Method and device for closing tubular knitted article at one of its axial ends at end of its production cycle on circular knitting machine for socks or like

Abstract

A method for closing a tubular knitted article (20) at one of its axial ends (20a) at the end of the production cycle of the tubular knitted article on a circular knitting machine (10) for socks or the like, comprising an initial step of producing the article (20) until a final knitting row is formed at the axial end (20a) of the article (20) opposite the axial end at which knitting begins, the knitting loops of the last knitting row are held in the needle heads of the needles (12) of the machine (10) forming them, characterized in that it comprises the following additional operating steps:-translating the knitting loops previously held in the needle head of the corresponding needle along the shaft of the needle (12) until the knitting loops are in an "unloaded" position below the corresponding latch (12b); positioning an annular transport device (2) coaxially with the needle cylinder (11), the transport device being provided with pick-up spokes (4) extending parallel to and corresponding to the needles (12), at least one first group of pick-up spokes (4) having, along its longitudinal extension (102), at least one retaining portion (5) extending transversely with respect to the axis of the longitudinal extension (102) of the pick-up spokes (4), and at least one second group of pick-up spokes (4) extending transversely with respect to the axis of the longitudinal extension (102) of the pick-up spokes (4). The conveying device (2) comprises two semi-rings (3a, 3b), one semi-ring (3b) being pivotable relative to the other semi-ring (3a) about a diameter axis (202); translating the knitting loops from the'unloading 'position towards the respective pick-up spokes (4) of the transport device (2) by means of pushers (30), the pushers (30) arranged at the pick-up spokes of the first set of spokes translating the respective knitting loops at least to the holding portions (5) of the first set of spokes; disengaging the pusher (30) from the knitting stitch; -positioning the article (20) held by the holding portion (5) of the transport device (2) at a sewing or mesh sewing station (200); -reversing the articles (20) held by the transport device (2); overlaying each of the knitting stitches of the knitting half row on a corresponding knitting stitch of the other half row of the last knitting row on the same pick-up spoke (4) of the conveying device (2) by turning over one (3b) of the two half rings of the conveying device (2) relative to the other half ring (3a) around the diameter axis (202) through an arc of approximately 180 degrees; -knitting or seaming pairs of knitting loops arranged one on top of the other in a mesh-to-mesh manner; -disengaging the article (20) from the transport device (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for closing a tubular knitted article at one of its axial ends at the end of a production cycle on a circular knitting machine for socks or the like. Background Technology

[0002] As is known, tubular knitted articles, such as socks, are typically manufactured using circular sock knitting machines and removed from the machine with the axial ends of the tubular knitted articles open.

[0003] In the case of socks, after the socks have been removed from the sock-making machine, it is necessary to seal the toe, which is done by means of a sewing or stitching machine.

[0004] Because this operation requires additional machinery and labor, which significantly impacts the overall cost of sock production, several technologies have been developed to automate the closure of the toe of sock items, or more generally, the closure of the axial ends of tubular knitted articles manufactured using circular knitting machines for socks or the like.

[0005] The various technologies available to date can be divided into two main categories: the first category includes technologies that perform closure directly on the machine that produces the work-in-process at the beginning or end of the production process, and the second category includes technologies that perform closure in a dedicated sewing or stitching station that is separated from the machine that produces the work-in-process.

[0006] The first type has the significant drawback of limiting machine productivity because closed-loop operation requires a certain amount of time during which the machine cannot produce new products.

[0007] For example, the second category of technology described in IT1,300,622 can at least partially eliminate this problem because the machine’s production potential is only disadvantaged in terms of the time required to remove the article from the machine that produced it, after which the machine can begin producing a new article while the previous article undergoes weaving or stitching.

[0008] On the other hand, the operations used to transfer products from production machines to the matching sewing station usually require the use of complex equipment that must ensure extremely precise operation.

[0009] When using such equipment, it has been found that the operation of picking up the article from the needle of the machine that produces the article is particularly critical because it significantly affects the overall article transfer time and it is not always possible to ensure the required accuracy.

