WO2003018903A1 - Device and method for opening the edge of a tubular knitted article or similar - Google Patents
Device and method for opening the edge of a tubular knitted article or similar Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2003018903A1 WO2003018903A1 PCT/IT2002/000543 IT0200543W WO03018903A1 WO 2003018903 A1 WO2003018903 A1 WO 2003018903A1 IT 0200543 W IT0200543 W IT 0200543W WO 03018903 A1 WO03018903 A1 WO 03018903A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- article
- tubular member
- gripping members
- tubular
- opening
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04B—KNITTING
- D04B9/00—Circular knitting machines with independently-movable needles
- D04B9/42—Circular knitting machines with independently-movable needles specially adapted for producing goods of particular configuration
- D04B9/46—Circular knitting machines with independently-movable needles specially adapted for producing goods of particular configuration stockings, or portions thereof
- D04B9/56—Circular knitting machines with independently-movable needles specially adapted for producing goods of particular configuration stockings, or portions thereof heel or toe portions
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06G—MECHANICAL OR PRESSURE CLEANING OF CARPETS, RUGS, SACKS, HIDES, OR OTHER SKIN OR TEXTILE ARTICLES OR FABRICS; TURNING INSIDE-OUT FLEXIBLE TUBULAR OR OTHER HOLLOW ARTICLES
- D06G3/00—Turning inside-out flexible tubular or other hollow articles
- D06G3/02—Turning inside-out flexible tubular or other hollow articles by mechanical means
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04B—KNITTING
- D04B15/00—Details of, or auxiliary devices incorporated in, weft knitting machines, restricted to machines of this kind
- D04B15/88—Take-up or draw-off devices for knitting products
- D04B15/92—Take-up or draw-off devices for knitting products pneumatic
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04B—KNITTING
- D04B9/00—Circular knitting machines with independently-movable needles
- D04B9/40—Circular knitting machines with independently-movable needles with provision for transfer of knitted goods from one machine to another
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06C—FINISHING, DRESSING, TENTERING OR STRETCHING TEXTILE FABRICS
- D06C5/00—Shaping or stretching of tubular fabrics upon cores or internal frames
- D06C5/005—Shaping or stretching of tubular fabrics upon cores or internal frames of articles, e.g. stockings
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06G—MECHANICAL OR PRESSURE CLEANING OF CARPETS, RUGS, SACKS, HIDES, OR OTHER SKIN OR TEXTILE ARTICLES OR FABRICS; TURNING INSIDE-OUT FLEXIBLE TUBULAR OR OTHER HOLLOW ARTICLES
- D06G3/00—Turning inside-out flexible tubular or other hollow articles
- D06G3/04—Turning inside-out flexible tubular or other hollow articles pneumatically
Definitions
- the invention relates to a device for opening the terminal edge of a tubular article, e.g. tubular knitted articles, such as stockings or socks and the like.
- a tubular article e.g. tubular knitted articles, such as stockings or socks and the like.
- This operation entails arranging the article, previously released by the knitting machien for example into a basket, or other container, onto the sewing machine members. This is usually carried out either by hand or by means of complex mechanical handling systems. Similarly, the article may need to be opened to perform subsequent operations in other circumstances, e.g. to iron socks or pair socks prior to packaging. * Object and summary of the invention
- Object of the invention is to make a device for easily, reliably and fully automatically opening the end, or edge, of a tubular article, i.e. typically the edge of a sock or stocking.
- an additional object is to realize a method for easily, reliably and automatically opening the starting edge of a tubular knitted article, typically a stocking or a sock.
- a device comprising a tubular member in which the articles are inserted; a plurality of mobile gripping members mobile between a first closed position and a second open position arranged on one outlet end of said tubular member; and guiding and orienting means associated to said outlet end of said tubular member for guiding and orienting the tubular article inserted in said tubular member towards said gripping members.
- the guiding and orienting means comprise two counterpoised contoured bodies which extend from the respective outlet end of the tubular member towards the inside of the tubular member, said counterpoised contoured bodies reciprocally delimiting a passage for said article.
- the transversal cross-section of the passage may be elongated to arrange the tubular article with the edge folded and flattened in a predetermined direction, determined by the longitudinal extension of the cross-section of this passage. This facilitates gripping and opening the tubular article by the gripping members.
- gripping members reciprocally arranged at 90° around an axis.
- a first pair of gripping members are aligned in the direction of development of the passage of the tubular article and the other two gripping members are aligned in the respectively orthogonal direction.
- each of said two contoured bodies presents a slanted guiding and orienting surface facing the direction of provenience of said article, the slanted surfaces of the two contoured bodies having opposite slants.
- the guiding surfaces can present a portion which is essentially flat and a portion which is essentially helical. This shape makes the arriving article turn to arrange it in the required position inside the long, narrow passage delimited by the guiding and orienting means.
