JP2004275781A - Bobbin changer and automatic bobbin thread feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a sewing machine to sew well using a bobbin. <P>SOLUTION: The bobbin changer and the automatic bobbin thread feeder are structured so that vibration of a bobbin 7 in stand-by before sewing after thread hanging and cutting of wound bobbin thread 150 is restricted by bobbin restricting means such as a clutch mechanism 50a, a cylinder head 75b, etc. to prevent the bobbin thread 150 wound in the bobbin 7 from being swollen and loosened by vibration even when vibration is transmitted to the bobbin thread wound bobbin 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a bobbin changing device and a bobbin automatic feeding device.

  In a sewing machine that performs sewing using an upper thread and a lower thread, particularly an industrial sewing machine that performs high-speed sewing work, it is necessary to frequently replace the bobbin around which the lower thread is wound. Generally, when the bobbin thread is consumed or when the remaining amount is low, the operation of the sewing machine is temporarily stopped, and after removing the bobbin case from the shuttle, the bobbin thread is removed and the bobbin thread is wound around the bobbin. Accommodates the newly wound bobbin in the bobbin case again, hangs the wound bobbin thread on the bobbin case, cuts the bobbin case derived from the bobbin case leaving a predetermined length, and cuts the bobbin case. A series of operations of attaching the device to the pot are performed manually.

  However, such manual thread removal work, bobbin winding work on bobbin, thread hooking work, thread trimming work and bobbin case replacement work are extremely inefficient and cause a decrease in productivity. I have. Therefore, the present applicant has disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-68071 and the like that the above-mentioned remaining yarn removing operation, lower yarn winding operation, yarn hooking operation, yarn cutting operation, and bobbin case exchange operation are automatically performed. And an automatic lower thread supply device is proposed.

  The bobbin automatic supply device includes a bobbin exchange device that grips a bobbin case accommodating a bobbin and moves along a predetermined path, and removes a residual yarn of the bobbin accommodated in the bobbin case. Device, a lower thread winding device for inserting a lower thread from a lower thread supply source from a bobbin case opening and rotating the bobbin to wind the lower thread on a bobbin in the bobbin case, a bobbin case wound around the bobbin A thread hooking device and a bobbin case for catching a lower thread coming out of an opening and rotating around the bobbin case so that the lower thread wound on the bobbin comes out from a predetermined position of the bobbin case. Has a thread trimming device that cuts the bobbin thread derived from a predetermined position while leaving a predetermined length.

  In the bobbin automatic supply device, first, the bobbin case in which the bobbin thread has been consumed is taken out of the bobbin by the bobbin exchanging device and transported to a residual yarn removing position, where the residual yarn is removed. After the bobbin remaining yarn is removed by the device, the bobbin is conveyed to a bobbin winding position, where a new bobbin is wound around the bobbin by the bobbin winding device, and the bobbin is newly wound and led out of the bobbin case. The bobbin thread is hooked on the bobbin case by the thread hooking device, the thread is hooked, and the bobbin thread led out of the bobbin case is cut by the thread cutting device. To be mounted in the kettle. That is, the above series of operations are automatically executed.

  In the bobbin winding device, the bobbin thread is clamped by a clamp mechanism to guide the bobbin thread into the bobbin case, and the bobbin is rotated so that the bobbin thread is entangled with the bobbin shaft. Since the thread end held by the clamp mechanism is left outside the bobbin case after winding, if the final sewing is performed in this state, the thread end remaining outside the bobbin case Entangled or caught in the gap of the bobbin case, so that a good seam cannot be formed, and in some cases, the upper thread breaks.

  Further, as described above, the lower thread end from the bobbin is clamped by the clamp mechanism.However, there is a fear that the clamped thread end may come off from the clamp mechanism. Since it is necessary, there is a problem that the reliability of the device is reduced.

  Further, in these devices, the lower thread may not be able to be reliably guided into the bobbin case. In such a case, the lower thread may be other than the bobbin shaft, for example, a winding shaft of a bobbin winding device or a bobbin case shaft. In such a case, there is a problem that the reliability of the device is reduced because manual recovery is required.

  Accordingly, the present applicant has attempted to solve the above-mentioned problems in, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 7-65140 filed earlier. That is, in the lower thread winding device described in the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 7-65140, the lower thread end from the lower thread supply source is moved by the bobbin case along the guide path by the thread insertion means (yarn guide means). The length required for guiding to the opening and entangled with the bobbin shaft is derived from the tip (leading portion), and the derived lower thread end is guided and inserted into the bobbin case from the bobbin case opening by air. The end of the lower thread guided and inserted into the bobbin case by the thread inserting means is cooperated with the air of the thread inserting means blown into the bobbin case and the bobbin rotation by the bobbin driving means. The lower thread can be wound around the bobbin housed in the bobbin case by further rotating the bobbin shaft with the lower thread end tangled by the bobbin driving means. Therefore, the lower thread does not come out of the bobbin case, a good seam can be formed, and the possibility of breakage of the upper thread is eliminated. The fear of manual return is gone.

