A sock-gripping device for a sock-sewing and turning machine

Abstract

This utility model discloses a sock-grabbing device for a sock-turning machine, comprising two or more grippers. The two or more grippers are driven synchronously by a drive device, which includes a drive disc and an arc-shaped track device. The arc-shaped track device includes a central positioning rod connecting to a base, which connects the grippers and the drive disc. The drive disc drives the grippers to rotate around the central positioning rod. This utility model uses two or more grippers, driven by the drive disc, to rotate along the arc groove of the arc-shaped track device, thus fully enclosing and gripping the sock located on the outer periphery of the sock-turning tube. This drives the sock to move up and down, assisting in turning the sock and avoiding the technical problem of socks being caught on the outer wall of the sock-turning tube and unable to be turned, where parts of the sock are not gripped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automated sock manufacturing equipment technology, and more specifically, to a sock gripping device for an integrated sock sewing and turning machine. Background Technology

[0002] As a high-end piece of equipment in modern sock manufacturing, the integrated sock-knitting and turning machine combines fully automated functions such as sock knitting, transfer, turning, and toe sewing. In the sock-turning process, the sock needs to be fitted onto a turning tube for inward and outward turning. Traditional auxiliary devices have significant technical shortcomings in this process: their gripping mechanisms typically use a single-sided or less than 360-degree gripping surface design, resulting in insufficient gripping coverage of the sock. This incomplete gripping method leaves some areas of the sock unrestrained, easily causing localized friction and snagging with the turning tube during the turning process. Especially during high-speed continuous operation, this uneven localized force can lead to sock deformation, displacement, or even damage, severely affecting the quality of the turning process and production efficiency. More seriously, when the sock is partially gripped, the ungrabbed areas are prone to wrinkle buildup during the turning process, which can then become stuck on the turning tube, causing machine downtime. Although various improvement schemes exist in existing technologies, none have fundamentally solved the technical challenge of 360-degree omnidirectional synchronous gripping. To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies urgently need improvement. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a sock-grabbing device for a sock-turning machine, which has the advantages of achieving 360-degree all-round gripping of socks by synchronously driving two or more grippers, avoiding local friction and snagging of socks, and improving the efficiency and quality of sock turning.

[0004] This application provides a sock-grabbing device for a sock-turning machine, comprising two or more grippers. The grippers are driven synchronously by a drive device, which includes a drive disc and an arc-shaped track device. The arc-shaped track device includes a central positioning rod connecting to a base, which connects the grippers and the drive disc. The drive disc drives the grippers to rotate around the central positioning rod. This sock-grabbing device for a sock-turning machine uses two or more grippers driven by the drive disc to rotate along the arc groove of the arc-shaped track device, thus fully enclosing and gripping the sock located on the outer periphery of the sock-turning tube. It drives the sock to move up and down to assist in turning the sock, avoiding the technical problem of socks being caught on the outer wall of the sock-turning tube and unable to be turned due to partial gaps in gripping.

[0005] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the gripper includes an arc-shaped gripping surface that cooperates to grip the outer periphery of the sock tube, a connecting piece is provided on the side of the arc-shaped gripping surface, the connecting piece is provided with a first arc-shaped groove, the first arc-shaped groove is fitted with a drive pin installed on the drive plate; the drive plate is provided with a second arc-shaped groove, and a center positioning rod is embedded in the second arc-shaped groove.

[0006] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the central positioning rod is embedded in the second arc groove while simultaneously connecting the first mounting hole of the connecting piece and the second mounting hole of the base.

[0007] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the base has a third mounting hole radially provided on the side of the drive disk, a piston is installed in the third mounting hole, the piston is controlled by a first air inlet on the side of the base, the piston is abutted against a first drive rod, the first drive rod is connected to the drive disk, a second drive rod is provided on the side of the first drive rod to connect to the drive disk, the second drive rod is connected to a third drive rod through a return spring, and the third drive rod is connected to the base.

[0008] Furthermore, this application also proposes that when the first air inlet is in the air intake state, the piston drives the drive disc and the gripper to rotate and grasp the socks on the outer periphery of the sock tube through the first drive rod. When the first air inlet is in the air intake state, the reset spring drives the drive disc and the gripper to rotate in the opposite direction through the second drive rod to release the socks on the outer periphery of the sock tube.

[0009] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the base is a ring structure, with an upper end cover on the upper side of the ring structure and a lower end cover on the lower side of the ring structure, and two or more grippers and driving devices are installed in a sealed manner with the upper and lower end covers in conjunction with the base.

