EP1048772A1 - Apparatus and method for automatic sewing - Google Patents

Abstract

The sewing machine, for automatic stitching of two fabric layers, has a clamp (23) to hold the materials together, and feed to the sewing machine (3). The fabrics are assembled by a transfer unit (9) to be passed to the clamp (23). The system has an assembly of up to seven sewing machines (3), each with a fabric clamp (23), charged by the fabric transfer (9). The sewing machines (3) are arranged in a circle. The clamps (23) are in a star-shaped layout, offset towards the center of circle. The fabric transfer unit (9) rotates at the center of the circle of sewing machines (3). A fabric feed acts with the transfer unit (9), which is charged with the fabric by an operative or automatically. The fabric feed has a length setting unit, ensure that the correct length is passed to the transfer unit (9). The length setting unit has at least one longitudinal strut a at least one lateral strut. The longitudinal strut has an end limit stop at its free end, for the fabric length, and the lateral strut has a handle. The fabric clamp (23) has two clamp units, linked together by a toggle lever which is operated to open and c the clamps. A spacer link is between the clamps, as a perforated rail, which grips at one clamp and a pin at the other clamp is through one of the holes in the rail according to the required clamping gap. The fabric clamp (23) has at least one transport sy (25), with a sliding rail where the clamps have a sliding movement. A drive moves the clamps, using a motor and a toothed belt transmission to at least one of the clamps. At least one clamp has a pin which engages an opening the transmission link. Each cl can have a double toggle lever, rotating on a pivot mounting, with a clamp pincer at one end to be moved in an opening and closi action with a fixed clamp pincer. An operating unit is at the other end of the double toggle lever to give it movement. The doub toggle lever is moved through a dead point between the open and closed settings, and the lever operating unit has a linear movem to set the required position of the clamp pincers. The lever operating unit has a horizontal U-shaped rail to take the operating unit, and the rail can be given a vertical movement to set the clamp positions. The fabric transfer unit (9) has a grip or clamp a folding mechanism, to fold the fabric into two layers. The folder has a folding blade in a flat support section, and a clamp w at least one rail and one clamping beam. The clamping beam is operated by a lifting mechanism using at least one toggle lever. T toggle lever has a further clamping or linkage lever which, in the dead point setting, presses the clamping beam against the rai The clamp (23) is linked to the buttonhole sewing machine (3) by a transport slide, with synchronized movements along a sliding section separated from other rail sections. The sliding rail section is locked to the sewing machine (3) by a U-shaped bonding plate, with a sliding movement along longitudinal rails, and rotation with a bonded rotating linkage plate for connection to the transport slide. A feed station passes the fabric to the transfer unit (9), with a folding blade of a folding unit. The fabric i taken off by a ring disk (15), under the clamp (23). An Independent claim is included for an automatic sewing machine operation, where a number of fabric workpieces are stitched simultaneously by a number of sewing machines (3). Each sewing machine (3) has clamp unit (23) which is charged by a fabric transfer unit (9). Preferred Features: The fabric folding is in two stages. In the first stage, a relatively light folding pressure is applied, and a relatively large folding pressure is applied in the second st The fabrics are fed separately, or are gripped and taken from a fabric stack.

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic sewing device in particular two-ply sewing material, according to the preamble of claim 1.

The present invention further relates to a method for automatic sewing of in particular two-ply sewing material, according to the preamble of the claim 28

In sewing technology has been specializing in design for decades individual sewing devices, in particular sewing machines, took place at least currently can be considered as essentially mature. Traditionally a sewing machine is used by an operator, in particular a seamstress, operated, due to the specialized sewing machines in large series production the operator essentially always has the same part with the sewing machine sews.

This has led to the idea of automating the sewing process in order to enable the Increase productivity. DE-OS 22 38 654, for example, is a device known for attaching bags, the devices for precise alignment the parts of the garments and devices for applying a back pocket on the back of the garment. The single ones Devices arranged in a circle around a platform have several Solve tasks to complete the entire sewing process. This However, the procedure has the considerable disadvantage that when an aggregate is in the row of processing stations becomes defective, for example needle breakage, thread tearing, etc., the entire manufacturing process must be interrupted in order to Troubleshoot what is still evident from an optimal production capacity is removed.

DE 35 39 551 C1 describes a device for transferring a strip of fabric known from an insertion station on a fabric base, in which a fabric strip is gripped by an insertion device and transferred to a cloth clip that takes over the fabric strip and leads it to the sewing point. A disadvantage of this State of the art, however, is that according to DE 35 39 551 C1 per Sewing machine one operator and one insertion device per sewing machine is provided, with the operator as in the sewing process before intervening in that it feeds another piece of fabric to the sewing machine.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of a device for the automatic sewing of in particular two-layer material to create the overcomes the disadvantages mentioned above and which significantly increases productivity achieved compared to previous manufacturing processes. Still lies the object of the present invention is a corresponding method to create with the also in a significantly improved manner, in particular also in qualitative terms, a sewing result is achieved.

The aforementioned tasks are characterized by the features of claim 1 and Claim 28 solved.

The inventive device for automatic sewing in particular two-layer material has a sewing device for sewing the material, one Clamping device that clamps the sewing material, feeds the sewing device and that sewn sewing material out again, and a sewing material insertion device that the Grips the material and transfers it to an assigned clamping device. According to the The device according to the invention is a plurality of sewing devices each with an associated clip device is provided, the clip devices can be equipped with a sewing device.

With the help of the present invention, significant advantages over the known prior art achieved. Because of the successive Assembling several, preferably up to seven, sewing devices with the help A single sewing device is achieved, which is an automatic sewing several sewing devices, for example, are carried out simultaneously can, in particular only a single insertion device (insertion robot) is needed.

