EP0205377A1 - Work piece thickness detector for a sewing machine - Google Patents

Work piece thickness detector for a sewing machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0205377A1
EP0205377A1 EP86401166A EP86401166A EP0205377A1 EP 0205377 A1 EP0205377 A1 EP 0205377A1 EP 86401166 A EP86401166 A EP 86401166A EP 86401166 A EP86401166 A EP 86401166A EP 0205377 A1 EP0205377 A1 EP 0205377A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fabric
thickness
minimum
maximum
thresholds
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EP86401166A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0205377B1 (en
Inventor
Charly Leclaire
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Prouvost SA
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Prouvost SA
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Priority to AT86401166T priority Critical patent/ATE51905T1/en
Publication of EP0205377A1 publication Critical patent/EP0205377A1/en
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D05—SEWING; EMBROIDERING; TUFTING
    • D05B—SEWING
    • D05B69/00—Driving-gear; Control devices
    • D05B69/22—Devices for stopping drive when sewing tools have reached a predetermined position
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D05—SEWING; EMBROIDERING; TUFTING
    • D05B—SEWING
    • D05B69/00—Driving-gear; Control devices
    • D05B69/22—Devices for stopping drive when sewing tools have reached a predetermined position
    • D05B69/24—Applications of devices for indicating or ascertaining sewing-tool position

Definitions

  • topstitching are carried out parallel to an edge of the piece of fabric, edge which may have angles requiring stopping the sewing at a determined distance from one side of the angle, a rotation of the sewing piece, a resumption of the stitching to the next angle ...
  • Numerous devices capable of detecting the edge of a fabric when the latter discovers, for example, a photoelectric cell situated opposite a transmitter.
  • the precision of these devices is relatively random and that their behavior varies enormously from one fabric to another. He is also known. to use similar devices emitting and receiving infrared radiation which makes it possible to detect variations in thickness and therefore to determine a signal for passage from one edge during a plating operation from one thickness to another.
  • the precision of these devices is small and they require a very long time to adapt their sensitivity to the nature of the sewn fabric, depending on whether the latter is more or less opaque.
  • the present invention relates to an important improvement to these detectors of the second type by means of a device for processing the signals received by the "cell" which makes the adaptation of the detector to the various tissues extremely simple to carry out and which makes it possible to obtain a frank signal whose exploitation in logic to attack a power device is simple to implement.
  • the first object of the invention is a device for detecting the variation in thickness of a fabric passing under the presser foot of a sewing machine, intended to emit a signal towards a logic control device sewing operations on the passage of said thickness variation.
  • this device consists of a signal transmitter and a receiver between which said fabric passes and by a device for processing the level of the signals received by the receiver comprising a means for recording the maximum and of the minimum of said signals, manually controlled during calibration operations, a device for calculating thresholds as a function of the minimum and maximum signals recorded and a comparator of the signals read with the determined thresholds, emitting a control signal in the direction of the above logic device, when the signal becomes lower or higher respectively at the calculated low threshold and high threshold.
  • Such a device allows an adaptation very easily achievable, in a few seconds of its sensitivity depending on the nature of the opacity and the thicknesses of the fabric worked.
  • the invention has, in this regard, a second object residing in the method for calibrating the aforementioned detection device consisting in establishing two detection thresholds corresponding respectively to a first thickness and a second thickness of fabric.
  • the intensity of the signals sent in the presence of the smallest thickness to be detected is adjusted and, for each thickness of fabric, a reading of a plurality of values is carried out, recording the values maximum and minimum read, while by means of a calculating device, the above thresholds between the minimum value are determined relative to the smallest fabric thickness and the maximum value relating to the largest fabric thickness.
  • the above minimum and maximum values are digitized before storage.
  • the above-mentioned thresholds correspond respectively to the upper threshold, to the minimum value relating to the smallest fabric thickness reduced by a quarter of the value of the difference between said minimum value and the maximum value relative to the largest fabric thickness and for the lower threshold, to the maximum value relating to the largest fabric thickness increased by a quarter of the value of the above difference.
  • one of the safest and fastest ways to obtain the plurality of values necessary for the calculation of the above-mentioned thresholds is to move the thicknesses of fabric in line with the detection device.
  • a sewing machine sewing head comprising in particular a needle 1 and a presser foot 2 under which two pieces of fabric 3 and 4 have been placed during assembly by a seam 5.
  • the piece 3 has an edge 3a substantially perpendicular to; its edge 3b along which the seam 5 is executed.
  • Automation of the operation requires knowing when the edge 3a arrives at a fixed distance from the needle. To do this, a detector has been placed near the needle 1.
  • Means for adjusting the intensity of the radiation produced by the emitter 6 include a comparator 8b integrated in a microprocessor for controlling the sewing machine. The mode of use of this comparator 8b will be specified later.
  • the principle of detection is based on the fact that the opacity of two thicknesses of fabric is greater than that of a single thickness, which causes a variation in the level of the signals received by the receiver 7 when passing the edge 3a. . This level variation is then used to generate a signal transmitted to the input of the microprocessor controlling the sewing machine.
  • the intensity of the radiation received by the receiver 7, and therefore the variation of this intensity when passing the edge 3a depends on the nature of the fabric. It is therefore necessary, in order to make possible the use of the detector in the presence of different types of fabric, provided of course that these do not completely screen the radiation, to associate with this detector means making it possible to adapt to these different fabrics in a simple way.
  • the radiation received by the receiver 7 is converted into an electrical signal in a known manner which is amplified by means of an amplifier 8 with constant gain.
  • the output signal of the amplifier 8 is then led to the input of an analog-digital converter 9.
  • the output of this converter is connected to the input of a comparator 10, where the digitized signal is compared to two set values entered in the comparator at 11 and 12.
  • the state of the output 13 of the comparator changes when the digital signal delivered by the receiver 7 goes from a level higher than the high reference value 11 to a level lower than the low reference value 12 and vice versa. This change of state constitutes a signal capable of being exploited by the microprocessor (not shown) for controlling the machine.
  • the invention includes a device calibration procedure according to which the signals obtained with the fabrics in question are stored and a calculation of the setpoints (or thresholds) is carried out from these stored signals.
  • a manual control button 20 which places the device either in “recording” and determination of the above-mentioned thresholds, as shown in the drawing, or in the detection position.
  • a thickness of fabric is placed between the emitter 6 and the receiver 7.
  • Amplifier 8 has a saturation threshold 8a which is introduced at the input of comparator 8b. Furthermore, the output signal of the amplifier 8, processed by the analog-digital converter 9, is also introduced at the input of the comparator 8b and compared to the saturation threshold 8a. The intensity of the radiation produced by the emitter 6 is adjusted so as to make the output signal from the amplifier 8 substantially equal to said saturation threshold 8a. The said thickness of fabric is then moved for a few seconds to take account of the heterogeneities of the fabric.
  • the output signal of the receiver 7 is variable over a range bordered by a maximum value and a minimum value which alone are stored (in digital form), separately but indistinctly, in memories 21 and 22.
  • a manual control button 23 is actuated, from the position which it occupies in the figure.
  • the high setpoint value can also be defined as being equal to the minimum value A, reduced by a quarter of the value of the difference between said minimum value A and said maximum value a.
  • the low setpoint is equal to the maximum value a, increased by a quarter of the value of the difference (A-a).
  • Such a method of determination makes it possible to obtain thresholds which it is certain that they will not be crossed until a variation in thickness is detected, and not due to the hazards in the homogeneity of the fabrics.
  • the invention also applies to the detection of the edge of a single thickness of fabric.
  • the calibration of the device determination of the set values is carried out in the same way by adjusting the radiation level and by recording the above-mentioned high values in the absence of fabric (for a few seconds to take account of the interference) and by recording the low values in the presence of the fabric layer which is moved under the detector for also a few seconds.
  • the invention finds an interesting application in the clothing and furnishing industry where numerous repetitive sewing operations are present.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Sewing Machines And Sewing (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices With Unspecified Measuring Means (AREA)
  • Analysing Materials By The Use Of Radiation (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)
  • Length-Measuring Devices Using Wave Or Particle Radiation (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)