[0010] Furthermore, this application also proposes that two or more grippers, with their arc-shaped gripping surfaces working together, completely cover the outer periphery of the sock's folded-out cuff.

[0011] As can be seen from the above, the sock-grabbing device for a sock-turning machine provided in this application drives multiple grippers to rotate synchronously around the central positioning rod through a drive plate and an arc track device, so that the gripping surface can completely cover the sock 360 degrees. This solves the technical problem of insufficient coverage of traditional gripping mechanisms leading to local friction, and has the advantages of avoiding sock deformation and displacement and improving the stability of sock turning. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional installation structure of a sock-grabbing device for a sock-turning machine according to the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded installation structure of a sock-grabbing device for a sock-turning machine according to the present invention;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional mounting structure of the drive disk in this utility model;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the gripper in this utility model;

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the gripper's gripping mechanism in this utility model.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gripper in the state where it is not gripping the sock in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. The components of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely represents selected embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent drawings. Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0021] In existing technologies, sock-turning machines require an auxiliary device to drive the sock along the turning tube during the turning process. However, existing auxiliary gripping devices suffer from insufficient gripping coverage, typically only achieving a gripping angle slightly greater than 180 degrees, resulting in ineffective control over the sock's edge area. This localized gripping can easily cause the sock to snag on the turning tube surface, leading to turning failure or fabric damage.

[0022] To address the aforementioned issues, the research focused on achieving 360-degree omnidirectional gripping control. Traditional split-type gripping structures have inherent limitations, making it difficult to form a closed gripping loop. Analysis of the drive mechanism's motion trajectory revealed that a synchronous drive method involving rotation around an axis can eliminate phase differences. Further consideration was given to combining multiple gripping units with a central positioning structure, ensuring that each gripping unit maintains its relative position during movement, thus forming a continuous gripping surface.

[0023] Therefore, this application proposes a sock gripping device for a sock sewing and turning machine, including two or more grippers 33, which are driven synchronously by a drive device. The drive device includes a drive disk 2 and an arc track device. The arc track device includes a central positioning rod connecting to the base. The central positioning rod connects the grippers 33 and the drive disk 2. The drive disk 2 drives the grippers 33 to rotate around the central positioning rod 108.

[0024] The drive unit refers to the mechanical transmission system that controls the movement trajectory of the gripper. It can be implemented using cylinders, drive discs, gear transmissions, or crank-connecting rod mechanisms. Its core function is to ensure synchronized movements of multiple grippers. The drive disc is a rotating component with a curved groove structure, which can be a disc structure with a central hole. It converts rotational motion into radial rotational displacement of the gripper. The arc track device is a guiding mechanism that limits the movement path of the gripper. It can be implemented using an arc-shaped track groove in conjunction with guide posts and rollers, used to maintain the circular motion trajectory of the gripper. The center positioning rod is an axial positioning component that passes through the drive disc and the gripper. It can be implemented using a cylindrical rod structure with a limiting flange, serving the dual purpose of fixing the rotation axis and transmitting driving force.

[0025] Specifically, the drive disc rotates around its central axis under the drive of the power source. The rotational motion is converted into radial opening and closing motion of the gripper by the engagement of the drive pin with the arc groove on the gripper connecting plate. The central positioning rod serves as a fixed reference axis, ensuring that all grippers maintain a synchronized angle during movement. As the drive disc rotates, the arc-shaped gripping surfaces of each gripper expand or contract along the circumference, forming a continuous closed gripping ring. The arc-shaped track device constrains the gripper's degrees of freedom, preventing it from deviating in non-radial directions.

[0026] Compared to existing technologies, traditional single-point drive methods struggle to coordinate the synchronous movement of multiple grippers, easily leading to gripping surface breakage. This solution achieves phase locking of multiple grippers through a combination structure of a central positioning rod and a drive disk. The coordinated design of the arc track device and drive pin evenly distributes the rotational driving force to each gripper, eliminating the motion lag phenomenon present in traditional linkage mechanisms.

[0027] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem of sock snagging caused by partial gripping during sock turning. The synchronous movement of multiple grippers can form a complete circumferential gripping surface; preferably, three grippers ensure that the edge of the sock is evenly clamped. The central positioning structure effectively maintains the continuity of the gripping surface, avoiding gripping blind spots caused by structural defects in traditional devices. The guiding effect of the arc track makes the opening and closing process of the gripping surface smoother, reducing the risk of fabric deformation during gripping.