The fact that a feed and discharge device in the form of each sewing device a clamp device is provided, which also sews the sewing material moved accordingly with respect to the needle of the sewing machine and then the sewn material is guided away from the machine and put down, is a total advantageously also a considerable flexibility of the entire sewing device enables. Each sewing machine is designed as a self-sufficient system, so that advantageously in the event of malfunctions such as thread breakage, this is the case Sewing device fails from the overall system, the remaining sewing devices but can continue sewing unhindered. This also leads to the advantage that appropriate repair measures and, if necessary, an exchange of Parts or whole sewing machines or other units during the further Operation of the entire device can be made.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the sewing devices are essentially on Arranged circumference of a circle, the clamping devices are star-shaped in Arranged towards the center of the circle or slightly offset to it and the insertion device is essentially in the center of the circle of the circular sewing devices rotatably arranged. This is a space-saving on the one hand Design and on the other hand a particularly flexible mode of operation of the invention Device reached. Up to seven sewing devices are preferred arranged circularly and essentially following an octagon, whereby a corner of the octagon is provided for a feed device for the sewing material.

The feed device of the sewing material advantageously works with the insertion device together, d. H. the sewing material fed to this feed device is supplied by the Inserted device appropriately gripped and a clamp device of a free Sewing device fed.

In a first alternative, the sewing material of the feed device is operated by an operator fed. It is advantageously achieved that a single Operator can operate several sewing devices, in the preferred example seven sewing devices, which in turn made significant progress in productivity compared to the previous need of an operator means per sewing device.

Alternatively, the sewing material can also be fed automatically, for example is picked up by the insertion device from a stack. The Choosing whether to feed with an operator or not depends on, for example also from the stacks of sewing material that come from loading and cutting.

For example, in jeans production, the procedure is such that the Jeans fabric that has an outside and an inside that are different have such a color, in the reverse operation of a fabric laying machine, is superimposed that two outer sides and two inner sides be placed one on top of the other so that the operator once removes the material from the Stack can be easily removed and with the same side to the feeder feeds, but in the following material in the stack this from one to the other Page must turn before it feeds the material into the feeder.

In the case of an outgoing material web, however, the following material web overlaps over the end of the previous one, which has the consequence when cutting, that cut material pieces are aligned the same in this area, d. H. that the inside of a fabric always lies on the outside of the fabric. With stacks of sewing material from this fabric laying area there is in particular the simple possibility of automatic feeding because there is no need to turn the sewing material.

The feed device advantageously has a longitudinal setting device with which the correct longitudinal position of the sewing material with respect to the insertion device is adjustable. This has the advantage that the feed device simply has different lengths of material can be adjusted so that the correct picking up of the insertion device ensure.

The longitudinal adjustment device advantageously has at least one longitudinal and a cross brace, the longitudinal brace one from one of its ends Has end stop for the sewing material and the cross strut with at least one Handling element is provided. Because of this extremely simple construction an effective and easy-to-use longitudinal adjustment device is created, with the help of the simple handling element, for example a upward bent end of the cross strut, the longitudinal adjustment device too is designed to save space. There is also the advantage that due to the simple design, the longitudinal adjustment device can also be operated at any time operated by a relatively low qualified operator immediately and immediately can be.

The clip device advantageously has two clip elements which are connectable with each other, each bracket element a toggle mechanism and an operating device for operating the sewing lever mechanism in an open or closed state of the clamp elements.

Each clip element preferably has a pair of clip pliers, the two tongue-like Has clamping elements, one of which is fixed and the others movable with the help of the toggle mechanism relative to the former is. Because of the fixed clamping element, which is essentially horizontal Direction extends, a defined support for the material is created, and the Insertion device can easily the detected material on this clamping element lay down.

The clamp device advantageously has a spacing device for the two Clamping elements to each other, which are preferably designed in the form of a perforated rail which engages or is fastened to a clamp element, the desired distance between the two clamp elements thereby is set that the hole corresponding to the desired distance at the Perforated rail around at least one projecting pin on the other bracket element takes hold. The distance adjuster is therefore easy to adjust evident.

This extremely simple and easy to set distance adjustment device allows the operator in the shortest possible time with a changed length of the Sewing material adjust the two clamp elements to each other without that complex adjustment devices would have to be used. Changing the The distance between the two clamp elements can practically be achieved in a matter of seconds.

The clamp device advantageously has a transport device that has a slide rail on which the clamp elements are slidably movable, wherein the transport device is a drive device for driving the clamp elements includes. With the help of this arrangement, in particular, a very fast Transport possibility of the clamp elements created, the fast feeding of the sewing material to and from the sewing machine.

These advantages mentioned above are further supported by the fact that the drive device a motor, preferably a stepper motor and one driven by it Has toothed belt on which a connecting element is attached that is connected to at least one of the clamp elements. So it’s enough that only with the help of a connecting device between the toothed belt and the clamping device an effective drive device is achieved.

This is achieved in a particularly advantageous and simple manner in that at least a pin a pin is provided which in a recess on Connecting element engages. This simple mechanical connection is not necessary special manufacturing tolerances and additional non-mechanical fasteners, whereby the structure of the drive of the bracket elements accordingly is simple and inexpensive.

Furthermore, the device according to the invention is advantageously characterized by this from that each bracket element has a double toggle lever on a bearing device is rotatably mounted and at one end a clamp element has that by the double knee lever in a clamping position, in which the movable clamp element with a rigid clamp element cooperates and is movable into an open position. This has the great advantage that the structure of the clamp element is mechanical is simply designed, with a special mechanical resistance has and is easy to manufacture or easy to assemble from standard parts is. In particular, is advantageously at the other end of the Double knee lever an actuator is provided with which the double knee lever is movable. It is thus achieved that by simply actuating the actuating element clamping or clamping of the sewing material by means of the clamping device is possible.

The double toggle lever is designed so that it is of particular advantage Open position is moved into its clamping position beyond its dead center. This reliably prevents the clip element from opening unintentionally, any kind of additional forces on the clamps do not open at all enabled by these and thus the sewing material is always and securely held.

The opening or closing of the respective clamp pliers element takes place according to the invention particularly advantageous in that the actuating element of the Double knee lever cooperates with the actuator such that linearly moving the actuator to the desired position of the clamp element is adjustable. The actuating device has a essentially horizontally arranged U-shaped rail into which the actuating element can intervene, the rail to achieve the desired position of the bracket element is arranged to be vertically movable. For example this vertical movement by means of a corresponding pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder to be controlled.

