EP2261412B1 - Method for sealing seams - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to u. a. a method for locking seams in an at least single layer material according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to an at least two-layer material according to the preamble of claim 9. The two-layer material consists of a top layer and a backsheet, through which a sewing device a Thread pulls, creating a seam. As a result, the top and bottom layers are joined together either in their entire extent or in a portion of their extent.

The upper layer consists of a rough material and is laminated with the flow-like lower layer and sewn by means of the seams. The seams compress the flow-like sub-layer, creating both a certain visual effect and a three-dimensional impression. Such materials are commonly used in the manufacture of upholstered furniture. The material is several meters long during processing and is provided with a plurality of such, parallel aligned seams. After completion of the seams, the material must be separated into a variety of pieces for further processing. For this purpose, a cutter is passed through the material several times perpendicular to the extent of the seams, whereby the pieces are cut to the desired size. Then the cutting edges are folded over and sewn. Practice has shown, however, that the seams on the (cutting) edges do not hold, but go back on what can extend in the worst case over the entire seam, causing the upper and lower fabric can be separated again.

From the prior art, a method for locking seams is known, in which a thread of a fusible material is used, which is severed at the edge of the fabric, wherein the cutting knife used is heated. This has the consequence that the thread is welded in the separation area, whereby a separation of the seam is prevented ( DE 2 314 090 A1 ). However, such a method requires a structurally complex cutting device, which must be connected to a heat source, thereby increasing the cost of the device.

Furthermore, from the GB 2 078 799 A a method for automatic connection of a material web and a network known. Discrete stitches are used to lock the various materials together in predetermined patterns using a special multi-needle sewing machine. The discrete seams are applied at predetermined transverse locations corresponding to the position of the longitudinal threads of the net. Finally, only the sewing thread is severed.

Based on the aforementioned prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for locking seams and an at least two-layer material, in which a locking of the seam is inexpensive and easy to manufacture, and where complex structural interventions in the sewing device or the cutting device can be dispensed with.

The solution of the problem is achieved by the measures specified in claim 1, which have the following special significance.

The inventive method for locking the seams in the at least one layered material is sewn at predetermined intervals a locking pattern, which takes place over the longitudinal extent of the at least single-layer material. This interlocking pattern interrupts the seam, but care must be taken to ensure that there is no settling of the sewing device between the seam and the interlocking pattern, but that the seam is continuously inserted into the interlocking pattern and subsequently the stitching Locking pattern continuously merges into the seam again. A temporary discontinuation of the sewing device is not required. The locking pattern is produced in one operation with the seam, which is why after cutting through the at least single-layer material by a cutting unit perpendicular to the seam and directly by the locking pattern an additional step for locking the seam deleted. A further advantage of this invention is that the desired locking pattern is produced only by means of the sewing device required per se and / or the feed device for transporting the at least single-layer material. On additional aids can be dispensed with, whereby not only a simple in its implementation, but also a very cost-effective method is used. The seam can have a wide variety of designs and be designed for example as a stitching or decorative stitching.

It is particularly useful when a two-layer material is used. In this case, the upper layer and the lower layer of the two-layer material can be additionally or exclusively connected to each other through the seam. This connection occurs along the substantially entire extent of the two-layer material. This has the advantage that not only the connection between the upper and the lower layer of the two-layer material, but also the locking of the seam takes place in one operation.

The locking pattern is formed in two parts, wherein the two locking pattern forming parts are formed perpendicular to the seam. The severing of the material in a position approximately midway between the two parts of the interlocking pattern has the effect that each cut-through portion of the two-ply material proximate to both cut edges of the material has an already interlocked seam, as the seam abuts each separating edge terminates with at least a part of the locking structure.

Conveniently, the locking pattern can be generated by two different approaches. In a first case, a suturing device which sews the topsheet and the backsheet of the material by means of the suture, first in a direction to the left of the seam and then back again and then in one direction moved to the right of the seam, (alternatively, a start to the right and another method of the sewing device to the left is possible). The sewing device is then returned to the position of the seam and the seam is further quilted. During this process, the two-layered material is displaced in a predetermined direction, whereby a flat locking pattern is formed.

In a second case, the locking pattern can be easily generated when the sewing device is locked in position and the two-layered material to be processed is moved in a predetermined fixed direction to make the seam. To generate the locking pattern, the material is pivoted during the forward movement in the predetermined fixed direction first to the left (right) and then back and further to the right (left).

Furthermore, it is provided that an H-like locking structure is produced by the change of the sewing direction, which is simply produced by a section-wise straight process of the sewing device or the material. The legs of the H-shaped locking structure are exactly transverse to the seam and the material is cut through between the two legs parallel and centrally to this. As a result, immediately after locking a locked seam is realized, which can be dispensed with elaborate reworking of the edges of the seam in the form of an additional lock.