[0028] This application further proposes that the gripper 33 includes an arc-shaped gripping surface 39 that cooperates to grip the outer periphery of the sock tube, and a connecting piece 30 is provided on the side of the arc-shaped gripping surface. The connecting piece 30 is provided with a first arc-shaped groove 32, which is fitted to the drive pin 21 of the drive disk 2. The drive disk 2 is provided with a second arc-shaped groove 20, and a center positioning rod 108 is embedded in the second arc-shaped groove 20.

[0029] The arc-shaped gripping surface refers to the arc-shaped contact surface that matches the outer circumference of the sock tube, and its radius of curvature can match the outer diameter of the sock tube. The connecting piece is a plate-like structure used to transmit driving force; it can be made from laser-cut aluminum alloy sheet or by turning or casting processes, with a thickness of 3-10 mm. The first arc groove is a guide groove extending along the circumference, with a central angle ranging from 60-120 degrees. The drive pin is a cylindrical component that slides into the first arc groove. The second arc groove is an annular guide structure set on the drive disc; it can be machined using a CNC milling machine, and its width can be 0.1-0.3 mm larger than the diameter of the center positioning rod.

[0030] Specifically, when the drive disc rotates under the driving force, the drive pin slides along the first arc groove, pushing the connecting piece to cause the arc gripping surface to move in a circular motion around the central positioning rod. The cooperation between the second arc groove and the central positioning rod ensures the stability of the drive disc's rotation trajectory, while the length and curvature design of the first arc groove can precisely control the opening and closing angle of the gripper. The arc gripping surfaces of each of the three grippers can form a complete annular covering surface when closed. For example, when the drive disc rotates 15 degrees clockwise, the arc gripping surfaces of each gripper synchronously contract towards the center to form a closed state.

[0031] Compared with existing technologies, traditional gripping devices only have a single gripping surface and lack a linkage mechanism, resulting in a limited gripping range. This solution uses the sliding engagement of the drive pin and the first arc groove to keep the movement trajectories of multiple grippers precisely synchronized. Combined with the guiding effect of the second arc groove on the central positioning rod, it ensures that each arc gripping surface can work together to form a complete ring gripping structure, overcoming the deficiency of insufficient gripping angle in traditional devices.

[0032] Through the above technical solution, this application achieves uniform gripping of the entire circumference of the sock's outer circumference, effectively avoiding fabric stretching and deformation caused by local gripping. When the drive disc drives each gripper to close synchronously, the three arc-shaped gripping surfaces together form a continuous closed loop, completely wrapping the outer surface of the sock's outer circumference, eliminating the gripping blind spots present in traditional devices, and preventing the sock edges from snagging or slipping during the folding process.

[0033] This application further proposes that the center positioning rod 108 is embedded in the second arc groove 20 while connecting the first mounting hole 31 of the connecting piece 30 and the second mounting hole 105 of the base 100.

[0034] The first mounting hole refers to a fixing hole on the connecting piece, which can be a through hole or a threaded hole. The connecting piece is locked to the central positioning rod using bolts or pins, forming a linkage between the drive disc and the gripper. The second mounting hole refers to a fixing hole on the base, which can be a countersunk hole or a through hole coaxial with the first mounting hole. The base, drive disc, and connecting piece are rigidly connected by the central positioning rod, ensuring stable motion transmission.

[0035] Specifically, after the central positioning rod passes through the second arc groove of the drive disc, its two ends are inserted into the first mounting hole of the connecting piece and the second mounting hole of the base, respectively. When the drive disc is driven to rotate by an external force, the second arc groove slides along the central positioning rod, while the connecting piece is fixedly connected to the central positioning rod through the first mounting hole, causing the gripper to rotate synchronously around the central positioning rod. The base is fixedly connected to the central positioning rod through the second mounting hole, providing a support reference for the entire device and avoiding gripping deviations caused by structural offsets during rotation.

[0036] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem of misalignment of the gripping surface caused by loose connection of components in the prior art, and ensures that the arc gripping surfaces of multiple grippers always move synchronously around the same axis, thereby realizing complete wrapping and gripping of the outer periphery of the sock and avoiding failure of sock turning caused by local pulling.

[0037] This application further proposes that the base 100 has a third mounting hole 102 radially provided on the side of the drive disk 2, and a piston 104 is installed in the third mounting hole 102. The piston 104 is controlled by the first air inlet 103 on the side of the base 100. The piston 104 is abutted against the first drive rod 22. The first drive rod 22 is connected to the drive disk 2. The side of the first drive rod 22 is provided with a second drive rod 27 connected to the drive disk 2. The second drive rod 27 is connected to the third drive rod 26 through the return spring 23. The third drive rod 26 is connected to the base 100.

