KR20030089700A - Method and device for the production of tubular knitted articles and in particular for closing the toe - Google Patents

Abstract

Setting two end flaps of knitted fabric M on both flap sides; Inserting a comb tooth-shaped structure including a plurality of teeth (85) inside at least one loop of the first row stitch (X2) of the flaps provided on both flap sides; Sewing with at least one loop of the second row stitch provided between the first row stitch and the body of the tubular knitted fabric; Opening the stitches in the first row; A method of forming a sealed toe, such as a sock, for example, a tubular knitted fabric, is described herein.

Description

TECHNICAL AND DEVICE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF TUBULAR KNITTED ARTICLES AND IN PARTICULAR FOR CLOSING THE TOE

In the manufacture of tubular woven fabrics, especially for men, sports clothes and the like, the product is knitted with a knitting machine including a particularly circular type which is a machine equipped with a knitting needle cylinder. The knitted fabric thus produced has a starting edge and a distal edge. The distal edge must be closed to form the toe of the knit fabric. For this purpose, so far, a linking process has been used, and such a process is performed by a so-called linking machine. The above process has a large burden from an airborne point of view. According to this process, the flaps of the distal edges of the knitted fabric are stretched and provided on both sides of the flaps, and then hanged on the hooks of the linking machine. In carrying out this task, it is essential to hang each stitch or loop of a given stitch row over each hook. More specifically, two corresponding stitches or loops of the same row belonging to two flaps provided on both sides of the flap of the distal edge of the knit fabric are hung on each hook. Once the knit fabric is hooked to the hook, appropriate linking is automatically performed while forming special sutures by rows of sewing loops or stitches crossing the stitches or yarns of yarns forming loops provided on the hooks. For each pair of loops present in the hook, a stitch of the seam that joins the flap corresponds. Next, the stitches or loops provided externally to the sutures, ie the stitches in the stitch row adjacent the hooks on the opposite side to the tubular knitted fabric, are cut. Finally the stitch is removed from the hook.

By linking, toes can be obtained that are actually flawless and smoothly sealed. However, as is known to those skilled in the art and can be understood from the previous brief description, the process is a significant burden in terms of karate for hooking individual loops or stitches of rows sewn with hooks of the linking machine. Is holding. The work should be carried out by staff with sensitive vision and, as a result, can usually only be carried out by young people.

Because of the expense and difficulty of recruiting the right staff to perform these tasks, linking operations that are infrequently occurring are desired. As an alternative to linking, the toe of the tubular knitted fabric can be sewn by a fully mechanized method, ie a seam obtained with less burden from the point of view of airborne. However, the quality of the final product is inferior because the mechanized sutures comprise a plurality of stitches distributed in a totally random manner, resulting in sutures having a thick thickness. A closure device and method using a sewing machine coupled to a knitting machine is described in WO-A-00 / 01869. Methods and apparatus for joining two flaps of knitted fibers of a tubular knitted fabric forming a closed toe of the finished knitted fabric are described in EP-A-0 635593 and EP-A-0 592376. . In this case, sutures are made directly on a circular knitting machine. The sutures are obtained automatically, but require substantial modification of the knitting machine.

The present invention relates to a method for producing tubular knitted fabrics such as socks and stockings, and in particular to a method of sewing the toe of the knitted fabric by joining two flaps of the toe.

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 sewing the toe of the knitted fabric;

2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 1.

3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2;

4 is a perspective view of a device incorporating a circular knitting machine.

5 is a perspective view of a portion of the sewing area, in which the member has been moved to make the drawing more clear;

FIG. 6 is the same as FIG. 5, showing the same member from different observation points; FIG.

7 is a perspective view of a sewing machine for sewing the toe of the tubular knitted fabric picked up by the pick-up device;

8 is a perspective view of an intermediate separator installed along the suction pipe of the pickup device.

10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the intermediate separator.

FIG. 11 shows a movable shaft unit having a member for widening the tubular knitted fabric and an inverting member for sewing the toe. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 with moving parts; FIG.

13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the unit of FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13; FIG.

15 shows a pair of bars holding the knit fabric at the initial stage of sewing the toe.

FIG. 16 shows a comb-tooth structure for engaging the knitted fabric at the time of sewing and a cutting member accommodated inside the comb-like structure. FIG.

17-28 are cross-sectional planes passing through the axis of the suction tube, showing members (or portions of the device) for picking up the knitted fabric as well as members for widening and flipping the knitted fabric to prepare the knitted fabric for sewing the toe. drawing.

17A is an enlarged view of the outlet area of the suction pipe;

FIG. 29 is a sectional view taken along line XXIX-XXIX in FIG. 28;

FIG. 29A is an enlarged view of the central portion of FIG. 29; FIG.

30 to 32 are diagrams of the pair of bars for retaining the knitted fabric, the engagement of the knitted fabric and inserting the comb-like structure in each stitch row as in the previous sewing step of the toe portion; Section by line XXX-XXX of 29.

Fig. 33 is a view showing the comb-tooth shaped structure inserted into the sewing machine and the knitted fabric at the time of sewing.

34 is an enlarged view of the detail portion of FIG. 33;

35 is a schematic illustration of the knitting action of the sewing machine during the sewing operation.

36 to 39 illustrate a step of cutting a row of loops of a tubular knitted fabric in which the comb-shaped structure is inserted.

40 shows a step of removing the residue after cutting the loop adjacent to the sewing row.

41 is an explanatory view of a detail part of FIG. 40;

42 is a perspective view illustrating a possible embodiment of the system for removal of the residue.

Fig. 43 is an axial sectional view of an end of a suction pipe in the step of removing the tubular knitted fabric after the sewing operation;

44 to 46 are schematic explanatory views of the weaving operation performed on the knitted fabric at the time of sewing the toe portion.

47 is a schematic illustration of the columns included in the sewing of an improved embodiment of the present invention.

48 to 49 are perspective views of semi-automatic sewing machines according to the invention in two different working positions.

FIG. 49A is an explanatory diagram of enlarged detail in FIG. 49; FIG.

50 is a perspective view of a sewing machine engaged with the device of FIGS. 48 and 49 by movement of a part;

51 to 53 show details of the sewing and cutting area of the device of FIGS. 48 and 49;

54 is a perspective view for explaining another semi-automatic device according to the present invention.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and treatment for suturing the toe of a tubular knitted fabric that is easily automated to ensure a high quality product.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tubular knitted fabric manufacturing method capable of producing a tubular knitted fabric in which the toe is sealed with a high-quality suture line without the weakness of the linking treatment.

It is an object of another aspect of the present invention to provide a device capable of suturing the toe of a tubular knitted fabric with a high-quality suture line, without burden from the viewpoint of karate, and achieving a high level of output.

In order to sew the tubular knitted fabric, according to the method of the present invention, two edges of the edge of the knitted fabric are placed on both sides of the flap by, for example, by grasping two oppositely opposed points in the radial direction of the edge of the knitted fabric itself. I think to install the flap of the dog. A comb tooth is inserted into at least one row or loop of stitches of the distal edge, and thus the loop is aligned for the next sewing. Next, the flap of the woven fiber is joined by a seam in stitches or loops of rows adjacent to the row into which the comb teeth are inserted; More specifically, a row of stitches sewn between the comb-shaped structure and the body of the tubular knitted fabric is positioned. Next, once this second row of loops are sewn, the loop inserted in the comb-like structure is opened. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the loop inserted into the comb-like structure is opened by cutting the yarn. However, the possibility of carrying out this opening in other ways is not excluded. For example, it is possible to form a row of stitches that accommodate the teeth of the comb-like structure using a yarn of yarn that melts at a relatively high temperature, for example at the temperature of the liquid to be dyed. In this way, once the flaps of the tubular knit stitching the toe are engaged, the knit is released and moved to the next processing step. One of these treatment steps deposits the knitted fabric in a dye bath at a relatively high temperature, for example in a dye bath in which the meltable yarn is lost and thereby the stitches open. This separates the heat from the outside of the suture that joins the flap. Next, the cutting operation of the stitch will be described generally, but the operation is performed by another operation that leads to the same result, that is, opening the stitch by separating the tubular knitted fabric from the end edge of the suture line or by It should be understood that the texture can be replaced by a work that is temporarily interrupted. When the stitches are opened by cutting, it is believed that there is an advantage in the extraction of the residue of the stitches cut using, for example, a brush or some other removing member. When using a meltable seal, this operation is not necessary if the seal is completely lost by heat.

