Belt loop supply device, and belt loop sewing device

Abstract

To fold both end parts of a tape material by an appropriate dimension while facilitating insert of the tape material to the gap of a fork.SOLUTION: A belt loop supply device includes: a loop bend part for forming sewing margins by bending both end parts of the tape material including a pair of fork parts for inserting a both end parts of a strip-shaped tape material to fork gaps, and a revolving drive part for revolving a pair of the fork parts to bend both end parts; and a moving mechanism for moving the loop-bending part to a bending position and a sewing position. Each of fork parts includes: a first shaft part and a second shaft part for forming a fork gap; and an open and close mechanism for relatively moving the first shaft part and the second shaft part to an open position having a first distance of breadth of a fork gap and to a close position having a second distance less than the first distance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a belt loop supplying device and a belt loop sewing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a belt loop sewing device that includes a belt loop supplying device and a sewing machine. The belt loop sewing device is a device that sews both ends of a narrow strip of tape material to a sewing object such as clothing to form a belt loop through which a belt passes. The belt loop supplying device folds both ends of the tape material that will become the belt loop toward the center and supplies it to a sewing position. The sewing machine sews both folded ends to the sewing object.

[0003] The belt loop supplying device has a front bending shaft that bends the base end of the belt loop and a rear bending shaft that bends the tip end of the belt loop, and the tip of each shaft has a fork with two pins that are parallel to each other and spaced apart at an appropriate distance. By inserting the tape material into the gap between the forks and rotating each shaft, both ends of the tape material are bent. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-197784 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The thickness of the fabric of the tape material varies. Therefore, the size of the gap between the forks is adjusted according to the thickness of the tape material. If the gap between the forks is large, the tape material can be easily inserted into the gap, but the dimension of the folded part becomes unnecessarily long. If the gap between the forks is small, the dimension of the folded part can be shortened, but there is a possibility that the tape material may not be inserted into the gap between the forks if the tape material is curved. It is desirable to make it easy to insert the tape material into the gap between the forks and to fold both ends of the tape material in appropriate dimensions.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a belt loop supplying device and a belt loop sewing device that can fold back both ends of a tape material to an appropriate dimension while easily inserting the tape material into the gap between the forks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a belt loop supplying device including a pair of fork sections into which both end portions of a narrow strip-shaped tape material are inserted, and a rotation drive section which rotates each of the pair of fork sections to fold the both end portions, and which is equipped with a loop folding section which forms a seam by folding the both end portions of the tape material, and a moving mechanism which moves the loop folding section to a folding position and a sewing position, wherein each of the pair of fork sections has a first shaft section and a second shaft section which form the fork gap, and an opening / closing mechanism which moves the first shaft section and the second shaft section relatively between an open position where the size of the fork gap is a first gap and a closed position where the size of the fork gap is a second gap smaller than the first gap.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a belt loop sewing device comprising: a belt loop supplying device which folds both end portions of a narrow strip-shaped tape material to form a seam and transports the tape material to a sewing position; and a sewing machine which sews both end portions of the tape material transported to the sewing position to an object to be sewn. The belt loop supplying device comprises a loop folding section including a pair of fork sections into which both end portions of the tape material are inserted, and a rotation drive section which rotates each of the pair of fork sections to fold both end portions, and a moving mechanism which moves the loop folding section to the folding position and the sewing position. Each of the pair of fork sections has a first shaft section and a second shaft section which form the fork gap, and an opening / closing mechanism which moves the first shaft section and the second shaft section relatively between an open position where the size of the fork gap is a first gap and a closed position where the size of the fork gap is a second gap smaller than the first gap. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, both ends of the tape material can be folded back to an appropriate size while facilitating insertion of the tape material into the gap between the forks. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic overall configuration of a belt loop sewing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic overall configuration of the belt loop sewing device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the cutting device, the drawing device, and the supporting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing each transport position of the tape material in the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a belt loop supplying device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing the fork portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the opening and closing of the fork portion by the opening and closing mechanism according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an adjustment portion provided on the fork portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the fixing screw of the adjustment unit according to the embodiment has been removed. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are explanatory views for explaining adjustment of the closed position by the stopper according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating folding of both end portions of a tape material by a pair of forks. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a pair of forks with both end portions of the tape material folded. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the shape of the tape material with both end portions folded. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of a sewing position of the sewing machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the presser foot according to the embodiment, as viewed from below. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the guide portion and the fork portion of the presser foot according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship during sewing when the end portion on the +X side of the tape material is pressed down by the presser foot of the embodiment, as viewed along the Y-axis direction. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship during sewing when the end portion on the +X side of the tape material is pressed down by the presser foot of the embodiment, as viewed along the X-axis direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In addition, the components in the following embodiments include those that are replaceable and easy for a person skilled in the art, or those that are substantially the same.

[0012] The belt loop supplying device 6 and the belt loop sewing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the positional relationship of each part will be described based on a local coordinate system defined in the belt loop sewing device 1. The local coordinate system is defined by an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. The direction parallel to the X axis in a specified plane is defined as the X axis direction. The direction parallel to the Y axis in a specified plane perpendicular to the X axis is defined as the Y axis direction. The direction parallel to the Z axis perpendicular to the specified plane is defined as the Z axis direction. The direction of rotation about the X axis is defined as the θX direction, the direction of rotation about the Y axis is defined as the θY direction, and the direction of rotation about the Z axis is defined as the θZ direction.

[0013] (Overall configuration of belt loop sewing device) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic overall configuration of a belt loop sewing device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic overall configuration of a belt loop sewing device 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the belt loop sewing device 1 includes a pay-out device 2, a cutting device 3, a pull-out device 4, a support device 5, a belt loop supply device 6, and a sewing machine 7. The belt loop sewing device 1 includes a control device 8 that controls the pay-out device 2, the cutting device 3, the pull-out device 4, the support device 5, the belt loop supply device 6, and the sewing machine 7.

[0014] The sewing machine 7 and the belt loop supplying device 6 face each other in the Y-axis direction. The sewing machine 7 is disposed in the +Y direction, and the belt loop supplying device 6 is disposed in the -Y direction. The unwinding device 2, the cutting device 3, the pulling out device 4, and the support device 5 are disposed between the sewing machine 7 and the belt loop supplying device 6 in the Y-axis direction. The unwinding device 2, the cutting device 3, the pulling out device 4, and the support device 5 are aligned in the X-axis direction. The unwinding device 2, the cutting device 3, the support device 5, and the pulling out device 4 are disposed in this order from the -X direction to the +X direction. The unwinding device 2 and the pulling out device 4 face each other in the X-axis direction. The cutting device 3 and the support device 5 are disposed at positions between the unwinding device 2 and the pulling out device 4 in the X-axis direction.