  Further, in the lower thread winding device described in the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 7-65140, the position of the tip of the thread insertion means can be variably set between a working position and a retracted position. When performing thread insertion and entanglement of the bobbin with the bobbin, the thread is positioned at a work position near the bobbin case opening so that thread insertion into the bobbin case and entanglement of the bobbin thread can be ensured. When performing bobbin winding, the bobbin thread can be wound uniformly over the entire bobbin shaft by increasing the distance between the bobbin shaft and the retracted position away from the working position and increasing the distance between the bobbin shaft. I have.

  Then, thereafter, the bobbin case accommodating the bobbin around which the bobbin thread is wound is subjected to thread hooking on the bobbin case by the above-described thread hooking device, and thread cutting by the above-described thread cutting device. Is a standby position (a position immediately below a position facing the shuttle) from the lower thread winding position (in the above specification, the thread cutting position and the thread hooking position are also the same positions); Japanese Patent Application No. 7-65140. In the apparatus described in the specification, the sheet is conveyed to a position directly below the shuttle and facing the dummy shaft). In the standby state of the lower thread winding device from the thread hooking operation until the next bobbin is conveyed, the position of the leading end of the thread insertion means is located at the retracted position.

  However, even in the bobbin winding device described in the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 7-65140, when sewing is performed at a high speed, the vibration is transmitted to the bobbin winding device. Vibration is similarly transmitted to the bobbin which is hung and thread-trimmed and waits for the bobbin replacement request while waiting at the standby position, and the bobbin thread wound around the bobbin swells and is unraveled by this vibration. As a result, there is a problem that the sewing using the bobbin becomes impossible, or even if the sewing can be performed, the sewing quality is reduced and the reliability of the device is reduced.

Japanese Patent Application No. 7-65140

  Therefore, the present invention prevents the bobbin thread wound on the bobbin from swelling and unraveling even if vibration is transmitted to the bobbin wound with the bobbin. It is an object of the present invention to provide a bobbin thread automatic supply device in which sewing is performed well and the sewing quality is improved to improve reliability.

  In order to achieve the above object, a bobbin exchanging device according to claim 1 is a bobbin exchanging device that can hold or release a bobbin case accommodating a bobbin and move the bobbin case along a predetermined path. A bobbin restraining means is provided for restraining the vibration of the bobbin during standby before being turned and sewn.

  According to the bobbin exchanging device of the first aspect, the vibration of the bobbin in a standby state before the bobbin thread is wound and used for sewing is restrained by the bobbin restraining means. Therefore, even if the vibration is transmitted to the bobbin on which the bobbin has been wound, it is possible to prevent the bobbin wound on the bobbin from expanding and unwinding due to the vibration.

  In order to achieve the above object, a bobbin automatic supply device according to claim 2 is configured such that, in addition to the bobbin restraining means according to claim 1, the bobbin is rotated from the bobbin driving source by the bobbin driving means. A bobbin winding device that can be wound around the bobbin, and a bobbin exchange device that can move a bobbin case gripper capable of gripping or opening the bobbin case.

  According to the above-described automatic bobbin thread supplying device, the bobbin case is moved by the bobbin exchanging device, and the bobbin thread from the bobbin supplying source is rotated by the bobbin driving means of the bobbin winding device. The bobbin wound on the bobbin and wound on the bobbin by the bobbin winding device is hooked on a bobbin case. Be cut off. The bobbin awaiting replacement after the bobbin winding, thread hooking and thread trimming is performed in this way is restricted in its rotation by the bobbin restricting means until a bobbin replacement request is made. Therefore, even if the vibration is transmitted to the bobbin on which the bobbin has been wound, it is possible to prevent the bobbin wound on the bobbin from being swollen and unraveled by this vibration. Further, when a bobbin replacement request is made, the bobbin winding, thread hooking, and thread trimming are performed and the waiting bobbin can be replaced immediately with the bobbin in the shuttle, so that the cycle time is not lengthened. .

  To achieve the above object, an automatic lower thread supply device according to claim 3, wherein the lower thread can be wound on the bobbin by rotating the bobbin by a bobbin driving means. The device, a bobbin exchange device that can move a bobbin case gripper capable of gripping or releasing a bobbin case, and a bobbin that has been moved by the bobbin exchange device and has been wound with a lower thread and has been hooked. When the bobbin replacement is requested, the bobbin thread is wound and the thread is hooked, and the bobbin is thread-trimmed on the standby bobbin. After the bobbin restraint is released, the bobbin is replaced.