It is optimal if the seam is produced with a different length of the stitches than the locking pattern. Stitches of shorter length provide a stronger bond between the topsheet and the backsheet of the two-ply material. Furthermore, a separation of the seam is made more difficult. For this reason, the locking pattern is produced with a narrow stitch sequence and the seam with a further stitch sequence. The locking pattern forms in this way a particularly stable connection between the upper and lower layers.

Particularly simple and time-saving method of the invention can be used in mass production, where the top layer consists of a rough material. The two-layer material is used in the sewing process for making the seam and the Locking pattern unwound from a roll, wherein the on-roll two-layer material is quilted. Subsequently, a cutting device separates the two-layered material between the legs of the H-shaped locking pattern, so that individual pieces of the two-layer material arise whose seam is already locked at the edge of the pieces. This is followed by a known step of kinking and sewing the cutting edges to the singulated piece, the locking pattern being fastened to the back of the singulated piece. The locking pattern thus remains invisible to a viewer. Even in mass production, additional work steps are avoided, which proves to be particularly time-saving.

In another embodiment, the invention is directed to an at least two-layer material according to claim 9, which is composed of a top layer and a backsheet, which are both joined together by a seam. In order to inexpensively and easily establish locking of the suture, the suture has one or more locking patterns located at certain distances from each other on the two-part material. The locking pattern is produced in one operation with the seam, in which not only the upper layer and the lower layer are sewn together, but the seam is simultaneously protected against undesired separation.

The locking is achieved in that the seam of the locking pattern is approximately perpendicular to the seam. By changing the direction of the seam a separation of the seam is much more difficult. At the same time, any cutting of the material near the locking pattern eliminates reworking to lock the seam.

It is optimal if the locking pattern consists of two parts which are approximately symmetrical to each other, but formed perpendicular to the seam. In this case, both parts of the locking pattern extend to both the right and to the left side of the seam, whereby the effect of the lock is increased and a separation of the seam is reliably prevented by the greater extent of the locking pattern. Alternatively, however, the locking pattern can also run asymmetrically to the seam.

In order to increase the locking effect of the locking pattern, each part of the two-part locking pattern is either zigzag-like or wave-like.

A particularly easy to produce, yet effective locking pattern is generated when this H-shaped similar. Each leg of the H-shaped locking pattern is transverse to the seam and spans the seam on both sides. Such a locking pattern can be generated by merely pivoting the sewing device to both directions left and right to extend the seam. The two-layered material can be severed precisely between the two legs of the H-shaped locking pattern without the need for additional stitching of the seam.

To enhance the effect of the locking pattern, the locking pattern has at least two seams that are either close to each other or running one above the other.

Advantageously, the topsheet is formed as an outer layer of a coarse material exposed to environmental effects. The underlayer is almost completely trapped by the topsheet and serves to wrap and thus stabilize the shape of the topsheet. The underlayer may comprise a compressible material.

The two-layer material according to the invention can be produced by the method according to the invention. Features and details which are described in connection with the material according to the invention, of course, also apply in connection with the method according to the invention and vice versa. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in combination.

Fig. 1

schematische Darstellung einer Draufsicht auf ein mit mehreren Steppnähten versehenes zweischichtiges Material,

Fig. 2

Querschnitt durch das zweischichtige Material gemäß Figur 1,

Fig. 3

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel zur Herstellung eines H-förmigen Verriegelungsmusters einer Steppnaht,

Fig. 4

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel zur Herstellung eines H-förmigen Verriegelungsmusters einer Steppnaht,

Fig. 5

eine drittes Ausführungsbeispiel zur Herstellung eines H-förmigen Verriegelungsmusters einer Steppnaht,

Fig. 6

ein Polsterteil, welches mit dem erfindungsgemäßen zweischichtigen Material bezogen wurde.

Further measures and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description and the drawings. In the drawings, the invention is shown in several embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1

schematic representation of a plan view of a provided with multiple stitching two-ply material,

Fig. 2

Cross section through the two-layer material according to FIG. 1 .

Fig. 3

A first embodiment for producing an H-shaped locking pattern of a stitching,

Fig. 4

A second embodiment for producing an H-shaped locking pattern of a stitching,

Fig. 5

A third embodiment for producing an H-shaped locking pattern of a stitching,

Fig. 6

a cushion part, which was obtained with the two-layer material according to the invention.