[0010] Rhône-Romain EP2250305B1 describes a method for closing a tubular knitted article at one of its axial ends at the end of a production cycle on a circular knitting machine for hosiery or the like, the method comprising the initial steps of: producing the article until a final knitted row is formed at the axial end of the article opposite to the axial end where the knitting begins, and retaining the knitted loops of the final knitted row in the needles of the machine that formed them, characterized in that the method comprises the following additional operational steps: - The knitting loops are picked up individually by means of the pickup member, which is arranged to be positioned near the needle tongue on the opposite side of the needle tip against the bar of each needle. - Remove the product from the machine that produced it, retaining each knit loop of the last knit row by means of the pick-up member; - Position the product at the sewing or stitching station; - A step for transferring the knitted loops individually from the pickup member to the spokes of the annular transport device, which consists of two semi-annular parts, one of which can be flipped about a diametrical axis relative to the other semi-annular part; - To flip the articles held by the conveying device; - By flipping one of the two semi-circular parts of the transport device relative to the other semi-circular part about the diameter axis through an arc of approximately 180°, each of the knitting loops of a knitted half row is superimposed on the corresponding knitting loop of the other half row of the last knitted row on the same spoke of the transport device. - Sew or stitch together pairs of overlapping knitted loops; - To detach the article from the conveying device.

[0011] While known solutions are effective, they can be complex from a construction perspective in certain situations.

[0012] Furthermore, in known solutions, the combined movement of the needle and the pickup element is often necessary to ensure the proper transfer of the knitting loops, and this sometimes makes the relative transport of the various elements problematic. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The objective of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for closing a tubular knitted article at one of its axial ends at the end of the production cycle of the tubular knitted article on a circular knitting machine for socks or the like, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art in one or more aspects pointed out above.

[0014] Within this objective, the object of the present invention is to provide a device that can be installed on a wide range of circular knitting machines for socks or the like.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is simple in structure, has a small space footprint, and can be manufactured at a competitive cost.

[0016] The most important object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for closing a tubular knitted article at one of its axial ends at the end of the production cycle of the tubular knitted article on a circular knitting machine for socks or the like, the method and apparatus being highly reliable, relatively easy to provide and cost-competitive.

