U.S. patent application number 10/488392 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-02 for device for transferring a tubular knitted article from the machine where it is made to means for closing the toe.
Invention is credited to Magni, Antonio.
Application Number | 20050115279 10/488392 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 11442269 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050115279 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Magni, Antonio |
June 2, 2005 |
Device for transferring a tubular knitted article from the machine
where it is made to means for closing the toe
Abstract
The device comprises the following combination: a support (3)
with a first tubular member (5A) and a second tubular member (5B) I
each of which can be alternatively positioned in a first and a
second station; a pneumatic transfer tube (17) which can be
interfaced with the knitting machine (2) where the article is made,
to transfer the articles to be closed from said machine to said
first station; in the first station, positioning members for
positioning said article on said first and second tubular member in
said first station; in the second station, means for tensioning the
toe of the tubular article and closing means for closing the toe; a
pneumatic conduit (171 23) for unloading the article after closing
the toe.
Inventors: |
Magni, Antonio; (Tavarnelle
Val Di Pesa, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGLEW & TUTTLE, PC
1 SCARBOROUGH STATION PLAZA
SCARBOROUGH
NY
10510-0827
US
|
Family ID: |
11442269 |
Appl. No.: |
10/488392 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
August 19, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IT02/00541 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
66/148 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D04B 9/40 20130101; D05B
23/009 20130101; D04B 15/92 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
066/148 |
International
Class: |
D04B 009/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 28, 2001 |
IT |
FI2001A000164 |
Claims
1. Device for closing the toe of a tubular knitted article from the
knitting machine where it is made comprising the following
combination: a support with a first tubular member and a second
tubular member, each of which can be alternatively positioned in a
first and a second station; a pneumatic transfer tube which can be
interfaced with the knitting machine where the article is made to
transfer the articles to be closed from said machine to said first
station; in the first station, positioning members for positioning
said article on said first and second tubular member in said first
station, the positioning members comprising opening means for
opening the article coming from the pneumatic transfer tube, in the
second station, means for tensioning the toe of the tubular article
and closing means for closing the toe; a pneumatic conduit for
unloading the article after closing the toe.
2. Device according to claim 1, in which said support can turn on
an axis to position said first and second tubular members
alternatively in said first and in said second station.
3. Device according to claim 2, in which said first and said second
tubular member are essentially reciprocally parallel.
4. Device according to claim 2, in which said tubular members are
parallel to the axis of rotation of said support.
5. Device according to claim 1, in which in said first station the
positioning members position the article to be closed on a first
end of the tubular member which is temporarily in said first
station, said article being inserted in said tubular member by
pneumatic transfer tube on the opposite end of said tubular
member.
6. Device according to claim 1, in which an actuator is provided in
said second station to turn the article with respect to the tubular
member which is temporarily in said second station.
7. Device according to claim 1, in which members for turning the
tubular article inside out are provided-In said first station, the
members turning said article inside out fitting it from inside to
the outer surface of the tubular members which is temporarily in
said first station.
8. Device according to claim 1, in which suction means are arranged
in the first station for sucking the article inside the tubular
member which is temporarily in said first station.
9. Device according to claim 1, in which said opening means
comprise gripping means for gripping the end of said article which
is opposite to the end to be sewn.
10. Device according to claim 9, in which said opening means
comprise opening members for stretching said end and fitting it
outside the tubular member which is temporarily in said first
station.
11. Device according at least to claim 7, in which said members for
turning the article inside out comprise pressers which are radially
and axially mobile along the tubular member which is temporarily in
said first station for turning the tubular article inside out by
removing it from inside said tubular member and taking it onto its
outside surface.
12. Device according to claim 6, in which said actuator for turning
the article and the tubular member on which the article is arranged
one respect to the other are arranged in the second station.
