Alignment method of a jig and alignment program of a jig

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of jig alignment method and the alignment program of jig, which can accurately configure multiple pins in the position corresponding to multiple holes of the sewed object regardless of the size of the sewed object.In the jig alignment method, the control device of sewing device takes in the coordinate data of multiple pins (S21), the control device moves the head and the supporting frame of the sewing device to the position indicated by the coordinate data of the pin of interest in multiple pins, and indicates the position of the pin of interest indicated by the coordinate data according to the position of the supporting frame relative to the head (S26).In the jig alignment method, the operator aligns the supporting member of interest corresponding to the pin of interest with the position of the pin of interest in multiple supporting members, adjusts the position of the supporting member of interest relative to the supporting frame (S43), and fixes the supporting member of interest to the supporting frame (S44).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for aligning a fixture and a procedure for aligning a fixture. Background Technology

[0002] Existing sewing devices form stitches by moving a retainer plate relative to the needle, according to sewing data. The retainer plate has multiple holes on its outer periphery. The sewing device has multiple pins corresponding to the multiple holes. The sewing device aligns the retainer plate by passing the corresponding pins through the multiple holes in the retainer plate.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-543739 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] Sewing devices sometimes use jigs instead of retaining plates. These jigs have a support frame and multiple pins, with pins corresponding to the holes formed in the seam edge of the workpiece. This holds the workpiece in an unfolded state, aligned with the support frame. However, with larger workpieces, it is difficult to accurately position the pins corresponding to the holes in the workpiece.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and procedure for aligning a jig that can accurately position multiple pins at positions corresponding to multiple holes in the sewn object, regardless of the size of the object being sewn.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] In the jig alignment method of technical solution 1 of the present invention, the jig includes: a plurality of support members, each of which has an upwardly protruding pin; and a support frame, which fixes the plurality of support members in a position-adjustable manner. The workpiece is aligned relative to the support frame by passing the plurality of pins through a plurality of holes provided in the workpiece. The jig alignment method is characterized by including: an insertion step, in which a control device of a sewing device inserts coordinate data of the plurality of pins; an indication step, in which the control device moves the head of the sewing device and the support frame relative to the position indicated by the coordinate data of the pin of interest among the plurality of pins, and indicates the position of the pin of interest indicated by the coordinate data according to the position of the support frame relative to the head; and a fixing step, in which an operator aligns the support member of interest corresponding to the pin of interest among the plurality of support members with the position of the pin of interest, adjusts the position of the support member of interest relative to the support frame, and fixes the support member of interest to the support frame. The jig alignment method of technical solution 1 can use the sewing device to determine the position of the support member relative to the support frame. Therefore, multiple pins can be accurately arranged at positions corresponding to multiple holes in the sewn object, regardless of the size of the sewn object.

[0011] In the jig alignment method of technical solution 2, during the take-up step, the control device takes in the coordinate data from the sewing data of the workpiece held by the jig after alignment, which forms the stitches. In the jig alignment method of technical solution 2, by taking in the coordinate data from the sewing data of the workpiece held by the jig after alignment, the coordinate data can be used to align the support member relative to the support frame, compared to cases where the coordinate data and sewing data are different. Furthermore, after jig alignment, when the control device processes the stitching of the workpiece held by the jig according to the sewing data, the possibility of sewing based on sewing data that does not correspond to the coordinate data is reduced.

[0012] In the indicating step of the jig alignment method of technical solution 3, after the control device moves the head and the support frame relative to the position indicated by the coordinate data of the pin of interest, it indicates the position where the pin of interest abuts against the presser foot when the presser foot on the head of the sewing device descends from the raised position to a position between the raised and lowered positions or the lowered position as the position of the pin of interest indicated by the coordinate data. In the jig alignment method of technical solution 3, by setting the position where the presser foot abuts against the upper part of the pin as the position of the pin of interest indicated by the coordinate data, the operator can easily grasp the position of the pin of interest indicated by the coordinate data.

[0013] In the jig alignment method of technical solution 4, the upper ends of the plurality of pins are tapered, decreasing in diameter towards the upper side. The presser foot is cylindrical, having a hole smaller than 1.1 times the maximum diameter of the plurality of pins, and large enough to allow at least a portion of the upper end of the pin of interest to be inserted. In the fixing process, the position of the support member of interest relative to the support frame is adjusted so that, when the presser foot of the sewing device is lowered from the raised position, at least a portion of the upper end of the pin of interest is inserted into the hole of the presser foot, and the support member of interest is fixed to the support frame. In the jig alignment method of technical solution 4, by adjusting the position of the support member of interest relative to the support frame to the position where the upper part of the pin of interest is inserted into the hole of the presser foot, it is physically possible to confirm that a support member is configured at the position of the pin of interest indicated by the coordinate data. The operator can determine whether a support member is configured at the position of the pin of interest indicated by the coordinate data based on whether a portion of the upper end of the pin of interest is inserted into the hole of the presser foot, while performing the fixing process.

[0014] The fixture alignment method of technical solution 5 further comprises: a sequential acquisition step, in which the control device acquires the order in which the pins of interest are read from the plurality of pins in the indication step; a completion indication acquisition step, in which, after the fixing step, the control device acquires a completion indication from the operator, the completion indication indicating that the indication step for the next pin of interest in the sequence can be performed; and a movement step, in which, when the completion indication is acquired in the completion indication acquisition step, the control device moves the presser foot of the sewing device to the rising position, and the control device performs the indication step for the next pin of interest in the sequence after the movement step. The fixture alignment method of technical solution 5 can reliably avoid performing the indication step for the next pin of interest in the sequence when the presser foot is not in the rising position.

[0015] In the fixture alignment method of technical solution 6, the fixture alignment method further includes a sequence editing process, in which the control device edits the sequence. Compared with the case where the sequence cannot be edited, the fixture alignment method of technical solution 6 can improve the convenience for the operator.

[0016] In the alignment process of the fixture in technical solution 7, the fixture includes: a plurality of support members, each of which has an upwardly protruding pin; and a support frame that fixes the plurality of support members in a position-adjustable manner. Alignment of the workpiece relative to the support frame is achieved by passing the plurality of pins through a plurality of holes provided in the workpiece. The alignment process of this fixture is characterized by including instructing a control device that controls the sewing device holding the support frame to perform the following steps: an input step, in which coordinate data of the plurality of pins is input; and an indication step, in which the head of the sewing device and the support frame are moved relative to each other toward the position indicated by the coordinate data of the pin of interest among the plurality of pins, and the position of the pin of interest indicated by the coordinate data is indicated based on the position of the support frame relative to the head. The alignment process of the fixture enables the control device of the sewing device to indicate the position of the support member of interest relative to the support frame by the position of the support frame relative to the head. By observing the position of the support frame relative to the head, the operator can confirm the position of the support member of interest relative to the support frame and fix the support member to the support frame. The jig alignment procedure allows the operator to accurately place multiple pins at positions corresponding to multiple holes in the workpiece, regardless of the size of the workpiece. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the sewing device 1.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a 3D view of the head.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a top view of the sewing device 1 with the support frame 85 of the fixture 8 positioned in the installation position.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a top view of the sewing device 1 with the support frame 85 of the jig 8 positioned at the extreme position P2.

[0021] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of a jig 8 that is temporarily equipped with a portion of multiple support components 140 and 150.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the sewing device 1 and the control device 100.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the hole setting process.

[0024] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of generating hole data E2 in the hole setting process.

[0025] Figure 9This is a flowchart of the alignment method for fixture 8.

[0026] Figure 10 (A) is a perspective view of the state of the cancellation 145 positioned below the middle pressure foot 64 in the raised position. Figure 10 (B) is a perspective view of the middle pressure foot 64, which has descended from the rising position, abutting against the upper end 146 of the attention pin 145.

[0027] Figure 11 (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of the deregistration 145 positioned below the middle pressure foot 64 in the raised position. Figure 11 (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the middle pressure foot 64 in the lowered position abutting against the upper end 146 of the attention pin 145.

