Hosiery setting machine

Abstract

This application relates to the field of shaping equipment technology, and provides a sock shaping machine, including a frame, a waist-shaped track, a shaping frame, a heating and shaping box, a drive device, and support wheels. The waist-shaped track includes a first straight section, a second straight section, and an arc-shaped section connecting the two. Multiple shaping frames are slidably mounted on the waist-shaped track. The heating and shaping box is mounted on the frame, and the first straight section passes through the heating and shaping box. The drive device includes a power component, a conveyor belt, a power wheel, and a guide wheel assembly. Push blocks are provided on the conveyor belt for pushing the shaping frame to slide along the waist-shaped track. The support wheels are concentrically arranged with the arc-shaped section, and the portion of the conveyor belt located on the arc-shaped section is wound around the support wheels, allowing the conveyor belt to run in a rolling manner on the arc-shaped section, reducing frictional resistance and wear, extending service life, and improving operational stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of shaping equipment technology, and more particularly to a sock shaping machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of sock shaping equipment technology, continuous and automated sock shaping machines have gradually become the mainstream in the industry. These sock shaping machines typically use a waist-shaped track as the conveying path for the shaping frame. Driven by the drive device, the shaping frame moves cyclically along the waist-shaped track, passing through the feeding, heating and shaping, and unloading stations in sequence, thereby realizing continuous shaping processing of socks.

[0003] In related technologies, the conveying devices of sock shaping machines mostly adopt chain drives. The waist-shaped track typically includes two straight sections and an arc-shaped section connecting the two straight sections. The conveyor chain is wound around the track and moves along the track under the drive of the drive unit, moving the shaping frames fixed to the chain between various workstations. At the arc-shaped section of the track, the conveyor chain needs to change direction; therefore, related technologies use arc-shaped guide bars in the arc-shaped section so that the chain contacts and is guided by the arc-shaped guide bars when turning, thus achieving the desired change of direction.

[0004] However, because the conveyor chain maintains sliding contact with the inner or outer wall of the arc-shaped guide rail when turning in the arc section, continuous sliding friction occurs between the chain and the guide rail. This sliding friction not only leads to severe wear on the chain and guide rail during long-term operation, reducing the service life of the conveying device, but also increases the running resistance of the chain in the arc section and makes the transmission less smooth, thus affecting the conveying accuracy of the shaping frame and the shaping quality of the socks. In addition, the wear between the chain and the guide rail also generates metal shavings, polluting the internal environment of the equipment and further aggravating the wear of other components. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a sock shaping machine to solve the technical problem in the prior art where the conveyor chain slides and rubs against the arc guide bar when turning in the arc section of the waist-shaped track, resulting in severe wear and reduced service life.

[0006] This application provides a sock shaping machine, comprising: a frame, with a waist-shaped track on the upper side of the frame, the waist-shaped track including a first straight section, a second straight section, and an arc-shaped section connecting the first straight section and the second straight section; a shaping frame, the shaping frame having multiple members slidably mounted on the waist-shaped track; a heating and shaping box mounted on the frame, wherein the first straight section passes through the heating and shaping box; a driving device including a power component, a conveyor belt, a power wheel, and a guide wheel assembly, the power wheel and the guide wheel assembly being rotatably mounted on the frame, the conveyor belt being wound around the power wheel and the guide wheel assembly, the conveyor belt having a pusher for pushing the shaping frame to slide along the waist-shaped track, the power component being connected to the power wheel; and a support wheel, rotatably mounted on the frame and concentrically mounted with the arc-shaped section, the portion of the conveyor belt located at the arc-shaped section being wound around the support wheel.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this application, a sock picking and placing station is formed on the second straight section, and the driving device is configured to drive the guide wheel group to rotate unidirectionally, so that a plurality of the shaping frames located at the sock picking and placing station are moved sequentially to the heating and shaping box, and so that a plurality of the shaping frames located in the heating and shaping box are moved sequentially to the sock picking and placing station.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this application, the guide wheel assembly includes a first guide wheel, a second guide wheel, and a third guide wheel. The first guide wheel and the second guide wheel are located inside the second straight section and are spaced apart along the extension direction of the second straight section. The third guide wheel is located on the side of the first guide wheel and the second guide wheel away from the second straight section. The conveyor belt sequentially passes around the side of the first guide wheel near the second guide wheel, the side of the third guide wheel away from the second straight section, and the side of the second guide wheel near the first guide wheel. In the extension direction of the second straight section, the sock picking and placing station is located between the first guide wheel and the second guide wheel. The pusher disengages from the shaping frame after passing the first guide wheel and engages with the shaping frame when passing the second guide wheel.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, the guide wheel assembly includes a fourth guide wheel, a fifth guide wheel, and a sixth guide wheel. The fourth guide wheel and the fifth guide wheel are located inside the first straight section and are spaced apart along the extension direction of the first straight section. The power wheel is located on the side of the fourth guide wheel away from the first straight section, and the sixth guide wheel is located on the side of the fifth guide wheel away from the first straight section. The conveyor belt sequentially passes around the side of the fourth guide wheel near the fifth guide wheel, the side of the power wheel away from the sixth guide wheel, the side of the sixth guide wheel away from the power wheel, and the side of the fifth guide wheel away from the fourth guide wheel. In the extension direction of the first straight section, the heating and shaping box is located between the fourth guide wheel and the fifth guide wheel. The pusher disengages from the shaping frame after passing the fourth guide wheel and engages with the shaping frame when passing the fifth guide wheel.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, it further includes: a stepping device disposed on the frame, the stepping device being used to drive the heating and shaping box and the shaping frame of the sock picking and placing station to slide in a stepping manner.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, the stepping device includes: a first pusher slidably disposed on the frame, wherein a plurality of first wedge blocks are provided at intervals along the extending direction of the first straight section at one end of the first pusher facing the first straight section; a second pusher slidably disposed on the frame, wherein a plurality of second wedge blocks are provided at intervals along the extending direction of the second straight section at one end of the second pusher facing the second straight section; and a push driving mechanism connecting the first pusher and the second pusher for driving the first pusher and the second pusher to move closer to or further away from each other; wherein, when the first pusher and the second pusher move further away from each other, the first wedge block contacts the side of the shaping frame located in the heating and shaping box near the fourth guide wheel, and the second wedge block contacts the side of the shaping frame located at the sock picking and placing station near the first guide wheel.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, the push drive mechanism includes: a drive cam, coaxially fixed with the third guide wheel, the sidewall of the drive cam being provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion facing away from each other, the end of the first push member facing away from the first straight section and the end of the second push member facing away from the second straight section respectively slidingly contacting the sidewall of the drive cam; an elastic structure connecting the first push member and the second push member, for providing elastic force toward the drive cam to the first push member and the second push member.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the bottom of the waist-shaped track is provided with a sliding groove; the bottom of the shaping frame is provided with a drive rod, a first pulley and a second pulley, the drive rod is vertically inserted through the sliding groove, the first pulley and the second pulley are rotatably disposed on the drive rod, the second pulley is located inside the waist-shaped track, the second pulley is located below the waist-shaped track, and contacts and engages with the first wedge block or the second wedge block when the first pusher and the second pusher are far apart from each other.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, an automatic loading and unloading device is further included, disposed on one side of the second straight section. The automatic loading and unloading device includes: a clamping mechanism, including a first clamping member and a second clamping member disposed opposite to each other, and a driving component for driving the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move closer or further apart; a sock feeding channel, disposed above the clamping mechanism, for feeding socks to be shaped to the clamping mechanism; and a moving mechanism connected to the clamping mechanism for driving the clamping mechanism to move. The clamping mechanism has a first working state and a second working state: in the first working state, the driving component drives the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move closer or further apart, and the moving mechanism... The mechanism drives the clamping mechanism to extend into the cuff of the sock to be shaped. The driving component then drives the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move away from each other to open the sock cuff from the inside. The moving mechanism moves the opened sock cuff onto the sock plate of the shaping frame. After the sock is put on, the driving component drives the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move closer to each other to release the sock cuff. The moving mechanism moves the clamping mechanism away from the sock plate. In the second working state, the driving component drives the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move closer to each other to clamp the cuff of the shaped sock. The moving mechanism moves the clamping mechanism to pull the sock away from the sock plate.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this application, the sock feeding channel has a vertically penetrating dropping chamber, and a sock inlet is provided on one side of the sock feeding channel; a sock pressing assembly is provided in the dropping chamber, the sock pressing assembly includes rollers symmetrically arranged on both sides of the dropping chamber and a rotary drive member for driving at least one side of the roller to rotate, a gap is formed between the two rollers for the socks to be shaped to pass through, and the rollers are used to convey the socks to be shaped downwards; the lower end outlet size of the sock feeding channel is larger than the outer contour size of the first clamping member and the second clamping member when they are in a close-to-each-other state, and the inner wall of the sock feeding channel forms a tapered guide surface that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom.

