Linking machine with improved guide for adjusting the edges of two fabrics to be joined

Abstract

To provide a linking machine which solves defects and limits in the prior art.SOLUTION: A linking machine (104) includes: a fixed unit which has a support frame (108); and a movable unit (200). The movable unit has a device (116) for advancing or conveying a fabric, a device (120) for positioning a needle (110) along a lateral direction (X-X), and an operation device (124) of the needle (110) for executing linking. The linking machine (104) includes a supply guide (20). The supply guide has a first stop (21). The first stop (21) can be adjusted in position along the lateral direction (X-X) so that a distance (a) of a seam line (13) from the inside edge of a neck (5) can be adjusted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a linking machine having an improved guide for aligning the edges of two fabric pieces, such as a neck and a sweater, with one another. [Background technology]

[0002] As is known, linking is a processing technique used in the textile sector and consists in joining the edges of two pieces of fabric together, for example to join a collar, cuffs or sleeves to the rest of the garment so that a finished product can be created.

[0003] The edge joining is performed by picking both ends of the fabric, stitch by stitch. A joining thread is "linked" between the end rows of the two edges, thus providing stitch continuity. The join created in this way is very flat and practically impossible to detect.

[0004] The linking operation is a process with significant limitations: -It is slow and expensive. In this regard, it is estimated that this takes up more than 70% of the production time of a garment. Current linking machines are inflexible: in fact, when changing the fineness of the fabric, it requires a different set-up, thus requiring a set-up time that limits its productivity. Linking operators require a lot of experience and skill so that after several months of practice, errors can be reduced to a minimum and the operator can acquire a certain speed and skill. -One of the main problems encountered by people working in this field is excessive eye strain due to the way linking is performed. Such strain, if continued for long periods of time, can result in a progressive deterioration of the worker's eyesight.

[0005] For these reasons, providing a linking machine that can autonomously identify where it is stitching (sewing, stitching together) would be advantageous in terms of speed of execution, cost, and accuracy, as well as improve working conditions for those using the linking machine, reduce their workload, and prevent workplace accidents.

[0006] Figure 1 shows a conventional linking machine, a circular machine where an operator must insert stitches into the ends of two pieces of fabric. The machine then creates stitching points in the pre-positioned knit fabric.

[0007] There are also examples in the art of automatic or semi-automatic linking machines that aim to at least partially overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of manual type machines.

[0008] However, these machines are not without drawbacks that hinder or limit their correct functioning.

[0009] For example, the parts or edges to be joined, such as a neck and sweater, should be correctly presented to the sewing or linking area, i.e., to the needles of a linking machine, in order to join the edges in a manner that is both fast and accurate.

[0010] If the edges are not properly positioned and aligned with the needle, the linking operation will not be performed correctly.

[0011] Prior art solutions do not allow for automatic edge adjustment that is accurate and constant over time, so this operation is usually left to the experience and skill of the operator.

[0012] However, in this method, the speed and efficiency of the linking operation is lost, and the reproducibility and consistency of the quality of the linking operation is not guaranteed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] Therefore, a need is felt to overcome the drawbacks and limitations noted with respect to the prior art.

[0014] In particular, a need is felt to provide a guide that assists an operator in providing fabric, such as a knitted fabric 6 and necks 1, 10, that are properly aligned to be accurately linked by the machine in an accurate, fast, and reproducible manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The need to overcome the drawbacks and limitations of prior art solutions is met by a linking machine as claimed in claim 1. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A shows a diagram of a conventional type of manual linking machine. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of a linking machine suitable for using guides for positioning edges of fabrics to be joined in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary diagram of the joining of a knitted fabric with a folded neck to form a sweater. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a neck that is folded and joined to a knitted fabric. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a knitted fabric in which the neck has to be joined by linking. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a stand-up neck joined to a knitted fabric. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a view of a sweater with the neck folded over after being joined together. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a view of the sweater with a stand-up neck after it has been joined together. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a view of the feed guide attached to the linking machine. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a view of a portion of a feed guide connected to a linking machine. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a view of the feed guide with the folded neck assembled and ready for processing. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a view of the feeding guide with details of the position of the folded neck relative to the feeding guide. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a view of the folded neck attached to the feed guide and in an open position into which the knitted fabric can be inserted. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a view of the plate for spreading the fabric, which is part of the feed guide. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a view of the feed guide with the neck and knit fabric assembled and ready for processing. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a view of the guide parts disassembled from the linking machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of preferred, non-limiting embodiments thereof.

