Method and apparatus for closing a tubular knitted article at one of its axial ends, at the end of its production cycle on a circular knitting machine for hosiery or the like

Abstract

A method for closing a tubular knitted article (20) at one of its axial ends (20a), at the end of its production cycle on a circular knitting machine (10) for hosiery or the like, comprising an initial step of producing the article (20) up to the formation of the last row of knitting, at the axial end (20a) of the article (20) that lies opposite to the axial end at which knitting began, retaining the loops of knitting of the last row of knitting in the head of the needles (12) of the machine (10) that formed them, characterized in that it comprises the following additional operating steps of: – translating the loops of knitting, previously retained in the head of the corresponding needle, along the stem (12) of the needle until they are brought below the corresponding latch (12b) in the "unloaded" position; – positioning coaxially to the needle cylinder (11) an annular handling device (2) provided with pick-up spikes (4) which extend parallel to the needles (12) and so as to correspond to them, at least one first group of the pick-up spikes (4) having, along its longitudinal extension (102), at least one retention portion (5) which extends transversely with respect to the axis of longitudinal extension (102) of the pick-up spike (4), the handling device (2) comprising two semi-annular elements (3a, 3b), one of which (3b) can be overturned with respect to the other (3a) about a diametrical axis (202); – translating, by means of pushers (30), the loops of knitting from the "unloaded" position toward the respective pick-up spike (4) of the handling device (2), the pushers (30) arranged at the pick-up spikes of the first group of spikes translating the corresponding loop of knitting at least to the retention portion (5) of the spikes of the first group; – disengaging the pushers (30) from the loops of knitting; – positioning the article (20) retained by the retention portions (5) of the handling device (2) at a sewing or looping station (200); – turning the article (20) retained by the handling device (2); – superimposing each of the loops of knitting of a half-row of knitting on a corresponding loop of knitting of the other half-row of the last row of knitting on a same pick-up spike (4) of the handling device (2) by means of the overturning, through an arc of substantially 180° around the diametrical axis (202), of one of the two semi-annular elements (3b) of the handling device (2) with respect to the other semi-annular element (3a); – sewing or looping the pairs of mutually superimposed loops of knitting; – disengaging the article (20) from the handling device (2).

Description

[0001] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLOSING A TUBULAR KNITTED ARTICLE AT ONE OF ITS AXIAL ENDS, AT THE END OF ITS PRODUCTION CYCLE ON A CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE FOR HOSIERY OR THE LIKE

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for closing a tubular knitted article at one of its axial ends, at the end of its production cycle on a circular knitting machine for hosiery or the like.

[0003] As is known, tubular knitted articles, such as for example hosiery items, are generally manufactured by means of circular hosiery knitting machines and are unloaded from the machine with both of their axial ends open.

[0004] In the case of hosiery items, after they have been unloaded from the machine that produced them it is necessary to close the toe, an operation which is carried out by means of sewing or looping machines.

[0005] Since this operation requires the use of additional machines and labor, which significantly affects the overall costs of hosiery production, several techniques have been provided to automate the closing of the toe of hosiery items or, more generally, the closing of an axial end of tubular knitted articles manufactured with circular knitting machines for hosiery or the like.

[0006] The various techniques provided to date can be divided into two main categories: a first category comprising techniques based on performing the closure directly on the machine that produces the article, either at the beginning or at the end of its production, and a second category comprising techniques that are based on performing the closure in a dedicated sewing or looping station, which is spaced from the machine that produces the article.

[0007] The first category has the drawback of significantly limiting the machine productivity, since the closing operation takes a certain amount of time, during which the machine cannot produce a new article.

[0008] The second category, to which for example the technique described in IT 1,300,622 belongs, is able to at least partially obviate this problem, since the productive potential of the machines is penalized only as regards the time required for the removal of the article from the machine that produced it, after which time the machine can begin the production of a new article while the previous article is subjected to sewing or looping.

[0009] On the other hand, the operations for transferring the article from the production machine to the looping station often require the use of complex apparatuses that must ensure extremely precise operation.

[0010] In the use of such apparatuses, it has been found that the operation of picking up the article from the needles of the machine that produced it is particularly critical, since it significantly affects the overall transfer time of the article and it is not always able to ensure the required precision.