  According to such a lower thread automatic supply device, the bobbin case is moved by the bobbin exchange device, and the lower thread from the lower thread supply source is rotated by the bobbin driving means of the lower thread winding device. The bobbin thread wound on the bobbin and wound on the bobbin by the bobbin winding apparatus is hooked on a bobbin case. The bobbin in the standby state after the bobbin winding and thread hooking has been performed in this way is restrained from rotating by the bobbin restraining means until a bobbin replacement request is issued. Then, the bobbin in a standby state is subjected to thread cutting and release of the bobbin restraint by the bobbin restraining means, and thereafter, replacement using the bobbin is performed. Therefore, even if the vibration is transmitted to the bobbin that has been wound and is on standby, the vibration prevents the bobbin wound around the bobbin from expanding and unwinding. Further, since the bobbin in the standby state is not trimmed and the bobbin is restrained by the bobbin restraining means, even if the vibration is transmitted to the lower thread winding device, for example, In the case where the yarn winding device includes the yarn guiding means, it is possible to prevent the lower yarn derived from the lead-out portion from being returned to the lower yarn supply source side and shortening or eliminating the derived length. Become like

  In order to achieve the above object, the bobbin automatic feeding device according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in addition to claim 2 or 3, the bobbin driving means includes a clutch means for transmitting / cutting off a driving force to the bobbin, The clutch means is connected to the bobbin, and the bobbin driving means is driven to rotate the bobbin so that the bobbin can be wound around the bobbin. The rotation of the bobbin can be restricted by stopping the driving of the means.

  According to this automatic bobbin thread supplying device, the bobbin driving means is provided with a clutch means for transmitting / disconnecting a driving force to the bobbin. Is connected to the bobbin, and the bobbin driving means is driven to rotate the bobbin so that the bobbin is wound around the bobbin.When the bobbin winding is performed, the driving of the bobbin driving means is stopped. The bobbin rotation is restrained by connecting the clutch means to the bobbin as the bobbin restraining means for the bobbin on which the bobbin thread has been wound in the standby state. Therefore, it is not necessary to newly provide a bobbin restraining means.

  As described above, according to the bobbin exchanging device according to the first aspect, the bobbin in a standby state before the bobbin thread is wound and used for sewing is restrained by the bobbin restraining means from vibrating, and the bobbin winder is wound. Even if vibration is transmitted to the finished bobbin, it is configured to prevent the bobbin thread wound around the bobbin from expanding and unraveling due to this vibration. The sewing can be performed well, the sewing quality can be improved, and the reliability can be improved.

  According to the automatic bobbin thread supplying device, the bobbin case can be moved by the bobbin exchanging device, and the bobbin thread from the bobbin supplying source is rotated by the bobbin driving means of the bobbin winding device. The bobbin is wound around the bobbin, the bobbin wound around the bobbin by the bobbin winding device is hooked on a bobbin case, and the bobbin thread drawn out of the bobbin case is connected to a bobbin supply source by a thread cutting device. The bobbin awaiting replacement after the bobbin winding, thread hooking, and thread trimming are performed in this way is restrained from rotating by the bobbin restraining means until a bobbin replacement request is issued, and the bobbin thread has been wound. Even if vibration is transmitted to the bobbin, the bobbin wound around the bobbin is prevented from expanding and unraveling due to the vibration. Ltd. can improve the sewing quality it becomes possible to satisfactorily carry out, it is possible to improve the reliability. In addition, when a bobbin replacement request is made, the bobbin winding, thread hooking, and thread trimming are performed and the waiting bobbin can be immediately replaced with the bobbin in the shuttle. The above-described effect can be further enhanced without lengthening.

  According to the automatic bobbin thread supplying device, the bobbin case can be moved by the bobbin exchanging device, and the bobbin thread from the bobbin thread supply source is rotated by the bobbin driving means of the bobbin winding device. The bobbin is wound around the bobbin, and the bobbin wound around the bobbin by the bobbin winding device is hung on a bobbin case. The rotation of the bobbin is restricted by the means until there is a request for replacing the bobbin. After that, the bobbin is exchanged using the bobbin, and even if vibration is transmitted to the bobbin that has been wound and is waiting, the bobbin wound around the bobbin expands due to this vibration. Since it is configured to prevent unraveling, it is possible to perform sewing using the bobbin in a good condition, to improve the sewing quality, and to improve reliability. It becomes. In addition, the bobbin in the standby state is not trimmed and the bobbin is restrained by the bobbin restraining means so that even if vibration is transmitted to the lower bobbin, When the guide means is provided, the lower thread derived from the lead-out section is configured to be prevented from being returned to the lower thread supply source side to reduce or reduce the length of the derived thread. Therefore, the lower bobbin guide to the next bobbin can be favorably performed, and the reliability can be improved.

