JP2003320186A - Linking machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a linking machine capable of performing a more accurate sensing of a cross-stitch of a knitted cloth without having any troublesome work and further performing the efficient linking of the cross-stitches. <P>SOLUTION: This linking machine includes an attitude holding means 12 for holding both knitted clothes having a certain loose course knitted under a state in which the knitted clothes are being oppositely faced to each other; a course expanding means for expanding a cross-stitch of the knitted cloth; a wale expansion means; an image taking means for taking an image of the expanded cross-stitch; a cross-stitch detecting means for detecting the position of the cross-stitch through an image processing; a position alignment means for making a positional alignment between the cross-stitch position and a point needle inserting position; a point needle inserting means 26 for inserting the point needle into the cross-stitch; and a linker needle transfer means 34 for transferring the knitted cloth to the linker needle part of the linker part 28. The course expansion means is arranged between the opposing knitted clothes in such a way that the course expansion means can be inserted. It includes an expansion member for expanding the cross-stitches at the knitted cloth in a course direction. The expansion member is displaced in a course direction of the knitted cloth in such a way that it can be opened or closed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a linking machine, and more particularly to a work for inserting a point needle into an overlock forming a loose course formed on a knitted fabric such as a circular knit fabric and a flat knit fabric of a knit product. The present invention relates to a linking machine capable of automatically performing and linking overlocked eyes.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a knitted fabric, which is a material for a knit product, has a loose course consisting of overlocking stitches so that when the stitches are linked, the knit product is correctly linked to a predetermined size and shape. It is formed. As the stitches to be linked, the overlock stitches are formed to be slightly larger than the other stitches, so that the stitch stitch portions are formed to be large. Then, for example, in order to link the overlocking stitches of the flat knitted fabric, when setting the flat knitted fabric in the linking device, first, an operator pulls the knitted fabric by hand to spread it, and sees through the knitted fabric through a watermark. Overcast eyes that make up the loose course are discovered. Further, the point needle of the linking device is manually inserted into the overlocking eye. Then, the sewing machine is hooked and the overlocking stitches are linked. This work is similarly performed in the case of circular knitted fabric. That is, first, the operator puts his both hands in the open portion of the circular knit fabric and pulls out the circular knitted fabric, and the operator looks through the knitted fabric on the back side as seen from the operator, whereby the overlocking stitch is found. Next, the point needle of the linking device is inserted into the overlocking eye. Further, the same work is performed on the knitted fabric on the front side. After that, in the state where the overlocking stitches of the back knitted fabric to be linked are aligned with the overlocking stitches of the knitting fabric on the front side, the same point needle is inserted into the overlocking stitches and the linking device is inserted. Set.
Then, the sewing machine is hooked and the overlocking stitches are linked.

[0003]

However, although it is relatively easy to find the whole overlocking eye as a row, it is necessary to have experience and skill to accurately detect each eye of the overlocking eye. . Therefore, it takes a lot of time and labor for a person who is not skilled in linking work to visually detect the overlocking eyes, and the work efficiency is very poor. Further, with respect to the circular knitted fabric, it is difficult to pull out the knitted fabric on the front side after setting the knitted fabric on the back side to the linking device, so this problem is particularly remarkable. Therefore, when an inexperienced and inexperienced person performs the linking work, a defect such as so-called missing of the linking (linking drop) occurs, which causes linking by skipping the overlocking points, and the product yield is poor. Met.

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a linking machine capable of more accurately detecting the overlocked stitches of a knitted fabric and efficiently linking the overlocked stitches without any trouble.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a linking machine including a linker needle portion and a sewing machine mechanism for linking the overlocking stitches in cooperation with the linker needle portion, for overlock stitching. Posture holding means for holding the knitted fabrics in which the loose course is knitted in a predetermined posture in a state of facing each other, course expanding means for expanding the knitted fabrics in the course direction in the course direction, and the knitted fabrics in the wale pattern. Direction expanding means, image pickup means for picking up an image including an image of the overlocking eye forming the loose course of the expanded knitted fabric, and overlocking for detecting the position of the overlocking eye by processing the image. The eye detection means, the point needle insertion means for inserting the point needle into the detected warp eye, and the position of the detected warp eye and the insertion position of the point needle are aligned with each other. Includes alignment means and linker needle portion transfer means for transferring the stitches of the knitted fabric to the linker needle portion via the point needle, and the course expanding means is arranged so as to be insertable between the facing knitted fabrics. The linking machine is characterized in that it includes an expansion body for expanding the overlocking stitches of the knitted fabric in the course direction, and the expansion body is openably and closably displaced in the course direction of the knitted fabric. In this way, since the knitted fabrics opposed to each other are held in a predetermined posture and the overlocking stitches of the loose course are widened by the course expanding means and the wale expanding means, the overlocking stitches can be imaged. It becomes easy to detect the position. Furthermore, by the alignment means,
Since the position of the detected stitch and the insertion position of the point needle are aligned with each other, the point needle can be accurately inserted through the overlock eye. Therefore, the overlocking stitch of the knitted fabric can be accurately transferred to the linker needle portion via the point needle inserted through the overlocking stitch, and the overlocking stitch can be efficiently linked by the sewing machine mechanism in the linker portion. Further, since the expandable body can be inserted between the knitted fabrics which are opposed to each other in the closed state in the course direction, it is easy to insert. Furthermore, since the knitted fabric can be expanded by opening the expandable body in the course direction after insertion, the degree to which the expandable body is expanded can be appropriately changed according to the elongation rate of the knitted fabric. The present invention according to claim 2 is dependent on the invention according to claim 1, further comprising an illuminating means for clearly discriminating the overlocking stitches forming the loose course of the expanded knitted fabric, The expander is a linking machine characterized by including a light guide member for introducing light from the illumination means to the vicinity of the overlocking stitches of the loose course of the expanded knitted fabric. In this way, the light emitted from the illumination means is introduced near the overlocking stitch by the light guide member, so that the boundary portion between the fiber portion of the knitted fabric and the overlocking stitch can be more clearly imaged, and the overlocking stitch position by image processing Is detected more accurately. The present invention according to claim 3 is dependent on the invention according to claim 2, wherein the expander includes a separating part, and the separating part expands and supports one side in the course direction of the knitted fabric. Light guide member, a second light guide member for extending and supporting the other side of the knitted fabric in the course direction, and a third light guide member arranged between the first light guide member and the second light guide member. And a first light guide member, a second light guide member, and a third light guide member are arranged to face each other at a position corresponding to the insertion direction of the point needle.
It is a linking machine. In this way, since the first light guide member, the second light guide member, and the third light guide member are displaced to positions corresponding to the insertion direction of the point needles, it is possible to adjust and absorb the difference in overlocking pitch. In addition, it is possible to efficiently introduce light from the illumination means by identifying the vicinity of the overlocking eye where the point needle is to be inserted. The present invention according to claim 4 is dependent on the invention according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the light guide member is provided so as to extend from one side in the wale direction of the knitted fabric to the other side, and Refraction having a straight portion where the light introduced from the means goes straight and a tapered surface which is arranged at the end of the straight portion located on the other side of the knitted fabric in the wale direction and whose opposite side surfaces are symmetrically inclined. Part, a facing surface facing the overlocking area of one of the knitted fabrics facing each other, and an opposing surface facing the overlocking area of the other knitted fabric The light receiving section is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the tapered surfaces of the refracting section, and the light from the illuminating means is refracted by the taper surface of the refracting section and is received. The phosphor is characterized in that light is received by one of the facing surfaces and the other of the facing surfaces. Is Ngumashin. In this way, the light from the illuminating means is irradiated to the light receiving portion through the refraction portion and is received, so that, for example, the rectilinear portion can have a relatively large thickness to secure a sufficient amount of light. Since the thickness can be set smaller than that of the straight-ahead portion, it is also possible to prevent the presence of overlocking stitches at both lateral ends of the light receiving portion. The present invention according to claim 5 is dependent on the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the expansion body has a tip end portion directed toward one end and the other end of the knitted fabric in the course direction. Is a linking machine. in this way,
Since the part of the expansion body facing one end and the other end of the knitted fabric in the course direction is formed in a tapered shape, the thickness of the expansion body part is smaller than the other parts. for that reason,
When the knitted fabric is expanded in the course direction by the expander having such a configuration, there is a possibility that overlocking stitches located at one end and the other end of the knitted fabric in the course direction may be arranged around the side end of the expandable body. Since it is not present, it is possible to accurately detect the overcast eye.
The present invention according to claim 6 is dependent on the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and conveys the knitted fabric held in a predetermined posture to the point needle insertion means. The linking machine is characterized by further including a knitted fabric transporting means. As described above, since the knitted fabric held in the predetermined posture can be conveyed to the point needle insertion means, it is not necessary to set the knitted fabric at the position where the point needle insertion means is located, and the point needle can be inserted efficiently. The posture of the knitted fabric can be held in advance. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the setting mistake of the knitted fabric at the position of the point needle insertion means. The present invention according to claim 7 is dependent on the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the overedging is located at one end and / or the other end of the loose course of the facing knitted fabric. A linking machine, characterized in that it includes overlocking eye supporting means for supporting an eye. In this way, since the overlocking stitches located at both ends of the loose course are supported, originally,
The overlocking stitches at one end and / or the other end of the loose course whose shape is unstable can be directly supported by the overlocking stitch support means.
Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the need to insert the point needle through the overlocking eye. In this case, the overlocked stitches supported by the overlocking stitch support means are transferred to the linker needle section by the linker needle section transfer means. The present invention according to claim 8 is
It depends on the invention in any one of Claims 1-7, Comprising: The attitude | position holding | maintenance means inserts an expansion body between the knitted fabrics which were made to oppose, and one of the wale direction of a knitted fabric. A linking machine including a jig pallet whose sides are expanded to form an insertion opening. in this way,
Since the insertion opening can be arranged by the jig pallet, the inserting operation of the expansion body becomes very simple. The present invention according to claim 9 is dependent on the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wale expanding means is inserted on one side of the facing knitted fabric in the wale direction. The linking machine is characterized by including a padding member that is arranged to face the knitted fabric, and a tensioning mechanism that is arranged so as to be able to contact the padding member and that applies tension in the wale direction of the knitted fabric. In this case, the tension mechanism
Since the tension in the wale direction can be applied to the knitted fabric by pressing the contact member against the knitted fabric, the knitted fabric can be expanded in the wale direction, and the loose stitches of the loose course can be widened in the wale direction. Therefore, there is also a cooperative action with the course expanding means, and the overcast eyes can be appropriately widened.
That is, the detection of the overlocked eye by the overlocked eye detecting means becomes more accurate. The present invention according to claim 10 is dependent on the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wale expanding means holds a part of the knitted fabric, The linking machine is characterized by including another tensioning mechanism for applying a tension in the wale direction of the knitted fabric by pulling a part thereof in the wale direction of the knitted fabric. In this way, since the tension of a part of the knitted fabric can be pulled by the other tension mechanism to extend the loose stitches in the wale direction, for example, a tension difference occurs between the one surface side and the other surface side of the facing knitted fabric. Even when the shape of the overlocking stitch may become unstable, the tension difference can be eliminated and the overlocking stitch can be stably expanded. The present invention according to claim 11 is dependent on the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the point needle insertion means is one side of the knitted fabric facing one side. Including a point needle insertion part for inserting a point needle into the overlocking side, and another point needle insertion part for inserting the point needle in the overlocking side on the other side of the knitted fabric from the other side of the knitted fabric facing each other, one The linking machine is characterized by further comprising a transfer means for transferring the knitted fabric from the point needle of the point needle insertion part to the point needle of the other point needle insertion part. In this way, by inserting the point needle through the overlocking stitches on one side and the other side of the knitted fabric, and further by transferring the knitted fabric to the other point needle through the one point needle,
The overlocking stitch can be accurately transferred to the point needle to reliably support the overlocking stitch. Therefore, when drafting, it is possible to link the overlocking stitches of the knitted fabric with the linker portion without coming off. The invention according to claim 12 is dependent on the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The point needle insertion portion on the side on which the knitted fabric is transferred further includes a pipe-shaped socket portion capable of storing the point needle,
The transfer means has a point needle abutting mechanism that abuts the point needle of the one point needle insertion portion with the point needle of the other point needle insertion portion, and an pushing mechanism that pushes the knitted fabric into the socket portion and moves it. It is a linking machine that is characterized by that. In this way, since the one point needle and the other point needle are butted by the point needle butting mechanism, the knitted fabric can be transferred more accurately by the pushing mechanism. Claim 13
The present invention according to claim 12 is dependent on the invention according to claim 12, and has a linker needle portion transfer means for transferring the knitted fabric inserted in the socket portion of the point needle insertion portion to the linker needle portion. It is a linking machine that is characterized by that. In this case, the knitted fabric can be inserted from the socket portion of the point pin insertion portion to the tip end side of the linker needle portion by the linker needle portion transfer means, and the overlaid stitch of the knitted fabric can be reliably transferred to the linker needle portion. it can. The present invention according to claim 14 is dependent on the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the linker portion includes a linker needle portion arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction, In the needle part,
The linking machine is characterized in that the knitted fabric is transferred by the linker needle part transfer means at a predetermined interval in the arrangement direction of the linker needle parts. In this way, the knitted fabric transferred to the linker portion by the linker needle portion transfer means is arranged in the arrangement direction of the linker needle portion at a predetermined interval,
The overlocking stitch of the knitted fabric can be linked with the sewing machine mechanism of the linker portion at a constant interval. A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is dependent on the invention according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, in which the linker portion has a waste knitting cutting means for cutting a waste knitted portion of the knitted fabric. It is a linking machine that is characterized by that. In this way, since the discarded knitting portion is appropriately cut by the discarded knitting cutting means, the excess discarded knitted portion can be cut and the overlocking of the main knitted portion of the knitted fabric can be accurately linked. The present invention according to claim 16 is dependent on the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the linker portion is a waste yarn scrap of the waste knitted portion cut by the waste knitting cutting means. The linking machine is characterized by having a waste thread scrap removing means for removing. In this way, the waste thread residue removing means removes the waste thread residue of the waste knitted portion, so that the overlocking of the main stitch portion of the knitted fabric can be accurately and beautifully linked. The invention according to claim 17 is dependent on the invention according to claim 14, wherein the overedging thread cutting means is provided between the knitted fabrics arranged at a predetermined interval in the arrangement direction of the linker needle portion. This is a linking machine, which is characterized by cutting an extra overlocking thread portion. In this way, since the overlock stitching thread portion between the knitted fabrics is cut by the overlock stitching thread cutting means, the linked knitted fabrics are arranged at predetermined intervals in the arranging direction of the linker needle portions as a completed linking product. It The present invention according to claim 18 is dependent on the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the overedging eye detecting means uses an image of the vicinity of the initial overlocking eye stored in advance. Initial overlocking eye approximate position detecting means for detecting the approximate position of the initial overlocking eye by template matching, and a barycenter position of the initial overlocking eye by setting a region at the approximate position of the initial overlocking eye detected by the initial overlocking eye approximate position detecting means And a linking machine for detecting the position of the center of gravity of the initial overlocking eye. In this way, the approximate position of the initial overlocking eye is detected by template matching, and the center of gravity position of the initial overlocking eye is detected by narrowing down the area.
It is possible to automatically and accurately detect an initial overlocking eye with a large position variation. The present invention according to claim 19 is dependent on the invention according to claim 18, wherein the overedging eye detecting means performs template matching using a prestored image of the vicinity of the overlocking eye from the center. Center overlocking eye approximate position means for detecting the approximate position of the overlocking eye and initial overlocking eye for estimating the initial position of the overlocked eye from the approximate position of the overlocking eye of the center detected by the overlocking eye approximate position detecting means A linking machine including a rough position estimating means. In this way, the approximate position of the center overlocking stitch is first detected, and the approximate position of the initial overlocking stitch is estimated based on that. It can be used even when it is difficult to detect the position. The present invention according to claim 20 is dependent on the invention according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the overlocking eye detecting means estimates the next overlocking eye position from the previous overlocking eye position. A linking machine comprising: a position estimating means; and an overlocking eye center of gravity position detecting means for detecting a barycenter position of the overlocking eye by setting a region at the overlocking eye position estimated by the overlocking eye position estimating means. . In this way, the next overlocking eye position is estimated from the previous overlocking eye position, and the center of gravity of the overlocking eye is detected by narrowing down the area. Can be tracked. The present invention according to claim 21 is dependent on the invention according to claim 20, wherein the overlocking eye detecting means inserts the barycenter of the overlocking eye detected by the overlocking eye center of gravity position detecting means and the point needle. When the position is equal to or more than a predetermined distance, the insertion position of the point needle is aligned with the center of gravity position of the overlocking eye detected by the overlocking eye center of gravity position detecting means, and is set by the overlocking eye center of gravity position detecting means near the insertion position of the point needle. The linking machine is characterized in that it includes an overlocking eye correction position detecting means for setting an area narrower than the above area and detecting the center of gravity of the overlocking eye. In this way, when the detected center of gravity of the warp eye and the insertion position of the point needle are a predetermined distance or more, the insertion position of the point needle and the detected center of gravity of the warp eye are aligned and the point needle Since the center of gravity position of the overlocking eye is detected by setting a narrower area near the insertion position of the, even if the overlocked eye position fluctuates due to the inserted point needle when the point needle is aligned, The position of the overlocking eye can be detected well. Even if the above-described processing is performed, it is possible that the detected center of gravity of the warp eye and the insertion position of the point needle do not fall below the predetermined distance. It is preferable to repeat the above process until the distance becomes equal to or less than a predetermined distance.