The method according to the invention can be used both in single-layered and in at least two-layered material. In the following, reference will only be made to a two-layer material. In Fig. 1 the two-layer material 1 according to the invention is shown in a plan view, as it is used in the production of upholstered furniture. The top layer 2, which is shown in plan view, meaning the top layer, consists for example of a coarse and hard-wearing material. On the surface of the wear layer 2, a plurality of stitching 3a, 3b, 3c extend, which are aligned at equal intervals approximately parallel or asymmetric to each other and extend in the longitudinal direction of the material. Such a stitching 3a, 3b, 3b can be designed as a simple seam or as a multiple seam, which is achieved in particular by a multiple stitching. Advantageously, instead of the stitching 3a, 3b, 3c, a decorative stitching can also be used. In the following, however, the stitching 3a, 3b, 3c should be considered further. Each stitching 3a, 3b, 3c has a locking pattern 4a, 4b, 4c across the width of the material on, wherein the locking pattern 4a, 4b, 4c of the illustrated stitching seams are arranged along an imaginary straight line lying at the same height.

A cross-section through the two-layered material 1, which has stitched seams 3a, 3b, 3c, is in FIG Fig. 2 to see. Under the wear layer 2, a lamination layer 5, meaning the lower layer, is shown, which consists of a flow-like, compressible material. How out Fig. 2 As can be seen, the lamination layer when sewing with the useful material 2 changes its shape. Near the stitching 3a, 3b, 3c, the cladding layer 5 is compressed by the seams themselves, resulting in the wear layer 2 in the region of the stitching 3a, 3b, 3c results in a depression, while in the other areas of the wear layer 2 has an effect in the form of a three-dimensional alignment of the material of the wear layer 2 results.

To do that in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 To produce shown two-layer material 1, the lamination layer 5 is placed under the wear layer 2, wherein for the production of the second-layered material 1, the lamination layer 5 and the wear layer 2 are arranged for producing long webs each having a roll not shown. After superimposing the lamination layer 5 and the wear layer 2, the webs 2, 5 are fed to a sewing device (not shown), which advantageously has several of them Fig. 1 shown parallel running stitching 3a, 3b, 3c and the associated locking pattern 4a, 4b, 4c generated during the forward movement of the two-layer material 1, wherein at the same time the lining layer 5 is sewn to the wear layer 2.

The step direction should be based on Fig. 3 be explained in more detail. For the sake of simplicity, only one stitching 3a is considered. The sewing device sews the two-layered material 1 in the direction indicated by the arrow step direction. First, a vertical seam is pulled as the stitching 3a. To produce the locking pattern 4a, the sewing device pivots approximately transversely to the stitching seam 3a and moves in a direction laterally (right) of the stitching seam 3a. Starting from a tip position 4a1, the sewing device moves perpendicular to the stitching 3a in the direction of the other side (left) of the stitching 3a, where it also reaches a tip position 4a2. From this position, the sewing device moves again transversely to the direction of expansion of the Stitching seam 3a, where it creates a short piece of a seam in the direction of extension of the stitching 3a, and then again to pivot transversely to the stitching 3a in a direction laterally (right) of the stitching 3a. After the sewing device has reached a further tip position 4a3 laterally of the extension direction of the stitching 3a, it moves again perpendicular to the direction of extension of the stitching on the other side (left) of the extension direction, there to take a fourth tip position 4a4. Starting from this tip position 4a4, the sewing device moves again transversely back in the direction of extension of the stitching 3a, where it continues this straight again. The resulting locking pattern 4a shows the shape of the letter H, wherein the legs of the H extend perpendicular to the direction of extension of the stitching 3a. Also in the Fig. 3 a possible section line through the H-shaped locking pattern 4a shown, which is substantially perpendicular to the stitching 3a.

In a second embodiment, as in Fig. 4 is shown, the legs of the H-shaped locking pattern 4a are not rectilinear, but zigzag shown. Also in this embodiment, starting from the stitching 3a, the sewing device initially moves obliquely with a straight seam in a lateral direction (right) to the stitching 3a, which is also characterized by the arrow direction. Starting from the reached tip position 4a1, the sewing device moves in a zigzag movement to the tip position 4a2 on the other side (left) of the extension direction of the stitching 3a to return from the tip position 4a2 to the position of the stitching 3a. To make the second leg of the locking pattern 4a, after a short, almost straight seam, the sewing device again moves to a lateral position (right) to draw a second zigzag seam after reaching the toe position 4a3, which at the lace position 4a4 on the left approaches stitching 3a ends. By means of a short transverse seam, the sewing device again reaches the direction of expansion of the stitching 3a, which it now executes again. In order to improve the locking effect of the locking pattern 4a, the two zigzag seams are made with a shorter stitch length than the other (stitching) seams.

Fig. 5 shows a third example of the execution of an H-shaped locking pattern. Starting from the position of the stitching 3a, the sewing device moves wave-like in the direction of the arrow to one side (left), the shaft approximately perpendicular to Extension direction of the stitching 3a is. After reaching the top position 4a2 moves the sewing device on the already generated wavy seam to the stitching 3a and from there to the other side (right) to the top position 4a1. From there, proceeding on the wavy seam back to the starting point on the stitching 3a, resulting in a double stitched wavy seam. After a short straight piece of stitching, the second leg of the H-shaped interlocking pattern between the toe positions 4a4 and 4a3 is made in the manner described, followed by the continuation of the stitching 3a again.