  According to the automatic bobbin thread supplying device of claim 4, in addition to claim 2 or 3, the bobbin driving means is provided with a clutch means for transmitting / cutting off a driving force to the bobbin, so that the bobbin driving means is provided with a By connecting the clutch means to the bobbin and driving the bobbin driving means, the bobbin is rotated to enable the bobbin to be wound around the bobbin. It is necessary to stop the driving of the driving means and restrain the bobbin rotation by connecting the clutch means to the bobbin as the bobbin restraining means for the bobbin on which the bobbin has been wound in the standby state, so that the bobbin restraining means must be newly provided. Since it is configured so as not to exist, the effect of claim 2 or 3 can be obtained at low cost.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the bobbin automatic supply device according to the present embodiment is schematically configured by a bobbin winding device 162, a residual yarn removing device 161, and a bobbin exchanging device 160. The replacement device 160 includes a bobbin winding position C of the bobbin winding device 162, a residual yarn removing position B of the residual yarn removing device 161, a shuttle position (bobbin case attaching / detaching position) A, and a bobbin of the dummy shaft (bobbin case holding means) 6. The bobbin case 2 is configured to move to the case attaching / detaching position D.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the lower thread winding position C and the residual thread removing position B are located at a range V below the transport shaft 4 and at a rotation fulcrum 103 when raising the sewing machine bed 101 from an upright plane along a coaxial line. Is located at a position opposite to the rotation locus of the bobbin case gripping means. Further, the remaining yarn removing position B is disposed below the lower yarn winding position C. The position of the residual yarn removing position B in the direction of the transport axis (the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1) is set at a position slightly advanced from the retreat position of the bobbin case gripping means (position advanced toward the plane of FIG. 1). The position of the lower thread winding position C in the direction of the transport axis is at a position where the bobbin case gripping means is slightly advanced from the retracted position (a position advanced toward the paper surface in FIG. 1).

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 102 denotes a sewing machine table, 106 denotes an oil pan, 104 and 105 denote lower shafts, and X denotes a rotation locus on the outer peripheral side when the sewing machine head is raised.

  The lower thread automatic supply device is provided below the sewing machine bed 101. First, the bobbin exchanging device 160 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  2 to 6, reference numeral 1 denotes a shuttle to which the bobbin case 2 is mounted, reference numeral 1a denotes a hook shaft, and reference numeral 3 denotes an upright standing on a main base attached to the sewing machine main body and disposed directly below the shuttle 1. A base plate as a supporting member is shown, and a base end 4a of a transport shaft 4 having an axis parallel to the shuttle shaft 1a is fixed to the base plate 3, and the transport shaft 4 is In a cantilevered state.

  A transport block 12 is rotatably and slidably supported on the transport shaft 4 on the end 4b side (opposite the base plate side) of the transport shaft 4. As shown in FIG. 2 in particular, the transport block 12 has a shape in which the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder is cut at two places along the axial direction and the cut surfaces face each other. To each cut surface of the transport block 12, one of the L-shaped transport plates 10, 10, which constitutes the L-shape, is fixed. Further, the other plate-shaped portions constituting the L-shape are in a state of facing each other with the axis interposed therebetween.

  One end of each of the holding portions 11, 11 bent to extend toward the shuttle along the axial direction is fixed to each of the transfer plates 10, 10. A bobbin case gripping means (not shown) for gripping or opening the bobbin case is fixed to the other end (the end facing the hook side).

  The bobbin case gripping means is described in, for example, an automatic lower thread supply device of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-192476 and an automatic lower thread supply device of a sewing machine described in Japanese Patent Application No. 5-121960 previously filed by the present applicant. For example, a pair of electromagnet suction heads described above, a lever claw described in a lower thread automatic feeding device of a sewing machine in Japanese Patent Application No. 5-116363 previously filed by the present applicant, or the like. What is essential is that the bobbin case 2 can be attached to and detached from the opposing member (for example, the shuttle 1) as necessary.

  Returning to FIGS. 1 to 6 again, a rotating gear 13 is fixed to the outer periphery of the transport block 12, and the rotating gear 13 extends along the shuttle shaft 1a as shown in FIG. And the drive gear 19 having a long shape is meshed.

  One end of the drive gear 19 is rotatably supported by a portion of the motor fixing plate 21 attached to the base plate 3 projecting toward the other end of the transport shaft, and the other end is fixed to the motor fixing plate 21. It is in a state of being directly connected to the output shaft of the rotating motor 20.

  Accordingly, when the rotation motor 20 rotates, a rotation arm 70 as a rotation unit including the transport block 12, the transport plates 10, and the holding units 11, 11 is driven via the drive gear 19 and the rotation gear 13. It is designed to rotate. In this embodiment, the rotating operation of the rotating arm 70 is performed when the rotating arm 70 is at the retracted position (see FIGS. 3 to 5). Although the transport shaft 4 is cantilevered, it is guided by the drive gear 19, so that its support strength is sufficient.