In comparison to the usual linking process, both sewing and cutting or opening of the loop are carried out in a stitch row different from the prior art.

As will be apparent from the following description, the method described above can be conveniently performed in an automatic and entirely mechanized manner. This is particularly easy if the stitch of the row in which the comb teeth are inserted has a longer length than the residual stitch of the knit fabric. In this way, it is very easy to insert a comb-like structure into the loops or stitches of the above-described rows, and it can be performed by a mechanical method without any difficulty. Even when it is preferable that the teeth of the comb-shaped structure are shorter than the stitches of the rows into which the teeth are inserted, it is also preferable that the stitches stitched are longer than the remaining stitches of the tubular knit.

The method has the advantage of being able to automate in its entirety, but does not exclude the possibility of carrying out the manual or semi-manual method described later by way of examples based on a series of embodiments.

Indeed, by the method of the present invention, a chain of stitches or loops that intersect two pairs of individual stitch pairs installed on both sides of the flap of the tubular knitted fabric, in a similar but simpler and more automated way of processing in a linking machine. When the sewing thread is produced, a seam for joining the flap of the tubular knitted fabric corresponding to a suitable linking seam can be obtained.

To ensure that all stitches or loops in the rows adjacent to the comb-toothed rows are engaged with the corresponding stitches in the sutures that suture the toe, for example, even if the teeth are inserted in a loop that is not completely regular, Even when engaged with two adjacent loops of the flap, the pitch of the sutures joining the flap of the knit fabric is advantageously thought to be smaller than the pitch of the comb-like structure or the pitch of the stitch or loop. For example, the pitch of the knitted suture may be a divisor of the pitch of the loop of rows of fibers to be sewn or the pitch of the comb-shaped structure, for example 1/2 or 1/3.

Indeed, the method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

At a position corresponding to said end flap, grasping an approximately radially opposite point of the tubular knitted fabric; Tensioning the end flap in a direction across the tubular knit fabric to move to both sides of the flap; Longitudinally tensioning the tubular knit fabric; Inserting the comb-like structure into the loop of the first row to insert each of the teeth of the comb-like structure into the loop of one first flap and into the corresponding loop of the second flap; Sewing with a loop of said at least one second row adjacent to a first row; Cutting the loop of the first row to slide the cut half of the loop, i.e. open the loop of the first row; I think.

As is known, when yarns are fed continuously, the structure of a general knitted fiber is helical in the sense of creating a series of helical stitches in series. In the case where the tubular knitted fabric has a structure of this type, the teeth of the comb-like structure can raise one end inserted by adjacent rows, and likewise a loop formed of sewing corresponds to the corresponding of two flaps belonging to different rows on both sides of the flap. One end of the stitch can be raised. This substantially does not affect the end result due to the deformability of the fiber structure.

However, according to a preferred example of the present invention, the rows into which the teeth of the comb-like structure are inserted and the rows to be sewn as in the immediately preceding and immediately after possible rows are arranged so that the threads of the yarns forming the stitches enter and exit in these rows. Obtained by temporary interruption of yarn in yarn. This results in circular rows instead of helical rows, and facilitates the insertion of comb-like structures like sewing or linking operations performed at a single row level without overlap. Detailed description of examples of embodiments will become more apparent to this particular feature.

The method according to the present invention for suturing the toe of a tubular knitted fabric is time and / or the time of knitting of the tubular knitted fabric, as generally occurs for linking treatments that are performed separately from the knit processing of the tubular knitted fabric. It can be performed at a different time and / or region than the region.

Alternatively preferably, the method of suturing the toe is feasible directly at the machine, i.e., in a position adjacent to the machine from which the knitted fabric is made. In this case, the sewing method is integrated with the method for the tubular knitted fabric. Thus, the method includes the following steps; Knitting the tubular knit fabric starting from the leading edge to the distal edge; Setting two end flaps of the distal edge on both sides of the flap; Inserting a comb tooth-shaped structure composed of a plurality of teeth into a loop of at least one first row of stitches of the end flaps; Sewing with a loop of at least one second row of stitches provided between the first row of stitches and the body of the tubular knitted fabric; Opening the first row of stitches inserted into the teeth of the comb; It includes.

In any case, the process of knitting the knitted fabric according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention allows for the formation of stitches or loops of larger size or length to facilitate the insertion of teeth of the comb-shaped structure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a sewing device for sewing two end flaps of a tubular knitted fabric to form a sewn toe of the knitted fabric, the plurality of stitches engaging the loop of the first row of the tubular knitted fabric A comb tooth-shaped structure having a tooth; Hold the tubular knit fabric at one end edge of the tubular knit fabric at approximately two radially opposite sides to tension the end edges on both sides of the flap to move the two end flaps of the tubular knit fabric. A gripping member for enabling it; Sewing means having at least one knitting needle for sewing together end flaps provided on both sides of the flaps of the lower portion of the comb-shaped structure; It provides the device made by combining.

The grip member for holding and tensioning the knitted fabric may be omitted. In this case, the operation can be performed manually, for example, by inserting the edge of the knitted fabric with the flap unfolding in a so-called guillotine consisting of two bars provided on both sides of the flap.

In addition, it is also possible to advantageously form the cutting member for cutting the loop engaged by the comb-shaped structure as well as means for removing the half loop cut by the cutting member. However, as discussed above, opening of the loop adjacent to the suture may be done in a different manner than cutting. In this case, there may be no means for removing the residues of the cutting member and the cut half loop.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a device in which the tubular knitted fabric is pressed therebetween with the end flaps installed on both sides, and engaging the end flaps provided on both sides of the flap for insertion of the comb-like structure. A pair of substantially straight bars is formed parallel to the comb-like structure and joined to the comb-like structure. The comb-like structure is independent of the pair of bars, otherwise it can advantageously be performed by one of the bars and can move relative to the comb-like structure.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cutting member is coupled with the comb-shaped structure in order to facilitate the cutting operation of the loop of the internal row in which the comb-shaped structure is inserted. The cutting member may include a blade housed in such a way as to slide within a sheet formed on the teeth of the comb-shaped structure. For efficient cutting, the operation of the blade may have parallel and perpendicular components to the expansion of the teeth of the comb-shaped structure. While the latter solution is advantageous in structural terms, it does not exclude the possibility of manufacturing and installing the cutting member in other ways instead of combining the comb-shaped structure and the blade.

Another advantageous feature of the apparatus and method according to the invention is specified in the appended claims.

A device comprising the apparatus according to the invention which also has the function of extracting the tubular knitted fabric from the circular knitting machine and receiving the tubular knitted fabric in an area in which an appropriate sewing device for sewing the toe is formed is described next. The following description is to be understood as referring only to the use of an apparatus and a method according to the invention which can also be carried out on other machines and apparatus. For example, in combination with a device of the type described in WO-A-00 / 1869 or in combination with one of the devices described in EP-A-0679746 instead of a combination with a sewing machine described herein. Alternatively, in combination with other suitable devices, the use of the devices and methods according to the invention may be envisaged. The apparatus and method according to the invention are, for example, combined with a machine of the type described in the simultaneous patent application No. 00830020.4 on January 18, 2000 or the corresponding international patent application on January 12, 2001. It may also be used in combination with the number PCT / IT01 / 00009.

In general, the present invention may be employed alone instead of combining with a knitting machine with corresponding means for extracting and handling the tubular knitted fabric. It is in fact possible to think of pick-up of tubular knits from quickly installed containers after the tubular knits have been manufactured in separate manufacturing departments. In this case, the step of preparing the tubular knitted fabric for the next sewing step is entirely mechanized or for example installing the tubular knitted fabric on which the tubular knitted fabric is sewn on a suitable support, for example an end of the tubular duct. It can be partly mechanized by considering the involvement of workers. The remaining work of the tensioning, positioning, sewing and discharging steps can be mechanized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS To facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, the following specification and examples are provided in the accompanying drawings which illustrate examples that are not limited to the embodiments of the present invention.