Not only is it possible to handle long lanes according to the proposed method. Alternatively, short material webs can be prepared accordingly, wherein the edge region is also secured with a locking pattern.

To produce a upholstered furniture, a locking pattern is generated on the two-layered material 1 at greater distances from one another. The distances of the locking pattern in a stitching 3a, 3b, 3c depend on the size of the upholstered furniture, which is to be covered with this material 1. In order to separate the quilted web of the two-layer material, a separating device between the two legs of each locking pattern 4 a, 4 b, 4 c is guided, which in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 marked with the line 6. A upholstered part 7, which is upholstered with the separated piece of material, is in Fig. 6 shown schematically. Here you can see the wear layer 2 with the stitching 3a 3b, 3c. At the edge of the cushion part 7 extends transversely to the stitching 3a, 3b, 3c extending over all stitching seam 8. This transverse seam is produced in that the severed edge of the separated piece of material is folded in the direction of laminating layer 5, wherein on the folded edge at each stitching 3a, 3b, 3c, a leg of the H-shaped locking pattern 4a, 4b, 4c is located, which is not visible to outsiders sewn. Turning over and sewing on the edge is not mandatory. In many cases, in a two-layered material 1 sewing is sufficient without turning the edge.

Finally, it should be mentioned that the H-shaped locking pattern 4a, 4b, 4c are also composed of several, individual components and process sections can, in the embodiments of the Fig. 3 . 4 and FIG. 5 have been explained, whereby even the locking strength of the stitching can be improved. Consequently, a double or multiple seam or a geometric combination of the individual locking patterns 4a, 4b, 4c can be used in order to achieve an increased locking strength of the stitching.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

two-layered material

2

Upper layer / wear layer

3a

stitching

3b

stitching

3c

stitching

4a

lock pattern

4b

lock pattern

4c

lock pattern

5

Underlayer / laminating layer

6

intersection

7

upholstery part

8th

cross seam

Claims (12)

1. Method for locking of a seam in an at least single layer material (1), wherein the at least single layer material (1) is cut in a predetermined interval transverse towards the seam (3a, 3b, 3c),
   characterized in that
   the seam (3a, 3b, 3c) is in a predetermined interval added with a locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c), wherein the material (1) is cut at the extend of every locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c) after completion of the seam (3a, 3b, 3c), wherein the locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c) is shaped in two parts and the two parts building the locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c) are generated approximately transverse towards the extension of the seam (3a, 3b, 3c) and are cut between the two parts of the locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c).
2. Method according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   a double layer material (1) is used, whose upper layer (2) and lower layer (5) are connected with one another essentially alongside the whole extension of the double layer material via a seam.
3. Method according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c) is created in a way that a seam device is moved continuously consecutively towards both sides of the seam (3a, 3b, 3c) during a translatory motion of the material (1).
4. Method according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c) is created by a continuous movement of the material (1) consecutively towards both sides of the seam (3a, 3b, 3c) during a translator motion.
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   by a modification of the quilting direction an H-like locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c) is created, wherein the arms of the H-like locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c) are conducted transverse towards the extension of the seam (3a, 3b, 3c).
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c) is created with a first inching-length, while the seam (3a, 3b, 3c) is created with a second inching-length.
7. Method according to claim 6,
   characterized in that
   the first inching-length is smaller than the second inching-length.
8. Method according to at least one of the claims 5 to 7,
   characterized in that
   the material (1) for producing the seam (3a, 3b, 3c) and the locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c) is uncoiled from a moving coil and after a complete quilting of the material (1) arranged on the coil a cutting device is lead between both arms of the H-like locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c) for separating the material (1) in separate pieces, wherein each edge of the parts, which each comprises one arm of the H-like locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c) is seamed and before seaming is particularly reverted.
9. An at least double-layered material (1), comprising an upper layer (2) and an lower layer (5), which are connected via a seam (3a, 3b, 3c),
   characterized in that
   the seam (3a, 3b, 3c) is in a predetermined interval added with a locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c), wherein the material (1) is cut at the extend of every locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c) after completion of the seam (3a, 3b, 3c), wherein the locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c) is shaped in two parts and the two parts building the locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c) are generated approximately transverse towards the extension of the seam (3a, 3b, 3c) and are cut between the two parts of the locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c).
10. Material according to claim 9,
    characterized in that
    the double-layer locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c) comprises zig-zag-like or wave-like parts.
11. Material according to claim 9 or 10,
    characterized in that
    the locking pattern (4a, 4b, 4c) is at least traced twice.
12. Material according to at least one of the preceding claims 9 to 11,
    characterized in that
    the upper layer (2) of the material (1) represents a use layer, while the lower layer (5) represents a lining layer.

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