[0016] The sock shaping machine provided in this application features a rotatable support wheel arranged concentrically with the arc-shaped section of a waist-shaped track on the frame. The portion of the conveyor belt located on the arc-shaped section is wound around this support wheel. When the conveyor belt runs on the arc-shaped section, a rolling engagement rather than sliding friction occurs between the conveyor belt and the support wheel, and the support wheel rotates synchronously with the movement of the conveyor belt. Compared to the sliding friction between the conveyor belt and the fixed arc-shaped guide strip in the arc-shaped section in existing technologies, the rolling engagement significantly reduces the frictional resistance and wear between the conveyor belt and the support wheel, thereby extending the service life of both the conveyor belt and the support wheel, and reducing the frequency of equipment maintenance and replacement costs. Simultaneously, the rolling engagement makes the conveyor belt run more smoothly and steadily on the arc-shaped section, avoiding the jerking and vibration caused by sliding friction. This ensures the positional accuracy and smooth movement of the shaping frame along the waist-shaped track, which is beneficial for improving the consistency of sock shaping quality. Furthermore, since rolling friction does not generate metal debris, it avoids contamination of the internal environment of the equipment and secondary wear on other components, improving the overall operational reliability and cleanliness of the machine. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a sock shaping machine provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a top view of a sock shaping machine provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the stepping device in one embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the shaping frame in one embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a sock shaping machine according to another embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic loading and unloading device in one embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism in one embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism and the sock feeding channel in one embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] 100. Rack;

[0028] 200. Waist-shaped track; 210. First straight section; 220. Second straight section; 230. Curved section;

[0029] 300. Shaping frame; 310. Slider; 320. Sock plate; 330. Drive rod; 340. First pulley; 350. Second pulley; 360. Connecting arm;

[0030] 400. Heating and shaping box;

[0031] 500. Drive unit; 510. Power component; 520. Conveyor belt; 530. Power wheel; 540. Guide wheel assembly; 541. First guide wheel; 542. Second guide wheel; 543. Third guide wheel; 544. Fourth guide wheel; 545. Fifth guide wheel; 546. Sixth guide wheel; 550. Push block;

[0032] 600. Support wheel;

[0033] 700, Stepping device; 710, First pusher; 711, First wedge block; 720, Second pusher; 721, Second wedge block; 730, Pushing drive mechanism; 731, Drive cam; 7311, First protrusion; 7312, Second protrusion; 732, Elastic structure;

[0034] 800 Automatic loading and unloading device; 810 Clamping mechanism; 811 First clamping member; 8111 Guide inclined surface; 812 Second clamping member; 813 Drive assembly; 820 Sock feeding channel; 821 Dropping chamber; 822 Sock inlet; 823 Sock pressing assembly; 8231 Roller; 8232 Rotary drive component; 824 Conical guide surface; 830 Moving mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this application, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0040] The following is combined Figures 1-8 This application describes a sock shaping machine according to an embodiment.

[0041] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the sock shaping machine includes a frame 100, a shaping frame 300, a heating and shaping chamber 400, a drive device 500, and support wheels 600. A waist-shaped track 200 is provided on the upper side of the frame 100. The waist-shaped track 200 includes a first straight section 210, a second straight section 220, and an arc-shaped section 230 connecting the first straight section 210 and the second straight section 220. Multiple shaping frames 300 are provided, all of which are slidably mounted on the waist-shaped track 200. The heating and shaping chamber 400 is disposed on the frame 100, and the first straight section 210 passes through the heating and shaping chamber 400. The drive unit 500 includes a power component 510, a conveyor belt 520, a drive wheel 530, and a guide wheel assembly 540. The drive wheel 530 and the guide wheel assembly 540 are rotatably mounted on the frame 100. The conveyor belt 520 is wound around the drive wheel 530 and the guide wheel assembly 540. The conveyor belt 520 is provided with a pusher block 550 for pushing the shaping frame 300 to slide along the waist-shaped track 200. The power component 510 is connected to the drive wheel 530. The support wheel 600 is rotatably mounted on the frame 100 and is concentrically arranged with the arc-shaped section 230. The portion of the conveyor belt 520 located at the arc-shaped section 230 is wound around the support wheel 600.

[0042] For example, the frame 100 serves as the supporting foundation for the entire device, providing mounting positions for various components. The waist-shaped track 200 is fixed to the upper side of the frame 100 and is generally waist-shaped, consisting of two straight sections and two curved sections 230. The two straight sections are a first straight section 210 and a second straight section 220, arranged parallel to each other. The curved sections 230 connect the same-side ends of the first straight section 210 and the second straight section 220, thereby forming a closed loop path with the waist-shaped track 200.

[0043] The shaping frame 300 is used to support socks that are to be shaped or have already been shaped. Multiple shaping frames 300 are arranged sequentially along the waist-shaped track 200. Each shaping frame 300 slides with the waist-shaped track 200, allowing it to move cyclically along the closed path defined by the waist-shaped track 200. Optionally, the waist-shaped track 200 is a double-track design, with two tracks arranged parallel to each other along the waist-shaped path. The track closer to the center of the waist-shaped track 200 is the inner track, and the track further away from the center is the outer track. The two ends of the bottom of the shaping frame 300 slide with the inner and outer tracks respectively to achieve more stable support. Of course, only one waist-shaped track 200 can be provided, as long as it allows the shaping frame 300 to slide stably.

[0044] A heating and shaping chamber 400 is positioned above the first straight section 210, which passes through the interior of the heating and shaping chamber 400. The interior of the heating and shaping chamber 400 may contain heating elements such as heating wires, heating tubes, or a hot air gun, which can increase the temperature inside the chamber when in operation. When the shaping frame 300 carries the socks to be shaped along the first straight section 210 into the heating and shaping chamber 400, the heating and shaping chamber 400 performs a heating and shaping process on the socks.

[0045] The drive unit 500 provides driving force for the sliding of the shaping frame 300 along the waist-shaped track 200. The power component 510 serves as the power source, and the power wheel 530 is connected to the power component 510 to receive the driving torque and rotate. The conveyor belt 520 is wound between the power wheel 530 and the guide wheel assembly 540. When the power wheel 530 rotates, it drives the conveyor belt 520, and the guide wheel assembly 540 provides steering and support for the conveyor belt 520. The push block 550 is fixed to the conveyor belt 520 and moves synchronously with the movement of the conveyor belt 520. When the push block 550 moves to a position that contacts the shaping frame 300, it pushes against the shaping frame 300, causing the shaping frame 300 to slide forward along the waist-shaped track 200. For example, the power component 510 is a motor, the power wheel 530 and guide wheel assembly 540 are sprockets, and the conveyor belt 520 is a chain conveyor belt 520. The power component 510 is connected to the power wheel 530 through a transmission structure such as a gear set, synchronous belt, or worm gear assembly. When the power component 510 drives the power wheel 530 to rotate, it drives the conveyor belt 520 to rotate. The driven wheel supports and guides the conveyor belt 520 and can rotate with the conveyor belt 520. Multiple push blocks 550 are evenly spaced along the conveyor belt 520, so that multiple shaping frames 300 can be driven to slide simultaneously.