The device for picking up and sewing a tubular knitted fabric is shown in FIG. 4 coupled to a circular knitting machine, and the one separated from the knitting machine is shown in FIGS. The internal structure of the pickup device is shown in FIGS. 17 to 28. Some of the figures have moved parts of the device for clearer explanation. In the following, a single device for picking up the knit fabric and sewing the toe will often be collectively described as a whole consisting of a pick-up device and a sewing device, but the pick-up device may be combined with another device for sewing the toe. It is possible and vice versa.

In the accompanying drawings, (1) shows the entire apparatus for picking up the tubular knitted fabric and sewing the toe, and (3) shows the whole circular knitting machine for producing the tubular knitted fabric. Of the circular knitting machines, only the essential components shown in particular in Figs. 17-19 are shown which show the cylinder 5 of the knitting needle 7 forming the circular bed in a method known per se. The knitting needle cylinder is supported in such a way that it is rotatable about its own axis by the support 9 and is in turn installed by a member (not shown) that engages the crown gear 11. The members for controlling the knitting needles 7 of the circular knitting bed are not shown, but as they are known per se as all other members of the circular knitting machine, no further details are described in this specification.

The apparatus 1 comprises a suction tube 13, the suction tube being substantially U-shaped, one end 13a is called a suction end, and the other 13b is called an output end. The suction end 13a is provided below the cylinder 5 of the knitting needle 7 of the knitting machine 3. In this way, the suction tube 13 can have any diameter irrespective of the inner diameter of the cylinder 5.

The guide member 15 is fully deployed inside the suction pipe 13. The suction tube 13 from the suction end 13a to the inside of the cylinder 5 of the knitting needle 7 of the knitting machine 3, in which an approximately tubular structure having a circular cross section is illustrated in the example. Extends outside of. The upper end of the guide member 15 reaches the plane where the knitted fabric of the knitting machine 3 is formed.

The guide member 15 is composed of two parts, 15a and 15b. These two parts are hinged about the axis 17 of the trace perpendicular to the axis (ie, the center line) of the suction tube 13 and the guide member 15 itself. The reason for this configuration will become more apparent from the ensuing specification, which is the ejection of the knitted fabric with the sealed toe.

The guide member 15 is supported inside the suction tube 13 by the entire intermediate separator 19, which is a part illustrated in detail in FIGS. 8 to 10. The intermediate separator 19 functions to separate the suction tube into two consecutive portions of the first portion extending between the suction stage 13a and the intermediate separator 19 and the second portion between the latter and the output stage 13b. Also perform.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 8 to 10, the intermediate separator is a pair of jaws 21, 22 operated by an actuator 23 and an actuator 24, for example, configured as a cylinder piston system. Consists of The jaws 23 and 24 are fixed to the cylinder piston actuators 23 and 24 and have V-shaped front profiles 21V and 22V. The jaws are inside the front part of the jaw 22 which passes between the two profiles 21V, 22V in a coaxial position with respect to the grip, i. 21 has a slot.

The jaw 21 and the jaw 22 slide with a guide frame 25 fixed to the suction pipe 13.

As shown in Figs. 9 and 10 (in Fig. 10 the jaws 21 and jaws 22 are shown closed), the jaws 22 are on the profile 22V and the jaws themselves ( In particular, it has an inner tuck 27 which is open on). The frame 25 is connected to the outlet region of the inner duct for application of a flexible pipe or hose which connects the inner duct to a source of air under pressure (not shown) for the purpose of clarity in the following. It has an opening that opens in the corresponding position.

In particular, as shown in FIGS. 17, 18 and 19, the guide member 15 is a hollow structure (figure 17a) with a head 15e housing the stem 15c (see FIG. 17a). 15b), the stem constitutes an elastically extendable portion of the guide member itself. 15d shows an expansion spring for returning the stem to the hollow annular portion of the guide member. Pressurized air which can be supplied through the inner duct of the jaw 22 is illustrated in FIGS. 17-29 while the stem 15c is shown in a retracted position inside the hollow of the guide member 15 in FIG. 20. It has a function of pressing the inner region of the hollow portion 15b of the guide member 15 so as to extract the stem by overcoming the force of the extension spring 15d until it reaches a predetermined position.

Since the jaws 21 and jaws 22 of the intermediate separator 19 can be opened, and the guide member 15 is released to allow passage of the tubular knitted fabric which should pass through the suction pipe 13 ( As will be apparent from the following description), a system for the temporary support of the guide member 15 along the suction pipe 13 is formed inside the suction pipe 13. These support means are clearly shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 and in a simplified way in the remaining figures. They consist of the installation of three sliders 31, 32, 33 positioned at three cross sections each spaced apart along the expansion of the suction pipe 13. More specifically, two of the three sliders, that is, the slider 31 and the slider 32 are positioned in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the suction pipe between the suction end 13a of the suction pipe and the intermediate separator 19. It is. The final slider 33 installation is positioned in the plane between the intermediate separator 19 and the output end of the suction tube 13. The sliders 31, 32, 33 are installed in such a way that the slider does not protrude into the suction pipe 13 so as to leave the space between the inner wall of the suction pipe 13 and the guide member 15 completely free. Lose or contract. Further, in the inside of the suction pipe 13, each installation of the slider can be moved in the radial direction in the manner in which the slider engages the guide member while supporting the suction pipe. By the synchronized operation of the installation of the sliders 31, 31, 33, the tubular knitted fabric discharged from the circular single bed can be passed along the suction pipe 13 toward the output end 13b of the suction pipe. The suction pipe 13 has an end portion 13c which is movable in an angular direction about its own axis with respect to the remaining part of the suction pipe. The rotational movement of the end 13c of the suction pipe 13 is given by an actuator, for example, a step motor or the like. As is evident from the detailed description of the mode of operation of the overall device, in order to properly orient the tubular knitted fabric before sewing the toe of the tubular knitted fabric, the actuator is restrained (fixed to the supporting structure). The angular position of the end portion 13c of the suction pipe 13 can be adjusted with respect to.

At the output end 13b of the suction pipe 13, a sewing area 37 is formed. The function of extracting the tubular knitted fabric from the device to finally discharge the knitted fabric, flipping the knitted fabric from the inside of the suction pipe 13, sewing the toe of the knitted fabric by sewing and reinserting the knitted fabric into the suction pipe The member is located in this area.

More precisely than the suction pipe 13, the unit 39 surrounding the end portion 13c of the suction pipe 13 is installed in the sewing area 37. In a manner to be described in detail with reference to Figs. 11 to 14, the unit 39 has a member for widening and inverting the tubular knitted fabric before sewing. The unit 39 moves along the end portion 13c of the suction pipe 13 in the axial direction of the arrow f39 direction. For this purpose, a slide guide 41 and an actuator 43 for controlling the unit 39 are provided. The unit 39 is shown in perspective in FIG. 11, in cross section in FIG. 13 and in bottom view in FIG. 11. 11 shows a ring 45 forming part of the unit 39, which becomes the same axis as the axis of the end 13c of the suction tube 13. Before sewing the toe, the ring 45 supports a plurality of radial pushers 47 constituting a member for overturning the tubular knitted fabric. Each pusher 47 forms a radial motion controlled by a corresponding actuator, for example a small cylinder-piston actuator. Below the ring 45 is a wall 51 through which the unit 39 delimits the internal suction chamber 53. The suction chamber is connected to the suction line through the opening 55, and 57 is a connection portion of the suction chamber 53.

By rotating the spindle 61, five shape plates 59 are installed in the suction chamber 53 in the unit 39. Each shape plate 59 has a stem 63 parallel to the spindle 61 itself at a position away from the corresponding support spindle 61. The structure of the shape plate is shown in FIG. 12 with the pusher 47, the pusher actuator 49 and the ring 45 positioned thereon for clarity in the first angular position of the spindle 61. The shape plate is adapted to form a continuous wall substantially perpendicular to the suction tube 13, more precisely at the end 13c of the suction tube 13. The wall formed from the shape plate 59 has a central hole 65 for the purpose of clarity later.

The shape plate 59 is controlled in such a manner that the shape plates are simultaneously opened by vibration of each spindle 61 about the spindle itself axis. For this purpose, a mechanism is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, including a pinion 67 fixed to the lower end of each spindle 61 and engaged with a crown gear of an internal tooth, causing the pinion 67 to spontaneously rotate. Rotation is formed to cause spontaneous rotation of the spindle 61. Rotation of the toothed crown gear 69 is achieved by the pinion 70 which is well adapted to the axis 72 driven by the cylinder-piston actuator 74 to rotate about its own axis.

