X of the cylindrical member 15. The device 27 is moved in the direction of a bidirectional arrow f27 by a belt 29 controlled by a motor 31 (FIG. 1). The moving device 27 forms a suction port 33 that can communicate with the suction duct 35. An open / close gate valve 37 is disposed along the suction duct 35. The lower end of the suction port 33 formed in the moving device 27 is partially defined by a grid, mesh, or a similar blocking element indicated by 37 disposed just above the moving cursor 23 of the grippers 21 and 23. It is closed. As will be described below, the purpose of the grid or other blocking element 37 is to prevent the cylindrical object sucked through the cylindrical member 15 from being sucked into the suction port 33 and the suction duct 35. .

  In the vicinity of the outlet end 15A of the cylindrical member 15, an actuator 39 connected to the bracket is supported. The actuator 39 controls the movement of the forming block 43 in the direction of the double-headed arrow f43. For this purpose, the forming block 43 is bound to the rod 39A of the piston-cylinder actuator 39. The molding block 43 has a curved edge 45 that follows the shape of the inner surface of the cylindrical member 15. A cylinder defined by the inner surface of the cylindrical wall of the member and the edge 45 of the molding block 43 by moving the molding block 43 in the direction of f43 approaching the inner surface of the cylindrical member 15 and away from the inner surface. It is possible to change the cross section of the narrowed portion of the member. The narrowed portion is disposed below the grippers 21 and 23 and the grid or other blocking element 37, and the top view of the upper end portion of the cylindrical member 15 shown in FIG. 6 clearly shows the crescent shape. ing.

  This device is a state in which the toe portion for stitching the tubular knitted fabric inside the tubular member 15 is directed forward (relative to the feeding direction of the tubular member indicated by F) and the elastic edge portion is directed backward. It is made to receive in. When the molding block 43 is pulled back, that is, at a position away from the wall of the cylindrical member 15, a relatively wide passage is generated, and the end of the cylindrical object inserted into the cylindrical member 15 first is It can easily pass through and reach the grid 37, and the end stops at the grid 37 due to the suction action by the suction port 33 and the suction duct 35.

  As shown sequentially in detail in FIGS. 8A to 8E, the present apparatus grips the toe of the cylindrical object by the grippers 21 and 23, and if necessary, the edge 45 of the molding block 43 is placed inside the cylindrical member 15. Moving toward the surface narrows the cross section of the passage, and the elastic edge is made to pass through the constriction defined by the edge 45 of the molding block 43 and the opposite wall of the tube 15. In this way, while removing the tubular knitted material from the tubular member, the end portion constituted by the elastic edge portion is flattened, and more precisely placed at a curved position following the shape of the edge portion 45, To facilitate subsequent lifting by the enlargement member.

  In particular, as can be seen from FIG. 4, a pedestal 43A is formed on the upper surface of the molding block 43, and the slider 23 is positioned in the pedestal 43A when the device 27 is in a position where it is lowered. And it is arranged to be slidable.

  FIG. 4 also shows that there is a gasket 51 that surrounds the upper end 15 </ b> A of the cylindrical object 15. The purpose of this gasket is to seal the gap between the suction port 33 and the cylindrical member 15 when the device 27 is in the position where it is lowered downward.

  The operation of the apparatus described above will be described below (see FIGS. 8A to 8E). The tubular knitted fabric indicated by T is sucked into the tubular member due to the suction action by the duct 35 and the suction port 33. The suction port 33 is moved to the level of the upper end portion 15A of the tubular member 15 in the first stage of suction of the knitted fabric. The knitting T has already been oriented in the correct direction by any known method, for example an optical detection system connected to the intermediate station 9. Accordingly, the toe portion indicated by P of each knitted fabric T reaching the inside of the tubular member 15 faces upward, and the elastic edge portion indicated by B faces downward. The toe portion P abuts against the grid or other blocking element 37 when a suction action is generated by the suction duct 35.

  Thereafter, the slider 23 is pushed toward the fixed stop position 21, and the toe portion P of the knitted fabric T is sandwiched between the members 21 and 23. The moving device 27 is lifted, and the tubular object T is removed from the tubular member 15. At this stage, the suction action toward the inside from the outlet end 15A is maintained inside the cylindrical member 15, and the suction action helps to stretch and flatten the tubular knitted fabric T, particularly its elastic end B. .