[0015] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the cutting device 3, the drawing device 4, and the supporting device 5 according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing each transport position of the tape material TP according to the embodiment.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the unwinding device 2 unwinds a narrow strip-shaped tape material TP that is to be used to make belt loops. The unwinding device 2 includes a tape feed stand in which a tape passage is formed, a pair of feed rollers that sandwich the front and back sides of the tape material TP, and a motor that rotates and drives the feed rollers. The unwinding device 2 unwinds the tape material TP from the tape passage of the tape feed stand by rotating and driving at least one of the feed rollers with the motor while the tape material TP is sandwiched between the pair of feed rollers. The unwinding device 2 feeds the tape material TP in the +X direction toward the drawing device 4.

[0017] The cutting device 3 is disposed at a position close to the unwinding device 2 in the +X direction. The cutting device 3 cuts the tape material TP unwound from the unwinding device 2. The cutting device 3 is composed of a cutting drive unit 31 (see FIG. 1), a movable blade 32, a tape support base 33, and the like. As shown in FIG. 3, the tape support base 33 is disposed in the +X direction from the tape passage of the unwinding device 2, and supports the tape material TP unwound from the tape passage from below. The movable blade 32 is disposed directly above the tape support base 33 in the +Z direction. The tape support base 33 is provided with a fixed blade that faces the movable blade 32 in the Z-axis direction. The cutting drive unit 31 is disposed in the +Z direction of the tape support base 33. The cutting drive unit 31 drives the movable blade 32 in the up and down direction via a drive shaft 34. The cutting drive unit 31 drives the movable blade 32 in the -Z direction to cut the tape material TP between the fixed blade and the movable blade 32. The cutting drive unit 31 drives the movable blade 32 in the +Z direction to retract the movable blade 32 upward from the tape path on the tape support base 33 for the next cut.

[0018] The drawing device 4 grips and pulls out the end of the tape material TP that is fed in the +X direction by the feeding device 2. The drawing device 4 includes a gripping section 41 having a pair of grips, and a gripping movement section 42 that moves the gripping section 41 in the X-axis direction. The pair of grips of the gripping section 41 is composed of an upper grip 41A and a lower grip 41B that can be opened and closed in the Z-axis direction. The lower grip 41B is integrally formed with and fixed to a base plate 41C. The upper grip 41A is provided so as to be rotatable up and down relative to the base plate 41C. The base plate 41C is provided with an opening / closing drive section 41D that drives the upper grip 41A to rotate. The opening / closing drive section 41D is, for example, an air cylinder, and swings the upper grip 41A by moving a rod section connected to the upper grip 41A back and forth. The opening and closing drive unit 41D brings the upper grip 41A close to the lower grip 41B, thereby sandwiching and gripping the tape material TP between the upper grip 41A and the lower grip 41B. The opening and closing drive unit 41D releases the grip of the tape material TP by moving the upper grip 41A away from the lower grip 41B. As shown in FIG. 2, the gripping movement unit 42 reciprocates the movable shaft 42A connected to the gripping unit 41 in the X-axis direction by the drawing motor 43. The movable shaft 42A is a rod-shaped member extending in the X-axis direction, and supports the gripping unit 41 at its 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. As shown in FIG. 4, the drawing device 4 can drive the gripping unit 41 in the X-axis direction by moving the movable shaft 42A in a range including a gripping position Q2 close to the cutting device 3 and a belt loop forming position Q3 in the +X direction from the gripping position Q2.

[0019] Under the control of the control device 8, the pull-out device 4 grips the leading end of the tape material TP that has been unwound to the gripping position Q2 with the gripping portion 41, and moves the gripping portion 41 in the +X direction to the pull-out length position while still gripping the leading end. This causes the pull-out device 4 to pull out the tape material TP by a pull-out length that corresponds to the dimensions of the belt loop. The cutting device 3 cuts the tape material TP by driving the movable blade 32 when the tape material TP is pulled out to the pull-out length position. The tape material TP is formed to a length (pull-out length) that corresponds to the distance between the pull-out length position and the cutting position Q1. The pull-out length position is a position that corresponds to a setting value in the control device 8, and can be the same as or different from the belt loop formation position Q3.

[0020] The support device 5 supports the tape material TP drawn by the drawing device 4 from below. The support device 5 supports and holds the tape material TP when the belt loop supply device 6 folds both ends of the tape material TP. As shown in FIG. 3, the support device 5 includes a pair of support plates 51 and a support plate drive unit 52 (see FIG. 1) that moves the pair of support plates 51 in the vertical direction. The pair of support plates 51 are arranged at an interval in the X-axis direction between the belt loop forming position Q3 and the cutting position Q1. Each support plate 51 is formed in an L-shape (when viewed from the +X direction to the -X direction) that extends downward (-Z direction) from above the position where the tape material TP is arranged and then bent in the +Y direction. The upper surface of the portion of each support plate 51 bent in the +Y direction is the support surface of the tape material TP. The pair of support plates 51 are attached to a movable plate 53 that extends vertically. The support plate drive unit 52 is, for example, an air cylinder, and moves the pair of support plates 51 and the movable plate 53 up and down together by advancing and retreating a rod portion connected to the movable plate 53. When the tape material TP is pulled out by the pull-out device 4, the support device 5 causes the support plate drive unit 52 to move the pair of support plates 51 downwardly below the gripping unit 41 and the passage path of the tape material TP. When the tape material TP is pulled out by the pull-out device 4 to a position beyond the pair of support plates 51, the support device 5 causes the support plate drive unit 52 to move the pair of support plates 51 upwardly to support the tape material TP.

