Apparatus and method for producing fabrics

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for producing a fabric (F), the device comprising a positioning station (2), a feeding station (4) and a connecting station (5), the positioning station (2) being for at least one tubular fabric (T), the positioning station (2) comprising a stretching device (3), the feeding station (4) being for a reinforcing sheet (R) which can be positioned on at least one outer surface (T e ) of the tubular fabric (T), the connecting station (5) being configured to join a part (4a) of the reinforcing sheet (R) to the outer surface (T e ). The stretching device (3) comprises at least one first rod (6) and at least one second rod (7), the at least one first rod and the at least one second rod being parallel to each other and being configured to contact the inner surface (T i ) of the tubular fabric (T): the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) are movable relative to each other and are configured to be able to stretch the tubular fabric (T).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and related method for producing fabrics for use in manufacturing assembled textile products, such as jackets, trousers, men's suits, women's clothing or other textile products assembled from multiple fabric parts. Background Art

[0002] Today, there are known various types of assembled textile products obtained by joining textile parts of various shapes; each textile part being obtained by cutting an initial semi-finished textile, for example by cutting a paper pattern.

[0003] The fabrics used to produce these assembled textiles must have predetermined properties related to stability and rigidity to enable them to be processed and give the desired appearance and technical characteristics to the finished product. These fabrics include, for example, jersey, velvet, damask, and are made of materials including, for example, cotton, wool, linen, silk and synthetic materials.

[0004] Traditionally, fabrics for assembled articles are manufactured by weaving on suitable looms (linear knitting machines) which, by weft knitting and warp knitting, are able to manufacture fabrics with high structural rigidity, which are suitable for the production of assembled textile articles.

[0005] However, a disadvantage caused by the use of looms is the low flexibility of the manufacturing process. In fact, looms require a long and complicated initial setup; for this reason, looms are constructed so that large quantities of fabric (large pieces of fabric) must be manufactured in order for production to be economically favorable. However, this leads to a high degree of limitation in terms of the flexibility of the manufacturing process of the textile product and makes the production of samples and small on-demand quantities expensive.

[0006] It should further be noted that production by weaving enables the acquisition of some types of wefts and patterns: it does not have a high flexibility in terms of fabric type or fineness and does not allow the automatic creation of complex structures on the fabric, which can be obtained with other types of knitting machines. The latter disadvantage also lies in the (low) flexibility of production on looms.

[0007] Today, circular knitting machines are used to produce samples and some knitted products, such as lingerie, technical clothing, sportswear, beachwear, medical clothing and sweaters. Although circular knitting machines offer high flexibility in use compared to weaving machines, these circular knitting machines are not suitable for producing fabrics with the stiffness required for the production of assembled textiles.

[0008] In order to eliminate this drawback, a method for reinforcing a fabric obtained by a circular knitting machine has been developed. This method is described in patent application No. WO2016 / 125043A1 and comprises an initial step of assembling a tubular fabric on a block or cylinder; the block and the cylinder have given dimensions suitable for accommodating a tubular fabric with a given diameter. An operator then places a reinforcing fabric provided with an adhesive material on the tubular fabric; after several steps of heating the reinforcing fabric by, for example, ironing, the operator connects the reinforcing fabric to the tubular fabric, thereby essentially defining a multilayer reinforcing fabric for producing assembled textiles.

[0009] Although the above-mentioned solution described in patent application No. WO2016 / 125043A1 enables the manufacture of reinforcing fabrics suitable for the production of assembled textiles, the Applicant has found that this solution can also be improved in terms of flexibility of use and speed of manufacture. Summary of the invention

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to address at least one disadvantage and / or limitation of prior art solutions.

[0011] The first object of the present invention is to provide a device capable of efficiently manufacturing fabrics suitable for producing assembled textiles in a short time; specifically, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a device capable of manufacturing fabrics having excellent stiffness and having a structure suitable for producing assembled textiles starting from a tubular fabric obtained by a circular knitting machine.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method that enable fast and low-cost manufacturing of fabrics, in particular manufacturing of assembled textiles for small production runs and sampling. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a related method that enable manufacturing of high-quality, low-cost fabrics with high manufacturing flexibility.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for manufacturing textiles, in particular assembling textiles, which allow operators to minimize manual intervention and increase productivity. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus with a simple, compact structure that simplifies the interventions involved in the replacement and maintenance of the apparatus and thus minimizes downtime.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and an associated method of simple and inexpensive design suitable for processing different types of layered materials such as tubular sheet-like fibrous materials such as woven, knitted and / or nonwoven fabrics.

[0015] These and other objects which will become more apparent from the following description are substantially achieved by an apparatus and a related method for producing a fabric according to one or more of the appended claims and / or one or more of the following aspects.

[0016] In a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus 1 for producing a fabric F, the apparatus comprising:

[0017] - at least one positioning station 2 configured to receive and support at least one tubular fabric T, capable of being manufactured by a circular knitting machine and having a through seat extending along the entire longitudinal extension of the tubular fabric T, the positioning station 2 comprising at least one stretching device 3 configured to engage with the inner surface T of the tubular fabric T defining the through seat i at least a portion of which is in contact with

[0018] - at least one feeding station 4 for reinforcing sheets R which can be positioned to the outer surface T of the tubular fabric T e On at least a portion of the outer surface and the inner surface T i In contrast, the feed station 4 is configured to place at least a portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R at a predetermined pick-up position.

[0019] - at least one joining station 5 configured to join said portion 4a of said reinforcing sheet R to said outer surface T of said tubular fabric T e superior.

[0020] In a second aspect according to the first aspect, the stretching device 3 of the positioning station 2 comprises at least one first rod and at least one second rod 6, 7, the first rod and the second rod 6, 7 being configured to contact the inner surface T of the tubular fabric T. i The first rod and the second rod 6, 7 are able to move relative to each other and are optionally configured to stretch the tubular fabric T.

[0021] In a third aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the first and second rods 6, 7 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0022] In a fourth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the first and second rods 6, 7 of the stretching device 3 extend along respective main directions of extension.

[0023] In a fifth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the first and second rods 6 , 7 are movable towards and away from each other in a transverse direction, optionally orthogonal direction, with respect to a main extension direction of at least one of the first and second rods 6 , 7 .

[0024] In a sixth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the first and second rods 6, 7 of the stretching device 3 are at least movable relative to each other between a close position and a distant position, wherein:

[0025] - in said close position, said first and second rods 6, 7 are insertable into said through-seat of said tubular fabric T in a state,

[0026] - In said remote position, said first and said second rods 6 , 7 are configured for stretching said tubular fabric T.

[0027] In a seventh aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the distance between the first rod and the second rod 6, 7 in the distant position is greater than the distance between the first rod and the second rod 6, 7 in the close position.

[0028] In an eighth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the first rod 6 comprises an elongated cylinder extending along its own axis X.

[0029] In a ninth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the second rod 7 comprises a respective elongated cylinder extending along a respective axis Y.

[0030] In a tenth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the first rod 6 is movable by rotating about its axis X.

[0031] In an eleventh aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the second rod 7 is movable by rotating about its axis Y.

[0032] In a twelfth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the first and second rods 6, 7 are configured to rotate around their respective axes X, Y in the same direction.

[0033] In a thirteenth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the stretching device 3 comprises at least one supporting frame 8 supporting the first and second rods 6 , 7 .

[0034] In a fourteenth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, at least one of the first rod and the second rod 6, 7 is capable of moving by rotating relative to the support frame 8 so that the first rod and the second rod 6, 7 can move relative to each other, optionally so that the first rod and the second rod can move from the close position to the distant position, and from the distant position to the close position.

[0035] In a fifteenth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the stretching device 3 comprises at least one actuator 9 acting on at least one of the first and second rods 6 , 7 .

[0036] In a sixteenth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the actuator 9 is configured to achieve the relative movement by moving between the first rod and the second rod 6, 7, optionally, by moving the first rod and the second rod between the close position and the distant position and between the distant position and the close position, optionally, the actuator 9 includes an electric motor.