The above-mentioned objects, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an outline of an embodiment according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view solution thereof, and FIG. 3 is a right side view solution thereof. In the following description of the present embodiment with reference to the drawings, for example, when viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2, the left-right direction is the X-axis direction, the front-back direction is the Y-axis direction,
Further, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the vertical direction, that is, the height direction will be described as the Z-axis direction.

In this embodiment, as an example of the knitted fabric of a knit product, a linking machine 10 for linking overlocked stitches of a circular knitted fabric will be described. In the linking machine 10 according to the present embodiment, in particular, as the knitted fabric W, for example, a circular knitted fabric (see FIG. 42) that becomes a sock by linking loose stitches s of a loose course knitted in the vicinity of the toe portion is linked. It is a linking machine suitable for The circular knitted fabric has a discarded knitted portion, for example, as shown in FIG. 42, to facilitate linking.

The linking machine 10 mainly comprises a posture holding means 12 for holding the knitted fabric W in a predetermined posture, and a point needle insertion station 1 for holding the knitted fabric W held in a predetermined posture.
6, the knitted fabric conveying means 14 for appropriately conveying the knitted fabric, the course expanding means 18 for expanding the overlaid stitch s of the knitted fabric W at the point needle insertion station 16 in the course direction, and the overlaid stitch s of the knitted fabric W for the point needle insertion station 16 by wale. A wale expanding means 20 for expanding in the direction, an image pickup means 22 for picking up an image including the expanded image of the overlocking eye s, an overlocking eye detecting means for detecting the position of the overlocking eye s by processing the picked-up image, Cooperation between the alignment means for aligning the detected position of the staple eye s and the insertion position of the point needle, the point needle insertion means 26 for inserting the point needle into the aligned staple eye s, and the linker needle portion 30. The overlocking stitch s of the knitted fabric W is linked through the linker portion 28 having the sewing machine mechanism 32 for linking the overlocking stitch s of the knitted fabric W by the action, and the point needle. Linker needle transfer means 34 for transferring the needle portion 30, and, for example, a programmable controller or the like as a main control means for controlling the operation of the linking machine 10 (not shown) comprised of such. In addition,
The linking machine according to the present embodiment can be appropriately applied to the case of linking overlocked stitches such as circular knitted fabrics and flat knitted fabrics which are other products in addition to circular knitted fabrics which are socks.

The attitude holding means 12 is a base pallet 38.
including. As shown in FIG. 5, the base pallet 38 includes a base 40 having a rectangular shape in plan view, and a support plate 42 is arranged on one side (left side) in the length direction of the base 40. As shown in FIG. 6, the support plate 42 has a side view L.
Formed in a letter shape, and the short side portion 42a of the support plate 42
Are fixed to the base 40 by fixing means 44 such as bolts. In the long side portion 42b of the support plate 42, the overlocking stitch s
For example, a support pin unit 46 is provided as the overlocking eye supporting means for supporting the. The support pin unit 46 is
The loose course is inserted into the overlocking eye s located at one end and supports the overlocking eye s.

The support pin unit 46 includes a support piece 48 having an L-shape in plan view, and a support pin 50 for supporting the overlocking stitch s is arranged on the support piece 48. The support pin 50 is disposed so as to project straight forward as seen in FIGS.
The support piece 48 is, for example, an L-shaped bracket 52 in a side view.
Is supported by the support plate 42. The bracket 52 has a long hole 52a on one side and a long hole 52b on the other side. One side of the bracket 52 is fixed to one side of the support piece 48 by a fixing means 54 such as a screw, and the other side is fixed to the support plate 42 by a similar fixing means 56.

As shown in FIG. 5, the supporting piece 48 is arranged such that the fixing means 54 can be appropriately displaced in the longitudinal direction of the long hole 52a of the bracket 52, so that the mounting position of the supporting piece 48 is in the Y-axis direction. Can be adjusted to. As shown in FIG. 4, the bracket 52 itself has the fixing means 56 and the bracket 5.
The bracket 5 with respect to the support plate 42 is arranged so as to be appropriately displaceable in the length direction of the second long hole 52b.
The mounting position of 2 can be adjusted appropriately in the Z-axis direction of the support plate 42.

As shown in FIG. 6, the base pallet 38 has another supporting plate 58 which is, for example, vertically long rectangular in a side view.
Further includes. As shown in FIG. 5, the support plate 58 is disposed on the other side (right side) in the length direction of the base 40 and on the one side (front side) in the width direction of the base 40. The lower end side of the support plate 58 is fixed to the side end of the base 40 by a fixing means 60 such as a screw or a bolt, and the upper end side thereof is fixed to a fixing plate 64 described later by a similar fixing means 62.

Between the support plates 42 and 58, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, a fixed plate 64 having a horizontally long rectangular shape in a front view is horizontally provided. One end side (left end side) in the longitudinal direction of the fixing plate 64 is a fixing means 6 such as a screw or a bolt.
6 is fixed to the middle portion in the height direction of the support plate 42, and the other end side (right end side) in the longitudinal direction thereof is fixed to the upper side portion in the height direction of the support plate 58 by the same fixing means 62.

As shown in FIG. 4, the base pallet 38 includes a slide plate 68 which is L-shaped when viewed from the front. The slide plate 68 is slidably disposed on the fixed plate 64 by the linear motion guide member 70. The linear motion guide member 70 includes a guide rail portion 72 and the guide rail portion 7.
2 includes a movable portion 74 that is slidable along. The movable portion 74 is provided in a groove (not shown) of the guide rail portion 72,
It is movably supported in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail portion 72 via rolling elements (not shown). In the rolling element, for example, four-direction equal load type ball rows are arranged at a contact angle of 45 degrees so that the same rated load is obtained in four directions, for example, the radial direction, the reverse radial direction, and the left-right direction.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the guide rail portion 72 is arranged on the fixed plate 64 and the movable portion 74 is arranged on the slide plate 68.
As shown in FIG. 4, the guide rail portion 72 is fixed to the front side of the fixed plate 64 by fixing means 73 such as a screw, and the movable portion 74 is fixed to the back side of the slide plate 68 by the same fixing means 75. It As shown in FIG. 4, the movable portion 74 is slidably displaced in the X-axis direction, and accordingly, the slide plate 68 is also displaceable in the X-axis direction.

On the slide plate 68, another support pin unit 76 is provided on the upper end side of one side 68a as the overlocking eye supporting means for supporting the overlocking eye s. The support pin unit 76 is inserted into the overlocking eye s located at the other end of the loose course and supports the overlocking eye s.

The support pin unit 76 includes a support piece 78 having an L-shape in plan view, and the support piece 78 is provided with a support pin 80 for supporting the overlocking stitch s. The support pin 80 is
As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, they are arranged so as to project straight forward. The support piece 78 is supported by the slide plate 68 via a fixing bracket 82 having a rectangular shape in plan view, for example. In this case, the short side portion of the support piece 78 is fixed to the fixing bracket 82 by fixing means 84 such as a screw. Support piece 78
The short side portion has a long hole 78a, for example. Long hole 78a
By arranging the fixing means 84 so that the fixing means 84 can be displaced appropriately in the lengthwise direction of FIG.
It can be adjusted in the axial direction. The fixing bracket 82 is fixed to the slide plate 68 by the same fixing means 86.

As shown in FIG. 5, the slide plate 68 is biased in the X-axis direction by biasing means 88 such as a tension spring. The biasing means 88 has one end supported by the fixed plate 64 and the other end supported by the slide plate 68. That is, the fixed plate 64 is provided with the locking pin 90 projecting forward from the middle portion in the length direction thereof, and the slide plate 68 is provided with another engaging member projecting forward from one end side in the length direction thereof. A stop pin 92 is provided. The biasing means 88 has one end locked to one locking pin 90 and the other end locked to the other locking pin 92.

The slide plate 68 is urged by the urging means 88 in the X-axis direction within a predetermined range. In that case, for example, as shown in FIGS.
The displacement stop position on the right side in the X-axis direction is regulated so as to be stopped at a desired stop position in consideration of the urging force and the urging length of the urging means 88.

The displacement stop position on the left side of the slide plate 68 in the X-axis direction is regulated by a stopper 94 so as to stop at a desired stop position. In this case, the stopper 94 is fixed to the left end in the length direction of the slide plate 68 by a fixing means 96 such as a screw as seen in FIGS. On the other hand, on the back side of the fixed plate 64, for example, a plunger 98 as a stop member is arranged. Then, the pin 98a of the plunger 98 hits the stopper 94 to define the displacement stop position on the left side of the slide plate 68 in the X-axis direction.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the slide plate 68 is, for example, an L-shaped hook portion 10 in plan view.
Has 0. The hook portion 100 is a slide plate 68.
It is arranged on the lower end side of the one side portion 68a. Hook part 10
Reference numeral 0 denotes a point needle insertion station 16 which will be described later and is a member that plays a role when the support pin 80 is further displaced in the X-axis direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the base pallet 38 has a member 102 to be detected at a predetermined position on the lower surface of the base 40. The member 102 to be detected is the base needle 3 at the point needle insertion station 16 described later.
It has a function as an object to be detected when 8 is positioned at a predetermined position. The detected member 102 has a side view L.
The detection piece 104 includes a character-shaped detection piece 104, and the detection piece 104 is attached to the lower surface of the base 40 via a mounting bracket 106. The long side of the detected piece 104 is fixed to the mounting bracket 106 by fixing means 108 such as a bolt,
The surfaces of the short sides are arranged so as to face downward. The mounting bracket 106 is attached to the base 40 by similar fixing means (not shown).

Further, the base pallet 38 has a carrying and supporting means 110 for supporting the base pallet 38 on a knitted fabric carrying means 14 which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 5, the carrying support means 110 is a carry plate 11 having a rectangular shape in plan view.
2, and is fixed on the carry plate 112 by fixing means 114 such as a bolt. Carry plate 1
On the lower surface of 12, for example, four journal roller portions (not shown) are arranged. The four journal roller portions are arranged so as to face each other at a predetermined interval in the width direction (front-back direction) of the carry plate 112. The four journal rollers (not shown) are attached to the lower surface of the carry plate 112 by attachment means 116 such as bolts. 4 journal rollers (not shown)
Each has a groove (not shown) having a V-shaped cross section, for example, on its side surface.

On the other hand, a frame 1 of a knitted fabric conveying means 14 which will be described later.
As shown in FIG. 6, a transport guide rail portion 118 is disposed on the upper surface of 54. The transport guide rail portion 118 is
The side surface thereof has an overhanging portion 120 having a V-shaped cross section, for example, and serves as a contact surface with the groove portion of the journal roller (not shown). In this case, opposed journal rollers (not shown) are arranged in mesh with each other so as to hold both side surfaces of the transport guide rail portion 118. And
A journal roller (not shown) is supported on the gantry 154 of the knitted fabric transporting means 14 while being in contact with both side surfaces of the transport guide rail portion 118 while using the contact surface as a rolling surface.

Further, the base pallet 38 further includes connecting means 122 for connecting the base pallet 38 to the knitted fabric conveying means 14 which will be described later. The connection means 122 is
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it includes a projecting plate 124 having a rectangular shape in a plan view that projects straight rearward from the other end (rear end) of the base 40 in the width direction. On the lower surface of the projecting plate 124, sandwiching parts 126 and 128 having a rectangular shape in a side view are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the projecting plate 124.

On the other hand, a connecting attachment piece 130 is provided on the timing belt 158 of the knitted fabric conveying means 14 which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 6, the connecting attachment piece 130 includes, for example, a rectangular vertical portion 132 protruding outward from the body surface portion 158 a of the timing belt 158. As shown in FIG. 5, a horizontal portion 134 having, for example, a triangular shape in plan view is formed at an intermediate portion in the height direction of the vertical portion 132. Vertical part 13
2 and the horizontal portion 134 are integrally formed, and the attachment piece 130 for connection is the body surface portion 158 of the timing belt 158.
It is fixed to a by an appropriate method such as welding or adhesion.

In this embodiment, the sandwiching parts 126 and 128 are provided.
The projecting plate 124 is arranged so that the vertical portion 132 of the connecting attachment piece 130 is located with a slight gap therebetween. In this case, one holding part 1 is provided on the upper surface of the horizontal part 134.
The lower end surface of 26 is placed, and the vertical portion 132 is arranged between the side surface of the holding portion 126 and the side surface of the holding portion 128.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the base pallet 38 has a recess 136 having a V-shaped cross section on the lower surface of the projecting plate 124. The recess 136 plays a role in positioning the base pallet 38 at a predetermined position in cooperation with a positioning means for positioning the base pallet 38 in the point needle insertion station 16 described later.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the base pallet 38 further includes a jig pallet 138 arranged on one end side (front end side) of the base 40 in the width direction. The jig pallet 138 plays a role of constituting an insertion opening portion when inserting between the knitted fabrics W from one side (lower side) in the wale direction of the knitted fabric to which an expansion body 200 described later is opposed. .

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the jig pallet 138 includes a main body plate 140 having a "U" shape in plan view, for example. L-shaped enclosing plates 141 in plan view are arranged on both sides of the main body plate 140 in the longitudinal direction.
The body plate 140 and the surrounding plate 141 are integrally formed. In this case, due to the opening 140a of the main body plate 140 and the opening 141a of the enclosing plate 141, the jig pallet 138 has an inverted T in plan view as viewed in FIG.
It has a character-shaped opening.

The body plate 140 of the jig pallet 138 is provided with mounting plates 144 on the upper surface of the body plate 140 on both sides in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction). As shown in FIG. 6, the mounting plate 144 is formed in a side view, for example, in a triangular shape. Mounting plate 144
Is fixed to one end surface (front end surface) of the base 40 in the width direction by a fixing means such as welding, whereby the jig pallet 1
38 is attached to the base 40 of the base pallet 38.

Body plate 140 of jig pallet 138
On the upper surface of the main body plate 140 on one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction of the main body plate 140, respectively.
Is installed vertically. The two support poles 146 are
The main body plate 140 is arranged near both sides in the longitudinal direction of the opening 140a.

Further, on the one end side and the other end side of the enclosing plate 141 of the jig pallet 138, another columnar support pole 148 is vertically provided upright. The two support poles 146 and the two other support poles 148 are arranged to face each other with a predetermined gap in the Y-axis direction with the opening 141a of the enclosing plate 141 sandwiched therebetween. The two support poles 146 and the two other support poles 148 are attachably attached to the main body plate 140 and the surrounding plate 141, respectively, by fixing means 149 such as bolts, as shown in FIG. 4, for example.