[0021] The support device 5 includes a fullness forming plate 54. The fullness forming plate 54 is disposed between the pair of support plates 51 in the X-axis direction. Like each support plate 51, the fullness forming plate 54 is formed in an L-shape (when viewed from the +X direction to the -X direction) that extends downward from above with respect to the position where the tape material TP is disposed and then bent in the +Y direction. The upper surface of the part of the fullness forming plate 54 bent in the +Y direction is the contact surface with the tape material TP. The fullness forming plate 54 can be moved up and down by an independent drive unit different from the support plate drive unit 52 of the pair of support plates 51. The fullness forming plate 54 is a member for lifting the approximately central portion in the longitudinal direction of the tape material TP (belt loop) in a mountain shape to form a shape (fulness) in which the central portion in the longitudinal direction is loose. When fullness formation is set, the control device 8 controls the support device 5 to place the fullness forming plate 54 at a position above the pair of support plates 51. As a result, the central portion of the tape material TP is lifted in a mountain shape. When fullness formation is not set, the control device 8 controls the support device 5 to position the fullness forming plate 54 at the same height as the pair of support plates 51. This supports the tape material TP in a straight line. The support device 5 presses the tape material TP supported by the pair of support plates 51 from above with the abutment plate, and holds the tape material TP by sandwiching it between the pair of support plates 51 and the abutment plate.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the belt loop supplying device 6 folds both ends of a narrow strip-shaped tape material TP to form a seam allowance, and transports it to a sewing position P1. The belt loop supplying device 6 is pulled out to a belt loop forming position Q3 and folds both ends of the tape material TP while it is supported by the support device 5. The belt loop supplying device 6 folds both ends of the tape material TP so that it will have a shape when sewn onto an object to be sewn as a belt loop. The belt loop supplying device 6 holds the tape material TP in a folded state and moves in the +Y direction from the folding position P2 to a sewing position P1 by the sewing machine 7.

[0023] The sewing machine 7 sews both end portions of the tape material TP transported to the sewing position P1 onto the sewing object. The sewing object is, for example, the fabric of a garment (such as pants). In the embodiment, the sewing machine 7 is a two-needle electronic cycle sewing machine. The sewing machine 7 can simultaneously sew both end portions (seam allowance) of the tape material TP with two sewing needles 77. As shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, the sewing machine 7 includes a sewing machine head 71, a needle holder 72, a needle plate 73, a presser foot 74, a feed mechanism 76 and a main shaft motor 79. The sewing machine 7 includes known components such as a thread take-up lever, a thread tensioner, a shuttle and a sewing machine control unit, but detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0024] The control device 8 includes a computer system. The control device 8 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main memory including a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage, and an interface including an input / output circuit. The control device 8 is connected to the unwinding device 2, the cutting device 3, the drawing device 4, the support device 5, the belt loop supplying device 6, and the sewing machine 7 via the interface. The control device 8 monitors the states of the unwinding device 2, the cutting device 3, the drawing device 4, the support device 5, the belt loop supplying device 6, and the sewing machine 7 by transmitting and receiving signals, and controls the operations of the unwinding device 2, the cutting device 3, the drawing device 4, the support device 5, the belt loop supplying device 6, and the sewing machine 7.

[0025] (Configuration of belt loop supply device) 5 is a perspective view showing a belt loop supplying device 6 according to an embodiment. The belt loop supplying device 6 includes a loop folding unit 61 and a moving mechanism 65. The loop folding unit 61 is a mechanism for forming seams by folding both end portions of the tape material TP. The moving mechanism 65 moves the loop folding unit 61 between a folding position P2 and a sewing position P1.

[0026] The loop bending unit 61 includes a pair of fork parts 62 and a rotation drive unit 63. The pair of fork parts 62 are arranged at an interval in the X-axis direction. That is, the pair of fork parts 62 is composed of a fork part 62A on the +X direction side and a fork part 62B on the -X direction side. The fork part 62A and the fork part 62B have substantially the same structure. The fork part 62A and the fork part 62B have a bifurcated fork shape consisting of two shaft parts described later, and a fork gap CL is provided between the shaft parts. The pair of fork parts 62 insert both end parts of a narrow strip-shaped tape material TP into the fork gap CL. The pair of fork parts 62 hold both end parts of the tape material TP. The fork part 62A holds the vicinity of the end of the tape material TP in the +X direction, and the fork part 62B holds the vicinity of the end of the tape material TP in the -X direction. The distance in the X-axis direction between the pair of fork portions 62 corresponds to the length between the folded-back portions FB (see FIG. 14) of the tape material TP, and is set according to the dimensions of the belt loop.

[0027] Each of the pair of fork portions 62 has a first shaft portion 101 and a second shaft portion 102 that form a fork gap CL, and an opening / closing mechanism 103. The first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 are adjacent to each other and arranged side by side so as to face approximately in the +Y direction. The first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 are movable relative to each other so as to move toward and away from each other. The opening / closing mechanism 103 changes the size of the fork gap CL by moving the first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 relatively.

[0028] The rotation drive unit 63 rotates each of the pair of fork parts 62 to bend both ends. Specifically, the rotation drive unit 63 includes a rotation drive unit 63A that rotates the fork part 62A and a rotation drive unit 63B that rotates the fork part 62B. The rotation drive unit 63A and the rotation drive unit 63B have substantially the same structure. The rotation drive unit 63A is disposed in the -Y direction with respect to the fork part 62A, and is connected to the fork part 62A via the support shaft 104A. The rotation drive unit 63A rotates the support shaft 104A around its central axis, thereby rotating the fork part 62A fixed to the tip of the support shaft 104A. The fork part 62A rotates in a twisting manner around the central axis of the support shaft 104A by the rotation drive unit 63A. The rotation drive unit 63B is disposed in the -Y direction with respect to the fork portion 62B, and is connected to the fork portion 62B via the support shaft 104B. The rotation drive unit 63B rotates the support shaft 104B about its central axis, thereby rotating the fork portion 62B fixed to the tip of the support shaft 104B. The fork portion 62B is rotated in a twisting manner about the central axis of the support shaft 104B by the rotation drive unit 63B. The rotation drive units 63A and 63B are, for example, rotary air cylinders that can be rotatably driven.

[0029] The moving mechanism 65 holds the pair of fork parts 62 (fork parts 62A and 62B) and the rotation drive part 63 (rotation drive part 63A and 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 part 68, and a moving motor 69. The fork holder 66 is disposed above the pair of fork parts 62 and the rotation drive part 63, and holds the pair of fork parts 62 and the rotation drive part 63 so as to suspend them from above. The fork holder 66 is slidably attached to the guide rod 67. The guide rod 67 extends in the Y-axis direction. Both ends of the guide rod 67 are attached to the housing 6H of the belt loop supplying device 6. The guide rod 67 supports the pair of fork parts 62 and the rotation drive part 63 via the fork holder 66 so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction. The pair of fork parts 62 can reciprocate in the Y-axis direction within a predetermined range including the standby position P3, the bending position P2, and the sewing position P1 shown in Fig. 4. The standby position P3 is a position away from the bending position P2 in the -Y direction, and is a position where the pair of fork parts 62 retreats from the working area during the operation of the above-mentioned drawing device 4 and supporting device 5.

