Device and method for handling fragments of a broken needle

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (40) and a method for handling fragments (10) of a broken needle (11), for example in the context of exchanging a broken needle (11) for a new needle (17). The fragments (10) of the broken needle (11) are arranged in a container (16) in a predetermined position. A camera (23) then takes an image (32) of the fragments (10) of the broken needle (11). The captured image (32) is stored in at least one storage location for documentation (32) and / or evaluated to determine whether all fragments (10) of the broken needle (11) are present. After the image (32) has been taken, the container (16) is closed to prevent the fragments (10) of the needle (11) from being lost at the sewing workstation.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for handling fragments of a broken needle.

[0002] Such a method is known, for example, from WO 2014 / 044847 A1. There, a container with a holding magnet is used, to which the needle fragments are aligned. This essentially reconstructs the original needle. Based on the arrangement of the fragments in the container, a person then evaluates whether all fragments have been found.

[0003] This device or method has already contributed to simplifying and improving the sewing of textiles, such as garments. In the event of a needle breakage, it is important to ensure that all fragments of the needle have been found and no fragment of the needle remains in the textile material.

[0004] Based on the prior art, it can be considered the object of the present invention to further improve the handling of fragments when a needle breakage occurs.

[0005] According to the invention, the fragments of a broken needle are arranged in a container in a predetermined position. In this predetermined position, a camera takes an image of the fragments. This image is used for documentation and / or analysis. It can, for example, be saved or transmitted to a central processing unit for storage. Furthermore, it is possible to automatically evaluate whether all of the needle's fragments are present using image analysis methods. For this purpose, the fragments can, for example, be compared with one or more geometric data of a target geometry of the needle.

[0006] By documenting needle breakage using the captured image, recycling is improved. Attaching the broken pieces to a carrier with adhesive film for documentation purposes is no longer necessary. Instead, the needle fragments can be recycled without any foreign material.

[0007] Using the device or method, the needle inventory can be updated in the central processing unit at any time. Order processes for repurchasing needles from a needle manufacturer can be triggered in a timely manner—even automatically. At the same time, used needles are directly assigned to the respective production orders, and the data can be evaluated accordingly.

[0008] Electronically storing the needle breakages documented by images simplifies and improves the verification of proper handling of broken needles. The data can be easily linked to all necessary information, such as the production order, and stored and archived locally and / or remotely from the textile factory on one or more storage devices or computers. Authorized third parties can also be granted access to some or all of the stored data. Access can be granted online.

[0009] The container has a base body and a lid. The lid is preferably guided and / or mounted on the base body so as to be pivotable or otherwise movable between a closed position and an open position. The base body has an upper side which is covered by the lid when the lid is in the closed position, so that a receiving space for the fragments is closed. A closure means can preferably be provided which is designed to keep the lid closed with a force-locking and / or positive fit to the base body in its closed position, so that the container does not open and remains closed even if it falls onto a surface from a height of one, two or more meters. A holding magnet is arranged on the base body and generates a magnetic field for holding the fragments to the upper side of the base body. The holding magnet is preferably arranged outside the receiving space in which the fragments are located.The holding magnet is further preferably made of a magnetic strip and / or a magnetic foil and preferably has a more strongly magnetized side and a less strongly magnetized side. The more strongly magnetized side can be assigned to the receiving space or the top of the container.

[0010] Preferably, the closure means is designed in such a way that it audibly clicks into place when the lid assumes the closed position.

[0011] The strength of the holding magnet is preferably selected such that the fragments do not stand upright, but are held movably on the container.

[0012] Preferably, the fragments are arranged along an axis in the receiving space or on the top of the base body. The holding magnet can have one or more adjacent magnetic strips, each having a north pole and a south pole. A north-south pole connecting line of the magnetic strips is aligned parallel to or along the axis in the receiving space. The magnetic field is preferably oriented such that the magnetic field lines in the area where the fragments are stored run approximately parallel to the axis.

[0013] To ensure correct alignment of the holding magnet relative to the receiving space or the top of the base body, an asymmetrical recess for accommodating the holding magnet can be provided on the base body, with the holding magnet having a correspondingly adapted asymmetrical contour. Other coding means can also be used to achieve correct alignment of the holding magnet.

[0014] Preferably, a stop surface is provided on the top side of the base body. The stop surface is preferably oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal direction. The fragments are aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction adjacent to the stop surface on the top side, so that, starting from the stop surface, the total length of the fragments and thus the presence of all fragments can be very easily determined.

[0015] It is further preferred if a longitudinally extending recess is present on the upper side of the base body. The recess can be groove- or channel-shaped. Preferably, one longitudinal end of the recess directly adjoins the stop surface. The recess extends linearly along the axis for aligning the fragments.

