Sewing machine management system and sewing machine management method

Abstract

To provide a sewing machine management system capable of properly maintaining a sewing machine.SOLUTION: A sewing machine management system includes a data acquisition part that acquires utilization history data of a sewing machine, a processing part that calculates recommended maintenance conditions for the sewing machine based on the utilization history data, and an output part that allows an output device to output the recommended maintenance conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a sewing machine management system and a sewing machine management method.

Background Art

[0002] In the technical field related to sewing machine management systems, a sewing management system as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Industrial sewing machines are installed in sewing factories and maintained by maintenance personnel. If maintenance is not properly performed, the performance of the sewing machine may deteriorate.

[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification aims to properly maintain a sewing machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This specification discloses a sewing machine management system. The sewing machine management system includes a data acquisition unit that acquires operation history data of a sewing machine, a processing unit that calculates maintenance recommendation conditions for the sewing machine based on the operation history data, and an output unit that outputs the maintenance recommendation conditions to an output device.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, the sewing machine is properly maintained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present technology is not limited to the embodiments. The components of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. Also, some components may not be used.

[0010] [Sewing Machine Management System] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing a sewing machine management system 1 according to an embodiment. The sewing machine management system 1 includes a management device 3 that manages the production process of sewn products. The production process includes a sewing process of sewing a sewing target using a sewing machine 2. The sewing machine 2 is an industrial sewing machine. The sewn products are produced in a production line including the sewing machine 2. A plurality of sewing machines 2 are installed in the production line. The production line is installed in a sewing factory. The sewing machine 2 operates in the sewing factory. By sewing the sewing target with the sewing machine 2, sewn products are produced. In the embodiment, the management device 3 is installed in the sewing factory. Note that the management device 3 may be installed outside the sewing factory.

[0011] In the sewing process, the sewing machine 2 sews the object to be sewn, thereby producing a sewn product. As an object to be sewn, fabric is exemplified. As a sewn product, clothing is exemplified.

[0012] In the sewing factory, multiple types of sewing machines 2 are installed according to their uses. In the sewing factory, multiple types of sewing machines 2 are installed so as to correspond to each of the multiple sewing processes for producing sewn products. Examples of the types of sewing machine 2 include a straight stitch sewing machine for sewing the body, a button sewing machine for attaching buttons to the body, and a pocket sewing machine for attaching pockets to the body. A large variety and a large number of sewing machines 2 are installed in one sewing factory. For the sake of simplicity of explanation, three sewing machines 2 are shown in FIG. 1. The first sewing machine 2A is used in the first process for producing sewn products. The second sewing machine 2B is used in the second process for producing sewn products. The third sewing machine 2C is used in the third process for producing sewn products. Note that a plurality of sewing machines 2 of one type may be installed in the sewing factory.

[0013] In the sewing factory, a manager, workers, and maintenance personnel work. The manager manages the workers, the maintenance personnel, and the sewing machines 2. The workers sew the object to be sewn using the sewing machines 2 in the sewing process. The maintenance personnel perform maintenance on the sewing machines 2. Each of the manager, the workers, and the maintenance personnel may be regarded as a user of the sewing machine 2. The manager may be one person or multiple persons. The workers may be multiple persons or one person. For example, one worker may operate a plurality of sewing machines 2. The maintenance personnel may be multiple persons or one person.

[0014] The management device 3 includes a display device 4, an input device 5, and a management controller 6. The display device 4 displays display data. The display device 4 includes a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The input device 5 generates input data when operated by an administrator. Note that the input device 5 may be operated by a worker or an operator. The input device 5 includes a touch panel (touch sensor) disposed on the display screen of the display device 4. Note that the input device 5 may be a computer keyboard, a mouse, or a voice input device. The management controller 6 includes a computer system. The management controller 6 has at least one processor and a main memory that stores a computer program executable by the processor.

[0015] The sewing machine 2 has an operation panel 7 and a sewing machine controller 8. The operation panel 7 generates operation data when operated by a worker. The operation panel 7 includes a touch panel (touch sensor) disposed on the display screen of the display. The sewing machine controller 8 includes a computer system. The sewing machine controller 8 has at least one processor and a main memory that stores a computer program executable by the processor.