[0030] The driving force transmission unit 68 connects the moving motor 69 and the fork holder 66 so as to be capable of transmitting power. In the embodiment, the driving force transmission unit 68 is a belt-pulley mechanism, and has a pulley 68A, a pulley 68B, a belt 68C, and an intermediate gear 68D. The pulleys 68A and 68B are provided at intervals along the Y-axis direction, and are respectively disposed near both ends of the guide rod 67. The belt 68C is an endless belt (annular belt) stretched between the pulleys 68A and 68B, and is connected to the fork holder 66 at a predetermined location of the belt 68C. An intermediate gear 68D is provided on the rotating shaft of the pulley 68A. The intermediate gear 68D meshes with a driving gear 69A attached to 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 fork parts 62 in the Y-axis direction. The movement motor 69 rotates the drive gear 69A, which rotates the pulley 68A via the intermediate gear 68D, and the belt 68C rotates in a circular motion between the pulleys 68A and 68B in accordance with the rotation of the pulley 68A. The circular rotation of the belt 68C causes the fork holder 66, which holds the pair of fork portions 62, to move in the Y-axis direction together with the pair of fork portions 62. The movement motor 69, under the control of the control device 8, moves the pair of fork portions 62 to the standby position P3, the bending position P2, and the sewing position P1.

[0031] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing the fork portion 62A according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 according to the embodiment. Here, the structure of the fork portion 62A will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The structure of the fork portion 62B is substantially the same as that of the fork portion 62A, so the description will be omitted. Each of the first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 is attached to a pair of holding plates 105. The pair of holding plates 105 are plate members extending linearly, and hold the first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 at one end and are fixed to the support shaft 104A at the other end.

[0032] Each of the first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 has 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 that holds the pin member 111A, and the second shaft portion 102 has a pin member 111B and a pin holding portion 112B that holds the pin member 111B. The pin members 111A and 111B are rod-shaped members disposed at the tip of the fork portion 62A and come into contact with the tape material TP. The space 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 into which the tape material TP is inserted. The pin holding portions (112A and 112B) hold the pin members (111A and 111B) so as to protrude from the tip of the pin holding portion.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 7, the pin holding portion 112B of the second shaft portion 102 is fixed to a pair of holding plates 105. The pin holding portion 112A of the first shaft portion 101 is rotatably attached to the pin holding portion 112B. The pin holding portion 112A has a protruding piece 113 protruding toward the second shaft portion 102 at a base end portion opposite to the tip portion to which the pin member 111A is attached. The protruding piece 113 of the pin holding portion 112A is attached to the pin holding portion 112B via a rotating shaft 103A, and is rotatable around the rotating shaft 103A. A connecting portion 114 that connects to the opening / closing mechanism 103 is provided at the base end portion of the pin holding portion 112A. The connecting portion 114 is disposed at a position away from the rotating shaft 103A. The connecting portion 114 is connected to the drive cylinder 103B of the opening / closing mechanism 103. The driving cylinder 103B is, for example, a linear air cylinder, and moves the connection part 114 by advancing and retracting the rod part 103C. The driving cylinder 103B (see FIG. 6) includes a cylinder body 103D attached between a pair of holding plates 105, and the rod part 103C that moves forward and backward relative to the cylinder body 103D.

[0034] Thus, the opening / 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. In FIG. 7, the drive cylinder 103B moves the rod portion 103C forward, causing the first shaft portion 101 to rotate counterclockwise around the rotation shaft 103A. As a result, the first shaft portion 101 approaches the second shaft portion 102. The drive cylinder 103B moves the rod portion 103C backward, causing the first shaft portion 101 to rotate clockwise around the rotation shaft 103A. As a result, the first shaft portion 101 moves away from the second shaft portion 102.

[0035] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the opening and closing of the fork portion 62 by the opening and closing mechanism 103 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the opening and closing mechanism 103 moves the first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 relatively between an open position where the size of the fork gap CL is a first distance CL1 and a closed position where the size is a second distance CL2 smaller than the first distance CL1. Note that, although the first shaft portion 101 is moved (rotated) in the embodiment, 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.

[0036] The opening / closing mechanism 103 is controlled by the control device 8. The control device 8 controls the opening / closing mechanism 103 to move the first shaft portion 101 to the open position when the tape material TP is inserted into the fork gap CL. As a result, the fork gap CL expands to the first interval CL1, so that the tolerance range for the positional deviation of the end portion caused by the curvature of the tape material TP increases, and the tape material TP can be inserted into the fork gap CL more reliably. After the tape material TP is inserted into the fork gap CL, the control device 8 controls the opening / closing mechanism 103 to move the first shaft portion 101 to the closed position before bending both end portions of the tape material TP. As a result, the fork gap CL is reduced to the second interval CL2, so that the diameter of the rotational orbit of the pin members 111A and 111B that hold the tape material TP becomes smaller. As will be described later, the radius of curvature of the folded-back portion FB of the tape material TP becomes smaller, so that the dimension of the folded-back portion FB (see FIG. 14) can be reduced.