Abstract

A device for detecting a thickness variation of a piece of fabric passing under the presser foot of a sewing machine. The device includes a transmitter and receiver between which the fabric passes. The receiver stores maximum and minimum signals in memory units generated when the fabric passes between the transmitter and receiver. A computing unit calibrates the thresholds as a function of the stored maximum and minimum signals. A comparator compares the incoming signals with the calibrated thresholds and sends a signal to a logic unit to control the sewing operations accordingly.

Description

De nombreuses opérations de couture et notamment des surpiqûres sont réalisées parallèlement à un bord de la pièce d'étoffe, bord qui peut présenter des angles nécessitant un arrêt de la couture à une distance déterminée d'un des côtés de l'angle, une rotation de la pièce à coudre, une reprise du piquage jusqu'à l'angle suivant ...Many sewing operations and in particular topstitching are carried out parallel to an edge of the piece of fabric, edge which may have angles requiring stopping the sewing at a determined distance from one side of the angle, a rotation of the sewing piece, a resumption of the stitching to the next angle ...

L'automatisation de ce genre de piqûres nécessite de pouvoir commander l'arrêt de l'opération à une distance déterminée du bord de l'étoffe, donc de détecter le passage de ce bord en regard d'un point déterminé par rapport à l'aiguille. Il est relativement simple de détecter un bord franc d'une étoffe serrée, opaque; il est beaucoup plus délicat de détecter le même bord d'une étoffe très transparente et surtout le bord d'une seconde épaisseur d'étoffe à coudre sur un fond (cas notamment de poches de vêtement plaquées)The automation of this kind of bites requires being able to control the stopping of the operation at a determined distance from the edge of the fabric, therefore to detect the passage of this edge opposite a determined point relative to the needle. It is relatively simple to detect a clear edge of a tight, opaque fabric; it is much more difficult to detect the same edge of a very transparent fabric and especially the edge of a second thickness of sewing fabric on a background (in particular case of patched pockets of clothing)

