Waistband folding device and waistband sewing device equipped with a waistband folding device

Abstract

The invention relates to a waistband folding device (140) for folding a surplus portion (12a) of a waistband (1) that is folded in two. The waistband folding device comprises a support fork (110) comprising a pair of support plates (112, 114) spaced apart, a fork slot (116) being formed between the pair of support plates. The support fork is configured to support the waistband (1) by insertion between the two halves of the waistband (1), the surplus portion (12a) protruding from the support fork. The waistband folding device further comprises a folding mechanism (130) comprising a pair of folding plates (134) and a corner folding bar (136) spaced apart from each other. The pair of folding plates (134) and the corner folding bar (136) are configured to move and push the surplus portion (12a) of the waistband (1) into the fork slot (116), thereby folding the surplus portion (12a). In addition, the invention also relates to a waistband sewing device comprising a sewing machine (15) and at least one waistband folding device (140).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a waistband folding device including a folding mechanism. The invention also relates to a waistband sewing device equipped with the waistband folding device. Background Technology

[0002] Figure 1A The completed waistband (or waistband strip) 1' on the trouser body 2 is shown, wherein the completed waistband ends 1a' and 1b' located on the right and left sides of the completed waistband 1' are respectively formed by... Figure 1C (Right side unfinished waistband end 1a) and Figure 1B The unfinished waistband ends 1a' and 1b' of the semi-finished waistband 1 shown (left unfinished waistband end 1b) are formed. Figure 1C and 1B The images show the unfinished waistband ends 1a and 1b in a folded state, where excess fabric portions 12a and 12b are folded inwards and then sewn together to form the finished waistband ends 1a' and 1b'. Specifically, the half-finished waistband 1( Figure 1C The end 1a of the trouser body 2 is folded inward along the fabric edge 21a, and then along the C-shaped line 11a. Figure 1A ) are overlapped and sewn together to form the finished waistband end 1a'. The half-finished waistband end 1b ( Figure 1B Perform the same operation to form the finished waistband end 1b'.

[0003] The finishing of the unfinished waistband ends 1a and 1b is usually done manually, which is time-consuming and prone to deviations, resulting in low production efficiency and unstable quality.

[0004] Patent document JP5-42282 discloses a waistband folding mechanism. The disclosed waistband folding mechanism includes two folding plates configured to hold the excess fabric portion 12a at the end 1a of the waistband 1 and fold it inwards. Although it improves production efficiency and quality consistency compared to manual operation, the waistband folding mechanism still has limitations in folding quality, such as the fabric not being fully folded inwards, wrinkles in the fabric, and dents at the corners of the fabric.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved waistband folding device that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and improves productivity through automation, as well as a waistband sewing device equipped with such an improved waistband folding device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved waistband folding device and a waistband sewing device equipped with such an improved waistband folding device to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, according to a first aspect, the present invention provides a waistband folding device for folding the excess portion of a waistband folded into two pieces, comprising: a support fork including a pair of spaced-apart support plates, with a fork slot formed between the pair of support plates, wherein the support fork is configured to support the waistband and the excess portion protruding from the support fork by being inserted between the two pieces of the waistband; and a folding mechanism including a pair of spaced-apart folding plates and a corner folding rod. The pair of folding plates are configured to move from a folded position and push the excess portion of the waistband into the fork slot, thereby folding the excess portion by the pair of folding plates. The corner folding rod is configured to move from a folded position and, after the excess portion has been folded by the pair of folding plates, push the corner portion of the excess portion into the fork slot, thereby folding the corner portion of the excess portion by the corner folding rod.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, a pair of folding plates and corner folding rods are configured to be moved by the same drive mechanism.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, a portion of the excess portion of the waistband is located in a slot between a pair of folding plates at the folded position of the pair of folding plates.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, when the pair of folding plates are not in the folded position, the excess portion of the waistband is not located in the slot between the pair of folding plates, the pair of folding plates being configured such that as the pair of folding plates are moved to the folded position, the excess portion is guided into the slot between the pair of folding plates.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the waistband folding device further includes a pair of guide plates configured to guide excess portions into a slot between the pair of folding plates as the pair of folding plates move to the folding position.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the two support plates of the support fork are generally flat and parallel to each other.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the waistband folding device further includes a clamping mechanism configured to hold the waistband supported by the support fork.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the clamping mechanism includes a through slot.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the corner folding bar includes a curved side surface.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the corner folding bar includes a beveled head.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, each of the pair of folding panels includes a beveled edge portion facing the excess portion of the waistband.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the clamping mechanism includes a plurality of first connecting elements for connection to a first pressing member and a plurality of second connecting elements for connection to a second pressing member other than the first pressing member.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the clamping mechanism is connected to the first pressing member, while the excess portion is folded by a pair of folding plates, and the corner portion of the excess portion is folded by a corner folding rod.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, after the corner portion of the excess portion is folded by the corner folding rod, the clamping mechanism is connected to the second pressing member.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the waistband folding device is configured to transfer the connection between the first pressing member and the second pressing member to the clamping mechanism.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the material of the waistband is fabric.