[0028] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram showing the process of fixing the support member 150 to the support frame 85 using the alignment method of the jig 8.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0030] 1. Sewing device; 8. Fixture; 16, 101. CPU; 30. Head; 64. Middle presser foot; 85. Support frame; 100. Control device; 122. Middle presser foot mechanism; 145. Pin; 146. Upper end; 140, 150. Supporting component; H1~H22. Hole. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The physical structure of a sewing device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the left-right, front-back, and up-down directions indicated by arrows in the figures will be used. Figures 1-4 As shown, the sewing device 1 is a gate-type sewing device, comprising a base 2, mounting platforms 90F and 90R, support columns 3 and 4, and a synchronization mechanism 31 (see reference). Figure 6 ), beam 5, head 30, shuttle mechanism 7 (refer to) Figure 2 ), fixture 8 (refer to Figure 5 ), mobile mechanism 9 (refer to) Figure 6 ), conveying mechanism 10 (refer to) Figure 6 ) and operation section 14.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the base portion 2 includes a base 21, a mounting portion 22, openings 24 and 25, a basal part 26 and 27, a frame 28, and a lower track 29 (see reference). Figure 2The base 21 is generally rectangular. The mounting portion 22 forms the upper surface of the base 21 and is a plate extending parallel to the horizontal plane. An opening 23 extending in the left-right direction is formed in the mounting portion 22. An opening 24 is formed near the left end of the mounting portion 22 in the front-back direction. An opening 25 is formed near the right end of the mounting portion 22 in the front-back direction. Openings 24 and 25 are portions that extend in a top-view rectangular shape between the front and rear ends of the mounting portion 22 and open upwards. Belly-shaped portions 26 and 27 cover openings 24 and 25, respectively. A pair of tracks are provided below the belly-shaped portions 26 and 27. The pair of tracks support the connecting portions 78 and 79 of the conveying mechanism 10 so that they can move in the front-back direction. The frame 28 is a lattice-shaped structure that supports the base 21 from below. Figure 2 As shown, the lower track 29 extends in the left-right direction below the mounting section 22. The lower track 29 supports the shuttle mechanism 7 so that it can move left and right. The base section 2 is located below the mounting section 22 and is equipped with the lower belt 94, the lower spline shaft 34, and the shuttle mechanism 7, which will be described later.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the mounting stages 90F and 90R support the support frame 85 (described later) so that it can slide in the front-rear direction. The mounting stage 90F is located at the front of the machine base 2, and the mounting stage 90R is located at the rear of the machine base 2. The mounting stages 90F and 90R include a frame 41A and a receiving portion 42A. The frame 41A is a grid-like structure that is longer in the Y direction, supporting the receiving portion 42A from below. The receiving portion 42A includes a pair of left and right extended configuration portions 96 extending in the Y direction, a pair of guide rails 95, and multiple rollers 39. The pair of extended configuration portions 96 extend from the front end of the mounting stage 90F to the rear end of the mounting stage 90R. The pair of guide rails 95 are located on opposite surfaces of the pair of extended configuration portions 96. The pair of guide rails 95 restrict the position of the support frame 85 in the X direction and guide it in the Y direction. The multiple rollers 39 extend in the X direction and are arranged in the Y direction between the pair of guide rails 95. The support frame 85 slides along the Y direction on multiple rollers 39.

[0034] Support parts 3 and 4 are approximately quadrangular prisms. Support part 3 extends upward from approximately the center of the left end of the base part 2 in the front-rear direction. Support part 4 extends upward from approximately the center of the right end of the base part 2 in the front-rear direction. Support parts 3 and 4 are separated in the left-right direction by the mounting part 22. The synchronization mechanism 31 is a mechanism for synchronously driving the needle bar mechanism 6 and the shuttle mechanism 7, and includes... Figure 6 Main motor 32, Figure 2The system includes an upper splined shaft 33, a lower splined shaft 34, and a transmission mechanism (not shown). The main motor 32 is supported by a support column 3. The upper splined shaft 33 and the lower splined shaft 34 extend in a left-right direction between the support columns 3 and 4. The transmission mechanism of the synchronization mechanism 31 is housed in the support column 3 and transmits the power of the main motor 32 to the upper splined shaft 33 and the lower splined shaft 34.

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the moving mechanism 9 enables the shuttle mechanism 7 and the needle bar mechanism 6 to move relative to the workpiece in a left-right direction parallel to the horizontal direction. The moving mechanism 9 includes an upper belt 93, a lower belt 94, an X motor 98, and a transmission mechanism, which will be described later. In the sewing apparatus 1 of this example, the jig 8 holds the workpiece. The X motor 98 is a pulse motor and is supported by the support column 4. The transmission mechanism of the moving mechanism 9 is housed in the support column 4 and transmits the power of the X motor 98 to the upper belt 93 and the lower belt 94. The upper belt 93 is fixed to the back of the needle bar mechanism 6. The lower belt 94 is fixed to the back of the shuttle mechanism 7. The shuttle mechanism 7 and the needle bar mechanism 6 move left and right in response to the rotation of the X motor 98.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, beam 5 is mounted between support sections 3 and 4, extending in the left-right direction. Beam 5 supports needle bar mechanism 6 at the rear, enabling it to move in a left-right direction parallel to the horizontal. Beam 5 includes a housing 51, a serpentine section 52, and an upper track 53. Housing 51 extends in the left-right direction at the upper and rear ends of each of support sections 3 and 4. Serpentine section 52 is mounted at the front ends of each of support sections 3 and 4, housing 51, and the left and right ends of needle bar mechanism 6 (described later). Upper track 53 is a rod-shaped component extending in the left-right direction, mounted between support sections 3 and 4. Upper track 53 supports needle bar mechanism 6, enabling it to move in the left-right direction. Housing 51 covers the upper track 53 and the upper spline shaft 33 of synchronization mechanism 31 on the upper and rear sides. Serpentine section 52 covers the upper track 53 and the front side of upper spline shaft 33. Serpentine section 52 extends and retracts in response to the left-right movement of needle bar mechanism 6.

[0037] The head 30 is positioned above the mounting portion 22 and forward relative to the beam portion 5. The head 30 includes a needle bar mechanism 6 and a middle pressure foot mechanism 122. The needle bar mechanism 6 includes a housing 60, an upper shaft 61, a transmission mechanism 62, and a needle bar 63, enabling the needle bar 63 to move up and down. The housing 60 is box-shaped and houses the upper shaft 61. The back of the housing 60 is connected to the upper belt 93, and the housing 60 is supported by the upper rail 53. The needle bar mechanism 6 can move left and right along the upper rail 53 within the beam portion 5 under the drive of the moving mechanism 9. The upper shaft 61 extends in the left-right direction. The transmission mechanism 62 transmits power from the upper spline shaft 33 to the upper shaft 61. The needle bar 63 extends in the up-down direction and a needle 65 can be mounted at its lower end. The needle bar 63 is connected to the upper shaft 61 and moves up and down under the drive of the main motor 32.

[0038] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 10 As shown, the presser foot mechanism 122 includes a presser bar 69, a presser foot motor 68, and a transmission mechanism (not shown). The presser bar 69 has a presser foot 64 at its lower end, extending vertically parallel to the needle bar 63. The presser foot 64 is a cylindrical tube with a through hole 641 through which the needle 65 and the needle bar 63 pass, swinging to an upward and downward position to intermittently press the workpiece from above. The upward position is the position where the presser foot 64 leaves the workpiece and is at the uppermost point of its movable range. The downward position is the position where the presser foot 64 contacts the workpiece and is at the lowermost point of its movable range. The diameter D2 of the through hole 641 is approximately the same as the maximum diameter D3 of the pin 145 (described later) or is large enough to allow the tapered portion of the tip of the pin 145 to be inserted. Specifically, the diameter D2 of the through hole 641 is formed to be no more than 1.1 times the maximum diameter D3 of the pin 145. like Figure 11 As shown in (A), the intermediate pressure foot 64 is mounted on the intermediate pressure rod 69 such that the axis M of the through hole 641 is aligned with the axis M of the needle bar 63. Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the intermediate pressure foot motor 68 is a pulse motor fixed to the upper surface of the housing 60. The intermediate pressure foot motor 68 causes the intermediate pressure rod 69 to move up and down, thereby causing the intermediate pressure foot 64 to move up and down between the raised and lowered positions. The transmission mechanism is connected to the output shaft of the intermediate pressure foot motor 68 and the intermediate pressure rod 69, transmitting the rotation of the output shaft of the intermediate pressure foot motor 68 to the intermediate pressure rod 69.

