Device and method for connecting an endless belt to a knitted article comprising a body

Abstract

The method for assembling a fabric endless belt (FA) and a knitted article (M) having a body and two leg parts comprises the steps of loading the endless belt onto a loading mechanism (7) having a loading surface. The endless belt is loaded onto the loading mechanism so that a first rolled edge of the endless belt is close to a first edge of the loading surface. Then, a portion of the body of the knitted article (M) is loaded around the loading mechanism (7) above the endless belt (FA), and an opening edge of the body is aligned with the first rolled edge (O1) of the endless belt (FA). Finally, the first rolled edge (O1) of the endless belt (FA) and the opening edge of the body are connected together, and the garment containing the knitted article, to which the endless belt is sewn, is removed from the loading mechanism (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for manufacturing knitted articles, in particular a machine for manufacturing knitted garments, the knitted articles comprising a body, a pair of leg parts and an endless belt, in particular an elastic belt sewn on the body. Background Art

[0002] In a typical garment, there are leggings and pantyhose with and without feet, the garment comprises a pair of leg parts and a body which terminates in a typically elastic ring-shaped band around the waist when the garment is worn. According to some modern production methods, the body and the leg parts are manufactured in a single knitting process using a circular knitting machine. Usually, the elastic band and the knitted article comprising the body and the leg parts are manufactured separately and then sewn together.

[0003] According to other known methods, a knitted article is produced by knitting two tubular members separately, which are then partially cut at corresponding positions of their ends and sewn into a knitted article. Each tubular member has an elastic edge. The elastic edges of the two tubular members are cut and then sewn together to form an elastic band, which surrounds the waist of the user when the garment is worn.

[0004] The steps of connecting the endless band and the knitted article are complicated and time-consuming. In order to make this production step faster, WO-A-2016 / 157055 discloses a device that facilitates manual assembly operations. The prior art device includes a loading mechanism (loading form) and a stretching device, which are in a coaxial position with each other and move toward each other, so that the loading mechanism is placed in a space defined by the stretching device. In order to facilitate the assembly operation of connecting the elastic endless band or strip and the knitted article, the prior art device provides the following steps. The knitted article is manually loaded onto the mechanism so that the body portion wraps around the side loading surface of the loading mechanism. The endless strip or belt is manually loaded onto the stretching device. Then, the stretching device expands to stretch the endless band. Then, the mechanism that has been loaded with the knitted article is inserted into the endless band. The stretching device is then removed, so that the endless band is attached to the portion of the knitted article that surrounds and wraps around the loading mechanism.

[0005] In the above-mentioned document, neither a device allowing the loading of the belt onto the stretching device nor a device for unloading the finished garment obtained by sewing the endless belt onto the body of the knitted article is disclosed. Nor is a sewing system disclosed.

[0006] Prior art devices only help the operator to a limited extent to simplify some of the assembly operations of connecting the endless belt and the knitted article.

[0007] In addition, the method disclosed in the above-mentioned prior art document has the defect that the endless belt and the knitted article should be turned over before being loaded onto the stretching device and the loading mechanism. In fact, the endless belt and the knitted article are manufactured using a knitting machine, usually a circular knitting machine. Once woven, they have a front side and a back side. When exiting the knitting machine, the front side of the two semi-finished products faces outward and the back side faces inward. The finished garment is worn with the front side of the endless belt and the knitted article consisting of the body and the leg parts facing outward. When sewing, it should be ensured that the seams are not visible on the front side of the garment, that is, the seams are inside. In order to sew the endless belt and the knitted article together using the device disclosed in WO2016 / 157055 so that the seams are on the opposite side of the garment, it is necessary to turn the endless belt and the knitted article over first. Otherwise, the seams will be outside and visible on the front side of the finished garment. The need to turn the endless belt and the knitted article over makes the assembly process using the known device particularly complicated and also hinders the effective automation of the process.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a more efficient method and apparatus for sewing (ie, assembling) an endless belt and a body of a knitted article together that overcomes or at least alleviates one or more deficiencies of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0009] According to one aspect, a method for connecting a fabric endless belt to a knitted article is provided, the endless belt comprising a first bead and a second bead, the knitted article having a body and two leg parts, the body terminating in an open edge to be connected to the endless belt along the first bead of the endless belt. The method comprises the following steps in sequence:

[0010] First, the endless belt is loaded onto a loading mechanism, the loading mechanism having an outer loading surface extending around an axis of the loading mechanism, the loading surface being defined between a first boundary and a second boundary. The endless belt is loaded onto the loading mechanism so that a first rolled edge of the endless belt is adjacent to a first boundary of the loading surface;

[0011] Then, loading a portion of the body of the knitted article around the loading mechanism on the endless belt, with the open edge aligned with the first rolled edge of the endless belt;

[0012] Then, the first curling edge of the annular band and the opening edge of the body are connected together;

[0013] Finally, the knitted article with the endless band sewn thereon is removed from the loading mechanism.

[0014] As will be apparent from the detailed description of the embodiments, the method allows the knitted article and the endless belt to be loaded onto the mechanism without having to turn it over depending on how the knitting machine is made. This arrangement and sequence of steps results in the seam between the endless belt and the knitted article being on the reverse side of the finished garment.

[0015] Essentially, thanks to the above method, it is possible to produce a finished garment with seams on the inner surface without having to turn the belt and knitted article inside out beforehand, thus in a much shorter time than required by prior art methods.

[0016] In some embodiments, the step of loading the endless belt into the loading mechanism comprises the following steps in sequence:

[0017] inserting a stretching device into the endless belt;

[0018] engaging the endless belt with a stretching device, and stretching the endless belt by the stretching device, thereby forming a space inside the endless belt;

[0019] moving the stretching device to which the endless band is applied and the loading mechanism toward each other so that the loading mechanism is disposed within the interior space defined by the endless band;

[0020] transferring the endless belt from the stretching device to the loading mechanism so that the endless belt adheres to the loading surface of the loading mechanism; and

[0021] Move the tensioning device away from the loading mechanism.

[0022] The following additional steps may also be provided:

[0023] engaging the endless band by an engaging member attached to an outer surface of the endless band at at least two locations spaced apart from one another;

[0024] The endless belt is lifted by the engaging member so that the endless belt is opened under the action of gravity;

[0025] inserting a pair of generally parallel positioning rollers into the endless belt;

[0026] stretching the endless band by moving the positioning rollers away from each other and releasing the endless band from the engagement member; and

[0027] After the stretching device is inserted into the endless belt between the positioning rollers, the endless belt is transferred from the pair of positioning rollers to the stretching device.

[0028] The step of engaging the annular band by the engaging member may comprise the step of adhering the outer surface of the annular band to an adhesive tape cooperating with or forming part of the engaging member; and wherein the step of releasing the annular band from the engaging member may preferably comprise the step of moving the annular band relative to the adhesive tape.