[0037] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the adjustment unit 120 provided on the fork portion 62A according to the embodiment. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the fixing screw 124 of the adjustment unit 120 according to the embodiment has been removed. In the embodiment, each of the pair of fork portions 62 has the adjustment unit 120 that adjusts the size of the second interval CL2. The adjustment unit 120 performs positioning of the rotation range of the first shaft portion 101, in particular, positioning of the closed position which is the position closest to the second shaft portion 102.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the adjustment unit 120 has a stopper 121 whose position is adjustable. The stopper 121 determines the size of the second interval CL2 (i.e., the closed position of the first shaft portion 101) by contacting the first shaft portion 101 or the second shaft portion 102 in the closed position. In the embodiment, the stopper 121 is attached to the first shaft portion 101 and contacts the second shaft portion 102. Specifically, a guide groove 122 that guides the stopper 121 is formed in the pin holding portion 112A of the first shaft portion 101. The stopper 121 is a plate-like member that is slidably fitted into the guide groove 122. The guide groove 122 is formed on a side surface of the pin holding portion 112A. The guide groove 122 extends along a direction approaching and moving away from the pin holding portion 112B of the second shaft portion 102. The stopper 121 is movable along the guide groove 122 in a direction approaching and moving away from the second shaft portion 102. A screw hole 123 is formed at the bottom of the guide groove 122. The stopper 121 is formed with an elongated hole 121A along the extending direction of the guide groove 122. The stopper 121 is fastened and fixed to the pin holding portion 112A by a fixing screw 124 that passes through the elongated hole 121A and is attached to the screw hole 123. The position of the stopper 121 can be adjusted along the guide groove 122 within the range of the gap between the elongated hole 121A and the fixing screw 124 by loosening the fixing screw 124. This allows the position of the stopper 121 to be adjusted between a position where the end 121B on the second shaft portion 102 side protrudes from the pin holding portion 112A and a position where the end 121B is away from the surface SF1 of the pin holding portion 112A.

[0039] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the adjustment of the closed position by the stopper 121 according to the embodiment. FIG. 11(A) shows a state in which the end 121B of the stopper 121 is disposed at a position farther away than the surface SF1 of the pin holding portion 112A. In FIG. 11(A), the surface SF1 of the pin holding portion 112A and the surface SF2 of the pin holding portion 112B come into contact with each other in the closed position, thereby determining the position of the first shaft portion 101. As a result, the size of the fork gap CL becomes the second interval CL2A. FIG. 11(B) shows a state in which the end 121B of the stopper 121 protrudes from the pin holding portion 112A. In FIG. 11(B), the end 121B of the stopper 121 is closer to the surface SF2 of the pin holding portion 112B than the surface SF1 of the pin holding portion 112A. Therefore, in the closed position, the end 121B of the stopper 121 abuts against the surface SF2 of the pin holding portion 112B, thereby determining the position of the first shaft portion 101. The surface SF1 of the pin holding portion 112A is separated from the surface SF2 of the pin holding portion 112B. As a result, the size of the fork gap CL becomes the second distance CL2B. The second distance CL2B is larger than the second distance CL2A. In this manner, the size of the fork gap CL (second distance CL2) in the closed position can be adjusted by the amount of protrusion of the end 121B of the stopper 121 from the pin holding portion 112A. Note that the stopper 121 may be provided on the pin holding portion 112B and abut against the surface SF1 of the pin holding portion 112A.

[0040] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the folding of both end portions of the tape material TP by the pair of fork parts 62. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the pair of fork parts 62 in a state where both end portions of the tape material TP are folded. FIG. 14 is a perspective view for explaining the shape of the tape material TP in a state where both end portions are folded. As shown in FIG. 12, the pair of fork parts 62 are rotated in opposite directions by the rotation drive parts 63A and 63B in a state where both end portions of the tape material TP are inserted into the respective fork gaps CL. The rotation direction of the pair of fork parts 62 is a direction in which the end portions of the tape material TP held by them rotate downward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, both end portions of the tape material TP inserted into the fork gap CL are folded back inward and arranged so as to overlap under the intermediate portion between both ends of the tape material TP. The length of the folded back end (the length of the portion where the tape material TP overlaps) is called the folding back length L of the tape material TP. The folding back portion FB of the folding back length L becomes the sewing portion (seam allowance) by the sewing machine 7.

[0041] The size of the fork gap CL between the pair of fork parts 62 is adjusted to an appropriate size so that the tape material TP and the pin members 111A and 111B can slide without pinching and pressing the tape material TP, and the tape material TP and the pin members 111A and 111B are not too far apart. If the fork gap CL is too small, the tape material TP is pinched in a compressed state, and both ends of the tape material TP are wound around the pair of fork parts 62 as it is folded, and excessive tension acts between both ends of the tape material TP. In this case, the play (dimensional margin) required for the belt loop is not formed, which also hinders the formation of fullness. In addition, the friction (sliding resistance) between the tape material TP and the pair of fork parts 62 increases, which causes the formation of dog ears, which will be described later. If the fork gap CL is too large, the folding length L becomes excessively large. The size of the fork gap CL also depends on the thickness of the tape material TP (in other words, the type of fabric). Therefore, the opening / closing mechanism 103 and the adjustment unit 120 adjust the size of the fork gap CL when folded (closed position) to an appropriate value.

[0042] (Belt loop supply device operation) The belt loop supplying device 6 is controlled by the control device 8 as follows. As shown in Fig. 4, the belt loop supplying device 6 waits at a standby position P3 until the tape material TP is placed at a belt loop forming position Q3. At the standby position P3, the tips (ends in the +Y direction) of the pair of fork portions 62 are separated in the -Y direction from the transport path of the tape material TP.

[0043] The control device 8 controls the unwinding device 2 and the drawing device 4 so that the unwinding device 2 unwinds the tape material TP to the gripping position Q2, and the drawing device 4 draws it in the +X direction to the drawing length position. At this time, when the drawing device 4 moves in the +X direction beyond the position of the support device 5, the control device 8 controls the support device 5 to raise the pair of support plates 51, which have been retracted below the movement path of the gripping part 41, toward the support position, and to sandwich the tape material TP from above and below between the pair of support plates 51 and the abutment plate. When fullness formation is performed, the control device 8 further controls the support device 5 to raise the fullness forming plate 54. The control device 8 controls the cutting device 3 so that the tape material TP drawn out to the drawing length position is cut by the movable blade 32 (and the fixed blade). Then, the control device 8 controls the drawing device 4 so that the tape material TP is drawn out from the drawing length position to the belt loop forming position Q3. With the above, preparation for bending the tape material TP by the belt loop supply device 6 is completed. The leading end of the tape material TP in the +X direction is positioned at the belt loop forming position Q3, and the middle portion in the longitudinal direction is clamped between the pair of support plates 51 (and fullness forming plate 54) and the abutment plate.