[0018] Elements or parts common to the embodiments described below are referred to by the same reference numerals.

[0019] Referring to the above figures, reference numeral 104 generally indicates a general schematic diagram of a linking machine according to the present invention.

[0020] The linking machine 104 comprises a fixed unit with a support frame 108 for moving and properly operating the needles 110 for joining operations on the fabric, a fabric feeder 116 along a longitudinal direction or axis YY, and a movable unit 200 supported by said fixed unit or support frame 108.

[0021] The movable unit 200 comprises a positioning device 120 for the needles 110 along a transverse direction or axis XX, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction or axis YY and in the same plane as the fabric, and an actuation device 124 for the needles 110 along a vertical direction or axis ZZ, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction YY and the transverse direction XX, for performing stitching.

[0022] The fabric supply device 116 includes a fabric blocking means 128 configured to maintain the fabric pressed against the fabric supply device 116 .

[0023] According to a possible embodiment, the means 128 for blocking the fabric comprises an articulated foot 136 with two rotations that allows the fabric to be pressed evenly even if the fabric has an uneven thickness.

[0024] Preferably, the blocking means 128 is adjustable to adjust the pressure of the foot 136 on the fabric itself.

[0025] The fabric feeder 116 includes an electric motor 130 .

[0026] The positioning device 120 of the needle 110 comprises an electric motor 130 connected to a roller screw or recirculating ball screw 201 which in turn is connected to a movable unit 200 which performs a linear translation of the needle 110 along the lateral direction XX.

[0027] The actuator 124 of the needle 110 includes an electric motor 130 connected to the needle 110 and has a rod-crank connection mechanism that effects the alternating stitching motion of the needle 110 .

[0028] Preferably, the needle 110 passes through a special plate with holes for the needle 110 that limits its deformation and ensures better stitching.

[0029] The fabric is provided with a guide thread inserted into the fabric to identify the multiple segments.

[0030] The guide threads are preferably made of fluorescent material so that they can be easily identified by an appropriate optical system or camera 203. For this purpose, the linking machine 104 is provided with an ultraviolet lighting system 152 with LEDs to highlight the aforementioned fluorescent guide threads.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the ultraviolet lighting system 152 is fitted to the fabric blocking means 128 .

[0032] Preferably, the guide thread 140 is made of a water-soluble or heat-soluble material so that the guide thread can dissolve in subsequent washing of the fabric without requiring manual removal thereof.

[0033] Advantageously, the linking machine 104 comprises a camera 203 suitable for identifying the guide thread. The linking machine 104 further comprises a control unit 156 operatively connected to the camera 203 and to the actuator / electric motor means 130 in the fabric feeding device 116, in the needle 110 positioning device 120 and in the needle 110 actuation device 124.

[0034] In this way, the control unit 156 can determine in real time the target position of the needle 110 as a function of the guide thread, and can control in real time the fabric supply device 116, the needle 110 positioning device 120, and the needle 110 actuator 124 to reach this target stitching position of the needle 110.

[0035] In particular, the fabric feeding device 116, and / or the needle 110 positioning device 120, and / or the needle 110 actuation device 124 include respective electric motors 130 with real-time feedback by the control unit 156 in response to the target stitching position of the needle 110.

[0036] At least one of the fabric feeding device 116, the needle 110 positioning device 120, and the needle 110 actuation device 124 is equipped with a respective real-time feedback electric motor 130, preferably at least two of the above devices 116, 120, 124 are equipped with a respective real-time feedback electric motor 130, and even more preferably all of the devices 116, 120, 124 are equipped with a respective real-time feedback electric motor 130.

[0037] As mentioned above, the linking machine 104 is configured to perform the linking of two separate fabrics.

[0038] In the remainder of the discussion, the joining of a neck 1, 10 (Figs. 3 and 5) to a knitted fabric 6 (Fig. 4) will be taken as an example.

[0039] For the linking operation between two fabrics, for example the necks 1, 10 and the knitted fabric 6, the linking machine advantageously comprises a feed guide 20 for the necks 1, 10 and the knitted fabric 6, which feed guide adjusts the fabric to the location where it is desired to sew the necks 1, 10 to the knitted fabric 6.

[0040] As shown, the feed guide 20 has the purpose of accommodating two or more fabrics.