[0017] According to the independent claim, one or more of the features of the dependent claims may be provided, and this objective, as well as these and other objectives that will become more apparent below, are achieved by a method and apparatus for closing a tubular knitted article at one of its axial ends at the end of the production cycle of the tubular knitted article on a circular knitting machine for socks or the like. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the method and apparatus for closing a tubular knitted article at one of its axial ends at the end of a production cycle on a circular knitting machine for socks or the like, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a front view of a double-barrel machine, with the parts in cross-section, the double-barrel machine in a knitting end configuration, and having needles that are raised when the last knitted row is in the unloading position; Figures 2 to 4 It is similar to Figure 1 The view shows the last knitted row being lifted by the transfer member along the extension of the needle, thus positioned at the spokes of the transport device; Figure 5 It is similar to Figure 1 The view shows the final knitted loop being fully transferred to the conveying device, and the conveying component being lowered. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the steps for positioning the product at the sewing or stitching station, with the conveying device and flipper arranged in the sewing or stitching station as shown in axial section; Figure 7 This is a view of the step of flipping the article held by the conveying device; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the process in which the links of the first half of the product are transferred by rotating approximately 180° around the diameter axis. Figure 9This is another cross-sectional view of the step of placing each of the knitted loops of a half row onto the corresponding knitted loop of another half row on the same spoke of the conveying device; Figure 10 It is a view of the steps of sewing or stitching together pairs of knitted loops that are stacked on top of each other; Figure 11 This is another cross-sectional view of the step of removing the product from the sewing or stitching station; Figure 12 It is a front view of a monotube machine, with the parts in cross-section, the monotube machine in a knitting end configuration, and having needles that are raised when the last knitted row is in the unloading position; Figures 13 to 15 It is similar to Figure 1 The view shows the last knitted row being lifted by the transfer member along the extension of the needle, thus positioned at the spokes of the transport device; Figure 16 It is similar to Figure 12 The view shows the final knitted loop being fully transferred to the conveying device, and the conveying component being lowered. Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the steps for positioning the product at the sewing or stitching station, with the conveying device and flipper arranged in the sewing or stitching station as shown in axial section; Figure 18 This is a view of the step of flipping the article held by the conveying device; Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view of the process in which the links of the first half of the product are transferred around the diameter axis by approximately 180°. Figure 20 This is another cross-sectional view of the step of placing each of the knitted loops of a half row on the corresponding knitted loop of another half row on the same spoke of the conveying device; Figure 21 It is a view of the steps of sewing or stitching together pairs of knitted loops that are stacked on top of each other; Figure 22 This is another cross-sectional view of the step of removing the product from the sewing or stitching station; Figure 23 It is a front view of a monotube machine, with the parts in cross-section, the monotube machine in a knitting end configuration, and having needles that are raised when the last knitted row is in the unloading position; Figures 24 to 26 It is similar to Figure 23 The view shows the last knitted row being lifted by the transfer member along the extension of the needle, thus positioned at the spokes of the transport device; Figure 27 It is similar to Figure 23The view shows the final knitted loop being fully transferred to the conveying device, and the conveying component being lowered. Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the steps for positioning the product at the sewing or stitching station, with the conveying device and flipper arranged in the sewing or stitching station as shown in axial section; Figure 29 This is a view of the step of flipping the article held by the conveying device; Figure 30 This is a cross-sectional view of the step in which the coil of the first half row of the product is transferred by rotating approximately 180° around the diameter axis. Figure 31 This is another cross-sectional view of the step of placing each of the knitted loops of a half row on the corresponding knitted loop of another half row on the same spoke of the conveying device; Figure 32 It is a view of the steps of sewing or stitching together pairs of knitted loops that are stacked on top of each other; Figure 33 This is another cross-sectional view of the step of removing the product from the sewing or stitching station; Figure 34 This is a front view of a double-barrel machine, with the parts in cross-section, the double-barrel machine in a knitting end configuration, and having needles that are raised when the last knitted row is in the unloading position; Figures 35 to 37 It is similar to Figure 1 The view shows the last knitted row being lifted by the transfer member along the extension of the needle, thus positioned at the spokes of the transport device; Figure 38 It is similar to Figure 34 The view shows the final knitted loop being fully transferred to the conveying device, and the conveying component being lowered. Figure 39 This is a schematic diagram of the steps for positioning the product at the sewing or stitching station, with the conveying device and flipper arranged in the sewing or stitching station as shown in axial section; Figure 40 and Figure 41 This is a view of the step of flipping the article held by the conveying device; Figure 42 This is a cross-sectional view of the step in which the coil of the first half row of the product is transferred by rotating approximately 180° around the diameter axis. Figure 43 This is another cross-sectional view of the step of placing each of the knitted loops of a half row on the corresponding knitted loop of another half row on the same spoke of the conveying device; Figure 44 It is a view of the steps of sewing or stitching together pairs of knitted loops that are stacked on top of each other; Figure 45 This is another cross-sectional view of the step of removing the product from the sewing or stitching station; Figure 46 It is a front view of a monotube machine, with the parts in cross-section, the monotube machine in a knitting end configuration, and having needles that are raised when the last knitted row is in the unloading position; Figures 47 to 51 It is similar to Figure 1 The view shows the last knitted row being lifted by the transfer member along the extension of the needle, thus positioned at the spokes of the transport device; Figure 52 Is with Figure 46 A similar view, in which, in the step of positioning the article at the sewing or stitching station, the final knitting loop is completely transferred to the conveying device, in which the conveying device and flipper are arranged in axial section; Figure 53 This is a view of the step of flipping the article held by the conveying device; Figure 54 This is a cross-sectional view of the step in which the coil of the first half row of the product is transferred by rotating approximately 180° around the diameter axis. Figure 55 This is another cross-sectional view of the step of stacking each of the half row of knitted loops on the corresponding half row of knitted loops on the same spoke of the conveying device; Figure 56 It is a view of the steps of sewing or stitching together pairs of knitted loops that are stacked on top of each other; Figure 57 This is another cross-sectional view of the step of removing the product from the sewing or stitching station; Figure 58 It is a bottom view of the conveying device at the sewing station; Figure 59 It is similar to Figure 58 The view shows one of the semi-circular pieces rotated 180° to allow the knitted loops to be passed to the other semi-circular piece; Figure 60 It is similar to Figure 58 and Figure 59 The view shows the stitcher in operation, and the reversible semicircular piece is angularly spaced from another semicircular piece. Figure 61 Is in Figure 58 Side view of the device in the shown condition; Figure 62 Is in Figure 59 Side view of the device in the shown condition; Figure 63 Is in Figure 60 Side view of the device in the shown condition; Figure 64 and Figure 65 These are perspective views of two embodiments of the spokes of the conveying device; Figure 64a yes Figure 64 Another perspective view of the spokes. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the device for closing the tubular knitted article 20 at one of its axial ends 20a at the end of the production cycle of the tubular knitted article 20 on a circular knitting machine 10 for socks or the like, generally indicated by reference numeral 1, includes a conveying device 2 with an annular body 3, which consists of two semi-annular parts 3a and 3b with pick-up spokes 4, each pick-up spoke 4 arranged according to a cylindrical surface having an axis 101.