[0037] In a seventeenth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, both the first and second rods 6, 7 are joined to the supporting frame 8 by a hinge type connection.

[0038] In an eighteenth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the stretching device 3 comprises at least one motor 10, such as an electric motor, connected to at least one of the first and second rods 6, 7 to define a power rod, and the motor 10 is configured to rotate at least one of the first and second rods 6, 7 around its axis.

[0039] In a nineteenth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the apparatus 1 comprises a supporting frame 1 a for supporting the positioning station 2 , the feeding station 4 and the connecting station 5 .

[0040] In a twentieth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the stretching device 3 of the positioning station 2 is movable relative to the supporting structure 1a at least between a first operating position and a second operating position, wherein:

[0041] - in said first operating position, said stretching device 3 is aligned with said connection station 5,

[0042] - the second operating position is remote from the first operating position, in which the stretching device 3 is configured to receive the tubular fabric T and optionally the portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R.

[0043] In a twenty-first aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, in the first operating position of the stretching device 3, the connecting station 5 is configured to act on the portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R, thereby joining the portion of the reinforcing sheet to the outer surface of the tubular fabric T.

[0044] In a twenty-second aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the positioning station 2 comprises an actuator configured to move the stretching device 3 between the first operating position and the second operating position, and between the second operating position and the first operating position.

[0045] In a twenty-third aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the joining station 5 comprises an adhesive processing head 11 which is movable between a raised position and a lowered position.

[0046] In a twenty-fourth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, in the lowered position, the adhesive treatment head 11 is configured to enable the portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R to be connected to the outer surface T of the tubular fabric T when the stretching device 3 is in the first operating position. e .

[0047] In a twenty-fifth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, in the raised position, the adhesive processing head 11 is configured to enable the stretching device 3 to move from the first operating position to the second operating position, and from the second operating position to the first operating position.

[0048] In a twenty-sixth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, in the first operating position and when the apparatus is in use, the stretching device 3 is vertically aligned with the connecting station 5, optionally, in the first operating position and when the apparatus is in use, the stretching device 3 is located below the adhesive processing head 11.

[0049] In a twenty-seventh aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the adhesive processing head 11 includes a heater.

[0050] In a twenty-eighth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the connecting station 5 comprises a first actuator configured to move the adhesive processing head 11 between the lowered position and the raised position, and to move the adhesive processing head 11 between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0051] In a twenty-ninth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, in the remote position, the first and second rods 6, 7 of the stretching device 3 are configured to place the tubular fabric T according to a substantially elliptical closed path having:

[0052] - Straight upper part,

[0053] - a rectilinear lower portion, opposite said rectilinear upper portion,

[0054] - A first connecting portion and a second connecting portion connecting the straight upper portion and the straight lower portion.

[0055] In the thirtieth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, in the remote position, the first rod and the second rod 6, 7 are configured to rotate around their own axes so that the tubular fabric T can move around the first rod and the second rod 6, 7, and thereby the portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R arranged above the tubular fabric T is moved.

[0056] In a thirty-first aspect according to any of the previous aspects, the device 1 comprises a supporting element 12 to be inserted into the through-seat of the tubular fabric T between the first and second rods 6 , 7 .

[0057] In a thirty-second aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the supporting element 12 is configured to support the tubular fabric T.

[0058] In the thirty-third aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, when the first rod and the second rod 6, 7 are arranged in the remote position, the supporting element 12 can be inserted between the first rod and the second rod 6, 7, and optionally, the supporting element 12 is configured to support the upper part of the tubular fabric T.

[0059] In a thirty-fourth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the support element 12 is part of the connection station 5 .

[0060] In a thirty-fifth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the supporting element 12 is insertable into the tubular fabric T in the first operating position of the stretching device 3 .

[0061] In a thirty-sixth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the support element 12 comprises a plate.

[0062] In a thirty-seventh aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the support element 12 is movable at least between an engagement position and a removal position:

[0063] - in said engaged position, said supporting element 12 is at least partially placed between said first and second rods 6, 7 and is configured to support said tubular fabric T, optionally said upper portion thereof,

[0064] In the removal position, the support element 12 is at a distance from the first and second rods 6 , 7 in a direction parallel to the direction of extension of the first and second rods 6 , 7 .

[0065] In a thirty-eighth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the support element 12 is capable of moving between the engagement position and the removal position, and between the removal position and the engagement position, in a direction parallel to the elongation direction of the first and second rods 6 , 7 .

[0066] In a thirty-ninth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, said connection station 5 comprises at least a second actuator configured for moving said support element 12 between said engagement position and said removal position.

[0067] In a 40th aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the connection station 5 comprises a shelf plate 13 .

[0068] In a 41st aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the rest plate 13 is configured to support the stretching device 3 in the first operating position.

[0069] In a 42nd aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, in the first operating position, the rest plate 13 is opposite to the adhesive processing head 11 with respect to the stretching device.

[0070] In a 43rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the shelf plate 13 is movable between the lowered position and the raised position.

[0071] In a 44th aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, in the lowered position and when the apparatus 1 is in use, the rest plate 13 is placed below the adhesive processing head 11 and at a distance from the stretching device 3 in the first operating position.

[0072] In a 45th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, in the raised position, the rest plate 13 is configured to contact the tubular fabric T at an opposite side with respect to the adhesive processing head 11 .

[0073] In a 46th aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the connection station 5 includes a third actuator, which is configured to move the shelf plate 13 between the lowered position and the raised position, and to move the shelf plate 13 between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0074] In a 47th aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the feeding station 4 comprises:

[0075] - at least one reel 14 configured to unwind a continuous reinforcement sheet R,

[0076] - at least one cutter 15 configured to cut the continuous reinforcement sheet so as to define said portion 4a.

[0077] In a 48th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the reinforcing sheet R can be obtained by a weaving machine.

[0078] In a 49th aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R comprises at least:

[0079] - a woven layer, said woven layer being obtainable by means of a weaving loom,

[0080] - a coating of adhesive material, such as glue, at least partially placed on at least one surface of said woven layer,

[0081] Optionally, the coating comprises discrete portions of adhesive material uniformly distributed on at least one surface of the woven layer.

[0082] In a fiftieth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the device 1 comprises at least one control unit.

[0083] In a fifty-first aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the control unit is connected to the actuator 9 of the positioning station 2 .

[0084] In a fifty-second aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the control unit is connected to the motor 10 of the positioning station 2 .

[0085] In a fifty-third aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to control the relative movement between the first rod and the second rod 6 , 7 .

[0086] In a fifty-fourth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to:

[0087] - controlling an actuator 9 so as to enable said relative movement by moving said first and second rods 6, 7, optionally said control unit activating said actuator to control said approaching position and said distant position of said first and second rods,

[0088] - controlling the motor 10 so that at least one of the first rod and the second rod can rotate about its axis.

[0089] In a fifty-fifth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to synchronize the relative movement of the first rod and the second rod 6, 7 from the close position to the distant position with the rotation of at least one of the first rod and the second rod 6, 7.

[0090] In a fifty-sixth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to control the rotation of at least one of the first rod and the second rod 6, 7 at least during the relative movement of the first rod and the second rod 6, 7 between the close position and the distant position.

[0091] In a fifty-seventh aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to:

[0092] - receiving as input at least one parameter representative of the dimensions of the tubular fabric T to be fitted on the stretching device 3,

[0093] - controlling the actuator 9 of the stretching device 3 for adjusting the distance between the first and second rods 6, 7 according to said parameters.

[0094] In a fifty-eighth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to:

[0095] - receiving as input at least one parameter representative of the dimensions of the tubular fabric T to be fitted on the stretching device 3,

[0096] - controlling the motor 10 of the stretching device 3 for regulating the stretching of the tubular fabric according to the parameters.

[0097] In a fifty-ninth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the parameter represents at least one of the following:

[0098] - the diameter of the tubular fabric,

[0099] - the material of the tubular fabric,

[0100] - the length of the tubular fabric.

[0101] According to a sixtieth aspect of any of the preceding aspects, the device 1 comprises at least one sensor configured to send a signal representative of the position of the tubular fabric T arranged on the stretching device 3.