[0039] The shuttle mechanism 7 is located below the needle bar mechanism 6 and inside the base section 2. The shuttle mechanism 7 includes a housing 70, a lower shaft 71, a transmission mechanism 72, and a shuttle 73. The housing 70 is box-shaped and has a needle plate 74 at its upper left end. The needle plate 74 has a needle-receiving hole 75 through which a needle 65 can pass. The needle-receiving hole 75 is located below the needle bar 63. The back of the housing 70 is connected to the lower belt 94. A lower spline shaft 34 passes through the housing 70. The housing 70 is supported by a lower track 29. The shuttle mechanism 7 can move left and right along the lower track 29 synchronously with the needle bar mechanism 6 under the drive of the moving mechanism 9. The transmission mechanism 72 transmits the power of the lower spline shaft 34 to the lower shaft 71. The shuttle 73 is connected to the lower shaft 71 and rotates synchronously with the up-and-down movement of the needle bar 63 under the drive of the main motor 32.

[0040] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the conveying mechanism 10 enables the jig 8 holding the sewn workpiece to move back and forth relative to the head 30 with the needle bar mechanism 6 and the shuttle mechanism 7. The conveying mechanism 10 includes connecting parts 78 and 79, mounting parts 88 and 89, clamping parts 881 and 891, and cylinders 91 and 92. The lower left end of the connecting part 78 is disposed on the track located at the opening 24 of the base part 2. The lower right end of the connecting part 79 is disposed on the track located at the opening 25 of the base part 2. The mounting part 88 is fixed to the front right surface of the connecting part 78. The mounting part 88 fixes the clamping part 881, which can be switched between a closed and an open state by the power of the cylinder 91, to its lower surface. Figure 3 The closed state is a state in which one of the pins 116-120 of the fixture 8 described later can be contacted and clamped. The open state (not shown) is a state in which all pins 116-120 of the fixture 8 described later are separated. Similarly, the connecting part 79 has a mounting part 89 fixed to its left front surface. The mounting part 89 fixes the clamping part 891, which can be switched between the closed and open states by the power of the cylinder 92, to its lower surface. Figure 3 The closed state is a state in which it can contact and hold one of the pins 111 to 115 of the fixture 8 described later. The open state (not shown) is a state in which it is separated from all pins 111 to 115 of the fixture 8 described later.

[0041] The conveying mechanism 10 includes a Y motor 99, a transmission mechanism, and a pair of belts below the mounting section 22. The Y motor 99 is a pulse motor. The transmission mechanism of the conveying mechanism 10 transmits the power of the Y motor 99 to the pair of belts fixed to the connecting sections 78 and 79. The fixture 8 held by the clamping sections 881 and 891 moves back and forth along a pair of tracks on the base section 2 in response to the rotation of the Y motor 99.

[0042] The operating unit 14 is supported by the left end of the mounting unit 22. The operating unit 14 includes... Figure 6The switch assembly 12 and display unit 13 are shown. The switch assembly 12 inputs various instructions according to the operator's operation. The display unit 13 is a liquid crystal display capable of displaying various images.

[0043] like Figure 5 As shown, the jig 8 includes a support frame 85 and multiple support members 140 and 150. When the workpiece is positioned relative to the support frame 85, the workpiece is held inside the support frame 85. The support frame 85 includes a frame body 850, pins 111-120, and a handle 85A. The frame body 850 is a rectangular metal frame that is longer in the Y direction when viewed from above. Grooves 851 and 852 are formed on the upper surface of the frame body 850. Grooves 851 and 852 are recessed downwards from the upper surface of the support frame 85 between the inner and outer peripheries of the support frame 85. Groove 851 is formed on the inner periphery of the support frame 85 in a rectangular shape parallel to the inner periphery of the support frame 85 when viewed from above. Groove 852 is formed on the outer periphery of the support frame 85 in a rectangular shape parallel to the inner periphery of the support frame 85 when viewed from above. Five pins 111-115 are located at the right end of the support frame 85, arranged at predetermined intervals L in the front-rear direction. Five pins 116-120 are located at the left end of the support frame 85, arranged at predetermined intervals L in the Y direction. Pins 111-115 and pins 116-120 are respectively located at the same position in the Y direction and opposite to each other in the X direction. Pins 111-120 are fixed to the upper surface of the frame 850 by fixing members such as screws passing through the slots 851 and 852. Pins 111-120 protrude upwards from the upper surface of the frame 850. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, handles 85A are respectively located at the left and right center positions of the front end and the left and right center positions of the rear end of the support frame 85. Figure 5 The illustration of the handle 85A is omitted in the text.

[0044] Clamping parts 881 and 891 are capable of clamping pins 111 to 120 that are in the engaged position P1. For example... Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the engaging position P1 is located at the front side of the movable range of the clamping parts 881 and 891, and is the position where the clamping parts 881 and 891 can engage with one of the following groups of pins 111 and 116, 112 and 117, 113 and 118, 114 and 119, and 115 and 120 of the left and right groups of the support frame 85. The extreme position P2 is the rearmost position where the mounting parts 88 and 89 can move backward. The distance between the engaging position P1 and the extreme position P2 is, for example, equal to a predetermined interval L. When the sewing device 1 performs a sewing operation, the mounting parts 88 and 89 can switch the gripping of the support frame 85. "Switching gripping" refers to the action of the clamping parts 881 and 891 repeatedly gripping and releasing pins to grip other pins.

[0045] Each of the multiple support members 140 and 150 has an upwardly protruding pin 145 at one end. The other end of each of the multiple support members 140 and 150 is supported on the support frame 85 in a position-adjustable manner. Taking the length direction of the support members 140 and 150 as the left-right direction, and the pin 145 is arranged on the right side of the support members 140 and 150 as an example, the structure of the support members 140 and 150 will be described.

[0046] The support member 140 is a rectangular shape that is longer in the left-right direction when viewed from above, and includes a fixing part 141, a support part 142, a pin 145, and fixing members 127, 128, 147, and 148. The fixing part 141 extends parallel to the horizontal plane on the left side of the support member 140. Elongated holes 143 and 144, which are longer in the left-right direction, are formed on the left side of the fixing part 141. The elongated holes 143 and 144 are separated in the front-back direction. The range of the elongated holes 143 and 144 in the left-right direction is longer than the interval between the grooves 851 and 852 on the left, right, front, and rear sides of the support frame 85.

[0047] The support portion 142 is a rectangular plate-shaped portion that extends downward from the right end of the fixing portion 141 and then to the right. The upper surface of the support portion 142 is located below the upper surface of the fixing portion 141. The distance between the upper surface of the support portion 142 and the upper surface of the fixing portion 141 is approximately the same as the thickness of the frame 850 of the support frame 85. The thickness of the frame 850 is its length in the vertical direction. The corner of the right end of the support portion 142 is chamfered. The pin 145 protrudes upward from the front right part of the support portion 142 in a cylindrical shape. The pin 145 may also protrude upward from the rear right part of the support portion 142 in a cylindrical shape. The upper end portion 146 of the pin 145 is tapered, with a smaller diameter towards the top. The maximum diameter D3 of the pin 145 is larger than the diameter D2 of the through hole 641 of the middle pressure foot 64. In this embodiment, the upper end portion 146 is a hemispherical shape that bulges upward.

[0048] Fixing members 127, 128, 147, and 148 are used to secure the support member 140 to the support frame 85. Fixing members 127 and 128 are, for example, headed bolts, and fixing members 147 and 148 are nuts threaded into them. When securing the support member 140 to the support frame 85, the operator inserts one of the fixing members 127 (which passes through slots 851 and 852) through the elongated hole 143 from the top, engaging the fixing member 147 at its lower end. Similarly, the operator inserts the other fixing member 128 (which passes through slots 851 and 852) through the elongated hole 144 from the top, engaging the fixing member 148 at its lower end.