[0020] The transport device 2 is movable from the pick-up position to the sewing position according to the command. In the pick-up position, the axis 101 coincides with the axis 100 of at least one needle cylinder 11 of the machine 10. In the sewing position, the transport device is arranged such that its main body is at a sewing or stitching station 200 that is laterally spaced relative to the machine 10.

[0021] The pickup spoke 4 is engageable with the needle 12 of the cylinder 11 of the machine 10 in the pickup position and is adapted to pick up the knitting loop held on the needle 12 individually.

[0022] According to the invention, each spoke of at least one first set of pickup spokes 4 has at least one retaining portion 5 along its longitudinal extension 102, the retaining portion 5 extending laterally relative to the axis of the longitudinal extension 102 of the pickup spokes 4.

[0023] Device 1 also has a pusher 30, which is adapted to move the knitting loop from, for example... Figure 1 The “unloading” position shown is translated toward the corresponding pick-up spoke 4 of the transport device 2 in the pick-up position, thereby translating the corresponding knitting loop at least to the corresponding holding part 5.

[0024] One of the two semi-circular parts, 3b, can be flipped relative to the other semi-circular part 3a about the diameter axis 202 to be arranged face-to-face individually, and its pickup spokes 4 are aligned with the pickup spokes 4 of the other semi-circular part, so as to allow the knitting loops to be transferred from the spokes of one semi-circular part 3b to the spokes of the other semi-circular part 3a from the body of the transport device 2.

[0025] Conveniently, the first set of pickup spokes 4, which has at least one holding portion 5 along its longitudinal extension 102, consists of pickup spokes arranged close to the diameter axis 202, with the semi-annular members 3a and 3b being rotatable about the diameter axis 202.

[0026] In any case, the first set of pickup spokes 4 may correspond to all the spokes of the semi-circular parts 3a and 3b, or the first set of pickup spokes 4 may include multiple spokes arranged at an angle around axis 101 and possibly alternating with spokes that are not provided with retaining portions.

[0027] refer to Figures 58 to 62 As shown, conveniently, the reversible semi-annular member 3b is rotatably supported by an oscillating structure 3c about axis 202, the oscillating structure 3c having at least one hinge for articulation with the semi-annular member 3b arranged externally relative to the extension of the annular body 3.

[0028] Preferably, two articulated hinges are provided between the oscillating structure 3c and the semi-annular member 3b, which are arranged on opposite sides of the annular body 3 in diameter and on the outside relative to the annular body 3, so that when the semi-annular member 3b is flipped about the axis 202, its pickup spokes 4 face and align with the pickup spokes 4 of the other semi-annular member, thereby allowing the knitting loops to be transferred from the spokes of one semi-annular member 3b of the body of the transport device 2 to the spokes of the other semi-annular member 3a. The knitting loops that engage with the pickup spokes 4 arranged close to the axis 202 are subjected to less force and stress.

[0029] like Figure 60 and 62 As shown, the oscillating structure 3c of the semi-circular member 3b that supports the flipping can be moved away from the other semi-circular member 3a according to a command, so that the fixed sewing machine can be used at the weaving or stitching station 200 and can move with the semi-circular member 3b around the axis 101 to perform weaving or stitching.

[0030] The device 1 also has a flipper 31 for the tubular article 20, which is arranged at the sewing or stitching station 200 and can be operated to flip the tubular article 20 held by the pick-up spokes 4 of the conveying device 2 at one of the axial ends of the tubular article.

[0031] The device 1 further includes a sewing or matching head 200a, which is arranged at the matching sewing station 200 and is provided with sewing or matching elements that interact with the pick-up spokes 4 of a semi-annular part 3a of the body of the transport device 2 to close the axial end 20a of the article 20 by connecting the pairs of knitted loops carried by the same pick-up spokes 4 of the semi-annular part 3a of the body of the transport device 2.

[0032] According to the first embodiment, the pusher 30 is supported by the circular machine 10.

[0033] This embodiment is in Figures 1 to 11 As shown, the circular machine 10 is composed of a double-cylinder circular machine 10a, and in Figures 12 to 22 As shown, the circular machine 10 is a single-tube machine 10b.

[0034] refer to Figures 1 to 11 In the embodiment shown, the pusher 30 can be provided by the settling device 30a.