[0102] In a sixty-first aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the control unit is connected to the sensor and is configured to:

[0103] - receiving as input said signal from said sensor,

[0104] - processing said signals to evaluate the position of said tubular fabric T arranged on said stretching device 3,

[0105] - controlling said motor 10 connected to at least one of said first and second rods 6 , 7 in order to regulate the movement of said tubular fabric T around said rods 6 , 7 , according to the evaluation of the position of said tubular fabric T.

[0106] In a sixty-second aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the sensor comprises at least one of: an optical sensor, a position sensor.

[0107] In the sixty-third aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the control unit is connected to the first actuator, the second actuator and the third actuator of the connection station 5, and acts on the first actuator, the second actuator and the third actuator by controlling the first actuator, the second actuator and the third actuator.

[0108] In a sixty-fourth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to control the first actuator, the second actuator and the third actuator of the connecting station 5 so that the movement of the adhesive processing head 11 and optionally the heater from the raised position to the lowered position is synchronized with the following movement:

[0109] - the movement of the support element 12 in the engaged position,

[0110] - Movement of the shelf 13 in the raised position.

[0111] In a sixty-fifth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to:

[0112] - controlling the actuator of the positioning station 2 so as to move the stretching device 3 into the first operating position,

[0113] - controlling the second actuator to move the supporting element to the engaged position after the stretching device 3 has been moved to the first operating position,

[0114] - After the stretching device 3 has been moved to the first operating position, controlling the third actuator to move the resting plate to the raised position.

[0115] In a sixty-sixth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the feed station 4 comprises a powered uncoiler supporting the reel 14 .

[0116] In a sixty-seventh aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the powered unwinder is configured to enable the reel to rotate and thereby unwind the reinforcing sheet R.

[0117] In a sixty-eighth aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is connected to the power uncoiler and acts on the power uncoiler by controlling the power uncoiler.

[0118] In a sixty-ninth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to:

[0119] - receiving as input parameters representing a predetermined amount of reinforcement sheet to be deployed,

[0120] - controlling the uncoiler according to the parameters so that the uncoiler rotates the reel 14 to provide the predetermined amount of reinforcement sheet.

[0121] In the seventieth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the control unit is connected to the cutter 15 of the feed station 4 and acts on the cutter 15 of the feed station 4 by controlling the cutter 15 of the feed station 4, and the control unit is configured to control the cutter so that the cutter cuts a predetermined amount of reinforcement sheet unrolled from the roll to define the portion 4a.

[0122] In the seventy-first aspect, a method for manufacturing a fabric F by an apparatus according to any of the preceding aspects is provided.

[0123] In a seventy-second aspect according to the preceding aspect, the method comprises at least the following steps:

[0124] - providing a tubular fabric T, optionally having a through seat extending along the entire longitudinal extension of the tubular fabric T, optionally extending in thickness between an outer surface and an inner surface, optionally delimiting the through seat,

[0125] - placing said tubular fabric on said first and second rods in such a way that said first and second rods are placed in said through-seats of said tubular fabric, at least partially in contact with said inner surface,

[0126] - After the step of arranging the tubular fabric on the first and second rods, one of the first and second rods 6, 7 is moved relative to the other of the first and second rods 6, 7 so that the tubular fabric can be stretched.

[0127] In a seventy-third aspect according to the seventy-first aspect or the seventy-second aspect, the method comprises the following steps:

[0128] - placing a portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R above the stretched tubular fabric T so that the portion is in contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular fabric,

[0129] - Joining the reinforcement sheet to the outer surface of the tubular fabric by means of the joining station 5 .

[0130] In aspect 74 according to any one of aspects 71 to 73, the method comprises the step of moving the stretching device 3 to the connecting station 5, optionally moving the stretching device 3 in the first operating position to the connecting station 5.

[0131] In aspect 75 according to any one of aspects 71 to 74, the method includes moving the stretching device 3 carrying the tubular fabric T and the portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R from the second operating position to the first operating position, that is, from the second operating position on the connecting station 5 to the first operating position on the connecting station 5.

[0132] In the seventy-sixth aspect according to any one of the seventy-first to seventy-fifth aspects, when the stretching device 3 is switched from the second operating position to the first operating position, the adhesive processing head 11 is in the raised position.

[0133] In the seventy-seventh aspect according to any one of the seventy-first to seventy-sixth aspects, when the stretching device 3 is switched from the second operating position to the first operating position, the rest plate 13 is in the lowered position and the supporting element 12 is in the removal position.

[0134] In a 78th aspect according to any one of aspects 71 to 77, after the stretching device 3 is moved to the first operating position, the method comprises at least one of the following sub-steps:

[0135] - moving the adhesive treatment head 11 from the raised position to the lowered position so as to enable at least one length of the portion 4a of the reinforcement sheet to be connected to the tubular fabric T,

[0136] - moving the support element from the removal position to the engagement position between the first and second rods 6 , 7 in the remote position,

[0137] - moving the resting plate 13 from the lowered position to the raised position to support the stretching device 3 .

[0138] In the eightieth aspect according to any one of the seventy-first to seventy-ninth aspects, the step of moving the first rod and the second rod 6, 7 includes moving the first rod and the second rod 6, 7 between the close position and the distant position.

[0139] In an eighty-first aspect according to any one of aspects from the seventy-first to the eighty-first aspects, the step of moving the first and second rods 6, 7 comprises rotating at least one of the rods 6, 7 around its axis so that the tubular fabric can rotate around moving the first and second rods.

[0140] In an 82nd aspect according to any one of aspects 71 to 81, the step of arranging the tubular fabric on the first rod and the second rod comprises the following sub-steps:

[0141] - placing the stretching device 3 in the second operating position, the first rod and the second rod being placed in the close position,

[0142] - said tubular fabric is then fitted onto said first and second rods 6, 7 in said close position.

[0143] In the 83rd aspect according to any one of the 71st to 82nd aspects, the step of moving the stretching device from the second operating position to the first operating position is performed after the step of arranging the portion 4a of the reinforcement sheet R above the stretched tubular fabric.

[0144] In the eighty-fourth aspect according to any one of the seventy-first to eighty-third aspects, the step of joining the portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R to the tubular fabric T includes a step of performing a bonding treatment with glue, for example.

[0145] In the 85th aspect according to any one of the 71st to 84th aspects, the step of joining the portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R to the tubular fabric T includes the step of fusible printing by heating.

[0146] In the 86th aspect according to any one of the 71st to 85th aspects, the step of joining the portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R to the tubular fabric T comprises at least the following sub-steps:

[0147] - connecting at least a first length of said portion 4a to said tubular fabric T by means of said adhesive treatment head,

[0148] - then moving the adhesive processing head to the raised position and rotating at least one of the first rod and the second rod so that the second length of the portion 4a not yet connected to the tubular fabric faces the adhesive processing head 11,

[0149] - then moving the adhesive processing head to the lowered position to connect the second length of the portion 4a to the tubular fabric,

[0150] - then moving the adhesive processing head to the raised position and rotating at least one of the first rod and the second rod so that the third length of the portion 4a not yet connected to the tubular fabric faces the adhesive processing head 11,

[0151] - The adhesive processing head is then moved to the lowered position to connect the third length of the portion 4a to the tubular fabric.

[0152] In the 87th aspect according to any one of the 71st aspect to the 86th aspect, the movement of the adhesive processing head 11 is synchronized with the rotation of the first rod and the second rod by the control unit.

[0153] In an eighty-eighth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the at least one stretching device of the apparatus can include at least a first stretching device and at least a second stretching device 3 .

[0154] In an eighty-ninth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the apparatus comprises at least one actuator 9 for moving the first rod and the second rod between the approximated position and the distant position for each of the stretching devices 3 .

[0155] According to a ninetieth aspect of any of the preceding aspects, the apparatus comprises at least one motor 10 for rotating at least one of the first and second rods 6 , 7 for each of the stretching devices 3 .

