Belt ring sewing device and belt ring sewing method

Abstract

The invention provides a belt ring sewing device which can change the length of a folded part without changing the installation position of a cutting device. The belt ring sewing device is provided with: a feeding device for feeding a belt material; a pull-out device that advances and retreats with respect to the feed-out device and holds and pulls out the end of the tape; the cutting device is used for cutting the pulled-out strip; the supporting device is used for supporting the central part of the strip; the folding device is used for folding the two end parts of the strip so as to form hems on the strip; a sewing machine that sews both end portions of the tape to an object to be sewed; and a control device which receives the input of the size setting value of the strip and controls the folding operation corresponding to the size setting value. The control device determines the pull-out length of the strip on the basis of the received size setting value, cuts the strip at the determined pull-out length, conveys the cut strip to the belt loop formation position, and performs control of a turning-back operation to turn back both end portions of the strip conveyed to the belt loop formation position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a belt loop sewing device and a belt loop sewing method. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a belt loop sewing machine. The belt loop sewing machine is a device that supplies a belt material cut into a predetermined length to the sewing machine and sews the belt loop onto the sewn object. The belt loop sewing machine comprises: a sewing machine, a belt material feeding unit, a belt material pulling unit, a belt material supporting unit, a belt material cutting unit, and a loop supply unit.

[0003] The tape feeding unit feeds the tape that is the material of the tape loop. The tape pulling unit grabs the terminal end of the fed tape and pulls it out to the tape loop forming position. The tape supporting unit supports the middle portion of the pulled tape. The loop supply unit clamps the two end portions of the pulled tape by a pair of forks respectively. The tape cutting unit cuts the base end side of the tape at the cutting position near the tape feeding unit. Then, the loop supply unit rotates the pair of forks to fold back the two end portions of the tape. That is, the loop supply unit folds back the portion from the clamping position of the pair of forks to the end of the tape in a manner that overlaps with the lower side of the middle portion between the two ends of the tape to form a folded portion. The folded portion becomes a seam edge. In addition, the loop supply unit moves the pair of forks to supply the tape to the sewing machine.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-197784 Summary of the invention

[0007] 1. Technical issues to be resolved

[0008] The length of the folded-back portion varies depending on the design of the belt loop, the thickness of the belt loop (belt material), etc. In the past, in order to change the length of the folded-back portion, it was necessary to change the cutting position of the belt material cutting unit (cutting device), so it was necessary to change the installation position of the cutting device. The operation of changing the installation position of the cutting device is cumbersome, so it is desired to be able to easily change the length of the folded-back portion.

[0009] The present disclosure is made in view of the above situation, and its object is to provide a belt loop sewing device and a belt loop sewing method, which can change the length of the folded back portion without changing the installation position of the cutting device.

[0010] (II) Technical solution

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a belt loop sewing device, which comprises: a feeding device, which feeds a thin belt-shaped belt material for forming a belt loop; a pulling device, which moves forward and backward relative to the feeding device, grips and pulls out the end of the belt material; a cutting device, which is arranged between the feeding device and the pulling device, and cuts the pulled belt material; a supporting device, which supports the central portion between the two ends of the pulled belt material; a folding device, which forms a seam on the belt material by folding back the two end portions of the pulled belt material; a sewing machine, which sews the two end portions of the belt material to a sewing object; and a control device, which receives an input of a size setting value of the belt material and controls a folding action corresponding to the size setting value, wherein the control device determines a pulling length of the belt material according to the received size setting value, cuts the belt material at the determined pulling length, transports the cut belt material to a belt loop forming position, and controls a folding action to fold back the two end portions of the belt material transported to the belt loop forming position.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a belt loop sewing method is provided, which is a belt loop sewing method in which both end portions of a thin belt-shaped tape material used to form a belt loop are folded back and sewn to a sewing object, and comprises the following steps: accepting an input of a size setting value of the tape material; determining a pull-out length of the tape material from a cutting position based on the accepted size setting value; cutting the tape material with the determined pull-out length; conveying the cut tape material to a belt loop forming position; folding back both end portions of the tape material conveyed to the belt loop forming position; and sewing the folded back two end portions to the sewing object.

[0013] (III) Beneficial effects

[0014] According to the present disclosure, the length of the folded-back portion can be changed without changing the mounting position of the cutting device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a perspective view schematically showing the overall structure of the belt loop sewing device according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a plan view schematically showing the overall structure of the belt loop sewing device according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a schematic perspective view showing a cutting device, a pulling device, and a supporting device according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 It is a plan view showing each conveyance position of the strip in the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5It is a perspective view showing the folding device according to the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 It is an enlarged perspective view showing a fork portion according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion according to the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the opening and closing of the fork portion by the opening and closing mechanism according to the embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 9 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the bending of both end portions of a strip material by a pair of forks.

[0024] Fig.10 It is a perspective view of a pair of forks showing a state in which both end portions of a strip are bent.

[0025] Fig.11 This is a perspective view for explaining the shape of a strip material in a state where both end portions are bent.

[0026] Fig.12 It is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the sewing position of the sewing machine according to the embodiment.

[0027] Fig.13 This is a block diagram showing a control-related configuration of the belt loop sewing device according to the embodiment.

[0028] Fig.14 It is a top view for explaining the dimensions of various parts of the strip during the folding operation.

[0029] Fig.15 It is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the dimension setting value of the strip material.

[0030] Fig.16 This is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the belt loop sewing method according to the embodiment.

[0031] Fig.17 (A) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship of each part when cutting the strip. Fig.17 (B) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship of each part when the strip material folding-back operation is performed.

[0032] Description of Reference Numerals

[0033] 1-belt loop sewing device; 2-feeding device; 3-cutting device; 4-pulling device; 5-supporting device; 6H-housing; 6-folding device; 7-sewing machine; 8-control device; 31-cutting drive unit; 32-movable knife; 33-belt support platform; 34-driving shaft; 41-holding part; 41A-upper handle; 41B-lower handle; 41C-bottom plate; 41D-opening and closing drive unit; 42-holding moving part; 42A-movable shaft; 43-pulling motor; 44-support frame; 51-support plate; 52-support plate drive unit; 53-movable plate; 54-loose forming plate; 55-holding mechanism; 55A-abutment body; 55B-abutment driver; 61-ring bending portion; 62, 62A, 62B-fork portion; 63, 63A, 63B-rotation driving portion; 65-moving mechanism; 66-fork holder; 66A-support shaft; 67-guide rod; 68-driving force transmission portion; 68A, 68B-pulley; 68C-belt; 68D-intermediate gear; 69-moving motor; 69A-driving gear; 71-sewing machine head; 72-needle holding portion; 73-needle plate; 74-presser foot; 75-holding portion Component; 76-feeding mechanism; 76A-feeding component; 77-sewing machine needle; 78-pressing drive unit; 79-spindle motor; 81-control unit; 82-storage unit; 83-interface; 84-program; 85-size setting value; 1K-belt loop length; 1M-first folding length; 1L-second folding length; 86-operation panel; 87-display unit; 88-operation unit; 101-first shaft; 102-second shaft; 103-opening and closing mechanism; 103A-rotation shaft; 103B-driving cylinder; 103C-rod; 103D-cylinder body; 104A, 104B-support shaft; 105-holding plate; 111A; 111B-pin component; 112A; 112B-pin holding portion; 113-protruding piece; 114-connecting portion; CL-fork gap; CL1-first interval; CL2-second interval; DD-pull-out length; FB-folding portion; P1-sewing position; P2-bending position; P3-standby position; Q1-cutting position; Q2-grasping position; Q3-loop forming position; QD-pull-out position; TP-tape; TP1-first folding point; TP2-second folding point. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. In addition, the constituent elements in the following embodiments include elements that can be easily replaced by those skilled in the art, or substantially the same elements.