- the contoured bodies can each present a flat lateral surface.
- the two flat surfaces which are preferably parallel one with respect to the other and to the axis of the tubular member, laterally delimit -the elongated transversal cross-section passage of the tubular article.
- each of said two contoured bodies consists of three portions; two lateral portions are integral with a mobile unit with respect to said tubular member and an intermediate portion is integral with said tubular member; said tubular member and said unit being reciprocally mobile, to distance the unit from the outlet end of the tubular member.
- the mobile unit can present housings for inserting the gripping members.
- the gripping members are carried by an annular structure surrounding the axis of the tubular member and equipped with a movement which is parallel to the axis of said tubular member. Opening members can be arranged on this annular structure to open the edge of the tubular article which has been previously opened by the gripping members.
- the gripping members can consist, for example, of a plurality of extendible stems which are parallel to the axis of the tubular member. These stems can move parallelly with respect to the axis of the latter to turn the edge of the tubular article inside out on the outer surface of the tubular member.
- the gripping members are operated by initially controlling a first pair consisting of two counterpoised gripping members for gripping and opening the tubular article and, after the movement of said first pair, by controlling the movement of the second pair of gripping members, which are reciprocally counterpoised to grip and open the tubular article.
- the gripping members are preferably suction members, but can be made in any other way, e.g. in the form of tongs or other mechanical means.
- the tubular member may be advantageously connected to a suction tube whose opening is positioned on the opposite side of said gripping members with respect to the outlet end of said tubular member.
- the suction may be directly obtained by means of the gripping members when, these are of the pneumatic type.
- the outlet end of the tubular member is associated with interception and shutting means, which prevent the tubular article from escaping and prevent the intake of aspirated air from the outside as well.
- the method according to the invention for opening an end of a flexible tubular article, specifically a tubular knitted article comprises the following phases:
- - figure 1 is a perspective view of the device for turning inside out, transferring and closing a tubular article;
- - figure 1A shows a perspective view which is similar to the view show in figure 1 with parts removed;
- - figure 2 shows a perspective view of a knitting machine equipped with the device shown in figures 1 and 2;
- - figure 3 shows a perspective view of the gripping member unit for opening the article;
- - figure 4 shows a perspective view from a different point of view of the unit in figure 3 showing the opening and pressing members for turning the tubular article inside out
- - figure 5 shows an isolated perspective view of the means for guiding and orienting the article which is supplied to the device to be opened, turned inside out and closed in the toe area
- FIG. 6A and 6B show two perspective views cross-sectioned along two longitudinal, reciprocally orthogonal planes of one of the tubular members with gripping members for opening the tubular article and the means for guiding and orienting the tubular article,
- FIG. 8A shows a perspective cross-sectional view according to a longitudinal plane of one of the tubular members
- FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of the terminal part of the pneumatic transfer tube and the tubular member support
- FIG. 9A and 9B show two possible positions in which the tubular article can be arranged when it arrives at the end of the tubular member on which it must be turned inside out before the toe is closed at a later stage
- - figures from 14 to 18 show, in a longitudinal cross-section, successive phases of the reversing operation of the elastic edge of the tubular article on the external surface of the tubular member
- - figures 19 and 20 are longitudinal cross-sections showing two successive phases of the tubular article reversing operation on the outer surface of the tubular member
- FIG. 22 shows the tubular member with the article turned inside out on the outer surface prior to being transferred to the second station where the toe is closed
- FIG. 29 and 30 are perspective views cross-sectioned along two reciprocally orthogonal longitudinal planes of a tubular member with guiding and orienting means in a different embodiment. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention
- Figures 1 , 1A and 2 show a device according to the invention applicable to a knitting machine, typically a circular knitting machine, for the production of tubular articles, such as socks, stockings or the like.
- the device is generically indicated with reference numeral 1 while reference numeral 2 in figure 2 schematically indicates a circular knitting machine of the type known per se to which device 1 is combined.
- the device 1 presents a support 3 which carries two reciprocally parallel tubular members 5A, 5B.
- the support 3 turns on an axis A-A which is parallel to the axis of the two tubular members 5A, 5B.
- the rotary movement of the support 3 is controlled by an actuator 7 arranged above and carried by a fixed frame 9.
- the rotary movement can be proceeded by an upwards movement of the support and consequently of the tubular members which are applied to it to avoid the collision (during rotation) with the mechanical parts surrounding the lower end of the two tubular members.
- the support 3 turns by 180° on the axis A-A and the two tubular members 5A, 5B are alternatively positioned in two stations side by side.
- the movement can be either an alternating movement or an intermittent rotary movement without reversing the direction of rotation.
- Opening means are arranged in the first station where the tubular member 5A is located in figures 1A, 1 B.
- the opening means comprise gripping members and opening means for holding the elastic edge of each article which is supplied into the tubular member in the first station and to open the elastic edge on the outer surface of the tubular member itself. Additionally, means for reversing the tubular article on the outer surface of the tubular member are provided.