[0011] EP2250305B1 in the name of Lonati describes a method for closing a tubular knitted article at one of its axial ends, at the end of its production cycle on a circular knitting machine for hosiery or the like, comprising an initial step for producing the article up to the formation of the last row of knitting, at the axial end of the article that lies opposite to the axial end at which knitting began, by retaining the loops of knitting of the last row of knitting in the head of the needles of the machine that formed them, and characterized in that it comprises the following additional operating steps of:

[0012] - individually picking up the loops of knitting by virtue of pickup members arranged against the region of the stem of each needle located proximate to the latch on the opposite side with respect to the head;

[0013] - removing the article from the machine that produced it, retaining each loop of knitting of the last formed row of knitting by means of said pick-up members;

[0014] - positioning the article at a sewing or looping station;

[0015] - a step for the individual passage of the loops of knitting from said pickup members to spikes of an annular handling device composed of two semi-annular elements, one of which can be overturned with respect to the other about a diametrical axis;

[0016] - turning the article retained by said handling device;

[0017] - superimposing each of the loops of knitting of one half-row of knitting on a corresponding loop of knitting of the other half-row of said last row of knitting on a same spike of said handling device by means of the overturning, through an arc of substantially 180° about said diametrical axis, of one of said two semi-annular elements of the handling device with respect to the other semiannular element;

[0018] - sewing or looping the mutually superimposed pairs of loops of knitting;

[0019] - disengaging the article from said handling device.

[0020] Known solutions, while valid, are in some cases complex from a construction standpoint.

[0021] Moreover, compound movements of needles and pick-up elements are often necessary in known solutions to ensure proper transfer of the loops of knitting, and this sometimes makes the relative handling of the various elements problematic.

[0022] The aim of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for closing a tubular knitted article at one of its axial ends, at the end of its production cycle on a circular knitting machine for hosiery or the like, which are capable of avoiding the drawbacks of the background art in one or more of the aspects indicated above.

[0023] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that can be installed on a wide range of circular knitting machines for hosiery or the like.

[0024] A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that is structurally simple, has a small space occupation, and can be manufactured at competitive costs.

[0025] Not least object of the invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for closing a tubular knitted article at one of its axial ends, at the end of its production cycle on a circular knitting machine for hosiery or the like, which are highly reliable, relatively easy to provide, and at competitive costs.

[0026] This aim, as well as these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a method and an apparatus for closing a tubular knitted article at one of its axial ends, at the end of its production cycle on a circular knitting machine for hosiery or the like, according to the independent claims, optionally provided with one or more of the characteristics of the dependent claims.

[0027] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the method and apparatus for closing a tubular knitted article at one of its axial ends, at the end of its production cycle on a circular knitting machine for hosiery or the like according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 is a front view, with parts in cross-section, of a doublecylinder machine in the knitting end configuration and with the needles raised with the last row of knitting in the unloaded position;

[0029] Figures 2 to 4 are views, similar to Figure 1, of the lifting, by a transfer member, of the last row of knitting along the extension of the needles in order to be located at the spikes of a handling device;

[0030] Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1, in which the last loop of knitting is completely transferred to the handling device and in which the transfer member is lowered;

[0031] Figure 6 is a schematic view of the step of positioning the article at a sewing or looping station, in which the handling device and the turner, shown in axial cross- section, are arranged;

[0032] Figure 7 is a view of the step of turning the article retained by the handling device;

[0033] Figure 8 is a sectional view of the step in which the links of a first half-row of the article are transferred with a turn through substantially 180° about the diametrical axis;

[0034] Figure 9 is again a sectional view of the step of superimposing each of the loops of knitting of a half-row of knitting on a corresponding loop of knitting of the other half-row on a same spike of the handling device;

[0035] Figure 10 is a view of the step of sewing or looping mutually superimposed pairs of loops of knitting;

[0036] Figure 11 is again a sectional view of the step of removing the article from the sewing or looping station;

[0037] Figure 12 is a front view, with parts in cross- section, of a singlecylinder machine in the knitting end configuration and with the needles raised, with the last row of knitting in the unloaded position;

[0038] Figures 13 to 15 are views, similar to Figure 1, of the lifting, by a transfer member, of the last row of knitting along the extension of the needles in order to be located at the spikes of a handling device;