[0016] On the upper side of the base body, for example, adjacent to the recess, a marking can be provided by which the length of the fragments or the total length of all fragments can be determined very easily and quickly. This can, for example, be a scale with scale markings that can begin directly at the stop surface and run lengthwise. Additionally or alternatively, instead of the scale, there can also be a marking for a specific needle type, representing, for example, the contour of the complete, unbroken needle and / or its length.

[0017] It is further preferred if an identifier is present on the lid, which contains additional information about the needle used during sewing and / or the sewing workstation, etc., preferably at least also in computer-readable form. For example, the specified information can comprise an optically detectable code, such as a barcode or a QR code or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the information can be present in a form other than optically detectable, for example, stored on an RFID chip on the container, which can be read via a corresponding reading device. The reading device and the camera can be part of a mobile device of the device. It is preferred if information in optically detectable form is arranged on the lid in such a way that it lies in the image field of the camera when the top side of the base body is picked up when the lid is in its open position.For example, the information can be arranged on the inside of the lid, which is opposite the top of the base body when the lid is closed.

[0018] It is preferred if the device has a processor unit connected to the camera and / or a display and / or an input unit. The processor unit and optionally the display or input unit can be part of a mobile device. The display and the input unit can be formed by a common interface unit, e.g., a touch-sensitive display.

[0019] The mobile device can be a mobile phone or a portable computer, in particular a so-called tablet computer.

[0020] The processor unit can preferably be configured to transmit the captured image to a central processing unit. The image can be stored in the central processing unit, for example, for documentation purposes. Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible to store the image independently of one another in several independent memories, preferably at spatially separate storage locations, in order to be able to detect subsequent manipulation of one of the images. Non-editable additional information can be stored together with the image, for example relating to the needle used and / or the sewing workstation at which the needle breakage occurred and / or the sewing operator whose needle broke and / or the piece of textile that was being sewn when the needle breakage occurred and / or the operator who checked and approved the needle replacement and / or the date and / or time.All information is networked, supported by the processor unit, and can be evaluated accordingly.

[0021] The central processing unit can have a database for inventory management or stock control, so that the number of new needles still available, the number of needles in use, and their service life to date are known. If necessary, the central processing unit can automatically trigger reorder processes for specific needle types or remind a person to reorder.

[0022] The processor unit or the central processing unit can be configured to automatically request or trigger the taking of an image, for example when certain characteristic features are detected or identified in the camera's recording area.

[0023] The processor unit or central processing unit can be configured to check the sharpness of a captured image and generate a corresponding check result. If the image sharpness is not sufficiently good, the processor unit or central processing unit can automatically request or trigger the acquisition of another image. If a sufficiently sharp image is available, approval can be given to continue the needle exchange or the correct documentation of the fragments found can be confirmed.

[0024] It is also advantageous if the processor unit or central processing unit is configured to prevent or delay the acquisition of an image until all fragments are present and the broken needle has been completely reconstructed. This can be achieved by image analysis algorithms that determine the complete reconstruction of the needle from the fragments placed within the camera's image capture field.

[0025] It is also advantageous if the processor unit or the central processing unit is connected to a dispensing system for new needles and is configured to evaluate an identifier present on the cover and transmit information about the new replacement needle to be dispensed to the dispensing system. This can prevent the dispensing of non-suitable needles of a different type or at least reduce the risk of error. The dispensing system can block the dispensing of non-suitable needles of a different type or issue a warning (e.g., visual and / or acoustic) if non-suitable needles of a different type are accidentally removed.

[0026] It is also advantageous if the processor unit or the central processing unit is configured to display the captured image and additional information describing a target geometry of the unbroken needle on the display. For example, the contour and / or a three-dimensional image of an unbroken needle can be displayed around the fragments in the captured image, so that it is immediately apparent whether all fragments have been found or whether parts of the needle are missing. The target geometry can be displayed as a contour line. Alternatively or additionally, selected geometry values, in particular a length of the unbroken needle or the like, can be displayed.

[0027] It is advantageous if the processor unit or the central processing unit is configured to generate an evaluation result which indicates whether or not all of the fragments are present in the recorded image. This can be checked, for example, using an image processing method and output as the evaluation result. During this evaluation, in one embodiment, the total length of the adjacent fragments in the recorded image can be compared with the length of the unbroken needle. If the total length of the recorded fragments matches the original length of the unbroken needle, the evaluation result can be indicated as that all of the fragments are present. If the total length of the adjacent fragments is shorter than the length of the unbroken needle, the output can be that fragments of the broken needle are missing.In addition to or as an alternative to evaluating the length, the contours of the individual fragments and / or the contours of adjacent fragments can be compared with a target geometry or target contour of the needle. Furthermore, it is possible to determine characteristics of the fracture surfaces using an image analysis method and assess whether two fracture surfaces of two fragments belong to a common fracture point. This also makes it possible to determine whether all fragments of the needle are present.