[0049] In the support member 150, the same reference numerals are used for structures identical to those in the support member 140. The support member 150 is a rectangular shape that is longer in the left-right direction when viewed from above, and includes a fixing part 151, an adjusting member 170, a support part 152, a pin 145, and fixing members 125-128, 147, 148, 155, and 156. The fixing part 151 extends parallel to the horizontal plane on the left side of the support member 150. Figure 12 As shown, the support member 150 of this embodiment has several types with different lengths in the left and right directions of the fixing part 151. For example... Figure 5 As shown, elongated holes 153 and 154, which are longer in the left-right direction, are formed on the left side of the fixing part 151. The elongated holes 153 and 154 are separated in the front-back direction. The left-right extent of the elongated holes 153 and 154 is longer than the interval between the grooves 851 and 852 on the left and right sides of the support frame 85. A pair of through holes (not shown) are provided on the right side of the fixing part 151. At least one of these through holes is formed as an elongated hole, which is longer in the front-back direction.

[0050] The support portion 152 and the fixing portion 151 are formed independently of each other and are fixed to the fixing portion 151 by fixing members 125, 126, 155, and 156 in a manner that allows adjustment of their left and right positions and angles relative to the fixing portion 151. The fixing members 125 and 126 are, for example, bolts with heads, and the fixing members 155 and 156 are nuts threaded into the fixing members 125 and 126. The support portion 152 includes a fixing portion 157 and a support portion 158. The fixing portion 157 extends parallel to the horizontal plane on the left side of the support portion 152. Elongated holes 159 and 160, which are longer in the left-right direction, are formed on the left side of the fixing portion 157. The elongated holes 159 and 160 are separated in the front-back direction. With the support portion 152 positioned and fixed relative to the fixing portion 151, the operator, with the heads of the fixing members 125 and 126 positioned upwards, inserts the fixing members 125 and 126 through the holes on the right side of the fixing portion 151 from the top. After inserting the fixing members 125 and 126 through the elongated holes 159 and 160 respectively, they engage with the fixing members 155 and 156. The support portion 158 is a rectangular plate-shaped portion that extends downwards and then to the right from the right end of the fixing portion 157. The upper surface of the support portion 158 is located below the upper surface of the fixing portion 157. The distance between the upper surface of the support portion 158 and the upper surface of the fixing portion 157 is approximately the same as the thickness of the frame 850 of the support frame 85. The right corner of the support portion 158 is chamfered. A pin 145, similar to that of the support member 140, protrudes upwards from the right rear portion of the support portion 158 in a cylindrical shape. Pin 145 may also protrude upward in a cylindrical shape from the front right side of support 158. The upper end 146 of pin 145 is a hemispherical shape that bulges upward.

[0051] The adjusting member 170 is provided to eliminate back-to-back sway when the support member 150 is fixed to the support frame 85. Furthermore, by making its plate thickness the same as that of the support portion 152, the adjusting member 170 ensures that the height of the support portion 158 when fixed to the support frame 85 is the same as the height of the support portion 142, and that the pins 145 in the support members 140 and 150 are arranged on the same horizontal plane. The adjusting member 170 is a rectangular plate that is longer in the back-to-back direction when viewed from above. An elongated hole 171, also longer in the back-to-back direction, is formed in the adjusting member 170. The range of the elongated hole 171 is larger than the back-to-back spacing of the elongated holes 153 and 154.

[0052] The same fixing members 127, 128, 147, and 148 as the support member 140 are used when fixing the support member 150 to the support frame 85. When fixing the support member 150 to the support frame 85, the operator inserts the fixing member 127, which passes through one of the slots 851 and 852, through the elongated hole 171 of the adjusting member 170 and the elongated hole 143 of the fixing part 151 from the top, and engages the fixing member 147 at the lower end of the fixing member 127. The operator inserts the other fixing member 128, which passes through the slots 851 and 852, through the elongated hole 171 of the adjusting member 170 and the elongated hole 144 of the fixing part 151 from the top, and engages the fixing member 148 at the lower end of the fixing member 128.

[0053] Reference Figure 6 The electrical structure of the sewing device 1 and its control device 100 will be described below. The control unit 15 of the sewing device 1 includes a CPU 16, a ROM 17, a RAM 18, a storage device 19, a communication I / O interface 11, an input / output interface (I / O) 20, and drive circuits 41-47. The CPU 16 centrally controls the operation of the sewing device 1. The ROM 17 pre-stores programs for executing various processes. The RAM 18 temporarily stores various information generated during the execution of various processes. The storage device 19 is non-volatile and stores various setting values. The communication I / O interface 11 communicates with the communication I / O interface 105 of the control device 100 via wired or wireless means.

[0054] Each drive circuit 41-47, encoder 55-58, and switch group 12 is connected to I / O 20. Drive circuit 41 is connected to the main motor 32 of the synchronization mechanism 31 and drives the main motor 32 according to the control instructions of CPU 16. Drive circuit 42 is connected to the X motor 98 of the moving mechanism 9 and drives the X motor 98 according to the control instructions of CPU 16. Drive circuit 43 is connected to the Y motor 99 of the conveying mechanism 10 and drives the Y motor 99 according to the control instructions of CPU 16. Drive circuit 44 is connected to the cylinder 91 of the clamping part 881 and drives the cylinder 91 according to the control instructions of CPU 16. Drive circuit 45 is connected to the cylinder 92 of the clamping part 891 and drives the cylinder 92 according to the control instructions of CPU 16. Drive circuit 46 is connected to the intermediate pressure foot motor 68 and drives the intermediate pressure foot motor 68 according to the control instructions of CPU 16. Drive circuit 47 is connected to the display part 13 and displays various information on the display part 13 according to the control instructions of CPU 16.

[0055] Encoder 55 detects the rotational position and speed of the output shaft of the main motor 32 and inputs the detection results to I / O 20. The detection results of encoder 55 indicate the vertical position of the needle bar 63 and the needle 65. Encoder 56 detects the rotational direction, position, and speed of the output shaft of the X motor 98 and inputs the detection results to I / O 20. The detection results of encoder 56 indicate the horizontal position of the needle bar mechanism 6 and the shuttle mechanism 7. Encoder 57 detects the rotational direction, position, and speed of the output shaft of the Y motor 99 and inputs the detection results to I / O 20. The detection results of encoder 57 indicate the front-back position of the fixture 8. Encoder 58 detects the rotational direction, position, and speed of the output shaft of the intermediate pressure foot motor 68 and inputs the detection results to I / O 20. The detection results of encoder 58 indicate the vertical position of the intermediate pressure foot 64. Switch group 12 detects various indicators and inputs the detection results to I / O 20.

[0056] The control device 100 is a general-purpose information processing device such as a personal computer. The control device 100 includes a CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, storage device 104, communication I / O 105, and input / output interface (I / O) 107. The CPU 101 is responsible for controlling the control device 100. The CPU 101 is electrically connected to the ROM 102, RAM 103, storage device 104, communication I / O 105, and I / O 107 via a bus 106.

[0057] ROM 102 stores the boot program, BIOS, etc. RAM 103 stores temporary data. Storage device 104 is a non-volatile storage device for storing various settings. Communication I / O 105 communicates with the communication I / O 11 of the sewing device 1 via wired or wireless means. I / O 107 is connected to the display unit 108 and the input unit 109. The input unit 109 includes a mouse, keyboard, etc., for inputting various instructions.