[0039] Figure 16 is a view, similar to Figure 12, in which the last loop of knitting is completely transferred to the handling device and in which the transfer member is lowered;

[0040] Figure 17 is a schematic view of the step of positioning the article at a sewing or looping station in which the handling device and the turner, shown in axial cross- section, are arranged;

[0041] Figure 18 is a view of the step of turning the article retained by the handling device;

[0042] Figure 19 is a sectional view of the step in which the links of a first half-row of the article are transferred with a turn through substantially 180° about the diametrical axis;

[0043] Figure 20 is again a sectional view of the step of superimposing each of the loops of knitting of one half-row of knitting on a corresponding loop of knitting of the other half-row on a same spike of the handling device;

[0044] Figure 21 is a view of the step of sewing or looping the mutually superimposed pairs of loops of knitting;

[0045] Figure 22 is again a sectional view of the step of removing the article from the sewing or looping station;

[0046] Figure 23 is a front view, with parts in cross- section, of a singlecylinder machine in the knitting end configuration and with the needles raised, with the last row of knitting in the unloaded position;

[0047] Figures 24 to 26 are views, similar to Figure 23, of the lifting, by a transfer member, of the last row of knitting along the extension of the needles in order to be located at the spikes of a handling device;

[0048] Figure 27 is a view, similar to Figure 23, in which the last loop of knitting is completely transferred to the handling device and in which the transfer member is lowered;

[0049] Figure 28 is a schematic view of the step of positioning the article at a sewing or looping station in which the handling device and the turner, shown in axial cross- section, are arranged;

[0050] Figure 29 is a view of the step of turning the article retained by the handling device;

[0051] Figure 30 is a sectional view of the step in which the loops of a first half-row of the article are transferred with a turn substantially through 180° about the diametrical axis;

[0052] Figure 31 is again a sectional view of the step of superimposing each of the loops of knitting of one half-row of knitting on a corresponding loop of knitting of the other half-row on a same spike of the handling device;

[0053] Figure 32 is a view of the step of sewing or looping mutually superimposed pairs of loops of knitting;

[0054] Figure 33 is again a sectional view of the step of removing the article from the sewing or looping station;

[0055] Figure 34 is a front view, with parts in cross- section, of a double- cylinder machine in the knitting end configuration and with the needles raised, with the last row of knitting in the unloaded position;

[0056] Figures 35 to 37 are views, similar to Figure 1, of the lifting, by a transfer member, of the last row of knitting along the extension of the needles in order to be located at the spikes of a handling device;

[0057] Figure 38 is a view, similar to Figure 34, in which the last loop of knitting is completely transferred to the handling device and in which the transfer member is lowered;

[0058] Figure 39 is a schematic view of the step of positioning the article at a sewing or looping station in which the handling device and the turner, shown in axial cross- section, are arranged;

[0059] Figures 40 and 41 are views of the step of overturning the article held by the handling device;

[0060] Figure 42 is a sectional view of the step in which the loops of a first half-row of the article are transferred with a turn through substantially 180° about the diametrical axis;

[0061] Figure 43 is again a sectional view of the step of superimposing each of the loops of knitting of one half-row of knitting on a corresponding loop of knitting of the other half-row on a same spike of the handling device;

[0062] Figure 44 is a view of the step of sewing or looping mutually superimposed pairs of loops of knitting;

[0063] Figure 45 is, again in cross-section, a view of the step of removing the article from the sewing or looping station;

[0064] Figure 46 is a front view, with parts in cross- section, of a singlecylinder machine in the knitting end configuration and with the needles raised, with the last row of knitting in the unloaded position;

[0065] Figures 47 to 51 are views, similar to Figure 1, of the lifting, by a transfer member, of the last row of knitting along the extension of the needles in order to be located at the spikes of a handling device;

[0066] Figure 52 is a view, similar to Figure 46, in which the last loop of knitting is completely transferred to the handling device in the step for positioning the article at a sewing or looping station in which the handling device and the turner, shown in axial cross-section, are arranged;

[0067] Figure 53 is a view of the step of turning the article retained by the handling device;

[0068] Figure 54 is a sectional view of the step in which the loops of a first half-row of the article are transferred, with a turn through substantially 180° about the diametrical axis;