With particular advantage, the insertion device has a folding device by means of which the single-layer material can be folded into a two-layer material. This points the folding device advantageously a folding blade in a flat support section and a clamping device with at least one rail and a clamp beam on.

The bracket beam is particularly advantageous with a lever device or a lever mechanism movable, the lever mechanism at least has a toggle lever.

Furthermore, the toggle lever preferably has a further clamping or articulated lever on, which presses the clamp beam against the rail in dead center position. With help this arrangement is particularly advantageously achieved that initially at Grasp the sewing material of the clamp bar with only a slight pressure on the sewing material exercises and this can be lifted up from the folding blade, it on the other side against the rail. After lifting off the folding blade the knee lever is immediately moved further, whereby it is still attached to it by means of the Clamping lever is moved so far that the clamping lever is in its dead center position reached. This creates a very high pressure in the folding device, which advantageously has the consequence that the material to be sewn is a pressing operation subjected until it reaches the stapler. This pressing process has As a result, the folded sewing material tends to be much less likely due to the inner tension to unfold again, but with the help of this pressing a refolding of the material is largely avoided.

In particular, the present invention also has the configuration of the device to the subject in which the sewing device is a buttonhole sewing machine, which is used to make buttonholes in sewing material parts in a manner known per se and sew the edges. According to the invention, the clip device is hereby connected to the carriage of the buttonhole sewing machine in sewing position and follows its movements synchronously.

It is advantageous to connect the clamp device to the transport carriage the sewing device is located in the area of the sewing device Rail section of the slide rail of the transport device with the transport carriage connected to the buttonhole sewing machine, this rail section is arranged separately from the rest of the slide rail via a separation point. Thereby can this rail section together with the transport carriage of the buttonhole sewing machine to move the buttonhole to be created Contour to follow accordingly.

The rail section is particularly advantageous by means of a connecting device connected to the buttonhole sewing machine, the connecting device has a U-shaped connecting plate which slidably in longitudinal rails in whose longitudinal direction is guided, and rotatable together with the longitudinal rails is mounted, wherein it is still connected to a swivel plate, which Lanyard connected to the carriage of the buttonhole sewing machine is.

This makes a simple, robust and extremely buttonhole sewing machine easy-to-attach connection device created with the clamp device, which in particular also means that a defective buttonhole sewing machine can be replaced quickly enabled from the overall device.

A feed station for feeding sewing material is also particularly advantageous provided for the insertion device, said feed station for feeding the Sewing material is used for the overall device. In particular, the feed station has the Feeding device for feeding material and the folding blade of the folding device on.

Furthermore, the device advantageously has a sewing material removal device with which the sewing material completed in this step can be removed can be.

The material discharge device in the form of a rotatable is particularly advantageous Formed washer, which is arranged below the clamp device. The sewn material is advantageously removed in such a way that after opening the clamp elements in the area of the pick-up or delivery (same position of the clamp device) due to its own weight Sewing material falls down out of the clamp device and on the rotating Ring disc comes to rest. This turns around in a predetermined direction itself, advantageously a stop device in the area of the feed station, for example in the form of a stop bar is provided, which with the Rotation of the ring disk deflects incoming material parts according to their exterior, so that it is placed, for example, in a basket in the area of the feed station fall into it. This basket can be removed periodically by the operator be taken to a place where the sewing material is processed.

Furthermore, the present invention also has a method for automatic Sewing, in particular, two-ply sewing material to the object where the sewing material received in an insertion device and fed to a clamping device is stapled by the stapler and a sewing device is fed, the sewing process is carried out and then the sewing material is filed. The method according to the invention is thus advantageous that several sewing material parts are sewn simultaneously using several sewing devices with the stapling devices associated with the sewing devices be loaded with sewing material from the one insertion device.

This is compared to previous production processes, especially at Production of buttonholes achieved significant productivity gains because essentially At the same time using only one operator or even fully automatically, several of the same material can be sewn, whereas previously each Sewing device an operator was necessary.

Many are used especially when sewing buttonholes and here again especially for trousers slits, sewn folded sewn material. With a special advantage the folding is carried out in two stages in accordance with the method according to the invention, in a first, in which a relatively low folding pressure is exerted, and in one second, in which a relatively large folding pressure is exerted on the material. Thereby it is achieved that the material does not or only insignificantly after folding can unfold again, so that the folded part of the fabric is correspondingly simple can be processed further.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the sewing material is individually the feed device fed or tapped from a stack.

Figur 1

schematisch eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum automatischen Nähen, welche sieben Nähvorrichtungen aufweist, die kreisförmig angeordnet sind, jedoch ohne Nähguteinlegevorrichtung, Klammervorrichtung und Zuführstation;

Figur 2

in perspektivischer Ansicht eine innerhalb eines Gestells angeordnete Einlegevorrichtung, wobei an dem Gestell entsprechende Anschlußelemente für die Nähvorrichtungen vorgesehen sind;

Figur 3

in perspektivischer Ansicht die in einem Gestell angeordnete Einlegevorrichtung von Figur 2, wobei zusätzlich zwei Nähvorrichtungen mit zugehörigen Klammervorrichtungen schematisch dargestellt sind;

Figur 4

eine Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 3;

Figur 5

in vergrößertem Maßstab die Einzelheit A von Figur 4;

Figur 6

eine Ansicht einer Nähvorrichtung mit zugeordneter Klammervorrichtung in einer Zwischenstellung der Klammerelemente;

Figur 7

die Vorrichtung von Figur 6, jedoch in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Figur 8

in vergrößertem Maßstab die Einzelheit B von Figur 7;

Figur 9

in Seitenansicht ein Klammerelement der Klammervorrichtung in geöffnetem Zustand;

Figur 10

ein Klammerelement der Klammervorrichtung in geschlossenem Zustand;

Figur 11

in perspektivischer Ansicht eine Knopflochnähmaschine mit zugeordneter Klammervorrichtung, wobei sich die Klammerelemente in Nähbetriebsstellung befinden;

Figur 12

die Einzelheit C von Figur 11;