A gripping member 71 for holding the tubular knitted fabric to be sewn is installed on the unit 39, approximately aligned with the end 13c of the suction tube 13. The gripping member 71 includes a pair of brackets 73 that are movable relative to the forward and backward movements indicated by the double-headed arrow f73 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The operation in the direction indicated by the arrow f73 is obtained by a pair of cylinder-piston actuators coupled to the bracket, and is performed by a structure which in turn forms an operation along the horizontal axis X and the vertical axis Y (in particular FIGS. 5 and FIG. 6). As will be evident in the following, the bracket 73 can be unfolded to pass through the suction pipe 13, grasp the end edge of the tubular knitted fabric and pull it to the sewing machine for the next sewing operation.

The structure having the member 71 for holding the tubular knitted fabric is supported by a base structure 75 which is in turn constrained to a fixed frame, for example the frame of the knitting machine 3 itself. The base structure 75 has a pair of bars 77 and bars 78 that are approximately straight. The bar 77 is secured to the movable metal cross section 81 by a cylinder-piston actuator (not shown) as indicated by the double arrow f81. In this way, the bar 77 can be moved away from the bar 79 and close while being fixed relative to the base plate 75.

Under the fixed straight bar 79, the comb-tooth structure 83 shown in detail in FIG. 16 is formed. The comb-shaped structure 83 has a plurality of teeth 85 and consists of two portions 83a and 83b, and forms an intermediate sheet for sliding of the cutting blade 87. The comb-shaped structure 83 can move as indicated by the double arrow f83 (see in particular FIG. 6) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal development of the fixed straight bar 79. The movement is obtained by the cylinder-piston actuator 89 or equivalent actuator of FIG. 6.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 16, the cutting blade forms a plurality of slots 87a inclined with respect to the cutting edge 87b of the blade 87. The pin 83c fixed to the portion 83b of the comb-shaped structure 83 is inserted into the slot 87c. At one end of the blade, the blade 87 forms an appendage 87c which forms a slot 87d perpendicular to the cutting edge 87b of the blade itself. A slider is formed in the slot 87d which forms a movement parallel to the cutting edge 87b given by a cylinder-piston actuator 93 or an equivalent actuator. As can be seen in particular in FIG. 6, the base plate 75 has the actuator. Because of the slot 87d, the cutting blade 87 always maintains a mechanical connection with the actuator 93 to follow the movement of the comb-like structure 83 in the direction of the double arrow f83. Move in a direction perpendicular to 87b). The action of the actuator 93 generates thrust in the direction of the arrow f87 on the blade due to the configuration of the pin 83c and the inclined slot 87a, and thus against the longitudinal development of the comb-shaped structure 83. One component is parallel and the other component is at right angles. As will become clear next, the function of this movement is to cut the loop of stitch rows that insert the comb-like structure to sew the toe of the tubular knitted fabric.

The sewing area is also provided with a sewing machine 95 shown separately from the other mechanical members in FIG. The sewing machine 95 has been omitted for reasons clearly shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The sewing machine 95 has a mouth for sucking the sewing needle 96 and the sewing thread (99). Reference numeral 101 denotes a so-called "chrohe" and raises and lowers the sewing thread supplied by the thread of the bobbin appropriately picked up by the sewing needle 96 against the crochet. The shape of the crochet 101 is purely formed by way of example. The crochet can also be rotatable or vibratory, for example. Likewise, the shape of the knitting needle in conjunction with the crochet may be different. The structure of the sewing machine 95 is in its own form known to those skilled in the art, and thus will not be described in more detail here. The type of sewing performed by the knitting needle 96 is explained in any way in connection with the operation of the apparatus.

The sewing machine 95 forms a sewing operation, indicated by the arrow f95 of FIG. 4, given by the actuator 96 of FIG. 4.

After sewing the toe portion so as to cut some fibers outside the sewing line, a retaining member for suppressing the tubular knitted fabric is coupled to the sewing machine 95. The holding member 103 is shown in a perspective view of the structure of the holding member in detail in FIG. 15, while the position of the holding member relative to the other members is shown in FIG.

The retaining member 103 includes a pair of bars 105 approximately parallel to the sewing machine 95, a fixed bar 77, and a movable bar 79. The retaining bars 105 form a movement perpendicular to their deployment in the direction indicated by the double arrow f105 in FIG. 15. In this way, the retaining bars can be spread on the retaining bar side to restrain the knit fabric, or can be separated from each other to loosen the knit fabric. The operation is given by a cylinder-piston actuator accommodated in the structure of the retaining member 103 fixed to the sewing machine 95. Since the holding member 103 is fixed to the sewing machine 95, when the sewing machine sews in the direction of the arrow f95, it is moved integrally with the sewing machine. Thereby, the bar 105 can be aligned with the knitted fabric to be sewn.

Finally, after the cutting operation performed by the blade 87, the system 107 for removing the residue is fixed to the sewing machine, and the position of the system relative to the member other than the apparatus shown in FIG. Is shown. The structure of the residue removal system 107 is shown in perspective view in a possible implementation in FIG. 42. The removal system 107 is provided with one or more brush members which rotate about an axis of the vertical axis inserted in the suction port 111 where the residue separated from the tubular knitted fabric by the brush is sucked in and removed.

The operation of the apparatus described so far is shown in relation to the following FIGS. 17 to 43.

FIG. 17 shows the last knitting step of the tubular knitted fabric by knitting of the circular knitting bed of the circular knitting machine 3. The tubular knitted fabric is in the lower part of FIG. 17 and knitting starts from the edge b1 where the finished knitted fabric remains open. If the tubular knitted fabric is a sock, the edges constitute the elastic edge of the sock. The final knitting step is conceived of the formation of an edge b2 designed to be sewn to form a sealed toe of the finished product.

The tubular knitted fabric, when formed, is provided in the space between the cylinder 7 of the knitting needle 7 and the guide member 7, and the portion of the guide member is more precisely formed by the suction pipe 13. It protrudes with respect to the suction end 13a. In this step, the intermediate separator 19 provided along the suction pipe is closed, and the jaws 21 and the jaw 22 hold the guide member 15 while maintaining the suction pipe at an inside position of the suction pipe 13 in the future. . The portion of the suction tube between the suction stage 13a and the intermediate separator 19 is held at a negative pressure through a suction mouse provided adjacent to the intermediate separator 19 on the suction side of the suction tube 13. do. The mouse 14 is connected to a suction fan or the like not shown.

The stem 15c, which can be extracted from the guide member 15, is preliminarily pushed to the extracted position of the stem by air under pressure supplied through the jaws of the separating member 19. In this extraction position, the head 15e of the stem 15c is on the plane of the shape plate which is open to pass through the head itself. By closing the shape plate, the stem 15c remains engaged through the holes 65 between the shape plate 59 together with the head on the shape plate itself. This means that even if there is no pressure in the guide member 15 and in the future when the jaw of the separator 19 is opened, the stem 15c will remain in the extracted position. In this configuration, the stem 63 fixed to the shape plate 59 is leaning against the axis of the stem 15c in such a manner as to reduce the obstruction in the radial direction for the reasons that will be apparent next. And at least partly accommodated in a sheet made of a stem under the head 15e of the stem 63.

When the tubular knitted fabric M is completed in the circular knitting bed of the circular knitting machine 3, as a result of the negative pressure of the suction pipe 13, until it is assumed to the position shown in FIG. 18, that is, the intermediate separator ( The tubular knitted fabric is sucked along the suction pipe 13 until it rests against 19). The movement of the tubular knitted fabric, in which the knitted fabric M slides into the free space between the inner wall of the suction tube 13 and the guide member 15 along the suction tube 13, is guided by the guide member 15. You are guided. In order to be able to pass the knitted fabric over the transverse surface on which the slider 31 and the slider 32 act, the transverse surface is opened and closed in an alternating manner, which, during passage of the knitted fabric, is one of the slider installations 31. Slider 31 or slider 32 is engaged with the guide member 15. In this way, it is possible to cross the cross section where the tubular knitted fabric M is installed and reach the position illustrated in FIG. 18. The jaw 21 and the jaw 22 allow the tubular knitted fabric to reach the output end 13b of the suction tube 13 in such a way that the knitted fabric leans against the wall formed by the shape plate 59 at the position illustrated in FIG. 19. ) By separating each other, the separator 19 is opened. While suction through the mouse 14 is inhibited, suction is activated through a suction line connected by the connection portion 57 to the chamber 53 inside the mobile unit 39. This latter aspiration can be activated in the previous step, as shown in FIG.