[0016] The maintenance staff maintains the sewing machine 2. The maintenance staff has an information terminal 11. Examples of the information terminal 11 include a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The information terminal 11 includes a display, an input device such as a touch panel, and a computer system.

[0017] The management device 3 is shared by a plurality of sewing machines 2 and information terminals 11 in a sewing factory. The number of management devices 3 is less than the number of sewing machines 2. The management device 3 is capable of communicating with each of the sewing machines 2 and the information terminals 11. The management controller 6 of the management device 3 communicates with each of the sewing machine controller 8 of the sewing machine 2 and the information terminal 11. The management controller 6, the sewing machine controller 8, and the information terminal 11 perform wireless communication. The management controller 6, the sewing machine controller 8, and the information terminal 11 perform wireless communication via a local area network (LAN). As the wireless LAN, Wifi (registered trademark) is exemplified. Note that the management controller 6, the sewing machine controller 8, and the information terminal 11 may perform wireless communication via a personal area network (PAN). As the wireless PAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is exemplified.

[0018] Based on the input data generated by operating the input device 5, the management controller 6 sends a control command to the sewing machine controller 8 of the sewing machine 2.

[0019] The sewing machine controller 8 sends operation history data indicating the operation history of the sewing machine 2 to the management controller 6. The operation history of the sewing machine 2 includes at least one of the operation date and time of the sewing machine 2, the operation time of the sewing machine 2, the type of sewing target sewn by the sewing machine 2, the number of stitches during sewing, error information generated in the sewing machine 2, and the operator who operated the sewing machine 2. The operation time of the sewing machine 2 includes at least one of the continuous operation time and the cumulative operation time of the sewing machine 2.

[0020] The sewing machine 2 has a needle bar and a balance, and a sewing machine motor for operating the needle bar and the balance. The operation history of the sewing machine 2 includes the operation history of the sewing machine motor. The sewing machine controller 8 inputs a control command to a sewing machine drive circuit that drives the sewing machine motor. The sewing machine drive circuit includes a switching element such as a field effect transistor (FET). The operation history data of the sewing machine 2 includes a control command transmitted from the sewing machine controller 8 to the sewing machine drive circuit. The control command includes at least one of a rotational speed command value for commanding the rotational speed of the sewing machine motor and a current command value for commanding the current value input to the sewing machine motor. The operation date and time of the sewing machine 2 includes the date and time when a control command is being transmitted from the sewing machine controller 8 to the sewing machine drive circuit. The operation time of the sewing machine 2 includes the time when a control command is being transmitted from the sewing machine controller 8 to the sewing machine drive circuit.

[0021] The operation history data of the sewing machine 2 may include detection data of a sensor 7 (see FIG. 3) provided in the sewing machine 2. The sensor 7 detects the operating conditions of the sewing machine 2. Examples of the sensor 7 include a stitch number sensor that detects the number of stitches during sewing, a tension sensor that detects the thread tension, and a presser foot pressure sensor that detects the presser foot pressure of the sewing object. The sewing machine controller 8 may transmit the detection data of the sensor 7 to the management controller 6 as the operation history data of the sewing machine 2.

[0022] Also, the sewing machine controller 8 transmits use environment history data indicating the use environment history of the sewing machine 2 to the management controller 6. The use environment history of the sewing machine 2 includes at least one of the atmospheric temperature and humidity of the environment in which the sewing machine 2 is used. When the sensor 7 provided in the sewing machine 2 is a temperature sensor, the sewing machine controller 8 can transmit the use environment history data to the management controller 6 based on the detection data of the temperature sensor. When the sensor 7 provided in the sewing machine 2 is a humidity sensor, the sewing machine controller 8 can transmit the use environment history data to the management controller 6 based on the detection data of the humidity sensor.