[0035] The belt loop sewing device 1 and belt loop sewing method of the present embodiment are described. In the present embodiment, the positional relationship of each part is described based on the local coordinate system specified in the belt loop sewing device 1. The local coordinate system is specified by the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. The direction parallel to the X-axis in the specified plane is set as the X-axis direction. The direction parallel to the Y-axis in the specified plane orthogonal to the X-axis is set as the Y-axis direction. The direction parallel to the Z-axis orthogonal to the specified plane is set as the Z-axis direction. The rotation direction centered on the X-axis is set as the θX direction, the rotation direction centered on the Y-axis is set as the θY direction, and the rotation direction centered on the Z-axis is set as the θZ direction.

[0036] Figure 1 It is a perspective view schematically showing the entire structure of the belt loop sewing device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 1 is a top view schematically showing the overall structure of the belt loop sewing device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the belt loop sewing device 1 includes: a feeding device 2, a cutting device 3, a pulling device 4, a supporting device 5, a folding device 6, and a sewing machine 7. The belt loop sewing device 1 is equipped with a control device 8, and the control device 8 controls the feeding device 2, the cutting device 3, the pulling device 4, the supporting device 5, the folding device 6, and the sewing machine 7.

[0037] The sewing machine 7 and the folding device 6 are opposite to each other in the Y-axis direction. The sewing machine 7 is arranged in the +Y direction, and the folding device 6 is arranged in the -Y direction. The feeding device 2, the cutting device 3, the pulling device 4, and the supporting device 5 are arranged between the sewing machine 7 and the folding device 6 in the Y-axis direction. The feeding device 2, the cutting device 3, the pulling device 4, and the supporting device 5 are arranged in the X-axis direction. From the -X direction toward the +X direction, the feeding device 2, the cutting device 3, the supporting device 5, and the pulling device 4 are arranged in sequence. The feeding device 2 and the pulling device 4 are opposite to each other in the X-axis direction. The cutting device 3 and the supporting device 5 are arranged at a position between the feeding device 2 and the pulling device 4 in the X-axis direction.

[0038] Figure 3 It is a schematic perspective view showing the cutting device 3, the pulling device 4, and the supporting device 5 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 It is a plan view showing each conveyance position of the tape material TP in the embodiment.

[0039] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3As shown, the delivery device 2 delivers a thin strip of tape TP for forming a tape loop. The delivery device 2 includes: a tape delivery platform with a tape path formed therein, a pair of delivery rollers for clamping the front and back surfaces of the tape TP, and a motor for rotationally driving the delivery rollers. The delivery device 2 rotates at least one of the delivery rollers by the motor in a state where the tape TP is clamped between the pair of delivery rollers, thereby delivering the tape TP from the tape path of the tape delivery platform. The delivery device 2 delivers the tape TP toward the pull-out device 4 in the +X direction.

[0040] The cutting device 3 is disposed between the feeding device 2 and the pulling device 4, and is located close to the feeding device 2 in the +X direction. The cutting device 3 cuts the strip TP pulled out by the pulling device 4. The cutting device 3 is driven by a cutting drive unit 31 (see Figure 1 ), a movable knife 32, a belt support platform 33, etc. Figure 3 As shown, the belt support platform 33 is located in the +X direction from the belt path of the feeding device 2, and supports the belt material TP fed from the belt path from below. A movable knife 32 is arranged at a position directly above the belt support platform 33 in the +Z direction. A fixed knife is provided on the belt support platform 33 to be opposite to the movable knife 32 in the Z-axis direction. The cutting drive unit 31 is arranged in the +Z direction of the belt support platform 33. The cutting drive unit 31 drives the movable knife 32 in the up and down direction via the driving shaft 34. The cutting drive unit 31 drives the movable knife 32 in the -Z direction, thereby cutting the belt material TP between the fixed knife and the movable knife 32. The cutting drive unit 31 drives the movable knife 32 in the +Z direction, thereby causing the movable knife 32 to retreat upward from the belt path on the belt support platform 33 in preparation for the next cutting.

[0041] The pulling device 4 moves forward and backward relative to the feeding device 2 to hold and pull out the end of the strip TP. The pulling device 4 includes: a holding portion 41 having a pair of handles, and a holding moving portion 42 that moves the holding portion 41 along the X-axis direction. The pair of handles of the holding portion 41 is composed of an upper handle 41A and a lower handle 41B that can be opened and closed along the Z-axis direction. The lower handle 41B is formed integrally with the bottom plate 41C and fixed to the bottom plate 41C. The upper handle 41A is set to be able to rotate up and down relative to the bottom plate 41C. An opening and closing driving portion 41D that drives the upper handle 41A to rotate is provided on the bottom plate 41C. The opening and closing driving portion 41D is, for example, a cylinder, and the upper handle 41A is swung by the advance and retreat of the rod connected to the upper handle 41A. The opening and closing driving portion 41D sandwiches and holds the strip TP between the upper handle 41A and the lower handle 41B by bringing the upper handle 41A close to the lower handle 41B. The opening and closing driving unit 41D releases the grip on the strip TP by separating the upper handle 41A from the lower handle 41B. Figure 2As shown, the gripping moving part 42 uses the pull-out motor 43 to reciprocate the movable shaft 42A connected to the gripping part 41 in the X-axis direction. The movable shaft 42A is a rod-shaped member extending in the X-axis direction, and supports the gripping part 41 at the end in the -X direction. The movable shaft 42A is supported by the support frame 44 so as to be movable only in the X direction. Figure 4 As shown, the pull-out device 4 can drive the gripper 41 in the X-axis direction within a range including a gripping position Q2 close to the cutting device 3 and a belt loop forming position Q3 closer to the gripping position Q2 in the +X direction by moving the movable shaft 42A.

[0042] Under the control of the control device 8, the pulling device 4 holds the end of the strip TP sent to the gripping position Q2 by the sending device 2 in the +X direction through the holding portion 41, and moves the holding portion 41 in the +X direction in the holding state. Thus, the pulling device 4 pulls the strip TP out to a pulling length corresponding to the size of the belt loop. When the strip TP is pulled out to the pulling length, the cutting device 3 drives the movable knife 32 to cut the strip TP. The pulling length of the strip TP will be described later.