[0023] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a waistband sewing device comprising a sewing machine and at least one waistband folding device according to any embodiment of the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1A The completed waistband of the pants is shown;

[0026] Figure 1B and 1C The unfinished waistband ends of the pants are shown on the left and right sides;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a waistband sewing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating a waistband conveying and folding device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This illustrates an embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 Side view of the fabric edge clamp and support fork shown;

[0030] Figure 5 This illustrates an embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 Side view of the folding mechanism shown;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a fabric clamping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the end of an unfinished trouser waistband supported on a support fork according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This illustrates an embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 A side view of the unfinished waistband shown;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing a fabric clamping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, which clamps the unfinished waistband end onto a support fork;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the waistband end and folding mechanism in the folded position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 11A-11C This is a side view illustrating the process by which excess fabric at the waistband enters the guide plate slot and the folding plate slot when the folding mechanism moves to the folding position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the folding mechanism in the folded position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figures 13A-13D This is a view illustrating the process of folding excess fabric at the waistband end by a folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 13E This is an example of an embodiment of the invention showing the folded excess fabric portion along... Figure 13D The cross-sectional view of line 13E-13E shown;

[0040] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the folded waistband end of the pants being held by a fabric clamping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 15A and 15B This is a perspective view showing the connection between the clamp of the fabric clamping mechanism conversion and conveying mechanism and the clamp of the sewing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 16A and 16B These are side views of a pair of guide plates according to different embodiments of the present invention; and

[0043] Figures 17A-17C This is a perspective view showing the corner folding rod according to different embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] List of reference numerals

[0045] 1: Finished waistband

[0046] 2: Pants body

[0047] 21a: Hem of trousers

[0048] 1a', 1b': Finished waistband ends

[0049] 1a, 1b: Unfinished waistband ends

[0050] 11a: C-shaped sewing thread

[0051] 12a, 12b: Excess fabric at the waistband hem

[0052] 12a': The corner of the excess fabric portion 12a

[0053] 10: Waistband sewing device

[0054] 15: Sewing machine

[0055] 100a, 100b: Waistband conveying and folding device

[0056] 110: Support fork (support member with slot)

[0057] 112, 114: Upper support plate, lower support plate

[0058] 112.1, 114.1: Upper folded edge, lower folded edge

[0059] 116: Forkway

[0060] 116h: Width of the fork slot

[0061] 115: Fabric edge clamp

[0062] 120: Transmission mechanism

[0063] 122: Fabric clamping mechanism

[0064] 122.1, 122.2: Upper clamping plate and lower clamping plate of the fabric clamping mechanism