- the union of these positioning members is generically indicated by reference numeral 11 in figure 1 , while a part of these members has been removed in figure 1 A for greater clarity.
- Angular orienting means and tensioning means are arranged in the second station, said means being generically indicated by reference numeral
- closing means 15 specifically a sewing machine, for closing the toe of the article by sewing or other operation (e.g. linking).
- the tubular articles made by the knitting machine 2 are supplied to the device 1 via a pneumatic transfer tube 17 presenting a terminal curve 17A arranged at an angle of 90° and facing one first end of the tubular member 5A, 5B which is temporarily in the first station, i.e. the tubular member 5A in the position shown in figures 1 , 1A, 2.
- the pneumatic transfer tube 17 is connected to a conduit 19 leading from the lower part of the needle cylinder of the knitting machine 2.
- Interception means generically indicated by reference numeral 21 , are arranged between the tube 17 and the conduit 19.
- the suction required for collecting the article made by the machine 2 and discharged from the needles is generated, as described below, through the tubular member 5A or 5B which is temporarily in the first station holding the interception members 21 open.
- the tubular article after being closed by the sewing machine 15 in the second station is transferred again to the first station and sucked to be removed via a pneumatic unloading conduit 23.
- the conduit 23 is connected to the pneumatic transfer tube 17 and to a fitting 25 which is in turn connected to a suction device (not shown).
- the article is aspirated from inside the tubular member 5A or 5B in which it is reinserted after closing the toe and transits along the tube 17 and along the conduit 23 to reach a box 27 where it is unloaded in a way which is known per se.
- the interception means 21 are closed.
- a new article is aspirated through the conduit 19 and the transfer tube 17.
- the device described to this point works as follows. A first article made by the machine 2 is sucked via the conduit 19 and the transfer tube 17 to reach the tubular member 5A. Since the article is made by the machine 2 starting from the elastic edge and ending with the toe, it reaches the tubular member 5A with the elastic edge first and the toe behind, i.e. downstream with respect to the direction of advancement. Having reached the lower end of the tubular member 5A, the article is turned inside out on the outer surface of the tubular member 5A by the members generically indicated with reference numeral 11 and described in greater detail below.
- the support 3 After being positioned, the support 3 is turned by 180° and the position of the tubular members 5A, 5B is turned inside out, so that the tubular member 5A is in the second station while the tubular member 5B is taken to the first station.
- the toe of the article is pulled and sewn according to a method which is essentially similar to that described in EP-A-1118700 or the like.
- another article from the machine 2 is inserted in the tubular member 5B which is temporarily in the first station.
- the article is turned inside out on the outer surface of the tubular member 5B and is prepared for closing the toe.
- the support 3 After closing the toe of the first article in the second station and positioning the second article in the first station, the support 3 turns again by 180° to return the tubular members 5A, 5B in the configuration shown in figure 1. The first article is sucked and unloaded along the tube 17 and the conduit 23 to permit the introduction of the next article while the toe of the second article is closed in the second station.
- the article can be turned inside out the second time after closing the toe in the first or second station both being equipped with means for performing the operation as illustrated below.
- the device 1 is capable of performing the toe closing operations by working on two articles at the same time in the two stations between which the articles are transferred by mechanism 3, 5A, 5B. In this way, the operations needed to close the two overlap. Consequently, the total time required to close the toe is reduced and the device 1 can close all articles from the knitting machine 2 to which it is combined.
- FIGS. 3 to 7 show in detail the members for opening and turning inside out the tubular articles which are individually supplied by the pneumatic transfer tube 17 inside either one or the other tubular member 5A, 5B.
- the assembly of the members 11 is carried by an annular structure 31 which is coaxial with the tubular member 5A or 5B temporarily located in the first station.
- the annular structure 31 is carried by a slide 33 (figure 1 , 1A) moving on a vertical guide 36 parallel to the axis ⁇ of the tubular members 5A, 5B.
- the annular structure carries a plurality of radially movable pressers 35, each of which is associated with a respective actuator 37 (see figure 4 in particular). As better described below, the pressers 35 turn the tubular article inside out on the outer surface of the tubular member 5A or 5B and other auxiliary functions.
- the annular structure 31 carries four linear actuators 39, e.g.
- Each slider 41 carries a respective pneumatic gripping member.
- the gripping members of a first pair are indicated by reference numeral 45A, while the gripping members of the second pair are indicated by reference numeral 45B.
- the movement of the gripping members and the sliders 41 is indicated by the double arrow f41.
- Each gripping member presents a sucking head 47 applied to a first end of a tube 49 whose second end is connected by means of a flexible tube to a suction line.
- the flexible tubes and the suction line are not shown for the sake of simplicity of the drawing.