  The suction action toward the inside of the cylindrical member 15 is obtained by suction ports arranged along various pneumatic ducts of the apparatus by appropriately opening and closing each gate valve. In FIG. 1, the suction ports are indicated by 101 and 103, and the gate valves are indicated by 105, 107, 109 and 111.

  Actually, an arch-shaped passage portion having a substantially crescent shape is formed between the molded edge 45 and the inner surface of the wall of the cylindrical member 15, and the cylindrical object T is forced to exist there. However, this operation is easily performed by blowing air into the cylindrical member 15, and the cylindrical object T is formed on the wall of the cylindrical member 15 (substantially cylindrical. ) Follow the surface.

  When the tubular object T is almost completely removed from the tubular member 15 and its lower end passes in front of the photocell 46 or other suitable sensor (shown in FIG. 8C), the molded edge of the molding block 43 is formed. It is blocked by 45 and pressed against the wall of the cylindrical member 15. By mechanically blocking the cylindrical object T in this way, even if the suction action inside the cylindrical member 15 is interrupted, it is possible to prevent the cylindrical member 15 from accidentally exiting.

  The tube T is thus fully extended (if not flat) at its elastic end B, and is described below and in particular as shown in detail in FIG. It will be suitable for preparing to pick up B. In FIG. 7, these are shown separated from the other members of the apparatus. The stretching means, for example, loosens the tension of the cylindrical object T in advance by slightly lowering the moving device 27 toward the cylindrical member 15, and then the cylindrical object T is released from the molding block 43. Can be engaged with its elastic edge B before or after being optionally released.

  The enlarging device generally indicated by 61 has a suction member 61, which is supported by an actuator 65 integral with a slide 67 movable along a guide 69 by a belt 71 controlled by a motor 73. ing. The slide 67 is movable in the direction of the bidirectional arrow f67 by the motor 73, and the actuator 65 can move the suction member 63 in the direction of the bidirectional arrow 63. What is indicated by 63A is a connector for a flexible suction duct, which generates a suction action on the surface of the suction member 67 having a hole.

  In front of the suction member 63, a mechanical restraining member 75 of a known type which is controlled by a piston-cylinder actuator 76 and is movable in the direction of a double-headed arrow f75 is arranged. The piston-cylinder actuator 76 is supported by a slide 77 that is movable along a guide 79 in the direction of a double-headed arrow f77. Movement in the direction of the double arrow f77 is performed by a belt 81 driven around pulleys 83 and 84. The pulleys 83 in these pulleys are moved from the motor 73 by the shaft 87. In this manner, the movement of the suction member 63 in the direction of f67 and the movement of the gripper 75 in the direction of f77 are performed synchronously. By moving in the direction of f75, the mechanical pickup member 75 can move toward the suction member 68 and away from the suction member 68.

  The stretching device 61 is arranged so that the members 63 and 75 can be transferred between a movement corresponding to the cylindrical member 15 and a position corresponding to a group of stretching fingers (see in particular FIG. 2). . The group of stretching fingers is connected to a piston-cylinder actuator 93 of a known type per se, whose function is in accordance with a known standard which is not the subject of the present invention. It is to insert itself into the elastic edge B that is pre-opened by 61 so that the elastic edge can be stretched and placed over the conveying tube 19 or the reversing tube 95.

  When the cylindrical object T takes the position shown in FIG. 8C, the stretching device 61 is transported to the height of the shaft of the cylindrical member 15 together with the stretched members 63 and 75 so that the members 63 and 75 are close to each other. Moved to engage the opposing surface portion of the flattened edge of the tube T. When members 63 and 75 are moved closer together and actuated to engage the opposing surfaces of the end, with the tube T in between, the members move back away from each other. Then, the elastic edge portion of the cylindrical object T is stretched by the movement of the actuator 76, and both sides engaged with the suction member 63 and the gripper 75 are moved away from each other. At this point, the molding block 43 has already been separated from the inner surface of the wall of the cylindrical member 15, and the elastic edge B of the cylindrical object T is in a state of being freely movable.

  After or at the same time as this stretching movement (ie, when the gripper 73 is released from the suction member 63), both slides 67 and 77 are translated to move toward the stretching finger 91. . By reciprocating movement between the stretching device 61 and the finger 91, the finger 91 is inserted into a closed position inside the partially stretched edge B and subsequently opened to further open the edge. It is stretched open and placed over the transport tube 19 in a generally known manner.