[0065] 122.3: Guide column of fabric clamping mechanism

[0066] 122.4: Spring

[0067] 122.5: C-shaped groove

[0068] 122.6: Mat

[0069] 122.7: Connecting hole for the clamp of the conveyor mechanism

[0070] 122.8: Sewing machine clamp connection hole

[0071] 124: Auxiliary fabric pressing section

[0072] 125: Clamp of conveyor mechanism 120

[0073] 125.7: Pin of clamp 125

[0074] 130: Folding mechanism

[0075] 132: A pair of guide plates

[0076] 132.1, 132.2: Upper guide plate, lower guide plate

[0077] 132.3, 132.4: Edges of the upper guide plate and lower guide plate

[0078] 132.5: Guide plate slot

[0079] 132h1: Width of the guide plate slot

[0080] 132h2: Edge width of the guide plate slot

[0081] 134: A pair of folding plates

[0082] 134.1, 134.2: Upper folding plate, lower folding plate

[0083] 134.3: The beveled portion of the edge of the folding plate

[0084] 134.5: Folding plate slot

[0085] 134h: Width of the folding plate slot

[0086] 136, 236, 336, 436: Corner folding rods

[0087] 136.1, 236.1, 336.1, 436.1: Heads of corner folding rods

[0088] 136.2, 236.2, 336.2, 436.2: The curved outer surface of the corner folding rod.

[0089] 138: Protrusion of folding mechanism 130

[0090] 140: Waistband folding device

[0091] 150: Sewing machine press parts

[0092] 150.8: Pins for the pressing parts of a sewing machine Detailed Implementation

[0093] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the waistband sewing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the waistband sewing device 10 includes a sewing machine 15 and two waistband conveying and folding devices 100a and 100b respectively disposed on the right and left sides of the sewing machine 15. The sewing machine 15 can be a conventional computer-controlled cyclic sewing machine capable of automatically performing predetermined sewing operations by an operator. The two waistband conveying and folding devices 100a and 100b have the same structure and the same working principle. The waistband conveying and folding device 100a can be used to fold the right end 1a of the waistband 1 ( Figure 1C The folded waistband 1 is then conveyed to the sewing machine 15 to completely sew the right end 1a. Similarly, the waistband conveying and folding device 100b can be used to fold the left end 1b of the waistband 1. Figure 1B Then, the folded waistband 1 is conveyed to the sewing machine 15 to completely sew the left end 1b. Since the structure and working principle are the same, only the structure and working principle of the waistband conveying and folding device 100a will be described below.

[0094] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the waistband conveying and folding device 100a according to the described embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the waistband conveying and folding device 100a includes a folding device 140 for folding the end 1a of the semi-finished waistband 1, and a device for clamping the folded semi-finished waistband 1 and conveying it to the sewing machine 15. Figure 3 The conveying mechanism 120 (not shown in the image).

[0095] The folding device 140 includes a support fork 110 and a folding mechanism 130. According to the embodiment, the support fork 110 is U-shaped and includes an upper support plate 112 and a lower support plate 114. The upper support plate 112 and the lower support plate 114 are generally flat, spaced apart, and parallel to each other to form a fork slot 116 therebetween. Figure 4(To be better shown in the diagram). A generally flat upper support plate 112 defines a reference direction z perpendicular to the upper support plate 112. The upper support plate 112 includes an upper edge 112.1, and the lower support plate 114 includes a lower edge 114.1. The upper edge 112.1 and the lower edge 114.1 serve as folding edges during the folding phase (described later), and are therefore referred to hereinafter as the upper folding edge 112.1 and the lower folding edge 114.1, respectively. The upper folding edge 112.1 and the lower folding edge 114.1 are straight, parallel to each other in the z direction, and overlap, meaning that the projections of the upper folding edge 112.1 and the lower folding edge 114.1 in the z direction lie on the same straight line. The straight upper folding edge 112.1 defines a y reference direction parallel to the upper folding edge 112.1 and an x ​​reference direction perpendicular to the upper folding edge 112.1. Thus, each pair of arbitrary directions among the x, y, and z reference directions is perpendicular to each other to define a vertical coordinate system xyz in space. In the following text, unless the orientation of the x, y, and z directions is specifically indicated in the description, movement in the x, y, or z direction means movement parallel to the x, y, or z direction, respectively.

[0096] The folding device 140 may also include a fabric edge clamp 115 for clamping the fabric edge of the waistband end 1a when it is supported on the support fork 110. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 The side view of the fabric edge clamp 115 and support fork 110 shown in the viewing orientation of arrow 4, which is parallel to the x-direction.