[0156] In a ninety-first aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the control unit is connected to each of the first stretching device and the second stretching device 3, and is configured to control each of the first stretching device and the second stretching device 3 so that the first stretching device and the second stretching device 3 reach the first operating position and the second operating position in an alternating manner,

[0157] Optionally, the first stretching device is in the first operating position and the second stretching device is in the second operating position, or the second stretching device is in the first operating position and the first stretching device is in the second operating position.

[0158] In aspect 92 according to any one of aspects 71 to 91, the method includes the execution of the step of joining the portion 4a to the tubular fabric carried by the first stretching device in the first operating position during the execution of the step of arranging the tubular fabric and the portion 4a on the second stretching device in the second operating position.

[0159] In a 93rd aspect according to any one of aspects 71 to 92, at the end of the step of joining said portion 4a to said tubular fabric to define said fabric F, said method comprises the following sub-steps:

[0160] - moving the stretching device into the second operating position,

[0161] - Cutting the fabric F to open it up so that it is still in the form of a tube. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0162] Some embodiments and aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which are intended to be illustrative only and therefore non-limiting, in which:

[0163] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[0164] - FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C is a detailed view of the stretching device of the apparatus according to the invention, showing the situation under different operating conditions;

[0165] - Figure 3 is a side view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[0166] - Figure 4A is a detailed perspective view of a stretching device of an apparatus according to the invention, the stretching device carrying a portion of a tubular fabric and a reinforcing sheet;

[0167] - Figure 4B is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention, the apparatus comprising two stretching devices;

[0168] - Figure 5A and Figure 5B are other perspective views of the device according to the present invention;

[0169] - FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram of the step of joining a portion of a reinforcing sheet to a tubular step, performed by means of a joining station of the apparatus according to the invention;

[0170] - Figure 7 The steps of cutting the fabric performed in the joining station of the device according to the invention are schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0171] Definitions and Conventions

[0172] It should be noted that in this detailed description, corresponding parts shown in the various drawings are represented by the same numerals. The drawings may be shown to illustrate the purpose of the present invention by not being to scale; therefore, the parts and components related to the purpose of the present invention shown in the drawings may only represent schematic representations.

[0173] Control unit

[0174] The apparatus described and claimed herein may comprise at least one control unit designed to control operating conditions implemented by the apparatus itself.The method described and claimed herein may use a control unit to control means for performing one or more steps of the method itself.

[0175] The control unit may be a single control unit or comprise a plurality of different control units, depending on design choice and operational requirements.

[0176] The term "control unit" refers to an electronic component that may include at least one of the following: a digital processor (CPU), an analog circuit, or a combination of one or more digital processors and one or more analog circuits. The control unit may be "constructed" or "programmed" to perform some steps: this may be accomplished in practice by any device that allows the control unit to be constructed or programmed. For example, in the case where the control unit includes one or more CPUs and one or more memories, one or more programs may be stored in a suitable repository connected to the one or more CPUs; the one or more programs contain the following instructions, which, when executed by the one or more CPUs, program or construct the control unit to perform operations associated with the control unit. As an alternative, if the control unit is analog hardware or includes analog hardware, the circuitry of the control unit may be designed to include hardware that is constructed in use to process electrical signals to perform steps associated with the control unit.

[0177] Actuator

[0178] The term "actuator" denotes any device capable of causing a movement on a body, for example according to a command of a control unit (the actuator receives commands sent by the control unit). The actuator may be electric, pneumatic, mechanical (spring type), oil or other type.

[0179] Fabric

[0180] The term "fabric" means an article made of sheet material having two dimensions, usually length and width, which are definitely higher than the third dimension defined by thickness. The fabric can be manufactured by weaving yarns made of natural and / or synthetic materials.

[0181] In this specification, the term "tubular fabric" T means a fabric that can be manufactured with a circular knitting machine, which fabric has a through seat extending between a first end and a second end along the longitudinal development of the tubular fabric T itself. The through seat is internally formed by a through seat that is connected to the outer surface T. e Opposite inner surface T i Definitions: The difference between the inner and outer surfaces of the tubular fabric defines the thickness of the fabric T. The tubular fabric T may be single-layer or multi-layer, or it may have one or more single-layer portions and one or more multi-layer material portions.

[0182] In this specification, the term "fabric" F means a reinforced fabric having one or more fabric layers obtained by a tubular fabric T and one or more reinforcing sheets R. In practice, the reinforced fabric F is defined by a multi-layer fabric, at least one of which is a reinforcing sheet.

[0183] In the present specification, the word "reinforcement sheet" R means a material having a higher stiffness than the stiffness of the fabric obtained from the tubular fabric T. For example, the reinforcement sheet R may include one or more layers of fiber material and / or a fabric obtained by weaving with a suitable loom (linear weaving machine) that can manufacture a fabric with high structural stiffness by weft knitting and warp knitting, which is suitable for producing assembled textiles.

[0184] Fiber Materials

[0185] The term "fibrous material" means a material obtained by fibers of various properties, such as a woven material, a nonwoven material, a knitted fabric or a combination of one or more of the above supports.

[0186] equipment

[0187] Reference numeral 1 denotes in its entirety an apparatus for producing a fabric F, in particular a reinforced fabric, intended for manufacturing assembled textile articles such as jackets, trousers, men's suits, women's clothing or other textile articles assembled from a plurality of textile parts.

[0188] like Figure 1 As shown, the device 1 comprises a positioning station 2 carried by a supporting frame 1a and configured to receive, support and stretch at least one tubular fabric T. The positioning station 2 comprises at least one stretching device 3 configured to contact the inner surface T of the through seat defining the tubular fabric T. iat least a portion of.

[0189] The stretching device 3 comprises at least a first rod 6 and a second rod 7, carried by a support frame 8 and extending along respective main directions of extension substantially parallel to each other. In particular, the first rod 6 comprises a cylinder extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end along an axis of rotation X parallel to the main direction of extension of the first rod 6: the axis of rotation X is integral with the center of the first rod 6 and passes through the center of the first rod 6. The cylinder of the first rod 6 is configured to contact the inner surface of the tubular fabric T; the cylinder may comprise an outer coating made of plastic extending almost throughout the development of the rod and configured to contact the tubular fabric T, thereby defining sufficient friction with the tubular fabric T to reduce the possibility of relative sliding between the rod and the fabric T during rotation of the rod. The first rod 6 comprises, substantially on a first longitudinal end, at least one engagement portion engaged to the support frame 8. The engagement portion is hinged to the support frame so that the first rod can rotate about its axis X relative to the support frame 8, in particular relative to the support structure 1a of the device 1.

[0190] Similarly, the second rod 7 comprises a respective cylindrical body extending between a respective first end and a second end along an axis of rotation Y parallel to the main extension direction of the second rod 7: the axis of rotation Y is integral with the center of said second rod 7 and passes through the center of said second rod 7. The cylindrical body of the second rod is configured to contact the inner surface of the tubular fabric; likewise, the cylindrical body of the second rod 7 may comprise an outer coating made of plastic configured to contact the tubular fabric T so as to define with the tubular fabric T sufficient friction to reduce the likelihood of relative slipping between the rod 7 and the fabric T during rotation of the rod 7. The second rod 7 comprises, substantially on a first longitudinal end, at least one engagement portion engaged to a support frame 8. This engagement portion is hinged to the support frame 8 so that the second rod 7 can rotate about its axis Y relative to the support frame 8, in particular relative to the support structure 1a of the device 1.

[0191] The first rod 6 and the second rod 7 are movable towards and away from each other along a transverse direction, optionally an orthogonal direction, with respect to the main extension direction of at least one of the first rod 6 and the second rod 7. In particular, the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 are movable relative to each other between a close position, in which the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 are arranged at a distance that allows the tubular fabric T to be assembled, and a distant position, in which the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 are arranged at a distance that allows the tubular fabric T to be stretched. In the distant position, the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 are placed at a greater distance than in the close position; these distances are measured along a direction perpendicular to the main extension direction of the first rod 6 and the second rod 7. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C Some steps of moving rods 6 and 7 are shown.