As shown in, for example, FIG. 39, the support poles 146 and 148 are inserted and set with the knitted fabric W in which the loose course for overlock stitch is knitted facing each other so that a predetermined posture is obtained. Held in. In this case, the support poles 146 and 148 have a function of forming an insertion opening portion into which an expansion body 200 described later is inserted by expanding one side (lower side) of the knitted fabric W in the wale direction.

Between the two support poles 146, a wall member 1 having a horizontally long rectangular shape in front view is used as a padding member.
50 are provided. The wall plate 150 has a rectangular opening 150a in a front view at the lower portion in the width direction. Further, a reflection plate 152 is arranged on the upper surface of the main body plate 140 at the center in the longitudinal direction. The reflector 152 is
It is arranged at a position facing the opening 150a of the wall plate 150. The reflection plate 152 has a function as a reflection plate of a reflection type optical sensor for detecting whether or not the knitted fabric W positioned at the point needle insertion station 16 described later is accurately set on the jig pallet 138. It is a thing.

Next, the knitted fabric W held in a predetermined posture by the posture holding means 12 is moved to the point needle insertion station 1
The knitted fabric transporting means 14 that appropriately transports to 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, 4 to 6, and 7 to 9. The knitted fabric conveying means 14 includes a gantry 154,
For example, two timing pulleys 156 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the length direction of No. 4. An endless annular timing belt 158 is provided between the two timing pulleys 156 and 156. One of the timing pulleys 156 can be rotated by an electric motor (not shown) as a conveyance driving means connected via a speed reducer (not shown) or the like. The timing belt 158 rotates in a predetermined direction by the driving of the conveyance driving means.

The upper surface of the mount 154 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 7, the transport guide rail portions 118 are arranged outside the timing belt 158 at a predetermined interval. The transport guide rail portion 118 is arranged, for example, in a track shape in plan view. The transport guide rail portion 118 includes
As described above, the carry plate 112 of the base pallet 38 is rotatably supported and the connecting means 12 is provided.
2 and the attachment piece 130 for connection, the base pallet 3
The timing belt 1 is provided between the pinching portions 126 and 128 of FIG.
58 vertical portions 132 are sandwiched and supported. Therefore, when the timing belt 158 is driven and rotated, the posture holding means 12 including the base pallet 38 and the jig pallet 138 can be conveyed in an endless ring shape along the conveyance guide rail portion 118.

Above the mount 154, the posture holding means 12 is provided.
The knitted part of the knitted fabric W held in a predetermined posture by
A rail portion 160 for sandwiching (see) is arranged. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the rail portion 160 includes support columns 162a and 162b arranged on one side (left side) and the other side (right side) of the frame 154 in the longitudinal direction. The lower end of one of the support columns 162a is attached to the upper surface of the pedestal 154 by a bracket plate 164. The other support pillar 162b
The lower end portion of is attached to another table 155 arranged on the pedestal 154 by the same bracket plate 164 as shown in FIG. 9 and the like. Crosspiece members 168 are provided so as to extend from the upper front surfaces of the support columns 162a and 162b to the front side. One end side of the crosspiece member 168 in the longitudinal direction is supported by the mounting bracket 166 to support pillars 162a,
A rail support panel 170, which is fixed to 162b and has a laterally long rectangular shape in a front view, is disposed on the other end side in the longitudinal direction thereof.

The rail support panel 170 has two sandwiching rail pieces 172 and 174 arranged at a front end portion of the rail support panel 170 with a predetermined interval. The interval between the two sandwiching rail pieces 172 and 174 is set to such an extent that the discarded knitted portion (see FIG. 42) of the knitted fabric W is sandwiched therebetween and the discarded knitted portion does not fall off.

Further, the rail support panel 170 is provided at a portion located at a point needle insertion station 16 described later, in particular, as shown in FIG. 7, a movable holding rail piece 176.
Have. The movable sandwiching rail piece 176 includes a movable sandwiching rail piece body 178, and operation pieces 180 having a vertically long rectangular shape in plan view are arranged on both sides of the movable sandwiching rail piece body 178 in the longitudinal direction. The movable holding rail piece body 178 and the operating piece 180 are integrally formed.

An actuator 182 such as an auto switch type air cylinder is attached to the upper surface of the operating piece 180. The actuator 182 includes a movable table 184 having a linear guide portion (not shown) and having an L-shaped side view,
The movable table 184 is a cylinder tube (not shown).
When the piston rod (not shown) reciprocates, it reciprocates linearly along a linear guide portion (not shown). The movable table 184 is the cylinder bracket 18
It is connected to the actuating piece 180 via 6. Therefore, due to the action of the actuator 182, the movable holding rail piece 176 can be displaced in the Y-axis direction as viewed in FIG.
In this case, the movable holding rail piece 176 and the holding rail piece 172 can be closed in a close contact state.

Further, the rail support panel 170 is provided with another actuator 188 such as an air cylinder, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. The actuator 188 is the rod 18 of the actuator 188.
8a is a sandwiching rail piece 172 and a movable sandwiching rail piece 176.
When and are in the closed state, the vicinity of the boundary between the holding rail piece 172 and the movable holding rail piece 176 can be pressed from above.

Further, the actuator 188 is arranged by another actuator 192 such as an air cylinder so that it can be displaced in the X-axis direction when the actuator 188 is viewed in FIG. The actuator 188 and the other actuator 192 are connected to each other by a connecting bracket 190 having, for example, a dogleg shape in a side view, as shown in FIG. In this case, one actuator 188
Is a connecting bracket 190 by a fixing means such as a bolt.
The actuator 192 is fixed to one side of the connecting bracket 190 by the same fixing means. Therefore, the rod 18 of the actuator 188
8a is a sandwiching rail piece 172 and a movable sandwiching rail piece 17
It is possible to displace the actuator 188 in the X-axis direction while pressing the vicinity of the boundary between 6 from above.

Next, a description will be given of the overlocking stitch expanding means for expanding the overlocking stitch s of the knitted fabric W in the point needle insertion station 16 in the course direction and the wale direction. First, the course expanding means 18 for expanding the overlocking stitch s of the knitted fabric W in the course direction will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. 43 and the like. Course expansion means 18
Includes an expansion body 200, and the expansion body 200 is held in a predetermined posture by the posture holding means 12, and is arranged so as to be insertable between the facing knitted fabrics W. The expansion body 200 serves as a separating unit.
For example, the first light guide member 202, the second light guide member 204, and the third light guide member 206 each having a vertically long rectangular shape are included. The first light guide member 202, the second light guide member 204, and the third light guide member 206 are each viewed separately, for example, in FIG.
It is arranged so as to be displaceable in the X-axis direction.

The first light guide member 202 is one side of the knitted fabric W in the course direction, and in the present embodiment, for example, FIGS.
3, the right side of the knitted fabric W in the course direction is expanded and supported, and the second light guide member 204 expands the other side of the knitted fabric W in the course direction, that is, the left side. It is something to support. The second light guide member 206 is arranged between the first light guide member 202 and the second light guide member 204 so as to be displaceable in the X-axis direction. First light guide member 202, second light guide member 20
The fourth and third light guide members 206 are arranged so as to be displaceable in the X-axis direction so as to be opposed to the positions corresponding to the insertion direction of the point needles 452 in the point needle insertion means 26 described later.

The first light guide member 202 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
2, as shown in FIG.
It is arranged so that it can be displaced in the axial direction. Straight guide device 208
Is a substantially U-shaped cross section and has a raceway rolling surface of a rolling element on the inner side surface thereof.
10, a movable table 212 having a bearing block 211 capable of reciprocating linear movement in the concave rail portion 210a, a ball screw shaft 214 screwed to the bearing block 211 of the movable table 212, and a bearing supporting the ball screw shaft 214. Ball screw shaft 2 including parts (not shown)
14 is rotatably driven by drive means 216 such as a servomotor. Linear guide device 208 and drive means 2
16 is disposed on the guide base 218.

The first light guide member 202 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 16 and the like, it is mounted on the upper surface of the movable table 212 by a mounting bracket 220 having an L-shaped cross section. The mounting bracket 220 is a fixing means 22 such as a bolt.
2, one side portion is fixed to the lower end side of the first light guide member 202 in the longitudinal direction, and the other side portion is movable table 21.
It is fixed to the upper surface of 2.

As shown in FIG. 12, the second light guide member 204 is arranged so as to be displaceable in the X-axis direction by another linear guide device 224. This linear guide device 224 has a track housing 22 having a structure similar to that of the track housing described above.
Including 6. The track housing 226 is provided with a movable table 228 having a bearing block 227 slidable in the concave rail portion 226a. The second light guide member 204 is mounted on the upper surface of the movable table 228 by a mounting bracket 229 having an L-shaped cross section. The mounting bracket 229 has one side portion fixed to the lower end side in the longitudinal direction of the second light guide member 204 by the fixing means 222, and the other side portion fixed to the upper surface of the movable table 228. Bearing block 227 of movable table 228
Can be reciprocated linearly by an actuator 230 such as an air cylinder. The actuator 230 is supported on the upper surface of the support base 234 by brackets 232 having L-shaped cross sections on both sides of the air cylinder.

The third light guide member 206 is arranged so as to be displaceable in the X-axis direction by a linear guide device 236 similar to the first light guide member 202. That is, the linear guide device 236
Includes a track housing 238, a movable table 240, a ball screw shaft 242, a bearing portion (not shown) that supports the ball screw shaft 242, and the like.
Is rotatably driven by a driving means 244 such as a servomotor. Linear guide device 236 and drive means 244
Are disposed on the guide base 246.

The third light guide member 206 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 16 and the like, it is mounted on the upper surface of the movable table 240 by a mounting bracket 248 having an L-shaped cross section. The mounting bracket 248 is a fixing means 22 such as a bolt.
2, one side thereof is fixed to the lower end side in the longitudinal direction of the third light guide member 206, and the other side is movable table 24.
It is fixed on the upper surface of 0.

On the upper surface of the movable table 212 of the above-described linear guide device 208, another expansion body, for example, a cylindrical expansion pole 250 is provided. The extension pole 250 is supported by the chuck support portion 252 and is erected on the upper surface of the mounting bracket 254. The chuck support portion 252 is attached to the upper surface of the movable table 212 by the attachment bracket 254. Expansion pole 250
Are erected perpendicularly to the Y-axis direction, as shown in FIGS. The tip end side of the extension pole 250 in the axial direction is provided with the hook portion 1 provided on the posture holding means 12 when the extension pole 250 is raised by the elevating means 256 described later.
00 is inserted inside. In this case, the extension pole 250
Is inserted into the inside of the hook portion 100 without contacting the end portion of the hook portion 100 with a predetermined gap.

The expansion body 200 of the course expanding means 18 is provided with a lifting means 25 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, for example.
6, it is possible to move up and down in the Z-axis direction. That is, the lifting means 256 includes the lifting bracket 258. The support base 234 is supported by a lifting bracket 258 as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13. The lifting bracket 258 includes a support table 260 having a rectangular shape in a plan view, and the side surface bracket 2 having a triangular shape in a side view is provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the support table 260, as shown in FIG.
62 is provided. At the rear end of the support table 260 in the width direction, a rear bracket 264 having a rectangular shape in front view is arranged from one end side to the other end side in the length direction.

On the other hand, on the front side of the pedestal 154, a support plate 266 having a vertically long rectangular shape in a front view is arranged at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction.
a and 266b are provided. Guide rail members 268a and 268b, which extend in the length direction of the support plates 266a and 266b, are arranged at the centers in the width direction, respectively. Guide rail members 268a and 268b
Have concave grooves (not shown) on both sides in the width direction.

On the other hand, the lifting bracket 258 is slidable on the rear surface of the rear bracket 264 along the guide rail members 268a and 268b so as to be slidable.
And 270b are provided. The sliding members 270a and 270b have convex portions (not shown) on both sides in the width direction thereof, which are fitted into the concave grooves (not shown) of the guide rail members 268a and 268b and slide.

The elevating means 256 further includes, for example, a movable arm 272 having a rectangular shape, as shown in FIGS. One end of the movable arm 272 in the length direction is supported by the mount 154. On the front side of the gantry 154, another vertically long rectangular support plate 274 is arranged at the left side of the support plate 266a with a space therebetween. One end of the movable arm 272 in the length direction is rotatably supported by the middle portion of the support plate 274 in the length direction via a shaft portion 276 and a bearing portion 277.

Further, an actuator 278 such as an air cylinder imparts a reciprocating linear motion in the Z-axis direction to the middle portion of the movable arm 272 in the lengthwise direction, as shown in FIG. In this case, the tip of the rod 278a of the air cylinder has, for example, a mounting bracket 280 having a U-shaped cross section.
Is provided.

On the other hand, another mounting bracket 284 is disposed in the middle of the movable arm 272 in the lengthwise direction. The mounting bracket 284 includes a rectangular long side portion 286, and short side portions 288 are arranged at both ends of the long side portion 286 in the longitudinal direction. One end of each of the short sides 288 on both sides in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the movable arm 272 by a fixing means 289 such as a bolt.

Then, the mounting bracket 280 and the mounting bracket 284 are rotatably connected by the shaft portion 282. In this case, the mounting bracket 280 is connected so as to sandwich the long side portion 286 of the mounting bracket 284.

The other end of the movable arm 272 in the lengthwise direction is rotatably supported by a guide roller portion 290 as shown in FIG. This guide roller portion 290
Has an outer ring portion 292 having a needle bearing incorporated therein and a stud (not shown) for supporting the outer ring portion 292. In this case, a groove block 294 having a C-shaped cross section is provided at the center of the back surface of the back bracket 264 in the longitudinal direction.
Is provided. The outer ring portion 292 of the guide roller portion 290 is rotatably arranged in the groove block portion 294.

In this embodiment, the movable arm 272 is moved to the shaft portion 276 by operating the actuator 278.
Since it is rotatable (swingable) about the fulcrum, the lifting bracket 258 is attached to the guide rail members 268a and 268a.
It can be raised and lowered along 68b. Therefore, the expansion body 200 supported by the lifting bracket 258 can be displaced upwardly to the point needle insertion means 26 and downwardly displaced from the point needle insertion means 26.

Further, in this embodiment, the illuminating means 300 such as an LED lamp, an EL lamp, a fluorescent lamp and the like is arranged below the expansion body 200 at a predetermined interval. Lighting means 3
12, 00 is supported on the support base 234 by a support block 296 having a horizontally long rectangular shape and a support block having an L-shaped cross section. Lighting means 30
0 is a range longer than the maximum displacement of the first light guide member 202, the second light guide member 204, and the third light guide member 206 of the expansion body 200 in the X-axis direction. It is arranged so as to emit light from below. The lighting means 3
00 includes various light sources other than the exemplified light sources.

Therefore, the detailed structure of the expansion body 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17 and the like. First light guide member 202, second light guide member 20
The fourth and third light guide members 206 have a function of introducing the light from the illumination means 300 near the overlocking stitch s of the knitted fabric W expanded by the course expanding means 18, the wale expanding means 20, and the like. Since the first light guide member 202, the second light guide member 204, and the third light guide member 206 have the same basic structure, the widest third light guide member 206 among the three light guide members is provided. Will be described as an example.