[0028] By simultaneously capturing and / or scanning an area of ​​the needle, for example, the needle's plunger area, a digital "footprint" of the needle can be created based on the needle's surface, provided the image resolution and sharpness are sufficiently good. For this purpose, a marking on the needle's plunger, such as a manufacturer and / or needle type (stamping), can be used as a position marker. This allows for the unique identification of which needle was originally dispensed at the workstation and which is being returned. Alternatively, this can also be done by capturing and / or scanning a barcode on the needle. Using the same technology during needle manufacture, it can be possible to trace and / or document the entire needle life cycle.

[0029] In addition to the camera, additional detection devices may be present, for example, a scanner, particularly a 3D scanner. Such additional detection devices can capture and evaluate additional features of the fragments.

[0030] Information about the needles or needle types used, in particular the length and / or contour and / or other dimensions of a needle or needle type, can be stored in a database in the central processing unit and / or the processor unit. This data is then available for evaluation. For example, the data can be automatically linked to the captured image if the captured image is assigned to a needle or needle type, for example, through an optically detectable code in the captured image itself.

[0031] It is advantageous if all collected data and / or information is linked to the respective production order of the sewing factory.

[0032] It is advantageous if all the data and / or information collected is linked to the respective production order of the sewing factory and, within the production order, to the subordinate bundle number or part number.

[0033] It is advantageous if all collected data and / or information are evaluated using a predefined evaluation strategy along the value chain and the respective production order of the sewing factory.

[0034] The evaluation and / or access to the data and / or information is preferably carried out via conventional browser software.

[0035] The device may also include a trolley that can be moved by an operator, in or on which the camera or the mobile device with the camera or the processor unit or the display or the input unit is arranged.

[0036] For example, tools for finding fragments can be arranged on the trolley, such as a tool with a magnetic part, which can also be called a magnetic broom.

[0037] Advantageously, the cart has a power source for operating the camera or mobile device. The cart can also have a transmitting and / or receiving device that can be connected to the camera and / or the mobile device, and in particular to the processor unit, in order to establish a communication connection to the central processing unit and / or to at least one storage unit.

[0038] The trolley may have at least three drawers movable between two positions.

[0039] The trolley preferably has a weight distribution and a locking mechanism to prevent the trolley from tipping and thus disturbing the contents of the various storage areas of the trolley.

[0040] The cart can have separate compartments for storing new, unused needles and used needles. The cart is designed so that only one of the two compartments is accessible at a time. For example, opening the compartment with new needles can prevent the compartment with used needles from also being opened. The cart can also have four separate compartments so that new, unused needles, broken undocumented needles, used and unbroken undocumented needles, and broken / used documented needles can be stored separately.

[0041] The trolley preferably has an insertion opening for inserting fragments of a broken needle into a collection container, which can be removably arranged in the trolley. A counting device can be associated with the insertion opening to count the inserted fragments. The counting device can be connected to a transmission and / or display device that displays the counted fragments and / or transmits them to the mobile device. The counting device can have a light barrier at the insertion opening.

[0042] Preferably, the mobile device is also connected, or connectable, to the sewing machine's digital unit (computer), either wirelessly or wired. This enables data exchange. Data such as the total operating time of a currently used needle can be determined and used to calculate a needle replacement date, for example, to perform a needle replacement before a needle breaks.

[0043] Preferably, the mobile device arranged on the carriage is wirelessly connected via the central processing unit or via a local network, wherein the mobile device is configured to display an alarm triggered by a sewing worker at a sewing workstation in the event of a needle breakage and preferably to indicate the location of the sewing workstation.

[0044] In the car a mobile device, e.g. . in a case. If the cart is still in use and another needle breakage occurs, the mobile device can be used, which can also contain a camera or a mobile device with a camera and a container, and optionally, spare needles.

[0045] Advantageous embodiments of the device and method will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Figure 1 a schematic plan view of the container Figure 1 with a view of an upper side of the base body and the inside of a lid in the open position of the lid, Figure 2 a schematic plan view of the underside of a base body of a container and of an insert that can be detachably attached to the base body, Figure 3 a schematic representation of the fragments of a broken needle and the container from Figure 2 in a side view, Figure 4 a schematic representation of the taking of an image of the fragments of the broken needle arranged in the container, Figure 5a schematic representation of the side view of the container with the lid in the closed position, Figure 6 a schematic, block diagram-like representation of a mobile device that has a camera for taking an image and that is communicatively connected to a central processing unit and Figure 7 a schematic perspective view of a trolley with a holder for the mobile device from Figure 6 and

[0046] Figure 8a-8e a schematic representation of a method for handling fragments of a broken needle.