[0038] The third mounting hole refers to a through hole or countersunk hole structure radially arranged along the base, specifically implemented as a stepped hole or a straight hole, used to fix the piston's movement path. The piston is a pneumatic actuator, specifically made of metal or engineering plastic, achieving linear reciprocating motion through air pressure changes. The first air inlet is an airflow channel located on the side wall of the base, specifically connected to an air source via a threaded or quick-connect interface, used to control the piston's intake or exhaust. The first and second drive rods are rigid transmission components used to convert the piston's linear motion into the rotational motion of the drive disc. The return spring is an elastic energy storage element, specifically implemented as a helical spring or a disc spring, used to reset the drive disc when air pressure is lost.

[0039] Specifically, when compressed gas is introduced into the first air inlet, the air pressure pushes the piston outward along the third mounting hole. The piston, by pressing against the first drive rod, drives the drive disc to rotate clockwise. The drive disc, through the central positioning rod, simultaneously tightens and grips the sock. When the air intake stops, the return spring, through the linkage of the second and third drive rods, pulls the drive disc counterclockwise, causing the gripper to release the sock. The cooperation between the drive rods and the return spring ensures bidirectional movement switching of the drive disc between air pressure action and spring return.

[0040] Compared to existing technologies, which often rely on single mechanical linkages or manual operation, this solution addresses issues of response delays and incomplete resets. This new solution utilizes a combination of pneumatic drive and spring reset to achieve rapid switching between bidirectional motions of the drive disc. Simultaneously, the rigid transmission characteristics of the drive rod ensure the synchronization and stability of multiple grippers during rotation.

[0041] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem of localized pulling of socks caused by asynchronous driving in existing gripping devices. By combining pneumatic drive and spring reset, the gripping action has the ability to respond quickly and reset accurately, avoiding socks getting stuck on the sock roll due to uneven force on the gripping surface.

[0042] This application further proposes that when the first air inlet 103 is in the air intake state, the piston 104 drives the drive disc 2 and the gripper 33 to rotate and grip the sock 7 on the outer periphery of the sock tube 6 via the first drive rod 22. When the first air inlet 103 stops air intake, the return spring 23 drives the drive disc 2 and the gripper 33 to rotate in the opposite direction via the second drive rod 27 to release the sock on the outer periphery of the sock tube.

[0043] Specifically, when air is supplied through the first air inlet, the compressed gas pushes the piston to move linearly along the third mounting hole, which in turn drives the drive disc to rotate around the central positioning rod via the first drive rod. The rotation of the drive disc, through the engagement of the drive pin and the first arc groove, drives the connecting piece to move, causing the arc gripping surfaces of multiple grippers to simultaneously tighten towards the outer periphery of the sock sleeve to grasp the sock. When air supply stops through the first air inlet, the piston loses its gas pressure support, and the return spring pulls the drive disc to rotate in the opposite direction via the second drive rod. The drive pin slides within the first arc groove to drive the connecting piece to move in the opposite direction, causing the arc gripping surfaces of multiple grippers to simultaneously loosen outward to release the sock.

[0044] Through the above technical solution, this application can accurately control multiple grippers to perform gripping and releasing actions simultaneously, ensuring that the socks are completely covered and the force is even, effectively preventing the socks from getting caught or torn due to local pulling during the sock-turning process, and improving the automation and reliability of the sock-turning process.

[0045] This application further proposes that the base 100 is a ring structure, with an upper end cover 106 on the upper side of the ring structure and a lower end cover 107 on the lower side of the ring structure. The upper end cover 106 and the lower end cover 107 cooperate with the base 100 to seal two or more grippers 33 and driving devices.

[0046] The upper and lower end caps are enclosed components that cover the upper and lower surfaces of the annular base, respectively. They can be connected to the base using bolts or clips to limit the axial displacement of the gripper and drive unit. Sealed installation refers to isolating the internal space from the external environment through a sealed fit between the end caps and the base. This can be achieved using rubber sealing rings or precision-machined surface contact methods to prevent external impurities from entering and maintain the lubrication of the drive components.

[0047] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem of gripper movement deviation caused by impurities in the open drive device, ensuring stable operation of the drive device and gripper in a closed environment, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of sock turning and jamming caused by local gripping failure.

[0048] This application further proposes two or more grippers 33 with their arc-shaped gripping surfaces 39 working together to completely cover the outer periphery of the sock 7 of the folded sock cuff 6.