  For example, a stop ring (not shown) is fixed to the fixed end of the transport shaft 4 from the rotary gear 13 on the outer circumference of the transport block 12. A linear collar 14 is rotatably supported therebetween.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, one end of a rack 16 movably supported in parallel with the shuttle shaft 1a is fixed to the linear motion collar 14, and a pinion is attached to the other end of the rack 16. 17 are engaged. The pinion 17 is fixed to an output shaft of a moving motor 18 attached to the base plate 3.

  Accordingly, when the moving motor 18 is driven, the translation collar 14 and the rotating arm 70 move along the rack 16 via the pinion 17 along the axial direction of the transport shaft 4. That is, the rotating arm 70 can rotate with respect to the transport shaft 4 and can slide along the transport shaft 4.

  A sensor fixing plate 33 is mounted on the open end side of the transport shaft 4, and a rotation sensor 31 including a light emitting element 31 a and a light receiving element 31 b is mounted on the sensor fixing plate 33. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a sensor plate 32 is fixed to the rotating arm 70. When the rotating arm 70 rotates, the sensor plate 32 separates the light emitting element 31a and the light receiving element 31b. The positions of the rotation sensor 31, the sensor fixing plate 33, and the sensor plate 32 are adjusted so that they can pass between them.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a linear motion sensor 41 having the same structure as the rotation sensor 31 is attached to the base plate 3. Further, a sensor plate 15 is fixed to the rack 16, and the sensor plate 15 can pass between the light emitting element 41 a and the light receiving element 41 b of the linear motion sensor 41 when the rotating arm 70 is moved directly. Thus, the position adjustment of the linear motion sensor 41 and the sensor plate 15 is performed.

  That is, when the bobbin case gripping means moves to the retracted position, the sensor plate 15 shields between the light emitting element 41a and the light receiving element 41b of the linear motion sensor 41. Movement to is detected. Then, the origin position is searched at the retreat position. That is, if the bobbin case gripping means is rotated at the retracted position, and a position where the sensor plate 32 shields between the light emitting element 31a and the light receiving element 31b is set as, for example, the origin position, the bobbin case gripping means is rotated to this position. Then, it returns to the origin position. When a pulse motor is used as the rotation motor 20, for example, the number of pulses of the pulse motor is counted, and the bobbin case gripping means is moved to the shuttle position A, the bobbin winding position C, and the remaining yarn. The rotation can be controlled to the removal position B and the dummy position D.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the position where the rotating arm 70 is in the retracted position and the bobbin case 2 gripped by the bobbin case gripping means faces the shuttle 1 is set to the position of the rotating arm 70 (bobbin case gripping means). It is the origin position.

  Further, a dummy shaft 6 as a bobbin case holding means is fixed to a position D directly below the shuttle 1 at a position opposite to the rotation locus of the bobbin case gripping means on the base plate 3, as shown in FIG. ing. As shown in FIG. 6, the dummy shaft 6 has the same structure as the intermediate hook shaft 5. When the bobbin case 2 containing the bobbin is pushed in, the dummy shaft 6 can hold the bobbin case 2. Has become. The pushed-in bobbin locking claw 2d of the bobbin case 2 is engaged with the locking groove of the detent member 5aa protruding near the dummy shaft 6, as shown in FIG. Have been. That is, the bobbin case 2 is positioned and held at a predetermined position.

  At the residual yarn removing position B, a residual yarn removing device 161 is provided. The residual yarn removing device 161 has, for example, a clamping member capable of clamping or releasing the tip of a yarn wound on a bobbin, and is rotated around a single axis by, for example, a motor or the like to be clamped by the clamping member. The bobbin case 2 is automatically wound up. The point is that the bobbin case 2 is delivered to a state in which the bobbin case 2 is held by the bobbin case holding means or to a means capable of holding the bobbin case. In a state where the bobbin case 2 is held, the bobbin is rotated by the yarn pulling-out operation of the pulling-out means for pulling out the yarn that is wound around the bobbin and is drawn out (hangs) from the bobbin case. Any one may be used as long as such is the case. For example, Japanese Patent Application No. 5-203610 filed earlier by the present applicant and Starting with residual yarn removing device bobbin Gantaira 6-40351 Pat, it can be adopted as appropriate.

  A lower thread winding device 162 is disposed at the lower thread winding position C. As the bobbin winding device 162, a bobbin that can automatically wind a bobbin on a bobbin by, for example, driving a motor or the like to rotate the bobbin is employed. The bobbin winding device 162 includes a bobbin drive mechanism E, an air guide mechanism (yarn guide means) G, and a yarn supply detection mechanism F, as schematically shown in FIG. First, the bobbin driving mechanism E will be described below.