[0043] The support device 5 supports the central portion between the two ends of the strip TP pulled out by the pulling device 4. When the two end portions of the strip TP are bent by the folding device 6, the support device 5 supports and holds the strip TP. Figure 3 As shown, the support device 5 includes: a pair of support plates 51, and a support plate driving unit 52 (see Figure 1 ). A pair of support plates 51 are arranged at intervals along the X-axis direction between the loop forming position Q3 and the cutting position Q1. Each support plate 51 is formed into an L-shape (when viewed from the +X direction to the -X direction) that extends downward (in the -Z direction) from the top of the position where the strip TP is configured and then bends in the +Y direction. The upper surface of the portion of each support plate 51 that bends in the +Y direction is a support surface for supporting the strip TP. A pair of support plates 51 are mounted on a movable plate 53 that extends up and down. The support plate driving unit 52 is, for example, an air cylinder, which moves the pair of support plates 51 and the movable plate 53 up and down as a whole by advancing and retreating the rod connected to the movable plate 53. When the support device 5 pulls out the strip TP through the pulling device 4, the support device 5 causes the pair of support plates 51 to retreat downward from the gripping portion 41 and the passage path of the strip TP through the support plate driving unit 52. When the strip TP is pulled out to a position beyond the pair of support plates 51 by the pull-out device 4 , the support device 5 moves the pair of support plates 51 upward by the support plate driving unit 52 to support the strip TP.

[0044] The support device 5 is provided with a loose (Japanese: フルネス) forming plate 54. The loose forming plate 54 is arranged between a pair of support plates 51 in the X-axis direction. The loose forming plate 54 is formed in an L-shape (when viewed from the +X direction to the -X direction) that extends downward from the top relative to the position where the strip TP is arranged, similarly to each support plate 51. The upper surface of the portion of the loose forming plate 54 that is bent in the +Y direction is a contact surface that contacts the strip TP. The loose forming plate 54 can be moved up and down by an independent driving unit different from the support plate driving unit 52 of the pair of support plates 51. The loose forming plate 54 is a component for raising the approximately central portion of the strip TP (belt loop) in the longitudinal direction in a mountain shape to form a loose shape (loose) in the central portion in the longitudinal direction. When the loose formation is set, the control device 8 controls the support device 5 to arrange the loose forming plate 54 at a position above the pair of support plates 51. As a result, the central portion of the strip TP is raised in a mountain shape. When the loose formation is not set, the control device 8 controls the support device 5 to arrange the loose formation plate 54 at the same height position as the pair of support plates 51. Thus, the strip TP is supported in a straight line.

[0045] The support device 5 is provided with a holding mechanism 55, and the holding mechanism 55 presses the strip TP and holds it on the support plate 51. The holding mechanism 55 is arranged at a position directly above a pair of support plates 51. The holding mechanism 55 has: a pair of abutment bodies 55A, and a pair of abutment driving parts 55B that move each abutment body 55A up and down. The abutment body 55A is a plate-shaped component having an abutment surface that abuts against the strip TP. The abutment surface is the lower surface of the abutment body 55A. The abutment body 55A is held above the support surface of the support plate 51 by the abutment driving part 55B. The abutment body 55A is configured so that the support surface of the support plate 51 is roughly parallel to the abutment surface of the abutment body 55A. The abutment driving part 55B is mounted on the movable plate 53. The abutment driving part 55B is, for example, a cylinder, and the abutment body 55A is mounted at the end of the downward rod. The contact driving part 55B moves the contact body 55A downward by advancing the rod, so that the contact body 55A contacts the strip TP on the support plate 51 from above. Thus, the strip TP is clamped up and down by the support plate 51 and the contact body 55A. The contact driving part 55B moves the contact body 55A upward by retreating the rod, so that the contact body 55A retreats upward from the strip TP on the support plate 51. Thus, the clamping of the strip TP is released.

[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the folding device 6 forms a seam on the tape TP by folding back the two end portions of the pulled tape TP. The folding device 6 holds the tape TP in a state in which the seam is formed, and conveys it to the sewing position P1. The folding device 6 bends the two end portions of the tape TP that is pulled out to the belt loop forming position Q3 and supported by the support device 5. The folding device 6 bends the two end portions of the tape TP into a shape when it is sewn to the sewing object as a belt loop. The folding device 6 holds the bent tape TP and moves it from the bending position P2 to the sewing position P1 where it is sewn by the sewing machine 7, that is, moves it in the +Y direction.

[0047] The sewing machine 7 sews the two end portions of the tape TP conveyed to the sewing position P1 to the sewing object. The sewing object is, for example, fabric of clothes (pants, etc.). In the embodiment, the sewing machine 7 is a two-needle electronic cycle sewing machine. The sewing machine 7 can sew the two end portions of the tape TP at the same time (seam edge) using two sewing machine needles 77. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the sewing machine 7 has a sewing machine head 71, a needle holding portion 72, a needle plate 73, a presser foot 74, a feed mechanism 76 and a spindle motor 79. The sewing machine 7 has a known structure such as a thread take-up lever, a thread regulator, a kettle, and a sewing machine control unit, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0048] The control device 8 includes a computer system. The control device 8 is connected to the feeding device 2, the cutting device 3, the pulling device 4, the supporting device 5, the folding device 6 and the sewing machine 7. The control device 8 monitors the states of the feeding device 2, the cutting device 3, the pulling device 4, the supporting device 5, the folding device 6 and the sewing machine 7 by sending and receiving signals, and controls the actions of the feeding device 2, the cutting device 3, the pulling device 4, the supporting device 5, the folding device 6 and the sewing machine 7.

[0049] <Structure of folding device>

[0050] Figure 5 6 is a perspective view showing a folding device 6 according to an embodiment. The folding device 6 includes a loop bending portion 61 and a moving mechanism 65. The loop bending portion 61 is a mechanism for forming a seam by bending both end portions of the strip TP. The moving mechanism 65 moves the loop bending portion 61 to a bending position P2 (see FIG. Figure 4 ) and sewing position P1 (refer to Figure 4 )move.

[0051] The ring bending portion 61 includes: a pair of fork portions 62, and a rotation drive portion 63. The pair of fork portions 62 are arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction. That is, the pair of fork portions 62 is composed of a fork portion 62A on the +X direction side and a fork portion 62B on the -X direction side. The fork portion 62A and the fork portion 62B have substantially the same structure. The fork portion 62A and the fork portion 62B have a two-pronged fork shape composed of two shaft portions described later, and a fork gap CL is provided between the shaft portions. The pair of fork portions 62 respectively insert the two end portions of the thin strip-shaped strip TP into the fork gap CL. The pair of fork portions 62 respectively hold the two end portions of the strip TP. The fork portion 62A holds the strip TP near the end portion in the +X direction, and the fork portion 62B holds the strip TP near the end portion in the -X direction. The interval in the X-axis direction of the pair of forks 62 corresponds to the folded back portion FB of the strip TP (refer to Fig.11 ) is set according to the size of the belt loop.

