ITMO20110242A1 - TEXTILE MACHINE FOR FABRIC OR KNITTING HEADS - Google Patents

Description

Description of Patent for Industrial Invention entitled:

â € œTextile MACHINE FOR THE MAKING OF FABRIC OR KNITTED GARMENTSâ €.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a textile machine for making fabric or knitted garments.

As is known, industrially made fabric or knitted garments such as, for example, sheets, towels, sweaters, etc ..., have a useful portion, which constitutes the actual garment or garment, and a preparation portion associated with the useful portion and intended to be removed. More specifically, the preparation portion comprises a support thread, generally of the elastic type, a removable part (made of cotton, wool, etc ...) associated with the support thread and a temporary thread, generally made of nylon or similar. , associated with the removable part and interposed between the latter and the useful portion (also made of cotton, wool, etc ...).

Generally, once the garment has been completed, an operator manually cuts the ends of the temporary thread and removes it from the relative end, thus causing the separation of the preparation portion from the useful portion.

Known textile machines generally consist of a bearing frame to which two plates are associated with each other spaced apart to define a gap and each provided with a plurality of moving needles approaching / moving away from the gap itself.

Above the plates, one or more mobile wire guide elements can be positioned parallel to the development of the interspace and suitable for positioning the support wire, the working wires for the realization of the useful portion and the removable part and the temporary wire in correspondence with the interspace itself . The needles supported by the plates can then be operated to intercept the threads positioned by the thread guide elements according to a predetermined program. More in detail, the support thread is â € œworkedâ € by the needles in such a way as to intertwine it on itself defining a plurality of knots arranged at the center line of the gap.

Known machines also include a movable element, defined in jargon as a `` comb '', which is interposed between the aforementioned plates and which is able to grasp the nodes of the support wire to drag it downwards during construction. of the relative head.

During the realization of the removable part in fabric or knitted fabric, the reed continues to descend and the temporary thread is positioned in correspondence of the gap by the relative thread guide element so as to intertwine with the removable part being worked. It is evident that the modalities with which a fabric or knitted garment is currently made and, therefore, the relative textile machines used, have drawbacks.

In fact, the manual removal of the temporary thread and, therefore, of the preparation portion from the useful portion of a fabric or knitted garment made according to known techniques, is very impractical and fast. More specifically, this manual removal requires the constant presence of an operator near the textile machine and involves an increase in the time required for the packaging of the various garments thus made.

All this inevitably affects the final cost of the product thus created.

The main task of the present invention is to devise a textile machine which allows the removal of the temporary thread of a fabric or knitted garment to be carried out automatically, ie without requiring the presence of an operator.

Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to reduce the time necessary for the packaging of the garments, thus improving the overall performance of the textile machine used.

An object of the present invention is to reduce the final cost of the garment made.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a textile machine for the production of fabric or knitted garments which allows to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art in the context of a simple, rational, easy and effective use and low cost. The above objects are achieved by the present textile machine for the production of fabric or knitted garments of the type comprising a useful portion and a preparation portion associated with the useful portion and intended to be removed, where the preparation portion is provided with at least a support wire, of a removable part and of a temporary wire interposed between the removable part and the useful portion, said machine comprising:

- a bearing frame;

- two support plates associated with said frame, arranged facing each other and spaced apart to define an interspace interposed between them, where each of said plates comprises a plurality of needles suitable for making the useful portion and the preparation portion of a head; - one or more wire guide elements movable above said plates to position said support wire at a predefined height, in correspondence with said gap, one or more working wires for the realization of the useful portion and the removable part and said temporary wire and where said needles can be operated to intercept said threads each time positioned by the relative thread guide elements; characterized in that it comprises gripping means which can be operated in motion with respect to said plates to intercept the provisional thread positioned by the relative thread guide element and means for unthreading the provisional thread intercepted by said gripping means for its removal from the relative end.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a textile machine, illustrated by way of indication, but not of limitation, in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a machine according to the invention, with the gripping element in the rest position;

figure 2 is an enlargement of a detail of the machine of figure 1; figure 3 is an axonometric view of the machine of figure 1 with the gripping element in the gripping position;

figure 4 is an enlargement of the machine of figure 1 with the gripping element returned to the rest position and in engagement with the temporary wire;

figure 5 is an axonometric view of the machine of figure 1 with the dragging element in the second working position;

figure 6 is an enlargement of the machine of figure 5 with the dragging element returned to the first working position and the temporary wire gripped between the rollers;

figure 7 is a simplified representation of a garment with the preparation portion joined to the useful portion.

With particular reference to these figures, the reference number 1 globally indicates a textile machine.