[0069] Figure 55 is again a sectional view of the step of superimposing each one of the loops of knitting of one half-row on a corresponding loop of knitting of the other half-row on a same spike of the handling device;

[0070] Figure 56 is a view of the step of sewing or looping mutually superimposed pairs of loops of knitting;

[0071] Figure 57 is again a sectional view of the step of removing the article from the sewing or looping station;

[0072] Figure 58 is a view from below of the handling device at the sewing station;

[0073] Figure 59 is a view similar to Figure 58, with one semi-annular element turned through 180° to allow the transfer of the loops of knitting to the other semi-annular element;

[0074] Figure 60 is a view similar to Figures 58 and 59, with the stitcher in the operating condition and in which the semi-annular element that can be turned is angularly spaced from the other semi-annular element;

[0075] Figure 61 is a side view of the device in the condition shown in Figure 58;

[0076] Figure 62 is a side view of the device in the condition shown in Figure 59;

[0077] Figure 63 is a side view of the device in the condition shown in Figure 60;

[0078] Figures 64 and 65 are perspective views of two embodiments of the spikes of the handling device;

[0079] Figure 64a is a view, from another viewpoint, of the spike of Figure 64.

[0080] With reference to the figures, the apparatus, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, for closing a tubular knitted article 20 at one of its axial ends 20a, at the end of its production cycle on a circular knitting machine for hosiery 10 or the like, comprises a handling device 2 provided with an annular body 3 composed of two semi-annular elements 3a, 3b with pick-up spikes 4 arranged according to a cylindrical surface having the axis 101.

[0081] The handling device 2 is movable on command from a pick-up position, in which the axis 101 coincides with the axis 100 of at least one needle cylinder 11 of the machine 10, to a sewing position, in which it is arranged with its body at a sewing or looping station 200 which is spaced laterally with respect to the machine 10.

[0082] The pick-up spikes 4 are engageable, in the pick-up position, with the needles 12 of the needle cylinder 11 of the machine 10 and are adapted to pick up individually the loops of knitting retained on the needles 12.

[0083] According to the present invention, the spikes of at least one first group of pick-up spikes 4 have, along their longitudinal extension 102, at least one retention portion 5 which is extended transversely with respect to the axis of longitudinal extension 102 of said pick-up spike 4.

[0084] The apparatus 1 furthermore has pushers 30, which are adapted to translate the loops of knitting from an "unloaded" position, shown for example in Figure 1, toward the respective pick-up spike 4 of the handling device 2 in the pick-up position, in order to translate the corresponding loop of knitting at least to the corresponding retention portion 5.

[0085] One of the two semi-annular elements 3b can be turned with respect to the other semi-annular element 3a about a diametrical axis 202 to individually arrange face to face and align its pick-up spikes 4 with the pick-up spikes 4 of the other semi-annular element to allow the loops of knitting to be transferred from the spikes of one semi-annular element 3b to the spikes of the other semi-annular element 3a of the body of the handling device 2.

[0086] It is convenient to provide that the first group of pick-up spikes 4 that have, along their longitudinal extension 102, at least one retention portion 5 is constituted at least by the pick-up spikes of the semi-annular elements 3a and 3b arranged proximate to the diametrical axis 202 about which the semi-annular element 3b can be turned.

[0087] In any case, the first group of pick-up spikes 4 can correspond to all the spikes of the semi-annular elements 3a and 3b, or said first group of pick-up spikes 4 can comprise a plurality of spikes arranged angularly spaced around the axis 101 and possibly alternating with spikes not provided with the retention portion.

[0088] With reference to what is shown in Figures 58 to 62, it is convenient for the semi-annular element 3b that can overturn to be rotatably supported, about the axis 202, by an oscillation structure 3c having at least one hinge for articulation with the semi-annular element 3b arranged externally with respect to the extension of the annular body 3.