[0058] Reference Figure 7 ,use Figure 8The specific example shown illustrates the hole setting process performed by the control device 100. The hole setting process sets the positions of multiple holes formed on the seam edge of the sewn material based on sewing data. These multiple holes are used to position the sewn material, sewn based on the sewing data, relative to the support frame 85. When starting the hole setting process, the operator operates the input unit 109 to input a start instruction to the control device 100. This start instruction contains information such as instructing the setting of multiple holes based on new sewing data, or updating data on which multiple holes have been set based on sewing data. For example, the operator may input an instruction to update data if they wish to add or omit pins 145, or to change the position or number of holes. When the control device 100 detects the start instruction via the input unit 109, it reads the program for performing the hole setting process from the storage device 104 into the RAM 103 and executes it.

[0059] exist Figure 8 For the sake of simplicity, the structure of the support frame 85 is shown schematically. The pins at the right end of the support frame 85 are pins 111, 112, and 113 in sequence from the front end, and the pins at the left end of the support frame 85 are pins 116, 117, and 118 in sequence from the front end.

[0060] like Figure 7 As shown, CPU 101 determines whether to begin the process of setting multiple holes based on new sewing data (S1). When the start indication includes an indication to set multiple holes based on new sewing data (S1: Yes), CPU 101 acquires the sewing data (S2). The sewing data includes coordinate data representing the position of the needle drop point used to form a stitch on the sewn material. The coordinate data is represented by a sewing coordinate system that drives the X motor 98 and the Y motor 99. Figure 8 As shown in (A), the CPU 101 sets the seam edge line L2 (S3) at a predetermined distance D1 from the stitch formation position L1 determined based on the sewing data on the outer side. The distance D1 can be set by the operator or automatically set by the CPU 101 according to the type of sewing data, the material, size, thickness, etc. of the workpiece. The distance D1 may not be a fixed value; for example, it may differ between straight and curved sections.

[0061] CPU101 determines the size of the support frame 85 of the fixture 8 based on the size of the workpiece determined by the seam edge (S4). The sewing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can accommodate various support frames 85 with different lengths in the X and Y directions. CPU101 selects from the various support frames 85 the support frame 85 in which the workpiece, represented by the seam edge set in S3, falls inside the support frame 85. In a specific example, it determines... Figure 8 The support frame 85 shown in (B) has pins 111-113 and 116-118.

[0062] like Figure 8 As shown in (B), the CPU 101 sets the configuration of the workpiece relative to the support frame 85 determined in S4 (S5). The configuration of the workpiece relative to the support frame 85 can be set by the operator or automatically by the CPU 101 according to pre-stored configuration conditions, the size of the workpiece relative to the support frame 85, the length of the usable support member, the material, size, and thickness of the workpiece, etc. For example, the CPU 101 selects a configuration condition from left, center alignment, and right in the X direction. Left means that the center of the workpiece in the left-right direction is positioned to the left of the center of the support frame 85 in the left-right direction. Center alignment means that the center of the workpiece in the left-right direction is positioned at the center of the support frame 85 in the left-right direction. Right means that the center of the workpiece in the left-right direction is positioned to the right of the center of the support frame 85 in the left-right direction. Similarly, the CPU 101 selects a configuration condition from front, center alignment, and back in the Y direction.

[0063] CPU101 acquires hole setting conditions (S6). The hole setting conditions specify the configuration conditions for multiple holes. These conditions may include, for example, the spacing between adjacent holes, the size of the holes, and their distance from the stitch. The hole setting conditions can also be set differently depending on the shape of the stitch. For example, regarding the spacing between adjacent holes, it may be set such that the portion forming a straight stitch is longer than the portion forming a curved stitch. The hole setting conditions may also include a condition that the pins 111-113, 116-118 of the support frame 85 are not disposed at the portion of the hole closest to the support frame 85. The hole setting conditions may also include a condition that the multiple holes are set in a manner that allows the multiple support members 140, 150 to be fixed to the support frame 85 without intersecting each other.

[0064] like Figure 8 As shown in (C), the CPU 101 sets multiple holes H1 to H22 on the seam edge based on the hole setting conditions obtained in S6 (S7). The number and arrangement of the multiple holes H1 to H22 can also be indicated by the operator operation input unit 109. The CPU 101 generates coordinate data that represents the center position of the multiple holes as the position of the holes. The coordinate data is represented by the sewing coordinate system.

[0065] CPU 101 sets the sequence of the multiple holes set in S7 (S8). The sequence is the order in which the support members 140 and 150 corresponding to the holes are fixed to the support frame 85 during the alignment of the fixture 8 (described later). The sequence can be set by the operator or automatically by CPU 101 considering the operability during alignment. For example, in the alignment method described later, when performing the switching gripping process of the support frame 85, CPU 101 determines the sequence in a way that minimizes the movement of the support frame 85 and the number of switching gripping operations. Regarding whether to perform the switching gripping process, CPU 101 can also determine based on the size of the support frame 85 and the predetermined interval L of the sewing device 1. If the length of the support frame 85 in the front-to-back direction is longer than the predetermined interval L, it determines that the switching gripping process should be performed. When the fixture 8 is aligned by one operator, in order to reduce operator movement, CPU 101 determines the sequence clockwise or counterclockwise along the contour of the seam edge. When two operators work on the right and left sides of the sewing device 1, respectively, the CPU 101 sets the sequence alternately through holes in the outline of the workpiece through which pins 145 of the support members 140 and 150 fixed on the right side of the support frame 85 pass and through which pins 145 of the support members 140 and 150 fixed on the left side pass. The CPU 101 can also receive alignment requirements from the operators and automatically set the sequence based on the received requirements. Figure 8 In the specific example of (C), the sequence is set counterclockwise starting from the hole H1 at the left rear.

[0066] CPU 101 associates and stores the hole data E2, which includes the coordinate data generated in S7 and the sequence set in S8, with the sewing data E acquired in S2 (S9). According to S9, the sewing data E includes stitch data E1 and hole data E2 for forming stitches. CPU 101 can also associate and store the seam edge, the type of support frame 85, and the configuration of the sewn work relative to the support frame 85 with the sewing data. CPU 101 can also generate cutting data for cutting the sewn work along the outer periphery of the seam edge and forming multiple holes in the seam edge.

[0067] If the start instruction includes an instruction to update the data that sets multiple holes based on the sewing data (S1: No), the CPU 101 reads the sewing data specified by the operator that has been associated with the multiple holes (S11). Based on the read sewing data, the CPU 101 displays the stitch formation position L1, the seam edge, the position of the multiple holes, etc. on the display unit 108 (S12).

[0068] CPU 101 determines whether change conditions have been acquired (S13). After confirming the image displayed on display unit 108, the operator inputs change conditions when the coordinate data is changed. For example, when adding a hole, the operator inputs change conditions including the position of the added hole, whether the configuration of multiple pre-set holes is changed along with the addition of the hole, and whether the order is reset. For example, when deleting a hole, the operator inputs change conditions including the position of the hole to be deleted, whether the configuration of multiple pre-set holes is changed along with the deletion of the hole, and whether the order is reset.

[0069] When the CPU 101 receives a change condition (S13: Yes), it changes the coordinate data according to the received change condition (S14). The CPU 101 determines whether an end instruction for ending the change of coordinate data has been received (S15). When the operator ends the change of coordinate data, they input the end instruction. If no change condition is received (S13: No) or no end instruction is received (S15: No), the CPU 101 returns the process to S13. If an end instruction is received (S15: Yes), the CPU 101 updates the coordinate data of the sewing data read in S11 according to the coordinate data changed in S14 (S16). Then, in S9 or S16, the CPU 101 ends the hole setting process.

[0070] Reference Figures 9-12 ,use Figure 8 , Figure 12 A specific example will be described regarding the alignment method of the jig 8 performed by the sewing device 1 and the operator. In this specific example, as multiple support members 140 and 150, the case where a support member selected from a variety of support members 150 with different lengths from the support member 140 and the fixing part 151 will be used will be described. The alignment method of the jig 8 is performed with the needle 65 removed from the needle bar 63.

[0071] When using the sewing device 1 to begin aligning the fixture 8, the operator operates the switch assembly 12 to activate the specified switch. Figure 8 The sewing data E information start indication is input to the sewing device 1 (S41). When the sewing device 1 detects the start indication via the switch group 12, the program for performing the alignment process is read from the storage device 19 into the RAM 18 and executed.