13. Method for the production of a tubular knitted article with
closed toe, comprising the following phases: knitting said tubular
article on a knitting machine; unloading the tubular article with
an open toe from said knitting machine and introducing it directly
into a pneumatic transfer path; feeding said article to a first
station where it is opened and positioned, by means of said
pneumatic transfer path; transferring the positioned article to a
second station in which the toe is closed while a second tubular
article is opened and positioned in said first station; removing
said first article after closing the toe.
14. Method according to claim 13, in which in said first station
the end of the tubular article opposite to said toe is opened and
the article is turned inside out.
15. Method according to claim 13, in which a first and a second
tubular member is alternatively positioned in said first and said
second station.
16. Method according to claim 15, in which said tubular article is
inserted from said pneumatic transfer path inside said first or
second tubular member from one end thereof with the edge opposite
to the toe to be closed in an advanced position with respect to the
toe, said edge being turned inside out on the outside of the
tubular member in correspondence with its end which is opposite the
end on which said article is inserted in said tubular member.
17. Method according to claim 15, in which: a first article is
positioned on said first or second tubular member which is
temporarily in said first station; the tubular member on which said
first article was positioned is transferred to said second station
and the other of said first and second tubular members is taken to
said first station on which a second article is positioned while
the toe of said first article is closed in said second station.
18. Method according to claim 17, in which: the end of the first
article opposite to the toe to be closed is opened and turned
inside out on the outer surface of the tubular member; the article
is turned inside out and fitted on the outer surface of said
tubular member; the article is transferred to the second station;
the toe is closed in said second station; and the article is
removed.
19. Method according to claim 18, in which after closing the toe
the article is turned inside out again from the outside to the
inside of said tubular member and removed by suction through said
tubular member.
20. Method according to claim 13 comprising the following phases:
a) arranging a first tubular member in said first station; b)
introducing a first article in said first tubular member; c)
turning said first article inside out on the outer surface of said
first tubular member; d) transferring said first tubular member to
said second station and arranging a second tubular member in said
first station; e) closing the toe of the first article while a
second article is introduced in the second tubular member which is
temporarily in said first station and turning it inside out on the
outer surface of the tubular member; f) transferring the second
tubular member to the second station and the first tubular member
to the first station; g) turning the first article inside out again
inserting it in the first tubular member and removing said first
tubular article by sucking it into said first tubular member.
21. Method according to claim 13, comprising the following phases:
a) arranging a first tubular member in said first station; b)
introducing a first article in said first tubular member; c)
turning said first article inside out on the outer surface of said
first tubular member; d) transferring said first tubular member to
said second station and arranging a second tubular member in said
first station; e) closing the toe of the first article and turn
inside out the first article again while a second article is
introduced in the second tubular member which is temporarily in
said first station and turning it inside, out on the outer surface
of the tubular member; f) removing the first `article; g)
transferring the second tubular member to the second station and
the first tubular-member to the first station.
22. Method according to claim 13, comprising the following phases:
a) arranging a first tubular member in said first station; b)
introducing a first article in said first tubular member; c)
transferring said first tubular member to said second station and
arranging a second tubular member in said first station; d) turning
said first article inside out on the outer surface of said first
tubular member; e) closing the toe of the first article while a
second article is introduced in the second tubular member and
turned inside out; f) transferring the second tubular member to the
second station and the first tubular member to the first station;
g) turning the first article inside out again inserting it in the
first tubular member and removing said first tubular article.
23. Knitting machine equipped with a device according to claim 1.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for transferring
tubular articles, e.g. tubular knitted articles, such as stockings
or socks and the like, from a knitting machine where they are made,
e.g. a circular knitting machine, to means (which are external to
the knitting machine) which close the toe of the articles.
[0002] The invention also relates to a method for making tubular
knitted articles with closed toe and a knitting machine equipped
with a device of this kind.
STATE OF THE ART
[0003] One of the most critical aspects in the production of socks,
stockings and other tubular knitted articles is represented by the
need to sew or linking the end edges of the article to form the
closed toe of the article itself. Normally, this operation is
carried out off the knitting machine in a separate department using
specific machines with large deployment of labor.