[0046] The support wheel 600 is rotatably mounted on the frame 100, and its axis of rotation coincides with the center of the arc segment 230 of the waist-shaped track 200, meaning the support wheel 600 and the arc segment 230 are concentrically arranged. The conveyor belt 520 is no longer supported by guide bars at the arc segment 230 of the waist-shaped track 200, but instead wraps around the support wheel 600. When the conveyor belt 520 is running, the support wheel 600 rotates synchronously with the movement of the conveyor belt 520. In this way, the conveyor belt 520 achieves steering at the arc segment 230 via the support wheel 600, and there is rolling contact between the conveyor belt 520 and the support wheel 600, avoiding sliding friction between the conveyor belt 520 and the fixed guide.

[0047] Because the support wheel 600 and the arc-shaped section 230 are concentrically arranged, the path of the conveyor belt 520 winding around the support wheel 600 is consistent with the trajectory of the arc-shaped section 230 of the waist-shaped track 200. This ensures that the conveyor belt 520 can match the movement trajectory of the shaping frame 300 in the arc-shaped section 230, and that the push block 550 can still maintain the correct relative positional relationship with the shaping frame 300 in the arc-shaped section 230. By replacing sliding friction with rolling friction, the running resistance of the conveyor belt 520 in the arc-shaped section 230 is significantly reduced, the wear of the conveyor belt 520 and the support wheel 600 is reduced, the service life is extended, and the operation of the conveyor belt 520 is made smoother.

[0048] In some embodiments, a sock pick-and-place station is formed on the second straight section 220, and the drive device 500 is configured to drive the guide wheel assembly 540 to rotate in one direction, so that a plurality of shaping frames 300 located at the sock pick-and-place station are moved sequentially to the heating and shaping box 400, and so that a plurality of shaping frames 300 located in the heating and shaping box 400 are moved sequentially to the sock pick-and-place station.

[0049] For example, the second straight section 220 is a straight section of the waist-shaped track 200 that is opposite to and parallel to the first straight section 210. The sock loading and unloading station is set on the second straight section 220 for operators or automated equipment to perform sock loading operations for socks to be shaped and sock unloading operations for socks that have been shaped.

[0050] The power component 510 in the drive unit 500 outputs a unidirectional driving force, causing the power wheel 530 to rotate continuously in the same direction, thereby causing the conveyor belt 520 to run in a fixed direction. During the operation of the conveyor belt 520, the pusher block 550 set on the conveyor belt 520 pushes its corresponding shaping frame 300 into the sock picking and placing station in sequence. After the pusher block 550 pushes its corresponding shaping frame 300 into the sock picking and placing station, it disengages from the shaping frame 300. The multiple shaping frames 300 located at the sock picking and placing station are arranged densely in sequence along the second straight section 220, and under the pushing of the subsequently entering shaping frames 300, they gradually move towards the front end of the sock picking and placing station. It is worth noting that the dense arrangement mentioned above and in the following description refers to the multiple shaping frames 300 being arranged sequentially with a spacing smaller than that when the pusher block 550 pushes them. Furthermore, taking the direction of movement of the shaping frame 300 along the waist-shaped track 200 as a reference, the end pointed to by the direction of movement of the shaping frame 300 is the front or front end, and the opposite end is the rear or rear end.

[0051] When the pusher 550, detached from the shaping frame 300, moves to the front end of the sock picking and placing station, it engages with the shaping frame 300 located at the front end of the sock picking and placing station, driving the shaping frame 300 to move towards the heating and shaping box 400. This process continues, with each shaping frame 300 entering the sock picking and placing station one by one. After picking and placing socks at the station, the drive device 500 drives them into the heating and shaping box 400.

[0052] At the same time, inside the heating and shaping box 400, the shaping frame 300 located in the first straight section 210 is also pushed forward by the push block 550 in sequence, so that the shaping frame 300 located at the front end of the heating and shaping box 400 gradually moves out and moves forward under the drive of the push block 550 located at the front end of the heating and shaping box 400, and finally reaches the sock picking and placing station.

[0053] In this way, the unidirectional continuous rotation of the drive device 500 enables the unidirectional cyclic movement of the shaping frame 300 on the waist-shaped track 200. After the shaping frame 300 completes the sock-putting process at the sock-taking station, it automatically enters the heating and shaping box 400 for heating and shaping. After shaping, it automatically returns to the sock-taking station for sock removal, realizing continuous cyclic operation of the sock-taking process. Furthermore, by utilizing the stacking at the sock-taking station, the dwell time of the shaping frame 300 at the sock-taking station can be extended to facilitate the taking and placing operation without the need for additional reciprocating or intermittent drive control, simplifying the control logic. The stacking mentioned above and below does not refer to the vertical stacking of the shaping frames 300, but rather to the dense arrangement of multiple shaping frames 300 along their sliding direction with a spacing smaller than that when the pusher 550 pushes.

[0054] In some embodiments, the guide wheel assembly 540 includes a first guide wheel 541, a second guide wheel 542, and a third guide wheel 543. The first guide wheel 541 and the second guide wheel 542 are located inside the second straight section 220 and are spaced apart along the extending direction of the second straight section 220. The third guide wheel 543 is located on the side of the first guide wheel 541 and the second guide wheel 542 away from the second straight section 220. The conveyor belt 520 sequentially passes around the side of the first guide wheel 541 near the second guide wheel 542, the side of the third guide wheel 543 away from the second straight section 220, and the side of the second guide wheel 542 near the first guide wheel 541. In the extending direction of the second straight section 220, the sock picking and placing station is located between the first guide wheel 541 and the second guide wheel 542. The pusher block 550 disengages from the shaping frame 300 after passing the first guide wheel 541 and engages with the shaping frame 300 when passing the second guide wheel 542.

[0055] For example, the first guide wheel 541 and the second guide wheel 542 are both disposed inside the second straight section 220, that is, in the internal region of the waist-shaped track 200, and are arranged back and forth along the extending direction of the second straight section 220. The third guide wheel 543 is disposed on the side of the first guide wheel 541 and the second guide wheel 542 away from the second straight section 220, that is, the third guide wheel 543 is closer to the center region of the waist-shaped track 200 than the first guide wheel 541 and the second guide wheel 542.

[0056] The conveyor belt 520 travels along the following path: first, it passes the side of the first guide wheel 541 closest to the second guide wheel 542; then, it goes outward around the side of the third guide wheel 543 away from the second straight section 220; and then passes the side of the second guide wheel 542 closest to the first guide wheel 541. In this way, the conveyor belt 520 forms a bent path that curves inward toward the inner side of the waist-shaped track 200 between the first guide wheel 541 and the second guide wheel 542.

[0057] In the extension direction of the second straight section 220, the sock pick-up and drop-off station is located in the area between the first guide wheel 541 and the second guide wheel 542, that is, on the outside of the bending path of the conveyor belt 520.

[0058] When the conveyor belt 520 is running, the push block 550 fixed on the conveyor belt 520 moves together with the conveyor belt 520. Before the push block 550 passes the first guide wheel 541, the push block 550 is located on the extension path of the second straight section 220 and abuts against the drive rod 330 of the shaping frame 300, pushing the shaping frame 300 to slide along the second straight section 220.

[0059] As the pusher block 550, along with the conveyor belt 520, passes the first guide wheel 541 and approaches the side of the second guide wheel 542, the conveyor belt 520 bends inward toward the waist-shaped track 200. The pusher block 550 then shifts inward, gradually disengaging from its contact with the drive rod 330 of the shaping frame 300. The pusher block 550 no longer pushes the current shaping frame 300. The shaping frame 300, having lost the pushing force of the pusher block 550, remains at the sock handling station.