[0072] CPU 16 retrieves the sewing data E (S21) specified by the start instruction. Sewing data E includes stitch data E1, which forms the stitch on the workpiece held by the aligned fixture 8. CPU 16 sets the hole data E2 in sewing data E as coordinate data for a plurality of pins 145. CPU 16 displays the type of support frame 85 included in sewing data E on display unit 13, prompting the support frame 85 to be positioned on mounting unit 22. Figure 3 The installation position is (S22). The installation position is the engagement position P1 for the rearmost pins 113 and 118 among pins 111-113 and 116-118. The CPU 16 is in standby mode before the support frame 85 is installed (S23: No). The operator displays the installation position of the support frame 85 on the display unit 13 on the mounting unit 22, operates the switch group 12, and inputs an installation instruction to make the clamping parts 881 and 891 clamp the rearmost pins 113 and 118 among the multiple pins 111-113 and 116-118 of the support frame 85 (S42). When the CPU 16 detects the installation instruction (S23: Yes), it drives the cylinder 91 to make the clamping part 881 clamp the pin 118, and drives the cylinder 92 to make the clamping part 891 clamp the pin 113.

[0073] CPU 16 sets variable N to 1, which is used to sequentially read the coordinate data of hole data E2 contained in the sewing data E retrieved in S21 (S24). CPU 16 obtains the Nth coordinate data from hole data E2 (S25). The Nth coordinate data indicates the position of the focus pin 145 among the plurality of pins 145. CPU 16 drives X motor 98 and Y motor 99 to move the head 30 and support frame 85 relative to the position of the focus pin 145 indicated by the Nth coordinate data (S26). Through S26, CPU 16 moves the head 30 and support frame 85 of the sewing device 1 relative to the position indicated by the coordinate data of the focus pin 145 among the plurality of pins 145, and indicates the position of the focus pin 145 indicated by the coordinate data to the operator according to the position of the support frame 85 relative to the head 30. In this embodiment, after the CPU 16 moves the head 30 and the support frame 85 relative to the position indicated by the coordinate data of the attention pin 145, it indicates the position where the attention pin 145 abuts against the middle presser foot 64 when the head 30 of the sewing device 1 has descended from the raised position, as indicated by the coordinate data. The CPU 16 displays the completed movement on the display unit 13 (S27). The CPU 16 may also display the length of the usable support member or the distance between the support frame 85 and the attention pin 145 on the display unit 13, so that the operator can easily select a support member fixed to the support frame 85 from various support members 140, 150, so that the attention pin 145 is positioned at the indicated position. The CPU 16 may also display the edge of the support frame 85 that fixes the used support member on the display unit 13. Hereinafter, the support member selected by the operator from the various support members 140, 150 will be referred to as the attention support member. In the following description, the support member 140 will be described as the member selected as the attention support member.

[0074] After the operator confirms via display unit 13 that the movement of the support frame 85 relative to the head 30 has been completed, the position of the attention pin 145 of the attention support member 140 is adjusted to the position indicated by the position of the support frame 85 relative to the head 30 (S43). More specifically, as Figure 10 (A) and Figure 11 As shown in (A), the operator positions the support member 140 with its pin 145 located below the pressure foot 64 and needle bar 63, and the elongated holes 143 and 144 of the support member 140 positioned in the grooves 851 and 852 of the support frame 85. The operator adjusts the orientation of the support member 140 relative to the support frame 85 as needed. Figure 10 (B) and Figure 11As shown in (B), the operator manually moves the center pressure foot 64 from the upper position to the lower position and confirms whether the adjustment of the position of the attention support member 140 relative to the support frame 85 is complete by checking whether a portion of the upper end 146 of the attention pin 145 is inserted into the through hole 641 of the center pressure foot 64. When the position of the attention support member 140 relative to the support frame 85 has been properly adjusted, a portion of the hemispherical upper end 146 of the attention pin 145 is inserted from the lower side into the through hole 641 of the center pressure foot 64. In this embodiment, the maximum diameter D3 of the pin 145 is larger than the diameter D2 of the through hole 641 of the center pressure foot 64, so the center pressure foot 64 abuts against the upper end 146 of the pin 145 at an abutment position higher than the lowered position. At this time, the axis M of the through hole 641 is aligned with the axis C of the attention pin 145. The operator can also temporarily fix the support member 140 relative to the support frame 85 before manually lowering the pressure foot 64 from the upper position to the lower position. When the support member is the support member 150, the operator can appropriately adjust the position and angle of the support part 152 relative to the fixed part 151, performing S43.

[0075] After confirming that the position of the support member 140 relative to the support frame 85 is properly adjusted, the operator uses fixing members 127, 128, 147, and 148 to fix the support member 140 to the support frame 85 (S44). Through S44, the operator adjusts the position of the support member 140 relative to the support frame 85 so that a portion of the upper end 146 of the support pin 145 is inserted into the through hole 641 of the presser foot 64 of the sewing device 1 when the presser foot 64 is lowered from the raised position, thus fixing the support member 140 to the support frame 85. Figure 12 As shown in (A), when variable N is 1, the support member 140 is fixed on the left side of the support frame 85. The operator operates the switch group 12 and inputs a completion instruction (S45) indicating that the work of fixing the support member 140 to the support frame 85 has been completed.

[0076] CPU 16 determines whether the Nth coordinate data is the last coordinate data contained in hole data E2 (S28). If the Nth coordinate data is not the last coordinate data (S28: No), CPU 16 determines whether a completion indication has been obtained via switch group 12 (S29). CPU 16 remains in standby mode if no completion indication is obtained (S29: No) until a completion indication is obtained. When a completion indication is obtained (S29: Yes), CPU 16 drives the intermediate pressure foot motor 68 to move the intermediate pressure foot 64 to the rising position (S30). CPU 16 increments the variable N by 1 (S32).

[0077] CPU 16 determines whether to perform a switching gripping process (S33). If the hole data E2 includes a switching gripping indication for performing the switching gripping process, CPU 16 determines whether to perform the switching gripping process based on whether the switching gripping indication is included. If the hole data E2 does not include a switching gripping indication for performing the switching gripping process, but the Nth coordinate data is located in front of the movable area inside the support frame 85, CPU 16 determines that the switching gripping process should be performed; if the Nth coordinate data is located within the movable area inside the support frame 85, CPU 16 determines that the switching gripping process should not be performed. If the switching gripping indication is executed (S33: Yes), CPU 16 performs a known switching gripping process (S34).

[0078] In the support frame 85 of the specific example, during the switching gripping process when the state of gripping the rearmost set of pins 113, 118 by the gripping parts 881, 891 changes to gripping the adjacent set of pins 112, 117 in front of the set of pins 113, 118, the CPU 16 sets the rearward direction as the feed direction and the forward direction as the return direction. The CPU 16 drives the Y motor 99 to move the mounting parts 88, 89 to the limit position P2. The CPU 16 drives the cylinders 91, 92 to switch the gripping parts 881, 891 from the holding state to the release state. The CPU 16 controls the Y motor 99 to move the mounting parts 88, 89 in the return direction by a predetermined interval L. CPU16 drives cylinders 91 and 92 to switch clamping parts 881 and 891 from the released state to the holding state. Then, the set of pins 112 and 117 in the return direction of the set of pins 113 and 118 in the clamping fixture 8 that were holding pins 111 to 113 and 116 to 118 are released.

[0079] If the switching gripping process is not performed (S33: No), or following S34, the CPU 16 returns the processing to S25 and performs processing related to the next coordinate data in sequence. If the Nth coordinate data is the last coordinate data (S28: Yes), the CPU 16 displays a message indicating the end of the alignment of the fixture 8 on the display unit 13 (S31), thus ending the alignment process. In a specific example, according to the alignment method of the fixture 8, for example, the support member for hole H1 in sequence 1 is set as support member 140, and the support members for holes H2 to H22 in sequence 2 to 22 are set as support members 150, and the multiple support members 140 and 150 are fixed sequentially relative to the support frame 85. Figure 12 As shown in (B), by performing the alignment method of the fixture 8, multiple support members 140 and 150 are fixed to the support frame 85 in the posture of being positioned by pins 145 at the positions indicated by the coordinate data of the hole data E2.