[0004] Attempts have been made to overcome such problems and
automate the production of socks and other similar knitted tubular
products, whereby reducing the space needed for the respective
machines.
[0005] Knitting machines which include particular devices for
closing the toe during either a final phase or and initial phase of
the knitting process of the article have been designed for this
purpose. This approach causes construction problems and cannot be
implemented in traditional knitting machines because they cannot be
transformed to comprises such devices.
[0006] WO-A-00/011869 describes a device and a procedure for
closing the toe of a tubular article by sewing which consists in
arranging a sewing machine under the needle cylinder of the
knitting machine. The tubular article is gripped by retaining means
before being fully released from the needles of the knitting
machine and transferred to the sewing machine underneath by means
of an intermediate system for turning it inside out. After being
sewn, the article is turned inside out again and removed from the
machine. This device and this method present the problem of once
again requiring an internal modification of the knitting machien in
order to be implemented. Such an intervention is not always
possible and implementation depends, among other things, on the
dimensions of the machine members and the available space under the
needle cylinder, as well as the longitudinal dimension of the
articles to be made.
[0007] EP-A-1118700 describes a device with a system for extracting
the article from the knitting machine by means of a tubular guide
which is inserted coaxially with respect to the needle cylinder
inside and around which the tubular article is formed. The
extracted article is then transferred to a system for closing the
toe external to the knitting machine and arranged, for example, by
the side of it. This system has the advantage, with respect to the
preivous one, of being more easily implemented in knitting machine
of the existing type. However, this solution also presents
limitations. This is because a considerable axial dimension of the
knitting machine is required for implementing the adaptation.
[0008] Normally, knitting machines--specifically those use for
making socks, stockings and pantyhose legs--implement a pneumatic
system for extracting the article from the knitting machine by
means of a tube inside which the product is sucked when it is
released by the needles. The tubular articles with open toe are
then collected in containers in which they are transferred to
specific departments where the toes are sewn and other operations
are carried out, e.g. in the case of pantyhoses, the two legs
(separately made by the knitting machine) are coupled to form a
single finished garment. Very complex and costly machines working
at extremely high production rates are used to carry out these
operations. Each machine receives the tubular articles from a
container from the production department, made using several
different circular knitting machines. Each machine consists in
various stations in which the articles are loaded, oriented, turned
inside out, sewn in the toe area, straightened again and unloaded.
One single machine of this kind carries out the production of
several knitting machines. Examples of machines for sewing
pantyhose legs are described in Nils Modig, "Hosiery Machines:
Their Development, Technology and Practical Use", Meisenbach
Bamberg, 2.sup.nd edition, 1988, page 100 and following.
[0009] Machines of this kind are not suitable for automatically
making socks, because in many cases labor intensive operations are
required and because they are only suitable for mass production
while socks are usually made in small batches.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Object of the invention is to make a device which can be
easily applied to a traditional knitting machine and which can be
used to close the toe of the tubular articles made by the knitting
machine outside the machine itself.
[0011] An additional object of the invention is to provide a new
method for the production of tubular knitted articles whose toe is
closed automatically at the end of the knitting process without the
need for complex handling or labor.
[0012] Essentially, the invention relates to a device for closing
the toe of a tubular knitted article coming from the knitting
machine where it is made, comprising the following combination:
[0013] a support with a first tubular member and a second tubular
member, each of which can be alternatively positioned in a first
and a second station;
[0014] a pneumatic transfer tube which can be interfaced with the
articol producing machine to transfer the articles to be closed
from said machine to said first station;
[0015] in the first station, positioning members for positioning
said article on said first and second tubular member which is
positioned in said first station, the positioning members
comprising opening means for opening the article coming from the
pneumatic transfer tube;
[0016] in the second station, means for tensioning the toe of the
tubular article and closing means for closing the toe;
[0017] a pneumatic conduit for unloading the article after closing
the toe which can at least in part be the same tube used to
transfer the article prior to sewing.