On connaît de nombreux dispositifs capables de détecter le bord d'une étoffe lorsque celui-ci découvre par exemple une cellule photo-électrique située en regard d'un émetteur. On sait que la précision de ces appareils est relativement aléatoire et que leur comportement varie énormément d'une étoffe à l'autre. Il est également connu. d'utiliser des appareils semblables émettant et recevant un rayonnement infra-rouge qui permet de détecter des variations d'épaisseur et donc de déterminer un signal de passage d'un bord lors d'une opération de placage d'une épaisseur sur une autre. La précision de ces appareils est petite et ils nécessitent un temps très long pour adapter leur sensibilité à la nature de l'étoffe cousue, selon que cette dernière est plus ou moins opaque.Numerous devices are known capable of detecting the edge of a fabric when the latter discovers, for example, a photoelectric cell situated opposite a transmitter. We know that the precision of these devices is relatively random and that their behavior varies enormously from one fabric to another. He is also known. to use similar devices emitting and receiving infrared radiation which makes it possible to detect variations in thickness and therefore to determine a signal for passage from one edge during a plating operation from one thickness to another. The precision of these devices is small and they require a very long time to adapt their sensitivity to the nature of the sewn fabric, depending on whether the latter is more or less opaque.

La présente invention concerne un perfectionnement important à ces détecteurs du second type au moyen d'un dispositif d'exploitation des signaux reçus par la "cellule" qui rend l'adaptation du détecteur aux divers tissus extrêmement simple à réaliser et qui permet d'obtenir un signal franc dont l'exploitation en logique pour attaquer un dispositif de puissance est simple à mettre en oeuvre.The present invention relates to an important improvement to these detectors of the second type by means of a device for processing the signals received by the "cell" which makes the adaptation of the detector to the various tissues extremely simple to carry out and which makes it possible to obtain a frank signal whose exploitation in logic to attack a power device is simple to implement.

A cet effet l'invention a pour premier objet un dispositif de détection de la variation d'épaisseur d'une étoffe passant sous le pied presseur d'une machine à coudre, destiné à émettre un signal en direction d'un dispositif logique de commande des opérations de couture au passage de ladite variation d'épaisseur. Selon les caractéristiques essentielles de l'invention, ce dispositif est constitué par un émetteur de signaux et un récepteur entre lesquels passe ladite étoffe et par un dispositif d'exploitation du niveau des signaux reçus par le récepteur comprenant un moyen d'enregistrement du maximum et du minimum desdits signaux,commandé manuellement lors d'opérations d'étalon- nage, un dispositif de calcul de seuils en fonctions des signaux minimaux et maximaux enregistrés et un comparateur des signaux lus avec les seuils déterminés, émettant un signal de commande en direction du dispositif logique susdit, lorsque le signal devient inférieur ou supérieur respectivement au seuil bas et au seuil haut calculés.To this end, the first object of the invention is a device for detecting the variation in thickness of a fabric passing under the presser foot of a sewing machine, intended to emit a signal towards a logic control device sewing operations on the passage of said thickness variation. According to the essential characteristics of the invention, this device consists of a signal transmitter and a receiver between which said fabric passes and by a device for processing the level of the signals received by the receiver comprising a means for recording the maximum and of the minimum of said signals, manually controlled during calibration operations, a device for calculating thresholds as a function of the minimum and maximum signals recorded and a comparator of the signals read with the determined thresholds, emitting a control signal in the direction of the above logic device, when the signal becomes lower or higher respectively at the calculated low threshold and high threshold.

Un tel dispositif permet une adaptation très facilement réalisable, en quelques secondes de sa sensibilité en fonction de la nature de l'opacité et des épaisseurs de l'étoffe travaillée.Such a device allows an adaptation very easily achievable, in a few seconds of its sensitivity depending on the nature of the opacity and the thicknesses of the fabric worked.

L'invention a, à cet égard, un second objet résidant dans .le procédé d'étalonnage du dispositif de détection susdit consistant à établir deux seuils de détection correspondant respectivement à une première épaisseur et une seconde épaisseur d'étoffe. Selon ce procédé, on effectue le réglage de l'intensité des signaux émis en présence de l'épaisseur la plus faible à détecter et on procède pour chaque épaisseur d'étoffe, à la lecture d'une pluralité de valeurs, en enregistrant les valeurs maximale et minimale lues, tandis qu'au moyen d'un organe de calcul, on détermine les seuils susdits entre la valeur minimale relative à l'épaisseur d'étoffe la plus faible et la valeur maximale relative à l'épaisseur d'étoffe la plus grande.The invention has, in this regard, a second object residing in the method for calibrating the aforementioned detection device consisting in establishing two detection thresholds corresponding respectively to a first thickness and a second thickness of fabric. According to this method, the intensity of the signals sent in the presence of the smallest thickness to be detected is adjusted and, for each thickness of fabric, a reading of a plurality of values is carried out, recording the values maximum and minimum read, while by means of a calculating device, the above thresholds between the minimum value are determined relative to the smallest fabric thickness and the maximum value relating to the largest fabric thickness.