[0080] To confirm whether support members 140 and 150 are fixed at the position overlapping with the stitch formation position L1, the operator can drive the sewing device 1 to move the fixture 8 and head 30 relative to each other according to the stitch data E1 in the sewing data E. If support members 140 and 150 are positioned below the needle bar 63, the CPU 16 of the sewing device 1 can also read the coordinate data corresponding to the support members 140 and 150 from the hole data E2 and execute S26, S27, S43, S44, and S45 again. When the support member 150 of interest is fixed to the support frame 85, if interference occurs with the already fixed support members 140 and 150, the CPU 16 of the sewing device 1 can also read the coordinate data related to the already fixed support members 140 and 150 and execute S26, S27, S43, S44, and S45 again.

[0081] When sewing is performed using the jig 8, after the operator operates the sewing device 1 to release the clamping parts 881 and 891, the jig 8 is moved to a predetermined working position to mount the workpiece onto the jig 8. The working position is, for example, on the mounting table 90F. The operator inserts the corresponding pin 145 sequentially into each of the multiple holes H1 to H22 on the workpiece. When a preferred insertion order is determined where the multiple holes H1 to H22 on the workpiece are displayed with the corresponding pin 145, the sewing device 1 can also display the insertion order on the display unit 13. After the workpiece is mounted onto the jig 8, the operator positions the jig 8 in the mounting position, operates the switch group 12, and inputs a sewing start instruction. Based on the stitch data E1 of the sewing data E acquired in S21, the sewing device 1 drives the main motor 32, the X motor 98, the Y motor 99, and the intermediate pressure foot motor 68 to form a stitch on the workpiece.

[0082] In the above embodiments, the sewing device 1, fixture 8, head 30, middle presser foot 64, support frame 85, pin 145, upper end 146, and support member 150 are examples of the sewing device, fixture, head, middle presser foot, support frame, pin, upper end, and support member of the present invention, respectively. The CPU 16 and control device 100 are examples of the control device for the sewing device of the present invention. S21 is an example of the pick-up process and sequential acquisition process of the present invention. S26 is an example of the indication process of the present invention. S43 and S44 are examples of the fixing process of the present invention. S29 is an example of the completion indication acquisition process of the present invention. S30 is an example of the movement process of the present invention. S8 and S14 are examples of the sequential editing process of the present invention.

[0083] In the alignment method of the jig 8 described in the above embodiment, a jig 8 is assembled by using a sewing device 1 to align the workpiece relative to a support frame 85 by passing multiple pins 145 through multiple holes H1 to H22 provided in the workpiece. The jig 8 includes multiple support members 140 and 150 with upwardly protruding pins 145, and a support frame 85 that fixes the multiple support members 140 and 150 in an adjustable manner. The alignment method of the jig 8 includes an insertion step (S21), an indication step (S26), and a fixing step (S43, S44). In the insertion step, the CPU 16 of the sewing device 1 takes in the coordinate data of the multiple pins 145 (S21). In the indicating process, the CPU 16 of the sewing device 1 moves the head 30 and the support frame 85 of the sewing device 1 relative to the position indicated by the coordinate data of the attention pin 145 among the plurality of pins 145. Based on the position of the support frame 85 relative to the head 30, the position of the attention pin 145 indicated by the coordinate data is indicated (S26). In the fixing process, the operator aligns the attention support member 140 corresponding to the attention pin 145 among the plurality of support members 140, 150 with the position of the attention pin 145, adjusts the position of the attention support member 140 relative to the support frame 85 (S43), and fixes the attention support member 140 to the support frame 85 (S44). The fixing process is the same when the support member 150 among the plurality of support members 140, 150 is set as the attention support member. Therefore, the alignment method of the fixture 8 can use the sewing device 1 to determine the position of the support member 150 relative to the support frame 85. Therefore, even when the workpiece is relatively large, the plurality of pins 145 can be accurately positioned at positions corresponding to the plurality of holes H1 to H22 of the workpiece. A pin 145 is located at one end of the support member 140 along its length, and elongated holes 143 and 144 are formed at the other end of the support member 140 along its length. A support frame 85 fixes the other end of the support member 140 in a position-adjustable manner. Therefore, compared to the case where the pin 145 is located outside one end of the support member 140, the distance from the support frame 85 to the pin 145 is larger, allowing for a shorter length along the long side of the support member 140. The case of the support member 150 is the same as that of the support member 140.

[0084] In the take-up process, the CPU 16 takes coordinate data from the sewing data E, which forms the stitches on the workpiece held by the aligned fixture 8 (S21). Therefore, in the alignment method of the fixture 8, by taking coordinate data from the sewing data E, which forms the stitches on the workpiece held by the aligned fixture 8, the alignment of the support member 150 relative to the support frame 85 can be performed based on the more reliable coordinate data, compared to the case where the coordinate data and the sewing data E are different. In addition, after the alignment of the fixture 8, when the CPU 16 processes the stitching of the workpiece held by the fixture 8 according to the sewing data E, the possibility of sewing based on sewing data E that does not correspond to the coordinate data can be reduced.

[0085] In the indicating process, after the CPU16 moves the head 30 and the support frame 85 relative to the position indicated by the coordinate data of the attention pin 145, it indicates the position where the attention pin 145 abuts against the middle presser foot 64 of the head 30 of the sewing device 1 when the middle presser foot 64 is lowered from the rising position to a position between the rising and falling positions or the falling position as the position indicated by the coordinate data (S26). The alignment method of the fixture 8 makes it easy for the operator to grasp the position of the attention pin 145 indicated by the coordinate data by setting the position where the middle presser foot 64 abuts against the pin 145 as the position indicated by the coordinate data.

[0086] The upper ends 146 of the plurality of pins 145 are tapered, decreasing in diameter towards the upper end. The middle presser foot 64 is cylindrical with a through hole 641, the diameter D2 of which is smaller than 1.1 times the maximum diameter D3 of the plurality of pins 145 and is at least capable of allowing a portion of the upper end 146 of the attention pins 145 to be inserted. In the fixing process, the position of the attention support member 140 relative to the support frame 85 is adjusted so that at least a portion of the upper end 146 of the attention pins 145 is inserted into the through hole 641 of the middle presser foot 64 of the sewing device 1 when the middle presser foot 64 of the sewing device 1 is lowered from the raised position, and the attention support member 140 is fixed to the support frame 85 (S43, S44). The alignment method of the fixture 8, by adjusting the position of the attention support member 140 relative to the support frame 85 so that the upper part of the attention pins 145 is inserted into the through hole 641 of the middle presser foot 64, can physically confirm that the support member 150 is arranged at the position of the attention pins 145 indicated by the coordinate data. The operator can determine whether a support member 150 is positioned at the location of the pin 145 indicated by the coordinate data, based on whether a portion of the upper end 146 of the pin 145 is embedded in the through hole 641 of the middle pressure foot 64, and perform the fixing process accordingly. Furthermore, since the through hole 641 of the middle pressure foot 64 is not large relative to the pin 145, there is no room for the pin 145 to shift position when it is embedded in the through hole 641. Therefore, when the middle pressure foot 64 is lowered, the through hole 641 of the middle pressure foot 64 holds the pin 145 in its position. Thus, when fixing the support members 140 and 150 to the support frame 85, the pin 145 can be positioned accurately without shifting, improving operability.

[0087] The alignment method of the fixture 8 includes a sequential acquisition step (S21), a completion indication acquisition step (S29), and a movement step (S30). In the sequential acquisition step, the CPU 16 acquires the sequence in which the pins of interest 145 are read from the plurality of pins 145 in the indication step. In the completion indication acquisition step, after the fixing step, the CPU 16 acquires a completion indication from the operator indicating that the indication step for the next pin of interest 145 in sequence can be performed (S29). In the movement step, when the completion indication is acquired through the completion indication acquisition step, the CPU 16 moves the middle presser foot 64 of the sewing device 1 to an upward position (S30). The CPU 16 performs the indication step for the next pin of interest 145 in sequence after the movement step. Therefore, the middle presser foot 64 continuously indicates the accurate pin position without moving until the operator completes the fixing operation of the support members 140, 150 with the pin of interest 145, thus enabling the pins 145 to be positioned with higher precision.