- a respective stem 51 (see figures 6A and 6B in detail) is associated to each gripping member 45A, 45B.
- the stems form opening means for opening the edge of the tubular article opposite to the toe of the article which must be closed.
- Each stem is carried by a slide 53 moving on a guide 55 which is integral with a respective slider 41.
- Each slide 53 is secured by a traction spring 57 to an appendix 59 which is integral with the respective slider 41 so that the four stems 51 are elastically stressed towards the axis of the annular structure 31 and of the tubular member 5A and 5B for the purposes which will be illustrated below.
- a mobile unit 31 is arranged under the annular structure.
- the mobile unit comprises the upper end of a suction tube 61 carried by a support 63 vertically movable and controlled by an actuator (schematically referred to by numeral 64) according to the double arrow f63.
- the tube 61 is connected to a suction source by means of a flexible tube (both not shown in the drawing).
- the upper part of the suction tube 61 forms housings for the passage of the gripping members 45A, 45B, indicated by reference numeral 65.
- the suction tube 61 presents an interception member 67 consisting of a grid to stop the sucked tubular articles from penetrating inside the tube.
- contoured appendixes indicated by reference numerals 71 A, 71 B and 73A, 73B respectively, are made on the suction tube 61 between the four housings 65.
- the appendixes 71 A and 73A are reciprocally symmetric.
- the appendixes 71 B, 73B are also reciprocally symmetrical.
- Reciprocally symmetric contoured appendixes 71 C, 73C are provided inside each of the tubular members 5A, 5B and shown isolated from the respective tubular member in figure 5.
- contoured appendixes 71 C, 73C is complementary with respect to the contoured appendixes 71 A, 71 B, 73A, 73B and integral with the suction tube 61 so that the appendix 71 C is inserted between the appendixes 71 A, 71 B forming a contoured body which shape is symmetrical with respect to that formed by the appendixes 73A, 73B, 73C when the latter are inserted between the appendixes 73A, 73B.
- the two symmetric contoured bodies are generically indicated by reference numerals 71 and 73 in figures 6A and 6B where they are shown as if they were made of a single part and where the respective tubular member 5A, 5B has been removed to clearly show the shape of the contoured bodies.
- the suction tube 61 is mobile in the direction of the double arrow f63 with respect to the tubular member 5A or 5B which is temporarily in the first station of the device 1 allowing the opening of the tubular article by the gripping members 45A, 45B, as clearly described below.
- the contoured bodies 71 , 73 formed by coupling the appendixes 71 A, 71 B, 71 C and 73A, 73B, 73C form means for guiding and orienting the tubular article which reaches the lower end of the tubular members 5A or 5B.
- the contoured bodies 71 and 73 present three main variously contoured surfaces.
- Each body presents a first cylindrical surface, indicated by reference S 71 and S 73 , reciprocally, corresponding to the internal cylindrical surface of the tubular member 5A or 5B.
- each body presents a orienting and guiding surface indicated by reference X 71 and X 73 .
- each contoured body 71 , 73 presents a third flat surface indicated by reference Y 71 and Y 73 which are parallel one with respect to the other and to the axis of the respective tubular member 5A, 5B defining a passage area of the knitted article with an elongated cross-section in the lower area of the two contoured bodies near the outlet of the tubular member 5A, 5B.
- FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the two contoured bodies 71 , 73 and figures from 7B to 7F are cross-sections according to planes which are orthogonal to the axis of the tubular member 5A or 5B in the positions indicated by references B, C, D, E, F in figure 7A.
- reference M indicates the tubular article illustrating a transversal cross-section of the elastic edge of the article itself.
- the article M is shown with the elastic edge folded in four and orthogonally oriented with respect to the surfaces Y 71 , Y 73 .
- This is one of the possible configurations in which the article can arrive from the pneumatic transfer tube 17.
- the article M will always arrive approximately folded in this way, but with any angular orientation on the axis of the tubular member.
- the article M collides with the surfaces X 71 and Xf 3 and is so forced to turn to assume a turned orientation to a maximum of 90° with respect to the initial orientation, i.e. arranged parallelly to the surfaces Y 71 , Y 73 .
- the surfaces X 71 , X 73 thereof cause the possible rotation to take the article to the final position indicated by reference M1 or to the position which is turned by 180° with respect to this position, i.e. always parallel to the surfaces Y 71 , Y 73 as shown in figures from 7A to 7F. This facilitates opening and turning the articles inside out by means of the previously described members, as illustrated below.
- FIG. 8A shows the upper end of one of the tubular members 5A, 5B
- the latter each consists of two coaxial tubular elements, internal and external reciprocally, identified by references 5X and 5Y in figure 8A.
- the tubular element 5X can slide for a short distance inside the tubular element 5Y which is directly supported by support 3.
- a helical compression spring 6 housed in a gap between the two tubular elements 5X, 5Y tends to stress the internal tubular element 5X upwards, i.e. to project from the top of the tubular element 5Y.