In this way, the tubular knitted fabric M arrives at the position shown in FIG. 19, leaning against the wall formed by the shaped plate 59 in the closed shape. Also in this case, the movement of the tubular knitted fabric is guided by the guide member 15 extending to the shape plate. Upon opening of the jaw of the intermediate separator 19, the slider 33, which is closed in advance to support the guide member 15, is opened so that the knitted fabric can pass. The opening action of the slider 33 can be synchronized with the new closing action of the intermediate separator 19 in such a way that the guide member 15 is always adequately suppressed in a substantially central position inside the suction pipe 13. . In addition, the side support of the guide member can be at least partially obtained by engaging with the hole in the wall formed by the shape plate 59.

The function of the next step is to extract the tubular knitted fabric from the suction tube 13, turn the knitted fabric upside down and sew it, thereby sewing the distal edge of the knitted fabric to form a sealed toe of the knitted fabric.

For this purpose, as can be seen in Fig. 20 showing only the end region of the suction pipe 13, the rotating spindle 61 is moved so as to radially move the stem 63 fixed to the shape plate 59 to the outside. ), The shape plate 59 is moved.

Since both the shape plate 59 and the stem 63 are outside on the output end 13b of the suction tube 13, the movement of the branch point of the stem 63 is caused by the stem outside the obstacle formed by the edge of the suction tube 13. It can extend to the point to convey to the position of the outer radial direction shown in FIG. In this position, the fabric portion of knitted fabric M is tensioned in such a way that the fabric is substantially outside of the obstruction of suction tube 13 with respect to edge B1.

Once the stem 63 is engaged with the tubular knitted fabric, the elastically expandable stem 15c of the guide member 15 can be retracted into a portion 15b of the interior of the suction tube, and thus the internal portion of the guide member. Reduce the pressure of 15b. The contraction of the stem can be obtained by the effect of the expansion spring 15d. In Fig. 20, the stem 15c in the position where the expansion spring is retracted is illustrated.

By the vertical downward movement of the unit 39 indicated by the arrow f39, the said stem 63 is conveyed to the position provided in the stem side externally with respect to the output end 13b of the suction pipe 13. The tubular knitted fabric thus follows the stem while covering the outside of the suction tube 13 in an area still engaged by the stem 63 and surrounding the output end 13b of the suction tube. The lowering operation of the unit 39 proceeds until the stem 63 is completely separated from the tubular knitted fabric (FIG. 22).

Pressing the pusher 47 against the tubular knitted fabric in order to extract the tubular knitted fabric M from the inside of the suction tube 13 and to invert the knitted fabric by conveying the knitted fabric to the outer surface of the suction tube 13 ( 23) At this point the unit 39 is moved further downwards as indicated by arrow f39 (FIG. 24). In this way, as indicated by arrow f39, the outer surface of the suction pipe 13 is removed until the mobile unit 39 reaches the position shown in FIG. Accordingly, the tubular knitted fabric M is attracted. In this position, the tubular knitted fabric M is completely outside of the suction tube 13. The tubular knitted fabric is also inverted with respect to the shape knitted by the circular knitting machine. Because of the elasticity of the knit itself holding the outer surface of the suction tube 13 and the starting edge B1 of the knit fabric, the pusher can be separated again to release the tubular knitted fabric M remaining in the position shown in FIG. 25. have. In the case where the tubular knitted fabric M is particularly long, the pusher 47 in the closed position after preventing the opening of the previous pusher 47 upon pulling up the tubular knitted fabric again in the upward stroke of the unit It is possible to repeat the downward stroke of the unit 39 along with 47 to convey the unit 39 upward and return to the original position each time.

As can be seen in FIG. 24, the suction tube 13 starts at the output end 13d, ie at the edge of the suction tube 13, and extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the suction tube for a certain stretch. Has 13 slits. The function of these slits is to enable the bracket 73 to hold the tubular knitted fabric, thereby partially sliding the knitted fabric from the suction pipe 13 to sew the toe of the knitted fabric by sewing. However, before this operation is carried out, the positioning of the tubular knitted fabric M angle is required.

In fact, a seam designed to sew the toe of the knit fabric has a very precise orientation with respect to the tubular knit fabric itself in which the pocket, i.e. the fabric part designed to form the heel and toe of the foot of a sock or stocking, normally appears. It should be assumed that the seam is in an extremely precise position with respect to these pockets of the fabric. Before the sewing operation, in order to properly orient the tubular knitted fabric, it is sufficient to provide an indication of the knitted fabric at the time of knitting, for example, by stitching of several threads of a different color than the color of the yarn of the knitted fabric. . The mark thus obtained can be detected by an unshown photovoltaic cell installed in the vicinity of the output end 13b of the suction tube 13. The proper angular position of the tubular knitted fabric N is obtained by rotating about the axis of the portion 13c of the suction tube itself at this point. The rotation is the operation of conveying the device from the position in FIG. 24 to the position in FIG. 25. In fact, the two figures differ only in that the positions of the slits formed in the vicinity of the output end 13b of the suction pipe 13 are different. The angle deviation between the two figures represents the amount by which the portion 13c of the suction pipe 13 is rotated relative to the remaining portion of the pipe itself to convey the tubular knitted fabric at the correct angular position.

At the time of this angular positioning, or at any suitable moment, at the position where the pusher 47 is retracted, i.e., at the position where the pusher 47 is not in contact with the tubular knitted fabric, at the position shown in FIG. The unit 39 is conveyed upward to its original position until the unit arrives.

Once the unit 39 reaches the normal position shown in FIG. 26, the pusher 47 is closed to press the tubular knitted fabric against the outer surface of the suction tube 13 near the output end 13b of the suction tube. . Once the tubular knitted fabric is engaged by pressing the knitted fabric against the outer surface of the portion 13c of the suction tube 13, the slit 13d includes the axis of the original position, ie the portion 13 of the suction tube, and the plane of FIG. 26. The portion 13c can be rotated to convey it on a plane perpendicular to the plane. The rotational motion of the portion 13 of the suction tube 13, which is obtained again by the actuator 35, is such that the angle of the tubular knitted fabric as long as the knitted fabric is suppressed by the pusher 47 advantageously applied with a material having a high coefficient of friction. The operation of does not occur. In this way, the portion 13c of the suction pipe 13 rotates in a sliding manner in the tubular knitted fabric M, ie in a sliding manner on the inner surface of the tubular knitted fabric.

In the configuration of FIG. 26, the tubular knitted fabric M is such that the next sewing bracket is positioned at the correct angle for work in the suction pipe 13, and thus by the bracket 73 of the gripping member 71. Can be picked up. The brackets 73 which are unfolded from one another, for this purpose, have the brackets in the position shown in FIG. 27 showing the longitudinal section of the suction pipe 13 along a plane perpendicular to the plane shown in FIG. It will descend until it moves inside. As such, the bracket 73 is located in a plane that includes the axis A of the portion 13c of the suction tube 13 in which the slit 13d is located. In this way, the separation of the bracket 73, as indicated by arrow f73 in FIG. 27, can tension the edge B2 of the tubular knitted fabric M, thus sealing the two flaps of the edge together. have. The detaching operation of the bracket is combined with the raising operation of the bracket to reach the final position shown in FIG. In the last shape of the upward movement of the bracket 73, the pusher 47 is stopped in the suction tube to restrain the tubular knitted fabric M, thus causing tension in the longitudinal direction of the tubular knitted fabric.

At this point, the edge B2 of the tubular knitted fabric is stretched or stretched in such a way that the two flaps of the edge are aligned with each other by the bracket 73. The bracket 73 is conveyed to a vertical position such that its lower end is slightly above the straight bar 77 and the straight bar 78. In this way, the bracket can be unfolded to hold the tubular knitted fabric M at a suitable position of the edge B2. This is schematically shown in FIG. 29, which shows a longitudinal cross section along a plane perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 28. In Fig. 28, (L1) and (L2) represent two flaps of the edge (B2) made by the bracket 73 of the gripping member 710. The knitted fabric, together with the pusher 47, the unit ( Tension can be obtained by the slight descent of 39).