[0047] When sewing textile items, such as clothing, great care must be taken if a needle breaks during sewing. The fragments 10 of the broken needle 11 must not remain in the textile item. Therefore, it is important to document whether all fragments 10 of a broken needle 11 have been found. Figure 8a-8eschematically illustrates a method in which, in the event of a needle breakage at a sewing workstation 15, the fragments are collected in a container 16, the collection of the fragments 10 is documented and a new needle 17 is provided for the sewing workstation 15.

[0048] For example, each sewing workstation 15 is assigned a uniquely identifiable container 16. For this purpose, a corresponding identifier 18 can be present on the container 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the identifier 18 is designed as an optically detectable identifier, for example, a barcode or a QR code, and is arranged on the container 16. Alternatively, the identifier can also be an RFID chip or another type of identifier that can be detected by corresponding detection means of a mobile device 19. The mobile device 19 can be, for example, a portable computer, in particular a so-called tablet computer, or alternatively, a smartphone or the like. The mobile device 19 has, for example, a touch-sensitive screen 20, which serves both as a display 21 for outputting information and as an input unit 22. The mobile device 19 also has a camera 23, a processor unit 24, and a memory unit 25 ( Figure 6). The mobile device 19 also has suitable communication means by which a wired and preferably a wireless connection to a network or an external central processing unit 26 can be established.

[0049] The mobile device 19 and a container 16 can be arranged on a preferably mobile cart 30, which is used by a supervisor in the event of a needle breakage at a sewing workstation 15. The data and images recorded by the supervisor using the mobile device 19 can preferably be assigned to the supervisor, for example, by the supervisor logging on to the mobile device 19.

[0050] No replacement needles are available at the sewing workstations 15 themselves. The replacement of a damaged or broken needle 11 follows a predefined procedure. Assume that the sewing needle breaks at one of the sewing workstations 15 and the sewing operator reports the needle breakage. This can occur, for example, by triggering an alarm 31, which is received and displayed by a receiver on the carriage 30 or in the mobile device 19 ( Figure 8a ). This allows the sewing station 15 at which the needle breakage occurred to be identified. The supervisor can then use the trolley 30 to locate the relevant sewing station 15 ( Figure 8b ).

[0051] Once the sewing workstation 15 is reached, the fragments 10 of the broken needle 11 are collected and placed in a predetermined position in the container 16 assigned to the sewing workstation 15. Preferably, all fragments 11 are arranged directly adjacent to one another along a common axis in a longitudinal direction, and the original needle shape is reconstructed, so to speak (Figure 8c).

[0052] The container 16 assigned to the sewing workstation 15 is placed with the inserted broken needle 11 and its identification 18 in the recording area of ​​the camera 23 of the mobile device 19 and an image 32 of the fragments 10 of the broken needle 11 is taken ( Figure 8d). For example, the identifier 18 of the container 16 is also recorded in image 32. The identifier 18 is, for example, a two-dimensional code, in particular a QR code. This code indicates which sewing workstation 15 the container 16 or the broken needle 11 stored therein belongs to. In addition to the identifier 18, text information can also be present in a text field on the container 16, which is recorded in image 32. In addition, the surface and / or a plunger stamp (marking on the needle plunger) of the needle can be used as an identifier for needle-related information.

[0053] It is also possible to link image 32 with additional information, such as information about the needle type used and / or a sewing worker working at the sewing workstation 15 with the needle break. For example, personal identification data from a factory ID card can be captured and linked to image 32. Additionally or optionally, it is also possible to identify the textile piece produced at the sewing workstation 15 at the time of the needle break and to store the corresponding identification data linked to image 32.

[0054] All information associated with image 32 can be saved or archived with image 32 in a single file. The file is preferably not editable. Furthermore, it is possible to store this file in several independent storage locations in order to be able to detect subsequent changes to one of the files. Access to the archived files can be restricted to a group of people. This reduces or eliminates the risk of a file being manipulated. The data or images recorded by the mobile device are preferably stored in the mobile device 19 at least until the data or images are transferred to a remote storage unit and / or the computing unit 26.

[0055] The mobile device 19 preferably evaluates whether the captured image is sufficiently sharp. This can be done using appropriate image processing routines. Such a check can also be performed in the central processing unit 26, to which the image 32 is transmitted. If the image is found to be out of focus, the supervisor is prompted to capture another image with the camera 23, or the mobile device 19 automatically controls the camera 23 to capture another image 32. As soon as the image 32 is sufficiently sharp, the supervisor performing the needle replacement can be notified that the replacement process can continue.