The textile machine 1 is suitable for making garments C in fabric or knitted fabrics of the type comprising a useful portion U to which a preparation portion P destined to be removed is associated; where the preparation portion P is provided with at least one support thread S, for example of the type of an elastic band, a removable part R and a temporary thread N interposed between the removable part R and the useful portion U. provisional N is generally made of nylon or similar.

In the production of the items C, the machine 1 operates according to the methods known to those skilled in the art and which are not reported here in detail. The machine 1 comprises a bearing frame (not shown in the figures for simplicity of representation) to which two plates 2 are associated, arranged facing each other and spaced apart to define an interspace 3 interposed between them.

Each plate 2 comprises a plurality of weaving needles, not visible in detail in the figures, which can be operated to make the useful portion U and the preparation portion P. More in detail, as shown in the attached figures, the plates 2 define of the respective inclined planes and the weaving needles are movable along these inclined planes.

The machine 1 then comprises one or more wire guide elements 4, arranged above the plates 2 and movable along a direction substantially parallel to the interspace 3, suitable for positioning at a predefined working height, in correspondence with the interspace itself, the support thread S, one or more working threads F for the realization of the useful portion U and the removable part R and the temporary thread N; the aforementioned weaving needles being operable to intercept the threads S, F and N each time positioned by the relative thread guide elements 4.

Conveniently, the machine 1 comprises guide means 5 for the wire guide elements 4 arranged above the plates 2 and which develop parallel to the interspace 3. More particularly, the guide means 5 have a greater extension than that of the interspace 3 and the wire guide elements 4 have at least one relative end-of-stroke position which is arranged laterally with respect to the overall dimensions of the plates 2.

Advantageously, a so-called `` comb '' is interposed between the plates 2, identified with the reference number 6, which is vertically movable and is provided with one or more hooking elements 7, shaped like a hook, suitable for intercepting the support wire S positioned by the relative guiding element 4 in correspondence with the interspace 3. The comb 6 can be operated upwards to allow the support wire S to be gripped by the hooking elements 7 and downwards to carry out the dragging of the support yarn itself during the weaving of a garment C.

Conveniently, the reed 6 is movable between two stroke-end positions, an upper stroke-end position, in correspondence with which the coupling elements 7 protrude from the interspace 3, and a lower stroke-end position; during the journey from the upper end position to the lower end position, the reed 6 drags the item C with it while it is being produced.

More particularly, the machine 1 comprises two gripping cylinders 8 (in the figures only one is drawn for simplicity of representation) movable in the direction of mutual approach / departure, which are activated when the lower end position of the comb 6 is reached. in such a way as to approach each other by engaging the useful portion U dragged downwards by the reed itself during the production of the relative end C.

According to the invention, the machine 1 comprises means 9 for gripping the provisional thread N which can be operated in motion with respect to the plates 2 to intercept the provisional thread P positioned and retained by the relative thread guide element 4 and means for unthreading 10 of the provisional thread N intercepted by the means gripping element 9 for its removal from the relative end C. Advantageously, the gripping means 9 comprise at least one gripping element 11, arranged laterally to the plates 2 and movable between at least one rest position, in which it is arranged below the level of work of the yarn guide elements 4 (and therefore below the height of the temporary yarn N positioned by the relative yarn guide element 4), and a gripping position, in which it is raised with respect to the working height of the yarn guide elements 4; the gripping element 11 is therefore movable alternately between the rest position and the gripping position, making a return stroke respectively, to intercept the provisional wire N.

More particularly, in its travel from the rest position to the gripping position and vice versa, the gripping element 11 is also movable with respect to the reed 6.

As can be easily understood, the gripping element 11 has a plurality of rest positions, ie all those in which its height is lower than the working height of the wire guide elements 4.

More in detail, the gripping element 1 1, for example shaped like a hook, is arranged in correspondence with the interspace 3, in such a way as to be aligned with the temporary wire N as positioned by the relative wire guide element 4, and moves substantially vertically between the rest position and the gripping position.

The gripping element 11 is interposed between a lateral end of the plates 2 and the end position of the wire guide element 4 which supports the temporary wire N.

In the preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment shown in the figures, the gripping means 9 comprise a support element 12 integrally associated with the comb 6 and supporting at least first motor means (not visible in detail in the figures) connected to the socket 11. The first motor means, for example of the type of an electric motor, therefore move integrally with the reed 6 and, when activated, are able to move the gripping element 11 with respect to the reed 6 itself.

Preferably, the machine 1 comprises first means for activating the displacement of the gripping element 11 from the rest position towards the gripping position.