[0029] In some embodiments, the following steps are provided: the endless belt is angularly positioned on two positioning rollers. For example, this can be achieved by synchronously rotating the two positioning rollers and detecting the desired angular position of the endless belt by a reference mark applied to the endless belt and a sensor suitable for detecting the mark.

[0030] According to another aspect, there is provided an apparatus for connecting an endless belt of fabric to a knitted article, the endless belt comprising a first curling edge and a second curling edge, the knitted article having a body and two leg parts, the body terminating in an open edge, the open edge being connected to the endless belt along the first curling edge of the endless belt. The device comprises at least a loading mechanism having an outer loading surface extending around the axis of the loading mechanism, the loading surface being defined between a first boundary and a second boundary. In order to increase the productivity of the apparatus, a plurality of loading mechanisms are preferably provided, carried by an apparatus for sequentially transferring them through a plurality of stations. For example, the apparatus may be a turntable, rotating around a vertical axis of rotation.

[0031] Furthermore, the device advantageously comprises a stretching device adapted to receive and stretch the endless belt. The stretching device and the loading mechanism are movable relative to each other to position the stretching device around a loading surface of the loading mechanism and to release the endless belt onto the loading surface of the loading mechanism. A picking device is also provided, which is adapted to take a single endless belt from the storage space and automatically load it onto the stretching device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The present invention will be better understood through the following description and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, in the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1A and 1B Schematically shows a garment in the form of a tights, comprising an endless belt FA and a knitted article M, shown before and after being connected together by the apparatus described herein;

[0034] Figure 2 shows a plan view of a device according to the invention;

[0035] Figure 3A and 3B yes Figure 2 An isometric view of the apparatus of which the loading station for loading the endless belt is omitted;

[0036] Figure 4 is an isometric view of the toroidal belt loading station;

[0037] Figure 5 is a side view of the endless belt loading station;

[0038] Figure 6 is an isometric view of a pick-up device arranged in a loading station for picking up an endless belt;

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A side view of a pickup device;

[0040] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 and Figure 7 A front view of a pickup device;

[0041] Fig. 8A and 8B are isometric views from top and bottom of the rollers and corresponding support slides of the pickup device;

[0042] Fig. 9 is an isometric view of a tensioning device and a pressure member for transferring the endless belt from the tensioning device to a loading mechanism;

[0043] Fig.10 , 11 and 12 show the Figures 6 to 8 The picking device obtains the operation sequence of the endless belt from the storage space;

[0044] Fig.13 is an isometric view of a pick-up device positioned for transferring an endless belt to a pair of motorized rollers;

[0045] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 An isometric view of motorized rollers in spaced-apart positions for preparing an endless belt for transfer to a stretching device;

[0046] Fig.15 and 16 is an isometric view of the operating steps for transferring the endless belt from the stretching device to the loading mechanism;

[0047] Fig.17 and 18 is a front and rear isometric view of the loading mechanism;

[0048] Fig.19 is an isometric view with some components cut away, showing the relative positions of the loading mechanism, the tensioning device and the members during the step of transferring the endless belt from the tensioning device to the loading mechanism;

[0049] Fig. 20 is similar to Fig.17 An isometric view of the annular belt shown being loaded onto the loading mechanism;

[0050] Fig.21 is an isometric view of a blocking pad for blocking an endless belt on a loading mechanism during the step of loading a knitted article;

[0051] Fig. 22 is similar to Fig.21 an isometric view showing the relative positions of the pad and the loading mechanism, wherein the endless belt is loaded onto the loading mechanism;

[0052] Fig.23 and 24 is an isometric view of a knitted article loaded onto a loading mechanism;

[0053] Fig.25 is a cross section of a loading mechanism onto which the endless belt and the knitted article are loaded;

[0054] Fig.26 and 27 are front and rear isometric views of the clamping unit in the sewing station;

[0055] Fig.28 Shows Fig.26 and 27 The cross section of the clamping unit;

[0056] Fig.29 is an isometric view of a sewing station with the loading mechanism engaged by the clamping unit;

[0057] Fig.30 (A) to 30 (H) show the sequence of sewing operations;

[0058] Fig.31 is an isometric view of the unloading station where garments are removed from the loading mechanism; and

[0059] Fig.32 (A) to 32(S) illustrate the sequence of an unloading operation for removing a garment from a loading mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Figure 1A , 1B Schematically shown is a garment in the form of a tights, consisting of a knitted article M and an endless belt FA, which are knitted separately and then connected by the apparatus described herein. Figure 1A In the embodiment, the endless belt FA and the knitted article M are separated from each other before sewing, and in the embodiment of the present invention, the endless belt FA and the knitted article M are separated from each other before sewing. Figure 1B In the figure, these two parts are shown assembled into a finished garment I.

[0061] The endless band FA comprises a first curled edge O1 and a second curled edge O2. The knitted article M comprises two leg parts G and a body C. The body ends in an open edge MA, which should be connected (i.e. sewn) to one of the two curled edges of the endless band FA, in particular the first curled edge O1. After sewing the endless band FA to the knitted article M, a garment I is obtained, in which a seam LC connects the open edge MA of the body G to the curled edge O1 of the endless band FA. For both the endless band A and the knitted article M, the letters D and R represent the front and back sides, i.e. the surface (D) that should remain outside and the surface (R) that should remain inside when the garment I is worn. The seam LC should be formed so that the seam is located inside the garment I. It should be understood that the garment I schematically shown in FIG. 1 is only an example, and other garments, for example, garments having leg parts that are significantly shorter than those described in FIG. 1, can also be manufactured using the methods and apparatus described herein.

[0062] refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the device 1 for sewing an endless belt FA and knitted articles M together comprises two main parts, including a loading station 3 configured for loading the endless belt onto a loading mechanism and a moving member 5, a plurality of loading mechanisms 7 being arranged identically to one another on the moving member and being transferred sequentially through the loading station 3 and other stations for the operation of loading knitted articles, to sew the knitted articles onto the belt and unload the garments. In the embodiment shown, the moving member 5 is configured similarly to a turntable that rotates in a step-by-step manner around a vertical axis AA. In other embodiments, the loading mechanism 7 is moved by a different moving member, such as a flexible endless conveyor.

[0063] To simplify the drawing, the loading station 3 for loading the endless belt is only Figure 2 It is schematically shown in Figure 3A , 3B The details of the loading station 3 and its operation are as follows Figures 4 to 16 shown.

[0064] In the embodiment shown, seven loading mechanisms 7 and seven stations are provided, through which the loading mechanisms 7 are sequentially transferred by the turntable 5. It will be appreciated that the number of stations and the number of loading mechanisms 7 may differ from the number shown.

[0065] Loading Station 3

[0066] refer to Figures 4 to 16 The loading station 3 will now be described in detail, which has the function of loading the endless belt onto one of the loading mechanisms 7 provided on the turntable 5. The operating cycle performed by the loading station will be described later. Figures 17 to 32 , the various stations arranged after the loading station and the operations performed in these stations will be described.