De préférence, les valeurs minimales et maximales susdites sont numérisées avant mémorisation.Preferably, the above minimum and maximum values are digitized before storage.

Dans un mode préféré de réalisation les seuils susdits correspondent respectivement pour le seuil supérieur, à la valeur minimale relative à l'épaisseur d'étoffe la plus faible diminuée d'un quart de la valeur de la différence entre ladite valeur minimale et la valeur maximale relative à l'épaisseur d'étoffe la plus grande et pour le seuil inférieur, à la valeur maximale relative à l'épaisseur d'étoffe la plus grande augmentée d'un quart de la valeur de la différence susdite.In a preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned thresholds correspond respectively to the upper threshold, to the minimum value relating to the smallest fabric thickness reduced by a quarter of the value of the difference between said minimum value and the maximum value relative to the largest fabric thickness and for the lower threshold, to the maximum value relating to the largest fabric thickness increased by a quarter of the value of the above difference.

Enfin l'une des manières les plus sûres et les plus rapides pour obtenir la pluralité de valeurs né- cessairesau calcul des seuils susdits, consiste à déplacer les épaisseurs d'étoffe au droit du dispositif de détection.Finally, one of the safest and fastest ways to obtain the plurality of values necessary for the calculation of the above-mentioned thresholds is to move the thicknesses of fabric in line with the detection device.

L'invention sera illustrée plus en détail en regard d'un mode de réalisation décrit ci-après à titre indica,tif et non limitatif qui permettra d'en dégager les avantages et les caractéristiques secondaires.The invention will be illustrated in more detail with reference to an embodiment described below by way of indication, tif and nonlimiting which will allow its advantages and secondary characteristics to be identified.

Il sera fait référence au dessin annexé qui représente par une figure unique schématique les dispositions de l'invention.Reference will be made to the appended drawing which represents by a single schematic figure the provisions of the invention.

En se reportant à cette figure on voit une tête de couture de machine à coudre comprenant notamment une aiguille 1 et un pied presseur 2 sous lesquels on a placé deux pièces d'étoffe 3 et 4 en cours d'assemblage par une couture 5. La pièce 3 possède un bord 3a sensiblement perpendiculaire à;son bord 3b le long duquel la couture 5 est exécutée. Pour poursuivre l'assemblage des pièces 3 et 4 en exécutant une couture parallèlement au bord 3a susdit, il convient d'arrêter la couture 5 à une distance prédéterminée du bord 3a pour faire tourner la pièce et coudre le long de ce bord. L'automatisation de l'opération nécessite de connaître le moment où le bord 3a arrive à une distance fixe de l'aiguille. Pour ce faire on a disposé, à proximité de l'aiguille 1 un détecteur de variation de l'épaisseur de l'étoffe constitué dans le cas de figure par un émetteur de rayonnement infra-rouge 6 et, à l'aplomb de celui-ci un récepteur 7 du rayonnement émis logé dans la plaque aiguille par exemple. Ce récepteur 7 pourra être un phototransistor ou l'extrémité d'une fibre optique reliée à un phototransistor. Des moyens de réglage de l'intensité du rayonnement produit par l'émetteur 6 comprennent un comparateur 8b intégré dans un microprocesseur de pilotage de la machine à coudre. Le mode d'utilisation de ce comparateur 8b sera précisé par la suite.Referring to this figure we see a sewing machine sewing head comprising in particular a needle 1 and a presser foot 2 under which two pieces of fabric 3 and 4 have been placed during assembly by a seam 5. The piece 3 has an edge 3a substantially perpendicular to; its edge 3b along which the seam 5 is executed. To continue assembling the pieces 3 and 4 by performing a seam parallel to the aforementioned edge 3a, it is necessary to stop the seam 5 at a predetermined distance from the edge 3a to rotate the piece and sew along this edge. Automation of the operation requires knowing when the edge 3a arrives at a fixed distance from the needle. To do this, a detector has been placed near the needle 1. variation in the thickness of the fabric formed in the case of an infrared radiation emitter 6 and, directly above it a receiver 7 of the emitted radiation housed in the needle plate for example. This receiver 7 could be a phototransistor or the end of an optical fiber connected to a phototransistor. Means for adjusting the intensity of the radiation produced by the emitter 6 include a comparator 8b integrated in a microprocessor for controlling the sewing machine. The mode of use of this comparator 8b will be specified later.

Le principe de la détection est basé sur le fait que l'opacité de deux épaisseurs d'étoffe est plus importante que celle d'une seule épaisseur, ce qui entraîne une variation du niveau des signaux reçus par le récepteur 7 au passage du bord 3a. Cette variation de niveau est alors exploitée pour engendrer un signal transmis à l'entrée du microprocesseur de pilotage de la machine à coudre.The principle of detection is based on the fact that the opacity of two thicknesses of fabric is greater than that of a single thickness, which causes a variation in the level of the signals received by the receiver 7 when passing the edge 3a. . This level variation is then used to generate a signal transmitted to the input of the microprocessor controlling the sewing machine.