[0089] Preferably, between the oscillation structure 3 c and the semi-annular element 3b two articulation hinges are provided that are arranged on diametrically opposite sides with respect to the annular body 3 and externally with respect to it, in such a way that during the turning of the semi-annular element 3b about the axis 202 to make its pick-up spikes 4 individually face and align with the pick-up spikes 4 of the other semiannular element in order to allow the passage of the loops of knitting from the spikes of one semi-annular element 3b to the spikes of the other semiannular element 3a of the body of the handling device 2, the loops of knitting engaged with the pick-up spikes 4 arranged proximate to the axis 202 are less subject to forces and stressed. Provisions can also be made, as shown in Figures 60 and 62, for the oscillation structure 3c, which supports the overturning semi-annular element 3b, to be movable on command away from the other semi-annular element 3a so that a fixed stitcher can be used at the sewing or looping station 200, being able to proceed, in order to perform sewing or looping, with the movement of the semi-annular element 3b about the axis 101.

[0090] The apparatus 1 furthermore has a turner 31 for tubular articles 20 which is arranged at the sewing or looping station 200 and can be operated to turn the tubular article 20 retained, at one of its axial ends, by the pick-up spikes 4 of the handling device 2.

[0091] The apparatus 1 furthermore comprises a sewing or looping head 200a arranged at the looping station 200 and provided with sewing or looping elements which interact with the pick-up spikes 4 of one semiannular element 3 a of the body of the handling device 2 to close the axial end 20a of the article 20 by joining the pairs of loops of knitting carried by a same pick-up spike 4 of the semi-annular element 3a of the body of the handling device 2.

[0092] According to a first embodiment, the pushers 30 are supported by the circular machine 10.

[0093] This embodiment is shown in Figures 1 to 11, in which the circular machine 10 is constituted by a double-cylinder circular machine 10a, and in Figures 12 to 22, in which the circular machine 10 is a single-cylinder machine 10b.

[0094] With reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 11, the pushers 30 can be provided by the sinkers 30a.

[0095] With reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 22, in which the circular machine 10 is a single-cylinder machine 10b, the pushers 30 comprise laminar pusher bodies 30b arranged between the sinkers 30a.

[0096] The embodiment shown in Figures 23 to 34 refers to an apparatus 1 in which the circular machine 10 is still a single-cylinder machine 10b but in which the pushers 30, and in particular the laminar pusher bodies 30b, have a different shape than the embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 22.

[0097] The pushers 30, accommodated inside the at least one needle cylinder 11 of the circular machine 10, are associated with control and moving means.

[0098] In particular, the pushers 30 are adapted to move, on command, from a lowered position, in which they are arranged with their portion configured to engage with the loop of knitting, in a downward region with respect to the position of the loop of knitting in the unloaded position, and a raised position, in which they move to an elevation arranged above the retention portion 5 of the respective pick-up spike 4.

[0099] The means for controlling and moving the pushers 30 may for example be mechanical (for example, a cam engaged in a guide) or may comprise motor means such as an electrically or pneumatically actuated linear actuator.

[0100] According to a different embodiment, shown in Figures 34 to 57, the pushers 30 are supported by a supporting body 50 which is separate from the circular machine 10.

[0101] Preferably, the supporting body 50 is supported by the handling device 2.

[0102] With reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 34 to 44, the circular machine 10 comprises a double-cylinder machine 10a.

[0103] In this case, the pushers 30 are supported by a supporting body 50.

[0104] The supporting body 50 is arranged, when the handling device 2 moves to the pick-up position, around the region defined by the needle cylinder 11 and the pick-up spikes 4.

[0105] As shown in Figures 34 to 56, the supporting body 50 comprises an annular body 51 associated with a plurality of pushers 30, in this case extending radially.

[0106] Conveniently, the pushers 30 are movable on command, along a respective radial direction with respect to the axis of the annular body 51 , in order to pass from an inactive condition, in which the tips of the pushers 30 are arranged externally with respect to the needle cylinder 11, to an active condition, in which the tips of the actuation elements 30 are arranged internally with respect to the needle cylinder 11 so that they can engage with the loops of knitting.

[0107] Moreover, the supporting body 50 is movable between a lowered position, so that the pushers 30, in the active condition and in the pick-up position of the handling device 2, can engage the respective loops of knitting in the downward position, and a raised position, in which the pushers 30 move along the stem of the needle 12 to bring the respective loop of knitting to engage with the respective pick-up spike 4 beyond the retention portion 5.