Figur 13

schematisch zwei genähte Knopflöcher an einem Nähgutteil;

Figur 14

die Einzelheit D von Figur 11;

Figur 15

eine Draufsicht auf die Nähvorrichtung von Figur 6;

Figur 16

die Einzelheit im vergrößertem Maßstab E von Figur 15;

Figur 17

die Verbindungseinrichtung der Gleitschiene der Transportvorrichtung der Klammervorrichtung mit der Knopflochnähmaschine;

Figur 18

in Explosionsdarstellung Elemente der Verbindungseinrichtung zwischen der Gleitschiene der Transportvorrichtung der Klammervorrichtung und der Knopflochnähmaschine;

Figur 19

in Seitenansicht die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 3;

Figur 20

in Draufsicht die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung von Figur 19;

Figur 21

in perspektivischer Ansicht eine Zuführvorrichtung für ein Nähgutteil mit einer Längseinstelleinrichtung;

Figur 22

in perspektivischer Darstellung die Längseinstelleinrichtung von Figur 21;

Figur 23

die Zuführvorrichtung von Figur 21 in Draufsicht;

Figur 24

die Zuführvorrichtung in Schnittansicht gemäß der Linie I-I von Figur 23;

Figur 25

in perspektivischer Ansicht die Einlegevorrichtung in Zusammenwirken mit der Zuführvorrichtung;

Figur 26

die Einzelheit F von Figur 25 in vergrößertem Maßstab;

Figur 27

in Seitenansicht die Zuführvorrichtung sowie einen Teil der Einlegevorrichtung, wobei die Einlegevorrichtung etwas oberhalb der Einlegevorrichtung angeordnet ist;

Figur 28

die Vorrichtungen gemäß Figur 27 in Draufsicht;

Figur 29

in vergrößertem Maßstab die Einzelheit G von Figur 28;

Figur 30

eine Schnittansicht gemäß der Linie II-II von Figur 27;

Figur 31

in vergrößertem Maßstab die Einzelheit H von Figur 30;

Figur 32

die Einlegevorrichtung und die Zuführvorrichtung in ähnlicher Darstellung wie Figur 30, jedoch in Aufgreifposition eines Nähgutteils;

Figur 33

in vergrößertem Maßstab die Einzelheit von Figur 32;

Figur 34

die Einlegevorrichtung in Schnittansicht mit gefaltetem Nähgutteil.

Further details, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. It shows:

Figure 1

schematically a device for automatic sewing according to the invention, which has seven sewing devices, which are arranged in a circle, but without the sewing material insertion device, clamp device and feed station;

Figure 2

a perspective view of an insertion device arranged within a frame, corresponding connecting elements for the sewing devices being provided on the frame;

Figure 3

a perspective view of the inserting device of FIG. 2 arranged in a frame, two additional sewing devices with associated clamping devices being shown schematically;

Figure 4

a plan view of the device of Figure 3;

Figure 5

on an enlarged scale the detail A of Figure 4;

Figure 6

a view of a sewing device with associated clip device in an intermediate position of the clip elements;

Figure 7

the device of Figure 6, but in perspective view;

Figure 8

on an enlarged scale the detail B of Figure 7;

Figure 9

in side view a clip element of the clip device in the open state;

Figure 10

a clip element of the clip device in the closed state;

Figure 11

a perspective view of a buttonhole sewing machine with an associated clamp device, the clamp elements being in the sewing operating position;

Figure 12

the detail C of Figure 11;

Figure 13

schematically two sewn buttonholes on a sewing material part;

Figure 14

the detail D of Figure 11;

Figure 15

a plan view of the sewing device of Figure 6;

Figure 16

the detail on an enlarged scale E of Figure 15;

Figure 17

the connecting device of the slide rail of the transport device of the clamping device with the buttonhole sewing machine;

Figure 18

in exploded view elements of the connecting device between the slide rail of the transport device of the clamping device and the buttonhole sewing machine;

Figure 19

the device according to the invention according to FIG. 3;

Figure 20

in plan view the device according to the invention from FIG. 19;

Figure 21

a perspective view of a feed device for a workpiece with a longitudinal adjustment device;

Figure 22

in a perspective view the longitudinal adjustment device of Figure 21;

Figure 23

the feed device of Figure 21 in plan view;

Figure 24

the feed device in a sectional view along the line II of Figure 23;

Figure 25

a perspective view of the insertion device in cooperation with the feed device;

Figure 26

the detail F of Figure 25 on an enlarged scale;

Figure 27

side view of the feed device and part of the insertion device, the insertion device being arranged somewhat above the insertion device;

Figure 28

the devices of Figure 27 in plan view;

Figure 29

on an enlarged scale the detail G of Figure 28;

Figure 30

a sectional view taken along the line II-II of Figure 27;

Figure 31

on an enlarged scale the detail H of Figure 30;

Figure 32

the insertion device and the feed device in a similar representation as Figure 30, but in the pick-up position of a workpiece;

Figure 33

on an enlarged scale the detail of Figure 32;

Figure 34

the insertion device in a sectional view with folded material part.

In the figures, the same elements are designated with the same reference numbers.

In Figure 1 is a device 1 according to the invention for automatic Shown sewing material which has seven sewing devices 3, which are arranged around a schematically represented table. Any sewing device 3 has a clamp device and an associated transport device of the stapling device, the illustration according to FIG. 1 being only the basic arrangement of these devices shows (quasi as a model) and the clamp device with their associated transport device described in detail below becomes.

However, it can be seen from FIG. 1 that the clamping devices are always in Move towards the center or the table 5 slightly offset to or from it away to the assigned sewing device 3, wherein the sewing devices 3 can be seen are arranged in a circle around the table 5, so that they are in the circle center have substantially the same distance.

As can also be seen from FIG. 1, the sewing devices 3 are also essentially arranged in the shape of an octagon, using instead of the eight sewing devices there is an area 7 for the feeding station of the sewing material to the seven Sewing devices 3 is used. This feed station will also be discussed further below to be discribed.

In Figure 2, an insertion device 9 is shown in perspective view, which is rotatably arranged in the middle of a frame 11, and in both directions is rotatably supported by a suitable motor.