[0035] refer to Figures 12 to 22 In the embodiment shown, the circular machine 10 is a single-cylinder machine 10b, and the pusher 30 includes a stacked pusher body 30b arranged between each settling tank 30a.

[0036] Figures 23 to 34 The illustrated embodiment relates to a device 1 in which the circular machine 10 is still a single-tube machine 10b, but the actuator 30, and particularly the stacked actuator body 30b, has a similar design to... Figures 12 to 22 The embodiments shown have different shapes.

[0037] The pusher 30, housed inside at least one syringe 11 of the circular machine 10, is associated with a control and movement device.

[0038] Specifically, each pusher 30 is adapted to move from a lowered position and an elevated position according to a command. In the lowered position, each pusher is arranged such that its portion is configured to engage with the knitted loop in a downward region relative to the position of the knitted loop in the unloading position. In the elevated position, each pusher moves to a height above the holding portion 5 of the corresponding pickup spoke 4.

[0039] The means for controlling and moving the actuator 30 may be mechanical (e.g., a cam engaged in a guide) or may include a motor means, such as an electrically or pneumatically actuated linear actuator.

[0040] According to different implementations, such as Figures 34 to 57 As shown, the pusher 30 is supported by a support body 50 that is separate from the circular machine 10.

[0041] Preferably, the support body 50 is supported by the transport device 2.

[0042] refer to Figures 34 to 44 In the embodiment shown, the circular machine 10 includes a double-cylinder machine 10a.

[0043] In this case, the actuator 30 is supported by the support body 50.

[0044] The support body 50 is arranged to surround the area defined by the syringe 11 and the pickup spokes 4 when the transport device 2 is moved to the pickup position.

[0045] like Figures 34 to 56 As shown, the support body 50 includes an annular body 51 associated with a plurality of pushers 30, the annular body 51 extending radially in this case.

[0046] Conveniently, the pusher 30 is movable in a corresponding radial direction relative to the axis of the annular body 51 according to a command, so as to switch from an inactive state to an active state. In the inactive state, the end of the pusher 30 is arranged externally relative to the needle cylinder 11, and in the active state, the end of the actuating element 30 is arranged internally relative to the needle cylinder 11, so that they can engage with the knitting loop.

[0047] Furthermore, the support body 50 is movable between a lowered position and an elevated position, such that the pusher 30 can engage the corresponding knitting loop in the lowered position in the activated state and in the pick-up position of the transport device 2. In the elevated position, the pusher 30 moves along the bar of the needle 12 so that the corresponding knitting loop goes beyond the holding portion 5 and engages with the corresponding pick-up spoke 4.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 57 and Figure 58 As shown, the retaining portion 5 includes a body 5a, which is elastically deformable in the radial direction relative to the extension 102 of the pickup spoke 4, thereby changing from an extended state to a retracted state. In the extended state, the body 5a has a first space occupancy in the radial direction, and in the retracted state, the body 5a has a second space occupancy smaller than the first space occupancy.

[0049] Specifically, the elastically deformable body 5a is configured to change from an extended state to a retracted state as a result of the corresponding knitted loop sliding at the holding portion 5, and is adapted to change from a retracted state to an extended state once the knitted loop has moved beyond the holding portion 5.

[0050] As an example, the elastically deformable body 5a includes a leaf spring.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the main body of the transport device 2 is oriented in the pick-up position with its axis 101 vertical and mounted on an arm that can rotate relative to the support structure about a vertical actuation axis, which is spaced apart from the axis 101 of the main body of the transport device 2, to change from the pick-up position to the sewing position, or vice versa.

[0052] The arm can move along the vertical actuation axis corresponding to axis 101 according to the command.

[0053] Preferably, the flipper 31 is arranged in the sewing or stitching station 200 and consists of a lower part and an upper part, which can be positioned coaxially with each other along the main vertical axis 101 that coincides with the axis of the main body of the conveying device 2.

[0054] The flipper 31 includes a tubular body 31a that can be inserted from the bottom up through the body of the conveying device to flip the article 20 suspended from the gripping spokes 4 by turning the article outward on its outer surface, as will become clearer below.

[0055] The lower portion of the flipper 30 includes a lower device for supporting the tubular body 31a and a lower device for actuating the tubular body 31a along axis 101 to move the tubular body 31a from a lowered position through the body of the transport device 2 to a raised position. In the lowered position, the tubular body 31a faces downward relative to the body of the transport device 2 with its upper axial end facing downward. In the raised position, it is arranged such that its upper axial end is above the body of the transport device 2 and its lower axial end is close to the body of the transport device 2.