[0088] CPU16 has sequential editing processes (S8, S14) for editing the order. The alignment method of fixture 8 improves the convenience for the operator compared to situations where the order cannot be edited.

[0089] In addition to the embodiments described above, the present invention can be modified in various ways. The control device 100 is a desktop PC terminal, but it can also be a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a dedicated terminal for the sewing device 1. In the above embodiments, the control device 100 has been described as part of the control device of the sewing device of the present invention, but the control unit 15 of the sewing device 1 can also function as the control device of the present invention. The sewing device 1 can be any type of sewing device, for example, the clamping parts 881 and 891 of the mounting parts 88 and 89 can be appropriately modified. The multiple rollers 39 of the receiving part 42A of the mounting tables 90F and 90R can also be resin plates with good surface sliding. The shape of the middle presser foot 64 can also be appropriately modified, and the diameter D2 of the through hole 641 can be more than 1.1 times the maximum diameter D3 of the pin 145. The sewing device 1 can also replace the middle presser foot 64 and use a fixture mounted on the lower end of the needle bar 63 to indicate the position of the attention pin 145. This fixture can be, for example, a cylindrical shape with the same hole as the middle presser foot 64.

[0090] The shape, size, and structure of the support frame 85 and support members 140 and 150 can be appropriately modified. The number, shape, and arrangement of the pins 111-120 on the left and right sides of the support frame 85 can also be appropriately modified. The support frame 85 may also be without pins 111-120 and handle 85A. Support members 140 and 150 can be of one or more types. The shape, arrangement, and size of the pins 145 of the support members 140 and 150 can also be appropriately modified. Pin 145 can be a polygonal prism, and the upper end 146 can be a polygonal pyramid or a cone. The upper end 146 may not be conical. The method of fixing the support members 140 and 150 relative to the support frame 85 can also be appropriately modified. The method of fixing the fixing part 151 and the supporting part 152 of the support member 150 can also be appropriately modified. For example, in the alignment method of jig 8, even if the through hole on the right side of the fixing part 151 is not made into an elongated hole, assembly can be performed by making the diameter of the bolts serving as fixing members 125 and 126 smaller than the through hole of the fixing part 151 with a margin, thereby assembling the fixing part 151 and the support part 152 at an angle in the same way as in the above embodiment. Furthermore, the fixing method of the fixing part 151 and the support part 152 can also be a fastening method other than bolts and nuts. For example, the fixing method of the fixing part 151 and the support part 152 can also be a fastening method based on bolts and threaded holes.

[0091] The program to be processed by the sewing device 1 or the control device 100 can be stored in the storage device 19 of the sewing device 1 or the storage device 104 of the control device 100 before the CPU 16 or 101 executes the program. Therefore, the method of obtaining the program, the acquisition path, and the device for storing the program can be appropriately changed. The program executed by the CPU 16 or 101 can also be received from other devices via cable or wireless communication and stored in a storage device such as flash memory. Other devices include, for example, PCs and servers connected via a network.

[0092] Some or all of the processing performed by the sewing device 1 or the control device 100 may also be performed by electronic devices (e.g., ASICs) different from CPUs 16 and 101. The processing performed by the sewing device 1 or the control device 100 may also be distributed by multiple electronic devices (e.g., multiple CPUs). The order of the steps in the processing performed by the sewing device 1 or the control device 100 can be changed, steps omitted, or additional steps added as needed. The scope of the invention also includes the following: an operating system (OS) running on the sewing device 1 or the control device 100 performs some or all of the processing according to the instructions of CPUs 16 and 101. For example, the following modifications may be appropriately applied to the above embodiments.

[0093] Alternatively, the sewing device 1 may not be able to perform the switching gripping process. The sewing device 1 may also have a projection device for a laser indicator that illuminates the needle drop position mounted at the lower end of the needle bar 63. During the indicating process, the position of the attention pin 145 is indicated according to the projection position of the projection device. During the fixing process, the operator may not move the presser foot 64 of the sewing device 1 from the raised position to the lowered position. Alternatively, after moving the presser foot 64 from the raised position to the lowered position, the sewing device 1 may move the presser foot 64 to the raised position upon receiving an instruction from the operator to raise the presser foot 64. Alternatively, instead of the operator manually moving the presser foot 64 from the raised position to the lowered position, the sewing device 1 may drive the presser foot motor 68 to lower the presser foot 64. The processing of the sequence of the editing hole data E2 may also be appropriately omitted.

Claims

1. A method for aligning a fixture, the fixture comprising: Multiple support members, each having an upwardly projecting pin; as well as A support frame that fixes the plurality of support members in a position-adjustable manner. The alignment of the sewn material with respect to the support frame is achieved by passing multiple pins through multiple holes provided in the sewn material. The alignment method of this fixture is characterized by having: In the take-in process, the control device of the sewing device takes in the coordinate data of multiple pins; The instruction process involves the control device moving the head of the sewing device and the support frame relative to the position indicated by the coordinate data of the pin of interest among a plurality of pins, and indicating the position of the pin of interest indicated by the coordinate data based on the position of the support frame relative to the head. as well as In the fixing process, the operator aligns the support member of interest corresponding to the pin of interest with the position of the pin of interest, adjusts the position of the support member of interest relative to the support frame, and fixes the support member of interest to the support frame.

2. The alignment method of the fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the input process, the control device takes in the coordinate data from the sewing data of the stitch formed on the workpiece held by the jig after alignment.

3. The alignment method of the fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the indicated process, after the control device moves the head and the support frame relative to the position indicated by the coordinate data of the pin of interest, the position where the pin of interest abuts against the presser foot when the presser foot of the head of the sewing device is lowered from the raised position to a position between the raised and lowered positions or the lowered position is indicated as the position of the pin of interest indicated by the coordinate data.

4. The alignment method of the fixture according to claim 3, characterized in that, The upper ends of the plurality of pins are tapered, with the diameter decreasing towards the upper side. The presser foot is a cylindrical tube with a hole smaller than 1.1 times the maximum diameter of the plurality of pins and sized to allow at least a portion of the upper end of the pin of interest to be inserted. In the fixing process, the position of the support member of interest relative to the support frame is adjusted so that at least a portion of the upper end of the pin of interest is inserted into the hole of the presser foot when the presser foot of the sewing device is lowered from the raised position, thereby fixing the support member of interest to the support frame.

5. The alignment method of the fixture according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The alignment method of this fixture also includes: A sequential acquisition process, in which the control device acquires the order in which the pin of interest is read from the plurality of pins in the instruction process; The instruction acquisition process is completed, in which, after the fixing process, the control device acquires a completion instruction from the operator, indicating that the instruction process for the next pin of interest can be performed; and In the moving process, when the completion indication is obtained in the completion indication acquisition process, the control device moves the presser foot of the sewing device to the raised position. The control device performs the instruction process for the next pin of interest after the movement process.

6. The alignment method of the fixture according to claim 5, characterized in that, The alignment method of the fixture also includes a sequence editing process, in which the control device edits the sequence.

7. A computer-readable storage medium storing an alignment program for a fixture, the fixture comprising: Multiple support members, each support member having an upwardly projecting pin; and A support frame that fixes the plurality of support members in a position-adjustable manner. The alignment of the sewn material with respect to the support frame is achieved by passing multiple pins through multiple holes provided in the sewn material. The alignment procedure of the fixture includes instructions for a control device that controls the sewing device holding the support frame to perform the following operations: The process of acquiring data includes acquiring the coordinate data of multiple pins; and An indicative process is performed in which the head of the sewing device and the support frame are moved relative to the position indicated by the coordinate data of the pin of interest among the plurality of pins, and the position of the pin of interest indicated by the coordinate data is indicated based on the position of the support frame relative to the head.

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