[0052] Each of the pair of fork portions 62 includes a first shaft portion 101 and a second shaft portion 102 that form a fork gap CL, and an opening and closing mechanism 103. The first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 are adjacent to each other and arranged in a manner generally facing the +Y direction. The first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 can move relative to each other in a manner of approaching and separating from each other. The opening and closing mechanism 103 changes the size of the fork gap CL by relatively moving the first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102.

[0053] The rotation driving part 63 rotates a pair of forks 62 respectively to bend the two end portions of the strip TP. Specifically, the rotation driving part 63 includes: a rotation driving part 63A that rotates the fork 62A, and a rotation driving part 63B that rotates the fork 62B. The rotation driving part 63A and the rotation driving part 63B have substantially the same structure. The rotation driving part 63A is arranged in the -Y direction relative to the fork 62A, and is connected to the fork 62A via the support shaft 104A. The rotation driving part 63A rotates the fork 62A fixed at the end of the support shaft 104A by rotating the support shaft 104A around the central axis. The fork 62A is rotated in a torsion manner around the central axis of the support shaft 104A by the rotation driving part 63A. The rotation driving part 63B is arranged in the -Y direction relative to the fork 62B, and is connected to the fork 62B via the support shaft 104B. The rotation drive unit 63B rotates the fork 62B fixed to the end of the support shaft 104B by rotating the support shaft 104B around the central axis. The fork 62B is rotated in a twisting manner around the central axis of the support shaft 104B by the rotation drive unit 63B. The rotation drive unit 63A and the rotation drive unit 63B are composed of, for example, a rotary cylinder capable of rotational drive.

[0054] The moving mechanism 65 holds a pair of forks 62 (fork 62A, fork 62B) and a rotation drive unit 63 (rotation drive unit 63A, rotation drive unit 63B) so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction. The moving mechanism 65 includes a fork holder 66, a guide rod 67, a driving force transmission unit 68, and a moving motor 69. The fork holder 66 is arranged above the pair of forks 62 and the rotation drive unit 63, and holds the pair of forks 62 and the rotation drive unit 63 in a suspended manner from above. The fork holder 66 has a support shaft 66A to which the pair of forks 62 and the rotation drive unit 63 are mounted. The support shaft 66A extends in the X-axis direction. The subassembly of the fork 62A, the support shaft 104A, and the rotation drive unit 63A and the subassembly of the fork 62B, the support shaft 104B, and the rotation drive unit 63B are respectively mounted on the support shaft 66A. The fixed positions of the two subassemblies can be changed along the support shaft 66A. The support shaft 66A can adjust the position and interval of the pair of fork portions 62 in the X-axis direction.

[0055] The fork holder 66 is slidably mounted on the guide rod 67. The guide rod 67 extends in the Y-axis direction. Both ends of the guide rod 67 are mounted on the housing 6H of the folding device 6. The guide rod 67 supports the pair of fork portions 62 and the rotation drive portion 63 via the fork holder 66 so that they can move in the Y-axis direction. The pair of fork portions 62 can reciprocate in the Y-axis direction within the following prescribed range, which includes: Figure 4 The standby position P3, the bending position P2 and the sewing position P1 are shown. The standby position P3 is a position away from the bending position P2 in the -Y direction and is a position retreated from the working area when the above-mentioned pulling device 4 and supporting device 5 are operated.

[0056] The driving force transmission part 68 connects the moving motor 69 and the fork holder 66 in a manner capable of transmitting power. In the embodiment, the driving force transmission part 68 is a mechanism including a belt and a pulley, and has: a pulley 68A, a pulley 68B, a belt 68C and an intermediate gear 68D. The pulleys 68A and 68B are arranged at intervals along the Y-axis direction, and are respectively arranged near the two ends of the guide rod 67. The belt 68C is an endless belt (annular belt) spanned between the pulleys 68A and the pulleys 68B, and is connected to the fork holder 66 at a predetermined position of the belt 68C. An intermediate gear 68D is provided on the rotating shaft of the pulley 68A. The intermediate gear 68D meshes with the driving gear 69A installed on the output shaft of the moving motor 69, and rotates integrally with the pulley 68A. The moving motor 69 generates a driving force for reciprocating the pair of forks 62 along the Y-axis direction. The moving motor 69 drives the driving gear 69A to rotate, thereby rotating the pulley 68A via the intermediate gear 68D. As the pulley 68A rotates, the belt 68C circulates between the pulley 68A and the pulley 68B. The circulatory rotation of the belt 68C causes the fork holder 66 holding the pair of forks 62 to move integrally with the pair of forks 62 in the Y-axis direction. Under the control of the control device 8, the moving motor 69 moves each subassembly including the pair of forks 62 to the standby position P3, the bending position P2, and the sewing position P1.

[0057] Figure 6 It is an enlarged perspective view showing a fork portion 62A according to the embodiment. Figure 7 101 and 102 are explanatory diagrams showing the structure of the first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 of the embodiment. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The structure of the fork portion 62A will be described. The structure of the fork portion 62B is substantially the same as that of the fork portion 62A, so the description thereof will be omitted. The first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 are respectively mounted on a pair of retaining plates 105. The pair of retaining plates 105 are plate members extending in a straight line, retaining the first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 at one end, and being fixed to the support shaft 104A at the other end.

[0058] The first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 each have a pin member and a pin holding portion. That is, the first shaft portion 101 has a pin member 111A and a pin holding portion 112A for holding the pin member 111A, and the second shaft portion 102 has a pin member 111B and a pin holding portion 112B for holding the pin member 111B. The pin members 111A and 111B are rod-shaped members arranged at the end of the fork portion 62A, and come into contact with the strip TP. Between the pin member 111A of the first shaft portion 101 and the pin member 111B of the second shaft portion 102 is a fork gap CL for inserting the strip TP. The pin holding portions (112A and 112B) hold the pin members (111A and 111B) in such a manner that the pin members protrude from the end of the pin holding portions.

[0059] like Figure 7 As shown, the pin holding portion 112B of the second shaft portion 102 is fixed to a pair of retaining plates 105. The pin holding portion 112A of the first shaft portion 101 is rotatably mounted on the pin holding portion 112B. The pin holding portion 112A has a protruding piece 113 protruding toward the second shaft portion 102 at the base end portion on the side opposite to the terminal portion on which the pin member 111A is mounted. A portion of the protruding piece 113 is mounted on the pin holding portion 112B via the rotating shaft 103A, and the pin holding portion 112A is rotatable around the rotating shaft 103A. In addition, a connecting portion 114 connected to the opening and closing mechanism 103 is provided at the base end portion of the pin holding portion 112A. The connecting portion 114 is arranged at a position away from the rotating shaft 103A. The connecting portion 114 is connected to the driving cylinder 103B of the opening and closing mechanism 103. The drive cylinder 103B is, for example, a direct-acting air cylinder, and moves the connecting portion 114 by moving the rod portion 103C forward and backward. Figure 6 ) includes: a cylinder body 103D installed between a pair of retaining plates 105, and a rod portion 103C that moves forward and backward relative to the cylinder body 103D.