Seven attachment elements 13 are attached to the rectangular frame 11, for the attachment of appropriate transport devices of the clamp devices serve. As can already be seen from FIG. 1, the sewing devices are concerned 3 around already known commercially available sewing devices, each resting on its own frame 4.

As can also be seen from FIG. 2, the device 1 according to the invention has an annular storage device 15 for the already sewn material, the is rotatably mounted on the frame 11.

The insertion device 9 has a substantially horizontally extending Arm 17 on which a pick-up device 19 for the sewing material 21 is arranged. 2, the sewing material 21 is from the pick-up device 19 and thus gripped by the insertion device 9.

The pick-up device 19 of the insertion device 9 is described in more detail below become.

In Figure 3 is also a perspective view, but from another side, the insertion device 9 shown with frame 11. On the frame 11 are in cooperation arranged with the attachment elements 13, two sewing devices 3, and on these sewing devices are associated clamps 23 which have corresponding transport devices 25, shown below are explained in more detail.

FIG. 4 shows the top view of the arrangement according to FIG. 3, whereby it can be seen will that the transport devices of the clamps 23 substantially extend to the central region 12 of the frame 11, being in the embodiment shown does not run in an extension through the center, but something wrong. In parallel, an imaginary line runs from the needle the sewing machine through the center 27 of the frame 11. The needle is located seen from above according to FIG. 4 at point 29.

A dash-dotted circle A is shown in FIG. 4, which represents a section. This section A is shown on an enlarged scale in FIG. How from 5 shows the pick-up device 19 moves around the center 27, wherein the inner edge and the outer edge of the sewing material 21 according to concentric Circles 31 and 32 moved around the center 27. Thus, the sewing material 21 are brought into a transfer section 33 in which the sewing material 21 of the clamping device 23 is passed.

6 shows a side view of a sewing device 3 on its frame 4, which interacts with the transport device 25 of the clamp device 23, to feed a sewing material part of the sewing device 3 and to take it away again.

As can be seen from the schematic view of Figure 6, the transport device 25 a slide rail device 35, 35 'on which the clamping device 23 is slidably mounted.

Furthermore, the transport device 25 has a drive device 37, which in the Example case shown has a toothed belt 39 and a motor 41, the drives the timing belt 39. The motor 41 is preferably designed as a stepper motor, which is able to position the toothed belt precisely when braking of the toothed belt being transported, thereby ensuring exact positioning of the material to be sewn, which is clamped by the clamping device 23 becomes.

Furthermore, an actuating device 43 is provided, which serves the Open and close the clamp device. The actuator will are explained in more detail below. However, as can already be seen in FIG. 6, the actuating device 43 has a substantially U-shaped rail 45 the guide elements 46 at the end assigned to the sewing device 3 and 47, which are flat rails which are in the form of a "cranesbill" are attached to the U-shaped rail.

FIG. 7 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 6 in a perspective view. As can be seen, the clamp device 23 has two clamp elements 49 and 50 with the clamp device 23 now in more detail with reference to the figures 8 to 10 is described.

The clip element 49 and the clip element 50 each have an L-shaped Bearing part 51 or 52, with a vertical leg of the L-shaped Bearing part 51, 52 is connected to a slider 53 or 54, for example by means of screws 55, the sliders 53 and 54 being slidable on the slide rail 35, 35 'are arranged.

The two clamp elements 49 and 50 are by means of a connecting device 56 connected to each other, the perforated rail in the illustrated embodiment 57, which is attached to the L-shaped bearing part 51 and with at least a pin on the L-shaped bearing part 52 cooperates. The end 58 8, the perforated rail 57 is bent forward so that the Perforated rail can be detected more easily. As can be seen by simple Swiveling the perforated rail 57 forward from the pin engagement on the L-shaped one Bearing part 52 out the connection device 56 the connection between the Loosen clamp elements 49 and 50 and can freely on the slide rail 35, 35 'sliding bracket elements moved towards or away from each other to the required distance between the bracket elements 49 and 50 to each other the easiest way to set.

Each bracket member 49 and 50 has one bracket 59 and 60, respectively Toggle mechanism 61 and 62. The two toggle mechanisms 61 and 62 are identical and shown in more detail in Figures 9 and 10, wherein in Figure 9 the open clamping element 49 and FIG. 10 the closed clamping element 50 is shown. Each toggle mechanism 61, 62 has a double toggle 63 or 64 on, each of three single or double levers 65, 66 and 67 is formed. The lever 65 is articulated with a bearing 68 on the one hand and connected to the lever 66 on the other hand. The lever 66 is still with the Lever 67 connected, which is pivotally connected to the bearing 68 at its other end is.

As can also be seen from FIGS. 9 and 10, the bracket 59 and 60 respectively a fixed clamp pliers 69 and 70 and a movable clamp pliers 71 and 72 respectively. The movable clamp pliers 71 and 72 are on the corresponding Lever 65 attached such that when the lever 65 is pivoted in Bearing 68 the clamp pliers 71 and 72 are moved accordingly, as shown in Figures 9 and 10 is shown.

A further lever 73 is fastened to the lever 67, on which an actuating element 74 is provided. The actuating element 74 can, for example, have the shape have a cylinder which is rotatably attached to the lever 73.

As can also be seen from FIG. 9, the actuating element 74 is in engagement with the U-shaped rail 45 of the actuator 43, which has an actuator 75, which moves the U-shaped rail 45 linearly in the vertical direction. In the illustration according to FIG. 9, the U-shaped rail 45 is essentially located in its lower path section and the bracket 59 is open.

The closed position of the clamp 60 is shown in FIG the actuator 74 is in its upper position and the movable Clamping pliers 72 lie on the fixed clamp pliers 70.

The toggle lever mechanism 61 or 62 is particularly closed Position of the clamp pliers 59 or 60 in a position that corresponds to the dead center position, or is even slightly pivoted beyond the dead center position, d. H. the pivot point 76 between lever 66 and lever 67 is opposite the connecting line slightly offset downwards between pivot points 77 and 78. This has the particular advantage that an unwanted opening of the brackets 59 and 60 is safely avoided, since pressure on the clamp pliers 71 and 72 in Opening direction of the double knee lever 63 or 64 tends to the hinge point 76 to push down further.