FIG. 29A is a schematic enlarged view of an area that is a flap L1 and a flap L2 of a fabric forming an edge of a tubular knitted fabric to be sewn. As shown schematically in the cross section of the fabric, the flap represents a series of rows X2 installed on the bars 77 and bars 79, some of which consist of thicker threads than the other rows of threads. have. The thick row forms part of a thicker fabric that is directed over the bars 77,79 installed on the thick row side. The bars 77 and 79 need not be pressed against the fabric, but instead are free to slide properly to be tensioned in the transversal direction. Keeping in the longitudinal direction is ensured by the fact that the portion of the thicker fabric obtained by the thick yarn FG in FIG. 29A bears on the bars 77 and the bars 79. The portion consisting of the rows X is removed in the next cutting operation and is thus normally made of a yarn of poor quality than the yarn of the remaining portion of the tubular knitted fabric M.

In the sewing operation, the edge formed by the row X2 is maintained in a raised state by suction through the suction mouse 102 of FIGS. 33 and 34 coupled to the sewing machine 95.

By moving in the direction indicated by the arrow f83, the comb-shaped structure 83 is formed at this point in a row in which the teeth of the comb-shaped structure are installed toward the comb-shaped structure, that is, the row facing the bottoms of the straight bars 77 and the bars 79. It is pushed towards the tubular knitted fabric M until it passes through the stitch or loop. As can be seen in more detail with reference to FIG. 44 and the drawings in the following figures and as can be seen in the diagram of FIG. 29A, the loops X1 of this row allow the teeth of the comb-shaped structure 83 to be conveniently inserted. It has a longer length than the remaining loops of the knit fabric.

The operation in the direction indicated by f83 of the comb-shaped structure 83 is controlled by the actuator 89 (see FIG. 6) described above, and is not shown in FIG. 29 because the reason is clear. The close-up operation of the straight bars 77 and the bar 79 and the operation of the next comb-shaped structure 83 are shown sequentially in FIGS. 30 to 32 shown in the schematic plan view.

Once the teeth 85 of the comb-like structure 83 pass through each individual row of loops of the tubular knitted fabric M, the teeth 85 of the comb-like structure 83 pass through the bottom of the inner row through which they pass. The movable straight bar 77 may be retracted to be insertable among the components of the sewing machine 95 for sewing along the loop of the stitch row. The sewing operation is schematically shown in FIG.

33 shows the knitting needle 96, the mouse 99, and the crochet 101 of the sewing machine 95. It is also possible to see the comb-like structure 83 inserted into the corresponding row of stitches or loops of the tubular knitted fabric M. 34 shows the sewing area enlarged. The comb-shaped structure 83 and the corresponding tooth 85 are connected together, the blade 87 is installed, and is shown in two parts 83A and 83B separated from the different perspective views in FIG. 16. 34 is clearly shown in this configuration, in which the blade is in a retracted position, ie a position installed rearward with respect to the respective teeth 85.

FIG. 35 shows the operation of the knitting needle 96 and the crochet 101 for supplying the member of the sewing machine, in particular the sewing thread F. FIG. In this example of embodiment, the knitting needle 96 is a so-called piston needle, that is, a needle having an opening and closing member 96A. Needles of this kind are known per se from the prior art, in particular the prior patents cited in the introduction of the present specification. However, it is also possible to use other types of needles and / or crochet. For example, a latch needle or eye needle may be used. A series of sewing operations can be clearly seen in FIG. 35 and other forms of application are known per se; Therefore, detailed description is not required here.

However, for reasons that will appear more clearly from the description of FIG. 44 and the following figures, the pitch of the seam formed by the sewing machine with the knitting needle 96 is smaller than the pitch of the comb shape and its teeth 85, i.e., the loop. Note that it is smaller than the pitch of the row X1. In particular, the pitch of the suture is equal to 1/2 or 1/3 of the pitch of the loop rows X1 and the teeth 85 of the comb-shaped structure 83.

36, 37 and 38 show the next step of cutting the loop row X2 inside the tooth 85 of the comb-shaped structure 83 is inserted. Before this cutting operation, the tubular knitted fabric joined together to the suture line C in Figs. 36 to 38 by the retaining bar 105 of the retaining member 103 performed by the sewing machine 95 forming the suture line C. The flap L1 and the flap L2 of (M) are caught and suppressed. Thereby, even after performing the said cutting operation, it is possible to suppress the said tubular knitted fabric M. FIG. Cutting is performed by moving the blade 87 housed inside the comb-shaped structure 83 to convey the knitted fabric from the position in FIG. 36 to the position in FIG. 37. Because of this operation, the blade 87 cuts all the loop rows X2 in the teeth 85 of the previously inserted comb-shaped structure 83.

At this point, the tubular knitted fabric M is restrained by the retaining bars 105 provided for this purpose, while the comb-shaped structure 83 is reached to reach the position shown in FIG. Can be separated from the knitted fabric (M). The cut residue on the suture line C is shown schematically in FIG. 39 by a brush having a horizontal axis parallel to the retaining bar 105, but may actually have the configuration shown in FIG. 40. It is removed by the removal system 107. In this case with the vertical axis FR for removing the residue of the yarn in the enlarged representation of FIG. 41, the enlarged representation of FIG. 41 shows the actuation mechanism of the brush 109.

Once the sewing, cutting and removal of the residue of the thread is completed, after again inverting the tubular knitted fabric M assuming the final shape of the tubular knitted fabric corresponding to that made with the circular knitting machine 3, The tubular knitted fabric M can be removed from the device. For this purpose, the opposite operation is performed for the knitted fabric which has previously turned the knitted fabric by the operation of the unit 39 and the operation of the slider 47. Negative pressure inside the suction tube 13 through the suction mouse 16 (FIG. 43) in such a way that the knitted fabric having the toe stitched by the suture line C is sucked through the mouse 16 and removed from the apparatus. ) Is applied.

The suction port 16 of the guide member 15 along the inner wall of the suction pipe 13 on the opposite side to the suction pipe installed, leaving a wider passage for the movement of the tubular knitted fabric sewn toward the suction port 16. By allowing the portion 15b to rise, removal is facilitated by the operation of the portion 15b of the guide member 15 with respect to the portion 15a about the hinge axis 17.

Once the operation is completed, the apparatus returns to the shape of FIG. 17 for sewing of the tubular knitted fabric M, which then begins to form the knitted fabric on the circular knitting machine 3.

44, 45 and 46 are detailed explanatory views of the fabric structure of the edge portion B2 of the tubular knitted fabric M for being sewn by the seam previously described. 44 shows a part of the edge region B2 of the tubular knitted fabric M. FIG. (X1) represents a row of stitches or loops BX1 having a length larger than the length that teeth 85 of comb-shaped structure 83 insert. As is clearly shown in FIG. 44, the loop is longer than the length of the loop BX remaining below the loop forming the body of the tubular knitted fabric.

There are a plurality of rows above the rows X1 formed of threads that are the same or of poor quality as the threads forming the loops or stitches of the underlying rows BX. The loop or stitch of the row X2 has the same size as the loop BX.

In FIG. 44, (C) shows a sewing line formed by the sewing machine. As can be seen in the figure, the suture line C is formed at a position corresponding to the row X3 of the stitches provided below the row X1 of the stitches. In other words, the suture line C, which shows a substantial difference compared to the normal suture line performed with a linking machine, is formed on a row of stitches or loops adjacent to the row of teeth 85 of the comb-shaped structure 83.

Moreover, the pitch of suture C is greater than the pitch, rows of loops or stitches of rows X3, X2 and any other rows of the knit fabric. This also constitutes a substantial difference in comparison with the normal linking process of the tubular knitted fabric in the case of a suture having a pitch exactly the same as the pitch of the linking stitch or loop. The likelihood of any event of misalignment of the loop with teeth 85 of the comb-like structure 83 is chosen such that the pitch of the sutures smaller than the pitch of the loop is selected in such a way that no influence is made on the final result of the sewing operation. In fact, even when two adjacent loops are brought to the same tooth 83 of the comb-shaped structure 83, the suture C having a smaller pitch catches the loop so as to achieve complete sewing of the knitted fabric. do. Instead, in a conventional linking machine, the wrong hooking of the sewn loops on the linking machine results in irreversible defects in the product, and as a result the product should not be accepted.