On comprendra que l'intensité du rayonnement reçu par le récepteur 7, et donc la variation de cette intensité au passage du bord 3a, dépend de la nature de l'étoffe. Il est donc nécessaire, pour rendre possible l'utilisation du détecteur en présence d'étoffe de natures différentes, à condition bien entendu que celles-ci ne fassent pas écran total au rayonnement, d'associer à ce détecteur des moyens permettant de l'adapter à ces différentes étoffes et ce de manière simple.It will be understood that the intensity of the radiation received by the receiver 7, and therefore the variation of this intensity when passing the edge 3a, depends on the nature of the fabric. It is therefore necessary, in order to make possible the use of the detector in the presence of different types of fabric, provided of course that these do not completely screen the radiation, to associate with this detector means making it possible to adapt to these different fabrics in a simple way.

A cet effet, selon l'invention, le rayonnement reçu par le récepteur 7 est converti en un signal électrique de manière connue qui est amplifié au moyen d'un amplificateur 8 à gain constant. Le signal de sortie de l'amplificateur 8 est ensuite conduit à l'entrée d'un convertisseur 9 analogique-numérique. La sortie de ce convertisseur est reliée à l'entrée d'un comparateur 10, où le signal numérisé est comparé à deux valeurs de consigne introduites dans le comparateur en 11 et 12. L'état de la sortie 13 du comparateur change lorsque le signal numérisé délivré par le récepteur 7 passe d'un niveau supérieur à la valeur de consigne haute 11 à un niveau inférieur à la valeur de consigne basse 12 et inversement. Ce changement d'état constitue un signal susceptible d'être exploité par le microprocesseur non représenté de pilotage de la machine.To this end, according to the invention, the radiation received by the receiver 7 is converted into an electrical signal in a known manner which is amplified by means of an amplifier 8 with constant gain. The output signal of the amplifier 8 is then led to the input of an analog-digital converter 9. The output of this converter is connected to the input of a comparator 10, where the digitized signal is compared to two set values entered in the comparator at 11 and 12. The state of the output 13 of the comparator changes when the digital signal delivered by the receiver 7 goes from a level higher than the high reference value 11 to a level lower than the low reference value 12 and vice versa. This change of state constitutes a signal capable of being exploited by the microprocessor (not shown) for controlling the machine.

L'établissement des valeurs de consigne susdites constitue également l'une des dispositions de l'invention. On comprendra bien en effet que celles-ci dépendent essentiellement de la nature des étoffes travaillées et qu'elles doivent être établies pour chaque tissu.The establishment of the above-mentioned reference values also constitutes one of the provisions of the invention. It will indeed be understood that these essentially depend on the nature of the fabrics worked and that they must be established for each fabric.

Pour établir ces valeurs de consigne l'invention comporte une procédure d'étalonnage de l'appareil selon laquelle on mémorise des signaux obtenus avec les étoffes en cause et l'on procède à un calcul des valeurs de consigne (ou seuils) à partir de ces signaux mémorisés.To establish these setpoints, the invention includes a device calibration procedure according to which the signals obtained with the fabrics in question are stored and a calculation of the setpoints (or thresholds) is carried out from these stored signals.

Pour ce faire on a prévu deux modes d'utilisation du dispositif sélectionnés par un bouton de commande manuelle 20 qui place le dispositif soit en "enregistrement" et détermination des seuils susdits, comme représenté au dessin, soit en position détection.To do this, two modes of use of the device have been provided, selected by a manual control button 20 which places the device either in "recording" and determination of the above-mentioned thresholds, as shown in the drawing, or in the detection position.

En position enregistrement et détermination des valeurs de consigne, on place entre l'émetteur 6 et le récepteur 7 par exemple une épaisseur d'étoffe. L'amplificateur 8 présente un seuil de saturation 8a qui est introduit à l'entrée du comparateur 8b. Par ailleurs, le signal de sortie de l'amplificateur 8, traité par le convertisseur analogique-numérique 9, est également introduit à l'entrée du comparateur 8b et comparé au seuil de saturation 8a. On ajuste l'intensité du rayonnement produit par l'émetteur 6 de façon à rendre le signal de sortie de l'amplificateur 8 sensiblement égal audit seuil de saturation 8a. On déplace ensuite ladite épaisseur d'étoffe pendant quelques secondes pour tenir compte des hétérogénéités de l'étoffe. Le signal de sortie du récepteur 7 est variable sur une plage bordée par une valeur maximale et une valeur minimale qui seules sont mémorisées (sous forme numérique), séparément mais indistinctement, dans des mémoires 21 et 22. Pour effectuer la liaison entre le convertisseur analogique-numérique 9 et le comparateur 8b, et la sélection des mémoires 21 et 22, on actionne un bouton de commande manuelle 23, à partir de la position que celui-ci occupe sur la figure.In the recording and determination position of the set values, a thickness of fabric is placed between the emitter 6 and the receiver 7. Amplifier 8 has a saturation threshold 8a which is introduced at the input of comparator 8b. Furthermore, the output signal of the amplifier 8, processed by the analog-digital converter 9, is also introduced at the input of the comparator 8b and compared to the saturation threshold 8a. The intensity of the radiation produced by the emitter 6 is adjusted so as to make the output signal from the amplifier 8 substantially equal to said saturation threshold 8a. The said thickness of fabric is then moved for a few seconds to take account of the heterogeneities of the fabric. The output signal of the receiver 7 is variable over a range bordered by a maximum value and a minimum value which alone are stored (in digital form), separately but indistinctly, in memories 21 and 22. To make the connection between the analog-digital converter 9 and the comparator 8b , and the selection of memories 21 and 22, a manual control button 23 is actuated, from the position which it occupies in the figure.