[0056] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for closing a tubular knitted article 20 at one of its axial ends 201 at the end of the production cycle of the tubular knitted article on a circular knitting machine 10 for socks or the like.

[0057] The method includes an initial step: producing an article (not shown) until the final knitting row is performed at the axial end 20a opposite to the axial end where the knitting begins, holding the knitting loops of the final knitting row in the needle tip 12a of the needle 12 of the machine 10 that forms them.

[0058] Machine 10 can be either a double-barrel machine 10a or a single-barrel machine 10b.

[0059] The method according to the present invention includes the following additional operational steps: - Move the knitting loop previously held in the needle tip of the corresponding needle along the needle bar 12 until the knitting loop is in the "unloaded" position under the corresponding needle tab 12b; - The annular transport device 2 is positioned coaxially with the syringe 11. The transport device is provided with a pickup spoke 4 that extends parallel to and corresponds to the needle 12, and has at least one retaining portion 5 extending laterally relative to the axis of the longitudinal extension 102 of the pickup spoke 4. The transport device 2 includes two semi-annular parts 3a and 3b, one of which can be flipped relative to the other semi-annular part about a diameter axis 202. - The knitting loop is moved from the "unloading" position toward the corresponding pick-up spoke 4 of the transport device 2 by means of the pusher 30, past the corresponding holding part 5; - Disengage the pusher 30 from its corresponding knitting loops; - Position the article 20 held by the holding part 5 of the conveying device 2 at the sewing or stitching station 200; - Tilting the article 20 held by the conveying device 2; - By flipping one of the two semi-circular parts 3b of the conveying device 2 about the diameter axis 202 through an arc of approximately 180° relative to the other semi-circular part 3a, each of the knitting loops of the knitted half row is superimposed on the corresponding knitting loop of the other half row of the last knitted row on the same pick-up spoke 4 of the conveying device 2. - Sew or stitch together pairs of overlapping knitted loops; - To detach the product 20 from the conveying device 2.

[0060] According to one possible embodiment, the following steps are performed: the knitting loop previously held in the needle tip of the corresponding needle is translated along the needle bar 12 until the knitting loop is in the "unloaded" position below the corresponding needle tongue 12b.

[0061] Once the tubular workpiece is complete, all needles are placed below the machine's loop-off plane, and the last row of knitting loops are arranged inside the corresponding needle tip.

[0062] The next step is to lift the upper edge of the aspiration tube, which is coaxial with the syringe, and flip the syringe.

[0063] During this rotation, for example, a cam-shaped device arranged at the sinker cover holds the sinker radially toward the syringe barrel, such that as the syringe barrel rotates, the knitting loop remains downward, releasing the needle from the knitted fabric to move toward the lower portion of the corresponding tab 12b.

[0064] This condition maintains the syringe's complete rotation, activating suction inside the aspiration tube at the syringe tip.

[0065] In this way, the product tends to be lifted, but the sinker in the forward position blocks the traction during this step.

[0066] There is an additional cylinder rotation step, during which the sinker moves radially away from the cylinder axis, causing the knitting loop to tend to close the corresponding needle tongue 12b, moving above the sinker.

[0067] At this point, the needle is raised until the knitting loop is fully in the "unloaded" position below the corresponding needle tab 12b.

[0068] According to the first embodiment, the pusher 30 is supported by the circular machine 10.

[0069] Especially for reference Figures 1 to 34 In the illustrated embodiment, the pusher 30 includes a pusher body 30a, which is housed inside at least one syringe 11 of the circular machine 10 and associated with a control and movement device.

[0070] As an alternative, such as Figures 35 to 56 As shown, the pusher 30 is supported by a support body 50 that is separate from the circular machine 10.

[0071] Preferably, the support body 50 is associated with or supported by the transport device 2.

[0072] refer to Figure 57 and Figure 58 As shown, the retaining portion 5 includes a body 5a that is elastically deformable in the radial direction relative to the extension 102 of the pickup spoke 4, thereby switching between an extended state and a retracted state. In the extended state, the body 5a has a first footprint in the radial direction, and in the retracted state, the body 5a has a second footprint smaller than the first footprint.

[0073] Advantageously, the elastically deformable body is configured to change from an extended state to a retracted state as a result of the corresponding knitted loop sliding at the holding portion 5, and is adapted to change from a retracted state to an extended state once the knitted loop has moved beyond the holding portion 5.