[0192] Figure 2A The steps of mounting the tubular fabric T on the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 are schematically shown; the rods enter the through-seats of the tubular fabric. Figure 2B An initial step in which the tubular fabric T is stretched is schematically shown, wherein the rods 6 and 7 are moved away from each other. Figure 2C The final step is schematically shown, in which the tubular fabric T is fully stretched and the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 are in the remote position. In other words, in the remote position, the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 are configured to arrange the tubular fabric T according to a substantially elliptical closed path having an upper portion, a lower portion opposite to the upper portion, and a first connection portion and a second connection portion located between the upper portion and the lower portion. More specifically, the movement of the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 between the close position and the remote position, and the movement of the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 between the remote position and the close position is defined as the movement of at least one of the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 relative to the support frame 1a.

[0193] Finally, it should be noted that, in the remote position, the distance between the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 is defined so as to enable the tubular fabric T to be fully and evenly stretched, thereby avoiding wrinkles or creases, and can further be selected to define the degree of stretch and / or appearance of the fabric according to the article to be manufactured. The stretching device 3, in particular the first rod 6 and / or the second rod 7, can be heated to pull the tubular fabric T arranged on the stretching device 3.

[0194] The stretching device 3 comprises at least one actuator 9 acting on at least one of the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 and configured to move the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 by moving them between a remote position and a close position. In particular, the actuator 9 may comprise a hydraulic device, optionally a piston, or, as an alternative, an electric motor and an intermediate drive between the electric motor and at least one of the first rod 6 and the second rod 7. The figures show in a non-limiting manner an actuator 9 comprising a motor configured to transmit a rotary motion to a drive capable of converting the rotary motion provided by the motor into a linear motion and transmitting the linear motion to at least one of the first rod 6 and the second rod 7; the motor is capable of moving the rods between a remote position and a close position, and between a close position and a remote position, depending on the direction of rotation.

[0195] As mentioned above, the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 are hinged to the support frame 8, so these rods can be moved by rotating one rod relative to the other rod about its axis. The stretching device 3 comprises at least one motor 10, in particular an electric motor, connected to at least one of the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 and configured to move each rod 6 and 7 according to a rotational movement relative to the respective rotation axis X, Y, thereby defining at least one dynamic rod. Due to the rotation of the first rod and the second rod, the stretching device 3 can move the tubular fabric T around the rods 6 and 7. The rotation of the rods 6 and 7 can be activated during the movement of the rods 6 and 7 from a remote position to a close position: the correct stretching of the tubular fabric T allows these rods to define, together with the tubular fabric, the friction required to move the tubular fabric.

[0196] The figures show a schematic structure in which only the first rod 6 is connected to the motor 10 and is thus configured to define a power rod, the second rod 7 being neutral and configured such that the tubular fabric T directly moved by the first rod 6 is set in rotation.

[0197] The movement by moving and rotating the rods 6 and 7 allows the tubular fabric T to be pulled (stretched). In the illustrated embodiment, the rods 6 and 7 are movable by moving and rotating. However, in order to stretch the tubular fabric T, the rods 6 and 7 of the device 3 may be moved only by moving (moving between the approaching position and the distant position) or by rotating about their own axes.

[0198] The stretching device 3 can also be moved relative to the supporting frame 1a between at least a first operating position and a second operating position, in which the stretching device 3 is aligned with the connecting station 5, which will be better described in the detailed description below, and the second operating position is away from the first operating position. In the second operating position, the stretching device 3 is configured to receive the tubular fabric T and the reinforcing sheet R.

[0199] As can be seen in the figures, the positioning station 2 may comprise at least one guide 2a, for example a linear guide, extending between a first end and a second end; the guide carries in a stable manner a support frame 8 of the stretching device 3, which can be moved along the guide 2a between the first end and the second end of the guide 2a. The stretching device 3 placed on the first end of the guide 2a is substantially in a first operating position, i.e. on the connection station 5; the stretching device 3 placed on the second end of the guide 2a is away from the connection station and is designed to receive the tubular fabric with the reinforcing sheet R. The movement of the stretching device 3 between the first operating position and the second operating position is controlled by at least one actuator.

[0200] The stretching device 3 can also be arranged along the axis Z ( Figure 2A), the axis Z being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the rods 6 and 7 and to the direction of movement of the device 3 from the first operating position to the second operating position. In practice, the stretching device 3 can be moved in a vertical direction when the device 1 is in use. This movement can be controlled by another actuator acting on the stretching device 3 and configured to move it along the axis Z.

[0201] The tubular fabric T can be assembled onto the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 by an operator performing a manual positioning operation. As an alternative, the apparatus 1 may include a pick-up station (not shown) configured to pick up the tubular fabric stored in the collection station by a pick-up device. The pick-up station may, for example, include a suction system or a clamping element configured to capture the fabric in the collection station and to mount the fabric onto the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 in a close position.

[0202] The device 1 also comprises a feeding station 4 for a reinforcing sheet R which can be positioned on the tubular fabric T adjacent to the inner surface T i Opposite outer surface T e As described above, the reinforcing sheet R comprises a fabric that can be manufactured by a loom and has a stiffness greater than that of a tubular fabric. The reinforcing sheet (fabric) extends along the thickness between two opposing surfaces. The reinforcing sheet R, i.e., at least one of the opposing surfaces has a coating made of an adhesive material such as glue. The adhesive coating may include discrete portions of adhesive material evenly distributed throughout the fabric of the reinforcing sheet, or the adhesive coating may include a continuous layer suitable for coating at least one surface portion of the fabric of the reinforcing sheet.

[0203] In detail, the feeding station 4 includes at least one coil 14 configured to provide the reinforcement sheet R in a continuous manner and a powered uncoiler directly connected to the coil 14. Optionally, the uncoiler is connected to the coil 14 via an intermediate drive configured to impart a rotational motion to the coil 14, thereby allowing the continuous reinforcement sheet R to be unwound.

[0204] The feeding station 4 may include a cutter 15 configured to cut the continuous reinforcing sheet R, thereby defining portions 4a (discrete pieces) of the reinforcing sheet R. These portions 4a (discrete pieces) may be positioned to the tubular fabric T, for example, by an operator. As described above, the plurality of rods of the stretching device 3 may be moved by rotating around their axes, thereby moving the tubular fabric T (e.g., the stretched tubular fabric); due to the movement of the rods 6 and 7 and the movement of the tubular fabric T, the stretching device 3 is able to move the portions 4a of the reinforcing sheet placed on the fabric T.

[0205] Thus, the apparatus 1 comprises a joining station 5 configured to cooperate with the stretching device 3 when the stretching device 3 is in the first operating position, thereby allowing the reinforcing sheet R to be joined to the tubular fabric T. In detail, the joining station 5 comprises an adhesive processing head 11 configured to join the portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R to the outer surface T of the tubular fabric T. e On. The adhesive processing head 11 is movable between a raised position, in which the adhesive processing head 11 is away from the stretching device 3 in the first operating position, and a lowered position, in which the adhesive processing head 11 is close to the stretching device 3 in the first operating position and optionally partially contacts the portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet. In the lowered position, the head 11 is configured so that the portion 4a can be joined (optionally bonded) to the tubular fabric T. In fact, in the lowered position, the distance between the adhesive processing head 11 and the device 3 in the first operating position is smaller than the distance between the head 11 and the device 3 in the second operating position. As can be seen from the figures, in the first operating position and when the device 1 is in use, the stretching device 3 is vertically aligned with the connection station 5, in particular below the adhesive processing head 11.

[0206] The connection station 5 may also include at least one first actuator configured to move (e.g., displace) the adhesive processing head 11 between the lowered position and the raised position, and vice versa. The first actuator may include an electric motor and an intermediate drive between the motor and the adhesive processing head 11: the motor is configured to transmit a rotational motion to the drive, and the drive may convert the rotational motion provided by the motor into a linear motion and transmit the linear motion to the adhesive processing head 11.