[0067] The loading station 3 comprises a support structure 9 arranged radially outside the turntable 5. A storage space 11 is provided on the support structure 9 for storing a stack of endless belts FA ( Figure 10-13 ). The stacks are adjacent to each other to increase the capacity of the storage space 11. On the supporting structure 9 there is arranged a slide 13 which carries a pick-up device 15 suitable for taking out an individual endless belt FA from the storage space 11 and transferring it to a stretching device as described below which loads the endless belt FA onto a corresponding loading mechanism 7. Reference numeral 17 denotes a guide along which the slide 13 can move according to the double arrow f13. The movement according to f13 allows taking out an endless belt FA from one or another of the plurality of stacks P arranged in the storage space 11 and transferring the individual belt FA taken out by the pick-up device to the stretching device.

[0068] A second guide 19 is fastened to the support structure 9, along which the stretching device 21 and the pressure member 23 can be moved independently of each other according to the double arrows f21 and f23. In addition, the stretching device 21 can be moved about a vertical axis (DD, see Fig.19 ) rotation, such as Figure 5 , 9 , 15 and 16. The details of the stretching device 21 and the pressure member 23 will be described below.

[0069] exist Figure 4 , 6 , 7, 8, 8A and 8B show the pick-up device 15 in detail. In the embodiment shown, the pick-up device 15 includes a joining member 25 and a pair of motorized positioning rollers 27, the joining member being suitable for joining a single endless belt FA from the storage space 11, and the pair of motorized positioning rollers receiving the endless belt FA from the joining member 25 and transferring the endless belt to the stretching device 21, as described below. The positioning rollers 27 are suitable for rotating in a consistent direction, each rotating around a corresponding horizontal axis BB. In the embodiment shown, each positioning roller 27 is driven to rotate by a corresponding motor, such as a typical electrically controlled electric motor, indicated by the reference numeral 29.

[0070] The two positioning rollers 27 are movable along the direction f27x so as to move towards and away from each other, thereby changing the mutual center-to-center distance. Figure 6 , 8, 8A and 8B, the center-to-center distance of the roller 27 is minimal. The roller 27 can also be moved parallel to the guide 17 according to the double arrow f27y. If the roller 27 is supported independently of the slide 13, the movement according to f27y can be independent of the movement according to f13 of the slide 13. For example, the roller 27 can be supported by a slide 31, which can move according to f27y along a guide 33 that is integral with the guide 17 and parallel to the guide 17. The slide 31 carries a guide 35 orthogonal to the guide 33, supports a carriage 37 sliding on the guide 35, supports the roller 27 and the corresponding motor 29 to allow the roller 27 to move according to f27x. The movement of the roller 27, the corresponding carriage 37 and the motor 29 according to f27x is applied symmetrically to the two rollers 27 by a pair of linear actuators 38 (e.g. pneumatic cylinder-piston actuators).

[0071] The slide 31 also carries an actuator to control the movement of the slide 37 and the corresponding positioning roller 27 according to f27x. The slide 31 moves forward and backward along the direction f13 together with the slide 13. The slide 31 also moves relative to the slide 13 according to the double arrow f27y, so that the positioning roller 27 can translate relative to the slide 13 parallel to the guides 17 and 33, the purpose of which is described below. Fig. 8A In the figure, reference numeral 39 denotes an actuator which controls the movement of the roller 27 and the slide 31 carrying the roller relative to the slide 13 according to f27y.

[0072] The engaging member 25 is carried by the slide 13 and can therefore be moved according to the double arrow f13. In the embodiment shown, the engaging member 25 comprises a head 41 which can be moved vertically according to the double arrow f41 by means of a mechanism with a rack 41 and a pinion 45, wherein the pinion 45 is rotated by an actuator, such as an electric motor 47. The head 43 carries an unwinding reel 51 and a rewinding reel 53 for unwinding and rewinding the adhesive tape 55, respectively. Reference numeral 49 denotes a motor driving the rewinding reel 53 in rotation. The path of the adhesive tape 55 extends around two lower guide rollers 57 of small dimensions. The section of the adhesive tape 55 contained between the lower guide rollers 57 is used to engage, by bonding, a first endless belt FA located on one of the stacks P stored in the storage space 11, as shown in reference 49. Fig.10 , 11 And the order of 12 will be described.

[0073] Fig. 9 , Fig.15 and Fig.16 The above-mentioned stretching device 21 and pressure member 23 are shown in detail, and the adjacent components have been removed for the sake of clarity. The unit formed by the stretching device 21 and the pressure member 23 is shown from one side of the turntable 5 as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 and 16 As shown, while Fig.15In the figure, it is shown from the opposite side, that is, from the positioning roller 27 side.

[0074] like Fig. 9 , 14 , 15 and 16 clearly show that the tensioning device 21 includes a ring 59 to which a tensioning element 61 is fixed. In the embodiment shown, the tensioning element is in the form of a finger 61 connected to the ring 59 by a pivoting lever 63. Fig.14 As shown, the fingers 61 are arranged in a closed position. Here, the fingers 61 are in a position of maximum mutual proximity and are arranged close to the axis of the stretching device 21, i.e. the axis of the ring 59. The fingers 61 are moved apart to a mutually spaced position ( Fig. 9 , 15 , 16) to stretch the endless belt FA arranged on the stretching device 21. The movement of the fingers 59 toward and away from each other is controlled by the actuator 65 ( Fig. 9 )control.

[0075] The pressure member 23 comprises a ring 67 which can adopt a coaxial position with the ring 59 of the stretching device 21. The ring 67 of the pressure member 23 carries a plurality of push elements or pads 69 which are arranged circumferentially around the axis of the ring 67 and which are movable radially, for example, by a plurality of pneumatic cylinder-piston actuators 71 or otherwise controlled. In the example shown, an actuator 71 is provided for each pad 69.

[0076] The loading station 3 is used to load a single endless belt FA onto each of the seven loading mechanisms 7 mounted on the turntable 5. The loading mechanisms 7 are preferably identical to each other. Fig.17 and 18 One of the loading mechanisms is shown separately in FIG.

[0077] The loading means 7 have a generally circular extension about a central axis of rotation CC. Each loading means 7 has a disc-shaped portion from which extends a preferably generally cylindrical side wall which externally defines an outer surface 75, also called loading surface 75. The cylindrical wall 73 is interrupted by a pair of recesses or openings 77 at two diametrically opposite locations, which recesses or openings interrupt the loading surface 75. The loading surface 75 has a first boundary 75.1 and a second boundary 75.2.

[0078] The loading mechanism 7 is supported for free rotation on the suction pipe 79, for example by suitable bearings. The suction pipe 79 is fastened to the turntable 5 by means of corresponding uprights 81. Reference numeral 83 denotes a stop device for stopping the loading mechanism 7 to prevent it from rotating about the axis CC relative to the suction pipe 79. The suction pipe 79 has an upper connection part 85, which is provided with a perforated plate or mesh filter 87 inside. Fig.19The isometric view and partial cross section of FIG. 7 allow a better understanding of the structure of the loading mechanism 7 and the manner in which it is supported for idle rotation on the lower end of the tube 79 .