[0060] As the conveyor belt 520 continues to run, the pusher block 550 moves towards the second guide wheel 542 after passing the third guide wheel 543. When it passes the second guide wheel 542 and approaches the first guide wheel 541, the conveyor belt 520 returns from the bending path to the extension direction of the second straight section 220, and the pusher block 550 shifts outward accordingly, re-entering the extension path of the second straight section 220. At this time, the pusher block 550 engages with the shaping frame 300 at that position, thereby pushing the shaping frame 300 to continue sliding along the second straight section 220.

[0061] With the above setup, the pusher block 550 automatically detaches from the shaping frame 300 at the front end of the sock pick-and-place station, allowing the shaping frame 300 to remain at the station for easy sock-putting and sock-removing operations. The pusher block 550 automatically engages with the shaping frame 300 at the front end of the sock pick-and-place station, continuing to convey the shaping frame 300 forward after sock-putting. The detachment and engagement of the pusher block 550 with the shaping frame 300 requires no additional control mechanism; it is entirely automated by the bending path of the conveyor belt 520, simplifying the equipment structure and improving operational reliability.

[0062] In some embodiments, the guide wheel assembly 540 includes a fourth guide wheel 544, a fifth guide wheel 545, and a sixth guide wheel 546. The fourth guide wheel 544 and the fifth guide wheel 545 are located inside the first straight section 210 and are spaced apart along the extending direction of the first straight section 210. The drive wheel 530 is located on the side of the fourth guide wheel 544 away from the first straight section 210, and the sixth guide wheel 546 is located on the side of the fifth guide wheel 545 away from the first straight section 210. The conveyor belt 520 sequentially passes around the side of the fourth guide wheel 544 near the fifth guide wheel 545, the side of the drive wheel 530 away from the sixth guide wheel 546, the side of the sixth guide wheel 546 away from the drive wheel 530, and the side of the fifth guide wheel 545 away from the fourth guide wheel 544. In the extension direction of the first straight section 210, the heating and shaping box 400 is located between the fourth guide wheel 544 and the fifth guide wheel 545. The push block 550 disengages from the shaping frame 300 after passing the fourth guide wheel 544, and engages with the shaping frame 300 when passing the fifth guide wheel 545.

[0063] For example, the fourth guide wheel 544 and the fifth guide wheel 545 are both disposed inside the first straight section 210, that is, within the internal space enclosed by the waist-shaped track 200, and are respectively disposed at the inlet and outlet ends of the first straight section 210 near the heating and shaping box 400, and are arranged back and forth along the extending direction of the first straight section 210. The power wheel 530 is disposed on the side of the fourth guide wheel 544 away from the first straight section 210, that is, the power wheel 530 is located in the area near the center of the waist-shaped track 200 and near the fourth guide wheel 544. The sixth guide wheel 546 is disposed on the side of the fifth guide wheel 545 away from the first straight section 210, that is, the sixth guide wheel 546 is located in the area near the center of the waist-shaped track 200 and near the fifth guide wheel 545.

[0064] The conveyor belt 520 travels along the following path: first, it passes the side of the fourth guide wheel 544 closest to the fifth guide wheel 545; then it goes inward around the drive wheel 530 on the side away from the sixth guide wheel 546; then it passes the side of the sixth guide wheel 546 away from the drive wheel 530; finally, it passes the side of the fifth guide wheel 545 away from the fourth guide wheel 544. In the extension direction of the first straight section 210, the heating and shaping box 400 is located in the area between the fourth guide wheel 544 and the fifth guide wheel 545.

[0065] When the pusher block 550 passes the fourth guide wheel 544 and approaches the fifth guide wheel 545 along with the conveyor belt 520, the path of the conveyor belt 520 shifts to the inside of the waist-shaped track 200, and the pusher block 550 disengages from the drive rod 330 of the shaping frame 300, causing the shaping frame 300 to stop moving at the entrance of the heating shaping box 400.

[0066] As the conveyor belt 520 continues to run, the pusher block 550, after passing the drive wheel 530 and the sixth guide wheel 546, moves towards the fifth guide wheel 545. When it passes the fifth guide wheel 545 and moves away from the fourth guide wheel 544, the path of the conveyor belt 520 returns to the extension direction of the first straight section 210, and the pusher block 550 re-enters the extension path of the first straight section 210. The pusher block 550 engages with the shaping frame 300 located at the outlet of the heating and shaping box 400, thereby pushing the shaping frame 300 out of the heating and shaping box 400.

[0067] Thus, at the inlet of the heating and shaping box 400, the pusher 550 automatically disengages from the shaping frame 300, allowing the shaping frames 300 to enter the heating and shaping box 400 sequentially and form a dense arrangement inside. At the outlet of the heating and shaping box 400, the pusher 550 automatically engages with the shaping frames 300, moving the heated and shaped frames 300 out of the heating and shaping box 400 sequentially. Through the aforementioned path of the conveyor belt 520, the automatic stacking of the shaping frames 300 at the inlet of the heating and shaping box 400 and their automatic individual removal at the outlet are achieved, ensuring sufficient heating and shaping time for the socks and realizing continuous feeding and discharging.

[0068] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, a stepping device 700 is disposed on the frame 100, and the stepping device 700 is used to drive the heating and shaping box 400 and the shaping frame 300 of the sock picking and placing station to slide in a stepping manner.

[0069] For example, the stepping device 700 is mounted on the frame 100 and its function is to apply a stepping pushing force to the shaping frame 300 located inside the heating and shaping box 400 and at the sock picking and placing station. The so-called stepping sliding means that the shaping frame 300 moves forward one station at fixed time intervals and fixed moving distances.

[0070] Inside the heating and shaping chamber 400, the shaping frames 300 are arranged densely in sequence along the first straight section 210. The stepping device 700 pushes the foremost shaping frame 300 from the entrance end of the heating and shaping chamber 400 toward the inside of the chamber, causing the entire stack of shaping frames 300 to move forward one station. At the same time, the foremost shaping frame 300 located at the exit end of the heating and shaping chamber 400 is pushed out of the heating and shaping chamber 400 and continues to move forward along the first straight section 210.

[0071] At the sock pick-up and drop-off station, the stepping device 700 pushes the shaping frame 300 located at the sock pick-up and drop-off station forward one station from one end of the second straight section 220, so that the shaping frame 300 that has finished putting on the socks moves forward and leaves the sock pick-up and drop-off station, while moving the next empty shaping frame 300 to be put on the socks to the sock pick-up and drop-off station.

[0072] Understandably, in the existing technology, the movement of the shaping frame 300 detached from the push block 550 is achieved by stacking, pushing, and pulling the shaping frame 300. When the shaping frames 300 detached from the push block 550 are stacked, the distance between them is unstable and the movement resistance is large. Furthermore, the traction angle of the connecting arm 360 between the previous shaping frame 300 that is connected to the push block 550 and the next shaping frame 300 that has not been moved out of the heating and shaping box 400 or the sock picking and placing station is also uncertain. This can easily lead to the push block 550 failing to smoothly connect with the shaping frame 300 at the front end of the heating and shaping box 400 or the sock picking and placing station, causing equipment jamming or even equipment damage, affecting production efficiency and safety.

[0073] Through the movement of the stepping device 700, the movement of the shaping frame 300 inside the heating and shaping box 400 and at the sock loading and unloading station is coordinated with the continuous pushing of the pusher block 550 on the conveyor belt 520. The shaping frame 300 moves precisely in a stepping manner in areas where it needs to stop for heating and shaping or loading and unloading operations, and moves rapidly in a continuous manner in areas where it does not need to stop. This balances the time required for heating and shaping and the overall production efficiency of the machine, while ensuring that the pusher block 550 accurately aligns with the shaping frame 300 at the front end of the heating and shaping box 400 or the sock loading and unloading station, thereby improving stability and safety.