More in detail, the first activation means comprise a first sensor, for example a position sensor, operatively connected to the gripping element 11 and which is activated when the end of stroke position is reached by the yarn guide element 4 which supports the provisional wire N. The first sensor is electrically connected to the first motor means, sending them an electrical start signal when they detect the end position of the wire guide element 4 which supports the provisional wire N. motor means, therefore, activated by the first sensor, drive the gripping element 11 in translation by lifting it from the relative rest position towards the gripping position. The gripping element 11 therefore moves integrally with the comb 6 until the first motor means are activated.

However, alternative embodiments are not excluded in which the first activation means comprise a timer which is activated when the reed begins to descend downwards from the upper end-of-stroke position and which is able to activate, after a predefined time interval, the first motor means for moving the gripping element 11.

Conveniently, the outward and return strokes of the gripping element 11 are timed. More precisely, the first activation means are equipped with a first timer, which can also be activated by the signal emitted by the first sensor, operatively connected to the first motor means to command the reversal of motion and stop after an interval of time. preset.

At the end of the return stroke, the gripping element 11, now engaged with the provisional thread N, resumes moving downwards integrally with the reed 6.

Advantageously, the unthreading means 10 comprise at least one rotatable element which can be rotated about a relative axis to remove the provisional thread N from the relative end C.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the unthreading means 10 comprise at least one pair of rollers 14 which can be positioned on opposite sides of the provisional thread N and can be rotated to remove the provisional thread itself. The rollers 14 are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

More particularly, the rollers 14 are movable in the direction of mutual approaching and moving away between a rest position, in which they are separated from each other, and an extraction position, in which they are brought closer together with respect to the rest position to contact from opposite sides. the temporary thread N.

The unthreading means 10 comprise second motor means 15 adapted to rotate at least one of the rollers 14 around the relative axis in their unthreading position.

More particularly, the rollers 14 are adapted to be driven in rotation following the reaching of the lower end-of-stroke position by the reed 6.

Advantageously, the unthreading means 10 also comprise at least one dragging element 16 which can be moved to intercept the portion of the provisional thread N interposed between the gripping element 11 and the relative thread guide element 4 and guide this portion between the rollers 14.

Preferably, the dragging element 16 is also movable between a first position, in which it is spaced from the provisional thread N, and a second position, in which the provisional thread N is arranged on the opposite side with respect to the first position. The alternating displacement of the dragging element 16 from the first to the second position and vice versa allows the dragging element itself to intercept the provisional wire N.

More specifically, the driving element 16 moves transversely with respect to the direction of movement of the gripping element 11. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the driving element 16 moves along a substantially horizontal plane and It is arranged at a substantially higher level than the height assumed by the gripping element 11 in the lower end position of the comb 6.

The dragging element 16 is therefore arranged on a part of the rollers 14 (ie on a part of the plane comprising the rotation axes of the rollers themselves) in the first position and on the opposite side in the second position; during the outward and return strokes of the dragging element 16 the rollers 14 being in their respective rest position. The movement of the rollers 14 from the rest position to the extraction position is substantially activated at the end of the return stroke of the dragging element 16.

The unthreading means 10 comprise third motor means 17, for example constituted by an electric motor, connected to the dragging element 16 and adapted to move it between the first and second working positions.

Preferably, the machine 1 comprises second means for activating the unthreading means 10 which are activated upon reaching the end-of-stroke position of the reed 6, ie when the cylinders 8 engage the garment C in the weaving phase, retaining it.

More in detail, the second activation means comprise at least a second sensor operatively connected to the dragging element 16 and which is activated when the lower end stroke position of the reed 6 is reached.

The second sensor is electrically connected to the third motor means 17, sending them an electric start signal at the moment, or after a predefined time interval, in which they detect the lower end position of the reed 6. The third motor means 17, then, activated by the second sensor, they move the dragging element 16 in translation, moving it from the first to the second position.

Conveniently, the outward and return journeys of the dragging element 16 are timed. More precisely, the second activation means are equipped with a second timer, which can also be activated by the signal emitted by the second sensor, operatively connected to the third motor means 17 to command the reversal of motion and stop after an interval preset time.

Preferably, the activation of the movement of the rollers 14 is controlled by the second timer which regulates the duration of the outward and return strokes of the dragging element 16. Alternatively, further means for activating the movement of the rollers 14 can be provided from the rest position towards the extraction position which comprise a further sensor able to detect the return stroke end position of the dragging element 16.