- the contoured bodies 71 , 73 (or more precisely the portions 71 C, 73C of them) are integral with the internal tubular element 5X of the respective tubular member 5A, 5B.
- the internal tubular element 5X can be pushed downwards and slide inside the tubular element 5Y whereby overcoming the elastic force of the spring 6.
- the pneumatic transfer tube 17 ends with a telescopically elongating portion 17C presenting a collar 17D. Downwards elongation of the portion 17C is controlled by a pair of cylinder- piston actuators 18, one of which is visible in figure 8B while both are visible in figures 1 , 1 A, 2.
- the collar 17D rests on a corresponding collar 5Z, which is integral with the internal tubular element 5X of the tubular member 5A or 5B, which is temporarily in the first station by pushing the tubular element 5X downwards.
- the relative telescopic sliding function of the tubular elements 5X, 5Y will be clarified in the paragraphs describing the method for turning the tubular article inside out.
- the operations described below are carried out alternatively on the tubular member 5A and on the tubular member 5B.
- the operation hereof described are explained with reference to tubular member 5A.
- the actuator 7 places the support 3 in an angular position so to arrange the tubular member 5A in the position of figures 1 , 1A.
- the actuator 63 moves the suction tube 61 upwards making the appendixes 71 A, 71 B, 73A, 73B which are integral with it penetrate inside the tubular member 5A to complete the contoured bodies 71 , 73 (with the appendixes 71 C, 73C).
- the telescopic portion 17D is lowered to pneumatically connect the tube 17 with the inside of the tubular member 5A. Vacuum is created in conduit 19, the pneumatic transfer tube 17 and the tubular member 5A by means of the suction tube 61 (the interception means 21 are open). As soon as the article being knitted by the machine 2 is completed, it is released by the needles and sucked towards the tubular member 5A. The article is open along both the elastic edge and the toe. It moves along the pneumatic path with the elastic edge forwards and the toe behind.
- the vacuum inside the pneumatic route pulls the tubular article M until it collides against the grid 67 which is integral with the suction tube 61. Thanks to the presence of contoured bodies 71 , 73 which form guiding and orientation means, the article reaches the tubular member 5A in any position and when it comes into contact with the grid 67 it is arranged in one of the two positions which are schematically illustrated in figures 9A and 9B which are orthogonal cross-sections with respect to the axis of the tubular member 5A carried out near the gripping members 45A, 45B.
- the gripping members 45A, 45B are positioned as shown in figures 9A and 9B: the counterpoised gripping members 45A are more distanced with respect to the counterpoised gripping members 45B.
- the members 45A are aligned in the direction corresponding to the greater dimension of the elongated cross- section gap defined by the surfaces Y 71 , Y 73 on the lower part of the contoured bodies 71 , 73 while the members 45B are aligned in the direction which is orthogonal to the larger dimension.
- the gripping members 45A, 45B are arranged directly over the grid 67, they are in the position where the elastic edge of the sock or other tubular article arriving from the knitting machine 2 is arranged and are capable of gripping this edge to open it and turn it inside out on the outer surface of the tubular member 5A as described below.
- suction in the suction tube 61 can be discontinued and the counterpoised gripping members 45B can be reciprocally closed and pressed against the tubular article M as shown in figure 10. Having reached this position, suction can be activated through the gripping members 45B so that they can grip the edge of the tubular article in two counterpoised areas. At the same time, the suction tube 61 can be moved downwards and distanced by the actuator 63. In this way, a gap is created around the gripping members 45A, 45B, said gripping members being under the lower edge of the tubular member 5A.
- the opening movement of the gripping members 45B controlled by the respective actuators 39 thus opens the tubular article M which assumes the position shown in figure 11 in the area projecting from the lower inlet of the tubular member 5A.
- the gripping members 45A are reciprocally approached and pressed against the edge of the tubular article M in the area comprised between the two gripping members 45B, as shown in figure 12.
- the latter are activated by creating inside a suction so that the tubular article is engaged by the members.
- the following opening movement of the gripping members 45A causes the complete opening of the article M which assumes the position shown in figure 13.
- Figure 14 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the tubular member 5A while opening the elastic edge of the article M.
- Reference MB indicates the elastic edge of the article and reference MP indicates the toe, i.e. the edge intended to form the closed toe of the article after being closed in the second station of the device 1.
- Figures 15 and 20 show the operations for turning the tubular article M inside out on the tubular member 5A according to the same cross-section.
- stems 51 have been inserted inside the open edge MB of the tubular article M.
- the stems withhold the edge after deactivating the gripping members and the fabric of the edge MB no longer adheres to them.
- the actuators 39 open the stems 51 as shown by the arrows in figure 15 to reach the position shown in figure 16.