[0074] In some embodiments, the stepping device 700 includes a first pusher 710, a second pusher 720, and a push driving mechanism 730. The first pusher 710 is slidably disposed on the frame 100, and one end of the first pusher 710 facing the first straight section 210 has a plurality of first wedge-shaped blocks 711 spaced apart along the extending direction of the first straight section 210. The second pusher 720 is slidably disposed on the frame 100, and one end of the second pusher 720 facing the second straight section 220 has a plurality of second wedge-shaped blocks 721 spaced apart along the extending direction of the second straight section 220. The push driving mechanism 730 connects the first pusher 710 and the second pusher 720, and is used to drive the first pusher 710 and the second pusher 720 to move closer to or further apart from each other. When the first pusher 710 and the second pusher 720 move away from each other, the first wedge block 711 contacts the side of the shaping frame 300 located in the heating and shaping box 400 near the fourth guide wheel 544, and the second wedge block 721 contacts the side of the shaping frame 300 located in the sock picking and placing station near the first guide wheel 541.

[0075] For example, both the first pusher 710 and the second pusher 720 include an elongated slider and a lateral slider located at one end of the elongated slider; that is, both the first pusher 710 and the second pusher 720 are T-shaped sliders. The lateral slider of the first pusher 710 is arranged along the extension direction of the first straight segment 210, and the lateral slider of the second pusher 720 is arranged along the extension direction of the second straight segment 220. Both the first pusher 710 and the second pusher 720 are slidably engaged with the frame 100 and can reciprocate along a direction perpendicular to the corresponding straight segment. A push drive mechanism 730 is connected between the first pusher 710 and the second pusher 720 to drive them to move away from each other simultaneously or move closer to each other simultaneously.

[0076] The first pusher 710 has a plurality of first wedge blocks 711 fixedly disposed at one end facing the first straight section 210, that is, on the side of the first pusher 710 close to the first straight section 210. These first wedge blocks 711 are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the first straight section 210, and the position of each first wedge block 711 corresponds to the work position of each shaping frame 300 inside the heating and shaping box 400.

[0077] The second pusher 720 has a plurality of second wedge blocks 721 fixedly disposed at one end facing the second straight section 220, that is, on the side of the second pusher 720 close to the second straight section 220. These second wedge blocks 721 are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the second straight section 220, and the position of each second wedge block 721 corresponds to the position of each shaping rack 300 in the sock picking and placing station area.

[0078] When the push drive mechanism 730 drives the first pusher 710 and the second pusher 720 away from each other, the first pusher 710 slides towards the first straight section 210, and the first wedge block 711 moves accordingly towards the first straight section 210. The inclined surface of the first wedge block 711 contacts the side of the shaping frame 300 located inside the heating and shaping box 400 near the fourth guide wheel 544. Under the guidance of the inclined surface, the first wedge block 711 pushes the shaping frame 300 forward one station along the extension direction of the first straight section 210, ensuring that the shaping frame 300 located at the front end of the heating and shaping box 400 moves out of the heating and shaping box 400 and smoothly docks with the push block 550 at the position of the fifth guide wheel 545, and ensuring that the shaping frame 300 located at the rear end of the heating and shaping box 400 moves into the heating and shaping box 400. Simultaneously, the second pusher 720 slides towards the second straight section 220, and the second wedge block 721 moves accordingly towards the second straight section 220. The inclined surface of the second wedge block 721 contacts the side of the shaping frame 300 located at the sock picking and placing station that is close to the first guide wheel 541. Under the guidance of the inclined surface, the second wedge block 721 pushes the shaping frame 300 forward one station along the extension direction of the second straight section 220, ensuring that the shaping frame 300 located at the front end of the sock picking and placing station moves out of the sock picking and placing station and smoothly docks with the push block 550 at the position of the second guide wheel 542, and ensuring that the shaping frame 300 located at the rear end of the sock picking and placing station moves into the sock picking and placing station.

[0079] When the push drive mechanism 730 drives the first pusher 710 and the second pusher 720 to approach each other, the first wedge block 711 and the second wedge block 721 retract from the moving path of the shaping frame 300. At this time, the shaping frame 300 located at the foremost end of the outlet of the heating shaping box 400 has been pushed to the position of engaging with the push block 550 in the previous stepping action. The push block 550 continues to run with the conveyor belt 520 and drives the shaping frame 300 to move forward. The shaping frame 300 pulls the rear shaping frame 300 forward a small distance through the connecting arm 360, so that the remaining shaping frames 300 in the heating shaping box 400 are realigned with the position of the next set of first wedge blocks 711. Similarly, the foremost shaping frame 300 at the sock picking and placing station, driven by the push block 550, pulls the remaining shaping frames 300 in the sock picking and placing station forward a small distance via the connecting arm 360, so that the remaining shaping frames 300 in the sock picking and placing station are realigned with the next set of second wedge blocks 721. The active pushing of the push block 550 and the traction of the connecting arm 360 between the shaping frames 300 cooperate so that in each action cycle of the stepping device 700, the stroke of the wedge block only needs to satisfy the stepping distance of the foremost shaping frame 300. The subsequent shaping frames 300 follow forward through the traction of the connecting arm 360, thereby ensuring the positional alignment between each shaping frame 300 and the corresponding wedge block, preparing for the next stepping action.

[0080] In the above manner, during each drive cycle of the push drive mechanism 730, the stepping device 700 simultaneously advances all the shaping frames 300 in the heating and shaping box 400 and the shaping frames 300 at the sock picking and placing station forward one station, achieving synchronous stepping of the shaping frames 300. This allows for precise control of the displacement of the shaping frames 300, ensuring that the shaping frames 300 at the front end of the heating and shaping box 400 and the shaping frames 300 at the front end of the sock picking and placing station smoothly engage with the push block 550, preventing jamming. Furthermore, the stepping device 700 in this embodiment combines the stepping action of the wedge block pushing with the alignment action generated by the pulling or pushing action between the shaping frames 300 during the drive process of the drive device 500, achieving continuous stepping without requiring the design of a swinging motion for the execution structure (first pusher 710 and second pusher 720) of the stepping device 700 to meet the alignment of the next stepping action, thus offering advantages of simple structure and stable operation.

[0081] In some embodiments, the push drive mechanism 730 includes a drive cam 731 and an elastic structure 732. The drive cam 731 is coaxially fixed to the third guide wheel 543. The sidewall of the drive cam 731 is provided with a first protrusion 7311 and a second protrusion 7312 facing away from each other. The end of the first push member 710 facing away from the first straight section 210 and the end of the second push member 720 facing away from the second straight section 220 respectively slide in contact with the sidewall of the drive cam 731. The elastic structure 732 connects the first push member 710 and the second push member 720 and provides a spring force toward the drive cam 731 to the first push member 710 and the second push member 720.

[0082] For example, the drive cam 731 and the third guide wheel 543 share a rotating shaft and are coaxially fixedly connected, so the drive cam 731 and the third guide wheel 543 rotate synchronously. The outer peripheral sidewall of the drive cam 731 is provided with a first protrusion 7311 and a second protrusion 7312. The first protrusion 7311 and the second protrusion 7312 are located opposite each other in the circumferential direction of the drive cam 731, that is, the phase angle between them is 180 degrees.

[0083] The end of the first pusher 710 that faces away from the first straight section 210 serves as the contact end that contacts the drive cam 731, and the end of the second pusher 720 that faces away from the second straight section 220 serves as the contact end that contacts the drive cam 731. The two contact ends abut against the side wall of the drive cam 731 respectively. The elastic structure 732 is connected between the first pusher 710 and the second pusher 720. The elastic force of the elastic structure 732 causes the first pusher 710 and the second pusher 720 to always tend to move towards each other, so that the contact end of the first pusher 710 and the contact end of the second pusher 720 are always in close contact with the side wall of the drive cam 731. For example, the elastic structure 732 includes a plurality of tension springs, wherein a portion of the tension springs connects the frame 100 and the first pusher 710, and another portion of the tension springs connects the frame 100 and the second pusher 720. When the first pusher 710 slides toward the first straight section 210, the tension spring connected to the first pusher 710 stretches and stores energy. When the second pusher 720 slides toward the second straight section 220, the tension spring connected to the second pusher 720 stretches and stores energy.