[0097] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 The side view of the folding mechanism 130 shown is in the viewing orientation of arrow 5, parallel to the x-direction. (Reference) Figure 3 and Figure 5 The folding mechanism 130 includes a pair of guide plates 132, a pair of folding plates 134, and a corner folding rod 136. The pair of guide plates 132 includes an upper guide plate 132.1 and a lower guide plate 132.2, which are generally flat, spaced apart, and parallel to each other to form a guide plate slot 132.5 with a width 132h1 in the z-direction therebetween. The edges 132.3 of the upper guide plate 132.1 and 132.4 of the lower guide plate 132.2 widen (open) in the z-direction to form a width 132h2 at the edges, which is greater than the width 132h1 between the two guide plates. The pair of folding plates 134 includes an upper folding plate 134.1 and a lower folding plate 134.2, which are generally flat, spaced apart, and parallel to each other to form a folding plate slot 134.5 therebetween. Preferably, the width 134h of the folding plate slot 134.5 is greater than the width 132h1.

[0098] Back Figure 3 In the middle, the conveying mechanism 120 includes a fabric clamping mechanism 122, an auxiliary fabric pressing part 124, and a clamp 125. Figure 3 In the middle, the clamp 125 and the fabric clamping mechanism 122 are in a connected state. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the fabric clamping mechanism 122 according to the embodiment described. The fabric clamping mechanism 122 includes an upper clamping plate 122.1, a lower clamping plate 122.2, and a guide post 122.3 for guiding the upper and lower clamping plates to reciprocate (in the z-direction). C-shaped grooves 122.5 are respectively positioned on both the upper and lower clamping plates, such that the grooves 122.5 form C-shaped through slots (in the z-direction) in the fabric clamping mechanism 122. The fabric clamping mechanism 122 also includes a spring 122.4 disposed between the two clamping plates (according to...). Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the spring is configured to wrap around the guide post 122.3 to push the upper and lower clamping plates apart. It should be noted that the number of guide posts 122.3 and springs 122.4 in the fabric clamping mechanism 122 is not limited. A pad 122.6 is also provided between the two clamping plates for gently clamping them when pressed together. The fabric clamping mechanism 122 also includes a clamp 125 (see [link to clamping mechanism]) for connection to the conveying mechanism 120. Figure 3 The conveyor clamp connection hole 122.7 and the sewing machine clamp connection hole 122.8 for connecting to the clamp (described later) of the sewing machine 15.

[0099] Figure 7-15B The process of folding and conveying the waistband end 1a using the waistband conveying and folding device 100a is shown. (Reference) Figure 7 First, the end 1a of the semi-finished waistband 1 is supported on the support fork 110 in such a way that the end 1a covers the upper support plate 112 and the lower support plate 114 of the support fork 110. The excess fabric portion 12a of the end 1a protrudes from the upper and lower folded edges of the support fork 110 and is held by the fabric edge clamp 115. Figure 8 It is shown in Figure 7 The view from which the middle arrow 4 is directed is a side view of the upper end 1a supported on the support fork 110, wherein end 1a covers the upper support plate 112 and the lower support plate 114. In other words, the upper support plate 112 and the lower support plate 114 are inserted between the two folded edges of end 1a. The excess fabric portion 12a is held by the fabric edge clamp 115 to fold in the z-direction.

[0100] Next, the fabric clamping mechanism 122 and the auxiliary fabric pressing part 124 of the conveying mechanism 120 move along... Figure 7 The orientation of the middle arrow 9 (parallel to the y-direction) moves towards the end 1a of the half-finished waistband 1 (supported on the support fork 110) and moves as follows. Figure 9 The diagram shows the clamping position for holding the waistband 1. In this position, the fabric clamping mechanism 122 clamps the waistband 1 on the support fork 110, causing the auxiliary fabric pressing part 124 to descend and hold the waistband 1 in place. The clamping operation of the fabric clamping mechanism 122 can be performed by the clamp 125 of the conveying mechanism. Specifically, the clamp 125 is descended one level to press the upper and lower clamping plates 122.1 and 122.2 of the fabric clamping mechanism 122 together, thereby pressing and fixing the waistband 1 on the support frame 110. The state in which the fabric clamping mechanism 122 clamps the waistband 1 on the support fork 110 is called the first-level clamping state of the fabric clamping mechanism 122. It should be noted that in this clamping state, the position of the C-shaped groove 122.5 of the fabric clamping mechanism 122 corresponds to the position of the sewing line to be performed to complete the end 1a. The positioning of the corresponding position of the C-shaped groove 122.5 is to form a through groove for sewing in subsequent operations.