- the four stems 51 (of which only two appear in the cross-section view) are in such a widely open position that the edge MB of the article M is arranged clear of the inlet of the tubular member 5A.
- the opening operations be carried out by different means, e.g. by a single set of gripping means also of the mechanical type.
- the arrangement herein described is particularly reliable because it avoids accidentally damaging the fabric which forms the article.
- the edge MP may need to be aligned and taken parallel to the inlet edge of the tubular member 5A.
- This operation can be performed in the first or the second station and is illustrated in figures from 21 A to 21 D.
- the article M is entirely turned inside out on the outer surface of the tubular member 5A and the edge MP intended to form the closed toe is arranged in a casual, irregular retracted position with respect to the terminal edge of the tubular member 5A.
- the radial pressers 35 are arranged in correspondence with the terminal area of the tubular member under the edge MP and approached to the external surface of the tubular member.
- the edge MP is approximately aligned on an ideal circumference which is on top tangent the radial pressers 35.
- the pressers 35 are opened and additionally moved upwards to a height which is immediately over the edge MP (figure 21 C) and closed to press on the tubular article M.
- the closed pressers are lowered to align the edge MP with the lower terminal edge of the tubular member 5A in the configuration of figure 21 D.
- the process can be controlled, for example by means of optical sensors (not shown).
- the edge MP is aligned on a plane which is orthogonal with the axis of the tubular member and which contains the lower edge of the tubular member 5A.
- the procedure for aligning the edge MP could be carried out in the second station with similar radial pressers which are provided in said station for other functions as illustrated below.
- Figure 22 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the tubular member 5A after the operation consisting in turning the article inside out and aligning the edge MP of the article before rotating the support 3 by 180° which transfers the tubular member 5A to the second station.
- Figures 23 and 27 show the operations of tensioning the tubular article in the second station before closing the toe.
- An annular structure 81 which is similar to structure 31 is arranged in the second station and carried by a slide 83 moving on a vertical guide 85 (see figures 1 and 2).
- the annular structure 81 presents radial pressers 87 which are operated by actuators 89, similar to the radial pressers 35 and the respective actuators 37.
- the annular structure 81 with the radial pressers which are fitted on it is angularly mobile on its axis coinciding with the axis of the tubular member 5A or 5B temporarily located in the second station.
- the angular movement is provided by an actuator 90 (figures 1-2).
- the edge MP of the tubular article can be positioned angularly with respect to the tubular member 5A to take the two edges to be joined to form the closed toe and align them with two slots or grooves 5D diametrically opposed along the temiinai area of the external tubular element 5Y from the edge of the latter and visible in particular in figure 25. If the tubular member 5A is angularly fixed with respect to the support 3 or if its angular position is known, the angular position of the slots 5D is known beforehand.
- a photocell or other optical sensor 91 can be used to identify the correct angular position of the tubular article M, e.g. by marking by knitting in a thread of suitable color.
- This angular orientation operation of the tubular article with respect to the tubular member on which the article is fitted can be carried out also in the first station instead of the second. Furthermore, it can be carried out also by turning the tubular member and keeping the article angularly stopped by means of the radial pressers. In general, the angular orientation is obtained, consequently, by reciprocally moving the article which respect to the tubular member where the fixed element can be either one or the other.
- brackets 13A belonging to the tensioning means 13 can be introduced inside the tubular member from the bottom (figures 24, 25).
- the brackets 13A can be opened (figure 26) projecting outwards radially from the tubular member 5A through the diametrically opposite slots 5D to tension the edge MP of the article, as shown in figure 26.
- a subsequent downwards movement of the brackets 13A carries the tensioned edge under the lower edge of the tubular member into an area in which it is sewn by sewing machine 15 or other suitable means, equipped for example with a guillotine in which the fabric of the edge MP penetrates.
- the closing operation is carried out in a way which is known per se and will not be described herein.
- the article M can be turned inside out again penetrating inside the tubular member 5A and removed.
- This operation is carried out again by the radial pressers.
- the second operation consisting in turning the article inside out and distancing it are carried out in the first station where the tubular member 5A is returned by a new 180° rotation of the support 3. Consequently, in this case, the radial pressers 35 carry out the second operation consisting in turning the article inside out while an upwards suction is generated inside the tubular member 5A.
- Figure 28 shows the initial phase of the second inside out turning operation which is obtained by one or more alternating strokes of the radial pressers 35 until the elastic edge MB is sucked into the tubular member 5A.
- a suction conduit similar to the transfer tube 17 can be provided and arranged over the transfer means in line with the tubular member 5A pr-5B which is temporarily in the second station.
- the second operation consisting in turning the tubular article inside out after closing the toe is carried out in the second station by means of the radial pressers 87.
- the distribution of the various phases between the two stations will be different.
- the sequence will entail that the operations of opening the elastic edge MB and closing the toe MP must necessarily be carried out in two different stations, i.e. in the first station and in the second station.