[0041] In the case of a folded neck 1 and knitted fabric 6, it is required that the seam line 13 that will be made in the end row 4 of the neck 1 coincides with the edge of the neckline 7 of the knitted fabric 6 so as to connect the folded neck 1 to the knitted fabric 6 while meeting the required quality standards, i.e., maintaining the same sewing line 13 as would be obtained from a conventional linking machine (as shown in Figure 1). In other words, the dimensions (a) and (b) in Figure 2 must be taken into account, as explained below. The feed guide 20 must also be able to align the end row 4 of the neck, where the seam line 13 will be made, with the upper edge 5 of the neck, if the neck to be joined is a folded neck 1.

[0042] In the remaining discussion, joining of a folded neck 1 in a knitted fabric 6 will be taken as an example, since joining of a standing neck or unfolded neck 10 is a simpler operation than the corresponding joining of a folded neck 1.

[0043] In particular, the folded neck 1 is a fabric edge closed in a loop with a waste portion called "separating cotton" 3. Separating cotton 3 is also provided in the case of a standing neck 10 which also has the configuration of a fabric edge closed in a loop.

[0044] The knit fabric 6 does not initially have a neck 1 or 10.

[0045] The joining of the knitted fabric 6 with the standing neck 10 or the folded neck 1 forms a sweater which may be a sweater with a folded neck 11 or a sweater with a standing neck 12, respectively.

[0046] The neckline 7 of the knitted fabric 6 presents a different situation that is difficult to manage in the area where the neck 1, 10 is joined.

[0047] For example, along the neckline 7, the fabric has portions 14 that are rolled toward the outside of the knit fabric 6, and sometimes portions 15 that are rolled toward the inside of the knit fabric 6. Additionally, at the shoulders 16 of the knit fabric 6, there are two stitches or joins that change the thickness of the fabric, thus creating portions 16 with a change in thickness. Essentially, the edge of the neckline 7 of the knit fabric 6, where the necks 1, 10 must be joined, is very irregular, with portions 14 that are rolled outward and portions 15 that are rolled inward, as well as portions 16 with a change in thickness.

[0048] For these reasons, it is difficult to manage the fabric due to the correct alignment of the fabric with the neck 1, 10.

[0049] Therefore, to control the neckline 7 of the knitted fabric 6 to which the neck 1 is joined, it is necessary to do the following:

[0050] That is, unrolling or unfolding the edge of the curled neckline 7;

[0051] To bring the edge of the neckline 7 of the knitted fabric 6 to a precise point so as to position the edge of the neckline 7 at a predetermined and constant position regardless of its irregularities.

[0052] This is advantageously possible with the aid of the feed guide 20 .

[0053] As shown, the fabric is conveyed by a belt and roller drive system that comprises the feeder 116. Advantageously, a feed guide 20 is positioned at the beginning of the feeder 116.

[0054] The feed guide 20 is provided with a pin 31 for opening the necks 1, 10 to allow the knitted fabric 6 to be inserted.

[0055] The feed guide 20 comprises a first stop 21 suitable for providing an abutment and positioning for the separating cotton swabs 3 of the necks 1,10.

[0056] Furthermore, the feed guide 20 comprises a first toothed or needle-like dial 28 which presses and holds the separating pad 3 of the neck 1, 10 against the adjustable first stop 21. The first toothed or needle-like dial 28 comprises a plurality of teeth or needles on its periphery for the purpose of engaging and dragging the fabric. Preferably, the first toothed or needle-like dial 28 is pivotable, i.e. it can be tilted or rotated about an axis of rotation parallel to the vertical direction (ZZ).

[0057] The feed guide 20 further comprises a bottom stop 22 configured to align with a bottom edge 27 of the neck 1 .

[0058] The feed guide 20 includes a forming plate 33 for spreading (unfolding) the neckline 7 of the knitted fabric 6. In particular, the forming plate 33 is aligned with a spreading system 32 for the neckline 7 of the knitted fabric 6.

[0059] The feed guide 20 also includes a system 35 for adjusting the pressure of the forming plate 33 .

[0060] Furthermore, the feed guide 20 comprises an adjustable second stop 23 for varying the amount (b) of knitted fabric 6 that is sewn inside the folded neck 1 (see FIG. 2).