[0084] As the drive cam 731 rotates with the third guide wheel 543, the sidewall profile of the drive cam 731 continuously changes. When the first protrusion 7311 rotates to contact the contact end of the first pusher 710, the first protrusion 7311 pushes the first pusher 710 to move away from the second pusher 720, that is, to move closer to the first straight section 210, thereby causing the first wedge block 711 to push the shaping frame 300 in the heating and shaping box 400 to step forward. At the same time, since the first protrusion 7311 and the second protrusion 7312 are arranged opposite to each other, the second protrusion 7312 rotates to contact the contact end of the second pusher 720, pushing the second pusher 720 to move away from the first pusher 710, that is, to move closer to the second straight section 220, thereby causing the second wedge block 721 to push the shaping frame 300 of the sock picking and placing station to step forward.

[0085] As the drive cam 731 continues to rotate, after the first protrusion 7311 and the second protrusion 7312 have passed the contact end, under the elastic force of the elastic structure 732, the first pusher 710 and the second pusher 720 move closer to each other, and the first wedge block 711 and the second wedge block 721 retract from the moving path of the shaping frame 300.

[0086] By coaxially fixing the drive cam 731 to the third guide wheel 543, the movement of the stepping device 700 is synchronized with the movement of the conveyor belt 520. Each rotation of the drive cam 731 corresponds to one stepping motion, achieving linkage between conveying and stepping without the need for an additional power source or independent control system.

[0087] In some embodiments, the bottom of the waist-shaped track 200 is provided with a groove (not shown in the figure). The bottom of the shaping frame 300 is provided with a drive rod 330, a first pulley 340 and a second pulley 350. The drive rod 330 is vertically inserted through the groove, and the first pulley 340 and the second pulley 350 are rotatably disposed on the drive rod 330. The first pulley 340 is located inside the waist-shaped track 200, and the second pulley 350 is located below the waist-shaped track 200. When the first pusher 710 and the second pusher 720 are far apart, the second pulley 350 contacts and engages with the first wedge block 711 or the second wedge block 721.

[0088] For example, a chute is formed at the bottom of the waist-shaped track 200 along the extending direction of the waist-shaped track 200. The chute penetrates the bottom wall of the waist-shaped track 200 and is used for the connecting parts of the shaping frame 300 to pass through, so that the shaping frame 300 and the parts below the waist-shaped track 200 can be connected and interact with each other.

[0089] A drive rod 330 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the shaping frame 300, and the drive rod 330 extends vertically. The upper end of the drive rod 330 is fixedly connected to the slider 310 of the shaping frame 300, and the lower end passes through the groove at the bottom of the waist-shaped track 200 and extends below the waist-shaped track 200. A first pulley 340 and a second pulley 350 are rotatably mounted on the drive rod 330. The first pulley 340 is located on the drive rod 330 inside the waist-shaped track 200, and its wheel surface contacts the inner wall of the waist-shaped track 200, allowing the shaping frame 300 to slide smoothly along the waist-shaped track 200. The second pulley 350 is located on the drive rod 330 below the waist-shaped track 200.

[0090] When the first wedge block 711 and the second wedge block 721 move toward the waist-shaped track 200 under the drive of the push drive mechanism 730, the inclined surfaces of the first wedge block 711 and the second wedge block 721 contact the wheel surface of the second pulley 350 located below the waist-shaped track 200. Guided by the inclined surfaces, the wedge blocks push the second pulley 350 to move along the extension direction of the waist-shaped track 200, thereby driving the entire shaping frame 300 forward one station through the drive rod 330.

[0091] It is worth noting that when the waist-shaped track 200 adopts a double track form, only the inner waist-shaped track 200 needs to be provided with a sliding groove. The first pulley 340 and the second pulley 350 are provided on the drive rod 330 that cooperates with the inner waist-shaped track 200 of the shaping frame 300. Only the first pulley 340 is provided on the drive rod 330 that cooperates with the outer waist-shaped track 200 of the positioning frame.

[0092] By setting the first pulley 340 and the second pulley 350, the shaping frame 300 and the waist-shaped track 200 have rolling friction, resulting in low movement resistance and smooth operation. The second pulley 350 serves as the action point of the stepping device 700, and its rotatable wheel surface also has rolling contact with the wedge block, reducing friction and wear between the wedge block and the shaping frame 300.

[0093] Combination Figures 5 to 8 In some embodiments, the sock shaping machine further includes an automatic loading and unloading device 800, which is disposed on one side of the second straight section 220. The automatic loading and unloading device 800 includes a clamping mechanism 810, a sock feeding channel 820, and a moving mechanism 830. The clamping mechanism 810 includes a first clamping member 811 and a second clamping member 812 disposed opposite to each other, and a driving assembly 813 for driving the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 to move closer or further apart. The sock feeding channel 820 is disposed above the clamping mechanism 810 and is used to supply socks to be shaped to the clamping mechanism 810. The moving mechanism 830 is connected to the clamping mechanism 810 and is used to drive the clamping mechanism 810 to move.

[0094] The clamping mechanism 810 has a first working state and a second working state. In the first working state, the drive assembly 813 drives the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 to move closer together. The moving mechanism 830 drives the clamping mechanism 810 to extend into the inside of the sock opening to be shaped. The drive assembly 813 then drives the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 to move away from each other to open the sock opening from the inside. The moving mechanism 830 moves the opened sock opening onto the sock plate 320 of the shaping frame 300. After the sock opening is placed, the drive assembly 813 drives the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 to move closer together to release the sock opening. The moving mechanism 830 moves the clamping mechanism 810 away from the sock plate 320. In the second working state, the drive assembly 813 drives the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 to move closer together to clamp the sock opening of the shaped sock. The moving mechanism 830 moves the clamping mechanism 810 to pull the sock away from the sock plate 320.

[0095] For example, the automatic loading and unloading device 800 is installed on the outside of the second straight section 220 to automatically complete the loading operation of socks to be shaped and the unloading operation of socks that have been shaped. The first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 are arranged opposite to each other, forming a variable clamping space between them. The drive assembly 813 is connected to the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 and can drive them to move in a direction that moves closer to or further away from each other.

[0096] The sock feeding channel 820 is located above the clamping mechanism 810 and is used to supply socks to be shaped to the clamping mechanism 810.

[0097] The moving mechanism 830 is fixedly connected to the clamping mechanism 810 and is used to drive the clamping mechanism 810 to move in space. The moving mechanism 830 includes a translation component and a lifting component. The translation component is mounted on the frame 100 and is used to drive the clamping mechanism 810 to move horizontally, so that the clamping mechanism 810 reciprocates between below the sock feeding channel 820 and above the sock plate 320 of the shaping frame 300. The lifting component is mounted on the translation component, and the clamping mechanism 810 is mounted on the lifting component. The lifting component is used to drive the clamping mechanism 810 to move vertically, so that the clamping mechanism 810 moves closer to or away from the sock plate 320. The translation component can adopt a linear module structure consisting of a translation motor, a translation screw, and a translation guide rail. The translation motor drives the translation screw to rotate, and the translation screw drives the translation slide to slide reciprocally along the translation guide rail. The lifting assembly can be a linear module structure consisting of a lifting motor, a lifting screw, and a lifting guide rail. The lifting motor drives the lifting screw to rotate, and the lifting screw drives the lifting slide to reciprocate up and down along the lifting guide rail. The clamping mechanism 810 is fixed on the lifting slide. The drive assembly 813 may include a bidirectional screw and an adjusting motor. The bidirectional screw has a first threaded section and a second threaded section with opposite directions of rotation. The first clamping member 811 is threadedly engaged with the first threaded section, and the second clamping member 812 is threadedly engaged with the second threaded section. When the adjusting motor drives the bidirectional screw to rotate forward or reverse, the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 move closer or further away synchronously along the bidirectional screw. Alternatively, the drive assembly 813 may also be a double-piston rod cylinder. The two piston rods of the double-piston rod cylinder are respectively connected to the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812. The synchronous movement of the two clamping members is controlled by the inflation and deflation of the cylinder.