[0101] Next, refer to Figure 9 Folding mechanism 130 Figure 9 The direction of the middle arrow 10 (parallel to the y-direction) moves towards the end 1a of the semi-finished waistband 1 (held on the support fork 110 by the fabric clamping mechanism 122) and moves. Figure 10 The folding position is shown. When the folding mechanism 130 moves to the folding position, the excess fabric portion 12a at end 1a enters the guide plate slots of a pair of guide plates 132, and then enters the folding plate slots of a pair of folding plates 134. It should be noted that the folding mechanism 130 has a protrusion 138, which can simultaneously push the fabric edge clamp 115 out of its clamping position when the folding mechanism 130 moves to the folding position to allow the excess fabric portion 12a to enter the guide plate slots and folding plate slots.

[0102] Figure 11A-11C This better illustrates the process by which the excess fabric portion 12a at end 1a sequentially enters the guide plate slot and the folding plate slot. Figure 11A-11C For folding mechanism 130 in Figure 9 Side views of different positions with the viewing orientation of the middle arrow 5 (parallel to the x-direction).

[0103] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 11A The folding mechanism 130 moves toward the end 1a of the semi-finished waistband 1 in the direction of arrow 10. Upon reaching end 1a, the excess fabric portion 12a (protruding in the x-direction) of end 1a enters the guide plate slot 132.5 through the opening of the guide plate slot. It should be noted that the edge width 132h2 of the guide plate slot is greater than the width 132h1 of the guide plate slot (see...). Figure 5This allows the excess fabric portion 12a to easily enter the guide plate slot. The folding mechanism 130 continues to move in the direction of arrow 10, thus allowing the excess fabric portion 12a to enter the folding plate slot 134.5, as... Figure 11B As shown. It should also be noted that the width 134h of the folding plate slot is greater than the width 132h1 of the guide plate slot, therefore the excess fabric portion 12a easily enters the folding plate slot 134.5. The folding mechanism 130 continues to move in the direction of arrow 10 and stops at the folding position, as shown. Figure 11C As shown, this is to prepare for the folding process.

[0104] exist Figure 10 At the folding position shown, the folding mechanism 130 performs the folding process. Figure 12 It is the folding mechanism 130 in Figure 10 A side view (i.e., a top view) along the orientation of arrow 12 parallel to the z-direction shows the folding mechanism 130 in the folded position. A portion of the excess fabric portion 12a is located within the folding plate slot 134.5. Figure 13A It is similar to Figure 12 The view shows the area without the upper clamping plate 122.1, where the upper folded edge 112.1 is located below the excess fabric portion 12a indicated by the dashed line.

[0105] Figures 13A-13D The process of folding the excess fabric portion 12a at end 1a using the folding mechanism 130 is shown. Figures 13A-13D In a similar Figure 12 The view is oriented upwards; for ease of observation, the upper clamping plate 122.1 is omitted. (Reference) Figure 13A The folding process will fold the excess fabric portion 12a of end 1a inward along the upper folding edge 112.1 and lower folding edge 114.1 of the support fork 110 covered by end 1a. Figure 13A In the figure, only the upper folding edge 112.1 is shown by dashed lines, and the lower folding edge 114.1 coincides with the upper folding edge 112.1 and is not shown in this figure. It should be noted that the distance between the upper folding plate 134.1 and the lower folding plate 134.2 of the pair of folding plates 134 is less than the width 116h of the fork slot 116, allowing the pair of folding plates 134 to enter the fork slot 116 during folding. It should also be noted that the thickness of the corner folding rod 136 is less than the width 116h of the fork slot 116, allowing the corner folding rod 136 to enter the fork slot 116 during folding. Each plate of the pair of folding plates 134 has an angled portion 134.3 at its edge to facilitate the folding process (described later). The corner folding rod 136 has an angled head 136.1 and a curved outer surface 136.2 to prevent the fabric from wrinkling during folding at the corner portion (described later).