[0060] Thus, the opening and closing mechanism 103 includes: a rotation shaft 103A that rotatably supports the first shaft portion 101, and a drive cylinder 103B that rotates the first shaft portion 101 around the rotation shaft 103A. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the driving cylinder 103B causes the rod 103C to move forward, thereby causing the first shaft 101 to rotate counterclockwise around the rotation axis 103A. As a result, the first shaft 101 approaches the second shaft 102. The driving cylinder 103B causes the rod 103C to move backward, thereby causing the first shaft 101 to rotate clockwise around the rotation axis 103A. As a result, the first shaft 101 moves away from the second shaft 102.

[0061] Figure 8 1 is a diagram for explaining the opening and closing of the fork portion 62 by the opening and closing mechanism 103 according to the embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, the opening and closing mechanism 103 makes the first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 relatively move to the following positions, that is, an open position where the size of the fork gap CL is a first interval CL1, and a closed position where the size of the fork gap CL is a second interval CL2 smaller than the first interval CL1. In addition, although in the embodiment, the first shaft portion 101 is moved (rotated), the second shaft portion 102 may be moved relative to the fixed first shaft portion 101, or both the first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 may be moved.

[0062] In addition, the opening and closing mechanism 103 is controlled by the control device 8. When the strip TP is inserted into the fork gap CL, the control device 8 controls the opening and closing mechanism 103 to move the first shaft portion 101 to the open position. As a result, the fork gap CL is expanded to the first interval CL1, thereby increasing the allowable range of positional deviation of the end portion caused by bending of the strip TP, etc., and the strip TP can be more reliably inserted into the fork gap CL. After the strip TP is inserted into the fork gap CL and before the two end portions of the strip TP are bent, the control device 8 controls the opening and closing mechanism 103 to move the first shaft portion 101 to the closed position. As a result, the fork gap CL is reduced to the second interval CL2, thereby reducing the diameter of the rotation trajectory of the pin component 111A and the pin component 111B that hold the strip TP. Since the radius of curvature of the folded portion FB of the strip TP is reduced, the size of the folded portion FB can be reduced (refer to Fig.11 ).

[0063] Fig. 9 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the bending of both end portions of the strip material TP by the pair of fork portions 62 . Fig.10 It is a perspective view showing a pair of fork portions 62 in a state where both end portions of the strip material TP are bent. Fig.11 TP is a three-dimensional diagram for explaining the shape of the strip TP in a state where both ends are bent. Fig. 9 As shown, the pair of forks 62 are rotated in opposite directions by the rotation drive parts 63A and 63B in a state where the two end portions of the strip TP are inserted into the respective fork gaps CL. The rotation direction of the pair of forks 62 is the direction in which the ends of the strip TP are held downward. Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the two end portions of the strip TP inserted into the fork gap CL are folded inwardly and arranged to overlap below the middle portion between the two ends of the strip TP. The length of the folded end portion (the length of the overlapping portion of the strip TP) is referred to as the folded length L1, L2 of the strip TP. The folded portion FB of the folded length L1, L2 is the sewing portion (sewing edge) to be sewn by the sewing machine 7.

[0064] <Sewing Machine>

[0065] Fig.12 1 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the sewing position P1 of the sewing machine 7 according to the embodiment. Fig.12 As shown, the sewing machine 7 includes a pair of needle holding portions 72 that respectively hold sewing machine needles 77 at the sewing position P1 , and a pair of presser feet 74 that are provided corresponding to the pair of needle holding portions 72 .

[0066] A pair of needle holding parts 72 respectively hold the sewing machine needle 77 and reciprocate along the Z-axis direction. The pair of needle holding parts 72 hold the sewing machine needle 77 in a manner that the sewing machine needle 77 is parallel to the Z-axis. The pair of needle holding parts 72 are supported on the sewing machine head 71. The pair of needle holding parts 72 are arranged above the needle plate 73 and can be opposite to the surface of the sewing object. The pair of needle holding parts 72 are installed on a holding component 75 extending along the X-axis direction, and the holding component 75 is connected to a power transmission mechanism that uses the power of the spindle motor 79 to move up and down. A pair of sewing machine needles 77 are respectively held in a pair of needle holding parts 72 arranged at a predetermined interval along the X-axis direction. The interval in the X-axis direction of the pair of sewing machine needles 77 corresponds to the interval in the X-axis direction of the sewing part of the tape TP. The sewing machine needle 77 has a threading hole for the upper thread to pass through. The sewing machine needle 77 holds the upper thread with the inner surface of the threading hole. Since the needle holding portion 72 reciprocates in the Z-axis direction, the sewing machine needle 77 reciprocates in the Z-axis direction while holding the upper thread.

[0067] The sewing machine needle 77 held by the needle holding portion 72 is opposed to the needle plate 73 along the Z-axis direction. The needle plate 73 has a needle hole through which the sewing machine needle 77 can pass. The sewing machine needle 77 that penetrates the sewing object supported by the needle plate 73 passes through the needle hole. A feed member 76A (see FIG. 1 ) having feed teeth is provided on the upper surface of the needle plate 73. Figure 1 ), but in Fig.12 The feeding mechanism 76 has a feeding member 76A for carrying the sewing object and the tape TP, and by moving the feeding member 76A, the sewing position of the sewing object and the tape TP is moved to the needle drop position. The feeding member 76A is formed with an opening for exposing a portion of the needle hole of the needle plate 73.

[0068] A kettle is arranged below the needle plate 73. The kettle holds the bobbin contained in the bobbin box. The kettle rotates in conjunction with the needle holder 72. The kettle supplies the lower thread from the bobbin. The kettle hooks the upper thread from the sewing machine needle 77 that penetrates the tape TP and passes through the needle hole of the needle plate 73. The kettle winds the upper thread and the lower thread. The coordinated action of the kettle and the sewing machine needle 77 forms a stitch.

[0069] The spindle motor 79 generates power. The power generated by the spindle motor 79 is transmitted to the holding member 75, the thread take-up lever and the kettle via a power transmission mechanism (not shown). The holding member 75, the thread take-up lever and the kettle are linked. By transmitting the power generated by the spindle motor 79 to the holding member 75, the pair of needle holding parts 72 and the sewing machine needle 77 reciprocate along the Z-axis direction.

[0070] The presser foot 74 presses the sewing object from above. The presser foot 74 is supported by a feed mechanism 76. The presser foot 74 moves in the feed direction in conjunction with a feed member 76A using the feed mechanism 76. The presser foot 74 is arranged above the needle plate 73, and the sewing object is held between the presser foot 74 and the feed member 76A. The presser foot 74 reciprocates along the Z-axis direction between a lowered position, i.e., a pressing position, and an ascended position, i.e., a pressing release position, using a pressing drive unit 78. The pressing drive unit 78 is, for example, an air cylinder. The presser foot 74 is provided with a pair of sewing machine needles 77 corresponding to each other.