[0056] Subsequently, the container 16 containing the broken needle 11 is closed and placed in the carriage 30. A new needle 17 is prepared in another container 16 for the sewing workstation 15 and handed over for continuation of the work. If the containers 16 have an identifier 18 that is permanently assigned to a workstation 15, the container with the new needle 17 has the same identifier 18. In the case of dynamic assignment, the identifier 18 of the container 16 containing the new needle 17 is recorded by the mobile device 19 and assigned to the sewing workstation 15 ( Figure 8e ).

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, one RFID chip can be present per container 16. The container 16 can then be added to or removed from the sewing workstation 15. In this case, the identifier is linked to the RFID chip via the assignment to the workstation.

[0058] This completes the replacement of the broken needle 11 with a new needle 17, and the supervisor leaves the sewing workstation 15 with the carriage 30. The supervisor can perform the process without reading and / or without speaking and / or without writing by operating the functions (of an app) of the mobile device.

[0059] In Figure 7An embodiment of a carriage 30 of a device 40 is illustrated, which can be used to carry out the method described above. The carriage 30 has, for example, a holder 41 for the mobile device 19. The holder 41 is, for example, adjustable and can be displaced and / or tilted relative to a work surface 42. In particular, the holder 41 can be displaced in a vertical direction in order to increase or decrease the distance from the work surface 42. The holder 41 can optionally also be tilted about a pivot axis that runs parallel to the work surface 42.

[0060] In Figure 7The holder 41 is illustrated merely by way of example and in a highly schematic manner. It can be configured for the positive and / or non-positive holding of the mobile device 19 and can be adapted to the shape of the mobile device 19 used. The holder preferably has one or more stop surfaces 43 that specify the position of the mobile device 19 at least in the spatial directions parallel to the work surface 42.

[0061] A positioning means 44 may be provided on the work surface 42 in order to position the container 16 in the field of view of the camera 23 on the work surface 42 during the recording of the image 32. For example, the positioning means 44 may be formed by a recess ( Figure 7), by at least one projection or by other suitable means that can specify the position of the container 16 on the work surface 42. In the simplest case, the positioning means can also specify the position of the container 16 for recording the image 32 merely by an optical marking.

[0062] The cart 30 also has an energy storage device, for example, a rechargeable battery 45. The battery 45 is preferably located as low as possible in the cart 30 to lower its center of gravity. The battery 45 is connected via an electrical line 46 to a connector 47 located on the outside of the cart 30. The mobile device 19 can be connected to the battery 45 via the connector 47 and a corresponding cable for power supply. The battery 45 and / or the cart 30 can be connected via a cable to a power outlet (mains connection), for example, to charge the battery 45 and / or to power additional electrical devices or consumers. An additional electrical device can be, for example, a light source for capturing the image or a receiver for an alarm system. The receiver of the alarm system can be, for example, a single-board computer, such as a "Raspberry Pi" type computer.

[0063] The carriage 30 has an insertion opening 48 on the work surface 42, which is connected—for example, via a chute—to a collection container 49. The collection container 49 can, for example, be located in one of the drawers of the carriage 30. After the image 32 has been captured and saved for documentation purposes, the fragments 10 of the broken needle 11 located in the container 16 can be removed from the container 16 outside the sewing workstation 15 and inserted into the collection container 49 via the insertion opening 48.

[0064] In one embodiment, the carriage 30 can also have multiple insertion openings 48, for example, one insertion opening 48 for broken needles and another insertion opening 48 for unbroken damaged needles. A recess for the container 16 can be provided at the insertion opening 48, into which the opened container 16 can be inserted such that the fragments 10 of the broken needle 11, which are held by a holding magnet 72 of the container 16, are arranged above the insertion opening 48 and can be very easily pushed downwards or inserted into the insertion opening 48.

[0065] The collection container 49 can be removably mounted on the carriage 30. A signal can indicate whether or not a collection container 49 is present in the carriage and / or whether the collection container 49 is open.

[0066] A tool 50 with a magnetic end 51 can also be carried on the carriage 30. The holder on the carriage 30 for the tool 50 is preferably made of a non-magnetizable material and can be made of aluminum, for example. With the help of the tool 50, the fragments 10 of the broken needle 11 can be grasped and collected at the sewing workstation 15, in particular if some of the fragments 10 have fallen to the floor. The magnetizable end 51 can be arranged such that, when the carriage 30 is moved, it is moved close to or in contact with the ground in order to collect metallic parts, for example fragments 10. For this purpose, the magnetizable end 51 is preferably arranged on the carriage 30 in a height-adjustable manner.