The second light guide member 206 is provided so as to extend from one side in the wale direction of the knitted fabric W to the other side thereof, and the illumination means 3 is provided.
Included is a straight-ahead portion 302 through which light introduced from 00 goes straight.
The straight-ahead portion 302 is formed of a synthetic resin material such as acrylic resin in a vertically long rectangular shape, for example. The rectilinear section 302 is arranged above the illumination means 300 with a predetermined interval. At one end portion (upper end portion) in the length direction (height direction) of the rectilinear section 302, as shown in FIG.
Is formed. In other words, the bending portion 304 is formed of the knitted fabric W.
Rectilinear section 3 located on the other side (upper side) in the wale direction of
It is arranged at the upper end of 02. The refraction part 304 has a tapered surface 306 whose opposite side surfaces are symmetrically inclined.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, a light receiving portion 308 is disposed between the tapered surfaces 306 of the refracting portion 304 so as to be sandwiched between the tapered surfaces 306. Light receiving unit 308
Is made of a synthetic resin material such as polyacetal copolymer and is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape, for example. In this embodiment, for example, DURACON (trademark of Polyplastics Co., Ltd.) is used. The thickness of the light receiving section 308 is formed to be much smaller than the thickness of the rectilinear section 302. The light receiving unit 308 has a facing surface 308a facing the vicinity of the overlocked stitch s of one knitted fabric W in a state where the knitted fabrics W face each other, and the overlaid stitch s of the other knitted fabric W.
It has a facing surface 308b facing the vicinity.

The light from the illuminating means 300 is emitted to and received by the light receiving section 308. The light from the illumination means 300 is
The taper surface 3 of the refraction part 304 goes straight through the straight part 302.
It will be refracted at 06. Then, the light refracted by the tapered surface 306 is applied to one facing surface 308a and the other facing surface 308b of the light receiving unit 308.

The light from the illuminating means 300 receives the refraction part 304.
Since the light receiving portion 308 is irradiated with and received by the light receiving portion 308 through the light receiving portion 308, for example, the thickness of the rectilinear traveling portion 302 can be made relatively large to secure a sufficient amount of light, and the thickness of the light receiving portion 308 can be set smaller than that of the rectilinear traveling portion 302. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the presence of overlocking stitches at both ends of the light receiving unit 308 in the horizontal direction.

In this embodiment, the tapered surface 3 of the refraction portion 304 is used.
The taper angle θ _{0 of} 06 is set to, for example, 56.3099 ° so that the light receiving unit 308 is irradiated with an appropriate amount of light. That is, the taper angle θ ₀ is set so that the overedging eye s can be accurately detected by the overedging eye detecting means described later.

The refraction angle of the light in the refraction section 304 is determined by the material of the straight advance section 302 and the tapered surface 306 of the refraction section 304.
It changes depending on the size of the taper angle. In this case, if the taper angle θ ₁ of the tapered surface 306 is small, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7 (B), the light receiving range of the light with which the light receiving unit 308 is irradiated becomes narrow, and the point needle 45 described later is used.
There is a possibility that light may not be accurately emitted in the vicinity of the overlocking eye s through which 2 is inserted.

On the contrary, if the taper angle θ ₂ of the taper surface 306 is large, the light receiving range of the light irradiated to the light receiving portion 308 becomes large as shown in FIG. There is a possibility that the desired amount of light will not be obtained due to the dispersion of the amount of light irradiating to the. In particular, when the taper angle of the tapered surface 306 becomes a certain angle approaching 90 ° or more, the light is totally reflected by the refraction portion 304, and the light is received by the light receiving portion 308.
Will no longer be illuminated. According to an experiment by the inventor, when the material of the straight-moving portion 302 is acrylic resin, the tapered surface 30
Unless the taper angle of 6 is set to 47.845 ° or more,
The light is not applied to the light receiving unit 308.

The light receiving portion 308 has a retaining portion 310 at the lower end in the height direction, which is slightly larger than the thickness of the light receiving portion 308. On the other hand, the rectilinear section 302 is provided with a sandwiching groove section 312 for clamping the lower part of the light receiving section 308 at the upper end in the height direction of the rectilinear section 302. Holding groove 3
As shown in FIG. 15, 12 has a slit portion 314 having a rectangular cross section and a retaining groove portion 316 that communicates with the slit portion 314. The retaining groove portion 316 is formed, for example, in a substantially circular cross section, and the retaining portion 310 is locked.

In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, in the expansion body 200, the tip portions 318 facing the one end and the other end of the knitted fabric W in the course direction are formed in a tapered shape. That is, in the present embodiment, the right end portion of the first light guide member 202 in the width direction and the left end portion of the second light guide member 204 in the width direction are formed in a V shape in plan view as shown in FIG. 16. To be done. As described above, since the portion of the expansion body 200 facing one end and the other end of the knitted fabric W in the course direction is formed in a tapered shape, the portion of the expansion body 200 has a thickness smaller than that of the other portions. small. Therefore, when the knitted fabric W is expanded in the course direction by the expandable body 200 having such a configuration, the overlocking stitches s located at one end and the other end of the knitted fabric W in the course direction rotate around the side end portions of the expandable body 200. Since there is no risk of being overlaid, the overlocking stitch s can be accurately detected.

Further, the light receiving portion 3 of the first light guide member 202
As shown in FIG. 14, 08 has a notch 320 at the right end in the width direction. The cutout portion 320 is arranged with a predetermined length from the upper end to the lower end of the light receiving portion 308 of the first light guide member 202. By providing the cutout portion 320, when the first light guide member 202 is displaced to the right in the X-axis direction and the knitted fabric W is expanded to the right as shown in, for example, FIGS. This is for preventing the overlocking near the right end side of the ground W from being excessively expanded in the X-axis direction. In this case, the notch 320 is
It has a function of stabilizing the shape of the overlocking stitch s second from the right end as much as possible.

Next, the clamp portion 322 will be described with reference to FIGS.
A description will be given with reference to FIG. 3 and FIGS.
The clamp part 322 does not shift the knitted fabric W to the upper side in the expanded body 200 when the expanded body 200 is inserted from the lower side between the opposed knitted fabrics W inserted and set in the support poles 146 and 148 of the jig pallet 138. Thus, it has a function of fixing the knitted fabric W between the two support poles 148 and the holding portion 354 of the clamp portion 322 which will be described in detail later.

That is, the clamp portion 322 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 19, FIG. 3, etc., it includes two crank arms 324 having, for example, a dogleg shape. As shown in FIG. 19, the two crank arms 324 are arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval in the width direction (X-axis direction). Each of the two crank arms 324 is provided with a pivot portion 326 such as a pin in the vicinity of a bent portion located at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction thereof.
It is rotatably supported by the support member 328. Support member 32
8 is formed, for example, in a U-shaped cross section, and is arranged on the support bracket 330.

As shown in FIG. 19, the support bracket 330 is supported by a vertically long rectangular panel bracket 332. The two support brackets 330 are arranged at the upper end of the panel bracket 332 in the height direction on both sides in the width direction thereof, and are arranged so as to face the jig pallet 138 side of the posture holding means 12. The panel bracket 332 has its lower end in the height direction supported on the upper surface of the support 334, and its front side supported by the reinforcing plate 336. Support stand 33
4 is fixed to another mount 338. This another mount 33
For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the reference numeral 8 is arranged to face the frame 154 of the knitted fabric conveying means 14 at a predetermined interval in the Y-axis direction.

Now, returning to FIG. 18 to FIG. 20, the two crank arms 324 are respectively pivoted by the air cylinders 340 as actuators and the pivot portions 326, respectively.
Is rotatably arranged with the fulcrum as a fulcrum. Air cylinder 34
0 is arranged on the back side of the panel bracket 332.

That is, the crank arm 324 includes arm pieces 324a and 324b. One arm piece 3
24a has a long hole 325a in the longitudinal middle portion thereof. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the air cylinders 340 are attached to the support brackets 330 by attachment members 348 including support plates 342, support rods 344, and fixing means 346 such as bolts. Two air cylinders 3
A connecting piece 350 having a U-shaped cross section is arranged at the tip of each of the rods 348 of 40. The connecting piece 350 is rotatably supported by one arm piece 324a by a shaft portion 352 such as a pin.

In this case, the rod 348 of the cylinder 340
By moving up and down, the other arm piece 324b of the crank arm 324 can swing in the up-down direction about the pivot 326 as a fulcrum. In this case, the shaft portion 352 is movable in the longitudinal direction of the long hole 325a of the arm piece 324a.

Further, the other arm piece 324b of the crank arm 324 is provided with a pressing portion 354, which is made of, for example, a synthetic resin and has an arcuate cross section, at the distal end portion in the longitudinal direction thereof. The holding portion 354 is disposed so as to be able to contact the end portion of the support pole 146 of the jig pallet 138. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, on the upper surface of the support bracket 330, the adjustment member 3 for adjusting the rotation range (swing range) of the crank arm 324 is provided with a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction.
56 and 358 are provided. Adjustment members 356, 358
Are arranged by screwing bolts or the like onto the support bracket 330.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, for example, when one arm piece 324a rotates counterclockwise, the amount of rotation is restricted by the one arm piece 324a hitting the head of the adjusting member 356. .. When one arm piece 324a rotates counterclockwise, the amount of rotation is restricted by the other arm piece 324b hitting the head of the adjusting member 358. That is, by adjusting the height of the adjusting members 356 and 358 from the upper surface of the support bracket 330, the arm pieces 324a and 324b are adjusted.
The swing range of is regulated and adjusted.

Further, on the rear side of the panel bracket 332, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, an air cylinder 360 is provided as another actuator.
The air cylinder 360 is a mounting bracket 3 having an L-shaped cross section.
It is supported by the center portion of the panel bracket 332 in the width direction by 62. The mounting bracket 362 is attached to the panel bracket 332 by fixing means 364 such as a bolt. A rod-shaped removal piece 368 is attached to the tip of the rod 366 of the air cylinder 360. Punching piece 368
Is disposed between the two clan arms 324. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, the tip end side of the extraction piece 368 is the opening 1 of the jig pallet 138 arranged on the gantry 154 side.
It is arranged so as to project to 41a. Therefore, by driving the air cylinder 360, the extraction piece 368 can move vertically between the two support poles 148.

Further, a projecting plate 370 having a rectangular shape in plan view is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the support bracket 330, and a detecting means 372 such as a reflection type optical sensor is provided on the upper surface of the projecting piece 370. To be done. The detection means 372 is for detecting whether or not the knitted fabric W as the detection object is inserted and set on the support poles 146 and 148 of the base pallet 38, and is reflected on the jig pallet 138 described above. It includes a plate 152.

That is, the detecting means 372 includes a light emitter / receiver 374 in which the light emitter and the light receiver are integrated, and the light emitted from the light emitter of the light emitter / receiver 374 is reflected by the reflector 152. . The reflected light reflected by the reflection plate 152 is transmitted / received by the projector / receiver 37.
The light is received by the light receiving section 4. In this detection means 372, the knitted fabric W inserted and set in the support poles 146 and 148 blocks light, and the light from the reflection plate 152 is blocked, so that the knitted fabric W is detected.

Next, the wale expanding means 20 for expanding the overlocking stitch s of the knitted fabric W in the wale direction will be described.
The wale expanding means 20 includes a tension mechanism 376 as shown in FIGS. 21, 22, and 3, for example. The tension mechanism 376 has a function of applying tension in the wale direction of the knitted fabric W and expanding the overlocking stitch s of the knitted fabric W in the wale direction. The tension mechanism 376 includes a rotating shaft 378, and both axial ends of the rotating shaft 378 are rotatably supported by the support plate 380 by bearings 382. The rotation shaft 378 is supported on one end side of the support plate 380 in the longitudinal direction. A timing pulley 384 is attached to one end of the rotating shaft 378 in the axial direction.

Further, a motor 386 as a rotary drive unit is arranged on one support plate 380 via a motor flange (not shown). The other timing pulley 388 is attached to the motor shaft of the motor 386. A timing belt 390 is provided between the timing pulleys 384 and 388.

Further, a roller body (not shown) made of a synthetic resin material such as polyacetal copolymer is attached to the axially intermediate portion of the rotating shaft 378. The roller body may be detachably attached to an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 378, for example. In this case, the attachment position of the roller body on the rotation shaft 378 may be in a range facing the wall plate 150 arranged between the two support poles 146 of the jig pallet 138.

The other longitudinal ends of the two support plates 380 are attached to the support bracket 394 by a bracket member 392. The support bracket 394 is fixed to the slide plate 398 by fixing means 396 such as a bolt. The slide plate 398 is arranged by an air cylinder 400 as an actuator so as to be displaceable in the Y-axis direction as seen in FIGS. 3 and 21, for example. In this case, the air cylinder 400 is mounted on the pedestal 1 by a cylinder bracket (not shown) as shown in FIG.
It is attached to the underside of 54. Slide plate 398
Are fixed to the tips of the two rods 402 of the air cylinder 400.

Therefore, the tension mechanism 376 described above is used.
Then, the air cylinder 400 is driven to displace the rod 402 in the Y-axis direction, and accordingly, the rotary shaft 378 is moved through the slide plate 398, the support bracket 394, the bracket member 392, and the support plate 380. Can be displaced in any direction. Therefore, the roller body attached to the rotating shaft 378 can be displaceably contacted to the wall surface plate 150 side.

By the way, the gantry 154 on the side of the knitted fabric conveying means 14 facing the clamp portion 324 is particularly shown in FIGS.
As shown in the figure, a positioning means for positioning the base pallet 38 of the posture holding means 12 conveyed by the knitted fabric conveying means 14 at a predetermined position is provided. The base pallet 38 has a point needle insertion station 16 which will be described later.
Is positioned at a predetermined position.

That is, the positioning means includes the detected member 102 arranged on the lower surface of the base pallet 38. The positioning means includes, for example, a proximity sensor 404 arranged at a predetermined position of the gantry 154 as a detection means for detecting the detected member 102. Further, the pedestal 154 is provided with a positioning member 406 for positioning the base pallet 38 at a predetermined position. The positioning member 406 includes, for example, an air cylinder 408, and a conical insertion portion 410 is arranged at the tip of a rod 408a of the air cylinder 408. The air cylinder 408 is
The insertion portion 410 is arranged at a position where it can be inserted into the recess 136 formed in the protruding plate 124 of the base pallet 38.

When the proximity sensor 404 detects the detected member 102, the conveyance driving means (not shown) of the knitted fabric conveying means 14 is stopped, and the base pallet 38 is stopped at a predetermined position of the point needle insertion station 16. To be done. further,
When the knitted fabric W is detected by the detection means 372 that detects whether or not the knitted fabric W is inserted and set on the support poles 146 and 148 of the jig pallet 138, the air cylinder 40
8 is driven. Then, the rod 408a of the air cylinder 408 is displaced upward, and the insertion portion 410 is inserted into the recess 136 of the protruding plate 124. Thereby, the base pallet 38 is accurately positioned at a predetermined position of the point needle insertion station 16.

Further, the wale expanding means 20 has another tension mechanism 41 as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, for example.
Including 2. The tensioning mechanism 412 pulls a part of the knitted fabric W in the wale direction while holding a part of the knitted fabric W to apply tension in the wale direction, so that the overlock stitch s of the knitted fabric W is moved in the wale direction. It has a function to expand to. That is, the tension mechanism 412 includes a grip portion 414 that grips a part of the knitted fabric W, and the grip portion 414 includes two grip plates 416 and 418. One grip plate 416
As shown in FIG. 23, the support plate 420 is L-shaped when viewed from the front.
Supported by. One end of the long piece 420 a of the support plate 420 is provided at the slide bracket 42 of the bracket member 422.
Supported by 4. One end of the short piece 420b of the support plate 420 is attached to the one grip plate 416.

The other grip plate 418 is arranged by an air cylinder 426 as an actuator so as to be linearly movable in the Z-axis direction as seen in FIG. in this case,
The air cylinder 426 is attached to the back side of the support plate 420. The grip plate 418 is attached to the plate 430 provided at the tip of the guide rod 428 of the air cylinder 426. By driving the air cylinder 426, the grip plate 418 can cooperate with the other grip plate 416 to grip a part of the knitted fabric W.

Further, the support plate 420 is arranged by an air cylinder 432 as an actuator so as to be linearly movable in the Z-axis direction as seen in FIG. In this case, the tip portion of the guide rod 434 of the air cylinder 432 is the slide bracket 424 of the bracket member 422.
Supported by. By driving the air cylinder 432, the long piece 420a of the support plate 420 can move up and down in association with the movement of the slide bracket 424. Therefore, by displacing the gripped portion of the knitted fabric W downward while gripping a part of the knitted fabric W with the grip plates 416 and 418, tension in the wale direction can be applied to the knitted fabric W.