Basically, the loop of the row X3 is sewn together by combining with the loop of the flap L1 corresponding to the loop of the flap L2 by the stitch formed of the sewing thread forming the suture line C. The sewing thread forms a stitch chain, and there is interspersed stitches that do not join the two flaps of the tubular knit between the stitches joining the two flaps.

45 shows two parts of a row X3 of stitches or loops in which sewing is performed. Separate representations of the individual rows of this stitch or loop clearly illustrate a sewing technique performed with a pitch longer than the pitch of the loop. (XC1 and (XC2) represent loops formed by the sewing thread. More specifically, the loops XC1 interlock with threads forming a loop of both flaps provided on both sides of the flap of the edge B1 of the knitted fabric M. Whereas a loop, loop XC2 represents a loop formed by a sewing thread in which the two flaps do not join, In this example, the suture is a single chain suture, but other embodiments are not excluded.

Fig. 46 shows the knit fabric of the sewing area again in the same manner as the knit fabric shown in Fig. 44, but after the cutting operation is performed by the blade 47. Figs. As described previously, the cutting is performed in the row X1, that is, inside the row in which the teeth 85 of the comb-shaped structure 83 are inserted. It is strictly speaking that unlike a conventional linking machine, the knit fabric is a row of stitches or loops with a larger length suspended by cutting a row of stitches stitched to a hook of the linking machine; On the other hand, in the present case, the cutting is performed outside the row adjacent to the seam, i.e., on the side opposite to the hook row with respect to the side where the body of the tubular knitted fabric is installed.

44 and 46 show the first of the row X2, ie immediately after the row X1, made of a yarn of a larger cross section, which may be elastic. Instead of the first of the rows (X2), the row immediately after may consist of a yarn of a larger cross section; Otherwise, one or more rows may consist of one large cross section of yarn. The function of this thread has previously been shown in relation to the preparation of the knitted fabric for sewing.

As previously described, the rows of stitches of a normal tubular knitted fabric develop spirally. According to an improved embodiment of the present invention, in order to obtain a more precise and neat stitching or linking of the toes, it is conceivable that the rows of stitches included in the sutures for joining the flaps forming the toes become circular instead of spiral. have. This can be obtained by suspending the yarn forming the fabric. Fig. 47 schematically shows a part of the columns X1, X2 and X3 of the region in which the seal is suspended. In this embodiment, each row is formed by a yarn having a start and an end of each row represented by l1, l2, l3 and f1, f2, f3 for each row. The rows of completely circular stitches thus obtained can be aligned along the comb-shaped structure 83 without any deformation, and the teeth can be conveniently inserted into the loop of each individual row X3. Similarly, stitches of suture C include only loops in rows X3, and loops in adjacent rows are not damaged.

In connection with this figure, the complete automation of the manufacturing cycle by the complex apparatus shown in conjunction with the knitting machine allows a complete tubular knitted fabric with a toe to be sewn or linked to be obtained in production. However, the present invention can be carried out in a simple shape, for example, by a semi-automatic or almost completely manual device, and anyway, it is more convenient than a traditional linking machine and the toe is sewn in operation to maintain a high quality finished product. have.

48-53 illustrate a possible example of an embodiment of a substantial manual device in which the operator manually inserts the tubular knitted fabric for suture of the toe. The device includes an insertion guide 201 in the shape of guillotine with two parallel bars forming a channel for insertion of a tubular knitted fabric. The tubular knitted fabric is represented by (M). The insertion guide 201 is divided into three parts. The first portion 201A is fixed relative to the load bearing structure 203 of the device. The second portion 201B is movable, for example, by pedal control by the action of the actuator 205 to approach the comb-like structure which performs the same action as the previously described comb-shaped structure 83.

The two parts, which can be assumed as part 201B of the guide 201, can be seen in FIGS. 48 and 49, in which the guide part 201B stops at the comb-like structure, the guide part. 201B is aligned with the guide portion 201A.

The third portion 201C of the guide 201 is fixed with respect to the structure of the apparatus and, when the guide portion 201B is in the position of FIG. 49, is thereby in a position aligned with the guide portion 201B. . In this case, the comb-like structures 207 are joined together in a flexible manner, one of which is attached to a chain 209 for forming a comb-like structure in the form of a closed track moving over two wheels driven by a motor. Consists of a plurality of fixed rigid body components.

Reference numeral 213 is shown separately in FIG. 50 and shows a sewing machine similar to the sewing machine 95 described above, which is shown in FIG. 51 in combination with a portion of the comb-shaped structure with one of the wheels 211. The sewing machine 213 includes a vibrating knitting needle 215 and a crochet 217.

In particular, as can be seen in enlarged detail in FIG. 52, the comb-like structure represents a slit developed within the teeth 208 of the comb-like structure 207 through which disc-shaped components can pass, The disc shaped component is supported by a shaft 221 driven by rotation by the motor 223.

As can be seen in the plan view of FIG. 53, in the sewing area, there is a guide profile 225 having an initial straight line portion 225A and a next curved portion 225B under the comb-shaped structure 207. The curved portion has a rotation axis perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 53 and is approximately parallel to the edge of the wheel 227 driven by a motor not shown. The wheel 227 is located below the disk-shaped blade 219, as will be described in more detail below, and has a function of drawing out the tubular knitted fabric during the cutting operation.

The apparatus described so far operates as described below. Individual knit fabric is inserted into portion 201B of guide 201. At this point, the operator stretches the knit fabric, causing deformation of the guide portion 201B by special control over the comb structure in such a way that the teeth 208 of the comb structure are inserted into the loops of the knit fabric. The knit fabric has a fabric structure equivalent to that previously described with rows X1, X2 and X3 of the size previously described and also has the same purpose as previously described. Once the comb-like structure 207 is engaged with the knitted fabric, it proceeds in the direction indicated by arrow f207 to convey the knitted fabric toward the sewing machine. Here, sewing and cutting operations are performed by the disk-shaped blade. Next, the residue is removed by the brush 231.

54 shows another embodiment of an apparatus 301 for semi-automatic sewing of tubular knits. The apparatus includes a sewing assembly 305 similar to FIGS. 48-53 as well as a means 303 for positioning and tensioning the tubular knitted fabric.

The positioning and tensioning means 303 comprise a circular table 307 which rotates a fixed axis 309. The circular rotary table 307 has a plurality of suction tubes 311 connected to the rear portion of the suction system, not shown. The suction tube 311 performs a function similar to the function performed by the end 13c of the suction tube 13 described above. The suction tube is equivalent to the bracket 73 described in connection with the first example of the present embodiment and represents an end slit 311 inserted by the bracket 313 coupled to the unit 305.

The fixed shaft 309 has a suction tube 311 and a shaft 309 of each corresponding ring having a plurality of pushers 321 equivalent to the pushers 47, with corresponding actuators 317 for controlling the movement of the movement. ) Have a plurality of guides 315 (four shown in this example) parallel to. The guide 35 together with the corresponding ring 319 and the pusher 47 form four stations through which each suction tube 311 passes in order to properly position the tubular knitted fabric to be sewn.

Operation of the apparatus of FIG. 54 is described next. Each tubular knitted fabric is inserted into the suction tube 311 by the distal edge of the tubular knitted fabric at the position 311X of the suction tube. The operator inserts the end edge of the tubular knitted fabric into the suction pipe, leaving the elastic starting edge or boundary outside the pipe in such a way as to cover the pipe. The rotary table 307 is rotated by one step to move the tubular knitted fabric to a suction tube suitable for the next station, and by the axial movement of each ring parallel to the pipe and the operation of the pusher, The tubular knitted fabric is inverted outside of the suction tube in the same manner shown in connection with FIG. 24 for an example of.

The suction tube is taken one step by the next rotation to the next station having a form similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 26, and an orientation of the tubular knitted fabric is performed.

By the other rotation, the bracket 313 and the suction pipe which pick up the tubular knitted fabric by one step and insert into the guillotine-shaped unit 305 are aligned. From this position, except that at the end of the sewing operation or at the end thereof, the tubular knitted fabric remains in engagement with an elastic edge or boundary at the outside of the suction pipe which is replaced by another step by the rotation of the rotary table 307. Is the same as that described for the apparatus of FIGS. 48 to 53.