[0207] The adhesive treatment head 11 may include a heater for bonding the portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R to the outer surface T of the tubular fabric T. e In practice, as described above, the reinforcing sheet R may include a coating of adhesive material, such as glue, which may be placed in contact with the tubular fabric T. In this configuration, the heater is configured to apply the portion 4a to the fabric in position under heating (heat sealing): the heater melts the glue, which may then act as an adhesive between the portion 4a and the tubular fabric T. The adhesive processing head may also be configured to apply pressure to the portion 4a, thereby approaching the tubular fabric T.

[0208] The connection station 5 may comprise a support element 12 which can be inserted into the through-seat of the tubular fabric T when the stretching device 3 is in the first operating position (aligned with the adhesive treatment head 11) and the rods 6 and 7 are in the remote position; in detail, between the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 when they are in the remote position. The support element 12 is configured to support the tubular fabric T, optionally with its upper part directly facing the adhesive treatment head 11. In practice, the support element 12 defines an intermediate element placed between the upper and lower parts of the tubular fabric T.

[0209] The support element 12 is movable along a direction parallel to the elongation direction of the rods 6 and 7 at least between an engagement position and a removal position, in which the support element 12 is at least partially placed between the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 and is configured to support the tubular fabric T, and in the removal position, the support element 12 is at a distance from the first rod 6 and the second rod 7. The connection station 5 may also include at least one second actuator configured to move the support element 12 between the engagement position and the removal position. The second actuator may include an electric motor and an intermediate drive between the motor and the support element 12: the motor is configured to transmit a rotational motion to the drive, and the drive may convert the rotational motion provided by the motor into a linear motion and transmit the linear motion to the support element 12.

[0210] The connection station 5 may also include a resting plate 13, which is opposite to the adhesive treatment head 11 and is configured to support the stretching device 3 in the first operating position. The resting plate 13 is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. When the resting plate 13 is in the lowered position and the device 1 is in use, the resting plate 13 is placed below the adhesive treatment head 11 and at a distance from the stretching device 3, while in the raised position, the resting plate 13 is configured to contact the lower part of the tubular fabric T opposite to the adhesive treatment head 11. In other words, the resting plate 13 defines a support element for the adhesive treatment head 11, so that the adhesive treatment head 11 can support the rods 6 and 7 of the stretching device 3 at least during the lowered position of the adhesive treatment head 11.

[0211] The connection station 5 also includes at least one third actuator configured to move the shelf 13 between the lowered position and the raised position, and vice versa. In particular, the third actuator may include a pneumatic or hydraulic piston, or an electric motor and an intermediate drive between the motor and the support plate 13.

[0212] The joining station 5 is configured for joining (discrete) portions 4a of the reinforcing sheet R to the tubular fabric T, defining a fabric F: the fabric F is substantially represented by a reinforcing fabric comprising a layer obtained from the tubular fabric and at least one layer (reinforcement layer) defined by the reinforcing sheet.

[0213] The device 1 may comprise a cutting station 16 placed on the positioning station 2 and configured to cut the (reinforced) fabric F leaving the connection station. In fact, the fabric F leaving the connection station 5 is still tubular and surrounds the first rod 6 and the second rod 7; the cutting station 16 is configured to cut the fabric F along its entire longitudinal extension to open it so that the reinforced fabric F can be fully stretched along a plane.

[0214] The cutting station 16 may comprise a cutter, for example defined by one or more rotating blades and / or one or more knives, configured to contact the tubular fabric F and cut through it, thus opening the reinforcing fabric F. The cutter is configured to move along a guide parallel to the main direction of extension of the rods 6 and 7; the cutter thus tears the tubular fabric, which at the end of the cutting step can be completely stretched along a flat surface.

[0215] The device 1 may also include at least one sensor, optionally an optical sensor, configured to detect a marking element of the tubular fabric T at least when the tubular fabric T is mounted on the stretching device 3, in particular when the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 are arranged in a remote position. The marking element may be formed by a marking element on the outer surface T of the tubular fabric T. e and / or inner surface T i The marking element is defined by a specific seam or "pattern" formed on the portion 4a, which can also be seen after the portion 4a is positioned on the tubular fabric T and at least in the distanced state of the first and second rods 6, 7. The sensor is configured to generate a signal representative of the position of the tubular fabric T arranged on the stretching device 3.

[0216] The device 1 may include a control unit connected to the actuator 9 and the motor 10 of the positioning station 2 and configured to control the relative movement between the first rod 6 and the second rod 7. In particular, the control unit is configured to send suitable control signals to the actuator 9 to move the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 from the close position to the distant position and vice versa. The control unit is also configured to send suitable control signals to the motor 10, which is configured to move each rod along the respective rotation axis X, Y. In particular, the control unit is configured to control the rotation of at least one of the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 at least during the relative movement of the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 between the close position and the distant position.

[0217] The control unit may be configured to receive as input at least one parameter representing the size of the tubular fabric T to be fitted to the stretching device 3, so that the control unit can correctly control the actuator 9 of the stretching device 3 for adjusting the distance between the first rod 6 and the second rod 7. In particular, the representative parameter may be at least one of the diameter of the tubular fabric T, the circumference of the tubular fabric T, and the length of the tubular fabric T.

[0218] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the control unit is responsible for the movement of the stretching device 3 from the positioning station 2 to the connecting station 5 (first operating position and second operating position).

[0219] The control unit can also be connected to the first actuator, the second actuator and the third actuator of the connecting station 5, and is configured to control the first actuator, the second actuator and the third actuator to synchronize the movement of the adhesive processing head 11 from the raised position to the lowered position with the movement of the support element 12 in the engaged position and the movement of the shelf 13 in the raised position.

[0220] It should be noted that the step of bonding the portion 4a of the reinforcing material R to the tubular fabric T is divided into three sub-steps in a non-limiting manner according to the invention, such as Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C As shown. The control unit is connected to at least one sensor and is configured to receive a signal from the sensor as input, process the signal to evaluate the position of the tubular fabric T on the stretching device 3, and finally control the motor 10 connected to at least one of the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 according to the evaluation of the position of the tubular fabric to adjust the movement of the tubular fabric T around the rod. More specifically, the control unit is configured to interrupt the rotation of each rod 6 and the rod 7 so that at least one of the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R is aligned with at least one of the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 (see, for example, Fig. 6A ). This type of positioning allows aligning possible weft yarns defined on the tubular fabric T with possible weft yarns defined on the discrete pieces R of reinforcement material.

[0221] Then, in a first sub-step, the control unit controls the first, second and third actuators so that the first length of the portion 4a is glued. Therefore, the control unit applies another rotation to each rod 6, 7 so that the second length of the portion 4b, which has not yet been joined to the tubular fabric T, faces the adhesive treatment head 11 ( Figure 6B). The control unit is configured to interrupt the rotation of each rod 6, 7 when the control unit receives a suitable signal from a sensor detecting the other marking element, or after a predetermined rotation of the first rod 6 and / or the second rod 7. Thus, the second length of the portion 4a is correctly aligned with the adhesive treatment head 11. Thanks to the presence of the control unit, problems involving relative sliding of the tubular fabric T and the portion 4a, which could negatively affect the correct bonding of the last portion on the tubular fabric T, are avoided: in other words, the control unit ensures the correct bonding of the entire portion 4a, avoiding any wrinkles or creases.

[0222] Therefore, the control unit controls the first actuator, the second actuator, and the third actuator to bond the second length 4a. Figure 6C The third sub-step shown in FIG. 1 is the same as the sub-step performed for bonding the first length and the second length, in which a third length of the portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R is bonded.

[0223] The control unit is also connected to the motor for unwinding the reel 14. The control unit is configured to receive as input parameters representing a predetermined amount of continuous reinforcement material sheet to be unwound so that the motor for unwinding the reel 14 can be properly controlled to provide discrete reinforcement material sheets of predetermined length.

[0224] Finally, the control unit is responsible for moving the stretching device 3 from the first operating position to the second operating position and for controlling the cutting station 15 so as to tear the reinforcing fabric F into the tube F as described in detail above.