  The device 17 described above can be used even when the cylindrical object is covered in a random orientation, that is, even if the toe portion becomes the front end portion or the edge portion becomes the front end portion without aligning the orientation in advance. Can be used. In that case, it is preferable to arrange two devices, flatten one part first, and then flatten the other part.

  9-14 show an apparatus, generally designated 510, hereinafter also referred to as a spreading apparatus. The device 510 is connected to a duct 7B extending from a container in which knitting is placed in bulk in the same manner as the container 3 shown in FIG. In this case, the knitting can be put into the duct 7B at random, that is, without aligning the orientation in advance. Hereinafter, the structure of the apparatus 510 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  Connector 7B extends into a compartment showing a right-angled cross section 513 defining a tubular member. The compartment has a shutter 515 at the end opposite to the connector 7B. The shutter 515 has a function of narrowing the compartment by partially changing the cross-sectional shape of the passage defined by the compartment 513. The shutter 515 includes a moving shutter element, or molding block 515A, which is bi-directional perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the compartment 513 by a piston-cylinder actuator or other suitable actuator shown at 537. It is controlled to translate in the direction of arrow f515. As is particularly well understood from FIG. 13, the shutter 515 has a semi-circular shape that is substantially the same as the semicircular cross-sectional shape of the end 513A of the suction compartment 513, ie, a lower edge that is curved as a whole and exhibits a concave cross-section. Part. When in the position shown in FIGS. 9 and 13, the shutter element 515 </ b> A of the shutter 515 defines an inner wall of the portion 513 </ b> A of the compartment 513 and a narrowly shaped cross-sectional path extending in a semicircular shape. This semi-circular passage serves to flatten the cylinder (as will be explained below).

  The spreading member 510 has a suction port 521 integral therewith. A suction duct 523 is connected to the suction port 521. The suction duct 523 is only shown at the beginning of the drawing.

  A mechanism 525 for picking up the cylindrical object sucked into the expanding member 510 in cooperation with the expanding member 510 is provided. The mechanism 525 has a function of pulling each cylindrical object through the inner wall of the end 513A of the compartment 513 and the section of the passage defined by the shutter element 515A described above.

  The mechanism 525 is supported by a slide 527 that is movable along a guide 529 in the direction of a double-headed arrow f525. The movement of the slide 527 is controlled by a belt 531 driven by a motor 533 and pulled around two pulleys. The mechanism 525 is bound to the slide 527 by a piston-cylinder actuator 535. The piston-cylinder actuator 535 controls the vertical up and down movement of the mechanism 525 along the double-headed arrow f525X. The raising and lowering movement of the mechanism 525 has a function of positioning the mechanism in line with the spreading member 510 or above the spreading member 510. This facilitates the work of flattening the knitted fabric when the knitted fabric is pulled against the shutter element 515A and passes through the shutter 515, and increases its efficiency.

  The mechanism 525 has a generally box-shaped compartment 539. Inside the compartment 539, a vacuum can be generated by suction through an opening 541 connected to the tubular connector 543 through the suction box 543A. The cylindrical connector 543 can be connected to the suction port 521 of the spreading member 519. This pneumatic connection causes the mechanism 525 to move with its connector 542 toward the inlet 521 and thus toward the spreading member 510 in the direction of arrow f525 so that the elements 510, 525 assume the relative positions shown in FIG. Is done by. In this configuration, the suction action generated by the suction duct 523 causes suction through the box-like compartment 539, the suction compartment 513, and the ducts 7 and 7B. A grid 545 (FIG. 11) composed of a series of teeth 545A is disposed inside the box-shaped compartment 539, and the front edge of the teeth 545A (directed toward the spreading member) is in the horizontal direction. Is inclined. A holding claw 547 is connected to the grid 545 composed of the teeth 545A, and the movement of the holding claw 547 in the direction of the bidirectional arrow 545A is performed by a piston-cylinder actuator 549 supported by the mechanism 525. Be controlled. A grid 545 composed of teeth 545A is combined with a presser 551 and controlled by a piston-cylinder actuator 553 to provide vertical movement in the direction of the double arrow f551. The presser 551 has a C-shaped opening directed to the grid 545. The purpose of this presser is to constrain the tubular object 19 in the stage of spreading or flattening and act on it with a sufficiently large surface to prevent damage to the tubular object.