[0061] Furthermore, the feed guide 20 comprises a second toothed or needle-like dial 29 for holding and pressing in abutment the bottom edge 27 of the folded neck 1 and for holding the knitted fabric 6 against the second adjustable stop 23. This second toothed or needle-like dial 29 comprises a plurality of teeth or needles on its periphery for the purpose of engaging and dragging the fabric. Preferably, the second toothed or needle-like dial 29 is swivelable, i.e. can be tilted or rotated about an axis of rotation parallel to the vertical direction (ZZ).

[0062] The adjustment that should ideally be obtained between the knitted fabric 6 and the neck 1 can be explained and diagrammed in a simplified way through Figure 2, which illustrates the parameter or quantity (b) called "amount of knitted fabric taken inside the neck" and the quantity (a) called "distance of the seam line 13 from the inner edge 5 of the neck 1", also called the upper end 5 of the neck 1.

[0063] The amount of knitted fabric "b" taken inside the neck can be adjusted by the second stop 23 of the feed guide 20.

[0064] The quantity (a) referred to as the "distance of the seam line 13 from the inner edge 5 of the neck 1" is adjustable by means of the first stop 21 of the feed guide 20.

[0065] Thus, the amounts (a) and (b) shown in Figure 2 can be changed by the adjustable stops 21, 23 and according to the needs of the user.

[0066] To explain the feed guide 20 and its basic elements, which allow for the management and correct adjustment of the fabric, the various steps for joining the folded neck 1 to the knitted fabric 6 will now be described.

[0067] Firstly, the neck 1 in the already folded configuration 25 is attached to the linking machine 104 with the separator 3 facing upwards (FIG. 10).

[0068] Thus, a top or outer edge 26 and a bottom or inner edge 27 of the neck 1 are identified.

[0069] The neck 1 is pulled by a conveying system or feeding device 116 and the feeding guide 20 takes care of adjusting the top edge 26 and bottom edge 27 of the neck 1 to the desired position according to the required specifications, i.e. taking into account the value "a" of the distance of the seam line 13 from the inner edge 5 of the neck 1 and the value "b" of the amount of knitted fabric to be taken inside the neck, as diagrammed in Figure 2.

[0070] Such adjustment is effected by two systems acting separately on the top edge 26 and the bottom edge 27 of the neck 1 .

[0071] In particular, at the top or outer edge 26, the separator wadding 3 is held against the adjustable first stop 21 by a first toothed or needle-like dial 28 oriented to press the separator wadding 3 against the horizontally adjustable first stop 21. Adjusting the tilt of the first toothed or needle-like dial 28, whether such first toothed or needle-like dial 28 is motorized or not, changes the force with which it presses the separator wadding 3 against the first stop 21. Varying the position of the first stop 21 horizontally changes the adjustment of the top edge 26 of the neck 1 relative to the bottom edge 27, thereby varying the amount (a), i.e., the distance of the seam line 13 from the inner edge 5 of the neck 1.

[0072] Similarly, the bottom edge 27, or edge of the neck that terminates on the inside of the knitted fabric 6, is held against the bottom stop 22 by a second toothed or needle-like dial 29. The bottom stop 22 can remain fixed, while the inclination of the second toothed or needle-like dial 29 is adjustable, as shown. By varying the inclination of the second toothed or needle-like dial 29, the thrust force of the second toothed or needle-like dial 29 toward the bottom stop 22 and toward the bottom edge 27 of the neck is varied.

[0073] These two systems, with adjustable stops 21, 22 and toothed or needle-like dials 28, 29, allow perfect adjustment between the top edge 26 and the bottom edge 27 of the neck 1 to obtain a seam line having a predetermined and constant value (a), i.e. the distance of the seam line 13 from the inner edge 5 of the neck 1, along the entire seam line 13 itself.

[0074] During the adjustment of the top or outer edge 26 and the bottom or inner edge 27 of the neck 1, it is necessary to insert the knitted fabric 6, which is unfolded and positioned in the desired position with dimension (b), i.e. the amount of knitted fabric 6 taken inside the neck 1, taking into account the above-mentioned distance (a), i.e. the distance of the seam line 13 from the inner edge 5 of the neck 1, before proceeding to the final sewing or linking.

[0075] To do this, an opening 30 must be provided between the top edge 26 and the bottom edge 27 of the folded neck 1 .

[0076] Such opening 30 is formed by a pin 31 of the feed guide 20 which holds the upper edge 26 of the neck 1 raised before contacting the first needle dial 28 .