[0225] For example, in a non-limiting manner according to the invention, the apparatus 1 may have a plurality of stretching devices 3 (e.g. Figure 4A The control unit is connected to each stretching device 3 and is configured to synchronize the movement of the stretching device 3 between the positioning station 2 and the connection station 5, and vice versa. In particular, the control unit is configured to position the first stretching device 3 to the first operating position (i.e., the position where the portion 4a is connected to the tubular fabric), while the second stretching device 3 is arranged in the second operating position, for the following steps:

[0226] - fitting the tubular fabric T onto the first rod 6 and the second rod 7,

[0227] - Stretch Tubular Fabric T,

[0228] - Positioning portion 4a onto said tubular fabric.

[0229] Similarly, the control unit connected to each stretching device 3 is configured for synchronizing the movement of the stretching device 3 between the connecting station 5 and the cutting station 16 .

[0230] It should be noted that the positioning of the tubular fabric on the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 is completely independent of the bonding of the portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R, so that some steps are performed in parallel. Furthermore, it should be noted that the cutting step is also independent of the bonding of the portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R, so that the cutting step is also performed in parallel.

[0231] Figure 4A Two stretching devices 3 are shown, one of which is in the second operating position and the other is in the first operating position, i.e. at the connection station 5. The movement of the stretching devices 3 is carried out along the guide 2a. Figure 4A In the embodiment of the present invention, the guide member 2 a has a lower part for moving the first stretching device 3 and a different upper part for moving the second stretching device 3 .

[0232] method

[0233] Another object of the invention is a method, for example using a device according to the above description and / or according to any of the appended claims.

[0234] The method comprises a step of positioning the tubular fabric T on a first rod 6 and a second rod 7 of the stretching device 3: both rods 6 and 7 are thus located on a through seat of the tubular fabric T, at least partially contacting the inner surface of the tubular fabric T. During this positioning, these rods are in a remote position.

[0235] Then, the method includes the step of relatively moving (displacing) the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 from the close position to the distant position, and the step of rotating the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 along the respective rotation axes X, Y so that the tubular fabric T can be stretched. Therefore, the step of relatively moving the rods 6 and 7 may include moving closer or farther together with the rotational movement. As an alternative, in the step of stretching the tubular fabric T, the method may include only moving the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 from the close position to the distant position, or relatively rotating at least one of the first rod and the second rod about its own axis.

[0236] Furthermore, the method comprises a step of placing a portion 4a of the reinforcing sheet R in contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular fabric T. In particular, this last step comprises unwinding the reel 14 to provide a continuous reinforcing sheet R and cutting the continuous reinforcing sheet R to obtain portions 4a formed into discrete sheets.

[0237] Positioning of the tubular fabric T on the stretching device and positioning of the portion 4a on the tubular fabric T can be performed by an operator or automatically by a suitable station where the fabric is picked up and put down.

[0238] After positioning the portion 4a on the tubular fabric T, the method may comprise a step of adjusting the position of the portion 4a on the fabric by a step of moving the tubular fabric T around the rods 6 and 7, by rotating them in the same direction. These rods are rotated until the portion 4a is flush with one of these rods; this step may be performed so that a possible weft of the portion 4a of the sheet is aligned with the tubular fabric T. This step may be managed by a control unit of the device or by a sensor such as an optical sensor, and the presence of a mark on the tubular fabric T may assess the position of the tubular fabric T on the rods of the stretching device 3. During the step of positioning the tubular fabric T and the portion 4a, the stretching device 3 is in a second operating position; the method also comprises a step of moving the stretching device 3 on the joining station 5, i.e., moving the stretching device 3 from the second operating position to the first operating position, so that the joining station 5 may perform a step of joining the portion 4a to the tubular fabric T.

[0239] The latter step may comprise a step of joining the portion 4a to at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular fabric T, for example. This joining may comprise a step of heating the coating carried by the portion 4a and comprising, for example, a thermobonding material, so that the joining of the portion 4a is carried out under heating. A fabric F having a tubular shape is thus obtained, which is at least partially coated with discrete reinforcing sheets R, defining a reinforced fabric F. In particular, after carrying out at least one gluing step, optionally after carrying out the above-described and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C After three gluing steps, a reinforced fabric F is obtained.

[0240] In particular, the joining step comprises moving the adhesive treatment head 11 to a lowered position so that the adhesive treatment head 11 can join a first length of the portion 4a to the tubular fabric T, in particular by glue under heating. Then, the adhesive treatment head is moved to a raised position and the tubular fabric is rotated to be able to position at least a second length of the portion 4a to a joining position facing the adhesive treatment head 11; then, the head 11 is moved back to the lowered position so that the second length of the portion 4a can also be joined, i.e. bonded under heating, to the tubular fabric T. Finally, the head 11 is switched back to the raised position and the fabric is rotated again so that a third length of the portion 4a can be moved to a joining position facing the head 11; then, the head 11 is moved back to the lowered position to join, e.g. heat bond, the third length of the portion 4a to the tubular fabric. Thus, by the three steps of moving the adhesive treatment head 11 and rotating the tubular fabric, the method ensures that the entire portion 4a is joined to at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular fabric.

[0241] During the joining step, the support element 12 may remain in the joined position, while the rest plate 13 remains in the raised position, to support the fabric and the stretching device 3 during the joining (bonding) step.

[0242] Finally, the method comprises a step of moving the stretching device 3 from the first operating position to the second operating position so that the reinforced (coated) tubular fabric can be positioned on the cutting station 16, in which a cutter cuts (opens) the tubular fabric F, thereby obtaining the reinforced fabric F to be stretched on a plane. The step of cutting the fabric F into a tube can be performed before the step of removing the fabric F from the stretching device 3.

[0243] The method may comprise the use of at least two stretching devices 3. When a first stretching device 3 is arranged in a first operating position for connecting the portion 4a to the tubular fabric, a second stretching device 3 is arranged in a second operating position so that the tubular fabric T can be fitted onto the rods 6 and 7 of said second stretching device and the portion 4a can be arranged above said tubular fabric. In practice, the method may thus carry out the step of connecting the portion 4a to the tubular fabric to define the reinforcing fabric F and simultaneously start preparing the second tubular fabric to be reinforced in the positioning station 2.

[0244] The method may also include a step of cutting the flat (reinforced) fabric F according to a predetermined line to obtain one or more parts of the textile to be assembled: this cutting step can be performed by using a paper pattern or a template. For example, these paper patterns can be constructed to define multiple parts of a men's jacket. By choosing a suitable size for the diameter of the cylinder of the circular machine, it is possible to obtain a piece of reinforced fabric with an opening of suitable size according to the paper pattern or template to be used, thereby minimizing fabric waste. Due to the use of multiple circular machines with suitable diameters, multiple pieces of reinforced fabric suitable for the corresponding paper pattern or template can be obtained. The method may also include a step of assembling multiple parts obtained from the reinforced fabric F or from multiple reinforced fabrics F for the manufacture of assembled textiles, in particular jackets, trousers, men's suits, women's clothing or other textiles assembled from multiple parts.

[0245] Assembling textiles

[0246] The invention also relates to an assembled textile, in particular a jacket, a trouser, a men's suit, a women's suit or other textile assembled from a plurality of fabric portions, the assembled textile comprising a plurality of fabric portions cut from one or more open fabric sheets, wherein at least one such fabric portion consists of a portion of a tubular knitted fabric produced by a circular knitting machine for hosiery or by a knitting machine for clothing and having a thermobonding material applied to at least a portion of the fabric surface under heating. The plurality of fabric portions of the textile product may consist of a plurality of portions of a tubular knitted fabric produced by a circular knitting machine for hosiery or by a knitting machine for clothing and having a thermobonding material applied to at least a portion of the fabric surface under heating. In one embodiment, one or more fabric portions produced by a circular knitting machine for hosiery or by a knitting machine for clothing are provided with a thermobonding material applied to the entire surface of the fabric or to a substantial portion of the surface of the fabric under heating. In one embodiment, the thermobonding material is applied to the inside of the assembled textile.