[0108] According to a preferred embodiment, shown in Figures 57 and 58, the retention portion 5 comprises an elastically deformable body 5a in a radial direction with respect to the direction of extension 102 of the pick-up spike 4, in order to pass from an extended condition, in which it has a first space occupation in the radial direction, to a retracted condition, in which it has a second space occupation that is smaller than the first space occupation.

[0109] In particular, the elastically deformable body 5a is configured to pass from the extended condition to the retracted condition as a result of the sliding of a respective loop of knitting at the retention portion 5 and is adapted to pass from the retracted condition to the extended condition once the loop of knitting has moved beyond the retention portion 5.

[0110] By way of example, the elastically deformable body 5a comprises a leaf spring.

[0111] According to a preferred embodiment, the body of the handling device 2 is oriented, in the pick-up position, with its axis 101 vertically and is mounted on an arm which can rotate on command, relative to a supporting structure, about a vertical actuation axis that is spaced from the axis 101 of the body of the handling device 2 for transition from the pick-up position to the sewing position or vice versa.

[0112] The arm can move on command along the vertical actuation axis that corresponds to the axis 101.

[0113] Preferably, the turner 31 is arranged in the sewing or looping station 200 and is composed of a lower portion and an upper portion that can be positioned coaxially to each other, along a main vertical axis that coincides with the axis 101 of the body of the handling device 2.

[0114] The turner 31 comprises a tubular body 31a which can be inserted from the bottom upward through the body of the handling device to overturn the article 20 that is hanging from the grip spikes 4 by everting it on its outer lateral surface, as will become better apparent hereinafter.

[0115] The lower portion of the turner 30 comprises lower means for supporting the tubular body 31a and lower means for actuating said tubular body 31a along the axis 101 to make the tubular body 31a pass through the body of the handling device 2 starting from a lowered position, in which the tubular body 31a faces with its upper axial end in a downward region with respect to the body of the handling device 2, to a raised position, in which it is arranged with its upper axial end above the body of the handling device 2 and with its lower axial end proximate to the body of the handling device 2.

[0116] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for closing a tubular knitted article 20 at one of its axial ends 201 at the end of its production cycle on a circular knitting machine for hosiery 10 or the like.

[0117] The method comprises an initial step of production of the article (not shown in the figures) up to the execution of the last row of knitting, at the axial end 20a of the article that is opposite with respect to the axial end at which knitting began, retaining the loops of knitting of the last row of knitting in the head 12a of the needles 12 of the machine 10 that formed them.

[0118] The machines 10 can be equally double-cylinder machines 10a or single-cylinder machines 10b.

[0119] The method according to the invention comprises the following additional operating steps of:

[0120] - translating the loops of knitting, previously retained in the head of the corresponding needle, along the needle stem 12 until they are brought below the corresponding latch 12b in the "unloaded" position;

[0121] - positioning coaxially to the needle cylinder 11 an annular handling device 2 provided with pick-up spikes 4 that extend parallel to the needles 12 and so as to correspond to them, and have, along their longitudinal extension 102, at least one retention portion 5 which is extended transversely with respect to the axis 102 of longitudinal extension of the pick-up spike 4, the handling device 2 comprising two semi-annular elements 3a, 3b, one of which can be overturned with respect to the other about a diametrical axis 202;

[0122] - translating, by means of pushers 30, the loops of knitting from the "unloaded" position toward the respective pick-up spike 4 of the handling device 2, beyond the respective retention portion 5;

[0123] - disengaging the pushers 30 from their respective loops of knitting;

[0124] - positioning the article 20 retained by the retention portions 5 of the handling device 2 at a sewing or looping station 200;

[0125] - turning the article 20 retained by the handling device 2;

[0126] - superimposing each of the loops of knitting of one half-row of knitting on a corresponding loop of knitting of the other half-row of said last row of knitting on a same pick-up spike 4 of the handling device 2 by overturning, through an arc of substantially 180° about the diametrical axis 202, one of the two semi-annular elements 3b of the handling device 2 with respect to the other semiannular element 3 a; - sewing or looping the mutually superimposed pairs of loops of knitting;

[0127] - disengaging the article 20 from the handling device 2.

[0128] According to one possible embodiment, the step of translating the loops of knitting, previously retained in the head of the corresponding needle, along the needle stem 12 until they are brought below the corresponding latch 12b in the "unloaded" position, is thus performed.