[0018] A device of this kind can be easily interfaced with a single
knitting machine or several machines by means of the pneumatic
transfer tube. The articles are thus unloaded from the machine
according to traditional methods with the toe open and without the
need for inserting any sort of collection device, apparatus or
mechanism inside the machine other than a simple pneumatic transfer
tube or conduit. The product received from the machine is then
positioned, turned inside out, sewn or linked, or another operation
is made for closing the toe, turned inside out again and finally
unloaded following machining in two separate stations.
[0019] The article is then transferred from one station to the
other by means of a system consisting of two mobile tubular
members. In this way, said operations can be carried out in
parallel on two articles. This partially overlaps the machining
processes of two articles: while the toe of one article is closed,
the next article is arranged to be closed. This substantially
reduces the time needed for the cycle of operations to be carried
out on each article and means that a single transfer device and
respective means can be used for positioning, turning inside out
and closing all the tubular articles from one or more knitting
machines.
[0020] These and other objects and advantages, which will be clear
to experts of the field in the text that follows.
[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the tubular member support can turn (intermittently always in the
same direction or alternatingly) on an axis for positioning the
first and the second tubular member alternatively in the first and
the second station. The two tubular members can be arranged either
reciprocally parallel or slanted. Preferably, they are reciprocally
parallel and parallel to the axis of rotation and oscillation of
the respective support although other configurations are
possible.
[0022] The tubular article from the knitting machine can be
presented to the tubular member which is in the first station on
the end of the member corresponding to the position where the toe
is positioned and closed. However, preferably, the article is
supplied to the tubular member from the opposite side. In other
words, the outlet of the pneumatic transfer tube in this case faces
towards the inside of the tubular member which is temporarily in
the first station. The article is sucked by suitable suction,
leaves the pneumatic transfer tube and enters inside the tubular
member where it is stopped near the opposite end to the end through
which it entered. Opening and positioning means are found in this
position, comprising the means of turning inside out and
positioning the edges to be sewn.
[0023] An arrangement of this kind results in a structure which is
very simple, cost-effective and reliable, with a reduced number of
parts, capable of reducing handling times of the article. The
latter penetrates in the tubular member with the edge opposite to
the toe to be closed first, i.e. with the toe facing upstream with
respect to the advancement movement of the article along the
pneumatic transfer tube and along the tubular member.
[0024] Additional advantageous characteristics and forms of
embodiment of the device according to the invention are illustrated
in the annexed claims.
[0025] Various forms of means for opening the tubular article can
be used. Devices of the known type can be used for this purpose,
which may also be different from those described below which
represent a particularly advantageous form of embodiment which is
innovative and currently preferred.
[0026] According to an advantageous form of embodiment of the
invention, the opening means comprise gripping means (e.g.
preferably pneumatic means) to grip the end of said article
opposite to toe to be closed, i.e. in the case of an article in the
form a sock, the elastic edge of the article. The gripping means
open the elastic edge and turn it inside out on the outer surface
of the tubular member.
[0027] A method for the production of a tubular knitted article
with a closed toe can be implemented using a device of the type
herein described, the method comprising the following phases:
[0028] knitting said tubular article on a knitting machine;
[0029] unloading the complete tubular article with an open toe from
said knitting machine and introducing it directly into a pneumatic
transfer path;
[0030] feeding said article to a first station where it is opened
and positioned by means of said pneumatic transfer path;
[0031] transferring the positioned article to a second station in
which the toe is closed while a second tubular article is opened
and positioned in said first station.
[0032] In practice, according to an advantageous embodiment of the
method according to the invention, the end of the tubular article
opposite to said toe is opened in the first station and the article
is turned inside out.
[0033] The operations to be carried out on the tubular article can
be variously subdivided between the first and second station. The
article can be fed to the first station, transferred to the second
station and removed from the second station. Alternatively, from
here, it can be transferred back to the first station and removed
pneumatically from the first station.