[0079] Having described the structure of the loading station 3, the process will now be described according to which the endless belt FA is loaded onto the mechanism 7 for subsequent sewing onto the knitted article M. Figure 10-16 , 19, can provide a better understanding of the processes and order of operations involved.

[0080] First, the picking device 15 retrieves the endless belt FA from the storage space 11. To this end, the picking device 15 is positioned above the stack P by the slide 13, from which the endless belt FA is taken. The picking device 15 is positioned by the head 41 of the holding member 15 being lifted. Fig.10 When the head 41 of the joining member 15 is located above the stack P from which the endless belt FA is to be taken, the head 41 descends until the adhesive tape 55 is pressed against the upper surface of the endless belt FA by the guide roller 57 ( Fig.11 ). In this way, the adhesive tape 55 is pressed against the outer surface of the endless belt FA by the guide roller 57, so that the surface is attached to the adhesive tape 55 at two locations spaced apart from each other.

[0081] Then, the head 41 is raised ( Fig.12 ). The endless belt FA attached to the adhesive tape 55 is lifted together with the head 41 of the engaging member 25 and opens under the action of gravity, thereby forming a substantially circular arrangement. Now, keeping the slider 13 and therefore the head 41 stationary, the positioning roller 27 is inserted into the endless belt FA by moving according to the arrow f27y, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 shown.

[0082] Then, the positioning rollers 27 move away from each other according to the double arrow f27x to stretch the endless belt FA, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 When the two positioning rollers 27 are rotated in the same direction by the motor 29, the endless belt FA begins to rotate according to Fig.14 The movement can be in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, which is immaterial. The purpose of this movement is to position the endless belt FA angularly relative to the positioning roller 27. For correct positioning, a sensor 89 ( Figure 8 and 13 ) detected marker MX ( Fig.14 ). When the mark MX is in the desired position detected by the sensor 89, the positioning roller 27 stops moving and the sensor generates a signal to stop the motor 29. The angular position obtained allows the endless belt FA to be loaded into the correct position on the loading mechanism 7 for subsequent sewing to the knitted article M.

[0083] When the endless belt FA is correctly positioned, it is transferred to the stretching device 21. To this end, the stretching device 21 is initially in a position in which the fingers 61 are retracted, i.e. adjacent to each other in a position closest to the axis of the stretching device 21, such as Fig.14 As soon as the fingers 61 have been inserted between the positioning rollers 27, the fingers 61 are enlarged and the positioning rollers 27 are moved toward each other again. Thus, the endless belt FA is transferred to the fingers 61 of the stretching device 21 and is kept in the stretched position, arranged according to the polygonal extension, as shown. Fig.15 In this arrangement, the stretching device 21 is spaced apart from the pressure member 23 , which can be positioned around one of the loading mechanisms 7 , which has been brought into alignment with the loading station 3 by the turntable 5 .

[0084] from Fig.15 As can be clearly seen in FIG. 1 , in order to transfer the endless belt FA from the stretching device 21 to the loading mechanism 7, it is first necessary to rotate the stretching device 21 about a vertical axis, that is, about an axis that coincides with the vertical diameter of the ring 59 of the stretching device 21. This axis is only Fig.19 It is shown in the figure and represented by DD.

[0085] In addition to rotating 180° about the diametral vertical axis DD, the stretching device 21 is moved towards the pressure member 23, along the guide 19, until it reaches Fig.16 The radial position of the finger 61 enables it to enter the space defined by the ring 67 of the pressure member 23 without interfering with it. After these movements, the stretching device 21, the pressure member 23 and the annular belt FA are located Fig.16 In this figure, the loading mechanism 7 is omitted for clarity. However, the final position is such that the annular band FA engaged by the fingers 61 of the stretching device 21 surrounds the loading surface 75 of the loading mechanism 7, as shown. Fig.19 is shown in a cutaway isometric view.

[0086] At this point, the pushing element or pad 69 is moved radially inwards by the actuator 71, i.e. towards the axis of the loading mechanism 7, which in this position coincides with the axis of the tensioning device 21 and the axis of the pressure member 23. Once the pad 69 has come into contact with the loading surface 75 of the loading mechanism 7 and has pressed the annular band FA against it, the tensioning device 21 is moved away from the pressure member 23 and the loading mechanism 7, thereby removing the fingers 61 and allowing the annular band FA made of elastic or stretch fabric to be fully attached to the loading surface 75 of the loading mechanism 7. The pressure of the pad 69 against the surface 75 of the loading mechanism 7 is sufficient to hold the annular band FA and prevent it from being removed together with the fingers 61 of the tensioning device 21. For this purpose, the surface 75 and the pad 69 adopt a suitable friction coefficient.

[0087] At this time, the pad 69 moves away from the loading mechanism 7 in a radially outwardly moving manner. The pressing member 23, which has so far surrounded the loading mechanism 7 together with the ring 67, moves away from the loading mechanism 7, translating along the guide 19. In this way, the loading mechanism 7, which has been loaded with the endless belt FA, can be transferred to a subsequent station as described below.

[0088] Fig. 20 A loading mechanism 7 is shown, wherein an endless belt FA is loaded onto the loading mechanism and is held on a loading surface 75 due to the elastic effect of the endless belt.

[0089] After the loading station for loading the endless belt FA onto the loading mechanism 7, an operating station for loading the knitted items M onto the loading mechanism 7 is provided. Figure 2 , 3A Reference numeral 91 in FIGS. 3B and 3B indicates a loading station for loading the knitted items M.

[0090] Loading station 91 for loading knitted items

[0091] The following will refer to Figures 21 to 25 A loading station 91 for loading knitted items M is described.

[0092] A suction duct 93 is associated with the loading station 91 for loading the knitted articles M; the suction duct 93 has a vertical section coaxial with the axis AA of the turntable 5, a horizontal section and a second vertical section ending in a suction nozzle 95 interfacing with the connection 85 of each loading mechanism 7 located successively in the loading station 91. In this way, suction can be generated through the loading mechanism 7.

[0093] In the embodiment shown, the suction duct 93 is rotated by an angle about the axis of rotation AA of the turntable 5 so as to follow each loading mechanism 7 for a given angle of its circular trajectory. This angle generally corresponds to the angular distance between two consecutive stations of the machine. In this way, the suction duct 93 intersects with the suction pipe 79 of each loading mechanism 7 and then reaches the loading station 91 before reaching the angular position for loading the knitted article M onto the loading mechanism 7. This angular position is as shown in FIG. Figure 2 The suction pipe 93 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, for example, until the loading mechanism 7 is arranged directly upstream of the mechanism (in Figure 2 is shown in the loading station 91) position, that is, rotated to Figure 2 The position shown is 90. This is the neutral station to which each loading mechanism 7 reaches when moving from the loading station 3 to load the endless belt FA to the loading station 91 for loading the knitted article M.