[0106] from Figure 13A At the folded position, a pair of folding plates 134 move toward the excess fabric portion 12a at the end 1a in the orientation of arrow 4 (parallel to the x-direction). The pair of folding plates 134 contact and push the excess fabric portion 12a. Due to the upper folding edge 112.1 and the lower folding edge 114.1, the excess fabric portion 12a abuts against the upper folding edge 112.1 and the lower folding edge 114.1, and when the pair of folding plates 134 enter the fork slot 116, the excess fabric portion 12a is pushed into the fork slot 116, as... Figure 13B As shown. A pair of folding plates 134 continue to move in the orientation of arrow 4, gradually pushing almost the entire excess fabric portion 12a into the fork slot 116, as... Figure 13C As shown. The pair of folding plates 134 stop after moving to the end of their stroke. The excess fabric portion 12a is folded along the movement orientation of the pair of folding plates (the orientation of arrow 4), hence the movement orientation of the pair of folding plates is called the folding orientation. As previously described, since the edges of the pair of folding plates 134 have beveled portions 134.3, the excess fabric portion 12a is gradually pushed into the fork slot 116 to facilitate the folding process. Figure 13C In the state shown, when the folding process is completed by a pair of folding plates 134, almost the entire excess fabric portion 12a has been folded, except that the corner portion 12a' of the excess fabric portion 12a is not fully folded and has wrinkles.

[0107] Next, the folding of the corner portion 12a' of the excess fabric portion 12a is performed by the corner folding lever 136. The corner folding lever 136 moves in the direction of arrow 4 to push the corner portion 12a' of the excess fabric portion 12a into the fork slot 116 as the corner folding lever enters the fork slot 116, as... Figure 13D As shown. The corner folding rod 136 stops after moving to the end of its stroke, thereby completing the folding of the corner portion 12a'. The corner portion 12a' of the excess fabric portion 12a is folded along the movement orientation of the corner folding rod, which is referred to as the folding orientation. According to the embodiment, the movement orientation of the corner folding rod is parallel to the movement orientation of a pair of folding plates. It should be noted that the corner folding rod 136 has a beveled head 136.1 and a curved outer surface 136.2 to prevent the fabric from wrinkling at the folded corner. Figure 13E It is along Figure 13D The cross-sectional view along line 13E-13E shown illustrates the excess fabric portion folded into the fork slot of the support fork 110.

[0108] After the corner portion 12a' is folded, the pair of folding plates 134 and the corner folding rod 136 simultaneously retract to their original positions (e.g., Figure 10(As shown). Next, the support fork 110 retracts from the fabric clamping mechanism 122, and then the fabric clamping mechanism 122 descends to clamp the folded waistband 1 between the upper clamping plate 122.1 and the lower clamping plate 122.2. The entire process of folding the end 1a of the waistband 1 is completed. In the state where the folding process is completed, the end 1a is folded and tightly clamped in the fabric clamping mechanism 122, as shown. Figure 14 As shown, this clamping state of the fabric clamping mechanism 122 is referred to as the second-level clamping state. It should be noted that in this clamping state, the position of the C-shaped groove 122.5 of the fabric clamping mechanism 122 still corresponds to the position of the sewing thread to be performed to complete the end 1a.

[0109] Next, the folded end 1a is conveyed to the sewing machine 15 for sewing, while the folded end 1a remains firmly clamped in the fabric clamping mechanism 122. This conveying process is as follows: Figure 15A The sewing machine shown is operated by pressing part 150. Figure 15A It is shown that, according to the embodiment described, it is similar to Figure 14 A perspective view of the fabric clamping mechanism 122 (without waistband 1), the clamp 125 of the conveying mechanism, and the sewing machine pressing component 150 is provided for easy observation. Figure 15A As shown, the sewing machine pressing component 150 includes a connecting pin 150.8, which is configured to engage with the sewing machine clamp connection hole 122.8 of the fabric clamping mechanism 122.

[0110] In order to perform the process of conveying the folded end 1a to the sewing machine 15 via the sewing machine presser 150, the fabric clamping mechanism 122 changes its connection with the clamp 125 to its connection with the sewing machine presser 150. Specifically, refer to Figure 15A After the end 1a is folded, the fabric clamping mechanism 122 is connected to the clamp 125 of the conveying mechanism 120. The clamp 125 brings the fabric clamping mechanism 122 to the position of the sewing machine pressing member 150, such that the positions of the sewing machine clamp connecting holes 122.8 are respectively located below the positions of the connecting pins 150.8 of the sewing machine pressing member 150. Then, the sewing machine pressing member 150 is lowered, so that the connecting pins 150.8 engage with the sewing machine clamp connecting holes 122.8, thereby connecting the sewing machine pressing member 150 to the fabric clamping mechanism 122.