As can again be seen from FIG. 8, each double toggle lever 63 or 64 has two Lever 65 and two levers 67 and a lever 66.

As can also be seen from FIG. 8, the clamp element 50 also has one downwardly projecting pin 79, which in a recess 83 of a connecting element 81 engages. This recess 83 has an elongated section 84 and a flared section 85 that opens outward.

This recess is essentially perpendicular to the direction of transport the slide rail 35, 35 'arranged.

The connecting element 81 also has a connecting element 87, which with is connected to the toothed belt 39 and can be moved along a slide rail 89. The movement of the two bracket elements 49, 50 thus takes place in that the Toothed belt 39 drives the connecting element 87 on which the connecting element 81 is fixed, and the driving force on the pin 79 on the bracket member 50 is transmitted, and the perforated rail 57 continues to drive the other clamp element 49 transmits.

As can also be seen from FIG. 8, the slide rail is in a slide rail 35 and a slide rail 35 'and has a separation point 36.

In FIG. 11, another sewing device 3 is in shape in another perspective view a buttonhole sewing machine shown, with a clamping device 23, the Transport device 25, actuating device 43 and the other units, those with reference to the previous figures, in particular figures 7 to 10. The bracket elements 49, 50 are located in the sewing position, that is, in its position shifted to the left.

Figure 12 shows the detail C of Figure 11, from which it can also be seen that a connecting device 91 is provided which connects the slide rail 35 'to the Carriage 92 of the sewing device 3 connects. The connecting device 91 is described in more detail below.

FIG. 13 shows a detail of a workpiece 21 in which buttonholes 22 are sewn were.

FIG. 14 shows the detail D on an enlarged scale from FIG. 11 and in particular the separation point 36 of the slide rails 35, 35 '.

In Figure 15 is the top view of the sewing device 3 in the position shown in FIG 7 shown. As can be seen from Figure 15, the connecting device 91 is in the arranged substantially below and to the side of the sewing machine carriage 92 and has longitudinal rails 93 and 94 on which a connecting plate 95 is arranged to be longitudinally movable.

FIG. 16 shows the detail E from FIG. 15 on an enlarged scale, clearly the arrangement of the longitudinal rail 93 and the left portion of the Connection plate 95 can be seen.

The structure of the connecting device 91 is even more detailed in FIGS. 17 and 18 shown.

As can be seen from FIGS. 17 and 18, the connecting plate 95 is essentially U-shaped formed, having two legs 96 and 97, on which connecting tabs 98 and 99 are designed to be connected to the slide rail 35 ' serve.

Furthermore, a swivel plate 101 is provided, which on the U-shaped connecting plate 95 is rotatably mounted in a common pivot point 102. With the Connecting device 91 act two lateral connecting tabs 103 and 104 together, which are attached to the sewing machine carriage 92, such as emerges from Figure 12.

As can furthermore be seen from FIG. 18, the lateral connecting straps have the lower end each have a bearing pin 105 which, for example, in an opening 106 can engage in the connecting plate 95, and thus a connection between sewing machine carriage 92 and connecting device 91.

To transfer the double required for a buttonhole sewing machine Rotary movement of the sewing machine carriage 92 serves the swivel plate 101 which has lateral V-shaped curved connecting elements 107, which with the swivel plate 1 are connected. The connecting elements 107 continue to engage Pin 108 a, the pivotal movement of the sewing machine table or carriage 92 enable via the connecting elements 107.

Thus, both a longitudinal movement can occur during the sewing process on the slide rail 35 ' as well as a rotational movement in synchronism with the movement of the sewing machine carriage 92 are transmitted, with rotation of the two longitudinal rails Turn 93, 94 together with the connecting plate 95.

FIG. 19 shows a view similar to that of FIGS. 3 and 4, but from the side, and FIG. 20 shows a top view of the arrangement according to FIG. 19. In particular FIG. 20 schematically shows a feed station with a support plate 111, from which the sewing material can be fed to a feed device 113, which 21 to 24 is shown in more detail.

As can be seen from FIG. 21, the feed device has an inlet surface 115 for the material to be inserted into the feeder 113. How from Figure 24 shows, the inlet surface 115 is a flat surface that is different from the Inlet side 116 extends to the stop side 117. The inlet area is from a support plate 118 supported.

The feed device 113 also has lateral edge guides 119 and 120 on, using a suitable transmission mechanism transverse to the direction of entry can be moved towards or away from each other for adjustment to the width of the sewing material. The side edge guides can for example their distance from each other can be adjusted by means of a handling wheel and have a lateral stop edge 122 which is used to guide the sewing material serves.

A cover plate 123 is also provided, under which the sewing material slides up to stop page 117.

The feed device 113 also has a folding blade 125, which is a component a folding device, which will be described below.

Furthermore, the feed device 113 has a longitudinal adjustment device 127 for the Sewing material, which in the illustrated embodiment in Figure 22 is a cross strut 128 which is connected to two longitudinal struts 129, which are essentially run perpendicular to the cross strut 128. The cross strut 128 is with one End face of the longitudinal struts 129 and on the other end face is in each case an end stop 131 is provided which the stop for the sewing material at Introduces into the feeder 113 forms. The end stops 131 are for example ends of the longitudinal struts 129 bent upwards.

Furthermore, the longitudinal adjustment device 127 has handling elements 133 in Form of upwardly bent ends of the cross strut 128. By simple Gripping the handling elements 133 can along the longitudinal adjustment 127 the folding blade 125 can be moved and thus the longitudinal adjustment for the sewing material takes place in the feed device 113.

The insertion device 9 is now described in more detail in FIGS. 25 to 34 and their interaction with the feed device 113. In Figure 25, in perspective View of the insertion device in the pick-up position above the feed device 113 shown. The insertion device 9 has the pick-up and Clamping device 19, the structure of which in particular from Figures 29, 31 and 33 can be seen.