[0023] The information terminal 11 transmits maintenance history data indicating the maintenance history of the sewing machine 2 to the management controller 6. The maintenance of the sewing machine 2 includes at least one of inspection, adjustment, part replacement, and repair of the sewing machine 2. The maintenance history of the sewing machine 2 includes at least one of the maintenance date and time of the sewing machine 2, the maintenance method of the sewing machine 2, the maintenance location of the sewing machine 2, the maintenance result of the sewing machine 2, and the maintenance person in charge of maintaining the sewing machine 2. The maintenance method includes at least one of inspection, adjustment, part replacement, and repair of the sewing machine 2. The maintenance location refers to the part of the sewing machine 2 that has been maintained. The maintenance location includes the parts of the sewing machine 2 that have been maintained. The maintenance result includes at least one of the inspection result, adjustment result, replaced parts, and repair result. The inspection result indicates the record of the inspection of the sewing machine 2. The adjustment result indicates the state of the sewing machine 2 after adjustment. The repair result indicates the state of the sewing machine 2 after repair. The maintenance person in charge inputs the maintenance data related to the maintenance of the sewing machine 2 performed by the maintenance person in charge into the information terminal 11. The information terminal 11 transmits the maintenance history data to the management controller 6 based on the maintenance data.

[0024] The management controller 6 collects the operation history data, usage environment history data, and maintenance history data of each of the plurality of sewing machines 2. The management controller 6 causes the display device 4 to display the operation history data, usage environment history data, and maintenance history data of each of the plurality of sewing machines 2.

[0025] [Computer System] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a management controller 6 according to an embodiment. The management controller 6 includes a computer system 1000. The computer system 1000 includes a processor 1001 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main memory 1002 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 1003, and an interface 1004 including an input / output circuit. The functions of the management controller 6 are stored in the storage 1003 as a computer program. The processor 1001 reads the computer program from the storage 1003, expands it in the main memory 1002, and executes processing according to the computer program. Note that the computer program may be distributed to the computer system 1000 via a network.

[0026] Similarly, each of the sewing machine controller 8 and the information terminal 11 includes a computer system having a processor, a main memory, a storage, and an interface.

[0027] [Management Device and Sewing Machine] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a management device 3 and a sewing machine 2 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the sewing machine 2 includes a sewing machine controller 8 and a sensor 7.

[0028] The management controller 6 includes a data acquisition unit 61, a processing unit 62, and an output unit 63.

[0029] The data acquisition unit 61 acquires operation history data of the sewing machine 2 from the sewing machine controller 8. The data acquisition unit 61 acquires usage environment history data of the sewing machine 2 from the sewing machine controller 8. The data acquisition unit 61 acquires maintenance history data of the sewing machine 2 from the information terminal 11.

[0030] The processing unit 62 calculates the maintenance recommendation conditions for the sewing machine 2 based on the operation history data acquired by the data acquisition unit 61. The processing unit 62 may calculate the maintenance recommendation conditions based on the operation history data and the usage environment history data acquired by the data acquisition unit 61. The processing unit 62 may calculate the maintenance recommendation conditions based on the operation history data and the maintenance history data acquired by the data acquisition unit 61. The processing unit 62 may calculate the maintenance recommendation conditions based on the operation history data, the usage environment history data, and the maintenance history data acquired by the data acquisition unit 61.

[0031] The maintenance recommendation conditions include at least one of the maintenance recommendation timing, the maintenance recommendation location, and the maintenance recommendation method. The maintenance recommendation timing refers to the time when the sewing machine 2 should be maintained next. The maintenance recommendation location refers to the part of the sewing machine 2 to be maintained. The maintenance recommendation location includes the maintenance recommended parts. The maintenance recommended parts refer to the parts of the sewing machine 2 to be maintained. The parts of the sewing machine 2 to be maintained include the parts of the sewing machine 2 to be replaced. The maintenance recommendation method refers to the method or procedure when maintaining the maintenance recommendation location. The maintenance recommendation method includes daily inspection, periodic inspection which is a more detailed inspection than daily inspection, adjustment of the part to be maintained, repair of the part to be maintained, adjustment of the part to be maintained, and replacement of the part to be maintained.

[0032] In the embodiment, correlation data indicating the relationship between the operation history data and the maintenance recommendation conditions is derived in advance and stored in the processing unit 62. The processing unit 62 can calculate the maintenance recommendation conditions based on the operation history data acquired by the data acquisition unit 61 and the correlation data derived in advance.

[0033] In addition, correlation data indicating the relationship between usage environment history data and maintenance recommendation conditions is derived in advance and stored in the processing unit 62. Based on the usage environment history data acquired by the data acquisition unit 61 and the correlation data derived in advance, the processing unit 62 can calculate the maintenance recommendation conditions.