Conveniently, the second motor means 15 which activate the rotation of the rollers 14 are also operatively connected to the second timer or to the further sensor adapted to detect the position of the driving element 16. Also the rotation of the rollers 14 around to the respective axes in the winding position is timed.

Advantageously, the machine 1 comprises cutting means, not visible in the figures, suitable for cutting the ends of the provisional thread N after the rollers 14 have moved to the winding position and are therefore in contact with the provisional thread itself.

However, alternative embodiments of the unthreading means 10 are not excluded. In one of these alternative embodiments (not shown in the figures), the unthreading means 10 comprise a spool element which can be rotated and provided with a Slot for the passage of the gripping element inside. Advantageously, this spool element has, at its upper end, at least one recess suitable for receiving the provisional thread N.

Preferably, the spool element has a substantially circular profile and variable section, in such a way as to allow winding of the temporary wire itself on its external surface.

Also in this alternative embodiment, the spool element is activated in rotation for a predefined time interval when the reed 6 end stroke position is reached.

In a further embodiment, the unthreading means 10 substantially coincide with the gripping means 9, for example in the case in which the gripping element 11 is also movable in rotation around a relative axis in such a way as to cause the winding of the temporary wire N.

The operation of the present invention is as follows.

As known to those skilled in the art, the production of an end C begins by positioning, by means of a wire guide element 4, a support wire S in correspondence with the interspace 3 so that this support wire S can be intercepted by the hooking elements 7 of comb 6.

Subsequently, the weaving of the removable part R begins, during which the provisional thread N is also positioned in correspondence with the interspace 3 in such a way as to intertwine with the working thread F being prepared.

During these operations, the gripping element 11 remains in a rest position, i.e. below the working height of the yarn guide elements 4 and, therefore, below the level of the yarns S, N and F positioned at the top. at a time in correspondence with the interspace 3. This is to prevent the gripping element 1 1 from interfering with the stroke of the yarn guide elements 4 or intercepting one of the yarns S and F, thus jeopardizing the realization of the preparation portion P.

During the realization of the preparation portion P, the comb 6 descends downwards, dragging with it the removable part R made up to that moment.

When the wire guide element 4 which supports the provisional wire N, and which performs a plurality of strokes in the opposite direction, reaches the end stroke position, the first sensor sends a corresponding signal to the first motor means which consequently move the gripping element 11 in translation bringing it into the relative gripping position. The gripping element 11 then moves to a height higher than that of the provisional thread N supported by the relative thread guide element 4 and during its return stroke towards the rest position it intercepts it by dragging it downwards.

Once the return stroke is completed, the gripping element 11 is positioned at a lower level than that of the coupling elements 7 and moves integrally with the comb 6.

As the reed 6 descends, the inclination of the portion of the provisional thread N, interposed between the gripping element 11 and the relative guiding element 4, increases.

When the reed 6 reaches the lower end-of-stroke position, the cylinders 8 move in the direction of mutual approach going to contact the end C, holding it, and the second sensor sends a signal to the third motor means 17 which actuate, instantaneously or after an interval time, the drag element 16.

In this position of the reed 6, the portion of the provisional thread N interposed between the gripping element 11 and the relative thread guide element 4 is arranged substantially vertical or, in any case, has a reduced angle with respect to the vertical.

The dragging element 16 then moves, following the signal emitted by the second sensor, from the first to the second working position, approaching the provisional wire N.

To reach the second position, in correspondence with which it is arranged beyond the provisional wire N with respect to the first position, the dragging element 16 passes between the rollers 14.

During the return stroke towards the first position, with the rollers 14 always arranged in their rest position, the dragging element 16 intercepts the portion of the provisional thread N interposed between the gripping element 11 and the relative thread guide element 4, dragging it along with you through the rollers 14.

When the driving element 16 has again reached the first position, the rollers 14 approach each other until they contact the provisional wire N interposed between them. In this configuration, the provisional thread N is then held by the rollers 14 and the cutting means of the machine 1 are automatically activated to cut its ends.

At this point the second motor means 15 rotate at least one of the two rollers 14, pulling it out from the end C and consequently causing the detachment of the preparation portion P.

In practice it has been found that the described invention achieves the intended aim and objects and in particular it is emphasized that the gripping means and the unthreading means allow the temporary thread to be removed automatically and without the intervention of any operator. N. This makes it possible to ensure that at the end of the weaving phase the useful portion of the garment made is already separated from the relative preparation portion and ready for packaging.

It is therefore easy to understand how the machine according to the invention allows to significantly reduce the time required for the preparation of the useful portion to be packaged, simplifying the activities of the operator and consequently reducing the costs of the finished product.