[0077] Such a first needle-like dial 28 has two functions: to prevent the upper edge 26 of the neck 1 from falling off the pin 31, and to pull and hold the separating cotton 3 of the neck 1 against the first adjustable stop 21.

[0078] In this opening 30 between the top edge 26 and the bottom edge 27 of the neck 1 , the operator inserts the knitted fabric 6 with the help of the feed guide 20 .

[0079] For the management of the neckline 7 of the knitted fabric 6, as mentioned above, there is provided a spreading system 32 comprising two forming plates 33 with adjustable pressure between them, a horizontally adjustable second stop 23 and a second toothed or needle-like dial 29 useful for pulling and holding the edge of the neckline 7 against the second stop 23.

[0080] Once the knitted fabric 6 is inserted (FIG. 14), a suitably shaped spreading plate 33 (FIG. 13) spreads (unfolds) the edge of the neckline 7, whether it is curled upwards or downwards.

[0081] After being unfolded (expanded), the neckline 7 of the knitted fabric 6 is held against the second stop 23 by the second needle dial 29 .

[0082] Once the neck 7 of the knitted fabric 6 has been inserted by the desired amount (b) inside the unfolded and folded neck 1 by the second stop 23, the opening 30 of the neck 1 must be closed and pressure must be maintained between the top edge 26 and the bottom edge 27 of the neck 1 to prevent the neckline 7 of the knitted fabric 6 from rolling up again or losing its inserted position in the neck 1.

[0083] Closing of the opening 30 of the neck 1 is effected by the first needle dial 28. That is, once the top edge 26 of the neck 1 has passed over the pin 31, which acts to keep the top edge 26 of the neck 1 raised, the first needle dial 28 presses such top edge 26 of the neck 1 downwards, maintaining it against the first stop 21 and bringing it into contact with the knitted fabric 6 clamped between the top edge 26 and the bottom edge 27 of the neck 1.

[0084] Immediately after the fabric is adjusted according to the predetermined values ​​(a) and (b) as shown in FIG. 2, the fabric goes under the fabric blocking means 128, particularly under the foot 136 of the linking machine 104, and is automatically sewn.

[0085] For the joining of the standing neck 10 to the knitted fabric 6, the feeding guide 20 remains the same, with the difference that the standing neck 10 must not be folded and it is as if only the top edge 26 of the folded neck 1 remains. The bottom stop 22 for the bottom edge 27 of the neck 1 remains unused. The remaining parts of the feeding guide 20 remain unchanged in operation. The joining of the standing neck 10 to the knitted fabric 6 is therefore a simplified version of the joining of the folded neck 1 to the knitted fabric 6 described above.

[0086] As can be seen from what has been described, the present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0087] In fact, the linking machine of the present invention is an automated machine that is completely innovative in the way it operates as opposed to known manual linking machines.

[0088] In fact, due to the presence of the upstream feed guide, the downstream linking machine limits itself to identifying and executing stitching points at the folded or standing neck, preferably with the aid of a camera, and fixes said neck to the pre-positioned knitted fabric with the aid of the feed guide.

[0089] In other words, the invention relates to a feed guide that aids an operator in presenting correctly positioned fabrics to a machine, in particular to a camera attached to the machine, connected to a feed or advancement system of fabrics (i.e. knitted fabrics and folded or standing necks), so that the machine can automatically proceed with the subsequent linking operation, i.e. the joining of the correctly positioned and presented fabrics to each other at the linking needles.

[0090] The solution of the present invention makes it possible to modernize linking operations, overcome the limitations of current technology, increase productivity, improve the quality of the treated fabrics, reduce processing costs, and improve working conditions for workers involved in linking.

[0091] In fact, this linking machine can be used by untrained workers who simply have to position the fabric at the base of the needle and operate the linking machine on command, thus the ease of use eliminates much of the training time for personnel.

[0092] Furthermore, the linking machine of the present invention is flexible.

[0093] The processing speed is much faster than manual linking machines, easily exceeding 700 stitches per minute.

[0094] The linking operation is much cheaper and easier to perform, while at the same time increasing productivity and reducing processing time.

[0095] All the drawbacks regarding worker health that result from manual linking are eliminated.