[0098] The first working state of the clamping mechanism 810 is used to complete the sock-fitting operation. In the first working state, the translation component moves the clamping mechanism 810 horizontally to directly below the sock-feeding channel 820. The drive component 813 drives the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 to move closer together, reducing their outer contour dimensions. The lifting component moves the clamping mechanism 810 upward, causing the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 to extend into the sock opening of the sock to be shaped. Subsequently, the drive component 813 drives the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 to move away from each other, and they open the sock opening from the inside, making the size of the sock opening larger than the contour dimensions of the sock plate 320 of the shaping frame 300. The lifting component moves the clamping mechanism 810 and the opened sock downward, so that the sock is fitted onto the sock plate 320 of the shaping frame 300. After the sock is fitted, the drive assembly 813 drives the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 to move closer together to release the stretching force on the sock opening. The sock opening closes and fits against the surface of the sock plate 320 under its own elasticity. The lifting assembly drives the clamping mechanism 810 to move upward, causing the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 to exit from inside the sock. The translation assembly drives the clamping mechanism 810 to move horizontally to one side of the sock feeding channel 820 to avoid interfering with the sliding of the shaping frame 300 along the second straight section 220.

[0099] The second working state of the clamping mechanism 810 is used to complete the sock removal operation. In the second working state, the translation component moves the clamping mechanism 810 horizontally to directly above the sock plate 320, the lifting component moves the clamping mechanism 810 downward, and the drive component 813 drives the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 to move closer to each other, clamping the sock cuff that is fitted onto the sock plate 320 and has been shaped from the outside. The lifting component moves the clamping mechanism 810 upward, and the clamping mechanism 810 pulls the sock off the sock plate 320, completing the sock removal operation.

[0100] By switching between the first and second working states using the same clamping mechanism 810, the two different functions of putting on and taking off socks are integrated. When putting on socks, the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 first contract and then expand, acting on the sock opening from the inside. When taking off socks, the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 contract and clamp, acting on the sock opening from the outside. Putting on and taking off socks are completed at the same station, eliminating the need to transfer the shaping frame 300 between different stations, thus improving production efficiency. The cooperation of the translation and lifting components allows the clamping mechanism 810 to move flexibly between the sock feeding channel 820, above the sock plate 320, and the collection position, ensuring smooth connection between sock feeding and putting on actions while avoiding interference from the clamping mechanism 810 on the movement of the shaping frame 300 along the waist-shaped track 200.

[0101] In some embodiments, the sock-feeding channel 820 has a vertically penetrating drop chamber 821, and a sock inlet 822 is provided on one side of the sock-feeding channel 820. A sock-pressing assembly 823 is provided within the drop chamber 821. The sock-pressing assembly 823 includes rollers 8231 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the drop chamber 821 and a rotary drive member 8232 that drives at least one roller 8231 to rotate. A gap is formed between the two rollers 8231 for the socks to be shaped to pass through. The rollers 8231 are used to convey the socks to be shaped downwards. The lower outlet size of the sock-feeding channel 820 is larger than the outer contour size of the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 when they are close to each other, and the inner wall of the sock-feeding channel 820 forms a tapered guide surface 824 that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom. The upper ends of the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 are provided with guide slopes 8111 that cooperate with the tapered guide surface 824.

[0102] For example, the sock feeding channel 820 is a vertically extending cylindrical structure with a vertically penetrating dropping chamber 821 inside. A sock inlet 822 is provided on one side of the sock feeding channel 820, which is connected to an external conveying device. The socks to be shaped enter the dropping chamber 821 through the sock inlet 822.

[0103] A sock-pressing assembly 823 is disposed within the discharge chamber 821 to apply a downward pushing force to the socks within the chamber, enabling them to move continuously downwards. The sock-pressing assembly 823 includes two rollers 8231, symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the discharge chamber 821, with a gap between them for the socks to pass through. The rollers 8231 are rotatably mounted on the side wall of the discharge chamber 821, with their surfaces in contact with the surface of the socks. The rotation of the rollers 8231 conveys the socks downwards. A rotary drive component 8232 can be a drive motor. Two drive motors are correspondingly provided for each roller 8231, with the motor shaft coaxially fixed to the corresponding roller 8231. The drive motors drive the rollers 8231 to rotate actively, ensuring a continuous and stable downward conveyance of the socks.

[0104] The lower inner wall of the stocking feeding channel 820 is a tapered guide surface 824. The diameter of the tapered guide surface 824 gradually decreases from top to bottom, that is, the upper opening is large and the lower outlet is small, and the lower outlet is larger than the outer contour dimension of the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 when they are close to each other.

[0105] The upper ends of the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 are respectively provided with guide slopes 8111. The shape of the guide slopes 8111 is adapted to the conical guide surface 824 of the lower end outlet of the stocking delivery channel 820. That is, the guide slopes 8111 gradually slope from bottom to top towards the plane of symmetry of the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812. When the clamping mechanism 810 moves upward into the lower end outlet of the stocking delivery channel 820 under the drive of the moving mechanism 830, the guide slopes 8111 at the upper end of the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 form a gap with the conical guide surface 824 at the lower end of the stocking delivery channel 820, guiding the opening of the stocking to open and fit onto the outside of the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812.

[0106] The lower outlet size of the stocking feeding channel 820 is larger than the outer contour size of the first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 when they are close to each other, ensuring that the clamping member can smoothly pass through the lower outlet of the stocking feeding channel 820 and enter the stocking opening when it is in a contracted state.

[0107] Through the cooperative structure of the sock feeding channel 820 and the clamping mechanism 810, the socks to be shaped are accurately positioned and transported to the working position of the clamping mechanism 810. Under the cooperative guidance of the tapered guide surface 824 and the guide inclined surface 8111, the clamping mechanism 810 can be accurately inserted into the sock opening, improving the success rate and accuracy of sock fitting.

[0108] The overall working process of the sock shaping machine provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0109] After the equipment is started, multiple shaping frames 300 are arranged sequentially along the waist-shaped track 200. The power unit 510 drives the power wheel 530 to rotate, which in turn drives the conveyor belt 520. Push blocks 550 on the conveyor belt 520 move with the conveyor belt 520, sequentially pushing each shaping frame 300 to slide along the waist-shaped track 200. When the shaping frame 300 moves to the sock pick-and-place station of the second straight section 220, the push block 550 disengages from the shaping frame 300 after passing the first guide wheel 541, and the shaping frame 300 stops at the sock pick-and-place station. At the sock pick-and-place station, the automatic loading and unloading device 800 places the socks to be shaped onto the sock plates 320 of the shaping frame 300.

[0110] After the socks are put on, the pusher 550 engages with the shaping frame 300 as it passes the second guide wheel 542, pushing the shaping frame 300 to continue moving along the second straight section 220, passing through the arc section 230 and entering the first straight section 210. When the shaping frame 300 reaches the entrance of the heating and shaping box 400, the pusher 550 disengages from the shaping frame 300 after passing the fourth guide wheel 544, and the shaping frame 300 stops at the entrance of the heating and shaping box 400. Subsequent shaping frames 300, pushed by the pusher 550, arrive at the entrance of the heating and shaping box 400 one after another, pushing the previous shaping frame 300 into the heating and shaping box 400. Multiple shaping frames 300 are arranged densely in sequence along the first straight section 210 inside the heating and shaping box 400.

[0111] The stepping device 700 operates at fixed time intervals, driving the cam 731 to rotate with the third guide wheel 543. When the first protrusion 7311 and the second protrusion 7312 of the driving cam 731 push the first pusher 710 and the second pusher 720 away from each other, the first wedge block 711 pushes the entire stack of shaping frames 300 inside the heating and shaping box 400 forward one station, and the shaping frame 300 at the foremost end of the outlet of the heating and shaping box 400 is pushed out of the heating and shaping box 400. The second wedge block 721 simultaneously pushes the shaping frame 300 at the sock pick-and-place station forward one station. When the pusher block 550 passes the fifth guide wheel 545, it engages with the shaping frame 300 pushed out of the heating and shaping box 400, pushing the shaping frame 300 to continue moving along the first straight section 210, through the arc section 230 into the second straight section 220, and finally back to the sock pick-and-place station.