[0094] Associated with the suction duct 93 is a blocking pad 97 which can move radially under the control of an actuator 99 (e.g. a cylinder-piston actuator) and has the function of blocking the annular belt FA previously loaded onto the loading mechanism 7, thereby preventing accidental movement of the belt when the knitted article M is loaded.

[0095] In an advantageous embodiment, the blocking pad 97 is movable integrally with the suction duct 93 about the axis AA so as to follow the reciprocating rotational movement of the duct from the neutral station 90 to the loading station 91 for loading the knitted items M.

[0096] Due to the angular movement of the suction duct 93 and the blocking pad 97 from the loading station 91 to the neutral station 90 (and vice versa), the suction action through the suction duct 93 and the suction tube 79, as well as the action of the blocking pad 97 relative to the step of loading the knitted item M onto the loading mechanism 7 can be predicted.

[0097] The rotational movement about the axis AA is applied to the suction duct 93 and the blocking pad 97 by a linear actuator, such as a cylinder-piston actuator 101. Alternatively, the rotational movement about the axis AA can be applied by a turntable 5 to which the suction duct is temporarily coupled so as to rotate with it. In this case, a linear actuator 101 is provided for bringing the duct 93 from the loading station 91 to the neutral station 90 again each time.

[0098] Fig. 22 The action of the blocking pad when activated is shown. The blocking pad presses against the first boundary 75.1 of the loading surface 75 to hold the endless belt FA in the correct position on the loading mechanism 7 by friction. Fig. 22 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the suction nozzle 95 has been lowered by the actuator 103 until it interacts with the connection 85 of the suction pipe 79 associated with the loading mechanism 7 in the loading station 91. The lifting and lowering movement of the suction nozzle 95 (according to the double arrow f95) allows the suction pipe 93 to be selectively connected to the suction pipe 79 and to be released from the suction pipe 79 to allow the corresponding loading mechanism 7 to move to the next station.

[0099] When the loading mechanism 7 is in the loading station 91 together with the corresponding endless belt FA loaded thereon and the blocking pad 95 and the suction through the suction duct 93 are activated, the operator can manually load the knitted article M, as shown in FIG. Fig.23 and 24As shown. To this end, the loading mechanism 7 has a central suction port 105, which is connected to the suction pipe 79 and the suction duct 93. The operator inserts the leg part G of the knitted article M into the central suction port 105, and allows the entire knitted article M to enter the suction pipe 79 (except the body C). The grid or mesh filter 87 prevents the knitted article M from leaving the side that rotates integrally with the loading mechanism 7 and the turntable 5. Only the end portion of the body C is turned from the inside out and arranged so that its opening edge MA is roughly aligned with the first curling edge O1 of the endless belt FA. Fig.25 A cross section of the loading mechanism 7 is shown in the loading station 91, wherein the endless belt FA and the knitted item M are loaded onto the loading mechanism 7. The cross section has been taken according to a vertical plane containing the axis CC of the loading mechanism 7.

[0100] Once the endless belt FA and the knitted article M are loaded onto the loading mechanism 7 as described above, the loading mechanism is moved toward the subsequent sewing station 107 via the turntable 5, as described below.

[0101] Sewing Station 107

[0102] In the sewing station 107, the components are located outside the turntable 5, such as Figure 2 Floor plan and Fig.29 isometric view of the .

[0103] Now we will refer specifically to Figure 2 , 27 -29 and 30(A)-30(H) describe the components of the sewing station and their operation, wherein Fig.30 The sequence of (A)-30(H) shows in detail the various operations performed to sew the endless belt FA and the knitted article M together.

[0104] More specifically, in the sewing station 107, outside the turntable 5, a clamping unit 109 is provided, which cooperates with the loading mechanism 7 which is then located in the sewing station 107. As better described below, the function of the clamping unit 109 is to engage the loading mechanism 7 and rotate it so as to hold the knitted article M and the endless belt FA in place on the loading mechanism during sewing. The rotational movement of the loading mechanism 7 allows the hem O1 of the endless belt FA to be sewn along the opening edge MA of the knitted article M by the sewing machine 111.

[0105] The gripper unit 109 comprises a towing head 113 which is supported to rotate on a support structure 115. EE denotes the horizontal axis of rotation of the towing head 113. The towing head 113 comprises a plurality of sectors or jaws 117 which are arranged around the axis of rotation EE and are activated by an actuator 119, for example a cylinder-piston actuator, so that the jaws 117 are moved in a radial direction towards the axis EE.

[0106] The dragging head 113 is supported by the bearing 121 to rotate idly, and is driven by the motor 123 through the belt 125 to rotate about the axis EE (see Fig.28 ). The rotary joint 127 is used to pneumatically feed the actuator 119 as the drag head 113 rotates.

[0107] The dragging head has a movement according to the double arrow f113 in a radial direction relative to the axis AA, controlled by an actuator 131 controlling the movement of a slide 133 on which the dragging head 113 and the corresponding motor 123 are supported.

[0108] The operations performed in the sewing station 107 are as follows: Fig.30 The sequence of (A)-30(H) is shown below and will be briefly described. Fig.30 In (A), the loading mechanism 7 with the endless belt FA and the knitted article M is aligned with the traction head 113 in the sewing station 107. The sewing machine 111 is located in front of the traction head 113. The traction head 113 moves radially toward the rotation axis AA of the turntable 5 until the clamp 117 surrounds the loading mechanism 7, and the sewing machine 111 translates radially outward and moves toward the loading mechanism 7, see Fig.30 (B).

[0109] Then, the clamp 117 of the drag head 113 is closed against the loading mechanism 7, and the sewing machine 111 moves toward the loading mechanism 7. Fig.30 (C). Fig.30 In (D), the dragging head 113 is shown to be further moved radially inwards to slide the endless belt FA and the body of the knitted article M toward the axis AA, thereby increasing the fabric portion of the endless belt FA and the knitted article M protruding from the first boundary 75.1 of the loading surface, if necessary, to facilitate sewing. The sewing machine 111 is also moved further toward the loading mechanism 7.

[0110] Fig.30 (E) shows the relative positions of the various components in the sewing station 107 during sewing. Sewing is performed by rotating the traction head 113 around the axis EE by means of the motor 123. The traction head 113 drives the loading mechanism 7 loaded with the endless belt FA and the knitted article M to rotate relative to the sewing machine 111. During the rotation, the machine 111 performs sewing. In order to achieve this rotation, the loading mechanism 7, which has been prevented from rotating by the actuator 83 so far, can freely rotate around the axis of the loading mechanism.

[0111] exist Fig.30 In (F), the sewing machine is moved away to allow the chain to be cut and the loading mechanism 7 to be rotated and properly adjusted for subsequent operations. Fig.30In (G), the jaws 117 of the towing head 113 are opened after the actuator 83 has again locked the loading mechanism 7 to prevent it from rotating.