[0049] The complete coverage refers to the fact that the gripping surfaces of all the grippers combine to form a closed ring structure. Specifically, the unfolding angle of each gripper can be synchronously controlled by the drive device to keep the distance between the edges of adjacent gripping surfaces within a range of 1-5 mm, so that each gripping surface covers the 360-degree area of ​​the outer perimeter of the sock tube end to end. This feature eliminates blind spots in gripping and prevents the sock from detaching from control in some areas.

[0050] Specifically, when the drive unit rotates multiple grippers around the central positioning rod, the arc-shaped gripping surfaces of each gripper form a continuous annular clamping area during the unfolding process. By adjusting the rotation angle of the drive disc, the unfolding range of each gripper can be controlled, ensuring that the clamping diameter formed by the combination of all gripping surfaces is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the folded stocking tube, thereby generating a centripetal clamping force. In the clamping state, the sum of the arc lengths of all gripping surfaces exceeds 95% of the circumference of the folded stocking tube, forming an uninterrupted annular constraint.

[0051] Compared to existing technologies, traditional devices use only a single gripping surface covering an area of ​​approximately 180 degrees, leaving the edges of the sock unsecured. This solution utilizes multiple gripping surfaces working in tandem to extend the clamping area to a complete circumference, eliminating sock shifting caused by uneven local force. When the sock is turned inside out and rotated, the complete wrapping structure synchronously moves the entire sock, preventing localized wrinkles from causing jamming.

[0052] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem of socks snagging on the walls caused by incomplete clamping in traditional devices. The complete wrapping structure ensures even force distribution across all parts of the sock, maintaining stable and synchronous movement during the sock-turning process, effectively preventing fabric fibers from being snagged and damaged by the edges of the sock tube. The synergistic effect of multiple gripping surfaces can adapt to sock tubes of different sizes, maintaining clamping force while avoiding excessive compression that could deform the fabric.

[0053] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A sock grabbing device for a sock turning and sewing integrated machine, comprising two or more than two grippers (33), characterized in that: The two or more grippers (33) are driven to move synchronously by a drive device, which includes a drive disk (2) and an arc track device. The arc track device includes a central positioning rod that connects to the base. The central positioning rod connects the gripper (33) and the drive disk (2). The drive disk (2) drives the gripper (33) to rotate around the central positioning rod (108).

2. The sock-gripping device for a sock-sewing and turning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gripper (33) includes an arc gripping surface (39) that grips the outer periphery of the sock tube. A connecting piece (30) is provided on the side of the arc gripping surface. The connecting piece (30) is provided with a first arc groove (32). The first arc groove (32) is fitted with a drive pin (21) installed on the drive disk (2). The drive disk (2) is provided with a second arc groove (20). A center positioning rod (108) is embedded in the second arc groove (20).

3. The sock-gripping device for a sock-sewing and turning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The central positioning rod (108) is embedded in the second arc groove (20) and simultaneously connects the first mounting hole (31) of the connecting piece (30) and the second mounting hole (105) of the base (100).

4. The sock-gripping device for a sock-sewing and turning machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The base (100) has a third mounting hole (102) radially on the side of the drive disk (2). A piston (104) is installed in the third mounting hole (102). The piston (104) is controlled by the first air inlet (103) on the side of the base (100). The piston (104) is abutted against the first drive rod (22). The first drive rod (22) is connected to the drive disk (2). A second drive rod (27) is provided on the side of the first drive rod (22) to connect to the drive disk (2). The second drive rod (27) is connected to the third drive rod (26) through a return spring (23). The third drive rod (26) is connected to the base (100).

5. The sock-gripping device for a sock-sewing and turning machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the first air inlet (103) is in the air intake state, the piston (104) drives the drive plate (2) and the gripper (33) to rotate and grab the sock (7) on the outer periphery of the sock tube (6) through the first drive rod (22). When the first air inlet (103) stops the air intake state, the reset spring (23) drives the drive plate (2) and the gripper (33) to rotate in the opposite direction through the second drive rod (27) to release the sock on the outer periphery of the sock tube.

6. The sock-gripping device for a sock-sewing and turning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (100) is a ring structure. The upper side of the ring structure is provided with an upper end cover (106), and the lower side of the ring structure is provided with a lower end cover (107). The upper end cover (106) and the lower end cover (107) are used in conjunction with the base (100) to seal two or more grippers (33) and driving devices.

7. The sock-gripping device for a sock-sewing and turning machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The two or more grippers (33) work together with their arc gripping surfaces (39) to completely cover the outer periphery of the sock (7) of the folded sock (6).

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