Après avoir sélectionné les mémoires 24 et 25, comme dans le cas de figure, on procède à la mémorisation, dans lesdites mémoires 24 et 25, de la valeur maximale numérisée et de la valeur minimale numérisée du signal de sortie du récepteur 7 pour deux épaisseurs d'étoffe, ces valeurs étant également obtenues par déplacement de l'étoffe.After having selected memories 24 and 25, as in the case of figure, one proceeds to memorization, in said memories 24 and 25, of the maximum digitized value and the minimum digitized value of the output signal of the receiver 7 for two thicknesses of fabric, these values also being obtained by displacement of the fabric.

Une unité de calcul 26, faisant normalement partie du microprocesseur de commande de la machine, établit les valeurs de consigne susdites (11 et 12) de la manière suivante :

  • Elle détermine tout d'abord, parmi les deux valeurs extrêmes relatives à une épaisseur d'étoffe et mémorisés dans les mémoires 21 et 22, laquelle est la plus faible : cette valeur constitue la valeur minimale mémorisée A du signal émis par le récepteur 7. Elle détermine de façon analogue, par comparaison du contenu des mémoires 24, 25, la valeur maximale mémorisée a du signal émis par le récepteur 7 en présence de deux épaisseurs d'étoffe.
  • Elle effectue ensuite la moyenne arithmétique M entre la valeur minimale A et la valeur maximale a. Elle procède enfin au-calcul de la moyenne arithmétique entre cette valeur moyenne M et la valeur minimale susdite A pour obtenir la valeur de consigne haute et au calcul de la moyenne arithmétique entre ladite valeur moyenne M et la valeur maximale susdite a pour obtenir la valeur de consigne basse, selon les équations ci-dessous :
Figure imgb0001
Figure imgb0002
Figure imgb0003
 A calculating unit 26, normally part of the microprocessor for controlling the machine, establishes the above-mentioned reference values (11 and 12) as follows:
  • First of all, it determines which of the two extreme values relating to a thickness of fabric and stored in memories 21 and 22 is the lowest: this value constitutes the minimum stored value A of the signal transmitted by the receiver 7. It determines in an analogous manner, by comparison of the content of the memories 24, 25, the maximum value stored a of the signal transmitted by the receiver 7 in the presence of two thicknesses of fabric.
  • It then performs the arithmetic mean M between the minimum value A and the maximum value a. Finally, it calculates the arithmetic mean between this mean value M and the aforementioned minimum value A to obtain the high set value and calculates the arithmetic mean between said mean value M and the aforementioned maximum value a to obtain the value low setpoint, according to the equations below:
Figure imgb0001
Figure imgb0002
Figure imgb0003

On remarque que la valeur de consigne haute peut être aussi définie comme étant égale à la valeur minimale A, diminuée d'un quart de la valeur de la différence entre ladite valeur minimale A et ladite valeur maximale a. De même, la valeur de consigne basse est égale à la valeur maximale a, augmentée d'un quart de la valeur de la différence (A-a).It is noted that the high setpoint value can also be defined as being equal to the minimum value A, reduced by a quarter of the value of the difference between said minimum value A and said maximum value a. Likewise, the low setpoint is equal to the maximum value a, increased by a quarter of the value of the difference (A-a).

Un tel mode de détermination permet d'obtenir des seuils dont on est certain qu'ils ne seront franchis que lors d'une détection de variation d'épaisseur, et non du fait d'aléas dans l'homogénéité des étoffes.Such a method of determination makes it possible to obtain thresholds which it is certain that they will not be crossed until a variation in thickness is detected, and not due to the hazards in the homogeneity of the fabrics.

On a décrit ci-dessus la détection de la variation d'épaisseur entre une et deux couches d'étoffes, mais l'invention s'applique également à la détection du bord d'une seule épaisseur d'étoffe. Dans ce cas l'étalonnage du dispositif-(détermination des valeurs de consigne) est réalisé de la même manière par réglage du niveau de rayonnement et par enregistrement des valeurs hautes susdites en l'absence d'étoffe (pendant quelques secondes pour tenir compte des éventuels parasites) et par enregistrement des valeurs basses en présence de la couche d'étoffe que l'on déplace sous le détecteur pendant également quelques secondes.The detection of the variation in thickness between one and two layers of fabric has been described above, but the invention also applies to the detection of the edge of a single thickness of fabric. In this case, the calibration of the device (determination of the set values) is carried out in the same way by adjusting the radiation level and by recording the above-mentioned high values in the absence of fabric (for a few seconds to take account of the interference) and by recording the low values in the presence of the fabric layer which is moved under the detector for also a few seconds.