[0067] In addition or alternatively to the mobile carriage 30, the device 40 may also comprise a stationary unit, for example a table unit 110 ( Figure 9). The table unit 110 can be set up on a table top 111, for example on the table top of a sewing workstation 15. The overall height of the table unit 110 is selected, for example, such that the table unit 110 forms a standing workstation when set up on a table top 111. The table unit 11 can have essentially the same design as the carriage 30, so that reference can be made to the above description. The table unit 110 also has the work surface 42, the collecting container 49 and the insertion opening 48. The table unit 110 can in particular also have the camera 23, the processor unit 24, the storage unit 25 and an energy storage device. In contrast to the carriage 30, the table unit does not have the wheels and the tool 50. For needle replacement, the broken needles can be brought to the table unit 110, which preferably remains in one place.

[0068] The device 40 comprises at least one container 16 and the camera 23, which in the exemplary embodiment is a component of the mobile device 19. As explained above, a trolley 30 is also used, which can alternatively be supplemented or replaced by a suitcase or another mobile unit. Figure 1-5 An embodiment of a container 16 is explained in detail below.

[0069] The container 16 has, for example, a base body 60 and a lid 61. The lid 61 is pivotally mounted on the base body 60, for example, via a hinge connection 62 between an open position I and a closed position II. In the closed position II, an upper side 63 of the base body 60 and the lid 61 define a receiving space 64, which is completely closed in the closed position II. The receiving space 64 is intended to receive the fragments 10 of the broken needle 11.

[0070] On the upper side 63 of the base body 60, there is a recess 65 which extends in a longitudinal direction L. In the exemplary embodiment, the recess 65 has the shape of a groove. At one longitudinal end, a stop 66 with a stop surface 67 adjoins the recess 65. In the exemplary embodiment, the stop surface 67 extends inside the groove and outside the groove above the upper side 63. The stop surface 67 is oriented, for example, at right angles to the longitudinal direction L. The stop surface 67 can have a circular shape in the exemplary embodiment. The cross section of the recess 65 can be semicircular ( Figure 3 ).

[0071] One of the two longitudinal ends, and here the longitudinal end of the recess 65 opposite the stop 66, merges seamlessly into the upper side 63 in order to enable the needle fragments to be pushed out without hindrance.

[0072] Adjacent to the recess 65, a marking 68 and, for example, a scale 69 are provided on the upper side 63. The scale 69 marks, starting from a reference point, which is formed here by the stop surface 67, the length of fragments 10 arranged in the recess 65 or the total length of all adjacent fragments 10 of the broken needle 11. By means of the scale 69, it can therefore be very quickly determined whether the total length of the found fragments 10 corresponds to the total length of the original needle, so that it can be determined whether all fragments 10 are present. The scale 69 can, as in Figure 1 illustrated, have marking lines at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction L. Additionally or alternatively, individual lines or other markings 68 may be present for the length of the needle types used.

[0073] The fragments 10 of a broken needle 11 are preferably arranged in the recess 65, starting from the needle piston and resting against one another at the stop surface 67. The needle tip is located in the recess 65 furthest from the stop surface 67 and marks the total length of all arranged fragments 10.

[0074] To hold the fragments 10 in the recess 65, the container 16 has a holding magnet 72. The holding magnet 72 generates a magnetic field in the region of the recess 65 or the upper side 63 to hold the fragments 10 for recording the image 32. However, the magnetic field is sufficiently small to prevent the individual fragments 10 from standing up.

[0075] The holding magnet 72 is made, for example, from a magnetic foil or a magnetic strip extending in the longitudinal direction L. The holding magnet 72 has an upper side 73 facing the receiving space 62 or the recess 65 and an opposite lower side 74. The upper side 73 of the holding magnet 72 is more magnetic than the lower side 74. A non-magnetic carrier layer carrying a magnetic layer can be present on the lower side 74, for example. The holding magnet 72 or its magnetic layer consists of one or more magnetic strips, each having a north pole N and a south pole S. A connecting line between the north pole N and the south pole S of each magnetic strip is aligned, for example, parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0076] To accommodate the holding magnet 72, the base body 60 has an inner region 75 below the upper side 63 with a receiving recess 76. The receiving recess 76 extends in the longitudinal direction L and its width transverse to the longitudinal direction L corresponds to the width of the holding magnet 72.