  7, 8, and 13, reference numeral 50 denotes a winding shaft, and the winding shaft 50 is rotatably supported by the base plate 3. At one end of the winding shaft 50, a clutch mechanism 50a (also serving as a bobbin restraining means) capable of being engaged with a plurality of holes 7b (see FIG. 17) formed in the bobbin 7 is fixed, and at the other end, a pulley 50b is fixed. I have. A bobbin driving motor M2 as bobbin driving means is also fixed to the base plate 3. A pulley 52 is fixed to the output shaft of the bobbin drive motor M2, and a belt 51 is stretched between the pulley 52 and the pulley 50b.

  That is, when the bobbin case 2 reaches the bobbin winding position C by the rotation of the rotation arm 70, the bobbin case 2 slightly advances due to the forward movement of the rotation arm 70 and the bobbin drive motor M2 is driven. The clutch mechanism 50a and the bobbin 7 are connected. It should be noted that the clutch mechanism is not limited to the configuration that engages with the hole as described above, and may have another configuration.

  The bobbin winding device 162 includes a yarn supply detecting mechanism F that detects the amount of bobbin wound around the bobbin and the amount of bobbin wound around the bobbin. The yarn supply detection mechanism F will be described below. 9 and 10, reference numeral 53 denotes a U-shaped base, and a roller shaft 55 is rotatably stretched between both side plates 53a and 53b of the base 53. An end portion of the roller shaft 55 on the side plate 53b side projects outward from the side plate 53b, and a bobbin thread 150 from a bobbin 200 as a bobbin thread supply source is wound around the end portion. ) The roller 54 is fixed.

  A sensor slit 58 is fixed to a portion between the both side plates 53a and 53b of the roller shaft 55. The sensor slit 58 has a disk shape, and a groove is provided in a part of the outer periphery. A photo sensor 60 is provided at a position facing the sensor slit 58 so that the groove of the sensor slit 58 can be detected. That is, the rotation of the roller 54 can be detected by the photo sensor 60.

  The photosensor 60 is connected to an effective bobbin winding amount detecting means 61 that detects the entanglement of the bobbin thread 150 with the bobbin shaft and detects the effective bobbin winding amount wound around the bobbin shaft. The effective lower thread winding amount detecting means 61 is connected to a determining means 61B. The determination means 61B is provided with a set lower thread winding amount from an externally connected lower thread winding amount setting means 61A and a lower thread actually wound on the bobbin from the effective lower thread winding amount detecting means 61. The bobbin driving motor M2 functions to send a drive stop signal to the driver 310a of the bobbin driving motor M2 when the two bobbin thread amounts match. The effective bobbin winding amount detecting unit 61 and the determining unit 61B are incorporated in a bobbin winding device control unit 401 (see FIG. 19) described later.

  Further, downstream of the yarn supply detection mechanism F, an air guide mechanism as a yarn guide means for guiding the bobbin thread 150 from the bobbin 200 (see FIG. 11) into the bobbin case 2 through the opening 2A of the bobbin case 2. G is provided. The air guide mechanism G will be described below. 7, 8, and 12, reference numeral 65 denotes a yarn suction device that forms a substantially hollow cylindrical guide path. As shown in FIG. Is formed, and a suction hole 65a is formed in the middle of the through hole 65b so as to extend obliquely and open to the outside. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, one end of an air tube 66 is connected to the upstream opening of the through hole 65b, and a solenoid valve 68 is connected to the other end of the air tube 66. An air source (not shown) is connected to the solenoid valve 68. Further, one end of an air tube 67 constituting a guide path is connected to an open port on the downstream side of the through hole 65b in the yarn suction device 65, and the other end of the air tube 67 is folded in an inverted letter shape. It is bent, and an air nozzle 67a is provided at its tip as a lead-out portion of the yarn guiding means.

  The yarn suction device 65 is fixed to a nozzle shaft 34, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and the nozzle shaft 34 is rotatably supported by the base plate 3. A nozzle gear 35 is fixed between the yarn suction device 65 and the base plate 3 on the nozzle shaft 34, and a nozzle motor gear 36 meshes with the nozzle gear 35. The nozzle motor gear 36 is fixed to an output shaft of a stepping motor 37 as an air nozzle retracting motor fixed to the base plate 3.

  Therefore, when the stepping motor 37 is driven, the yarn suction device 65, the air tube 67, and the air nozzle 67a rotate around the nozzle shaft 34 as a rotation fulcrum. The rotation position of the air nozzle 67a at this time is detected by a sensor plate 38 fixed to the nozzle gear 35 and a nozzle sensor 39 fixed to the base plate 3 and detecting the position of the sensor plate 38. The stepping motor 37 is controlled according to the detection result.