[0071] <Control device>

[0072] Fig.13 It is a block diagram showing a control-related configuration of the belt loop sewing device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0073] The control device 8 includes: a control unit 81, a storage unit 82, and an interface 83. The control unit 81 has: a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a main memory, and the main memory includes: a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The processor executes a control program 84 stored in the storage unit 82, thereby functioning as the control unit 81 of the belt loop sewing device 1. The storage unit 82 includes: a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and a semiconductor memory device. The storage unit 82 stores: a control program 84 for the belt loop sewing device 1, and various setting information related to the control of the belt loop sewing device 1. In an embodiment, the storage unit 82 stores a size setting value 85 of the belt material TP. The interface 83 connects the control device 8 and an external device, and includes an input and output circuit for inputting and outputting signals. The control device 8 is connected to the feeding device 2, the cutting device 3, the pulling device 4, the supporting device 5, the folding device 6 and the sewing machine 7 via the interface 83. The control device 8 controls the electromagnetic valve for actuating the air cylinder provided in each device via the interface 83. The electromagnetic valve is connected to the air pressure source to switch the pressure supplied to the air cylinder on and off.

[0074] The control device 8 has an operation panel 86. The operation panel 86 includes: a display unit 87 for displaying information, and an operation unit 88 for receiving operation input. The control device 8 receives operation input of setting information of the belt loop sewing device 1 from the user via the operation panel 86, and displays the setting information of the belt loop sewing device 1 on the operation panel 86. The operation unit 88 is composed of input devices such as a mechanical switch, a keyboard, and a touch panel. The display unit 87 is composed of display devices such as a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display (OELD: Organic Electroluminescence Display). The control device 8 receives input of a size setting value 85 of the belt material TP via the operation panel 86. The control device 8 stores the information of the received size setting value 85 in the storage unit 82. The control device 8 controls the belt loop forming action corresponding to the size setting value 85.

[0075] Fig.14 It is a top view for explaining the dimensions of each part of the strip TP during the folding action. In the following description, the end in the +X direction and the end in the -X direction of the strip TP arranged at the loop forming position Q3 (supported by the support device 5) are respectively referred to as one end and the other end of the strip TP.

[0076] The dimension setting value 85 of the tape TP is information for defining the folded length of the tape TP. In the embodiment, the dimension setting value 85 includes the following three values ​​(dimensions): a tape loop length 1K, a first folded length 1M, and a second folded length 1L.

[0077] The belt loop length 1K is the distance between the first folding point TP1 on one end side of the belt TP and the second folding point TP2 on the other end side. The first folding point TP1 is the position of the portion of the fork gap CL of the fork portion 62A on the +X direction side of the belt TP. The second folding point TP2 is the position of the portion of the fork gap CL of the fork portion 62B on the -X direction side of the belt TP. The first folding point TP1 and the second folding point TP2 are respectively equivalent to the belt TP in the folded state (refer to Fig.11 ) at both ends. The belt loop length 1K is a set value corresponding to the interval between the pair of forks 62 in the X-axis direction. The first folding length 1M is the interval between the first folding point TP1 and one end of the belt TP (+X direction end). That is, the first folding length 1M is equal to the length L1 of the folded portion FB formed at one end of the belt TP (refer to Fig.11 ). The second folding length 1L is the distance between the second folding point TP2 and the other end (-X direction end) of the strip TP. That is, the second folding length 1L is equal to the length L2 of the folded portion FB formed at the other end of the strip TP (refer to Fig.11 )correspond.

[0078] Depend on Fig.14 It can be seen that the total length of the strip TP after being cut by the cutting device 3 is equivalent to the sum of the belt loop length 1K, the first folded length 1M and the second folded length 1L. In the embodiment, the control device 8 receives input of each of the belt loop length 1K, the first folded length 1M and the second folded length 1L. The user can set the belt loop length 1K, the first folded length 1M and the second folded length 1L according to the design of the belt loop and the thickness of the strip TP. When changing the belt loop length 1K, the user changes the interval between the pair of fork portions 62 along the support shaft 66A of the fork holder 66. The first folded length 1M and the second folded length 1L can be set to any value within the possible setting range.

[0079] Fig.15 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of display of the dimension setting value 85 of the tape TP. The control device 8 displays the respective values ​​of the dimension setting value 85 (the tape loop length 1K, the first folding length 1M, and the second folding length 1L) on the display unit 87 of the operation panel 86. The control device 8 receives the selection of the set dimension value and the input of the numerical value via the operation unit 88 of the operation panel 86. The control device 8 displays the received dimension setting value 85 on the display unit 87. Fig.15 In the example of , an example is shown in which the belt loop length 1K is set to "60.0 mm", the first folded length 1M is set to "10.0 mm", and the second folded length 1L is set to "10.0 mm".

[0080] The control device 8 controls the sewing operation of the belt loop sewing device 1 based on the size setting value 85 of the belt material TP. The sewing operation of the belt loop sewing device 1 implements the belt loop sewing method described below. The belt loop sewing method of the embodiment is a sewing method in which both end portions of the thin belt-shaped belt material TP for forming a belt loop are folded back and sewn to the sewing object.

[0081] <How to sew the belt loop>

[0082] Fig.16 This is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the belt loop sewing method according to the embodiment. The belt loop sewing method according to the embodiment (sewing operation of the belt loop sewing device 1 ) will be explained.

[0083] As a preparation before the sewing operation starts, the control device 8 receives an input of a dimension setting value 85 of the tape TP (step S1). The control device 8 receives the following information via the operation panel 86: Fig.15The control device 8 obtains the size setting value 85 as one of the various setting information related to the sewing operation of the belt loop sewing device 1. The control device 8 stores the size setting value 85 in the storage unit 82. Step S1 is a setting operation before starting sewing, so it is distinguished from other steps S2 to S7 as sewing operations. Fig.16 Indicated by dotted line.

[0084] The control device 8 receives an operation input from the user indicating the start of the sewing operation and starts the sewing operation. When the sewing operation starts, the control device 8 obtains the size setting value 85 from the storage unit 82 (step S2). The control device 8 determines the pull-out length DD of the tape TP based on the received size setting value 85 (see Fig.17 ) (Step S3).

[0085] Fig.17 (A) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship of each part when cutting the strip material TP. Fig.17 (B) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship of each part when performing the folding back action of the strip TP. Fig.17 As shown in (A), the gripper 41 grabs the strip TP from the grab position Q2 near the +X direction side of the cutting position Q1 of the cutting device 3 and pulls it out in the +X direction. The pull-out length DD is the distance from the cutting position Q1 in the +X direction.

[0086] The control device 8 determines the distance from the cutting position Q1 of the cutting device 3, i.e., the pull-out length DD, based on the total length of the belt loop length 1K, the first folded length 1M, and the second folded length 1L. The pull-out length DD may be the same as the total length, or may be the length obtained by adding a dimensional margin to the total length. The position away from the cutting position Q1 in the +X direction by the pull-out length DD is set as the pull-out position QD.