[0034] Also, correlation data indicating the relationship between maintenance history data and maintenance recommendation conditions is derived in advance and stored in the processing unit 62. Based on the maintenance history data acquired by the data acquisition unit 61 and the correlation data derived in advance, the processing unit 62 can calculate the maintenance recommendation conditions.

[0035] For example, correlation data between the number of stitches (operation history data) and the timing when the sewing machine needle should be replaced (maintenance recommendation condition) is derived in advance. When the data acquisition unit 61 acquires the number of stitches detected by the sewing machine needle sensor as operation history data, the processing unit 62 can determine the recommended timing (maintenance recommendation condition) for replacing the sewing machine needle based on the number of stitches acquired by the data acquisition unit 61 and the correlation data.

[0036] For example, correlation data between the atmospheric temperature (usage environment history data) and the timing when the sewing machine needle should be replaced (maintenance recommendation condition) is derived in advance. When the data acquisition unit 61 acquires the atmospheric temperature detected by the temperature sensor as usage environment history data, the processing unit 62 can determine the recommended timing (maintenance recommendation condition) for replacing the sewing machine needle based on the atmospheric temperature acquired by the data acquisition unit 61 and the correlation data.

[0037] For example, correlation data between the most recent maintenance date and time (maintenance history data) and the timing when the sewing machine needle should be replaced (maintenance recommendation condition) is derived in advance. When the data acquisition unit 61 acquires the most recent maintenance time as maintenance history data, the processing unit 62 can determine the recommended timing (maintenance recommendation condition) for replacing the sewing machine needle based on the most recent maintenance date and time acquired by the data acquisition unit 61 and the correlation data.

[0038] The output unit 63 causes the display device 4 or the display of the information terminal 11 to display the maintenance recommendation conditions calculated by the processing unit 62. The displays of the display device 4 and the information terminal 11 are examples of output devices that output the maintenance recommendation conditions calculated by the processing unit 62.

[0039] [Sewing machine management method] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the sewing machine management method according to the embodiment. The data acquisition unit 61 acquires the operation history data of the sewing machine 2 from the sewing machine controller 8 (step S1). The data acquisition unit 61 acquires the maintenance history data of the sewing machine 2 from the information terminal 11 (step S2). The data acquisition unit 61 acquires the usage environment history data of the sewing machine 2 from the sewing machine controller 8 (step S3).

[0040] The processing unit 62 calculates maintenance recommendation conditions based on the operation history data, the maintenance history data, the usage environment history data, and the above-described correlation data (step S4).

[0041] The output unit 63 causes the display device 4 or the display of the information terminal 11 to display the maintenance recommendation conditions calculated by the processing unit 62 (step S5).

[0042] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the output unit 63 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the output unit 63 may transmit the maintenance recommendation conditions to the information terminal 11 held by the maintenance staff. The maintenance staff can perform maintenance on the sewing machine 2 based on the maintenance recommendation conditions displayed on the display of the information terminal 11.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the output unit 63 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the output unit 63 may transmit the maintenance recommendation conditions to the sewing machine controller 8 of the sewing machine 2. The sewing machine controller 8 causes the operation panel 7 of the sewing machine 2 to display the maintenance recommendation conditions. The maintenance recommendation conditions include the cleaning recommendation conditions for the sewing machine 2. An operator can clean the sewing machine 2 based on the cleaning recommendation conditions displayed on the operation panel 7.

[0044] [Effect] As described above, according to the embodiment, there is provided a data acquisition unit 61 that acquires the operation history data of the sewing machine 2, a processing unit 62 that calculates the maintenance recommendation conditions for the sewing machine 2 based on the operation history data, and an output unit 63 that outputs the maintenance recommendation conditions to the information terminal 11 which is an output device.

[0045] According to the embodiment, based on the operation history data, the sewing machine 2 is properly maintained. For the sewing machine 2 operated under severe operating conditions, in order to suppress the deterioration of the performance of the sewing machine 2, it is necessary to perform maintenance frequently or by a meticulous maintenance method. On the other hand, if the sewing machine 2 operated under non-severe operating conditions is maintained frequently or by a meticulous maintenance method, the operating rate of the sewing machine may decrease, and the productivity of the sewing factory may decrease. Also, if a part that does not require maintenance is maintained, the operating rate of the sewing machine may decrease. According to the embodiment, since the maintenance recommendation conditions for the sewing machine 2 are determined based on the operation history data, the deterioration of the performance of the sewing machine 2 is suppressed, and the decrease in the operating rate of the sewing machine 2 is suppressed. The sewing machine 2 is properly maintained.