[0112] Finally, if Fig.30 As shown in (H), the drag head 113 and sewing machine 111 are completely moved away from the loading mechanism 7, allowing the loading mechanism to be transferred to the subsequent unloading station 135 by rotation of the turntable 5, the components and operation of the unloading station will be described below.

[0113] Unloading station 135

[0114] Now we will make a preliminary reference Fig.31 , 32 32 (A) and 32 (B) describe the structure of the unloading station 135, which is used to unload the finished garments I from the loading mechanism 7. Fig.31 is an isometric view of the unloading station 135 in which the loading mechanism 7 is located. Fig.32 (B) is a view according to a vertical plane containing the rotation axis AA of the turntable 5 . Fig.32 (A) shows the Fig.32 (B) is a view of a plane orthogonal to the plane of view, with some components of the unloading station 135 omitted for simplicity of representation. Fig.32 The sequence shown at (A)-32(S) illustrates the operations performed in the unloading station 135, which will be described below.

[0115] The unloading station 135 comprises a support structure 137 on which are carried the various components for engaging the garment I loaded onto the loading mechanism 7 and comprising the endless belt FA and the knitted article M and for removing the garment I from the loading mechanism 7 .

[0116] More specifically, two removal members 139 are mounted on the support structure 137 for removing the knitted article M with the elastic band FA sewn thereon. The two removal members consist of or include two corresponding pairs of unloading fingers 139. Below, the reference numeral 139 will specifically indicate the two pairs of unloading fingers. These pairs are able to move relative to each other in the horizontal direction and are part of the two removal members to move towards or away from each other. The fingers are movable along a crossbar 141 carried by the support structure 137 and to which guides 142 are fixed for the sliding of a carriage 143 on which the two pairs of fingers 139 are mounted. An actuator 145, for example a pneumatic cylinder-piston actuator, controls the movement of the two carriages 143 towards and away from each other, thereby controlling the movement of the two pairs of fingers 139 in the direction f139. On each carriage 143, a pad 147 is hinged, cooperating with a corresponding pair of fingers 139. Each pad is controlled by an actuator 149, such as a pneumatic cylinder-piston actuator, carried by the corresponding carriage 143 to push against the pair of fingers 139 or move away from the pair of fingers.

[0117] The crossbar 141 is carried by a slide 151 movable along a guide 153. The double arrow f151 indicates the movement of the slide 151 in a direction orthogonal to the crossbar 141 and radial to the axis of rotation AA of the turntable 5. The movement of the slide 151 is controlled by a motor 155 fastened to the support structure 137.

[0118] A pair of unloading rollers 157 are carried on the support structure 137, which are parallel to each other and have horizontal axes. The unloading rollers 157 are supported by a crossbar 159, which is supported by a vertical column 161 with an axis FF. The vertical column 161 rotates the crossbar 159 around the axis FF through a motor 163.

[0119] Now refer to Fig.32 The sequence of (A)-32(S) describes the operation of unloading garments from the unloading mechanism 7 in the unloading station 135.

[0120] As shown in the figure above, Fig.32 32(A) and 32(B) show two views of the unloading station 135 and the loading mechanism 7 positioned in the unloading station. For a clearer representation, the mechanical structure associated with the loading mechanism 7, as well as the unloading rollers 157 and the corresponding supporting structure are omitted. Fig.32 In the steps shown in FIGS. 32A and 32B , the finger 139 and the pad 147 are in a spaced position, outside the loading mechanism 7 , i.e. at a greater distance from the axis AA than the loading mechanism 7 . This spaced position allows the loading mechanism 7 to be inserted into the unloading station 135 .

[0121] Then, the slide 151 is moved toward the rotation axis AA of the turntable 5 until the finger 139 and the pad 147 are in a position between the rotation axis AA of the loading mechanism 7 and the turntable 5, i.e., behind the loading mechanism 7, as shown in FIG. Fig.32 (C). In this position, the carriages 143 move toward each other, thereby moving the two pairs of fingers 139 toward each other, while the pads 147 are in a spaced position relative to the corresponding fingers 139. Fig.32 As shown in (D), after the movement of the carriages 143 towards each other, the fingers 139 are located inside the cylindrical surface constituting the ideal extension of the loading surface 75 of the loading mechanism 7, while the pads 147 are located outside this cylindrical surface.

[0122] exist Fig.32(E), the slide 153 is translated in the opposite direction until the fingers 139 are placed inside the cylindrical wall 73 of the loading mechanism 7, while the pads 147 are positioned laterally outside the cylindrical wall 73. It should be noted that the angular position of the loading mechanism 7 aligns the recesses 77 with the fingers 139. This allows the fingers 139 to be moved away from each other by the symmetrical movement of the slide 143. In this movement, the fingers 139 pass through the recesses or openings 77 and move outside to the cylindrical wall 73 and the loading surface 75, as shown in FIG. Fig.32 (F) The pad 147 is still spaced apart from the fingers 139. The stretching movement of the pair of fingers 139 causes the endless belt FA and the body C of the knitted article M to stretch on the fingers 139 and partially move away from the loading surface 75 of the loading mechanism 7.

[0123] In subsequent steps, Fig.32 As shown in (G), the pad 147 is activated by the actuator 149 and pushed against the fingers 139 so that the garment I formed by the endless belt FA and the knitted article M is clamped against the two pairs of fingers 139.

[0124] At this time, since the finger 139 and the pad 147 are located outside the loading mechanism 7, the slide 151 can translate radially outward, away from the rotation axis AA of the turntable 5, until Fig.32 32 (H) and 32 (I), spaced from the loading mechanism 7. Thus, the garment I is unloaded from the loading surface 75 of the loading mechanism 7, while the endless belt FA and the body C of the knitted article M remain engaged by the fingers 139, pressed against the fingers by the pads 147. The leg part G remains in the suction tube 79. In the space formed between the fingers 139 and the loading mechanism 7, a rod 165 can be inserted, which is rotatably supported on the support structure 133. The rod 165 can be controlled by an actuator (e.g. a pneumatic cylinder-piston actuator 167) to rotate about a horizontal axis ( Fig.32 (J) arrow f165), from the vertical position ( Fig.32 (A)-32(I)) moves to a horizontal position ( Fig.32 (H)).

[0125] from Fig.32 (J), the rod 165 moves vertically downward due to the movement of the slide 169, on which the rod 165 and the actuator 167 are mounted. Reference numeral 171 denotes a guide along which the slide 169 moves. Fig.32 Arrows f165X) in (L) and 32 (M) result in complete removal of the leg member G from the suction tube 79.

[0126] Fig.32(N), 32 (O) and 32 (P) show further movement of the slide 151, which then brings the endless belt FA and the body C of the knitted article M onto the unloading roller 157. Once the Fig.32 (P), the pad 147 and the fingers 139 can release the garment I, thereby transferring the garment to the unloading rollers 157. Unloading is performed by moving the pad 147 away from the fingers 139 and rotating the fingers around the corresponding vertical axis.