[0087] The control device 8 cuts the strip TP at the determined pull-out length DD (step S4). The cutting step of the strip TP includes three processes: feeding the strip TP, pulling the strip TP, and cutting the strip TP. First, the control device 8 controls the feeding device 2 to feed the strip TP until the end of the strip TP reaches the gripping position Q2. The control device 8 controls the pulling device 4 to move the gripping portion 41 in the -X direction to the gripping position Q2, and grip the end of the strip TP at the gripping position Q2. The pulling device 4 grips the end of the strip TP at the gripping position Q2 using the upper handle 41A and the lower handle 41B of the gripping portion 41. The control device 8 controls the pulling device 4 to move the gripping portion 41 in the gripping state from the gripping position Q2 to the pull-out position QD in the +X direction. The gripping portion 41 moves in the +X direction by a distance obtained by subtracting the distance between the gripping position Q2 and the cutting position Q1 from the pull-out length DD. The strip TP is pulled out by the pulling length DD from the cutting position Q1. The control device 8 controls the cutting device 3 to cut the strip TP at the cutting position Q1. As a result, the strip TP is cut to the pulling length DD. In addition, the control device 8 controls the supporting device 5 to make the pair of supporting plates 51 (and the loose forming plate 54) of the supporting device 5 retreat below the moving path of the holding portion 41 until the pulling device 4 (holding portion 41) moves in the +X direction beyond the position of the supporting device 5.

[0088] The control device 8 conveys the cut tape TP to the tape loop forming position Q3 (step S5). Fig.17 As shown in (B), the control device 8 controls the pulling device 4 to move the gripping portion 41 in the gripping state from the pulling position QD to the +X direction to the belt loop forming position Q3. The belt loop forming position Q3 is a position where the X-axis direction position of the pair of forks 62 (each fork gap CL) of the folding device 6 coincides with the first folding point TP1 and the second folding point TP2 of the belt TP. The gripping portion 41 moves to a position offset in the +X direction by the first folding length 1M relative to the X-axis direction position of the fork 62A of the pair of forks 62.

[0089] The control device 8 controls the support device 5 to support the strip TP arranged at the loop forming position Q3. The control device 8 controls the support device 5 to raise the pair of support plates 51 retreated to the lower side of the moving path of the gripping portion 41 to the support position. In the case of loose formation, the control device 8 controls in such a way that the loose forming plate 54 further rises. The control device 8 controls the support device 5 to move the pair of abutment bodies 55A arranged at the raised position downward by the abutment drive portion 55B, and clamp the strip TP by the pair of support plates 51 and the pair of abutment bodies 55A. Thus, the middle portion of the strip TP is held by the support device 5. The control device 8 controls the pulling-out device 4 to release the grip of the gripping portion 41 on the strip TP. In addition, the control device 8 controls the folding device 6 to arrange the folding device 6 at the standby position P3 (refer to Figure 4 ), until the strip TP is conveyed to the strip loop forming position Q3.

[0090] The control device 8 folds back both end portions of the tape material TP conveyed to the tape loop forming position Q3 (step S6 ).

[0091] The control device 8 controls the folding device 6 to insert the two end portions of the cut strip TP into the fork gap CL in the state where the cut strip TP is supported by the support device 5 at the strip loop forming position Q3. Specifically, first, the control device 8 operates the opening and closing mechanism 103 to make the size of the fork gap CL of each of the pair of forks 62 become the first interval CL1. The control device 8 controls the moving mechanism 65 to move the loop bending portion 61 from the standby position P3 to the bending position P2, that is, to the +Y direction. The loop bending portion 61 reaches the bending position P2, so that the two end portions of the strip TP are inserted into the fork gap CL of the pair of forks 62. That is, the first folding point TP1 of the strip TP is inserted into the fork gap CL of the fork 62A on the +X direction side. The second folding point TP2 of the strip TP is inserted into the fork gap CL of the fork 62B on the -X direction side.

[0092] Thus, in the embodiment, the control device 8 controls the action corresponding to the dimension setting value 85 so that the interval between the fork 62A and one end of the strip TP is consistent with the first folding length 1M, and the interval between the fork 62B and the other end of the strip TP is consistent with the second folding length 1L.

[0093] Next, the control device 8 controls the folding device 6 to fold back the two end portions of the strip TP inserted into the fork gap CL at the loop forming position Q3 to form a folded portion FB. First, the control device 8 operates the opening and closing mechanism 103 to make the size of the fork gap CL of the pair of fork portions 62 become the second interval CL2. The control device 8 operates each rotation drive unit 63 to bend the two end portions of the strip TP inserted into the fork gap CL by using the pair of fork portions 62. By the operation of each rotation drive unit 63, the pair of fork portions 62 are rotated respectively, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , a folded portion FB is formed in the strip TP. Thus, the strip TP is deformed into a strip loop shape. Fig.10 The folded lengths L1 and L2 of the folded portion FB in FIG. 8 are respectively the first folded length 1M and the second folded length 1L reflecting the size setting value 85 .

[0094] The control device 8 sews the folded back two end portions to the sewing object (step S7). The control device 8 controls the moving mechanism 65 to move the ring bending portion 61 from the bending position P2 to the sewing position P1, i.e., in the +Y direction, while maintaining the strip TP in a state where the two end portions are bent by a pair of forks 62.

[0095] The control device 8 controls the sewing machine 7 to move the presser foot 74 of the sewing machine 7 from the press release position to the press position, that is, to the -Z direction, at the sewing position P1. The tape TP is pressed from above toward the needle plate 73 (feeding member 76A) by the presser foot 74. The sewing object to be sewn with the tape TP is pre-set on the needle plate 73 (feeding member 76A). As a result, the tape TP and the sewing object in a state where the two end portions are bent are held on the sewing machine 7 at the sewing position P1.

[0096] The folding device 6 uses the moving mechanism 65 to move the ring bending portion 61 from the sewing position P1 to the standby position P3, that is, to the -Y direction. The pair of forks 62 holding the two end portions of the tape TP are pulled out from the tape TP in the -Y direction while the tape TP is pressed by the presser foot 74.

[0097] The control device 8 instructs the sewing machine 7 to start the sewing operation. The sewing machine 7 operates the holding member 75, the thread take-up lever, the kettle, and the feeding mechanism 76 in a linked manner. The sewing machine 7 uses a pair of sewing needles 77 to sew both ends of the tape TP supplied to the sewing position P1 in the X-axis direction. When the sewing is finished, the sewing machine 7 releases the pressing by raising each presser foot 74. Thus, the sewing object with the tape loop (tape TP) sewn thereon is removed from the sewing machine 7.

[0098] The belt loop sewing method of the embodiment is implemented as described above. When the belt loop is repeatedly sewn, steps S2 to S7 are repeated. Step S1 is executed only when the size setting value 85 is set for the first time or when the size setting value 85 is changed.