L'invention trouve une application intéressante dans l'industrie de la confection et del'ameublement où sont présentes de nombreuses opérations répétitives de couture.The invention finds an interesting application in the clothing and furnishing industry where numerous repetitive sewing operations are present.

Claims (5)

1.- Dispositif de détection de la variation d'épaisseur d'une étoffe (3, 4) passant sous le pied presseur (2) d'une machine à coudre, destiné à émettre un signal en direction d'un dispositif logique de commande des opérations de couture au passage de ladite variation d'épaisseur, caractérisé en ce qu'il est constitué par un émetteur (6) de signaux et un récepteur (7) entre lesquels passe ladite étoffe (3, 4) et par un dispositif d'exploitation du niveau des signaux reçus par le récepteur (7) comprenant un moyen d'enregistrement (23, 21, 22, 24, 25) du maximum et du minimum desdits signaux, commandé manuellement lors d'opérations d'étalonnage, un dispositif (26) de calcul de seuils (11, 12) en fonction des signaux minimaux et maximaux enregistrés et un comparateur (10) des signaux lus avec les seuils déterminés (11, 12), émettant un signal de commande (13) en direction du dispositif logique susdit, lorsque le signal lu devient inférieur ou supérieur respectivement au seuil bas (12) et au seuil haut (11) calculés.1.- Device for detecting the variation in thickness of a fabric (3, 4) passing under the presser foot (2) of a sewing machine, intended to emit a signal towards a logic control device sewing operations on the passage of said variation in thickness, characterized in that it is constituted by a transmitter (6) of signals and a receiver (7) between which passes said fabric (3, 4) and by a device for exploitation of the level of the signals received by the receiver (7) comprising a recording means (23, 21, 22, 24, 25) of the maximum and the minimum of said signals, manually controlled during calibration operations, a device (26) for calculating thresholds (11, 12) as a function of the minimum and maximum signals recorded and a comparator (10) of the signals read with the determined thresholds (11, 12), emitting a control signal (13) in the direction of the above logic device, when the signal read becomes lower or higher respectively at the low threshold (12) and a u high threshold (11) calculated. 2.- Procédé d'étalonnage d'un dispositif de détection, selon la revendication 1, de la variation d'épaisseur d'une étoffe, consistant à établir deux seuils (11, 12) de détection correspondant respectivement à une première épaisseur (3, 4) et une seconde épaisseur (4) d'étoffe, caractérisé en ce que l'on effectue le réglage de l'intensité des signaux émis en présence de l'épaisseur d'étoffe la plus faible à détecter et en ce que l'on procède, pour chaque épaisseur d'étoffe, à la lecture d'une pluralité de valeurs, en enregistrant (21, 22, 24, 25) les valeurs maximale et minimale lues, et en ce qu'au moyen d'un organe de calcul (10), on détermine les seuils (11, 12) susdits entre la valeur minimale relative à l'épaisseur d'étoffe la plus faible et la valeur maximale relative à l'épaisseur d'étoffe la plus grande.2.- A method of calibrating a detection device, according to claim 1, of the variation in thickness of a fabric, consisting in establishing two detection thresholds (11, 12) corresponding respectively to a first thickness (3 , 4) and a second thickness (4) of fabric, characterized in that the intensity of the signals transmitted is adjusted in the presence of the smallest thickness of fabric to be detected and in that l '', for each thickness of fabric, a plurality of values is read, recording (21, 22, 24, 25) the maximum and minimum values read, and in that by means of a member calculation (10), the above thresholds (11, 12) are determined between the minimum value relating to the smallest fabric thickness and the maximum value relating to the largest fabric thickness. 3.- Procédé selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que les valeurs minimales et maximales susdites sont numérisées (8) avant mémorisation.3.- Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the minimum and maximum values the above are digitized (8) before storage. 4.- Procédé selon la revendication 2 ou la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que les seuils (11, 12) susdits correspondent respectivement pour le seuil supérieur (11), à la valeur minimale relative à l'épaisseur d'étoffe la plus faible, diminuée d'un quart de la valeur de la différence entre ladite valeur minimale et la valeur maximale relative à l'épaisseur d'étoffe la plus grande et pour le seuil inférieur (12), à la valeur maximale relative à l'épaisseur d'étoffe la plus grande augmentée d'un quart de la valeur de la différence susdite.4.- Method according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the above thresholds (11, 12) correspond respectively to the upper threshold (11), to the minimum value relating to the smallest fabric thickness , reduced by a quarter of the value of the difference between said minimum value and the maximum value relating to the greatest thickness of fabric and for the lower threshold (12), to the maximum value relating to the thickness d largest fabric increased by a quarter of the value of the above difference. 5.- Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la pluralité des valeurs lues susdites est obtenue par le déplacement des épaisseurs (3 et 3,4) d'étoffe sous le dispositif de détection (6, 7).5.- Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of the above read values is obtained by the displacement of the thicknesses (3 and 3.4) of fabric under the detection device (6, 7) .
EP86401166A 1985-06-03 1986-06-02 Work piece thickness detector for a sewing machine Expired - Lifetime EP0205377B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT86401166T ATE51905T1 (en) 1985-06-03 1986-06-02 WORKPIECE THICKNESS MEASUREMENT DEVICE FOR SEWING MACHINE.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8508317A FR2582683B1 (en) 1985-06-03 1985-06-03 DEVICE FOR DETECTING THE VARIATION IN THICKNESS OF A FABRIC AND ITS CALIBRATION METHOD
FR8508317 1985-06-03