- the remaining operations on the other hand can be carried out in either one or the other of the two stations and distributed according to the need or choice of the operator, always considering the need to minimize the total time needed to close the toe.
- the angular orientation of the article can be carried out in the first station in which case the annular structure 31 will be angularly mobile.
- Alignment of the edge MP can in principle be carried out by means of the radial pressers 87 in the second station.
- the second operation consisting in turning the article inside out and unloading it could be carried out in the second station.
- Figures 29 and 30 show a different embodiment of the device according to two cross-sectional views which are similar to the cross-sectional views shown in figures 6A and 6B.
- the same reference numbers indicate parts which are the same or correspond to those in figure 6A, 6B.
- This second embodiment differs from the previous one for the different configuration of the guiding and orienting means upwards with respect to the gripping means.
- the terminal portion (lower) of the tubular members 5A, 5B consists of an internal frusto-conical surface 101 which guides the elastic edge MB of the tubular article towards four cylindrical surfaces 103 which are arranged in correspondence with the gripping members 45A, 45B.
- the edge of the tubular article is tightened on the axis of the other tubular member and is gripped by the gripping means.
- the solution is less advantageous than the previous one because the position in which the tubular article is arranged is not determined and several repeated movements of the gripping members 45A, 45B may be needed for opening it.
- the second embodiment differs from the previous one also because in the first embodiment a collar 8 is provided to reduce the cross-section of the tubular member 5A, 5B.
- the collar presents a contoured lead-in cross-section to facilitate the passage of the tubular article. This prevents the article from colliding into the contoured bodies 71 , 73, and by restricting the incoming product, arranges it for the subsequent orientation.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
- Sewing Machines And Sewing (AREA)
- Manipulator (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2003523741A JP2005501187A (en) | 2001-08-28 | 2002-08-19 | Method and apparatus for opening an edge of a tubular knitted article or similar article |
KR10-2004-7003071A KR20040035746A (en) | 2001-08-28 | 2002-08-19 | Device and method for opening the edge of a tubular knitted article or similar |
BR0212231-6A BR0212231A (en) | 2001-08-28 | 2002-08-19 | Device and method for opening the edge of a knitted tubular article or similar |
CA002458557A CA2458557A1 (en) | 2001-08-28 | 2002-08-19 | Device and method for opening the edge of a tubular knitted article or similar |
MXPA04001817A MXPA04001817A (en) | 2001-08-28 | 2002-08-19 | Device and method for opening the edge of a tubular knitted article or similar. |
US10/488,394 US20040244431A1 (en) | 2001-08-28 | 2002-08-19 | Device and method for opening the edge of a tubular knitted article or similar |
EP02772807A EP1421236A1 (en) | 2001-08-28 | 2002-08-19 | Device and method for opening the edge of a tubular knitted article or similar |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT2001FI000163A ITFI20010163A1 (en) | 2001-08-28 | 2001-08-28 | DEVICE AND METHOD TO OPEN THE EDGE OF A TUBULAR KNITTED OR SIMILAR MANUFACT |
ITFI2001A000163 | 2001-08-28 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2003018903A1 true WO2003018903A1 (en) | 2003-03-06 |
Family
ID=11442268
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/IT2002/000543 WO2003018903A1 (en) | 2001-08-28 | 2002-08-19 | Device and method for opening the edge of a tubular knitted article or similar |
Country Status (12)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20040244431A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1421236A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2005501187A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20040035746A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1549879A (en) |
BR (1) | BR0212231A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2458557A1 (en) |
IT (1) | ITFI20010163A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA04001817A (en) |
PL (1) | PL368621A1 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2004109137A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003018903A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1443134A1 (en) * | 2003-01-29 | 2004-08-04 | RUMI S.p.A. | Device and process for sewing the toe of a sock |
WO2008028575A1 (en) * | 2006-09-08 | 2008-03-13 | Sangiacomo S.P.A. | Device for reversing tubular articles, particularly for circular knitting machines provided with a station for closing an axial end of the tubular article |
WO2008028576A1 (en) * | 2006-09-08 | 2008-03-13 | Sangiacomo S.P.A. | Device for reversing tubular articles, for circular knitting machines |