[0034] For example, the following phases can be envisaged:
[0035] a first article is fitted and positioned on said first or
second tubular member which is temporarily in said first
station;
[0036] the tubular member on which said first article was
positioned is transferred to said second station and the other of
said first and second tubular members is taken to said first
station on which a second article is fitted and positioned after
having removed with article whose toe was previously closed while
the toe of said first article is closed in said second station.
[0037] In practice, the following sequence can be envisaged:
[0038] the end of the first article opposite to the toe to be
closed is opened and turned inside out on the outer surface of the
tubular member;
[0039] the article is turned inside out and fitted on the outer
surface of said tubular member;
[0040] the article is transferred to the second station;
[0041] the toe is closed in said second station; and
[0042] the article is removed.
[0043] In a modified embodiment, after closing the toe, the article
can be turned inside out again from outside to inside said tubular
member and removed by suction through said tubular member in the
first or second station.
[0044] In a possible embodiment, the method comprises the following
phases:
[0045] a) arranging a first tubular member in said first
station;
[0046] b) introducing a first article in said first tubular
member;
[0047] c) turning said first article inside out on the outer
surface of said first tubular member;
[0048] d) transferring said first tubular member to said second
station and arranging a second tubular member in said first
station;
[0049] e) closing the toe of the first article while a second
article is introduced in the second tubular member which is
temporarily in said first station and turning it inside out on the
outer surface of the tubular member;
[0050] f) transferring the second tubular member to the second
station and the first tubular member to the first station;
[0051] g) turning the first article inside out again inserting it
in the first tubular member and distancing said first tubular
article by sucking it into said first tubular member.
[0052] The device and method according to the invention will be
described in the context of an embodiment implementing particularly
innovative means for orienting, positioning and opening the single
articles. However, it is understood that the invention can be
implemented with other orientation, positioning and opening
means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0053] The invention will be better understood by ensuing the
description and the enclosed drawing, which shows a practical and
non limiting embodiment of the invention. More particularly, in the
drawing:
[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device for turning
inside out, transferring and closing a tubular article;
[0055] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view which is similar to the
view show in FIG. 1 with parts removed;
[0056] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a knitting machine
equipped with the device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0057] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the gripping member unit
for opening the article;
[0058] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view from a different point of
view of the unit in FIG. 3 showing the opening and pressing members
for turning the tubular article inside out,
[0059] FIG. 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,
[0060] FIGS. 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,
[0061] FIG. 7 shows the effect of the guiding and orienting means
on the article arriving in the tubular member,
[0062] FIG. 8A shows a perspective cross-sectional view according
to a longitudinal plane of one of the tubular members,
[0063] FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of the terminal part of the
pneumatic transfer tube and the tubular member support,
[0064] FIGS. 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,
[0065] FIGS. 10 to 13 show four subsequent phases of the opening
operation involving the elastic edge of the tubular article in a
cross-section which is orthogonal to the axis of the tubular
member,
[0066] FIGS. 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,
[0067] FIGS. 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,
[0068] FIGS. 21A to 21D show four subsequent phases of an operation
for aligning the edge of the tubular article,
[0069] 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,
[0070] FIGS. 23 to 28 show, in a longitudinal cross-sectional view,
successive phases of the operation of tensioning the article for
closing the toe and the beginning of the unloading phase of the
article with a closed toe,
[0071] FIGS. 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
[0072] FIGS. 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 FIG. 2
schematically indicates a circular knitting machine of the type
known per se to which device 1 is combined.
[0073] 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.
[0074] The support 3 turns by 180.degree. 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.
[0075] Opening means are arranged in the first station where the
tubular member 5A is located in FIGS. 1A, 1B. 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 FIG. 1, while a part of these
members has been removed in FIG. 1A for greater clarity.