Claims (17)

CLAIMS 1) Textile machine (1) for the production of garments (C) in fabric or knitted fabrics of the type comprising a useful portion (U) and a preparation portion (P) associated with the useful portion (U) and intended to be removed, where the preparation portion (P) is provided with at least one support wire (S), a removable part (R) and a temporary wire (N) interposed between the removable part (R) and the useful portion (U) , said machine (1) comprising: - a bearing frame; - two support plates (2) associated with said frame, arranged facing each other and spaced apart to define an interspace (3) interposed between them, where each of said plates (2) comprises a plurality of needles suitable for making the useful portion (U) and the preparation portion (P) of a garment (C); - one or more guiding elements (4) movable above said plates (2) to position at a predefined height, in correspondence with said interspace (3), said support wire (S), one or more working wires (F) for the realization of the useful portion (U) and of the removable part (R) and said temporary thread (N) and where said needles can be operated to intercept said threads (S, F, N) each time positioned by the relative thread guide elements ( 4); characterized in that it comprises gripping means (9) which can be operated in movement with respect to said plates (2) to intercept the provisional thread (N) positioned by the relative thread guide element (4) and means for the unthreading (10) of the provisional thread (N ) intercepted by said gripping means (9) for its removal from the relative end (C). 2) Machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said gripping means (9) comprise at least one gripping element (11), arranged laterally to said plates (2), where said gripping element (11) is ̈ movable between at least one rest position, in which it is lowered with respect to said predefined height, and a gripping position, in which said gripping element (11) is raised with respect to said predefined height, making a forward and return to and from said gripping position to intercept said provisional thread (N). 3) Machine (1) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that said thread guide elements (4) have a relative end-of-stroke position arranged laterally with respect to the overall dimensions of said plates (2) and by the fact that said gripping element ( 11) is interposed between said end-of-stroke position and said plates (2). 4) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises first means for activating the movement of said gripping element (11) towards said gripping position. 5) Machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said first activation means comprise a first sensor operatively connected to said gripping element (11) and which is activated when the end-of-stroke position is reached by the wire guide element (4) which supports said temporary wire (N). 6) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first activation means comprise at least a first timer adapted to control the duration of the forward stroke and the return stroke of said gripping element (11) . 7) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one vertically movable reed (6) provided with one or more hooking elements (7) suitable for intercepting said support wire (S) positioned by a relative wire guide element (4) in correspondence with said interspace (3), said reed (6) being liftable to allow said support wire (S) to be gripped by said hooking elements (7) and being movable towards the bottom to carry out the dragging of the support wire itself and characterized by the fact that said gripping means (9) can be operated in movement with respect to said reed (6) to intercept the provisional wire (N) positioned by the relative wire guide element (4) . 8) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said gripping element (11) moves with respect to said comb (6) during its outward and return strokes while at the end of the return stroke from said gripping position to said rest position it moves integrally with said comb (6). 9) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said unthreading means (10) comprise at least one rotating element which can be operated in rotation around a relative axis and adapted to intercept the portion of the provisional thread (N ) interposed between said gripping element (1 1) and the relative thread guide element (4). 10) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said unthreading means (10) comprise at least one pair of rollers (14) which can be positioned on opposite sides of said provisional thread (N) and can be rotated to wrap the temporary wire itself. 11) Machine (1) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that said rollers (14) are movable in the direction of mutual approach / departure between a rest position, in which they are spaced apart, and an extraction position, in which they are brought closer together so as to contact on opposite sides the portion of the provisional thread interposed between said grip element (11) and the relative thread guide element (4). 12) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said unthreading means (10) comprise at least one driving element (16) suitable for positioning said provisional wire (N) between said pair of rollers ( 14), said dragging element (16) being alternatively movable between a first and a second working position to intercept the portion of said temporary thread (N) interposed between the gripping element itself and the relative thread guiding element (4) . 13) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said driving element (16) moves transversely with respect to the direction of movement of said gripping element (11). 14) Machine (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said driving element (16) is arranged on one side of said rollers (14) in the first position and on the opposite side in the second position, said rollers ( 14) being arranged in the relative rest position during the travel of said dragging element (16) from the first to the second position and vice versa. 15) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises second means for activating said unthreading means (10) adapted to operate them when the lower end-stroke position of said comb (6) is reached. 16) Machine (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that said second activation means comprise at least a second sensor operatively connected to said dragging element (16) to move it from the first position towards the second working position upon reaching the position of the lower stroke end of said comb (6). 17) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rollers (14) are able to move from the relative rest position towards the extraction position at the end of the return stroke of said dragging element (16 ).