The bracket member 422 is arranged by an air cylinder 436 as an actuator so as to be linearly movable in the X-axis direction as seen in FIG. The plate 440 arranged at the tip of the guide rod 438 of the air cylinder 436 is attached to the attachment bracket member 442. The air cylinder 436 is supported by the support bracket 444. The support bracket 444 is attached to the rail portion 160 via the attachment bracket 446. In this case, as shown in FIG. 23, the fixing means 448 such as a bolt is attached to the lower surface of the attachment plate 450 arranged at the lower portion on the right end side of the rail portion 160.

Next, regarding the point needle insertion means 26,
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 to 30 and FIGS. 1 to 3. The point needle insertion means 26 moves the point needle 4 from one side of the knitted fabric W facing to the overlock stitch s on one side of the knitted fabric W.
A point needle insertion portion 454 through which the point needle 452 is inserted, and another point needle insertion portion 456 through which the point needle 452 is inserted from the other side of the knitted fabric W facing to the overlocking stitch s on the other side of the knitted fabric W are included. Since the one point needle insertion portion 454 and the other point needle insertion portion 456 have the same structure, the one point needle insertion portion 454 will be mainly described.

The point needle insertion portion 454 includes a base plate 458, and a plurality of point needles 452 are arranged in parallel on the base plate 458 at predetermined intervals in the X-axis direction. The point needle 452 includes a point needle main body 460 that is L-shaped in a side view, and the point needle main body 460.
26 is inserted into, for example, a pipe-shaped socket portion 462 as shown in FIGS. The socket portion 462 is
The point needle body 460 is arranged in the longitudinal middle portion of the long piece 452a of the point needle main body 452 so that the point needle main body 460 can be stored.
The socket portion 462 can be housed in the socket portion 462 so that at least the tip of the point needle body 460 does not protrude from the socket portion 462. Socket part 462
Are arranged in an arc shape in plan view, as shown in FIG.

In this case, the linker portion 28 described later is butted against the linker needle portion 30 arranged in a circular shape in plan view,
When the knitted fabric W is transferred from the socket portion 462 of the point needle 452, the knitted fabric W is arranged so as to correspond thereto. The socket portion 462 is, for example, a support block 46 having an arc shape in plan view.
It is supported by 4,466. The support blocks 464 and 466 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the Y-axis direction. The point needle 452 has support blocks 464 and 4
It is inserted through 66 and supported.

On one of the support blocks 466, a horizontally long rectangular locking block 468 is arranged as seen in FIG. The locking block 468 has a locking rod 470 on its upper surface. In addition, a guide block 472 is disposed on the upper surface of the base plate 458 at a predetermined distance from the locking block 468 in the Y-axis direction. The guide block 472 corresponds to the arrangement pitch of the plurality of point needles 452 in the longitudinal direction thereof, and the plurality of guide groove portions 4 arranged at predetermined intervals.
Including 74. In the guide groove portion 474, the point needle 4
52 is slidably guided.

By the way, the point needle 452 is biased in the Y-axis direction by, for example, a tension spring 476 as a biasing means. In this case, the tension spring 476 has one end fixed to the end of the short piece 452b of the point needle 452.
The locking rod 47 of the locking block 468 is locked and the other end is locked.
It is fixed and locked at 0. Short piece 45 of point needle 452
2b and the locking block 468, between the stopper member 4
78 is provided. As shown in FIG. 28, the stopper member 478 includes a U-shaped stopper body 480, and mounting holes 481 are provided at both ends of the stopper body 480, respectively.
A mounting piece 482 having a shape is formed. Stopper body 48
0 and the attachment piece 482 are integrally formed, for example.
In this case, the short piece 452b of the point needle 452 hits the stopper body 480, so that the tension spring 476 is
The position of the point needle 452 that is biased by the biasing force of can be regulated.

Further, the point needle 452 is particularly shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6 and the like, by an air cylinder 484 as an actuator, for example, in the Y-axis direction (left side in FIG. 26).
Is further pulled. That is, the air cylinder 484
Plate 4 arranged at the tip of the guide rod 486 of
A mounting bracket plate 490 is attached to 88. At the lower end of the mounting bracket plate 490, the tension plate 4
92 is fixed. A shutter plate 494 is arranged on the pulling plate 492. Shutter plate 49
As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, 4 is a point needle 452.
Is contacted with the short piece portion 452b.

The shutter plate 494 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 29, a shutter body 496 having a horizontally long rectangular shape.
including. A projecting piece 498 having a rectangular cross section is formed at one end of the shutter body 496 in the width direction. The convex piece 498 is provided so as to extend from the one end of the shutter body 496 in the width direction at a substantially right angle, and is integrally formed with the shutter body 496. Further, the shutter main body 496 has one end in the longitudinal direction,
For example, a cutting notch 500 is formed by cutting a corner obliquely. The cutout notch 500 is provided to prevent one corner of the shutter main body 496 in the longitudinal direction from entering the imaging field of view when the overlying eye is imaged by the imaging unit 22 described later.

The shutter plate 494 described above is arranged so as to be displaceable in the X-axis direction by a linear guide device 504, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, for example. That is, the air cylinder 484, via the mounting bracket plate 502,
It is supported by the cylinder support block 506. On the other hand, the linear guide device 504 includes a track housing 508 which is formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section and has a rolling surface of a rolling element on an inner surface thereof. A movable table 510 having a bearing block (not shown) is slidably arranged on the rail portion of the track housing 508. A ball screw shaft 512 is screwed into a bearing block (not shown) of the movable table 510. The ball screw shaft 512 is rotatably supported by a bearing portion (not shown). The ball screw shaft 512 is rotatably driven by drive means 514 such as a servo motor,
Thereby, the movable table 510 can be displaced in the X-axis direction.

Therefore, by appropriately displacing the movable table 510, the movable plate 510 is moved through the pulling plate 492.
The shutter plate 494 can be moved, for example, from one side to the other side in the X-axis direction. At this time, the point needle 452 urged by the tension spring 476 can jump forward due to the restoring force. In this case, the stopper member 478 can appropriately adjust the protruding amount of the point needle 452, that is, the protruding amount (protruding amount).

Linear guide device 504 and drive means 514
Is attached to the support block 5 via the mounting bracket plate 516.
Supported by 18. A mounting bracket plate 520 is disposed on the lower surface of the support block 518, and
On the lower surface of 20, for example, four support post portions 522 are arranged at intervals. The support block 518 has four support post portions 52 via the mounting bracket plate 520.
It is supported above the guide table 524 by 2. Information board 5
A linear guide device 526 is disposed on the upper surface of 24. The linear guide device 526 has a structure similar to that of the linear guide device 504.

That is, the linear guide device 526 includes the track housing 528, and the movable table 530 is disposed along the rail portion of the track housing 528 so as to be displaceable in the X-axis direction. In this case, the ball screw shaft screwed into the bearing block (not shown) of the movable table 530 is rotatably driven by the driving means 531 such as a servo motor, so that the movable table 530 is displaced in the X-axis direction. Arranged freely.

On the upper surface of the movable table 530, a cam mechanism 532 is arranged as shown in FIG. 30, for example. The cam mechanism 532 includes a support piece 534 arranged on the lower surface of the mounting bracket plate 520, and the support piece 534 includes the shaft portion 5
The follower member 536 is rotatably supported by 35. The follower member 536 is formed of, for example, synthetic resin in a roller shape. Further, the cam mechanism 532 includes an original joint member 538 arranged on the upper surface of the movable table 530 of the linear guide device 526 and having a triangular shape in a front view. The follower member 536 is disposed so as to be able to come into contact with and move along the inclined surface portion 539 of the original member 538.

Therefore, when the linear guide device 526 is operated and the movable table 530 is displaced in the X-axis direction, the original joint member 538 is also displaced in the same direction in conjunction with it. At this time, the follower member 536 rolls along the slope portion 539 of the original member 538. Therefore, the linear guide device 504 and the driving means 514 supported by the support block 518 can be displaced in the Z-axis direction. Therefore,
The point needle insertion part 454 can be displaced in the Z-axis direction.

Further, the point needle insertion portion 454 is arranged by the linear guide device 540 so as to be displaceable in the X-axis direction. The linear guide device 540 has the same structure as the linear guide device 526, and is arranged on the upper surface of the support table 542. That is, the linear guide device 540 includes a track housing 546, a movable table 548, a ball screw shaft 550, a bearing portion (not shown) that supports the ball screw shaft 550, and the like, and the ball screw shaft 550 drives a servomotor or the like. It is rotatably driven by means 552.

A connecting bracket 554 is arranged on the upper surface of the movable table 548. The connection bracket 554 is
One end thereof is fixed to the movable table 548, and the other end thereof is fixed to the guide base 524 which supports the linear guide device 526. A linear motion block 556 having a concave cross section is arranged on the lower surface of the guide base 524. On the other hand, a guide rail portion 558 is arranged on the upper surface of the guide stand 524. The linear motion block 556 is a guide surface (not shown) of the guide rail portion 558.
It is slidably arranged along.

Further, the point needle insertion portion 454 allows the knitted fabric W, which has been inserted through the plurality of point needles 452, to be inserted into the point needle 45.
It has a pushing mechanism 560 for pushing in two axial directions. The pushing mechanism 560 includes, for example, an air cylinder 562 as an actuator, as shown in FIGS.
The air cylinder 562 is arranged on one side of the base plate 458 in the X-axis direction as viewed in FIG. 25, for example. A support bracket plate 570 is connected to the guide table 566 attached to the piston rod 564 of the air cylinder 562 via a bracket plate 568. The supporting bracket plate 570 supports the pushing member 572.
The pushing member 572 has a plurality of through holes 574, and a plurality of point needles 452 are penetrated through the through holes 574. By driving the air cylinder 562, the pushing member 572 can be displaced in the Y-axis direction along the axial direction of the point needle 452.

In the vicinity of the point needle insertion portion 454, the image pickup means 22 for picking up an image including the image of the overlocking stitch s of the expanded knitted fabric W is arranged. As the image pickup means 22, for example, a CCD camera is used. Imaging means 22
Are arranged on the upper surface of the mounting bracket plate 502, as shown in FIGS. The imaging unit 22 is arranged so as to interlock with the displacement of the movable table 510 in the X-axis direction. In this case, as shown in FIG.
The bracket plate 574 having a character shape is a fixing means 57 such as a bolt.
5, it is mounted on the upper surface of the mounting bracket plate 502.

The bracket plate 574 has an elongated hole 576. To the bracket plate 574, another L-shaped bracket plate 580 is attached. Bracket plate 574
The long piece 574a and the mounting bracket plate 502 are fixed to each other by the fixing means 575, and the short piece 574b and the one piece 580a of the bracket plate 580 are connected to the long hole 57.
It is attached and supported by a shaft portion 578 such as a bolt which is inserted into the shaft 6. The imaging means 22 is attached to the upper surface of the other piece 580b of the bracket plate 580. In this case, the shaft 5
By moving 78 in the longitudinal direction of the slot 576,
The attachment angle and the attachment height of the bracket plate 580 with respect to the bracket plate 574, that is, the attachment angle and the attachment height of the imaging unit 22 can be appropriately changed.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the other point needle insertion portion 456 of the point needle insertion means 26 is opposed to the above-mentioned point needle insertion portion 454 at a predetermined interval in the Y-axis direction. The point needle insertion portion 454 has the same structure, operation, and effect.

In this embodiment, the point needle 452 of the point needle insertion portion 456 does not have the socket portion 462. In addition, in this embodiment, in particular, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the tip sharpened portion 461 of the one point needle insertion portion 454 is more
Is formed in a sharper angle than the tip sharpened portion 461. Further, in the present embodiment, the image pickup means 22 such as a CCD camera is also arranged near the point needle insertion portion 456.

Now, the entire one point needle insertion portion 454, that is, the support block 518 that supports the point needle insertion portion 454, the linear guide device 526 that makes the point needle insertion portion 454 displaceable in the Z-axis direction, and the linear guide. Device 526
The entire guide table 524 that supports the linear guide device 540 and the support table 542 that supports the linear guide device 540 are moved in the X axis direction, the Y axis direction, and the Z direction by the displacement means 582 such as a three-axis robot.
It is possible to appropriately displace in the axial direction.

The displacing means 582 includes the point needle insertion portion 45.
X-axis displacement means 584 that can displace the entire 4 in the X-axis direction
And Y-axis displacement means 586 that is displaceable in the Y-axis direction,
It is composed of Z-axis displacement means 588 which is displaceable in the Z-axis direction. The X-axis displacement means 584, the Y-axis displacement means 586, and the Z-axis displacement means 588 are respectively a guide rail portion,
A movable portion that moves the guide rail portion, a ball screw portion that is screwed into the movable portion, a drive portion such as a servomotor, and the like are configured to be displaceable.

In the present embodiment, by appropriately displacing the shutter plate 494 in the X-axis direction with the movable table 510, a plurality of point needles 452 are respectively provided from the point needle insertion portion 454 and the point needle insertion portion 456.
The structure is such that it sequentially projects in the Y-axis direction, that is, toward the overlocking eye s. In this case, the shutter plate 49
The imaging unit 22 is also displaced in the same direction in association with the displacement of 4 in the X-axis direction.

The point needle insertion means 26 moves from the point needle 452 of the point needle insertion portion 456 to the point needle insertion portion 4
It has a transfer means for transferring the knitted fabric W onto the 54 point needle 452. The transfer means includes the point needle 452 of the point needle insertion portion 456 and the point needle 4 of the point needle insertion portion 454.
It has a point needle butting mechanism for butting 52 with each other, and a pushing mechanism 560 for pushing and moving the knitted fabric W to the socket portion 462 of the point needle insertion portion 454.

In this embodiment, the pushing mechanism 560 provided in each of the point needle insertion portion 454 and the point needle insertion portion 456 and the Y axis displacement for displacing the entire one point needle insertion portion 454 in the Y axis direction. The transfer means is constituted by the means 586. In this case, the Y-axis displacement means 5
86 has a function as a point needle butting mechanism.

Next, the overedging eye detecting means will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 31 to 33. The overlocking eye detecting means detects the overlooking eye s captured by the image capturing means 22.
It has a function of detecting the position of the extended eye s by performing image processing on the image. The overcast eye detecting means includes an image processing device (not shown), and the image processing device used is, for example, a FA personal computer to which a general-purpose image processing board is added. The image pickup means 22
The field of view of the lens of, for example, a CCD camera is, for example, approximately 25 × 20 mm, and the size of the captured screen of the image processing apparatus is, for example, 640 × 480 pixels, and one pixel is set to approximately 40 μm.

Next, the image processing algorithm will be described. First, an insertion flow for inserting the point needle 452 from one point needle insertion portion 454 of the point needle insertion means 26 to one overlock stitch s of the knitted fabric W will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the approximate position of the initial overlocking stitch s on the front side of the knitted fabric W is detected by template matching (see step S101). In this case, for example, as shown in FIG.
Since it is supported by the support pin 80 of the support pin unit 76, this initial overlocking stitch indicates the second overlocking stitch s from the right side. The template is
It is assumed that the initial overlock stitches and a part of the peripheral stitches are included, and those registered in advance according to the type of the knitted fabric W are used.

Next, the vicinity of the detected approximate position of the initial overlocking eye s is binarized, and the center of gravity position of the initial overlocking eye s is obtained by labeling. (Step S10
2, see step S103). Then, the point needle 452 of the point needle insertion portion 454 is aligned with the obtained center-of-gravity position of the overlocking stitch s. In this case, the point needle 452 arranged to face the initial overlocking stitch s is aligned (see step S104). After that, the point needle 452 of the point needle insertion portion 454 corresponding to the initial overlocking eye s is inserted.