[0076] Angular orienting means and tensioning means are arranged in
the second station, said means being generically indicated by
reference numeral 13, to pull the toe of the tubular article to be
closed and closing means 15, specifically a sewing machine, for
closing the toe of the article by sewing or other operation (e.g.
linking).
[0077] The various phases for preparing and for closing the toe of
the article will be described in greater detail below.
[0078] 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.degree.
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 FIGS. 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.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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. For
this purpose, 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).
[0081] 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. In this phase, the
interception means 21 are closed. After unloading the finished
article, a new article is aspirated through the conduit 19 and the
transfer tube 17.
[0082] 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.
[0083] After being positioned, the support 3 is turned by
180.degree. 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.
Here, 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.
[0084] During the tensioning and sewing operations, 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.
[0085] 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.degree. to return the tubular
members 5A, 5B in the configuration shown in FIG. 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.
[0086] 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.
[0087] As described above, it is clear that 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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 (FIGS. 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 FIG. 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.
[0090] Over the radial pressers 35, the annular structure 31
carries four linear actuators 39, e.g. cylinder-piston actuators,
which control the movement of respective sliders 41 moving along
guides 43, which are orthogonal to the axis of the tubular members
5A, 5B. Each slider 41 carries a respective pneumatic gripping
member. The gripping members of a first pair (reciprocally
counterpoised) 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] A respective stem 51 (see FIGS. 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.
[0093] 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.
[0094] 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).
[0095] As clearly illustrated in FIG. 5, which shows the suction
tube 61 isolated from the other components of the device, the upper
part of the suction tube 61 forms housings for the passage of the
gripping members 45A, 45B, indicated by reference numeral 65. Under
the housings 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.
[0096] Four contoured appendixes, indicated by reference numerals
71A, 71B and 73A, 73B respectively, are made on the suction tube 61
between the four housings 65. The appendixes 71A and 73A are
reciprocally symmetric. Similarly, the appendixes 71B, 73B are also
reciprocally symmetrical.
[0097] Reciprocally symmetric contoured appendixes 71C, 73C are
provided inside each of the tubular members 5A, 5B and shown
isolated from the respective tubular member in FIG. 5. The shape of
the contoured appendixes 71C, 73C is complementary with respect to
the contoured appendixes 71A, 71B, 73A, 73B and integral with the
suction tube 61 so that the appendix 71C is inserted between the
appendixes 71A, 71B 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 FIGS. 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.
[0098] 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.
[0099] The contoured bodies 71, 73 formed by coupling the
appendixes 71A, 71B, 71C 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. For this purpose, the contoured
bodies 71 and 73 present three main variously contoured surfaces.
Each body presents a first cylindrical surface, indicated by
reference S.sub.71 and S.sub.73, reciprocally, corresponding to the
internal cylindrical surface of the tubular member 5A or 5B.
Additionally, each body presents a orienting and guiding surface
indicated by reference X.sub.71 and X.sub.73. The development of
these surfaces is essentially flat and slanted in the upper area
and essentially helical in the lower area. The surfaces X.sub.71
and X.sub.73 face the end of the tubular member from which the
tubular knitted article to be oriented and guided comes. Moreover,
each contoured body 71, 73 presents a third flat surface indicated
by reference Y.sub.71 and Y.sub.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.
[0100] The conformation of the contoured bodies 71 and 73 orients
and guides the tubular article which reaches inside the tubular
member 5A or 5B. The effect of the conformation of the contoured
bodies 71, 73 on the position of the tubular article is clearly
illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7F, where FIG. 7A is a perspective view
of the two contoured bodies 71, 73 and FIGS. 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 FIG. 7A. In these figures, reference M
indicates the tubular article illustrating a transversal
cross-section of the elastic edge of the article itself. In FIG.
7A, the article M is shown with the elastic edge folded in four and
orthogonally oriented with respect to the surfaces Y.sub.71,
Y.sub.73. This is one of the possible configurations in which the
article can arrive from the pneumatic transfer tube 17. In general,
the article M will always arrive approximately folded in this way,
but with any angular orientation on the axis of the tubular
member.