FIG. 15F shows a longitudinal section of another spreading or flattening device indicated by 510X. The device has members equivalent to those described with respect to the spreading device 510, each member having the same reference number with the letter X. A suction compartment 513X having a right-angled cross section is connected to the suction duct indicated by 8B and corresponds to the suction duct 7B. Unlike the mechanism shown at 525, the spreading member 510X cooperates with a simple conveyor belt or mat 563 that is located, for example, at a station adjacent to one station of the device 525 and is provided with movement in the direction of f563 by the motor 565. The conveyor belt 563 is pulled around the rollers. The roller is supported by a side panel 567 together with a motor 565 and other members that transmit motion to the conveyor belt 563, and the side panel 567 is moved vertically by a piston-cylinder actuator 569 to convey the conveyor belt 563. Can move closer to the surface 503 and away from the surface 503. This can be constituted by a conveyor belt.

  The conveyor belt 563 moves each knitted fabric in the longitudinal direction, that is, the direction in which the knitted fabric extends, takes each tubular product into the member 510X, and closes the shutter element equivalent to the shutter element 515A. When the suction action is continued by the open and remaining slots, the cylindrical object is gradually taken out. The suction action and the movement of the conveyor belt 563 gradually toward the inlet of the cylindrical member 513X are combined, and the cylindrical object is partially inserted into the cylindrical member by the compartment 513X. When the movement of the conveyor belt 563 is reversed, after the cross section of the cylindrical member 513X is narrowed by the shutter, that is, the molding moving block 515A, the cylindrical object is taken out from the end of the cylindrical member 513X.

  In practice, the devices shown in FIGS. 9-14 and 5F can be combined. The cylinder removed from the apparatus of FIGS. 9-14 is flattened, i.e. widened, on the conveyor belt or other support surface 593 at the end (i.e. end portion) that last entered the compartment 513. Can be spread. The surface moves perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the knitting and moves the knitting to the apparatus of FIG. 15F, flattening the other end or end portion of the knitting.

  In this way, regardless of the direction in which the knitted fabric is fed into the suction duct 7B, the effect of flattening or widening both ends can be obtained.

  15A-15F schematically illustrate this operating cycle.

  FIG. 15A is a schematic cross-sectional view at a position where the spreading member and the pickup mechanism 525 are coupled. The cylindrical object M such as stockings or socks is sucked through the duct 7 and the connector 7B inside the compartment 513 having a right-angled cross section. The suction action occurs through the connector 543, the suction box 543A, the opening 541, and the grid 545 when the cylindrical connector 543 is connected to the suction port 521 and the suction duct 523. By this suction action, the knitted fabric M moves forward in the direction of the arrow fM until it strikes the grid 545 (FIG. 15B). Knitted fabric M engages with retaining teeth or claws 547 (FIG. 15B) at grid 545. In the example shown, the knitted fabric M has already entered the suction duct 7 and then the spreading member 510, with the elastic edge B facing forward and the toe P facing backward. This orientation is completely random and depends on how the knitting is picked up from the container 1.

  In order to spread the knitted fabric M, the suction action in the duct 7 is reversed at this point, and the knitted fabric is sucked into the duct again. If two knitted fabrics accidentally enter the compartment 513 at the same time, the holding claws 547 are dimensioned so that they cannot hold the two knitted fabrics M at the same time, so that one of them is lowered into the container 1. FIG. 15C shows the knitting M held by the claw 547 being spread toward the duct 7. To flatten and spread the knitting M, at this point the shutter element 515A is moved to its closed position, where it defines a narrow and long path. At the same time, the presser 551 is lowered downward to better hold the knitting M (FIG. 15D). The holding mechanism 525 is pushed away (FIG. 15E, arrow f525), and the knitted fabric M is pulled out from the narrowed cross section defined by the shutter element 515A. At this stage, the suction action is directed towards the duct by the duct 7 which stretches the knitting. The effect of this work is not only to spread the knitted fabric in the longitudinal direction but also in the lateral direction due to the narrow and elongated shape of the cross section of the passage defined by the shutter element 515A.

  After the knitting has moved one step forward in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the surface 503, a similar process is performed on the opposite end of the knitting, as schematically shown in FIG. 15F.

  It will be understood that the drawings are merely examples of a practical embodiment of the invention, and that the form and configuration may be changed without departing from the scope of the idea underlying the invention. Reference numerals appearing in the appended claims are provided to facilitate understanding of the claims with reference to the above description and drawings and are intended to protect the protection represented by the claims. It does not limit the range.