[0112] At the sock loading and unloading station, the clamping mechanism 810 of the automatic loading and unloading device 800 switches to the second working state. The first clamping member 811 and the second clamping member 812 clamp the sock cuffs of the socks that have been shaped. The moving mechanism 830 drives the clamping mechanism 810 to pull the socks off the sock plate 320, completing the sock removal operation. After the socks are removed, the shaping frame 300 enters the sock-fitting station again. The clamping mechanism 810 of the automatic loading and unloading device 800 switches to the first working state and fits the socks to be shaped onto the sock plate 320 of the shaping frame 300, starting the next cycle.

[0113] This cycle repeats continuously, allowing the sock shaping machine to achieve a complete process of automatic feeding, continuous shaping, and automatic unloading of socks.

[0114] The sock shaping machine of this application embodiment realizes continuous cyclic conveying of the shaping frame 300, stacking and stepping propulsion within the heating and shaping box 400, and automatic sock putting on and taking off at the sock loading and unloading station. All components work in coordination, ensuring stable and reliable operation of the entire device.

[0115] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A sock shaping machine, characterized in that, include: A frame, wherein an oblong track is provided on the upper side of the frame, the oblong track comprising a first straight section, a second straight section, and an arc-shaped section connecting the first straight section and the second straight section; A shaping frame, wherein multiple shaping frames are provided, each of which is slidably mounted on the waist-shaped track; A heating and shaping chamber is disposed on the frame, wherein the first straight section passes through the heating and shaping chamber; The drive unit includes a power component, a conveyor belt, a drive wheel, and a guide wheel assembly. The drive wheel and the guide wheel assembly are rotatably mounted on the frame. The conveyor belt is wound around the drive wheel and the guide wheel assembly. The conveyor belt is provided with push blocks for pushing the shaping frame to slide along the waist-shaped track. The power component is connected to the drive wheel. A support wheel is rotatably mounted on the frame and concentrically arranged with the arc segment, and the portion of the conveyor belt located at the position of the arc segment is wound around the support wheel.

2. The sock shaping machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sock picking and placing station is formed on the second straight section. The driving device is configured to drive the guide wheel group to rotate in one direction, so that the multiple shaping frames located at the sock picking and placing station are moved sequentially to the heating and shaping box, and so that the multiple shaping frames located in the heating and shaping box are moved sequentially to the sock picking and placing station.

3. The sock shaping machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide wheel assembly includes a first guide wheel, a second guide wheel, and a third guide wheel. The first guide wheel and the second guide wheel are located inside the second straight section and are spaced apart along the extension direction of the second straight section. The third guide wheel is located on the side of the first guide wheel and the second guide wheel away from the second straight section. The conveyor belt sequentially passes around the side of the first guide wheel near the second guide wheel, the side of the third guide wheel away from the second straight section, and the side of the second guide wheel near the first guide wheel. In the extension direction of the second straight section, the sock picking and placing station is located between the first guide wheel and the second guide wheel. The push block disengages from the shaping frame after passing the first guide wheel and engages with the shaping frame when passing the second guide wheel.

4. The sock shaping machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guide wheel assembly includes a fourth guide wheel, a fifth guide wheel, and a sixth guide wheel. The fourth guide wheel and the fifth guide wheel are located inside the first straight section and are spaced apart along the extension direction of the first straight section. The power wheel is located on the side of the fourth guide wheel away from the first straight section, and the sixth guide wheel is located on the side of the fifth guide wheel away from the first straight section. The conveyor belt sequentially passes around the side of the fourth guide wheel near the fifth guide wheel, the side of the power wheel away from the sixth guide wheel, the side of the sixth guide wheel away from the power wheel, and the side of the fifth guide wheel away from the fourth guide wheel. In the extension direction of the first straight section, the heating and shaping box is located between the fourth guide wheel and the fifth guide wheel. The push block disengages from the shaping frame after passing the fourth guide wheel and engages with the shaping frame when passing the fifth guide wheel.

5. The sock shaping machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: A stepping device is provided on the frame, and the stepping device is used to drive the heating and shaping box and the shaping frame of the sock picking and placing station to slide in a stepping manner.

6. The sock shaping machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The stepping device includes: A first pusher is slidably disposed on the frame, and a plurality of first wedge-shaped blocks are provided at one end of the first pusher facing the first straight section, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the first straight section. The second pusher is slidably disposed on the frame, and the end of the second pusher facing the second straight section is provided with a plurality of second wedge-shaped blocks arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the second straight section; A push drive mechanism, connecting the first push member and the second push member, is used to drive the first push member and the second push member to move closer or further apart from each other; When the first pusher and the second pusher are far apart, the first wedge block contacts the side of the shaping frame located in the heating and shaping box near the fourth guide wheel, and the second wedge block contacts the side of the shaping frame located in the sock picking and placing station near the first guide wheel.

7. The sock shaping machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The push-driven mechanism includes: A drive cam is coaxially fixed with the third guide wheel. The side wall of the drive cam is provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion facing away from each other. The end of the first pusher facing away from the first straight section and the end of the second pusher facing away from the second straight section respectively slide in contact with the side wall of the drive cam. An elastic structure, connecting the first pusher and the second pusher, is used to provide an elastic force toward the first pusher and the second pusher toward the drive cam.

8. The sock shaping machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom of the waist-shaped track is provided with a groove; The bottom of the shaping frame is provided with a drive rod, a first pulley, and a second pulley. The drive rod is vertically inserted through the slide groove. The first pulley and the second pulley are rotatably disposed on the drive rod. The first pulley is located inside the waist-shaped track, and the second pulley is located below the waist-shaped track. When the first pusher and the second pusher move away from each other, the second pulley contacts and engages with the first wedge block or the second wedge block.

9. The sock shaping machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, It also includes an automatic loading and unloading device, which is disposed on one side of the second straight section. The automatic loading and unloading device includes: The clamping mechanism includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member disposed opposite to each other, and a drive assembly for driving the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move closer or further apart from each other; A sock feeding channel is located above the clamping mechanism and is used to supply socks to be shaped to the clamping mechanism; A moving mechanism, connected to the clamping mechanism, is used to drive the clamping mechanism to move; The clamping mechanism has a first working state and a second working state: In the first working state, the driving component drives the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move closer to each other, the moving mechanism drives the clamping mechanism to extend into the sock opening of the sock to be shaped, the driving component then drives the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move away from each other to open the sock opening from the inside, the moving mechanism drives the opened sock opening to be fitted onto the sock plate of the shaping frame, after the fitting is completed, the driving component drives the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move closer to each other to release the sock opening, and the moving mechanism drives the clamping mechanism to move away from the sock plate; In the second working state, the drive component drives the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move closer to each other to clamp the sock cuff of the shaped sock, and the moving mechanism drives the clamping mechanism to move, pulling the sock away from the sock board.

10. The sock shaping machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sock feeding channel has a vertically connected material dropping chamber, and a sock inlet is provided on one side of the sock feeding channel; The material discharge chamber is equipped with a sock pressing assembly, which includes rollers symmetrically arranged on both sides of the material discharge chamber and a rotary drive for driving at least one of the rollers to rotate. A gap is formed between the two rollers for the socks to be shaped to pass through. The rollers are used to convey the socks to be shaped downwards. The lower end outlet size of the sock feeding channel is larger than the outer contour size of the first clamping member and the second clamping member when they are close to each other, and the lower end inner wall of the sock feeding channel forms a tapered guide surface that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom. The upper ends of the first clamping member and the second clamping member are provided with guide slopes that cooperate with the tapered guide surface.

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