[0077] It is important to attach the holding magnet 72 in its correct orientation with the top side 73 facing the receiving space 64 on the base body 60. At the two ends located in the longitudinal direction L, the receiving recess 76 is designed asymmetrically with respect to a center plane extending in the longitudinal direction L. For example, a respective boundary wall 77 of the receiving recess 76 runs at an angle other than 90° with respect to the longitudinal direction L. The receiving recess 76 therefore has the shape of a parallelogram with two parallel long sides in the longitudinal direction L and two parallel boundary walls 77 at the long ends that are not oriented at right angles to the longitudinal direction L. The holding magnet 72 has an outer contour adapted thereto, corresponding to a non-rectangular parallelogram.This prevents accidental interchange of the top side 73 and the bottom side 74 of the holding magnet when inserting it into the receiving recess 76.

[0078] The receiving recess 76 is open on the underside of the base body 60 opposite the top side 63, and the holding magnet 72 can be inserted into the receiving recess 76 from the open side. To secure the holding magnet 72, the container 16 has, for example, an insert 80 that can be detachably inserted into the interior region 75 of the base body 60 and is held there in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. For example, the insert has at least one locking projection 81 on each of the opposite sides, with each locking projection 81 being assigned a corresponding locking recess 82 on the base body 60, which is open at least toward the interior region 75. After the holding magnet 72 has been inserted into the receiving recess 76, the insert 80 can be inserted into the interior region 75 and locked into place. As a result, the holding magnet 72 is held in the receiving recess 76 immediately adjacent to the recess 65.

[0079] To support the holding magnet 72, the insert 80 can have one or more support projections 83, which, when the locking connection between the insert 80 and the base body 60 is established, rest against the underside 74 of the holding magnet 72 and support it in its desired position. In the exemplary embodiment, the support projection 83 is formed by several interconnected, cross-shaped support ribs. The at least one support projection 83 protrudes upward from a base 84 of the insert. Additional ribs 85 can also protrude from the base 84 for stabilization.

[0080] On an outer edge side 89 opposite and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the articulated connection 62, the cover 61 has a closure means 91, designed, for example, as a latching means 90. The closure means 91 is designed to hold the cover 61 in its closed position II and to prevent accidental opening or cancellation of the closed position II.

[0081] For example, the locking means 90 has a locking lug 92 which, in the closed position II, engages in a locking recess 93. The locking lug 92 is arranged at the free end of an elastically movable pre-tensioning element 94 which projects from the outer edge 89 approximately at right angles to the longitudinal direction L and elastically supports the locking lug 92 about a pivot axis which runs approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis L in the region of the outer edge 89. In the open position I, the locking lug 92 projects from the pre-tensioning element 94 in such a way that it projects into the clearance profile of the cover 61 ( Figure 1 ). The locking recess is provided on the base body 60 on a side area opposite the articulated connection 62.

[0082] In Figure 1also illustrates one possibility of how an identifier 18 can be arranged on the container 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the identifier 18 is in the form of a two-dimensional, flat, optically detectable code, such as a QR code, on the inside of the lid 61, which in the open position I lies next to the top side 63 of the base body 60 and faces the camera 23. The identifier 18 can thus be recorded by the image 32 and the information contained in the identifier can be read out. In addition to the identifier 18, a text field 98 can also be present on the inside of the lid 60, which can contain information in the form of readable letters and / or numbers. The identifier 18 and the text field 98 can be held interchangeably on paper or another carrier on the inside of the lid 61.For example, in the longitudinal direction L, holding legs 99 are provided on the two opposite sides, which overlap the edge of a carrier 100 and hold it on the inside of the cover 61. The optically detectable identifier 18 and optionally a text field 98 are provided on the carrier 100.

[0083] The processor unit of the mobile device 19 can be configured to automatically trigger the recording of the image 32, for example when certain characteristic features are detected or identified in the recording area of ​​the camera, such as the opened container 16 and / or the marking 68 and / or the identifier 18 and / or the fragments 10. The automatic triggering of an image can occur, for example, when a marking on the needle piston is sharply captured by the camera, for example when a piston stamp is legibly imaged.

[0084] Another possibility is to attach the identifier 18 in the form of an RFID chip 101 on or in the container 16. The mobile device 19 can have corresponding reading means to read the data on the RFID chip 101 without contact.

[0085] In the exemplary embodiment, the holding magnet 72 has a thickness of approximately 1.5 mm and a width, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, between 3.5 mm and 4 mm and a length in the longitudinal direction L of approximately 70-80 mm. The maximum energy product is preferably in a range of approximately 6 kJ / m 3 to 18 kJ / m 3 and preferably at least 9 kJ / m 3 . The remanence is preferably in a range of approximately 150 mT to approximately 440 mT and preferably at least 220 mT. The coercive field strength of the magnetic flux density HcB is in a range of approximately 100 kA / m to approximately 240 kA / m and preferably at least 170 kA / m. The coercive field strength of the magnetic polarization HcJ is preferably in a range of about 190 kA / m to about 560 kA / m and preferably at least 280 kA / m.