The pick-up and clamping device 19, which also includes a folding device 135, has a rail 137 and a bracket beam 139 which is transverse to the direction of insertion or longitudinal direction of the folding blade 129 is movable. To move the As can be seen in FIGS. 25 to 34, clamp bars 139 are pneumatic actuating devices 141 provided that cooperate with a lever mechanism 143. The pneumatic actuators 141 have pneumatic cylinders 145, in which a cylinder chamber is formed in which a piston is located. The piston divides the cylinder chamber into two pressure chambers and is on one side an actuating rod 147, which in turn is connected to the lever mechanism 143 is connected.

The lever mechanism 143 has a toggle lever 149, which is an articulated lever 150, which is articulated to a connecting lever 151, which in turn is connected to the connecting rod 147. The articulated lever 150 is on its other end is articulated to the bracket beam 139.

As can also be seen from FIG. 29, the articulated lever 150 has another Articulated lever 152 articulated, the articulated on the rail 137 and is located below the articulated lever 50 in the figure 29 shown.

The pick-up and clamping device 19, which also serves as a folding device 135, is mounted on a bracket 153, which in turn on the arm 17 of the insertion device 9 is stored. The pick-up and clamping device 19 is also rotatable on the Bracket 153 mounted about a pivot axis 154.

Furthermore, the bracket 153 is on the arm 17 by means of a vertical movement device 155 stored, with the entire pick-up and clamping device 19 can be moved in the vertical direction with respect to the arm.

The operation of the device according to the invention is described below.

A flat workpiece 21 is fed to the feed device at the feed station 109. The feed device 113 conveys the material up to the stop 131, where it comes into the correct position in relation to the fixed folding blade 125.

The automatic feeding is preferably carried out with the aid of suitable suction or Blow nozzles that draw in the feed device toward the stop end 131 can generate, so that an inserted workpiece quickly in the correct position is brought to the feeder 113.

The sewing material 21 then lies with a corresponding curvature 157 over the folding blade 125, as can be seen in particular from FIG. 31. The folding device is from above 135 with the clamp bar 139 open by means of the vertical movement device 155 lowered to a position shown in FIG. 33. In this position it can be seen that the sewing material 21 is already in the area of the folding device 135 is folded.

Subsequently, the sewing material 21 is gripped in two stages by means of clamp bars 139 and folded. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 29, it is easy Clamps already generated in that in the pneumatic cylinder 145 to both Chambers the same pressure is applied. Due to the smaller printing area in In the chamber in which the connecting rod 147 is located, the piston becomes together moved out of the pneumatic cylinder 145 with the connecting rod 147 and the articulated lever 150 pivots clockwise.

With the help of the light clamping the material is grasped and the pick-up and Clamping device 19 is moved up again and takes the sewing material with it, wherein it pulls the sewing material 21 from the folding blade 125. Then the Piston in the pneumatic cylinder 145 continues to act, so that the articulated lever 150 turns clockwise.

This works together with the articulated lever 152 and is up to a maximum Dead center position pivoted, in which the articulated lever 150 together with the Articulated levers 152 lie one above the other and both perpendicular to the folding blade 125 or run to the connecting rod 147.

In this dead center position, a considerable pressing force can be exerted by the clamp beam 139 against the rail 137 are generated, which is particularly advantageous strong pressing of the workpiece 21 causes. Because of this pressing, a strong folding effect in the workpiece 21 creates a fold of the workpiece after being released from the folding device is substantially avoided.

After reaching a predetermined height, the folding device 135 is then turned over the axis 154 pivoted by substantially 90 °, so that the material 21 in the Position is shifted, as shown in Figure 34, so in an essentially horizontal position, which also corresponds to the sewing position. In this position the sewing material part by means of the arm 17 of the insertion device 9 around the center point 27 Clamping device 23 pivoted.

The device according to the invention is controlled such that the insertion device 9 a signal from the corresponding clamp device 23 in good time is transmitted that it is ready to receive another workpiece. At continuous operation of the device 1 and essentially constant sewing performance of the sewing devices 3 will always be one constant order of assembly of the clamping devices 23 of the preferably result in seven sewing devices 3.

After the insertion device 9, the sewing material 21 on the lower clamp pliers of the clamp elements 49, 50, the clamp device 23 closes the Clamp elements and conveys the material 21 together with the clamp elements 49 and 50 in the sewing position, such as in Figures 11 and 12 shown.

As a rule, the buttonhole sewing machine starts the buttonhole on its lower one Sewing end d. H. the sewing machine carriage 92 moves from the sewing device 3 way perpendicular to the slide rail 35. The separate slide rail section 35 'is thus also moved and the pin 79 moves along the Recess 83 to the outside. After a certain way, as is clear from the figure 13 can be seen, the sewing device 3 sews the eyelet of the buttonhole 22, one executes corresponding pivoting movement, which is synchronized by the slide rail 35 ' is involved. Due to the pivoting movement, the pin 79 is both pivoted in one direction as well as in the other, which is caused by the expanded Section 85 in the connecting element 81 is made possible. After that the sewing machine carriage 92 moves back and the pin 79 moves back into the recess 83.

Subsequently, after the sewing process is finished and if necessary, further Measures to make the buttonhole back in the stapler retracted their starting position, the actuators 74 within the U-shaped rail 45 are located. This moves to its lower position, as shown in Figure 9, and the upper movable clamp pliers 71 and 72 respectively raised at the same time and the clamp elements 49 and 50 opened. Because of of the dead weight, the sewing material 21 falls down onto the depositing device 15. This turns and conveys the sewing material to a slide or a stop device, For example, a bar that surrounds the material 21 on the circumference directs outwards and the sewing material in the area of the feed station 109, for example falls down in a container attached there. After filling the container can this is gripped by the operator and to the next processing station to be brought.

Due to the existing flexible control in the device according to the invention it is particularly advantageously possible to use the device even in the event of defects Sewing devices 3 or their additional units continue to work leave, since then only the remaining sewing devices are equipped and the defective units are repaired or replaced during operation can.

In addition, a significantly higher sewing quality is particularly advantageous due to the automated sewing process, especially achieved with buttonhole sewing machines.