[0111] Next, the clamp 125 of the conveyor mechanism is raised, as follows: Figure 15B As shown, this disconnects the clamp 125 from the fabric clamping mechanism 122. At this time, the connection between the sewing machine pressing member 150 and the fabric clamping mechanism 122 is still maintained, so that the fabric clamping mechanism 122 still tightly clamps the end 1a of the waistband 1.

[0112] Next, the sewing machine pressing member 150 conveys the fabric clamping mechanism 122 to the sewing machine 15 to sew the end 1a clamped in the fabric clamping mechanism 122 along the C-shaped groove 122.5. After sewing is completed, the clamp 125 of the conveying mechanism is lowered, causing the connecting pin 125.7 of the clamp 125 to... Figure 15B The clamp 125 engages with the conveyor clamp connection hole 122.7 of the fabric clamping mechanism 122, thereby reconnecting the clamp 125 to the fabric clamping mechanism 122. Next, the sewing machine presser 150 is raised to disengage from the fabric clamping mechanism 122. At this point, the sewn end 1a is still held in the fabric clamping mechanism 122 by the clamp 125 of the conveyor mechanism. The clamp 125 brings the fabric clamping mechanism 122 to a position for receiving the finished waistband.

[0113] As described above, the folding process using the folding mechanism 130 includes first moving a pair of folding plates 134, and then moving the corner folding rod 136. After the folding process is completed, the pair of folding plates 134 and the corner folding rod 136 are simultaneously retracted. The movement of the pair of folding plates 134 and the movement of the corner folding rod 136 can be performed in this manner by the same drive device (not shown). First, the drive device drives the pair of folding plates 134 to fold. When the pair of folding plates 134 have completed their stroke, the drive device disengages from the drive of the pair of folding plates 134 and drives the corner folding rod 136 to fold the corner portion. When the corner folding rod 136 has completed its stroke, the drive device drives the pair of folding plates 134 and the corner folding rod 136 to retract to their original positions.

[0114] According to the above embodiment, a pair of guide plates 132 includes an upper guide plate 132.1 and a lower guide plate 132.2 that open at their edges, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the width 132h2 at the edge is greater than the width 132h1 between the guide plates. Figure 16A yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of a pair of guide plates 132 shows the outline of the open edges of the pair of guide plates 132. According to another embodiment, the open edges of the pair of guide plates 132 are beveled, such as... Figure 16B As shown.

[0115] According to the above embodiment, the corner folding rod 136 has a beveled head 136.1 and a curved outer surface 136.2 to prevent the fabric from wrinkling when folding the corner portion. However, it should be noted that the shape of the corner folding rod according to the present invention is not limited. Figures 17A-17C This is a perspective view showing some embodiments of the corner folding rod according to the present invention. Specifically, Figure 17A The embodiment of the corner folding rod 236 shown has a head 236.1 with beveled edges on both the outer and side surfaces, and the outer surface 236.2 is curved. Similarly, Figure 17B The embodiment of the corner folding rod 336 shown has a head 336.1 with beveled edges on both the outer and side surfaces, and the outer surface 336.2 is curved. Figure 17C The embodiment of the corner folding rod 436 shown has a head 436.1 that is angled only at the outer surface, and the outer surface 436.2 is curved.

[0116] According to the above embodiment, the connection between the fabric clamping mechanism 122 and the clamp 125 of the conveying mechanism is established through the conveying mechanism clamp connecting hole 122.7 of the fabric clamping mechanism and the pin 125.7 of the clamp 125. The connection between the fabric clamping mechanism 122 and the sewing machine pressing member 150 is established through the sewing machine clamp connecting hole 122.8 of the fabric clamping mechanism and the pin 150.8 of the sewing machine pressing member 150. In another embodiment, these connections can be achieved by a pin provided on the fabric clamping mechanism 122 and a hole provided on the sewing machine pressing member 150, or a combination of pins and holes. Such pins and holes serve as connecting elements.