  That is, by driving the stepping motor 37, the air nozzle 67a is positioned at the position (working position) N1 opposite to the opening 2A of the bobbin case 2 shown by a solid line in FIG. 8 when the bobbin thread is entangled with the bobbin shaft 7a. 8 is located at a retracted position N2 shown by a dashed line in FIG. 8 at the time of winding the bobbin and threading, and is separated from the work position N1 by a dashed line in FIG. (A position between the position N1 and the retreat position N2) is located at N5, and is at a standby position N3 further away from the retreat position N2 until the bobbin thread is entangled with the next bobbin after the bobbin thread is cut. It is supposed to. In the present embodiment, the standby position N3 is a position outside the cover 22 that covers the bobbin driving mechanism E and the air guide mechanism G. Of course, the cover 22 is provided with an opening or a notch for moving the air nozzle 67a in and out of the cover 22.

  Outside the cover 22, an air cylinder 71 is provided as yarn end holding means. When the air nozzle 67a is located at the standby position N3, the cylinder head 71a of the air cylinder 71 projects as shown by a dashed line in FIG. 8, and the air nozzle 67a is moved by the cylinder head 71a as shown in FIG. The opening at the tip is pressed down and closed. That is, the lower thread 150 from the thread spool 200 derived from the tip of the air nozzle 67a can be held. Reference numeral 23 in FIGS. 7 and 8 indicates a guide rod for guiding the lower thread from the thread supply detection mechanism F to the suction hole 65a of the thread suction device 65.

  By the way, when the bobbin thread is entangled with the bobbin shaft 7a, a bobbin thread of a predetermined length is led out from the tip of the air nozzle 67a located at the working position (to be described in detail later). The bobbin thread length (LL) derived from the air nozzle 67a is a length necessary to entangle the bobbin shaft with the derived bobbin end. The required length is (1) {(the length from the air nozzle at the working position to the outer periphery of the bobbin shaft) + [the length of one bobbin shaft circumference × (1.1 to 2.0)]}. (2) {(the length from the air nozzle at the working position to the outer periphery of the bobbin shaft) + [the length of one bobbin shaft circumference × (1.25 to 1.8)]} More preferably, it is within the range.

  If the length is longer than the range of the above (1), the lower thread end to be led out becomes difficult to enter from the opening 2A of the bobbin case 2, or even if it enters, the bobbin shaft 7a rotates one or more times to form a knot by itself. There is a fear that the bobbin shaft 7a may be bound, and if the length is shorter than the range of (1) or (2), the lower thread end may not be entangled with the bobbin shaft 7a.

  In the present embodiment, the required length is set to 55 mm. That is, the distance H between the tip of the air nozzle 67a and the opening 2A of the bobbin case 2 is 7 mm, the length 7 mm in contact with the bobbin shaft outer periphery from the bobbin case opening 2A, and (bobbin shaft circumference 25 mm × 1.64) = 41 mm Asked from.

  The lower thread guiding direction (air blowing direction) at the tip of the air nozzle 67a located at the work position is on the bobbin shaft lower thread winding side. The bobbin shaft lower thread winding side referred to herein is, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, one direction of the outer periphery of the bobbin shaft 7a divided into two by a line YY connecting the center of the bobbin shaft 7a and the tip of the air nozzle 67a. That is, the side on which the lower thread 150 is entangled with the bobbin shaft 7a (the direction XX in FIG. 15). The lower thread guide direction at the tip of the air nozzle 67a is preferably a direction intersecting the outer periphery of the bobbin shaft 7a on the bobbin shaft lower thread winding side XX, particularly preferably a direction in contact with the outer periphery of the bobbin shaft 7a.

  The distance H (see FIG. 14) between the tip of the air nozzle 67a stopped at the position opposite to the bobbin case opening 2A (in the working position) and the opening 2A of the bobbin case 2 is preferably 10 mm or less. Particularly preferably, it is 3 to 7 mm. With this range, the bobbin thread 150 can be prevented from fluttering due to blown air, and the vortex necessary for the bobbin thread 150 to be entangled with the bobbin shaft 7a in the bobbin case 2 can be formed.

  Incidentally, the lower thread winding device 162 is provided with a thread hooking device. As shown in FIG. 16, the thread hooking device has a moving knife thread handling device 116 rotatably disposed around the bobbin case 2 set at the lower thread winding position C. By rotating the loosening 116 around the bobbin case 2, the bobbin thread 150 from the bobbin 200 wound around the bobbin and led out from the bobbin case opening 2 </ b> A is formed between the open end edge of the bobbin case 2 and the outer periphery of the bobbin 7. It is configured to be guided to the slit groove 2C by being guided to the thread hooking position 2B through the gap, and to be led out from the vicinity of the lower thread tension spring hole 2E through the lower thread lead-out hole 2H below the lower thread tension spring 2D (FIG. 17). Note that the yarn hooking device is not limited to the above-described configuration. In short, the bobbin thread 150 from the bobbin 200 wound around the bobbin and led out from the bobbin case opening 2A can be hooked on the bobbin case 2. Any threading device may be used as long as it is, for example, a threading device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-68071 or a threading device described in Japanese Patent Application No. 7-65140 previously filed by the present applicant. And other appropriate ones can be adopted.