1 is an overall perspective view of a machine for processing socks or other tubular knittings incorporating a device according to the invention. The detailed enlarged view of FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the device according to the invention with unrelated parts removed. FIG. 4 shows the apparatus of FIG. 3 with parts removed and viewed from a different angle. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a device according to the present invention. The top view along the VI-VI line of FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stretching device engaged with an elastic edge of a knitted flattened by a device according to the present invention. The figure which shows the order of operation | movement of the said apparatus. The figure which shows the order of operation | movement of the said apparatus. The figure which shows the order of operation | movement of the said apparatus. The figure which shows the order of operation | movement of the said apparatus. The figure which shows the order of operation | movement of the said apparatus. FIG. 3 shows a modified embodiment of the device according to the invention. FIG. 3 shows a modified embodiment of the device according to the invention. FIG. 3 shows a modified embodiment of the device according to the invention. FIG. 3 shows a modified embodiment of the device according to the invention. FIG. 3 shows a modified embodiment of the device according to the invention. FIG. 3 shows a modified embodiment of the device according to the invention. The figure which shows the order of operation | movement of the other apparatus arrange | positioned following the apparatus of FIGS. 9-14 and the said apparatus. The figure which shows the order of operation | movement of the other apparatus arrange | positioned following the apparatus of FIGS. 9-14 and the said apparatus. The figure which shows the order of operation | movement of the other apparatus arrange | positioned following the apparatus of FIGS. 9-14 and the said apparatus. The figure which shows the order of operation | movement of the other apparatus arrange | positioned following the apparatus of FIGS. 9-14 and the said apparatus. The figure which shows the order of operation | movement of the other apparatus arrange | positioned following the apparatus of FIGS. 9-14 and the said apparatus. The figure which shows the order of operation | movement of the other apparatus arrange | positioned following the apparatus of FIGS. 9-14 and the said apparatus.

Claims (34)