[0127] exist Fig.32 (Q), the garment I has been transferred to the unloading roller 157. Once the garment I formed by the knitted article M and the endless belt FA sewn thereon has been transferred to the unloading roller 157, the finger 139 and the pad 147 are moved away from the unloading roller 157 by moving toward the rotation axis AA of the turntable 5, as shown in FIG. Fig.32 As shown in (R), the unloading roller 157 rotates around the axis FF. Fig.32 (S) in order to present the garment to an operator or to transfer it to a conveyor (not shown) which delivers the garment to a subsequent processing station, such as for closing the toe of the leg part G.

[0128] Reference numerals list

[0129]

Claims

1. A method for assembling an endless belt of fabric (FA) and a knitted article (M), the endless belt comprising a first edge (O1) and a second edge (O2), the knitted article having a body (C) and two leg parts (G), the body terminating in an open edge (MA) to be connected to the endless belt (FA) along the first edge (O1); the method comprising the following steps: Loading an annular belt (FA) onto a loading mechanism (7), the loading mechanism having a substantially cylindrical outer loading surface (75) extending around a central rotation axis (CC) of the loading mechanism (7), the loading surface (75) being defined between a first boundary (75.1) and a second boundary (75.2); wherein the annular belt (FA) is loaded onto the loading mechanism (7) such that a first curled edge (O1) of the annular belt (FA) is adjacent to the first boundary (75.1) of the loading surface; wherein the annular belt (FA) has an inner side (R) and an outer side (D), and wherein the annular belt (FA) is loaded onto the loading mechanism (7) in a state where the inner side (R) faces the loading mechanism (7); loading a portion of a body (C) of a knitted article (M) around a loading mechanism (7) to overlap the endless belt (FA), wherein the opening edge (MA) is aligned with the first rolled edge (O1) of the endless belt (FA); wherein the body (C) has an inner side (R) and an outer side (D), and wherein a portion of the body (C) is loaded in a state where the outer side (D) faces the loading mechanism (7) and faces the annular belt (FA) previously loaded on the loading mechanism (7); connecting the first bead (O1) of the endless band (FA) and the opening edge (MA) of the body (C); and The knitted article (M) having the endless belt (FA) sewn thereon is unloaded from the loading mechanism (7), The step of loading the endless belt (FA) onto the loading mechanism (7) comprises the following steps: inserting the stretching device (21) into the endless belt (FA); Engaging the endless belt (FA) with a stretching device (21), and stretching the endless belt (FA) by the stretching device (21) to form a space in the endless belt; moving the stretching device (21) to which the endless belt (FA) is applied and the loading mechanism (7) toward each other so that the loading mechanism (7) is placed in the inner space defined by the endless belt (FA); transferring the endless belt (FA) from the stretching device (21) to the loading mechanism (7) so that the endless belt adheres to the loading surface (75) of the loading mechanism (7); and Move the stretching device away from the loading mechanism (7), The method further comprises the following steps: engaging the endless belt (FA) by means of an engaging member (25) attached to the outer surface of the endless belt (FA) at at least two locations spaced apart from each other; lifting the endless belt (FA) by means of the engaging member (25) so that the endless belt (FA) opens under the action of gravity; inserting a pair of substantially parallel positioning rollers (27) into the endless belt (FA); stretching the endless belt (FA) by moving the positioning rollers (27) away from each other and releasing the endless belt from the engagement member (25); and After the stretching device (21) is inserted into the endless belt (FA) between the positioning rollers (27), the endless belt (FA) is transferred from the pair of positioning rollers (27) to the stretching device (21).

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of engaging the endless belt (FA) by means of the engaging member (25) comprises the step of attaching the outer surface of the endless belt (FA) to an adhesive tape (55) cooperating with or being part of the engaging member (25).

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the step of releasing the endless belt (FA) from the engaging member (25) comprises the step of moving the endless belt (FA) relative to the adhesive tape (55).

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: The endless belt (FA) is angularly positioned on two positioning rollers (27) by causing the two positioning rollers (27) to rotate synchronously, and the desired angular position of the endless belt (FA) is detected by means of a mark (MX) applied to the endless belt (FA) and a sensor (89) suitable for detecting the mark (MX).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the step of transferring the endless belt (FA) from the stretching device (21) to the loading mechanism (7) comprises the following steps: a plurality of pads (69) positioned around the stretching device (21) and outside the annular band (FA) engaged by said stretching device, said pads being movable radially towards the axis (CC) of the loading mechanism (7); moving the pad (69) radially toward the loading surface (75) to press the annular band (FA) against the loading surface via the pad (69); and The tensioning device (21) is removed from the endless belt (FA) by moving the tensioning device (21) away from the loading mechanism, while the endless belt (FA) is held on the loading surface (75) by the pressing pad (69).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the step of stretching the endless belt (FA) by means of a stretching device (21) comprises the following steps: inserting a plurality of tensile elements (61) adjacent to each other into the endless belt (FA); and The stretching elements (61) are moved away from each other to space the stretching elements from each other around the axis of the stretching device (21), wherein an annular band (FA) externally surrounds the stretching elements (61) and is attached to the stretching elements.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The step of loading a portion of the body (C) of the knitted article (M) around the loading mechanism (7) comprises the following steps: inserting the leg member (G) of the knitted article (M) into a suction opening (105) which is substantially concentric with the loading surface (75); and A portion of the body (C) is everted around the loading mechanism (7) and applied to the annular band (FA) loaded onto the loading surface (75).

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the steps of: The endless belt (FA) is blocked against the loading mechanism (7) by a blocking pad (97) to maintain the position of the endless belt (FA) relative to the loading surface (75).

9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the step of connecting the first bead (O1) of the endless band (FA) to the opening edge (MA) of the body (C) comprises the following steps: The loading mechanism (7) is rotated around the axis (CC) of the loading mechanism (7), and the opening edge (MA) of the body (C) is sewn to the endless belt (FA) by a sewing machine (111) cooperating with the loading mechanism (7).

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein during the rotation of the loading mechanism (7), the annular band (FA) and the body (C) are held blocked relative to the loading mechanism (7) by a plurality of clamps (117) which are arranged circumferentially around the loading surface (75) and press the annular band (FA) and the body (C) onto the loading surface (75).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the clamp (117) is controlled by a motor to rotate and drives the loading mechanism (7) to rotate around the axis (CC) of the loading mechanism.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the step of unloading the knitted article (M) with the endless band (FA) sewn thereon from the loading mechanism (7) comprises the following steps: inserting a pair of removal members into side walls (73) of the loading mechanism (7) defining a loading surface (75); moving the removal members (139) away from each other through the openings (77) in the loading surface (75) to stretch the knitted article (M) and the endless belt (FA) on the removal members (139); The removal member (139) and the loading mechanism (7) are moved axially away from each other, thereby removing the knitted article (M) and the endless belt (FA) from the loading mechanism (7).