[0117] It is important to emphasize that the waistband folding device of this invention completely folds the excess fabric at the waistband end inwards, resulting in wrinkle-free fabric. The waistband folding device of this invention includes corner folding rods to prevent the corner portion of the folded waistband from denting, thereby avoiding defective products. Furthermore, the operation of folding the waistband using the waistband folding device of this invention is automated, thus improving productivity and limiting defects compared to manual operation.

[0118] The above detailed description is not intended to limit the invention. All equivalent modifications and substitutions performed by those skilled in the art also fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A waistband folding device (140) for folding the excess portion (12a) of a waistband (1) folded into two pieces, comprising: A support fork (110) includes a pair of spaced-apart support plates (112, 114) with a fork slot (116) formed between the pair of support plates (112, 114), wherein the support fork is configured to support the waistband (1) by being inserted between the two plates of the waistband (1) and to support the excess portion (12a) protruding from the support fork. as well as The folding mechanism (130) includes a pair of folding plates (134) spaced apart from each other and a corner folding rod (136). The pair of folding plates (134) are configured to move from their folded positions and push the excess portion (12a) of the waistband (1) into the fork slot (116), thereby folding the excess portion (12a) by the pair of folding plates. The corner folding rod (136) is configured to move from the folding position of the corner folding rod and push the corner portion (12a') of the excess portion (12a) into the fork slot (116) after the excess portion (12a) is folded by the pair of folding plates (134), so that the corner portion of the excess portion (12a) is folded by the corner folding rod.

2. The waistband folding device according to claim 1, wherein, The pair of folding plates (134) and the corner folding rods (136) are configured to be moved by the same drive mechanism.

3. The waistband folding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A portion of the excess portion (12a) of the waistband (1) is located in a slot (134.5) between the pair of folding plates (134) at the folding position of the pair of folding plates.

4. The waistband folding device according to claim 3, wherein, When the pair of folding plates are not located at the folded position, the portion of the excess portion (12a) of the waistband (1) is not located in the slot (134.5) between the pair of folding plates (134). The pair of folding plates (134) are configured such that, as the pair of folding plates move to the folded position, the portion of the excess portion (12a) is guided into the slot (134.5) between the pair of folding plates.

5. The waistband folding device according to claim 4, wherein, The waistband folding device further includes a pair of guide plates (132) configured to guide the portion of the excess portion (12a) into the slot (134.5) between the pair of folding plates as the pair of folding plates move to the folding position.

6. The waistband folding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The support plates (112, 114) of the support fork (110) are generally flat and parallel to each other.

7. The waistband folding device according to claim 1, wherein, The waistband folding device also includes a clamping mechanism (122) configured to hold the waistband (1) supported by the support fork (110).

8. The waistband folding device according to claim 7, wherein, The clamping mechanism (122) includes a through slot (122.5).

9. The waistband folding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The corner folding bar (136) includes a curved side surface (136.2).

10. The waistband folding device according to claim 9, wherein, The corner folding bar (136) includes a beveled head (136.1).

11. The waistband folding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each of the pair of folding panels (134) includes a beveled edge portion (134.3) of the excess portion (12a) facing the waistband (1).

12. The waistband folding device according to claim 7, wherein, The clamping mechanism (122) includes a plurality of first connecting elements (122.7) for connecting to a first pressing member (125) and a plurality of second connecting elements (122.8) for connecting to a second pressing member (150) different from the first pressing member.

13. The waistband folding device according to claim 12, wherein, The clamping mechanism (122) is connected to the first pressing member (125), while the excess portion (12a) is folded by the pair of folding plates, and the corner portion of the excess portion (12a) is folded by the corner folding rod.

14. The waistband folding device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, After the corner portion of the excess portion (12a) is folded by the corner folding rod, the clamping mechanism (122) is connected to the second pressing member (150).

15. The waistband folding device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The waistband folding device is configured to transfer the connection between the first pressing member (125) and the second pressing member (150) to the clamping mechanism (122).

16. The waistband folding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The material of the waistband (1) is fabric.

17. A waistband sewing device (10) comprising a sewing machine (15) and at least one waistband folding device (140) according to any of the preceding claims.

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