[0096] Those skilled in the art can make some modifications and adjustments to the above-mentioned linking machine and linking method to meet their specific and additional needs, all of which fall within the scope of protection defined in the following claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0097] The present invention can be used in a linking machine. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 20...feed guide, 21...first stop, 22...bottom stop, 23...second stop, 28...first toothed or needle-shaped dial, 29... second toothed or needle-shaped dial, 31... pin, 33... molding plate, 104...linking machine, 116...fabric feeding device, 120... needle positioning device, 124... needle actuation device, 156... control unit.

Claims

1. - a fixed unit including a support frame (108); - a linking machine (104) comprising a mobile unit (200), a device (116) for advancing or conveying the fabric in the longitudinal direction (Y-Y); - a device (120) for positioning the needle (110) in a transverse direction (XX) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (YY) and flush with the fabric; an actuation device (124) for carrying out the linking of the needles (110) in a vertical direction (Z-Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal (Y-Y) and transverse (X-X) directions, The linking machine comprises: It is for two fabrics to be joined, such as a neck, provided with a separating batting (3) and a seam (6), and comprises a feed guide (20) positioned upstream of the needles (110) in the longitudinal direction (Y-Y), said feed guide comprising: - a first stop (21) suitable for forming abutment and positioning with respect to the separating pad (3) of the neck (1, 10), said first stop (21) being adjustable in position along the transverse direction (X-X) so as to be able to adjust the distance (a) of the seam line (13) from the inner edge of the neck; A linking machine, wherein the feed guide (20) comprises a first toothed or needle-like dial (28) that presses and holds the separating cotton (3) of the neck (1, 10) against an adjustable first stop (21).

2. 2. A linking machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first toothed or needle-like dial (28) has a plurality of teeth or needles around its periphery for engaging and dragging the fabric (1, 10, 6).

3. 2. A linking machine according to claim 1, wherein the first toothed or needle-like dial (28) can be oriented or tilted about an axis of rotation parallel to the vertical direction (Z-Z).

4. - a fixed unit including a support frame (108); - a linking machine (104) comprising a mobile unit (200), a device (116) for advancing or conveying the fabric in the longitudinal direction (Y-Y); - a device (120) for positioning the needle (110) in a transverse direction (XX) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (YY) and flush with the fabric; an actuation device (124) for carrying out the linking of the needles (110) in a vertical direction (Z-Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal (Y-Y) and transverse (X-X) directions, The linking machine comprises: It is for two fabrics to be joined, such as a neck, provided with a separating batting (3) and a seam (6), and comprises a feed guide (20) positioned upstream of the needles (110) in the longitudinal direction (Y-Y), said feed guide comprising: - a first stop (21) suitable for forming abutment and positioning with respect to the separating pad (3) of the neck (1, 10), said first stop (21) being adjustable in position along the transverse direction (X-X) so as to be able to adjust the distance (a) of the seam line (13) from the inner edge of the neck; The feed guide (20) is configured to align with the bottom edge (27) of the neck (1, 10) and includes a bottom stop (22) that is adjustable to vary the distance (a) of the seam line (13) from the inner edge (5) of the neck (1, 10).

5. - a fixed unit including a support frame (108); - a linking machine (104) comprising a mobile unit (200), a device (116) for advancing or conveying the fabric in the longitudinal direction (Y-Y); - a device (120) for positioning the needle (110) in a transverse direction (XX) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (YY) and flush with the fabric; an actuation device (124) for carrying out the linking of the needles (110) in a vertical direction (Z-Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal (Y-Y) and transverse (X-X) directions, The linking machine comprises: It is for two fabrics to be joined, such as a neck, provided with a separating batting (3) and a seam (6), and comprises a feed guide (20) positioned upstream of the needles (110) in the longitudinal direction (Y-Y), said feed guide comprising: - a first stop (21) suitable for forming abutment and positioning with respect to the separating pad (3) of the neck (1, 10), said first stop (21) being adjustable in position along the transverse direction (X-X) so as to be able to adjust the distance (a) of the seam line (13) from the inner edge of the neck; The feed guide (20) is configured to abut and receive the neckline (7) of the knitted fabric (6), and includes an adjustable second stop (23) configured to vary the amount (b) of the knitted fabric (6) sewn inside the folded neck (1).