[0086] The invention relates to a device 40 and a method for handling fragments 10 of a broken needle 11, for example in the context of exchanging a broken needle 11 for a new needle 17. The fragments 10 of the broken needle 11 are arranged in a container 16 in a predetermined position. Subsequently, an image 32 of the fragments 10 of the broken needle 11 is recorded with the aid of a camera 23. The recorded image 32 is stored in at least one storage location for documentation purposes and / or evaluated to determine whether all fragments 10 of the broken needle 11 are present. After the image 32 has been recorded, the container 16 is closed to prevent the fragments 10 of the needle 11 from being lost from the sewing workstation.

[0087] The recording of image 32 can be used to control the logistics during needle replacement. In particular, through and / or with the recording of image 32, additional information about the broken needle 11 and / or a sewing workstation can be recorded and evaluated and / or used for production or logistics control. List of reference symbols:

[0088] 10Fragment 11Broken needle 15Sewing workstation 16Container 17New needle 18Identification 19Mobile device 20Touch-sensitive screen 21Display 22Input unit 23Camera 24Processor unit 25Storage unit 26Central processing unit 30Car 31Alarm 32Image 40Device 41Holder 42Working surface 43Stop surface 44Positioning device 45Battery 46Cable 47Connection 48Inlet opening 49Collection container 50Tool 51Magnetic end 60 Base body 61 Cover 62 Joint connection 63 Upper side of the base body 64 Accommodating space 65 Recess 66 Stop surface 67 Stop surface 68 Marking 69 Scale 72Holding magnet 73Top of the holding magnet 74Bottom of the holding magnet 75Inner area of ​​the base body 76Reception recess 77Boundary wall 80 insert 81 latch projection 82 latch recess 83 support projection 84 floor 85 ribs 89 Outside edge 90 Locking means 91 Locking means 92 Locking nose 93 Locking recess 94 Pretensioning element 98 Text field 99 Holding leg 100 Carrier 101 RFID chip 110 Table unit 111 Table top IOpen position IIClose position LLongitudinal direction NNorpole SSüdpole

Claims

1. Device for handling fragments (10) of a broken needle (11), comprising a container (16) for receiving the fragments (10) of the broken needle (11), wherein the container (16) has a base body (60) which has an upper side (63) which, together with a lid (61) designed to cover the upper side (63) of the base body (60), delimits a receiving space (64), wherein a holding magnet (72) is arranged on the base body (60), the magnetic field of which is designed to hold the fragments (10) on the upper side (63) of the base body (60), comprising a camera (23) which is designed to record an image (32) of the fragments (10) held on the upper side (64) of the base body (60) for documentation and / or evaluation.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding magnet (72) is arranged outside the receiving space (64) on the base body (60).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thata stop surface (67) is provided on the upper side (63) of the base body (60).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the cover (61) information about the needle used for sewing and / or production data of the needle is indicated and that this information is captured and / or evaluated by the image area of ​​the camera (23) when the image (32) is taken.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a processor unit (24) is provided which is connected to the camera (23) and / or a display (21) and / or an input unit (22), and that the processor unit (24) is configured to transmit the recorded image to a central processing unit (26).

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the processor unit (24) or the central processing unit (26) is configured to check the sharpness of the image and to generate a corresponding test result.

7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the processor unit (24) or the central processing unit (26) is configured to generate an evaluation result indicating whether all fragments (10) are present in the recorded image or not.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the processor unit (24) or the central processing unit (26) is configured to compare the contours of the individual fragments (10) and / or the contour of the adjacent fragments (10) with a desired geometry of the needle during the evaluation.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (16) has an identifier (18) by means of which it is assigned to a sewing station (15).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a carriage (30) which can be moved by an operator is provided, in or on which the camera (23) is arranged.

11. Method for handling fragments (10) of a broken needle (11), comprising the following steps: - arranging the fragments (10) of the broken needle (11) in a container (16) in a predetermined position, - taking an image (32) of the fragments (10) of the broken needle (11), - storing the recorded image (32) for documentation and / or evaluating the image (32) to check whether all fragments (10) of the broken needle (11) are present, - closing the container (16).

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that If a needle breakage is detected at a sewing workstation, the sewing workstation and / or the sewing worker must first be identified.

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that If a needle breakage is detected at a sewing workstation, the textile piece produced with the broken needle is identified.

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the clearly identifiable container with the fragments (10) is exchanged for another clearly identifiable container (16) with a new needle.

15. Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the recorded image (32) is transmitted to a central processing unit (26).

16. Method according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that all data and / or information collected are linked or connected to the respective production order of the sewing factory.

Images