The last ring 319 together with the corresponding pusher 321 is used to turn the tubular knitted fabric back over, and then the tubular knitted fabric can be piped in the same manner as described in connection with the first example of the embodiment. Extracted by suction through.

As such, the apparatus of FIG. 54 operates in a semi-automatic manner, as long as there is only one manual operation to fit the tubular knitted fabric on individual suction tubes, while the entire next process is done automatically.

The system for flipping the tubular knit fabric may be represented in other configurations. Instead of the ring 319 and the pusher 321, for example, a shape rubber wheel can be used in conjunction with the suction pipe 311. This applies in particular for the first station, in which the tubular knitted fabric is first turned over outside of the suction tube.

The drawings merely illustrate possible embodiments of the present invention given in order to provide specific embodiments of the present invention, and it should be understood that the embodiments, arrangements, etc. may be changed without departing from the basic spirit of the present invention. The possible presence of reference numerals in the accompanying drawings is for the purpose of ease of understanding in light of the specification and the accompanying drawings, and is not a way to limit the limited scope of the claims.

As described above, the method and apparatus for manufacturing a tubular knitted fabric according to the present invention can provide a method and a process for sewing the toe of the tubular knitted fabric which can be easily automated to ensure a high quality product.

Claims (42)

A method of forming a closed toe of a tubular knitted fabric, Setting two end flaps of the knit fabric on both flap sides; Inserting a comb tooth-shaped structure comprising a plurality of teeth inside a loop of at least one first row of stitches of the end flaps; Sewing with a loop of at least one second row of stitches provided between the first row of stitches and the body of the tubular knitted fabric; Opening the stitches in the first row; Toe portion forming method of the tubular knitted fabric, characterized in that it comprises a. The method of claim 1, The stitches formed of the sewing thread join the loops of one of the two flaps to the corresponding loops of the second flap of the two flaps, so that the loops of the second row are sewn. A toe portion forming method of a tubular knitted fabric characterized by the above-mentioned. The method of claim 2, The sewing thread forms a loop of at least a single chain, and between the stitches joining the two flaps, stitches that do not join the flap of the tubular knit are interspersed. . The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Wherein said loop of the first row is opened by cutting. The method of claim 4, wherein And removing the residue generated by the cutting of said loop in the first row. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The loop of the first row is obtained by using a removable yarn. The method of claim 6, The removable yarn is a yarn that can be lost by heating. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The loop of the first row has a greater length than the loop of the second row and the remaining loops forming the tubular knit fabric. The method of claim 8, The loop of the second row has a shorter length than the loop of the first row but has a longer length than the loop of the residual rows of the tubular knit fabric. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, At least one loop in the second row is sewn with a suture having a pitch shorter than the pitch of the loop. The method of claim 10, At least one loop of the second row, the toe forming method of the knitted fabric, characterized in that the sewing pitch of less than 1/2 of the pitch of the loop. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, At least one loop of the second row is sewn with a sewing pitch shorter than the pitch of the teeth of the comb-shaped structure. The method of claim 12, At least one loop of the second row is sewn with a sewing pitch of 1/2 or less of the pitch of the teeth of the comb-shaped structure. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, At a position corresponding to said end flap, grasping an approximately radially opposite point of the tubular knitted fabric; Tensioning the end flap in a direction across the tubular knit fabric to move to both sides of the flap; Longitudinally tensioning the tubular knit fabric; Inserting the comb-shaped structure into the loop of the first row to insert each of the teeth of the comb-shaped structure into the loop of one first flap and into the corresponding loop of the second flap; Sewing with the at least one second row of loops; Opening the loop of the first row; Toe forming method of the knitted fabric, characterized in that it comprises a. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, A method of forming the toe of the knitted fabric, characterized in that for sewing the loop of the second row by a single chain top suture. Knitting the tubular knit fabric starting from the leading edge to the distal edge; Installing two end flaps of the distal edge on both sides of the flap; Inserting a comb tooth structure consisting of a plurality of teeth into a loop of at least one first row of stitches of the end flaps; Sewing with a loop of at least one second row of stitches provided between the first row of stitches and the body of the tubular knitted fabric; Opening a loop of the first row of stitches; Toe forming method of the knitted fabric, characterized in that it comprises a. The method of claim 16, The stitches formed of sewing threads are used to sew the loops of the second row by combining the loops of one of the two flaps with the corresponding loops of the second flap of the two flaps, respectively. Toe portion forming method of the knitted fabric. The method of claim 17, The sewing thread forms a loop of at least a single chain, and between the stitches joining the two flaps, the toes of the tubular knit fabric are interspersed with stitches that do not join the two flaps of the tubular knit. Formation method. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, Wherein said loop of the first row is opened by cutting. The method of claim 19, And removing the residue generated by cutting the loop in the first row. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, The loop of the first row is obtained by using a removable yarn. The method of claim 21, The method of forming the toe of the tubular knitted fabric, characterized in that the removable yarn is a yarn which can be lost by heating. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, Wherein the body of the knitted fabric is knitted, and at the end of knitting the body of the knitted fabric, at least a first row of stitches is formed into a loop having a longer length than the loop of rows forming the body of the knitted fabric. How to form the toe of the. The method of claim 23, wherein After the first row of stitches, the band of fabric is formed to have a thickness thicker than that of the fabric forming the body of the knitted fabric. The method according to claim 16 or 24, And said at least one second row of loops are sewn with sutures having a pitch shorter than the pitch of said loops. The method of claim 25, And said at least one second loop is sewn with a sewing pitch less than 1/2 of the pitch of said loop. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 26, And said at least one second loop is sewn with a sewing pitch shorter than a pitch of teeth of said comb-shaped structure. The method of claim 27, And said at least one second loop is sewn with a sewing pitch of 1/2 or less of the pitch of teeth of said comb-shaped structure. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 28, At a position corresponding to said end flap, grasping an approximately radially opposite point of the tubular knitted fabric; Tensioning the end flap in a direction across the tubular knit fabric to move to both sides of the flap; Longitudinally tensioning the tubular knit fabric; Inserting the comb-like structure into the loop of the first row to insert each of the teeth of the comb-like structure into the loop of one first flap and into the corresponding loop of the second flap; Sewing with the at least one second row of loops; Opening the loop of the first row; Toe forming method of the tubular knitted fabric, characterized in that it comprises a. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 29, Method of forming the toe of the knitted fabric, characterized in that for sewing the loop of the second row by a single chain-type suture. An apparatus for sewing two end flaps of a tubular knitted fabric and forming a sealed toe of the knitted fabric, A comb-tooth shaped structure having a plurality of teeth for engaging the first row of loops of the tubular knitted fabric; Sewing means having at least one knitting needle for sewing together end flaps provided on both sides of the flaps of the lower portion of the comb-shaped structure; Apparatus characterized in that the combination is made. The method of claim 31, wherein Hold the tubular knit fabric at one end edge of the tubular knit fabric at approximately two radially opposite sides to tension the end edges on both sides of the flap to move the two end flaps of the tubular knit fabric. And a gripping member for the device. The method of claim 31 or 32, And a cutting member for cutting the loop engaged by the comb-shaped structure. The method of claim 33, And a member for removing the residue generated by the cutting of the loop. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein And the tubular knitted fabric with the end flaps installed on both sides, and further comprising a pair of substantially straight bars coupled to the comb-shaped structure and parallel to the comb-shaped structure. The method of claim 35, wherein The comb-shaped structure is moved by one of the bars and is movable with respect to the bar. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 36, The cutting member sheet is formed in the tooth of the said comb-tooth shaped structure. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 37, And the cutting member performs a cutting operation having parallel and vertical components with respect to the longitudinal development of the comb-shaped structure. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 38, And a retaining member for retaining the tubular knit fabric between the comb-shaped structure and the body of the tubular knit while cutting the stitches engaged by the comb-like structure. The method of claim 31, wherein And a guillotine into which the distal edge of the knitted fabric is inserted, wherein the guillotine and the comb tooth structure are relative to allow the comb tooth structure to be inserted into a tubular knitted fabric engaging the guillotine. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 40, And the comb tooth structure is a flexible structure. The knitting machine which manufactures a tubular knitted fabric contains the apparatus of Claims 31-41, The knitting machine characterized by the above-mentioned.