[0101] Advancing on the contoured bodies 71, 73 according to the
arrow fM, the article M collides with the surfaces X.sub.71 and
X.sub.73 and is so forced to turn to assume a turned orientation to
a maximum of 90.degree. with respect to the initial orientation,
i.e. arranged parallelly to the surfaces Y.sub.71, Y.sub.73.
Regardless of the position that the article M assumes when it
interferes with the contoured bodies 71, 73, the surfaces X.sub.71,
X.sub.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.degree. with respect to this position, i.e.
always parallel to the surfaces Y.sub.71, Y.sub.73 as shown in
FIGS. 7A to 7F. This facilitates opening and turning the articles
inside out by means of the previously described members, as
illustrated below.
[0102] As appears in FIGS. 6A and 6B and in detail also in FIG. 8A,
which 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 FIG.
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 71C, 73C of them) are integral with the internal tubular
element 5X of the respective tubular member 5A, 5B.
[0103] By means of the members illustrated in FIG. 8B and described
below, 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.
[0104] For this purpose (see FIG. 8B), 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 FIG. 8B while both are visible in FIGS. 1, 1A, 2. By moving the
portion 17C downwards, 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. This makes the
internal tubular element 5X slide telescopically with respect to
the external tubular element 5Y and pneumatically connects the
pneumatic transfer tube 17 to the tubular member 5A or 5B, in order
to transfer the article from the machine 2 from the transfer tube
17 to the tubular member 5A or 5B. 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.
[0105] The operation of the device for positioning the tubular
article on the tubular member 5A or 5B located in the first station
for subsequently closing the toe is illustrated below.
[0106] 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. We will suppose that the tubular member 5A will receive
the tubular article M from the machine 2. The actuator 7 places the
support 3 in an angular position so to arrange the tubular member
5A in the position of FIGS. 1, 1A. The actuator 63 moves the
suction tube 61 upwards making the appendixes 71A, 71B, 73A, 73B
which are integral with it penetrate inside the tubular member 5A
to complete the contoured bodies 71, 73 (with the appendixes 71C,
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.
[0107] 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 FIGS. 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.
[0108] In advance with respect to the arrival of the article M the
gripping members 45A, 45B are positioned as shown in FIGS. 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.sub.71, Y.sub.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.
[0109] Since 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.
[0110] When the article M reaches either one or the other position
shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 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 FIG. 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.
[0111] 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 FIG. 11 in the area projecting
from the lower inlet of the tubular member 5A.
[0112] Subsequently, 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 FIG. 12. After pressing the tubular article M between the two
front surfaces of the gripping article 45A, 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 FIG. 13.
[0113] FIG. 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. FIGS. 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.
[0114] In FIG. 15, 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 FIG. 15 to reach the position shown in FIG. 16.
Here 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. It is not ruled out that the opening operations
be carried out by different means, e.g. by a single set of gripping
means also of the mechanical type. However, the arrangement herein
described is particularly reliable because it avoids accidentally
damaging the fabric which forms the article.
[0115] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, when opening the edge MB of the
article M the internal tubular element 5X is in retracted position,
i.e. made to retract along the tubular element 5Y. This is obtained
by returning the collar 17D and the portion 17C of the pneumatic
transfer tube 17 upwards (FIG. 8B). Conversely, in FIG. 16, the
internal tubular element 5X is pushed again in the lower position,
i.e. with the inlet aligned with the inlet of the external tubular
element 5Y. This movement modifies the position of the appendixes
71C, 73C which are integral with the tubular element 5X with
respect to the lower inlet of the tubular member 5A.
[0116] An upwards movement according to the arrow f31 of the
annular structure 31 which carries the stems 51 causes the elastic
edge MB of the article M to be turned inside out on the outer
surface of the tubular member 5A, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The
stems 51 are retracted.