[0129] Once the tubular article has been completed, all the needles lie below the knockover plane of the machine with the loops of knitting of the last row arranged within the head of the corresponding needle.

[0130] The next step provides for raising the upper edge of the suction tube, which is coaxial with the needle cylinder, and turning the needle cylinder.

[0131] During this rotation, cam-like means, arranged for example at the sinker cover, keep the sinkers radially toward the needle cylinder so that during the rotation of the needle cylinder the loops of knitting are retained downward, freeing the needle from the knitting to move toward the lower part of the respective tab 12b.

[0132] This condition is maintained for one full revolution of the needle cylinder, at the end of which suction inside the suction tube is activated.

[0133] In this way the article tends to rise but the sinkers, which are in the forward position at this step, block the traction.

[0134] There is a further step of needle cylinder rotation, during which the sinkers move radially away from the axis of the cylinder so that the loops of knitting tend to close the respective latches 12b, moving above the sinkers.

[0135] At this point the needles are raised until the loops of knitting are brought completely below the respective latch 12b in the "unloaded" position.

[0136] According to a first embodiment, the pushers 30 are supported by the circular machine 10.

[0137] In particular with reference to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 34, the pushers 30 comprise pusher bodies 30a, accommodated inside the at least one needle cylinder 11 of the circular machine 10, and are associated with control and moving means.

[0138] As an alternative, as shown in Figures 35 to 56, the pushers 30 are supported by a supporting body 50 which is separate from the circular machine 10.

[0139] Preferably, the supporting body 50 is associated with or supported by the handling device 2.

[0140] With reference to what is shown in Figures 57 and 58, the retention portion 5 comprises a body 5a which is elastically deformable in a radial direction with respect to the direction of extension 102 of the respective pick-up spike 4 in order to pass between an extended condition, in which it has a first footprint in a radial direction, and a retracted condition in which it has a second footprint that is smaller than the first footprint.

[0141] Advantageously, the elastically deformable body is configured to pass from the extended condition to the retracted condition as a result of the sliding of a respective loop of knitting at the retention portion 5 and is adapted to pass from the retracted condition to the extended condition once the loop of knitting has moved beyond the retention portion 5.

[0142] Conveniently, the elastically deformable body 5a comprises a leaf spring.

[0143] In practice it has been found that the invention achieves its intended aim and objects, providing an apparatus for closing a tubular knitted article at one of its axial ends which allows to simplify the operations for transferring the article from the circular machine to the sewing or looping station.

[0144] In particular, the provided solution in practice avoids the need to use a handling device to pick up and transfer the loops of knitting to the spikes, and allowing direct transfer to the spikes.

[0145] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

[0146] In practice, the materials used, so long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

[0147] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102023000015651 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for closing a tubular knitted article (20) at one of its axial ends (20a), at the end of its production cycle on a circular knitting machine (10) for hosiery or the like, comprising an initial step of producing the article (20) up to the formation of the last row of knitting, at the axial end (20a) of the article (20) that lies opposite to the axial end at which knitting began, retaining the loops of knitting of said last row of knitting in the head of the needles (12) of the machine (10) that formed them, characterized in that it comprises the following additional operating steps of:- translating the loops of knitting, previously retained in the head of the corresponding needle, along the stem (12) of the needle until they are brought below the corresponding latch (12b) in the "unloaded" position;- positioning coaxially to the needle cylinder (11) an annular handling device (2) provided with pick-up spikes (4) which extend parallel to said needles (12) and so as to correspond to them, at least one first group of said pick-up spikes (4) having, along its longitudinal extension (102), at least one retention portion (5) which extends transversely with respect to the axis of longitudinal extension (102) of said pick-up spike (4), said handling device (2) comprising two semi-annular elements (3a, 3b), one of which (3b) can be overturned with respect to the other (3a) about a diametrical axis (202);- translating, by means of pushers (30), said loops of knitting from said "unloaded" position toward the respective pick-up spike (4) of said handling device (2), the pushers (30) arranged at the pick-up spikes of said first group of spikes translating the corresponding loop of knitting at least to the retention portion (5) of the spikes of said first group;- disengaging said pushers (30) from said loops of knitting;- positioning the article (20) retained by said retention portions (5) of said handling device (2) at a sewing or looping station (200);- turning the article (20) retained by said handling device (2);- superimposing each of the loops of knitting of a half-row of knitting on a corresponding loop of knitting of the other half-row of said last row of knitting on a same pick-up spike (4) of said handling device (2) by means of the overturning, through an arc of substantially 180° around said diametrical axis (202), of one of said two semi-annular elements (3b) of the handling device (2) with respect to the other semi-annular element (3a);- sewing or looping the pairs of mutually superimposed loops of knitting;- disengaging the article (20) from said handling device (2).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that said pushers (30) are supported by said circular machine (10).