  Apparatus for processing a tubular knitted fabric with a first end and a second end, in particular stockings and socks, having a first end and a second end and connected to a suction means At least one tubular member into which the tubular knitting is sucked; a second end of the tubular member for engaging with and removing from the first end portion of the tubular knitted member; A movable pickup element coupled to the end of the cylindrical member; and a molding block for defining a narrowed portion of various shapes at the second end of the cylindrical member in cooperation with the inner wall of the cylindrical member The narrowed portion is suitable for defining a narrow and elongated portion of the passage of the tubular knitted fabric, and the tubular knitted fabric is at least expanded at the second end portion. apparatus.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pickup element is movable so as to approach the second end of the tubular member and move away from the second end.   The suction means and the cylindrical member are configured such that a cylindrical knitted fabric passes through the first end portion and enters the cylindrical member, and the cylindrical knitted fabric passes through the second end portion from the cylindrical member. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is made and arranged to exit.   4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suction means is designed and arranged to produce a suction action in two directions inside the tubular member.   2. The molding block according to claim 1, wherein the molding block has a surface portion facing and substantially parallel to a part of the inner surface of the cylindrical member in order to define a narrowed portion having an arch-shaped cross section. Equipment.   A suction port, the suction port being movable toward the second end of the cylindrical member, and an air flow is generated in the cylindrical member by the suction port; 6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow flows from the first end of the tubular member to the second end.   7. A blocking element for preventing a tubular knitted fabric from entering the suction port and forming a stopper for the tubular knitted fabric pulled by the air flow is inserted into the suction port. The device described in 1.   The device according to claim 7, wherein the blocking element is a grid or a mesh.   The said suction inlet and the said pick-up element are movable so that it may approach toward the 2nd end part of the said cylindrical member as one apparatus, and it may move away from a 2nd end part. The apparatus according to 7 or 8.   The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein an actuator that controls the pickup element is supported integrally with the suction port and is movable along with the suction port.   The pickup element, the molding block, and the suction port are disposed between the molding block and the suction port when the suction port is moved toward the first end of the cylindrical member. 11. A device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that it is constructed and arranged as such.   12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the inlet cooperates with a gasket that extends at least partially around the second end of the tubular member.   The molding block is given a movement in a direction inclined with respect to the axis of the cylindrical member, and the molding block moves toward and away from a part of the inner surface of the cylindrical member. Device according to any one of the preceding claims.   14. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pick-up element comprises a mechanical gripper.   15. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pick-up element comprises a slider that slides inside a pedestal created on the surface of the molding block facing the pick-up element. .   And a stretching device that engages with one end portion of the tubular knitted fabric in an unfolded state to open the one end portion when the tubular knitted fabric is almost completely removed from the tubular member. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is arranged and controlled as follows.   The stretching device comprises two members engaged with two opposite sides of the edge of the cylindrical object, the two members being in line with the reciprocating motion approaching and moving away from each other and the cylindrical member. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus is also provided with movement away from it.   The suction means, the cylindrical member, and the pickup element are arranged so that a cylindrical object is partially inserted into the cylindrical member through the second opening of the cylindrical member and removed therefrom. The molding block is also controlled so that when the knitting is partially inserted into the tubular member, the position where the opening of the second end of the tubular member is maximized and the tubular knitting is The device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the device is disposed at a position where the cross section of the passage of the tubular knitted fabric is narrowed to the maximum when the tubular knitted material is taken out from the member.   19. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has two tubular members that widen the two end portions of the tubular knitting. In an apparatus for flattening or expanding at least a portion of a cylindrical object, a cylindrical member capable of being inserted at least partially in the cylindrical object; and a movable type for changing a cross section of the cylindrical member Having a molding block, and the movable molding block is controlled to take at least a first position for maximizing a cross section of the cylindrical member and a second position for maximally constricting the cross section of the cylindrical member, An apparatus characterized in that the second position defines a cross-section elongated in a transverse direction with respect to a direction of movement of the cylindrical object in the cylindrical member. 21. The device according to claim 20, wherein a suction system for inserting the cylindrical object into the cylindrical member at least partially by a suction action is connected to the cylindrical member.   23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the suction system can be reversed to generate air flow in one direction or in the opposite direction inside the tubular member.   23. The apparatus according to claim 20, 21 or 22, wherein a pickup element is connected to the cylindrical member for engaging with the cylindrical object and moving it relative to the cylindrical member. .   The device according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein a blocking element is connected to the cylindrical member in order to block the cylindrical object sucked by the cylindrical member.   25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 24, comprising two cylindrical members that widen two end portions of the cylindrical object. In a method of picking up a cylindrical knitting with a toe, such as a stocking or a sock, and an elastic edge for the subsequent opening and stretching process,
-Arranging the tubular knitted material inside the tubular member such that the toe part is directed to the outlet end of the tubular member;
-Creating a narrow and elongated portion of the passageway in the tubular member near the outlet end;
-Removing said tubular knitted fabric with elastic edges extending through said narrow and elongated portion from said tubular member;
A method characterized by comprising steps.   The narrow and elongated portion is narrowed when the cylindrical object is almost completely removed from the cylindrical member, blocking the cylindrical object and engaging on two opposing sides of its elastic edge. The method according to claim 24. -Sucking in the tubular knitted fabric and carrying its toes to approximately the exit end of the tubular member;
-Engage with the toe of the tubular knitting,
-The tubular knitted fabric is gradually taken out from the tubular member while being stretched by the suction action toward the inside from the outlet end of the tubular member,
26. A method according to claim 24 or 25, comprising steps.   29. The method of claim 28, wherein the edge is blocked at the outlet end of the tubular member when the elastic edge of the tubular knitted fabric is almost completely removed from the tubular member.   28. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein after the tubular knitted material is at least partially removed from the tubular member, its elastic edge engages with the stretching member.   In a method for expanding or flattening at least a portion of a tubular knitted fabric, the tubular knitted fabric is at least partially inserted into the tubular member and fed in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction in which the tubular member extends. Therefore, the method is characterized by being fed through a passage having a narrow and narrow cross section in the transverse direction with respect to the feeding direction of the tubular knitted fabric.   At least a part of the tubular knitted material is inserted into the tubular member, and the cross-section of at least a part of the tubular member is changed so as to create a narrow passage that is elongated in the transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tubular member 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least a portion of the tubular knitting is caused to pass through the narrow and elongated passage.   The tubular knitted product is sucked into the tubular member, the first end of the tubular product is engaged with the pickup element, and the pickup element is moved away from the tubular member, thereby removing the tubular knitted product. 33. A method according to claim 31 or 32, wherein said narrow and elongated cross-sectional passage is pulled. The tubular knitted fabric is sucked into the tubular member, the first end of the tubular knitted fabric is engaged with the pickup element, and the pickup element is moved away from the tubular member, whereby the tubular knitted fabric is 34. A method according to claim 31, 32 or 33, characterized by pulling a narrow and elongated cross-sectional passage.

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