[0044] The belt loop supplying device 6 operates the opening / closing mechanism 103 so that the size of the fork gap CL of each of the pair of fork parts 62 becomes the first distance CL1 (so that the first shaft part 101 is placed in the open position). The belt loop supplying device 6 moves the loop folding part 61 in the +Y direction from the standby position P3 to the folding position P2 by the moving mechanism 65. When the loop folding part 61 reaches the folding position P2, both ends of the tape material TP are inserted into the fork gap CL of the pair of fork parts 62. As a result, at the folding position P2, the tips (ends in the +Y direction) of the pair of fork parts 62 are located in the +Y direction from the tape material TP. The belt loop supplying device 6 operates the opening / closing mechanism 103 so that the size of the fork gap CL of each of the pair of fork parts 62 becomes the second distance CL2 (so that the first shaft part 101 and the second shaft part 102 are placed in the closed position). The belt loop supplying device 6 operates each of the rotation drive units 63 so as to bend both end portions of the tape material TP inserted into the fork gap CL by each of the pair of fork portions 62. By the operation of each of the rotation drive units 63, each of the pair of fork portions 62 rotates to form a folded-back portion FB on the tape material TP as shown in Figures 13 and 14. This causes the tape material TP to be deformed into the shape of a belt loop.

[0045] The belt loop supplying device 6 moves the loop folding portion 61 in the +Y direction from the folding position P2 to the sewing position P1 by the moving mechanism 65 while holding the tape material TP with both end portions folded. The pair of fork portions 62 holding the tape material TP are disposed directly below the presser foot 74 of the sewing machine 7.

[0046] The control device 8 controls the sewing machine 7 so as to lower the presser foot 74 of the sewing machine 7 from the raised position at the sewing position P1. The tape material TP is pressed from above toward the needle plate 73 (feed member 76A) by the presser foot 74. As a result, the tape material TP with both ends folded is held by the sewing machine 7 at the sewing position P1.

[0047] The belt loop supplying device 6 moves the loop folding portion 61 in the -Y direction from the sewing position P1 to the standby position P3 by the movement mechanism 65. The pair of fork portions 62 that have been holding both end portions of the tape material TP are pulled out in the -Y direction from the tape material TP while the tape material TP is pressed by the presser foot 74. This completes the supply of the belt loop to the sewing position P1 by the belt loop supplying device 6.

[0048] (sewing machine) Fig. 15 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of a sewing position P1 of the sewing machine 7 according to the embodiment. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the presser foot 74 according to the embodiment, as viewed from below.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 15, the sewing machine 7 is provided with a pair of needle holders 72 that respectively hold sewing needles 77, and a pair of presser feet 74 provided corresponding to the pair of needle holders 72 at the sewing position P1.

[0050] The pair of needle holders 72 each hold a sewing needle 77 and move back and forth in the Z-axis direction. The pair of needle holders 72 hold the sewing needle 77 so that the sewing needle 77 and the Z-axis are parallel. The pair of needle holders 72 are supported by the sewing machine head 71. The pair of needle holders 72 are disposed above the needle plate 73 and can face the surface of the sewing object. The pair of needle holders 72 are attached to one holder 75 extending in the X-axis direction, and the holder 75 is connected to a power transmission mechanism that moves up and down by the power of the main shaft motor 79. The pair of sewing needles 77 are each held by a pair of needle holders 72 disposed at a predetermined interval along the X-axis direction. The interval between the pair of sewing needles 77 in the X-axis direction corresponds to the interval between the sewing parts of the tape material TP in the X-axis direction. The sewing needle 77 has a threading hole through which the upper thread passes. The sewing needle 77 holds the upper thread on the inner surface of the threading hole. As the needle holder 72 reciprocates in the Z-axis direction, the sewing needle 77 reciprocates in the Z-axis direction while holding the upper thread.

[0051] The sewing needle 77 held by the needle holder 72 and the needle plate 73 face each other in the Z-axis direction. The needle plate 73 has a needle hole through which the sewing needle 77 can pass. The sewing needle 77 passes through the needle hole after penetrating the sewing object supported by the needle plate 73. A feed member 76A (see FIG. 1) having a feed dog is provided on the upper surface of the needle plate 73, but is not shown in FIG. 15. The feed mechanism 76 has the feed member 76A on which the sewing object and the tape material TP are placed, and by moving the feed member 76A, the sewing position of the sewing object and the tape material TP is moved to the needle drop position. The feed member 76A has an opening that exposes the needle hole of the needle plate 73.

[0052] A shuttle is disposed below the needle plate 73. The shuttle holds a bobbin housed in a bobbin case. The shuttle rotates in conjunction with the needle holder 72. The shuttle supplies a bobbin thread from the bobbin. The shuttle scoops up the upper thread from the sewing needle 77 that has passed through the tape material TP and the needle hole of the needle plate 73. The shuttle entangles the upper thread and the bobbin thread. A stitch is formed by cooperation between the shuttle and the sewing needle 77.

[0053] The main shaft motor 79 generates power. The power generated by the main shaft motor 79 is transmitted to the holding member 75, the thread take-up lever, and the shuttle via a power transmission mechanism (not shown). The holding member 75, the thread take-up lever, and the shuttle are interlocked. As the power generated by the main shaft motor 79 is transmitted to the holding member 75, the pair of needle holding parts 72 and the sewing needle 77 reciprocate in the Z-axis direction.

[0054] The presser foot 74 presses down 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 the feed member 76A by the feed mechanism 76. The presser foot 74 is disposed above the needle plate 73 and holds the sewing object between the presser foot 74 and the feed member 76A. The presser foot 74 moves back and forth in the Z-axis direction by a presser drive unit 78. The presser drive unit 78 is, for example, an air cylinder. A pair of presser feet 74 are provided corresponding to a pair of sewing machine needles 77. Hereinafter, when distinguishing between the pair of presser feet 74, the presser foot located in the +X direction will be referred to as presser foot 74A, and the presser foot located in the -X direction will be referred to as presser foot 74B.

[0055] The presser foot 74A and the presser foot 74B are arranged around the corresponding sewing needle 77. The presser foot 74A and the presser foot 74B each include a first foot member 150 and a second foot member 160. The presser foot 74A and the presser foot 74B are symmetrical in the X-axis direction with respect to the arrangement of the first foot member 150 and the second foot member 160. The presser foot 74A in the +X direction has the first foot member 150 in the -X direction with respect to the sewing needle 77, and has the second foot member 160 in the +X direction with respect to the sewing needle 77. The presser foot 74B in the -X direction has the first foot member 150 in the +X direction with respect to the sewing needle 77, and has the second foot member 160 in the -X direction with respect to the sewing needle 77. In other words, each of the first foot members 150 is arranged on the center side of the tape material TP shown in FIG. 14 and presses the vicinity of the folded portion FB. The second foot members 160 are disposed on both outer sides of the tape material TP. The second foot members 160 hold down the sewing object to which the tape material TP is sewn. The second foot members 160 contact the outermost end of the tape material TP in the X-axis direction in a folded state. The outer second foot members 160 regulate the position of the outermost end of the tape material TP.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 16, the first leg member 150 has a presser plate 151 that extends linearly along the Y-axis direction. A large number of protrusions are formed on the underside of the presser plate 151 to bite into the tape material TP and increase frictional resistance. Both edges of the presser plate 151 in the X-axis direction are provided with columnar guide portions 152 that protrude downward. Two guide portions 152 are provided on each edge in the X-axis direction. The two guide portions 152 provided on the same edge are disposed at a predetermined distance DG in the Y-axis direction. The predetermined distance DG between the guide portions 152 corresponds to the width dimension of the tape material TP.