[0099] [Effect]

[0100] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the belt loop sewing device 1 comprises: a feeding device 2, which feeds out a thin belt-shaped tape TP for forming a belt loop; a pulling device 4, which moves forward and backward relative to the feeding device 2, grips and pulls out the end of the tape TP; a cutting device 3, which is arranged between the feeding device 2 and the pulling device 4, and cuts the pulled tape TP; a supporting device 5, which supports the central portion between the two ends of the pulled tape TP; a folding device 6, which forms a seam on the tape TP by folding back the two end portions of the pulled tape TP; a sewing machine 7, which sews the two end portions of the tape TP to the sewing object; and a control device 8, which receives an input of a size setting value 85 of the tape TP and controls the belt loop forming action corresponding to the size setting value 85. The control device 8 determines the pull-out length DD of the strip TP based on the received size setting value 85, cuts the strip TP at the determined pull-out length DD, transports the cut strip TP to the belt loop forming position Q3, controls the folding action, and folds back the two end portions of the strip TP transported to the belt loop forming position Q3.

[0101] Thus, the strip TP is cut with the pull-out length DD corresponding to the input size setting value 85, and the strip TP is conveyed to the belt loop forming position Q3, so that the two end portions of the strip TP cut to the pull-out length DD can be folded back to form the folded back portion FB regardless of the position of the cutting device 3 (cutting position Q1). In other words, since the strip TP is cut with the pull-out length DD before being conveyed to the belt loop forming position Q3, the folded back lengths L1 and L2 from the end of the strip TP to the folding point (first folding point TP1, second folding point TP2) can be determined in a manner that does not depend on the cutting position Q1. If the pull-out length DD is set to be larger, the folded back lengths L1 and L2 can be increased accordingly, and if the pull-out length DD is set to be smaller, the folded back lengths L1 and L2 can be reduced accordingly. As a result, the length of the folded back portion FB (folded back lengths L1 and L2) can be changed without changing the installation position (cutting position Q1) of the cutting device 3.

[0102] In addition, in the present embodiment, the size setting value 85 includes: the interval between the first turning point TP1 on one end side of the strip TP and the second turning point TP2 on the other end side, that is, the belt loop length 1K; the interval between the first turning point TP1 and one end of the strip TP, that is, the first turning length 1M; and the interval between the second turning point TP2 and the other end of the strip TP, that is, the second turning length 1L. Thus, the dimensions of each part of the belt loop can be easily set. In addition, the first turning length 1M and the second turning length 1L can be freely set. In addition, in the present embodiment, the control device 8 determines the distance from the cutting position Q1 of the cutting device 3, that is, the pull-out length DD, based on the total length of the belt loop length 1K, the first turning length 1M, and the second turning length 1L. Thus, the full length of the strip TP (that is, the pull-out length DD) can be easily determined.

[0103] In addition, in the present embodiment, the folding device 6 includes: a pair of forks 62, which respectively insert the two end portions of the strip TP into the fork gap CL; and a rotation drive unit 63, which rotates the pair of forks 62 respectively to fold the two end portions, and the control device 8 controls the folding device 6 to respectively insert the two end portions of the cut strip TP into the fork gap CL in the state where the cut strip TP is supported by the support device 5 at the strip loop forming position Q3. In this way, instead of inserting the strip TP before cutting into the fork gap CL of the pair of forks 62, the two end portions of the strip TP after cutting are inserted into the fork gap CL of the pair of forks 62, so that a strip loop of an arbitrary folding length (L1, L2) can be formed according to the pull-out length DD of the strip TP and the strip loop forming position Q3.

[0104] In addition, in the present embodiment, each of the pair of forks 62 includes: a first shaft portion 101 and a second shaft portion 102 forming a fork gap CL, and an opening and closing mechanism 103, and the opening and closing mechanism 103 makes the first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 relatively move to change the size of the fork gap CL. Here, when the two end portions of the cut strip TP are inserted into the fork gap CL, the tension of the strip TP cannot be applied, so the ends of the strip TP may sag due to their own weight. Therefore, by making the size of the fork gap CL changeable, even if the ends of the strip TP sag, the fork gap CL can be increased, and the possibility of the pair of forks 62 swinging in vain (the strip does not enter the fork gap CL) is reduced. On the other hand, if the folding action is performed in a state where the fork gap CL is increased, the curvature radius of the folded portion FB increases, and the lower limit value of the folded length (L1, L2) increases. Therefore, by reducing the fork gap CL when performing the folding action, it is possible to ensure that the possible setting range of the folding length (L1, L2) is large.

[0105] The technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate changes can be made within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0106] For example, in the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the first folding length 1M and the second folding length 1L are equal, but the first folding length 1M and the second folding length 1L may be set to different values. Fig.15 In the example, when the first folding length 1M is changed from 10.0 mm to 8.0 mm, and the second folding length 1L is changed from 10.0 mm to 12.0 mm, Fig.17 In the embodiment, the pull-out length DD is the same as in the above embodiment, but the loop forming position Q3 is different from Fig.17 The first folded-back length 1M and the second folded-back length 1L can be set to different values ​​such as 8.0 mm and 12.0 mm, respectively.

Claims

1. A belt loop sewing device, comprising: A feeding device that feeds out a thin ribbon-shaped strip material for forming a belt loop; A pulling device, which moves forward and backward relative to the feeding device to hold and pull out the end of the strip; A cutting device, which is arranged between the feeding device and the pulling device, and cuts the pulled strip; A supporting device for supporting a central portion between the two ends of the pulled strip; A folding device for forming seam edges on the strip by folding back the two end portions of the pulled strip; a sewing machine for sewing the two end portions of the tape onto an object to be sewn; and A control device receives an input of a dimension setting value of the strip material and controls a strip loop forming operation corresponding to the dimension setting value. The control device determines the pull-out length of the strip according to the received size setting value, cuts the strip at the determined pull-out length, transports the cut strip to the belt loop forming position, controls the folding action, and folds back the two end portions of the strip transported to the belt loop forming position.

2. The belt loop sewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The size setting values ​​include: The distance between the first folding point on one end side of the strip and the second folding point on the other end side is the strip loop length; The first folding length is the distance between the first folding point and one end of the strip; and The distance between the second folding point and the other end of the strip is the second folding length.

3. The belt loop sewing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control device determines the pull-out length, which is the distance from the cutting position of the cutting device, based on the total length of the belt loop length, the first folded-back length, and the second folded-back length.

4. The belt loop sewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The folding device comprises: a pair of forks, which respectively insert the two end portions of the strip into the fork gap; and a rotation drive unit, which rotates the pair of forks respectively to fold the two end portions back. The control device controls the folding device to insert both end portions of the cut strip into the fork gap in a state where the cut strip is supported by the supporting device at the strip loop forming position.

5. The belt loop sewing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Each of the pair of forks includes a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion forming the fork gap, and an opening and closing mechanism. The opening and closing mechanism causes the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion to move relative to each other to change the size of the fork gap.

6. A method for sewing a belt loop, comprising folding back both ends of a thin belt-shaped belt material for forming a belt loop and sewing the belt loop to an object to be sewn, the method comprising the following steps: Accepting input of a dimension setting value of the strip; Determining the length of the strip to be pulled out from the cutting position according to the accepted size setting value; Cutting the strip at the determined pulling length; conveying the cut strip to a strip loop forming position; Folding back the two end portions of the strip conveyed to the strip loop forming position; The folded back two end portions are sewn to the sewing object.

Images