Claims (30)

Device (1) for the automatic sewing of in particular two-ply Sewing material (21), with a sewing device (3) for sewing the sewing material (21), one Clamping device (23), which clamps the sewing material (21), the sewing device (3) feeds and removes the sewn material, and a material loading device (9), which grasps the sewing material (21) and to an assigned Clamping device (23) passes, characterized in that a A plurality of sewing devices (3), each with an associated clamp device (23) is provided, the clamping devices (23) of the one sewing material insertion device (9). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sewing devices (3) are arranged substantially on the circumference of a circle that the clamps (23) star-shaped essentially in the direction Circle center (27) or slightly offset are arranged, and that the insertion device (9) essentially in the center of the circle (27) circular sewing devices (3) is rotatably arranged. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that further a feed device (113) of the sewing material (21) is provided, which with the insertion device (9) interacts. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that that the sewing material (21) of the feed device (113) by means of an operator or is fed automatically. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the feed device (113) has a longitudinal adjustment device (127) with which the correct longitudinal position of the sewing material (21) with respect to the insertion device (9) is adjustable. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the longitudinal adjustment device (127) from at least one longitudinal (129) and at least one Cross strut (128) is formed, the longitudinal strut (129) on one of them End has an end stop (131) for the material (21) and the Provide the cross strut (128) with at least one handling element (133) is. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that that the clamp device (23) has two clamp elements (49, 50) which are connected to one another are connectable, each bracket element (49, 50) having a toggle mechanism (61, 62), and an actuating device (43) for operating the toggle mechanism (61, 62) in an open or Has closed state of the bracket elements (49, 50). Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the clamping device (23) a connection and distance adjusting device (56) of the has two clamp elements (49, 50) to one another, which are preferably in Form of a perforated rail (57) is formed on a clamp element (49) attacks and the desired distance between the two bracket elements (49, 50) is set in that the corresponding distance Hole in the perforated rail (57) via a projecting pin engages on the other bracket element (50). Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that that the clamping device (23) furthermore a transport device (25) having a slide rail (35, 35 ') on which the clamp elements (49, 50) are slidably movable and the transport device (25) one Drive device (39, 41) for driving the clamp elements (49, 50) includes. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the drive device a motor (41) and a toothed belt driven by the latter (39) on which a connecting element (83) is fastened, the is connected to at least one of the clamp elements (50). Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that at least a pin (79) is provided a pin (79) which in a Recess (83) engages on the connecting element (81). Device according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that that each clamp element (49, 50) has a double knee lever (63, 64), which is rotatably mounted on a bearing device (68) and on its one end has a clamp forceps element (71, 72) through which Double toggle lever (63, 64) in a clamping position in which the movable Clamp pliers element (71, 72) with a rigid clamp pliers element cooperates (69, 70) and is movable into an open position. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that on the other An actuating element (74) is provided at the end of the double toggle lever (63, 64) with which the double knee lever (63, 64) is movable. Apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the Double toggle lever (63, 64) from its open position to its clamped position is moved past its dead center. Device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the Actuating element (74) of the double knee lever (63, 64) with the actuating device (43) interacts in such a way that by linear movement the actuating device (43) the desired position of the movable Clamp pliers element (71, 72) is adjustable. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the actuating device (43) a substantially horizontally arranged U-shaped Rail (45) in which the actuating element (74) engage can, and the rail (45) to achieve the desired position of the Bracket element (49, 50) is arranged to be vertically movable. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that that the insertion device (9) a pick-up and clamping device or a Folding device (135), by means of which the single-layered material to one two-layer material is foldable. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the folding device (135) a folding blade (125) in a flat support section and one Clamping device with at least one rail (137) and a clamp beam (139). Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the bracket beam (139) with a lever mechanism (143) is movable, the Lever mechanism (143) has at least one toggle lever (149). Device according to claim 19, characterized in that the toggle lever (149) has a further clamping or articulated lever (152) which is in the dead center position presses the bracket beam (139) against the rail (137). Device according to one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the sewing device is a buttonhole sewing machine, characterized in that the clamping device (23) with the carriage (92) of the buttonhole sewing machine (3) is connected and its movements follow synchronously. Device according to claim 21, characterized in that for connection the clamping device (23) with the transport carriage (92) of the sewing device (3) a rail section located in the area of the sewing device (35 ') of the slide rail (35) of the transport device (25) the carriage (92) of the buttonhole sewing machine is connected, wherein this rail section (35 ') via a separation point (36) from the rest Section of the slide rail (35) is arranged separately. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the separate Rail section (35 ') of the slide rail by means of a connecting device (91) is connected to the buttonhole sewing machine, the connecting device (91) has a U-shaped connecting plate (95) which in Longitudinal rails (93, 94) are slidably guided in the longitudinal direction thereof, and is rotatably mounted together with the longitudinal rails (93, 94), wherein the connecting plate (95) is further connected to a swivel plate (101) which is connected to the transport carriage (92) via connecting means (107) the buttonhole sewing machine is connected. Device according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that that further a feed station (109) for feeding sewing material (21) to Insert device (9) is provided. Apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that the feed station (109) the feed device (113) for feeding the sewing material and the Folding blade (125) of the folding device (135). Device according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that that it also has a sewing material removal device (15). Apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that the material removal device is designed in the form of a rotatable ring disc (15), which is arranged below the clamp device (23). Process for the automatic sewing of, in particular, two-layer material, in which the sewing material (21) is picked up with an insertion device (9) and a stapler (23) is supplied from the stapler (23) is clamped and fed to a sewing device (3) which Sewing process is carried out and the sewing material is then deposited, characterized in that several sewing material parts (21) simultaneously by means of several sewing devices (3) are sewn, the sewing devices (3) associated clamp devices (23) from the one insertion device (9) can be equipped with sewing material (21). The method according to claim 28, in which a folded material is sewn, characterized in that the folding is carried out in two stages, in a first one in which a relatively low folding pressure is exerted and in one second, in which a relatively large folding pressure is exerted on the material becomes. A method according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that the Sewing material is fed individually or is picked up from a stack.

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