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EP0205377A1 true EP0205377A1 (en) 1986-12-17
EP0205377B1 EP0205377B1 (en) 1990-04-11

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US (1) US4829194A (en)
EP (1) EP0205377B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS61279296A (en)
KR (1) KR870000473A (en)
AT (1) ATE51905T1 (en)
BR (1) BR8602541A (en)
CA (1) CA1273427A (en)
DE (1) DE3670318D1 (en)
ES (1) ES8704220A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2582683B1 (en)
IL (1) IL78945A (en)
PT (1) PT82698B (en)

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DE3843073A1 (en) * 1987-12-23 1989-07-06 Brother Ind Ltd FABRIC PATTERN SENSOR FOR A SEWING MACHINE
DE3905482A1 (en) * 1988-02-22 1989-08-31 Brother Ind Ltd SEWING MACHINE WITH SEWING EDGE EDGE DETECTOR
GB2215835A (en) * 1988-02-05 1989-09-27 Truetzschler & Co Sliver thickness measurement
DE3934933A1 (en) * 1989-10-20 1991-04-25 Pfaff Ag G M ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A WORKPIECE EDGE
EP1777331A1 (en) * 2005-10-18 2007-04-25 Dürkopp Adler Aktiengesellschaft Sewing machine

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JPH0480Y2 (en) * 1989-05-08 1992-01-06
US5118209A (en) * 1990-03-30 1992-06-02 Transtechnology Corporation Print gap optimizer
US7076003B1 (en) * 1999-03-03 2006-07-11 Agere Systems Inc. Constellation design for modem receiver
US6553826B1 (en) * 1999-03-04 2003-04-29 Zellweger Luwa Ag Process and device for monitoring the quality of textile strips
US6715435B1 (en) * 2003-01-20 2004-04-06 Irvin Automotive Products, Inc. Sewing machine for close-tolerance stitching
DE10323158B3 (en) * 2003-05-22 2004-07-08 Dürkopp Adler AG Sewing machine with sensor determining material thickness, has ultrasonic transmitter and receiver mounted ahead of stitching station
JP2016064096A (en) * 2014-09-26 2016-04-28 ブラザー工業株式会社 Sewing machine and control method of sewing machine

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FR2157594A5 (en) * 1971-10-22 1973-06-01 Sick Erwin
FR2179537A1 (en) * 1972-04-11 1973-11-23 Jaep Sa Ets Industrial sewing machine pneumatic controls - incl sensor for stopping air supply when work piece absent
US4248168A (en) * 1980-03-13 1981-02-03 The Singer Company Sewing machine arranged for edge following by needle movement
FR2503201A1 (en) * 1981-04-06 1982-10-08 Textima Veb K METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING AND ACTING ON THE SHAPE OF A SEWING
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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3843073A1 (en) * 1987-12-23 1989-07-06 Brother Ind Ltd FABRIC PATTERN SENSOR FOR A SEWING MACHINE
GB2215835A (en) * 1988-02-05 1989-09-27 Truetzschler & Co Sliver thickness measurement
US4962569A (en) * 1988-02-05 1990-10-16 Truzschler GmbH & Co. KG Method and apparatus for obtaining measuring values representing the thickness of a coherent fiber mass
DE3905482A1 (en) * 1988-02-22 1989-08-31 Brother Ind Ltd SEWING MACHINE WITH SEWING EDGE EDGE DETECTOR
DE3934933A1 (en) * 1989-10-20 1991-04-25 Pfaff Ag G M ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A WORKPIECE EDGE
EP1777331A1 (en) * 2005-10-18 2007-04-25 Dürkopp Adler Aktiengesellschaft Sewing machine

Also Published As

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KR870000473A (en) 1987-02-18
ES555660A0 (en) 1987-03-16
IL78945A0 (en) 1986-09-30
ATE51905T1 (en) 1990-04-15
DE3670318D1 (en) 1990-05-17
PT82698A (en) 1986-07-01
ES8704220A1 (en) 1987-03-16
CA1273427A (en) 1990-08-28
US4829194A (en) 1989-05-09
IL78945A (en) 1989-12-15
FR2582683A1 (en) 1986-12-05
BR8602541A (en) 1987-02-03
PT82698B (en) 1992-07-31
EP0205377B1 (en) 1990-04-11
JPH0234633B2 (en) 1990-08-06
JPS61279296A (en) 1986-12-10
FR2582683B1 (en) 1988-05-27

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