[0074] Conveniently, the elastically deformable body 5a includes a leaf spring.

[0075] In practice, it has been found that the present invention achieves its intended goals and objectives by providing a device for closing a tubular knitted article at one of its axial ends, which allows for simplified operations for transferring articles from a circular machine to a sewing or stitching station.

[0076] In particular, the solution provided eliminates the need for a transport device to pick up the knitted loops and transfer them to the spokes in practice, and allows for direct transfer to the spokes.

[0077] The invention thus conceived is readily subject to various modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; furthermore, all details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0078] In practice, the materials used, as long as they are compatible with the specific purpose, and the possible shapes and sizes, can be arbitrary according to requirements and existing technology.

[0079] This application claims priority to Italian Patent Application No. 102023000015651, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0080] When a technical feature pointed out in any claim is followed by a reference numeral, such reference numerals are included only to increase the comprehensibility of the claims, and therefore such reference numerals have no limiting effect on the interpretation of the elements identified by way of example from such reference numerals.

Claims

1. A method for closing a tubular knitted article (20) at one of its axial ends (20a) at the end of a production cycle of a tubular knitted article on a circular knitting machine (10) for hosiery or the like, comprising the initial step of producing the article (20) until the last knitted row is formed at the axial end (20a) of the article (20) opposite to the axial end where the knitting started, the knitted loops of the last knitted row being held in the needle heads of the needles (12) of the machine (10) that formed them, characterized by, The method comprises the following additional operating steps: - translating the knitted loops previously held in the needle heads of the corresponding needles along the shanks of the needles (12) until placing the knitted loops in an "unloading" position below the corresponding needle tongues (12b); - positioning a ring-shaped transport device (2) coaxially with the needle cylinder (11), said transport device being provided with pick-up spokes (4) which extend parallel to the needles (12) and correspond to the needles, at least one first group of pick-up spokes of the pick-up spokes (4) having at least one retaining portion (5) extending transversely to the axis of the longitudinal extension (102) of the pick-up spokes (4) along the longitudinal extension (102) thereof, the transport device (2) comprising two half-rings (3a, 3b), one of which (3b) being invertible with respect to the other (3a) about a diametral axis (202); - translating the knitted loops from the "unloading" position towards the respective pick-up spokes (4) of the transport device (2) by means of pushers (30), the pushers (30) arranged at the pick-up spokes of the first group of pick-up spokes translating the corresponding knitted loops at least to the retaining portions (5) of the first group of pick-up spokes; - disengaging the pushers (30) from the knitted loops; - positioning the articles (20) retained by the retaining portions (5) of the transport device (2) at a tuck or interlooping work station (200); - inverting the articles (20) retained by the transport device (2); - superimposing each of the knitted loops of a knitted half-row on a corresponding knitted loop of the other half-row of the last knitted row on the same pick-up spoke (4) of the transport device (2) by inverting one of the two half-rings (3b) of the transport device (2) with respect to the other (3a) about the diametral axis (202) through an arc of substantially 180°; - tucking or interlooping the pairs of knitted loops superimposed on each other; - disengaging the articles (20) from the transport device (2).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The pushers (30) are supported by the circular knitting machine (10).

3. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The pushers (30) comprise a pusher body (30a) which internally houses the at least one needle cylinder (11) of the circular knitting machine (10) and is associated with means for control and movement.

4. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The pushers (30) are supported by a support body (50) separate from the circular knitting machine (10).

5. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support body (50) is supported by the transport device (2).

6. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The retaining portions (5) comprise a body (5a) which is elastically deformable in a radial direction with respect to the direction of extension (102) of the pick-up spokes (4), passing from an extended condition in which it has a first space occupation in the radial direction to a retracted condition in which it has a second space occupation smaller than the first space occupation.

7. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The elastically deformable body (5a) is configured to pass from the extended condition to the retracted condition as a consequence of the sliding of the respective loop at the retaining portion (5) and is adapted to pass from the retracted condition to the extended condition once the loop has moved beyond the retaining portion (5).

8. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The elastically deformable body (5a) comprises a leaf spring.