[0247] use

[0248] The fabrics obtained by the above-described apparatus and method can be used to manufacture various types of textiles, such as: jackets, trousers, men's suits, women's clothing, scarves, ties, skirts, underwear, lingerie, knitwear, technical products, sports products, medical products, other textiles assembled from multiple fabric parts.

[0249] Advantages of the invention

[0250] The invention achieves important advantages. In fact, the use of a stretching device 3 with rods 6 and 7 that can be moved to approach and leave enables the device 3 to receive and adapt to tubular fabrics of different sizes and at the same time enables the correct steps of stretching (tensioning) the tubular fabric T to remove creases to be performed. Another advantage may come from the possibility of rotating the rods 6, 7 around their own axis; thanks to the rotational movement of the rods, the stretching device 3 can control the position of the tubular fabric T on the rods 6, 7 and at the same time facilitate its stretching.

[0251] Due to the various movements (movement and rotation) of the rods 6 and 7 , the stretching device 3 can easily move the tubular fabric T and thereby also the portion 4 a of the reinforcing sheet R to join the portion 4 a to the fabric T quickly and efficiently.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for producing a fabric (F), comprising: - at least one positioning station (2) configured to receive and support at least one tubular fabric (T) capable of being manufactured by a circular knitting machine and having a through seat extending along the entire longitudinal extension of the tubular fabric (T), the positioning station (2) comprising at least one stretching device (3) configured to engage with the inner surface (T) of the tubular fabric (T) defining the through seat i ), - at least one feeding station (4) for reinforcing sheets (R) which can be positioned on the outer surface (T) of the tubular fabric (T) e ) at least a portion of the outer surface and the inner surface (T i ), the feeding station (4) is configured to arrange at least a portion (4a) of the reinforcing sheet (R) at a predetermined pick-up position, - at least one connection station (5) configured to join said portion (4a) of said reinforcing sheet (R) to said outer surface (T) of said tubular fabric (T) e )superior, The invention is characterized in that the stretching device (3) of the positioning station (2) comprises at least one first rod (6) and at least one second rod (7), the first rod and the second rod being substantially parallel to each other and being configured to contact the inner surface (T) of the tubular fabric (T) i ), the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) are movable relative to each other and are configured so that the tubular fabric (T) can be stretched, The first rod (6) comprises an elongated cylindrical body extending along its own axis (X), the first rod (6) being movable by rotating about the axis (X) of the first rod (6), Therein, the second rod (7) comprises a respective elongated cylinder extending along a respective axis (Y), and the second rod (7) is movable by rotating around the axis (Y) of the second rod (7).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first rod (6) and the second rod (7) of the stretching device (3) extend along respective main extension directions, wherein the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) are capable of moving towards and away from each other along an orthogonal direction with respect to the main extension direction of at least one of the first rod (6) and the second rod (7).

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first rod (6) and the second rod (7) of the stretching device (3) are at least capable of moving relative to each other between a close position and a distant position, wherein: - in said close position, said first rod (6) and said second rod (7) are insertable into said through-seat of said tubular fabric (T) in a state, - in the remote position, the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) are configured to stretch the tubular fabric (T), The distance between the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) at the distant position is greater than the distance between the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) at the close position.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first rod (6) and the second rod (7) are configured to rotate in the same direction around respective axes (X, Y) of the first rod (6) and the second rod (7).

5. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The stretching device (3) comprises at least one supporting frame (8) supporting the first rod (6) and the second rod (7), wherein at least one of the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) is movable by rotating relative to the support frame (8) so that the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) can move relative to each other so that the first rod and the second rod can move from the close position to the distant position and from the distant position to the close position, The stretching device (3) comprises at least one actuator (9), which acts on at least one of the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) and is configured to achieve the relative movement by movement between the first rod and the second rod, and to achieve the relative movement by movement between the first rod and the second rod between the approach position and the distance position and between the distance position and the approach position, and the actuator (9) comprises an electric motor.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The stretching device (3) comprises at least one motor (10) connected to at least one of the first rod (6) and the second rod (7), wherein the motor (10) is an electric motor to define a power rod, and the motor (10) is configured to rotate at least one of the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) around its axis.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that It comprises a support frame (1a), which supports the positioning station (2), the feeding station (4) and the connecting station (5), The stretching device (3) of the positioning station (2) is movable relative to the support frame (1a) at least between a first operating position and a second operating position, wherein: - in said first operating position, said stretching device (3) is aligned with said connection station (5), - the second operating position is remote from the first operating position, in which the stretching device (3) is configured to receive the tubular fabric (T) and to receive a portion of the reinforcing sheet (R), Wherein, in the first operating position of the stretching device (3), the connecting station (5) is configured to act on a portion of the reinforcing sheet (R) so as to join the portion of the reinforcing sheet (R) to the outer surface of the tubular fabric (T).

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The joining station (5) comprises an adhesive processing head (11) which is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, In the lowered position, the adhesive treatment head (11) is configured to enable the portion (4a) of the reinforcing sheet (R) to be connected to the outer surface of the tubular fabric (T) when the stretching device (3) is in the first operating position, In the raised position, the adhesive processing head (11) is configured such that the stretching device (3) can be moved from the first operating position to the second operating position, and from the second operating position to the first operating position.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The feeding station (4) comprises: - at least one reel (14) configured to unwind a continuous reinforcement sheet (R), - at least one cutter (15) configured to cut the continuous reinforcement sheet to define said portion (4a).

10. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that comprising at least one control unit connected to the actuator (9) of the positioning station (2) and configured to control the relative movement between the first rod (6) and the second rod (7), The control unit is connected to the actuator (9) and the motor (10) of the positioning station (2), the control unit being configured to: - controlling the actuator so that the relative movement can be achieved by moving the first rod (6) and the second rod (7), the control unit activating the actuator to control the approach position and the distance position of the first rod and the second rod, - controlling the motor (10) so that at least one of the first rod and the second rod can rotate about its axis.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The control unit is configured to synchronize the relative movement of the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) from the close position to the distant position with a rotation of at least one of the first rod (6) and the second rod (7), The control unit is configured to control the rotation of at least one of the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) at least during the relative movement of the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) between the approach position and the distanced position.

12. The device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that comprising at least one sensor configured to send a signal representative of the position of the tubular fabric (T) arranged on the stretching device (3), Wherein, the control unit is connected to the sensor and is configured to: - receiving as input said signal from said sensor, - processing said signal in order to evaluate the position of said tubular fabric (T) arranged on said stretching device (3), - Based on the evaluation of the position of the tubular fabric, controlling the motor (10) connected to at least one of the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) to adjust the movement of the tubular fabric (T) around the first rod and the second rod.

13. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The feed station (4) comprises a powered unwinder supporting a reel (14) and configured to enable the reel to rotate and thereby unwind the reinforcement sheet (R), The control unit is connected to the uncoiler and controls the uncoiler, and the control unit is configured to: - receiving as input parameters representing a predetermined amount of reinforcement sheet to be deployed, - controlling the uncoiler according to the parameters so that the uncoiler rotates the reel to provide the predetermined amount of reinforcement sheet.

14. A method for manufacturing a fabric (F) by means of an apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterised in that The method comprises the following steps: - providing a tubular fabric (T) having a through seat extending along the entire longitudinal extension of the tubular fabric (T), the tubular fabric (T) extending in thickness between an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface delimiting the through seat, - placing said tubular fabric on said first and second rods in such a way that said first and second rods are placed in said through-seats of said tubular fabric, at least partially in contact with said inner surface, - after the step of arranging the tubular fabric on the first rod and the second rod, moving the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) relative to each other so that the tubular fabric can be stretched, - placing a portion (4a) of the reinforcing sheet (R) above the stretched tubular fabric so that the portion is in contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular fabric, - moving the stretching device in the first operating position to the connecting station (5), - Joining the reinforcement sheet to the outer surface of the tubular fabric by means of the joining station (5).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The step of moving the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) comprises moving the first rod and the second rod between the close position and the far position, The step of moving the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) comprises rotating at least one of the rods about its axis so that the tubular fabric can rotate about moving the first rod and the second rod.

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