[0046] In an embodiment, based on the usage environment history data, the sewing machine 2 is properly maintained. For the sewing machine 2 operated in a harsh usage environment, in order to suppress the deterioration of the performance of the sewing machine 2, it is necessary to perform maintenance frequently or by a meticulous maintenance method. On the other hand, if the sewing machine 2 operated in a non-harsh usage environment is maintained frequently or by a meticulous maintenance method, the operating rate of the sewing machine may decrease. According to the embodiment, since the maintenance recommendation conditions for the sewing machine 2 are determined based on the usage environment history data, the sewing machine 2 is properly maintained.

[0047] In an embodiment, based on the maintenance history data, the sewing machine 2 is properly maintained. If maintenance is performed again even though the time elapsed since the previous maintenance is short and the next maintenance is not required, the operating rate of the sewing machine 2 may decrease. Also, if the same part of the sewing machine 2 is meticulously maintained again even though it was meticulously maintained in the previous maintenance, the operating rate of the sewing machine 2 may decrease. Further, if the parts that have just been replaced are replaced again, replacement costs will be incurred. According to the embodiment, since the maintenance recommendation conditions for the sewing machine 2 are determined based on the maintenance history data, the sewing machine 2 is properly maintained.

[0048] The maintenance recommendation conditions include the cleaning recommendation conditions for the sewing machine 2. When the person who can perform the inspection, adjustment, part replacement, and repair of the sewing machine 2 is limited to the maintenance staff, by providing the cleaning recommendation conditions to the operator, the operator can properly clean the sewing machine 2.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0049] 1... Sewing machine management system, 2... Sewing machine, 2A... First sewing machine, 2B... Second sewing machine, 2C... Third sewing machine, 3... Management device, 4... Display device, 5... Input device, 6... Management controller, 7... Sensor, 8... Sewing machine controller, 11... Information terminal, 61... Data acquisition unit, 62... Processing unit, 63... Output unit, 1000... Computer system, 1001... Processor, 1002... Main memory, 1003... Storage, 1004... Interface.

Claims

1. A data acquisition unit that acquires operation history data of a sewing machine, A processing unit that calculates maintenance recommendation conditions for the sewing machine based on the operation history data, An output unit that causes the maintenance recommendation conditions to be output to an output device, and A sewing machine management system.

2. The maintenance recommendation conditions include at least one of a maintenance recommendation timing, a maintenance recommendation location, and a maintenance recommendation method, The sewing machine management system according to claim 1.

3. The operation history data includes at least one of an operation history of a sewing machine motor, a control command transmitted from a sewing machine controller to a sewing machine drive circuit, detection data of a sensor provided in the sewing machine, an operation date and time of the sewing machine, an operation time of the sewing machine, a type of sewing target sewn by the sewing machine, the number of stitches during sewing, error information generated in the sewing machine, and an operator who operated the sewing machine, The sewing machine management system according to claim 1.

4. The data acquisition unit acquires maintenance history data of the sewing machine, The processing unit calculates the maintenance recommendation conditions based on the operation history data and the maintenance history data, The sewing machine management system according to claim 1.

5. The maintenance history data includes At least one of a maintenance date and time of the sewing machine, a maintenance method of the sewing machine, a maintenance location of the sewing machine, a maintenance result of the sewing machine, and a maintenance person in charge of maintaining the sewing machine, The sewing machine management system according to claim 4.

6. The data acquisition unit acquires usage environment history data of the sewing machine, The processing unit calculates the maintenance recommendation conditions based on the operation history data and the usage environment history data, The sewing machine management system according to claim 1.

7. The usage environment history data includes at least one of the atmospheric temperature and humidity of the environment in which the sewing machine is used. The sewing machine management system according to claim 6.

8. The maintenance recommendation conditions include cleaning recommendation conditions for the sewing machine, The sewing machine management system according to claim 1.

9. Acquiring operation history data of a sewing machine, Calculating maintenance recommendation conditions for the sewing machine based on the operation history data, Causing the maintenance recommendation conditions to be output to an output device, and A sewing machine management method.

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