9. An apparatus (1) for closing a tubular knitted article (20) at one of its axial ends (20a) at the end of a production cycle of a tubular knitted article on a circular knitting machine (10) for hosiery or the like, comprising: - a transport device (2) provided with an annular body consisting of two half-rings (3a, 3b) with pick-up spokes (4) arranged along a cylindrical surface having an axis (101) coinciding with the axis (100) of the at least one needle cylinder (11), movable on command from a pick-up position, in which it is arranged with its body coaxially around the needle cylinder (11) of the machine (10), to a sewing position, in which it is arranged with its body at a sewing or interlocking sewing station (200) laterally spaced from the circular machine (10); the pick-up spokes (4) are engageable with the needles (12) of the circular machine (10) in the pick-up position and are adapted to individually pick up the knitted loops held on the needles (12); characterized in that at least one first group of pick-up spokes (4) has at least one retaining portion (5) along its own longitudinal extension (102), which extends transversely with respect to the axis of the longitudinal extension of the pick-up spokes (4); - a pusher (30) adapted to translate the knitted loops from an "unloading" position towards the respective pick-up spokes (4) of the transport device (2) in the pick-up position, the pusher (30) being arranged at the pick-up spokes of the first group of pick-up spokes, translating the corresponding knitted loops at least to the corresponding retaining portions (5); - one of the two half-rings (3b) is able to be inverted with respect to the other half-ring (3a) around a diametral axis (202) to be arranged face to face and to align its pick-up spokes (4) respectively with the pick-up spokes (4) of the other half-ring (3a), thus allowing the transfer of the knitted loops from the pick-up spokes (4) of one half-ring (3b) to the pick-up spokes (4) of the other half-ring (3a) of the body of the transport device (2); - an inverter (31) for the tubular article (20), arranged at the sewing or interlocking sewing station (200) and actuatable to invert the tubular article (20) held at one of its axial ends (20a) by the pick-up spokes (4) of the transport device (2). - a tacking or linking head (200a) arranged at the tacking or linking station (200) and provided with tacking or linking elements that interact with the pick-up spokes (4) of the half-ring (3a) of the body of the transport device (2) to close the axial end (20a) of the article (20) by joining the pairs of knitted loops carried by the same pick-up spoke (4) of the half-ring (3a) of the body of the transport device (2).

10. The device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that The pusher (30) is supported by the circular machine (10).

11. The apparatus (9) according to one or more of claims 9 to 10, characterized by the fact that, The pusher (30) comprises a pusher body (30a, 30b) which internally houses the at least one needle cylinder (11) of the circular machine (10) and is associated with means for control and movement.

12. Device (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The pusher (30) is supported by a support body (50) separate from the circular machine (10).

13. Device (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, The support body (50) is supported by the transport device (2).

14. Device (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that, The retaining portion (5) comprises a body (5a) which is elastically deformable in a radial direction with respect to the direction of extension (102) of the pick-up spoke (4), passing from an extended condition, in which it has a first spatial occupation in the radial direction, to a retracted condition, in which it has a second spatial occupation smaller than the first spatial occupation.

15. Device (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, The elastically deformable body (5a) is configured to pass from the extended condition to the retracted condition as a result of the sliding of the respective knitted loop at the retaining portion (5) and is adapted to pass from the retracted condition to the extended condition once the knitted loop has moved beyond the retaining portion (5).

16. The apparatus according to one or more of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that The elastically deformable body (5a) comprises a leaf spring.

17. The apparatus according to one or more of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that The body of the transport device (2) is oriented in the pick-up position with its axis (101) vertical and mounted on an arm which can be rotated according to command with respect to a support structure about a vertical actuation axis which is spaced from the axis of the body of the transport device (2) in order to pass from the pick-up position to the tacking position, or vice versa.

18. A device (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 17, characterized in that, The arm is movable according to command along the vertical actuation axis.

19. Device (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 18, characterized in that, The first group of pick-up spokes (4) provided with the at least one retaining portion (5) comprises at least the pick-up spokes of the half-ring (3a, 3b) arranged close to the diametral axis (202), the half-ring (3b) being able to invert about the diametral axis (202).

20. A device (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 19, characterized in that, The first group of pick-up spokes (4) comprises all the spokes of the half-rings (3a, 3b).

21. Device (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 20, characterized in that, The inverted half-ring (3b) is supported so as to be able to rotate about the axis (202) by an oscillating structure (3c) having at least one articulation for articulating the half-ring (3b) arranged externally with respect to the extension of the annular body (3).

22. Device (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 21, characterized in that, The oscillating structure (3c) supporting the overturned half-rings (3b) can be moved away from the other half-rings (3a) on command, so as to allow the use of fixed suturing devices at the site of the chain stitching or point stitching (200).

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