Further, after the image pickup means 22 is moved to the insertion position of the next point needle 452, the position of the next overlocking eye s is estimated from the position of the last overlocking eye s. (Step S1
06, see step S107). Then, after setting a wide area for the estimated position and binarizing the vicinity of the approximate position of the next overcast eye s, the barycenter position of the overlock eye is obtained by labeling (see steps S108 and S109).

Further, when the distance between the barycentric position of the overlocking eye s and the insertion position of the point needle 452 becomes less than the allowable range, the point needle 452 is aligned with the barycentric position and the point needle 452 is inserted. (Step S11
0, see step S111).

In step 110, if the distance between the center of gravity of the overlocking eye s and the insertion position of the point needle 452 does not fall below the allowable range, the point needle is again placed at the center of gravity of the overlocking eye s. The insertion position of 452 is aligned. Then, a narrow region is set near the insertion position of the point needle 452 and binarized. After that, the center of gravity position of the overlocking stitch s is obtained again by labeling. When the distance between the center of gravity of the overlocking eye s and the insertion position of the point needle 452 is equal to or less than the allowable range,
The point needle 452 is aligned with the position of the center of gravity, and the point needle 452 is inserted (see step S110, step S111, step 113, step 114, step 115, step 109, step 110). That is, the flow of steps S109 to S115 is repeated until the distance between the center of gravity of the overlocking eye s and the insertion position of the point needle 452 becomes equal to or less than the allowable range.

In this case, in this embodiment, the allowable distance between the center of gravity of the overlocking stitch s and the insertion position of the point needle 452 is set to, for example, 5 pixels, and the maximum number of repetitions is set to, for example, 10 times.

Hereinafter, step 106 to step S will be sequentially described.
By repeating the flow of 111, insertion of all the remaining point needles 452 into the overlocking stitch s is completed (see step S112).

Next, regarding the insertion flow for inserting the point needle 452 from the other point needle insertion portion 456 of the point needle insertion means 26 to the other overlock stitch s of the knitted fabric W,
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33. First, the approximate position of the overlocking stitch s from the center on the back side of the knitted fabric W is detected by template matching (step S201).
reference). Next, the position of the initial overlocking eye s is estimated from the detected position of the overlocking eye s (see step S202). In the estimation, the offset is adjusted according to the deviation of the overlocking eye s position from the center from the target position.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 44, for example, the knitted fabric W
The leftmost overlocking stitch s on the back side of the support pin unit 4
Since it is supported by the support pins 50 of No. 6, the initial overlocking stitch referred to here is the second overlocking stitch s from the left side. In addition, the template includes a stitch from the center and a part of the stitches on the periphery, and a template registered in advance according to the type of the knitted fabric W is used.

Next, in the vicinity of the estimated approximate position of the initial overlocking eye s, the approximate position of the initial overlocking eye is obtained by template matching (step S203).
reference). In this case, the template includes the initial overlock stitch s and a part of the peripheral stitch, and a template registered in advance according to the type of the knitted fabric W is used.

Then, the vicinity of the detected approximate position of the initial overlocking eye s is binarized, and the center of gravity position of the initial overlocking eye s is obtained by labeling. (Step S204,
See step S205). Further, the insertion position of the point needle 452 of the point needle insertion portion 456 is aligned with the obtained center of gravity of the initial overlock s, and the point needle 452 is inserted through the initial overlock s (step S2).
06, see step S207).

After the image pickup means 22 is moved to the next insertion position of the point needle 452, the position of the overlocking stitch s is detected by template matching for each of the predetermined number of overlocking stitches s from the left side. In this embodiment, for example, the third to fifth overlocking stitches s are detected by template matching. Furthermore, the insertion position of the point needle 452 is aligned with the approximate position of the detected eye s (steps S208 and S20).
9, step 210, step 211).

For the sixth and subsequent overlocking stitches s, for example, the same flow processing as the float of steps S107 to S115 shown in FIG. 31 is performed. That is, the position of the next overcast eye s is estimated from the position of the last overcast eye s. (See step S212). Then, a wide area is set at the estimated position, and the next overcast stitch s
After binarizing the vicinity of the approximate position of, the center of gravity of the overlocking eye is obtained by labeling (step S213, step S213).
See step S214).

Further, when the distance between the barycentric position of the overlocking stitch s and the insertion position of the point needle 452 becomes less than the allowable range, the point needle 452 is aligned with the barycentric position and the point needle 452 is inserted. (Step S21
5, step S216).

In step 215, if the distance between the barycentric position of the overlocking eye s and the insertion position of the point needle 452 does not fall within the allowable range, the point needle is moved to the barycentric position of the overlocking eye s again. The insertion position of 452 is aligned. Then, a narrow region is set near the insertion position of the point needle 452 and binarized. After that, the center of gravity position of the overlocking stitch s is obtained again by labeling. Then, when the distance between the barycentric position of the overlocking stitch s and the insertion position of the point needle 452 becomes less than the allowable range, the point needle 452 is aligned with the barycentric position and the point needle 452 is inserted (step S21
5, step S216, step 218, step 21
9, step 220, step 214, step 215
reference).

That is, the flow of steps S214 to S220 is repeated until the distance between the barycentric position of the overlocking stitch s and the insertion position of the point needle 452 becomes less than the allowable range. As in the case of the front side of the knitted fabric W, the allowable distance between the center of gravity of the overlocking stitch s and the insertion position of the point needle 452 is set to, for example, 5 pixels, and the maximum number of repetitions is set to, for example, 10 times. .

Thereafter, step 208 to step S are sequentially performed.
By repeating the flow of 216, insertion of all the remaining point needles 452 into the overlocking stitch s is completed (see step S112). In addition, in the image processing apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment, matching based on normalized correlation is applied as template matching. Further, in the present embodiment, the processes on one side (front side) and the other side (back side) of the knitted fabric W are alternately performed. However, if these processes are simultaneously performed, all of the point needles 452 are The insertion process is sped up as compared to the case where the insertion process is performed separately.

The linear guide devices 504, 526, 540 of the point needle insertion portions 454, 456 are provided with the position of the overlocked stitch s detected by the overlocking stitch detecting means and the point needle 452.
It has a function as a position aligning means for aligning the insertion position of the.

Next, the linker section 28 will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. 41 and the like. The linker portion 28 is
It is arranged at a predetermined distance from the frame 154. As shown in FIGS. 34 and 40, the linker portion 28 includes a large number of linker needle portions 30 which are circumferentially arranged at predetermined intervals (pitch). The linker needle portions 30 are arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction, in this case, a circumferential direction at a predetermined pitch. The linker needle portion 30 has a holder 59 that is circular in plan view.
Supported by 0. The holder 590 is rotatably supported by the support shaft 592. The holding body 590 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, it is rotationally driven by the linker drive unit 594.

That is, the linker drive unit 594 is shown in FIG.
4, a linker driving motor 596 is included.
The linker drive motor 596 is connected to the timing pulley 598 via a transmission (not shown). on the other hand,
A gear transmission device (not shown) such as a gear train is arranged in the linker portion 28 as a transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotational force of the linker driving portion 594 to the holder 590. The gear transmission (not shown) includes a transmission shaft portion 600. Another timing pulley 602 is rotatably supported by a bearing 604 at one axial end of the transmission shaft 600. A timing belt 606 is provided between one timing pulley 598 and the other timing pulley 602.

In the vicinity of the timing pulley 602, the linker needle portion 3 held by the holder 590 of the linker portion 28 is provided.
As a rotation detecting means for detecting the rotation amount of 0, for example, a transmission type optical sensor 608 is provided. An arc-shaped sensor dog plate 610, for example, is disposed between the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 608. The sensor dog plate 610 corresponds to the rotation amount of the timing pulley 602. In the present embodiment, for example, when the linker needle portion 30 rotates one pitch, the sensor dog plate 610 correspondingly emits light from the optical sensor 608. It is set so as to pass a predetermined number between the light receiving unit and the light receiving unit.

That is, the holder 590 of the linker portion 28.
The amount of rotation of the sensor dog plate 610 is set by the optical sensor 608. In this case, the sensor dog plate 610
The amount of rotation of the linker portion 28 is appropriately obtained by counting the number of rotations of the. Then, when the linker needle portion 30 rotates by a predetermined pitch, the linker driving motor 596 of the linker driving portion 594 is controlled to stop appropriately.

Further, the linker section 28 is used for the sewing machine mechanism 3
Including 2. The sewing machine mechanism 32 has an overlocking thread holding portion (not shown), a warp needle portion (not shown), a weft needle portion (not shown), a looper portion (not shown), and the like. Further, the linker needle portion 30 has a groove portion (not shown) with which the vertical needle portion abuts. The knitted fabric W transferred to the socket 462 of the point needle insertion part 454 by the point needle insertion part 26 is transferred to the linker needle part 30 by the linker needle part transfer part 34. In this case, the knitted fabric W is transferred at a predetermined interval in the arrangement direction of the linker needle portions 30. In this embodiment, the displacement means 582 such as a triaxial robot, the pushing mechanism 560 of the point needle insertion portion 454, and the like function as the linker needle portion transfer means 34. The overlocking stitch s of the knitted fabric W transferred to the linker needle portion 30 is the sewing machine mechanism 3
Linked by 2.

Further, the linker portion 28 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 6, there is a waste knitting cutting means 612 for cutting the waste knitted portion of the knitted fabric W. The discarded knitting and cutting means 612 has a discarded knitting and picking means 614, and holds the holder 5 of the linker portion 28.
It is disposed on one side in the diametrical direction of 90. The discarded knitting and picking means 614 has a function of picking up the discarded knitted portion of the knitted fabric W and pulling it up to expand the knitted fabric W in the wale direction.
The discarded knitting and picking means 614 includes a chucking portion 616 that holds the discarded knitted portion.

The chucking portion 616 is the chuck claw portion 6.
The chuck claw portion 618 including 18 is arranged so as to be opened and closed by an air cylinder 620 as an actuator. As shown in FIG. 35, a gripping body 624 is attached to the lower part of the chuck claw portion 618 by an L-shaped bracket piece 622. The grip body 624 is formed of a bolt or the like, and a large number of sharp concave-convex portions (not shown) are provided on the surface of the head of the bolt.

The chucking portion 616 is vertically movably arranged by an air cylinder 626 as an actuator. In this case, the attachment bracket 628 is attached to the upper surface of the air cylinder 620 of the chucking portion 616, and the rod portion 627 of the air cylinder 620 is attached to the attachment bracket 628. The chucking portion 61
6 is supported on the holder 590 of the linker section 28 by the chuck unit support section 630. The chuck unit support portion 630 has a support plate 632 that supports the chucking portion 616, the air cylinder 626, and the like, and the support plate 632 is supported by the guide post 634 by the mounting bracket 636 and the like. Also, the chucking portion 616,
Wiring of the air cylinder 626 and the like is performed by the cable duct 638.
Protected by. The cable duct 638 is supported by the chuck unit support portion 630.

The knitted fabric W picked up by the above-mentioned waste knitting and picking means 614 and pulled up is cut by the waste knitting and cutting means 612. The discarded knitting and cutting means 612 includes a disc-shaped cutting cutter 640, which is disposed in the vicinity of the discarded knitting and picking means 614, for example. The cutting cutter 640 is rotatably supported by a bearing portion (not shown) in the bearing holder 642. The bearing holder 642 is supported by the support panel 646 via the bracket 644. The support panel 646 includes
Two support brackets 648 and 650 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the height direction. The support panel 646 is
An air cylinder 652 as an actuator, for example, is provided so that it can move up and down.

A linear guide device (not shown) is connected to the air cylinder 652, and the bracket 644 and the support panel 64 are operated by operating the air cylinder 652.
6. The entire support brackets 648 and 650 can be raised and lowered. That is, the cutting cutter 640 can be raised and lowered.

Further, the waste knitting and cutting means 612 is shown in FIGS. 37 (A) and 37 (B) as an elevating / lowering restricting means for restricting the upper and lower limits of the ascending / descending position of the cutting cutter 640 which is ascended / descended by the air cylinder 652. The upper limit stopper knob 656 and the lower limit stopper knob 664.
Equipped with. The upper limit stopper knob 656 has the knob portion 65.
8, a shaft portion 660 having a threaded surface on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and a lock ring 662 screwed to the lower end of the shaft portion 660 in the axial direction.
And an adjusting color ring 663 which is inserted and arranged in the axially intermediate portion of the shaft portion 660. The shaft portion 660 is penetrated by the support bracket 648. The lower limit stopper knob 656 includes a knob portion 656, a shaft portion 668 having a threaded surface on its outer peripheral surface, and a lock ring 670 screwed to an axially intermediate portion of the shaft portion 668. Shaft 660
Are pierced by the support bracket 648. The lock ring 670 is arranged so as to come into contact with the upper surface of the block base 654.

As shown in FIG. 37A, the upper limit position of the cutting cutter 640 is when the lower surface of the adjusting collar ring 663 of the upper limit stopper knob 656 and the upper surface of the support bracket 648 are in contact with each other and there is no gap therebetween. Becomes In this case, a predetermined gap is provided between the lower end of the shaft portion 668 of the lower limit stopper knob 656 and the upper surface of the block base 654. In this embodiment, for example, 0.5 mm intervals are provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 37 (B), the knob portion 65
8 and the upper surface of the adjusting color ring 663 are provided with a predetermined distance, and when the lower surface of the lock ring 662 and the upper surface of the block base 654 abut, the cutting cutter 640.
Is the lower limit position of. In this case, the lower limit stopper knob 65
The lower end of the shaft portion 668 of No. 6 and the upper surface of the block base 654 abut.

Further, for example, a vacuum device 672 is provided in the vicinity of the waste knitting cutting means 612 as a discharging means for discharging the waste knitted portion cut by the waste knitting cutting means 612 from the linker section 28. The vacuum device 672 includes a vacuum hose 674, and the vacuum hose 674 is supported by the support plate 632 via a mounting bracket plate 676, a guide post 634, and the like. The vacuum hose 674 is connected to a suction means (not shown) such as a vacuum pump.

Further, the linker section 28 has a waste thread residue removing means 680 near the waste knitting and cutting means 612. The waste thread scrap removing means 680 is the waste knitting cutting means 61.
It has a function of removing the waste thread scraps of the waste knitted portion cut by 2. The waste thread residue removing means 680 includes a chucking portion 682 as shown in FIGS. 36 and 38, for example. The chucking portion 682 has substantially the same structure as the chucking portion 616 described above. That is, the chucking portion 682 includes a chuck claw portion 684, and the chuck claw portion 684 is arranged to be openable / closable by an air cylinder 686 as an actuator. At the bottom of the chuck claw portion 684, as shown in FIGS.
The gripping body 690 is attached by the bracket piece 688 having a character shape. The grip body 690 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin material.

The chucking portion 682 is vertically movable by an air cylinder 692 as an actuator. In this case, an L-shaped mounting bracket 694 is provided on the upper surface of the air cylinder 686 of the chucking portion 682.
Is attached, and the air cylinder 69 is attached to the mounting bracket 694.
Two movable blocks 696 are attached.

Incidentally, another vacuum device (not shown) having a function similar to that of the above-described vacuum device 672 is disposed in the vicinity of the waste yarn waste removing means 680. The waste thread residue removed by the waste thread residue removing means 680 is appropriately sucked by a vacuum device (not shown) and discharged from the linker section 28.

Further, the linker section 28 has overlock sewing thread cutting means 700. Overlock sewing thread cutting means 700
As shown in FIG. 34, is disposed with a space from the sewing machine mechanism 32. The overlock sewing thread cutting means 700 cuts an extra overlock thread between the knitted fabrics W which are linked by the sewing machine mechanism 32 and arranged at a predetermined interval in the arrangement direction of the linker needle section 30.