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. An apparatus (1) for closing a tubular knitted article (20) at an axial end thereof (20a), at the end of its production cycle on a circular knitting machine (10) for hosiery or the like, comprising:- a handling device (2) provided with an annular body composed of two semi-annular elements (3a, 3b) with pick-up spikes (4) arranged along a cylindrical surface having an axis (101) that coincides with the axis (100) of the at least one needle cylinder (11), movable on command from a pick-up position, in which it is arranged with its body coaxially around the needle cylinder (11) of the machine (10), to a sewing position, in which it is arranged with its body at a sewing or looping station (200) which is spaced laterally from the circular machine (10); said pick-up spikes (4) being engageable, in said pick-up position, with the needles (12) of the circular machine (10) and being adapted to pick up individually the loops of knitting retained on said needles (12); characterized in that at least one first group of said pick-up spikes (4) has, along its own longitudinal extension (102), at least one retention portion (5) which is extended transversely with respect to the axis of longitudinal extension of said pick-up spike (4);- pushers (30) adapted to translate said loops of knitting from an "unloaded" position toward the respective pick-up spike (4) of said handling device (2) in said pick-up position, the pushers (30) arranged at the pick-up spikes of said first group of spikes translating the corresponding loop ofknitting at least to the corresponding retention portion (5);- one of said two semi-annular elements (3b) being able to be overturned with respect to the other semi-annular element (3 a) about a diametrical axis (202) to arrange face to face and align individually its pickup spikes (4) with the pick-up spikes (4) of the other semi-annular element (3a) in order to allow the loops of knitting to pass from the pick-up spikes (4) of one semi-annular element (3b) to the pick-up spikes (4) of the other semi-annular element (3a) of the body of the handling device (2);- a turner (31) for tubular articles (20), arranged at said sewing or looping station (200) and actuatable to turn a tubular article (20) retained, at one of its axial ends (20a), by the pick-up spikes (4) of said handling device (2);- a sewing or looping head (200a) arranged at said sewing or looping station (200) and provided with sewing or looping elements which interact with the pick-up spikes (4) of a semi-annular element (3a) of the body of said handling device (2) to close the axial end (20a) of the article (20) by joining the pairs of loops of knitting carried by a same pick-up spike (4) of said semi-annular element (3a) of the body of the handling device (2).

10. The apparatus (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that said pushers (30) are supported by said circular machine (10).

11. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that said pushers (30) comprise pusher bodies (30a, 30b), accommodated internally to said at least one needle cylinder (11) of said circular machine (10), and associated with means for control and movement.

12. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that said pushers (30) are supported by a supporting body (50) which is separate from said circular machine (10).

13. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that said supporting body (50) is supported by said handling device (2).

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

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

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

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

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

19. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 18, characterized in that said first group of pick-up spikes (4) provided with said at least one retention portion (5) comprise at least pick-up spikes of the semi-annular elements (3a, 3b) which are arranged proximate to thediametrical axis (202) about which the semi-annular element (3b) can be overturned.

20. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 19, characterized in that said first group of pick-up spikes (4) comprises all the spikes of said semi-annular elements (3a, 3b).

21. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 20, characterized in that said overturning semi-annular element (3b) is supported, so that it can rotate about the axis (202), by an oscillation structure (3 c) which has at least one hinge for articulation with the semi- annular element (3b) arranged externally with respect to the extension of the annular body (3).

22. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 21, characterized in that said oscillation structure (3c) which supports said overturning semi-annular element (3b) is movable on command away from the other semi-annular element (3a) in such a way as to allow the use, at said sewing or looping station (200), of a fixed stitcher.

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