13. A device for connecting an endless belt of fabric (FA) to a knitted article (M), the endless belt comprising a first edge (O1) and a second edge (O2), the knitted article having a body (C) and two leg parts (G), the body terminating in an open edge (MA) connecting the first edge (O1) along the endless belt (FA) to the endless belt (FA); the device comprising: at least one loading mechanism (7) having a substantially cylindrical outer loading surface (75) extending around a central rotation axis of the loading mechanism (7), the loading surface (75) being defined between a first boundary (75.1) and a second boundary (75.2); a stretching device (21) adapted to receive and stretch the endless belt (FA); the stretching device (21) and the loading mechanism (7) being movable relative to each other to position the stretching device (21) around a loading surface (75) of the loading mechanism (7) and to release the endless belt (FA) onto the loading surface (75) of the loading mechanism (7); a pick-up device (15) adapted to take a single endless belt (FA) from the storage space (11) and to load the endless belt onto the stretching device (21); A sewing machine (111) adapted to cooperate with a loading mechanism (7) to sew together an endless belt (FA) and a knitted article (M) arranged on the loading mechanism (7); wherein the loading mechanism (7) and the sewing machine (111) are configured to perform sewing by rotating the loading mechanism (7) around an axis (CC) of the loading mechanism; and a removal device for removing the knitted article sewn with the endless band (FA) from the loading mechanism (7), The picking device (15) comprises: an engaging member (25) adapted to engage the annular belt (FA) in the storage space (11); and a pair of generally parallel positioning rollers (27) having a variable center-to-center distance; wherein the engaging member (25) and the pair of positioning rollers (27) are adapted to move relative to each other so as to insert the positioning rollers (27) into the endless belt (FA) engaged by the engaging member (25), wherein the engaging member (25) is controlled to move toward or away from a storage space (11) containing the endless belt (FA) to take out a single endless belt (FA) from the storage space (11) and place the endless belt in front of the positioning roller (27), After the stretching device (21) is inserted into the endless belt (FA) between the positioning rollers (27), the endless belt (FA) is transferred from the pair of positioning rollers (27) to the stretching device (21).

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, comprising a mobile member (5) on which the loading mechanism (7) is arranged, the mobile member being suitable for moving the loading mechanism (7) sequentially through a plurality of stations, the stations comprising in turn: a loading station for loading the endless belt (FA) onto the loading mechanism (7), wherein a pick-up device (15) is arranged at the loading station; A loading station for loading the knitted article (M); a sewing station (107); and an unloading station (135) for unloading the knitted article (M) and the endless belt (FA) sewn together.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein further loading mechanisms (7) are arranged on the mobile member (5), said further loading mechanisms being identical to one another and being selectively and sequentially moved through a plurality of stations.

16. Device according to claim 14, wherein the moving member is constituted by a turntable rotating about a vertical axis (AA).

17. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the positioning rollers (27) are controlled by a motorised system to rotate about respective axes of rotation.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17, comprising a sensor (89) adapted to detect a mark (MX) on the endless belt (FA), wherein the positioning roller (27) is driven in rotation by the motorised system (29) to angularly position the endless belt (FA) relative to the positioning roller (27), the motorised system being controlled by a signal generated by the sensor (89).

19. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the engaging member (25) comprises a positioning system for positioning a portion of an adhesive tape (55) unwound from an adhesive tape reel (51) carried by the engaging member (25), the adhesive tape being a clamping element for the endless belt (FA).

20. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the engaging member (25) and the positioning roller (27) are carried by a slide (13) which is movable to move towards or away from the stretching device (21); wherein the positioning roller (27) is movable relative to the slide (13) parallel to the axis of the positioning roller.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein the slide (13) is movable according to a horizontal direction and the storage space (11) is arranged below the track of the slide.

22. Apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the stretching device (21) comprises a plurality of stretching elements (61) configured to alternately obtain: a mutually adjacent position in which they are arranged adjacent to each other near the axis of the stretching device (21); and mutually spaced positions in which they are arranged spaced apart from each other around the axis of the stretching device (21); in mutually adjacent positions, the stretching element (61) is suitable for being inserted into the annular belt (FA) engaged by the picking device (15); in mutually spaced positions, the stretching element (61) is suitable for keeping the annular belt (FA) stretched, thereby forming sufficient space in the annular belt (FA) to position the annular belt (FA) and the stretching element (61) concentrically around the loading surface (75) of the loading mechanism (7).

23. Apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the stretching device (21) has a transfer movement between the pick-up device and the loading mechanism (7); and the stretching device has a rotational movement around an axis orthogonal to the axis of the stretching device and orthogonal to the direction of the transfer movement, so as to selectively face the pick-up device (15) and the loading mechanism (7).

24. Apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 21, comprising a pressing member (23) adapted to be interposed between the stretching device (21) and the loading mechanism (7) and to move parallel to the axis (CC) of the loading mechanism (7) so as to obtain a position substantially concentric with the loading mechanism (7) and the stretching device (21), when the stretching device (21) and the loading mechanism (7) are in a mutual position in which the endless belt (FA) is transferred from the stretching device (21) to the loading mechanism (7); wherein the pressing member (23) comprises a plurality of pads (69) arranged in an annular manner, adapted to press the endless belt (FA) engaged by the stretching device (21) against the loading surface (75) of the loading mechanism (7) when the stretching device (21) is arranged around the loading surface (75) of the loading mechanism (7).

25. Apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the loading mechanism (7) has a suction opening (105) which is surrounded by the loading surface (75).

26. Apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the loading mechanism (7) is supported by a support structure so as to be rotatable about an axis (CC) of the loading mechanism, and wherein a stop device (83) for stopping the rotation is provided, which is suitable for selectively preventing the loading mechanism (7) from rotating about the axis (CC) of the loading mechanism.

27. The device according to claim 14 further comprises a blocking pad (97) which is suitable for acting against the loading mechanism (7) in a loading station for loading knitted articles (M), at which loading station the knitted articles (M) are loaded onto the loading mechanism (7), and when the knitted articles (M) are loaded onto the loading mechanism, the blocking pad (97) is suitable for keeping the endless belt (FA) in place on the loading mechanism (7).

28. Apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein a clamp (117) is associated with the sewing machine (111), the clamp being arranged circumferentially around its axis, the clamp being adapted to be arranged circumferentially around the loading mechanism (7) when the loading mechanism (7) is positioned coaxially with the clamp (117), and the clamp being adapted to press against a loading surface (75) of the loading mechanism (7) to maintain the position of the body (C) and the annular belt (FA) on the loading surface (75).

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the clamp (117) is controlled by an actuator to rotate about its rotation axis, and drives the loading mechanism (7) to rotate integrally with the clamp during sewing.

30. Apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the removal device comprises a pair of removal members (139) which are movable relative to each other so as to move towards and away from each other and are movable relative to the loading mechanism (7) so as to be inserted into a volume surrounded by a loading surface (75); and wherein the loading surface (75) has an opening (77) for allowing the removal members (139) to move from inside the volume surrounded by the loading surface (75) to outside the loading surface.

Images