The overlocking thread cutting means 700 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 39, for example, the Japanese scissors 7 as a cutting means.
Including 02. The Japanese scissors 702 are supported by a chucking portion 704 so as to be openable and closable. The chucking portion 704 is
The chuck claw 706 is included, and the chuck claw 706 can be opened and closed by an air cylinder 708 as an actuator. In this case, a scissors holding portion 710 that holds the posture of the Japanese scissors 702 is disposed on the inner surface of the chuck claw portion 706. The scissors holding portion 710 has a support shaft 712 made of a pin or the like, and the support shaft 712 is fitted with the scissors 702.
Is hooked and supported.

The chucking portion 704 is vertically movable by an air cylinder 714 as an actuator. In this case, the L-shaped mounting bracket 709 is attached to the side surface of the air cylinder 708, and the movable block 718 of the air cylinder 714 is attached to the mounting bracket 709.
Is installed. The air cylinder 714 is attached to the support bracket 720. In this case, the air cylinder 71
4, one end of the cylinder tube 716 in the longitudinal direction is
It is attached to the support bracket 720.

Further, the linker section 28 includes a knitted fabric discharging means 730 for discharging the knitted fabric W from the holder 590 of the linker section 28. The knitted fabric discharging means 730 is arranged on the other side of the holding body 590 in the diametrical direction, as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, for example. The knitted fabric discharging means 730 is, for example, a discharging guide plate 7 formed by bending a stainless plate.
32. The discharge guide plate 732 is fixed to the lower portion of the holder 590 of the linker section 28 by a fixing means such as a bolt. As the holding body 590 of the linker portion 28 rotates, the knitted fabric W is guided along the discharge guide plate 732, disengaged from the linker needle portion 30, and dropped / discharged.

In the linking machine 10 according to this embodiment, the operations of the knitted fabric conveying means 16, the wale expanding means 20, the point needle inserting means 26 and the linker section 28 are mainly controlled by sequence control. In this embodiment,
For example, it is controlled by a programmable controller (not shown). The control content is a stored program method that can be changed by software.

Further, the course expanding means 18, the overedging eye detecting means, and the aligning means are controlled by an FA personal computer (not shown) which performs image processing. In this embodiment, in response to a completion signal from a programmable controller (not shown), the insertion operation of the point needle 452 and the extension body 2 are performed.
00 displacement operation (expansion operation) in the X-axis direction is performed,
The completion signal is sent from a FA personal computer (not shown) to a programmable controller (not shown), and the programmable controller (not shown) controls the operation (process) of the next linking machine 10.

Chucking portion 6 of discard knitting and picking means 614
16 ascending / descending and opening / closing operation, discard knitting cutting means 61
The timing of the raising / lowering operation of the second cutting cutter 640 and the raising / lowering and opening / closing operations of the chucking portion 682 of the waste yarn waste removing means 680 are controlled by the timer of the programmable controller. In this case, the chucking portion 61
As for the timing of the lowering operation of 6, the timer is operated at the same time when the holder 590 of the linker portion 28 is rotated, and the chucking portion 616 is lowered. Further, the descending operation of the chucking portion 704 of the overedging thread cutting means 700 is controlled by the count number of the rotation amount of the sensor dog plate 610 detected by the optical sensor 608. Overlock sewing thread cutting means 700
The lifting and opening / closing operations of the chucking unit 704 are controlled by the timer of the programmable controller.

Next, an example of the linking process using the linking machine 10 according to the present embodiment and the main operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 41 and 42 to 48. First, the attitude holding means 12 holds the opposing knitted fabrics W in a predetermined attitude. in this case,
The operator opens the lower opening of the knitted fabric W in the wale direction.
Four support poles 146 and 148 of the jig pallet 138
And the overlocking stitches s at both ends of the loose course on the upper side in the wale direction of the knitted fabric W are inserted and supported by the support pins 50 and 80. Since the insertion opening can be arranged by the jig pallet 138, the inserting operation of the extension body 200 becomes very simple. The support pins 50 and 80 can hold the overlocking stitch s of the knitted fabric W at a constant height.

Then, the posture holding means 12 is conveyed by the knitted fabric conveying means 14 to the point needle insertion station 16 along a predetermined conveying path. In this case, since the overlocking stitches s located at both ends of the loose course are supported, the overlocking stitches s at the one end and / or the other end of the loose course which are originally unstable in shape can be directly supported by the overlocking stitch support means. . Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the need to insert the point needle 452 into the overlocking stitch s.

In this embodiment, since the knitted fabric W held in a predetermined posture can be conveyed to the point needle insertion means 26, it is not necessary to set the knitted fabric W at the position where the point needle insertion means 26 is located, and the efficiency is improved. The posture of the knitted fabric W can be held in advance so that the point needle 452 can be inserted well. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the setting mistake of the knitted fabric W at the place where the point needle insertion means 26 is located.

When the posture holding means 12 is conveyed to the point needle insertion station 16, the detected member 102 arranged on the base pallet 38 of the posture holding means 12 is detected by the proximity sensor 404. At this time, in response to the detection signal, the driving of the electric motor as the conveyance driving means is stopped. Further, the detection means 37 determines whether or not the knitted fabric W is accurately set on the jig pallet 138 of the posture holding means 12.
2 is detected. When it is detected that the knitted fabric W is set, the air cylinder 40 of the positioning member 406 is detected.
8 operates, and the insertion portion 410 of the positioning member 406 is
It is inserted into the recess 136 of the base pallet 38. As a result, the base pallet 38 and the jig pallet 138 are positioned at predetermined positions on the point needle insertion station 16.

When the posture holding means 12 is positioned in this way, the movable holding rail piece 17 of the rail portion 160 is positioned.
6 and the sandwiching rail piece 172 are closed. That is,
The knitted fabric W sandwiched between the movable sandwiching rail piece 176 and the sandwiching rail piece 172 is clamped and firmly held.

Further, the rotating shaft 3 of the tension mechanism 376.
A roller body (not shown) attached to 78 is advanced in the Y-axis direction by the air cylinder 400 together with the rotating shaft 378. Almost at the same time, the air cylinder 340 of the clamp portion 322 operates, and the two crank arms 324 cause
The knitted fabric W is pressed and fixed between the support pole 146 of the jig pallet 138 and the holding portion 354 of the crank arm 324. At this time, the crank arm 324 rotates clockwise as seen in FIG. 18, so that the knitted fabric W is supported while being tensioned in the wale direction. In this case, the forward position of the roller body and the crank arm 32
The holding positions of No. 4 are detected by the cylinder switches of the air cylinder 400 and the air cylinder 340, respectively.

Then, the actuator 278 is actuated to raise the expansion body 200 of the course expanding means 18 via the movable arm 272. The expansion body 200 is
Through the insertion opening of the jig pallet 138, the space between the opposing knitted fabrics W is raised. The position of the rising end and the position of the falling end of the expansion body 200 are detected by a cylinder switch or the like of the air cylinder 278.

Further, the first light guide member 2 of the expansion body 200.
Reference numeral 02 is displaced to the right in the X-axis direction by, for example, the linear guide device 208, the drive means 216, etc. as seen in FIG. Therefore, the knitted fabric W is expanded on the right side in the course direction and from one end side to the other end side in the wale direction. Therefore, the loose stitch s of the loose course of the knitted fabric W
Are expanded in the course direction.

In this embodiment, since the expansion body 200 can be inserted between the knitted fabrics W which are opposed to each other in the closed state in the course direction,
The expansion body 200 can be easily inserted. Further, the extension body 2
After inserting 00, the expansion body 200 can be opened in the course direction and the knitted fabric W can be expanded. Therefore, the degree to which the expansion body 200 is expanded can be appropriately changed according to the elongation rate of the knitted fabric W.

Further, upon receiving a signal that the first light guide member 202 is displaced to the right in the X-axis direction, the roller body arranged at the desired position of the rotating shaft 378 of the tension mechanism 376 rotates for a predetermined time. In this case, the roller body is the jig pallet 1
The knitted fabric W on the back side of the knitted fabric W facing the knitted fabric W is rotated while being pressed between the knitted fabric W and the wall plate 150. for that reason,
Tension is applied to the knitted fabric W on the back side in the wale direction. Therefore, the overlocking stitch of the knitted fabric W on the back side is expanded in the wale direction.

By the tension mechanism 376, the knitted fabric W can be pressed against the wall plate 150 to apply tension in the wale direction to the knitted fabric W, so that the knitted fabric W is expanded in the wale direction and the loose course The overlocking eyes s can also be widened in the wale direction. Therefore, there is also a cooperative action with the course expanding means 18, so that the overlocking eye s can be appropriately widened. The detection of the overlocking eye s by the overlocking eye detecting means becomes more accurate.

Further, another tension mechanism 412 is operated, and the grip plates 416, 418 cause a part of the front side of the facing knitted fabric W (in this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. The toe) is gripped. Then, in this state, part of the knitted fabric W is
Is pulled downward by the action of. That is, tension is applied to the knitted fabric W on the front side in the wale direction.
Therefore, the overlocking stitch of the knitted fabric W on the front side is expanded in the wale direction.

In this manner, since the knitting fabric W can be partially pulled by the other tensioning mechanism 412 and the loose stitch s of the loose course can be expanded in the wale direction, for example, the one side and the other side of the facing knitting fabric W are opposed to each other. Even when the tension difference between the side and the side may cause the shape of the overlocking eye s to become unstable, the tension difference can be eliminated and the overlocking eye s can be stably expanded.

Then, the point needle insertion means 26 is operated to operate the point needle insertion portions 454 and 45.
6 advances to the knitted fabric W side, and, for example, as shown in FIG.
The insertion of each point needle 452 is started. In this case, the point needle 452 is accurately inserted into the eyelid s expanded in the course direction and the wale direction by the cooperation of the illumination means 300, the overedging eye detection means, the alignment means, and the like.

In the present embodiment, the light emitted from the illumination means 300 is introduced into the vicinity of the overlocking stitch s by the light guide members 202 to 206, so that the boundary portion between the fiber portion of the knitted fabric W and the overlocking stitch s is further improved. The image can be clearly captured, and the position of the overlocking eye can be detected more accurately by image processing.

In the present embodiment, the overlocking stitch detecting means detects the approximate position of the initial overlocking stitch s by template matching and narrows down the area to detect the position of the center of gravity of the initial overlocking stitch s. The large initial overlocking stitch s can be detected automatically and accurately.

Further, since the approximate position of the center overlocking stitch is first detected and the approximate position of the initial overlocking stitch s is estimated based on that, the initial overlocking stitch due to the pattern matching is large because the position variation is large. It is possible to deal with the case where it is difficult to detect the approximate position of s.

Further, the position of the next overlocking eye is estimated from the position of the overlocking eye of the previous time, and the center of gravity position of the overlocking eye s is detected by narrowing down the area. The overcast eyes s can be tracked well.

Further, when the detected position of the center of gravity of the eye s and the insertion position of the point needle 452 are more than a predetermined distance, the position of insertion of the point needle 452 and the detected position of the center of gravity of the eye s are aligned. In addition, point needle 45
Since a narrower area is set near the insertion position of 2 to detect the position of the center of gravity of the overlocking eye s, the point needle 4
Point needle 45 already inserted when 52 is aligned
Even if the overlocking eye position fluctuates due to 2, the position of the overlocking eye s can be accurately detected.

Since the first light guide member 202, the second light guide member 204, and the third light guide member 206 are displaced to the position corresponding to the insertion direction of the point needle 452, the pitch of the overlocking eye s may be different. Can be adjusted and absorbed. Further, the vicinity of the overlocking eye s where the point needle 452 is to be inserted is specified,
The light from the lighting means 300 can be introduced efficiently.

Since the overlocking stitches s on both ends of the loose course of the knitted fabric W are previously supported by the support pins 50 and 80, the insertion of the point needle 452 requires the overlocking stitches s on both ends of the loose course of the knitting fabric W. This is performed for the overlocking stitch s except the portion. Further, in response to the insertion of the point needle 452, the third light guide member 2 is centered on the third light guide member 206.
06, first light guide member 202 and second light guide member 20
4 moves independently in the X-axis direction.

Then, the point needle 452 to the overlocking eye s
When the insertion is completed, the first light guide member 202, the second light guide member 204, and the third light guide member 206 move in the X-axis direction and are closed in the original state. Further, the operation of the tension mechanism 376 and the other tension mechanism 412 is released, and the movable holding rail piece 176 and the holding rail piece 172 of the rail portion 160 are opened.

Thereafter, the first light guide member 202, the second light guide member 204, and the third light guide member 206 descend at the same time as shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, for example.
The point needle insertion portion 454 advances toward the point needle insertion portion 456 side (moves in the Y-axis direction), and the point needle insertion portion 454 is moved.
The point needle 452 and the point needle 452 of the point needle insertion portion 456 are abutted with each other.

In this case, the displacement means 58 such as a three-axis robot
By actuating the Y-axis displacement means 586 of the two,
The point needle insertion part 454 advances in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the point needle 452 of the point needle insertion portion 454 is abutted with the point needle 452 of the point needle insertion portion 456.

Overlay s on one side and the other side of the knitted fabric W
The point needle 452 is inserted into the point needle 452, and the knitted fabric W is transferred to the other point needle 452 through the one point needle 452, whereby the overlock stitch s is accurately transferred to the point needle 452, and The eye s can be reliably supported. When the flap is pulled, the overlocking stitch s of the knitted fabric W can be linked by the linker portion 28 without coming off.

Next, from the state in which the point needles 452 are butted against each other, the air cylinder 56 of the point needle insertion portion 456 is changed.
2 is actuated, and the point needle 45 is pushed by the pushing member 572.
The knitted fabric W inserted in 2 is transferred to the point needle 452 side of the point needle insertion portion 454 along the axial direction of the point needle 452 of the point needle insertion portion 456 and the point needle 452 of the point needle insertion portion 454. To be done. In this case, the knitted fabric W
Are transferred to the socket portion 462 of the point needle 452.

Further, the point needle insertion portion 454 is moved to the transfer position of the linker portion 28 by the X-axis displacement means 584 of the displacement means 582 while the knitted fabric W is inserted through the socket portion 462 of the point needle 452. Be moved. In this case, the linker portion 28 and the point needle 452 of the point needle insertion portion 454 have a height difference in the Z-axis direction, but this height difference is adjusted by the Z-axis displacement means 588 of the displacement means 582, and the point needle insertion is performed. Point needle 45 of section 454
The second socket portion 462 and the linker needle portion 30 of the linker portion 28 are arranged to face each other on the same axis.

Further, the air cylinder 562 of the point needle insertion portion 454 is operated, and the knitted fabric W inserted into the socket portion 462 of the point needle 452 by the pushing member 572.
Are transferred to the linker needle portion 30 of the linker portion 28 along the axial direction of the point needle 452 of the point needle insertion portion 454. In this case, since the socket portion 462 of the point needle 452 is fitted into the tip end portion of the linker needle portion 30, the knitted fabric W inserted in the socket portion 462 is accurately and easily transferred to the linker needle portion 30. To be done. That is, the knitted fabric W is inserted into the linker needle portion 30 and suspended.

When the knitted fabric W is transferred to the linker needle portion 30, the linker portion 28 is driven, and the holder 590 thereof rotates by a certain amount in the clockwise direction as seen in FIG. 40, for example. In this case, as for the rotation amount of the holder 590 of the linker portion 28, the rotation number of the sensor dog plate 610 is counted by the optical sensor 608.

Furthermore, the linker portion 28 rotates by a certain amount,
When the knitted fabric W inserted through the linker needle portion 30 reaches a predetermined position, the discarded knitting and picking means 614 of the discarded knitting and cutting means 612 operates. Then, the discarded knitting portion is gripped by the chucking portion 616 of the discarded knitting and picking means 614.

Then, the waste knitted portion is cut by the cutting cutter 640 of the waste knitting cutting means 612. In this case, the cutting cutter 640 cuts the waste knitted portion 742 along the cutting line 740 as shown in FIG. 48 (A), for example. In the present embodiment, first, the stitch 742a, which is two stitches above the overlock stitch s, is cut, and thereafter, the row of stitches 742b immediately above the stitch slap is cut.