[0057] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the guide portion 152 of the presser foot 74 according to the embodiment and the fork portion 62. In the embodiment, the tip of the pin holding portion 112 of each of the pair of fork portions 62 is formed with a notch portion 112K for allowing the presser foot 74 of the sewing machine 7 arranged at the sewing position P1 to enter. As described above, each of the pair of fork portions 62 has the first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102, and each of the first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 has a pin member (111A, 111B) and a pin holding portion (112A, 112B). The notch portion 112K is formed at the tip of this pin holding portion (112A, 112B). Then, one of the guide portions 152 of the first foot member 150 enters the portion of the notch portion 112K.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 7, the notch 112K is provided on the surfaces SF1 and SF2 of the tip of the pin holding part 112 where the first shaft part 101 and the second shaft part 102 face each other. Therefore, when the first shaft part 101 and the second shaft part 102 are arranged in the closed position, the notch parts 112K of the pin holding parts 112 approach each other to form one space (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 17, this space is adjacent to the edge part of the tape material TP in the -Y direction and penetrates in the Z-axis direction when the pair of fork parts 62 bend and hold both ends of the tape material TP. When the presser foot 74 descends from above the tape material TP at the sewing position P1, the guide part 152 on the -Y direction side shown in FIG. 16 enters the space of the notch part 112K and faces the side surface of the tape material TP in the -Y direction. The guide portion 152 on the +Y direction side enters between the two pin members 111A, 111B (i.e., the fork gap CL) and faces the +Y direction side surface of the tape material TP. With the guide portions 152 arranged on both sides of the tape material TP in the Y direction, the pair of fork portions 62 are pulled out in the -Y direction from the sewing position P1, leaving the tape material TP behind. At this time, the guide portions 152 become walls that regulate the positional deviation of the tape material TP in the Y direction. As a result, the positional deviation, so-called a dog-ear, is suppressed at the folded-back portion FB of the tape material TP. A dog-ear is a state in which the portion of the tape material on the upper side and the end of the tape material TP overlapping the lower side at the folded-back portion FB are misaligned in the Y axis direction, causing the lower end to protrude from the upper tape material TP.

[0059] 16, the second foot member 160 has a presser plate 161 that extends linearly along the Y-axis direction. Protruding walls 162 that extend downward are provided on both edges in the X-axis direction of the presser plate 161. A large number of teeth are formed on the tip (lower end) of the protruding wall 162 to bite into the sewing object and increase frictional resistance.

[0060] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship when sewing with the end of the tape material TP on the +X side held down by the presser foot 74A of the embodiment, viewed along the Y axis direction. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship when sewing with the end of the tape material TP on the +X side held down by the presser foot 74A of the embodiment, viewed along the X axis direction. As shown in FIG. 18, the second foot member 160 regulates the X axis position of the outermost end of the tape material TP by contacting the side surface of the protruding wall 162 on the inner side in the X axis direction (the -X direction side in the case of the presser foot 74A, and the +X direction side in the case of the presser foot 74B) with the outermost end of the tape material TP in the folded state. As shown in FIG. 19, the first foot member 150 regulates the positional deviation of the tape material TP in the Y axis direction by arranging the folded portion FB of the tape material TP between the guide parts 152 arranged at a predetermined interval DG. In this state, the part of the tape material TP between the first foot member 150 and the second foot member 160 is sewn by the sewing needle 77. As a result, the folded portion FB of the tape material TP is sewn to the sewing object. Here, the presser foot 74A on the +X direction side has been described, but the same is true for the presser foot 74B on the -X direction side, so a detailed description of the presser foot 74B will be omitted. The presser foot 74B is symmetrical to the presser foot 74A in order to press down the end of the tape material TP on the -X direction side, so the left and right sides of FIG. 18 are symmetrical in the case of the presser foot 74B. The guide portion 152 of the first foot member 150 of the presser foot 74B also enters the fork gap CL and the notch portion 112K of the fork portion 62 on the -X direction side, respectively, to regulate the positional deviation of the tape material TP in the Y-axis direction.

[0061] In this manner, the sewing machine 7 sews together both ends in the X-axis direction of the tape material TP supplied to the sewing position P1 with the pair of sewing needles 77. When sewing is completed, the control device 8 releases the presser feet 74 by raising them. This allows the sewing object with the belt loop (tape material TP) sewn thereon to be removed from the sewing machine 7.

[0062] [effect] As described above, according to this embodiment, the belt loop supplying device 6 includes a pair of fork parts 62 in which both end portions of the narrow strip-shaped tape material TP are inserted into the fork gaps CL, a rotation drive part 63 that rotates each of the pair of fork parts 62 to fold both end portions, a loop folding part 61 that forms a seam by folding both end portions of the tape material TP, and a moving mechanism 65 that moves the loop folding part 61 to a folding position P2 and a sewing position P1. Each of the pair of fork parts 62 has a first shaft part 101 and a second shaft part 102 that form the fork gap CL, and an opening / closing mechanism 103 that moves the first shaft part 101 and the second shaft part 102 relatively between an open position where the size of the fork gap CL is a first distance CL1 and a closed position where the size of the fork gap CL is a second distance CL2 smaller than the first distance CL1.

[0063] This allows the tape material TP to be inserted into the fork gap CL with the fork gap CL expanded to the first distance CL1. After the tape material TP is inserted, the fork gap CL is reduced to the second distance CL2, thereby making the folded-back length L of the tape material TP smaller than when the fork gap CL2 is used. As a result, both ends of the tape material TP can be folded back to an appropriate dimension while facilitating the insertion of the tape material TP into the fork gap CL.