6. - a fixed unit including a support frame (108); - a linking machine (104) comprising a mobile unit (200), a device (116) for advancing or conveying the fabric in the longitudinal direction (Y-Y); - a device (120) for positioning the needle (110) in a transverse direction (XX) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (YY) and flush with the fabric; an actuation device (124) for carrying out the linking of the needles (110) in a vertical direction (Z-Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal (Y-Y) and transverse (X-X) directions, The linking machine comprises: It is for two fabrics to be joined, such as a neck, provided with a separating batting (3) and a seam (6), and comprises a feed guide (20) positioned upstream of the needles (110) in the longitudinal direction (Y-Y), said feed guide comprising: - a first stop (21) suitable for forming abutment and positioning with respect to the separating pad (3) of the neck (1, 10), said first stop (21) being adjustable in position along the transverse direction (X-X) so as to be able to adjust the distance (a) of the seam line (13) from the inner edge of the neck; The feed guide (20) holds and abuts (22) against the bottom edge (27) of the folded neck (1), and is provided with a second toothed or needle-like dial (29) that holds the knitted fabric (6) against a second adjustable stop (23).

7. 7. A linking machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second toothed or needle-like dial (29) has a plurality of teeth or needles on its periphery for engaging and dragging the fabric (1, 10, 6).

8. 8. A linking machine according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second toothed or needle-shaped dial (29) is swivelable, i.e. can be tilted or rotated about an axis of rotation parallel to the vertical direction (Z-Z).

9. - a fixed unit including a support frame (108); - a linking machine (104) comprising a mobile unit (200), a device (116) for advancing or conveying the fabric in the longitudinal direction (Y-Y); - a device (120) for positioning the needle (110) in a transverse direction (XX) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (YY) and flush with the fabric; an actuation device (124) for carrying out the linking of the needles (110) in a vertical direction (Z-Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal (Y-Y) and transverse (X-X) directions, The linking machine comprises: It is for two fabrics to be joined, such as a neck, provided with a separating batting (3) and a seam (6), and comprises a feed guide (20) positioned upstream of the needles (110) in the longitudinal direction (Y-Y), said feed guide comprising: - a first stop (21) suitable for forming abutment and positioning with respect to the separating pad (3) of the neck (1, 10), said first stop (21) being adjustable in position along the transverse direction (X-X) so as to be able to adjust the distance (a) of the seam line (13) from the inner edge of the neck; The feed guide (20) comprises a forming plate (33) for developing the neckline (7) of the knitted fabric (6); A linking machine, wherein the supply guide (20) is provided with a system (35) for adjusting the pressure of the forming plate (33).

10. 10. A linking machine according to claim 9, wherein the forming plate (33) has a mounting edge with a wavy pattern.

11. 11. The linking machine of claim 10, wherein the wave pattern is sinusoidal.

12. - a fixed unit including a support frame (108); - a linking machine (104) comprising a mobile unit (200), a device (116) for advancing or conveying the fabric in the longitudinal direction (Y-Y); - a device (120) for positioning the needle (110) in a transverse direction (XX) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (YY) and flush with the fabric; an actuation device (124) for carrying out the linking of the needles (110) in a vertical direction (Z-Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal (Y-Y) and transverse (X-X) directions, The linking machine comprises: It is for two fabrics to be joined, such as a neck, provided with a separating batting (3) and a seam (6), and comprises a feed guide (20) positioned upstream of the needles (110) in the longitudinal direction (Y-Y), said feed guide comprising: - a first stop (21) suitable for forming abutment and positioning with respect to the separating pad (3) of the neck (1, 10), said first stop (21) being adjustable in position along the transverse direction (X-X) so as to be able to adjust the distance (a) of the seam line (13) from the inner edge of the neck; A linking machine, wherein the feed guide (20) is provided with a pin (31) that opens the neck (1, 10) and allows the insertion of the knitted fabric (6).

13. The linking machine (104) comprises a camera (203) suitable for detecting a guide thread (140) provided on at least one fabric to be stitched, the guide thread (140) being inserted inside the fabric so as to identify a plurality of segments; the linking machine (104) comprises a control unit (156) operatively connected to the camera (203) and to an actuator of the fabric feeding device (116), to an actuator of the needle positioning device (120) and to an actuator of the needle actuation device (124); The control unit determines in real time the target sewing position of the needle (110) as a function of the guide thread (140), and controls in real time the fabric supply device (116), the needle positioning device (120), and the needle (110) actuator device (124) to reach the target sewing position of the needle (110).

13. A linking machine according to claim 1, 4, 5, 6, 9 or 12.

Images