US7677188B2 (en) | 2004-12-10 | 2010-03-16 | Golden Lady Company S.P.A. | Device and method for handling tubular knitted articles such as socks or the like to perform sewing of the toe |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN103774406B (en) * | 2012-10-22 | 2016-05-18 | 际华三五四三针织服饰有限公司 | The crimping unit of tubing |
ITMI20130050A1 (en) * | 2013-01-16 | 2014-07-17 | Lonati Spa | PROCEDURE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE AUTOMATED CLOSURE OF AN AXIAL END OF A TUBULAR MANUFACTURE AND ITS EXHAUST UNDER REVERSE AND EQUIPMENT FOR ITS EXECUTION. |
CN104894738B (en) * | 2015-06-29 | 2017-01-11 | 浙江叶晓针织机械有限公司 | Overturning device of hosiery knitter |
CN106037119A (en) * | 2016-07-25 | 2016-10-26 | 信泰(福建)科技有限公司 | Shoe upper manufacture method and integral woven shoe upper |
CN107700198B (en) * | 2017-11-20 | 2022-12-30 | 浙江嘉志利智能科技有限公司 | Tubular fabric sewing device and method |
CN111876980B (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2022-07-12 | 安徽中科智能高技术有限责任公司 | Automatic turn-over device for long-roll sock leg and control method |
IT202100026129A1 (en) * | 2021-10-12 | 2023-04-12 | Bipier S R L | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR HANDLING TUBULAR TEXTILE PRODUCTS |
Citations (5)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US4281781A (en) * | 1979-01-15 | 1981-08-04 | Pope William H | Hose everting method and apparatus therefor |
EP0430900A2 (en) * | 1989-11-03 | 1991-06-05 | Conti Florentia S.R.L. | Method and apparatus for turning socks inside out outside the corresponding processing machine |
US5157946A (en) * | 1990-10-24 | 1992-10-27 | Nagata Seki Kabushiki Kaisha | Apparatus for transferring knitted fabric from circular knitting machine |
WO1999055947A1 (en) * | 1998-04-24 | 1999-11-04 | Giuseppe De Giovanni | Device for turning tubular textile products inside out |
WO2000043582A1 (en) * | 1999-01-20 | 2000-07-27 | Hugron Denis P | Sock turning device |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
IT1176349B (en) * | 1984-06-29 | 1987-08-18 | Savio Spa | DEVICE AND DRAWING PROCEDURE WITH REVERSE FOR CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINES |
-
2001
- 2001-08-28 IT IT2001FI000163A patent/ITFI20010163A1/en unknown
-
2002
- 2002-08-19 MX MXPA04001817A patent/MXPA04001817A/en unknown
- 2002-08-19 PL PL02368621A patent/PL368621A1/en unknown
- 2002-08-19 RU RU2004109137/12A patent/RU2004109137A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2002-08-19 CN CNA028168194A patent/CN1549879A/en active Pending
- 2002-08-19 US US10/488,394 patent/US20040244431A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-08-19 EP EP02772807A patent/EP1421236A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2002-08-19 CA CA002458557A patent/CA2458557A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-08-19 BR BR0212231-6A patent/BR0212231A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2002-08-19 JP JP2003523741A patent/JP2005501187A/en active Pending
- 2002-08-19 KR KR10-2004-7003071A patent/KR20040035746A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2002-08-19 WO PCT/IT2002/000543 patent/WO2003018903A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4281781A (en) * | 1979-01-15 | 1981-08-04 | Pope William H | Hose everting method and apparatus therefor |
EP0430900A2 (en) * | 1989-11-03 | 1991-06-05 | Conti Florentia S.R.L. | Method and apparatus for turning socks inside out outside the corresponding processing machine |
US5157946A (en) * | 1990-10-24 | 1992-10-27 | Nagata Seki Kabushiki Kaisha | Apparatus for transferring knitted fabric from circular knitting machine |
WO1999055947A1 (en) * | 1998-04-24 | 1999-11-04 | Giuseppe De Giovanni | Device for turning tubular textile products inside out |
WO2000043582A1 (en) * | 1999-01-20 | 2000-07-27 | Hugron Denis P | Sock turning device |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1443134A1 (en) * | 2003-01-29 | 2004-08-04 | RUMI S.p.A. | Device and process for sewing the toe of a sock |
US7677188B2 (en) | 2004-12-10 | 2010-03-16 | Golden Lady Company S.P.A. | Device and method for handling tubular knitted articles such as socks or the like to perform sewing of the toe |
WO2008028575A1 (en) * | 2006-09-08 | 2008-03-13 | Sangiacomo S.P.A. | Device for reversing tubular articles, particularly for circular knitting machines provided with a station for closing an axial end of the tubular article |
WO2008028576A1 (en) * | 2006-09-08 | 2008-03-13 | Sangiacomo S.P.A. | Device for reversing tubular articles, for circular knitting machines |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
PL368621A1 (en) | 2005-04-04 |
RU2004109137A (en) | 2005-02-27 |
US20040244431A1 (en) | 2004-12-09 |
BR0212231A (en) | 2004-10-05 |
KR20040035746A (en) | 2004-04-29 |
JP2005501187A (en) | 2005-01-13 |
EP1421236A1 (en) | 2004-05-26 |
MXPA04001817A (en) | 2004-07-23 |
CA2458557A1 (en) | 2003-03-06 |
CN1549879A (en) | 2004-11-24 |
ITFI20010163A1 (en) | 2003-02-28 |
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