[0064] In this embodiment, each of the pair of fork parts 62 further includes an adjustment part 120 that adjusts the size of the second interval CL2. This allows the folded-back length L of both ends of the tape material TP to be appropriately adjusted according to the design of the belt loop and the thickness of the tape material TP. In this embodiment, the adjustment part 120 includes a position-adjustable stopper 121 that determines the size of the second interval CL2 by abutting against the second shaft part 102 in the closed position. This allows the adjustment part 120 to be provided on the pair of fork parts 62 with a simple configuration. The adjustment part 120 may be provided on the second shaft part 102 so as to abut against the first shaft part 101 in the closed position, and in this case, the same effect as in this embodiment can be obtained.

[0065] In this embodiment, the opening / 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 about the rotation shaft 103A. Since the size of the fork gap CL is changed by utilizing the rotation of the first shaft portion 101, it is possible to prevent the tip portions of the pair of fork portions 62 from becoming large.

[0066] In this embodiment, each of the first shaft portion 101 and the second shaft portion 102 has a pin member 111 and a pin holding portion 112 that holds the pin member 111 so as to protrude from the tip portion, and a notch portion 112K is formed at the tip portion of the pin holding portion 112 to allow the presser foot 74 (specifically, the guide portion 152) of the sewing machine 7 arranged at the sewing position P1 to enter. This allows the presser foot 74 to enter between the tape material TP and the tip portion of the pin holding portion 112 when the tape material TP is supplied to the sewing position P1. This effectively prevents the tape material TP from being displaced due to a part of the entered presser foot 74. In particular, when the pin member 111 is pulled out in a pressed state, the folded portion FB of the tape material TP is effectively prevented from being dragged by the pin member 111 and being displaced, thereby improving the finish quality of the belt loop.

[0067] [Other embodiments] The technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0068] For example, in the above embodiment, the belt loop supplying device 6 inserts both end portions of the tape material TP into the fork gap CL by bringing the pair of fork portions 62 closer to the tape material TP after it has been cut by the cutting device 3. The belt loop supplying device 6 may also insert both end portions of the tape material TP into the fork gap CL by bringing the pair of fork portions 62 closer to the tape material TP before it has been cut by the cutting device 3. In this case, after both end portions of the tape material TP have been inserted into the fork gap CL, the tape material TP is cut by the cutting device 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1...belt loop sewing device, 2...feeding device, 3...cutting device, 4...drawing device, 5...support device, 6...belt loop supply device, 6H...housing, 7...sewing machine, 8...control device, 31...cutting drive unit, 32...movable blade, 33...tape support base, 34...drive shaft, 41...gripping unit, 41A...upper grip, 41B...lower grip, 41C...base plate, 41D...opening / closing drive unit, 42...gripping movement unit, 42A...movable shaft, 43...drawing motor, 44...support frame, 51...support plate, 52...support plate drive moving part, 53...movable plate, 54...fullness forming plate, 61...loop bending part, 62...pair of fork parts, 62A, 62B...fork parts, 63, 63A, 63B...rotation drive part, 65...moving mechanism, 66...fork holder, 67...guide rod, 68...driving force transmission part, 68A, 68B...pulley, 68C...belt, 68D...intermediate gear, 69...moving motor, 69A...driving gear, 71...sewing machine head, 72...needle holding part, 73...needle plate, 74, 74A, 74B...presser foot, 75...holding member, 76... Feed mechanism, 76A...feed member, 77...sewing machine needle, 78...presser drive unit, 79...main shaft motor, 101...first shaft unit, 102...second shaft unit, 103...opening / closing mechanism, 103A...rotating shaft, 103B...driving cylinder, 103C...rod unit, 103D...cylinder body, 104A, 104B...support shaft, 105...holding plate, 111A, 111B...pin member, 112A, 112B...pin holding unit, 112K...notch, 113...projecting piece, 114...connection unit, 120...adjustment unit, 121...stopper , 121A...long hole, 121B...end, 122...guide groove, 123...screw hole, 150...first leg member, 151...pressure plate, 152...guide portion, 160...second leg member, 161...pressure plate, 162...protruding wall, CL...fork gap, CL1...first interval, CL2, CL2A, CL2B...second interval, FB...folded-back portion, P1...sewing position, P2...folding position, P3...waiting position, Q1...cutting position, Q2...gripping position, Q3...belt loop forming position, SF1, SF2...surface, TP...tape material.

Claims

1. a pair of fork sections for inserting both end portions of a narrow strip-shaped tape material into fork gaps, and a rotation drive section for rotating the pair of fork sections to fold both end portions, and a loop folding section for forming seams by folding both end portions of the tape material; a moving mechanism for moving the loop folding portion to a folding position and a sewing position, Each of the pair of fork portions is a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion which define the fork gap; an opening / closing mechanism that relatively moves the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion between an open position where the fork gap is a first gap and a closed position where the fork gap is a second gap smaller than the first gap; Belt loop supply device.

2. Each of the pair of fork portions further includes an adjustment portion for adjusting the size of the second gap.

2. The belt loop supplying device of claim 1.

3. The adjustment portion has a position-adjustable stopper that determines the size of the second gap by abutting against the first shaft portion or the second shaft portion in the closed position.

3. The belt loop supplying device of claim 2.

4. The opening / closing mechanism includes a rotation shaft that rotatably supports the first shaft portion, and a drive cylinder that rotates the first shaft portion around the rotation shaft. The belt loop supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Each of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion has a pin member and a pin holding portion that holds the pin member so as to protrude from a tip end portion, A notch is formed at the tip of the pin holding portion, into which a presser foot of a sewing machine disposed at the sewing position is inserted. The belt loop supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. a belt loop supplying device that folds both ends of a narrow strip of tape material to form a seam and transports the tape material to a sewing position; a sewing machine for sewing both end portions of the tape material transported to the sewing position onto a sewing object, The belt loop supply device includes: a loop folding unit including a pair of fork parts into which the both end portions of the tape material are inserted, and a rotation drive unit that rotates each of the pair of fork parts to fold the both end portions; a moving mechanism for moving the loop folding portion between a folding position and the sewing position, Each of the pair of fork portions is a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion which define the fork gap; an opening / closing mechanism that relatively moves the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion between an open position where the fork gap is a first gap and a closed position where the fork gap is a second gap smaller than the first gap; Belt loop sewing device.

Images