[0117] After turning the edge MB of the article M on the outer
surface of the tubular member 5A, the radial pressers are pressed
against the edge itself and the structure 31 which also carries
said radial pressers is additionally moved upwards (see FIGS. 19,
20). In this way, the radial pressers 35 move the tubular article M
turning it inside out from inside to outer surface the tubular
member 5A to also take the edge MP formed by the edges of the toe
to be closed on the outer surface of the tubular member. More than
one travel of the structure 31 may be needed in the case of long
articles in which the open radial pressers 35 are moved downwards
and upwards again with the radial pressers 35 closed on the tubular
member 5A.
[0118] When the edge MP intended to form the closed toe is taken
onto the outer surface of the tubular member 5A, i.e. when the
article M has been completely turned inside out and is on the outer
surface of the tubular member, a sequence consisting in raising,
turning by 180.degree. and lowering the support 3 carrying the
tubular member 5A to the second station for closing the toe is
performed.
[0119] Preliminarly 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 FIGS. 21A to 21D. In FIG. 21A, 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. They are then lifted to meet the
edge MP and make the edge slide upwards for a distance which is
sufficient to ensure that the edge MP is resting on all pressers 35
(FIG. 21B). In this way, the edge MP is approximately aligned on an
ideal circumference which is on top tangent the radial pressers 35.
At this point, the pressers 35 are opened and additionally moved
upwards to a height which is immediately over the edge MP (FIG.
21C) and closed to press on the tubular article M. In the following
phase, the closed pressers are lowered to align the edge MP with
the lower terminal edge of the tubular member 5A in the
configuration of FIG. 21D. The process can be controlled, for
example by means of optical sensors (not shown). In FIG. 21D, 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.
[0120] FIG. 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.degree. which transfers the tubular member 5A
to the second station.
[0121] FIGS. 23 and 27 show the operations of tensioning the
tubular article in the second station before closing the toe.
[0122] 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 FIGS. 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 (FIGS.
1-2).
[0123] In this way, the radial pressers 87 are pressed against the
outer surface of the tubular article M, 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 terminal area of the external tubular element 5Y from the
edge of the latter and visible in particular in FIG. 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 (shown in FIG. 25) 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.
[0124] After angularly aligning the tubular article M (FIGS. 23,
24) or during said operation, two brackets 13A belonging to the
tensioning means 13 can be introduced inside the tubular member
from the bottom (FIGS. 24, 25). After angular positioning, the
brackets 13A can be opened (FIG. 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 FIG. 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.
[0125] After closing the toe, 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. In the
example shown, since there is only one pneumatic transfer tube 17
used to supply the new articles to be closed and to move the closed
articles away, 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.degree. 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. FIG. 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.
[0126] The possibility of unloading the closed articles in the
second station is not excluded. For example, 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 or 5B which
is temporarily in the second station. In this case, 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.
[0127] Naturally, in this case, the distribution of the various
phases between the two stations will be different. In any case, 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.
Particularly, the angular orientation of the article (FIGS. 23, 24)
can be carried out in the first station in which case the annular
structure 31 will be angularly mobile. Alignment of the edge MP
(FIGS. 21A-21D) can in principle be carried out by means of the
radial pressers 87 in the second station. As mentioned, the second
operation consisting in turning the article inside out and
unloading it could be carried out in the second station.
[0128] FIGS. 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 FIGS. 6A and 6B. The same reference
numbers indicate parts which are the same or correspond to those in
FIGS. 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. In this case, 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. In this way, 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.
[0129] 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.
[0130] It is noted that the drawing is provided by the way of an
example only and that numerous changes can be implemented to the
construction and embodiments of the invention herein envisaged
without departing from the scope of the present invention. The
presence of reference numerals in the annexed claims has the
purpose of facilitating comprehension of the claims with reference
to the description and does not limit the scope of protection
represented by the claims.
* * * * *