Further, the cut waste knitted portion is sucked by the vacuum device 672, and the vacuum hose 67 is sucked.
It is expelled / removed from the linker portion 28 via 4 as appropriate.

Further, after the waste knitted portion is cut by the cutting cutter 640, the waste yarn scraps 744 remaining at the cut end of the knitted fabric W shown in FIG. To be removed. In this case, the gripping body 69 of the chucking portion 682 of the waste thread scrap removing means 680.
When 0, the waste thread scrap 744 is removed.

Further, the waste thread residue 744 removed by the waste thread residue removing means 680 is sucked by a vacuum device (not shown) and appropriately discharged from the linker section 28.
To be removed.

Thereafter, the sewing machine mechanism 32 of the linker section 28 is
Thereby, the overlocking stitch s of the knitted fabric W is linked. Then, the linker needle portion 3 of the linker portion 28 is linked.
A knitted fabric W arranged at a predetermined interval in the arrangement direction of 0
With the overedging thread cutting means 700, an extra overlying thread portion between the knitted fabrics W is cut.

Further, as the holder 590 of the linker portion 28 rotates, the knitted fabric W is guided along the discharge guide plate 732 of the knitted fabric discharging means 730, comes off the linker needle portion 30, and falls. Is discharged.

In this embodiment, the knitted fabrics W facing each other are held in a predetermined posture, the loosening course s is widened by the course expanding means 18 and the wale expanding means 20, and then the overlocking eyes s are sewn. Since the image can be picked up, it becomes easy to detect the position of the overlocking eye s by image processing. Furthermore, since the position of the detected stitches s and the insertion position of the point needle 452 are aligned by the alignment means, the point needle 452 can be accurately inserted through the overlocking eye. Therefore, the overlocking stitch s of the knitted fabric W can be accurately transferred to the linker needle section 30 via the point needle 452 inserted through the overlocking stitch s, and in the linker section 28, the overlocking stitch s is moved to the sewing machine mechanism 32.
Allows efficient linking.

In the above embodiment, the support pins 50,
Although 80 fixes the overlocking stitches s on both side ends in the course direction, only the overlocking stitches s on one end side in the course direction may be used.
It is also possible that the support pin is not used. That is, when the shape of the overlocking stitch s is unstable, the support pin 5 is provided at two positions on both sides in the course direction as in the above-described embodiment.
Although it is fixed and supported by 0, 80, if the shape of the overlocking stitch s is stable, only the support pins 50 to 80 on one side may be used, or the knitted fabric W without using the support pins 50, 80. It suffices to support the overlocking eye s.

In the above embodiment, when the knitted fabric W has a dark color such as black, for example, auxiliary lighting means for irradiating the overlocking stitch s of the knitted fabric W with light is additionally provided in addition to the lighting means 300. You may do it. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the air cylinder is used as the actuator,
The present invention is not limited to this, and hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic motors, and other devices may be used, for example.

[0203]

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a linking machine capable of more accurately detecting the overlocked stitches of the knitted fabric and efficiently linking the overlocked stitches without any trouble.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a general outline of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view solution diagram showing an overall outline of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a right side view showing the outline of the entire embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view solution diagram showing an example of a posture holding unit applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a posture holding unit applied to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 6 is a right side view showing an example of a posture holding unit applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a rail portion applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 and its periphery.

FIG. 8 is a front view solution diagram showing an example of a rail portion applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 and its periphery.

9 is a right side view solution diagram showing an example of a rail portion applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 and its periphery. FIG.

10 (A) is a partial right side schematic view of the rail portion shown in FIGS. 7 to 8, and FIG. 10 (B) is a partial left side schematic view. (C) is shown in FIG.
It is an A arrow view illustration figure seen from the A direction of (A).

FIG. 11 is a front view solution view showing an example of an illumination means applied to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a lighting unit applied to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 13 is a right side view showing an example of the illumination means applied to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 14 is a front view solution view of a light guide member of the illumination means shown in FIGS. 11 to 13.

15A is a right side view solution view of FIG. 14, and FIG. 15B is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 15A.

16 is a plan solution view of FIG. 14. FIG.

FIG. 17 is a side view diagram showing the relationship between the refraction angle of light in the refraction section of the light guide member shown in FIGS.

FIG. 18 is a right side view showing an example of the clamp section applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 and its surroundings.

19 is a rear view solution view of the clamp section shown in FIG. 18. FIG.

20 is a schematic plan view of the clamp part shown in FIG. 18. FIG.

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing an example of a tensioning mechanism applied to the embodiment of FIGS.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged schematic view of the right side surface of FIG. 21.

23 (A) is a front view diagram showing an example of another tensioning mechanism applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, and FIG. 23 (B) is a partial right side view diagram thereof. It is a figure.

FIG. 24 is a partial plan view solution view of FIG. 23 (A).

FIG. 25 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a point needle insertion portion applied to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 26 is a left side view showing an example of a point needle insertion portion applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 27 is a right side enlarged schematic view showing a main part of a point needle insertion portion applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing another main part of the point needle insertion part applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view solution view showing still another main part of the point needle insertion part applied to the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 3;

30 is a front view solution diagram showing an example of a point needle insertion portion applied to the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow in one point needle insertion portion of the point needle insertion means.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow in the other point needle insertion portion of the point needle insertion means.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the flow of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the linker section applied to the examples of FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 35 is a partial front view solution view of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a partial left side view illustrative view of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is another partial left side view illustrative view of FIG. 35,
FIG. 37 (A) is an illustrative view showing a state in which the sacrificial knitting cutting means is moved up and down, and FIG. 37 (B) is a descending knitting cutting means. It is an illustration figure which shows the state at the time of doing.

FIG. 38 is an illustrative view seen from an arrow A as seen from the direction A in FIG. 34.

39 is a schematic diagram viewed from the direction B in FIG. 34, and FIG. 39 (A) is a front schematic diagram thereof.
(B) is the right side illustration solution figure.

FIG. 40 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the discharge mechanism of the linker section applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3.

41 is a front view solution view showing an example of a discharging mechanism of a linker portion applied to the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

42 is a front view diagram showing an example of a knitted fabric linked by the linking machine according to the present embodiment, showing a state in which the knitted fabric is held in a predetermined posture by the posture holding means shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG. is there.

FIG. 43 is a front view showing a state in which the knitted fabric is held in a predetermined posture and expanded in the course direction and the wale direction by the course expanding means and the wale expanding means.

FIG. 44 is a front view showing a state in which the knitted fabric is further tensioned in the wale direction from the state shown in FIG. 43 by pulling the toe portion with the tension mechanism.

FIG. 45 is a side view diagram showing a state in which the point needle insertion means inserts each of the point needles from the one point needle insertion portion and the other point needle insertion portion into the overlocking stitch of the knitted fabric.

FIG. 46 is a side view solution diagram showing a state in which the light guide member is lowered after the insertion of the point needle by the point needle insertion means is completed.

FIG. 47 (A) shows that after the light guide member is lowered,
FIG. 47B is a side view solution diagram showing a state in which the point needle of one point needle insertion part and the point needle of the other point needle insertion part are butted, and FIG.

FIG. 48 (A) is an illustrative view of a main part showing a cutting line of a waste knitted portion cut by a waste knitting cutting means, and FIG. 48 (B) shows a state after the waste knitted portion is cut. It is a principal part illustration solution figure which shows the state of knitted fabric.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Linking machine 12 Posture holding means 14 Knitted fabric conveying means 16-point needle insertion station 18 course expansion means 20 Wale expansion means 22 Imaging means 26-point needle insertion means 28 Linker part 30 Linker needle part 32 sewing machine mechanism 34 Linker needle part transfer means 38 Base pallet 46,76 Support pin unit 50,80 Support pin 68 slide plate 102 detection member 110 Transport support means 122 connection means 138 jig palette 154 mount 160 rail section 200 extension 202 first light guide member 204 Second light guide member 206 Third Light Guide Member 256 lifting means 300 lighting means 302 Straight section 304 Refraction part 306 taper surface 308 Light receiving part 310 retaining part 320 Notch 322 Clamp part 338 Another mount 372 detection means 376 Tension mechanism 404 Proximity sensor 406 Positioning member 452 point hand 454,456 Point needle insertion part 462 socket 476 tension spring 478 stopper member 494 shutter plate 412 Other tension mechanisms 560 Extrusion mechanism 582 displacement means 584 X-axis displacement means 586 Y-axis displacement means 588 Z-axis displacement means 590 Holder for linker part 594 Linker driver 608 Optical sensor 610 sensor dog board 612 Waste knitting cutting means 614 Discarded knitting means 672 Vacuum device 680 Waste thread scrap removing means 700 Overlock sewing thread cutting means 730 Knitted fabric discharging means W knitted fabric s Overcast eyes

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A linking machine provided with a linker needle portion and a sewing machine mechanism for linking overlocked stitches in cooperation with the linker needle portion, wherein the knitted fabrics having a loose course for overlock stitch are opposed to each other. Posture holding means for holding the knitted fabric in a predetermined posture, course expanding means for expanding the stitches of the knitted fabric in the course direction, wale expanding means for expanding the stitches of the knitted fabric in the wale direction, and the expanded Image pickup means for picking up an image including an image of the overlocking eye that constitutes the loose course of the knitted fabric, overlocking eye detecting means for detecting the position of the overlocking eye by processing the image, and the detected overlocking eye Point needle insertion means for inserting a point needle, alignment means for aligning the position of the detected stitch and the insertion position of the point needle And a linker needle portion transfer means for transferring the overlocking stitch of the knitted fabric to the linker needle portion via the point needle, and the course expanding means is arranged so as to be insertable between the facing knitted fabrics. A linking machine, comprising: an expansion body for expanding the overlocking stitches of the knitted fabric in the course direction, wherein the expansion body is openably and closably displaced in the course direction of the knitted fabric. 2. Further comprising illumination means for clearly discriminating overlocking stitches forming the loose course of the expanded knitted fabric, wherein the expansion body is near the overlocking stitches of the loose course of the expanded knitted fabric. The linking machine according to claim 1, further comprising a light guide member for introducing light from the lighting means. 3. The expansion body includes a separation portion, and the separation portion expands and supports one side in the course direction of the knitted fabric.
A light guide member, a second light guide member for extending and supporting the other side of the knitted fabric in the course direction, and a third light guide member disposed between the first light guide member and the second light guide member. And a third light guide member, wherein the first light guide member, the second light guide member, and the third light guide member are arranged to face each other at a position corresponding to the insertion direction of the point needle. Linking machine according to claim 2, characterized in that 4. The light guide member is provided so as to extend from one side in the wale direction of the knitted fabric to the other side, and a straight-moving portion through which light introduced from the illumination means goes straight, the other of the knitted fabric in the wale direction. A bending portion disposed at an end portion of the rectilinear portion positioned on the side, and having opposite side surfaces each having a symmetrically inclined taper surface, and one of the knitted fabrics facing each other. The light receiving unit has a facing surface facing near the eyes and a facing surface facing the overlocking stitches of the other knitted fabric, and includes a light receiving unit for receiving and receiving the light refracted by the refraction unit, and the light receiving unit. Are arranged so as to be sandwiched between the tapered surfaces of the refraction section, and the light from the illumination means is refracted by the tapered surface of the refraction section and is received by one of the opposing surfaces of the light receiving section and the other opposing surface of the light receiving section. Claim 2 or claim characterized in that 3
Linking machine described in. 5. The expansion body according to claim 1, wherein a tip end portion of the expansion body facing one end and the other end in the course direction of the knitted fabric is formed in a tapered shape. Linking machine as described. 6. The knitted fabric carrying means for carrying the knitted fabric held in a predetermined posture to the point needle insertion means, further comprising: a knitted fabric carrying means. Linking machine described in. 7. The oversized stitch supporting means for supporting overlocked stitches located at one end and / or the other end of the loose course of the knitted fabric facing each other is included.
The linking machine according to claim 6. 8. The jig pallet, wherein the posture maintaining means expands one side in the wale direction of the knitted fabric to form an insertion opening in order to insert the expandable body between the opposed knitted fabrics. Claim 1-Claim 7 characterized by including.
Linking machine according to any one of. 9. The wale expanding means is inserted into one of the facing knitted fabrics on one side in the wale direction, and is disposed so as to be able to come into contact with the contact member, which is disposed to face the knitted fabric. The linking machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a tensioning mechanism that applies tension in the wale direction of the knitted fabric. 10. The wale expanding means pulls a part of the knitted fabric in the wale direction of the knitted fabric by gripping a part of the knitted fabric to tension the knitted fabric in the wale direction. The linking machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising another tensioning mechanism. 11. The point needle inserting means inserts a point needle from one side of the facing knitted fabric to a stitch on one side of the knitted fabric, and a point needle inserting part for inserting the point needle. Including another point needle insertion portion for inserting a point needle through the overlocking stitch on the other side of the knitted fabric from the other side, and the point needle of the one point needle insertion portion to the point needle of the other point needle insertion portion The transfer means for transferring the knitted fabric is further included in the fabric.
~ The linking machine according to claim 10. 12. The point needle insertion part on the side where the knitted fabric is transferred further includes a pipe-shaped socket part capable of accommodating a point needle, and the transfer means is one of the point needle insertion parts. A point needle abutting mechanism that abuts the point needle of the other portion with the point needle of the other point needle insertion portion, and an extruding mechanism that extrudes and moves the knitted fabric to the socket portion. The linking machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11. 13. The linker needle portion transfer means for transferring the knitted fabric inserted in the socket portion of the point needle insertion portion to the linker needle portion, the linker needle portion transfer means.
The linking machine described in 2. 14. The linker part includes a linker needle part arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction, and the linker needle part is arranged at a predetermined interval in the arrangement direction of the linker needle part. The linking machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the knitted fabric is transferred by a transfer device. 15. The linking machine according to claim 1, wherein the linker portion has a waste knitting cutting unit that cuts a waste knitted portion of the knitted fabric. 16. The waste thread scrap removing means for removing waste thread scraps of the waste knitted portion cut by the waste knitting cutting means, wherein the linker portion has a waste thread scrap removing means.
~ The linking machine according to claim 15. 17. The overlock sewing thread cutting means cuts an excess overlock thread portion between knitted fabrics arranged at a predetermined interval in the arrangement direction of the linker needle portion. Linking machine described in. 18. The initial overlocking eye detecting means for detecting the approximate position of the initial overlocking eye by template matching using an image of the vicinity of the initial overlocking eye stored in advance, and the initial overlocking eye detecting means. An initial overcast eye center-of-gravity position detecting means for setting a region at the approximate position of the initial overlock eye detected by the approximate position detecting means and detecting the center-of-gravity position of the initial overcast eye. Item 18. The linking machine according to item 17. 19. The overlocking eye detecting means for detecting the approximate position of the overlocking eye for the center by template matching using an image of the vicinity of the overlocking eye for the center stored in advance, 20. An initial overcast eye approximate position estimating means for estimating an approximate position of an initial overcast eye from the approximate position of the overcast eye of the center detected by the overcast eye approximate position detecting means of the center, according to claim 18, Linking machine as described. 20. The overlocking eye detecting means sets an area for the overlocking eye position estimating means for estimating the next overlocking eye position from the previous overlocking eye position and the overlocking eye position estimated by the overlocking eye position estimating means. 20. The linking machine according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising a center of gravity position detecting means for detecting the center of gravity of the overlocking stitch. 21. The overlocking eye detecting means detects the insertion position of the point needle when the center of gravity of the overlocking eye detected by the overlocking eye gravity center position detecting means and the insertion position of the point needle are a predetermined distance or more. The center of gravity of the overlocking eye detected by the overlocking eye center of gravity position detecting means is aligned with the center of gravity of the overlocking eye, and an area narrower than the area set by the overlocking eye center of gravity position detecting means is set near the insertion position of the point needle. 21. The linking machine according to claim 20, further comprising overlocking position detecting means for detecting the center of gravity.