  The lower thread winding device 162 is further provided with a thread cutting device. In this thread cutting device, the bobbin thread 150 from the bobbin 200 led out from the vicinity of the bobbin thread tension spring hole 2E is loosened by the rotating operation of the moving knife thread separable thread 116, and is left for a predetermined length with the fixed knife 91. (See FIG. 16).

  Here, the bobbin thread 2 is drawn out from the vicinity of the lower thread tension spring hole 2E of the bobbin case 2 through the lower thread tension spring hole 2E. The bobbin case 2, the fixed knife 91 and the bobbin thread so that the bobbin thread length up to the rubbing point (see FIG. 16) becomes a length necessary for forming a stitch by entanglement with the upper thread, that is, about 40 mm. Each arrangement such as the cutting point S is determined.

  When the air nozzle 67a is located at the thread cutting position N5, the distance between the lower thread cutting point S at the time of the above cutting and the tip of the air nozzle 67a is, as shown in FIG. The length of the bobbin case 2, the lower thread cutting point S, the thread cutting position N5 of the air nozzle 67a, and the like are substantially equal to the length LL (about 55 mm in the present embodiment) required to entangle the lower thread. Each arrangement is determined.

  The thread trimming device is not limited to the above-described one, but it is essentially wound around a bobbin, passes through a lower thread lead-out hole 2H below a lower thread tension spring 2D of a bobbin case 2, and a hole for a lower thread tension spring. Any type can be used as long as it can cut the bobbin thread 150 from the bobbin 200 derived from the vicinity of 2E while leaving the above-mentioned predetermined length. For example, a thread cutting device described in JP-A-7-68071 or a book Appropriate devices such as the thread cutting device described in the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 7-65140 previously filed by the applicant can be adopted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a thread tension varying means 204 for varying the tension of the lower thread 150 is provided between the thread supply detecting mechanism F and the thread winding 200. The thread tension changing means 204 includes a tension spring 205 for pressing the lower thread 150 passing therethrough, a screw 206 for adjusting the pressing force of the tension spring 205 by a manual operation, and a tension spring 205 arranged in the sewing machine bed 101. And a solenoid SOL that generates a solenoid thrust against the pressing force.

  An electric circuit for driving the yarn tension varying means 204 has a configuration in which a power supply is connected in series to a solenoid SOL, and a switch is interposed therebetween.

  Therefore, when the switch is turned off, the solenoid thrust is not generated, the pressing force of the tension spring 205 is applied to the lower thread 150 to the maximum, and the lower thread tension is maximized. When the switch is turned on, the above-described solenoid thrust is generated to the maximum, and the lower thread 150 is applied with a force obtained by subtracting the solenoid thrust from the pressing force of the tension spring 205, and the lower thread tension is minimized.

  When the remaining yarn removing device 161 and the lower yarn winding device 162 contact the base plate 3 shown in FIG. 1, the base plate 3 is appropriately cut. In FIG. 1, the remaining yarn removing position B, the bobbin winding position C, and the bobbin attaching / detaching position D with respect to the dummy shaft 6 are close to each other, and the holding portion 11 is exaggerated. For this reason, there is a concern that the holding unit 11 may come into contact with the remaining yarn removing device 161 or the lower yarn winding device 162. However, in practice, a sufficient space is secured so that such contact does not occur.

  Further, an operation panel (not shown) is attached to the automatic lower thread supply device. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a power switch connected to the automatic lower thread supply device is provided on the operation panel. An operation switch 302, a setting switch 61A (see FIG. 10) as a lower thread winding amount setting device, an error display window 316 as a display device, and the like are additionally provided. Next, an automatic lower thread supply control device for controlling the operation of the lower thread automatic supply apparatus will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 18, the sewing machine main body 300 for executing a predetermined sewing operation is provided with a power switch (power switch on the sewing machine side) 302 for turning on / off a main power supply. A sewing machine power monitoring means (sewing machine power monitoring circuit) 301 for determining whether the switch 302 is on or off is provided. The sewing machine power supply monitoring means 301 constitutes a part of a power supply control device 450 (see FIG. 19) which will be described later. Specifically, for example, a +5 V power supply in the sewing machine control circuit is monitored, and It has a function of outputting an OFF detection signal of the power switch 302 to the power-on timing control means 315 (described later) of the power-on control device 450.

  On the other hand, the main power supply is also connected to a DC power supply circuit 304 via a relay switch 303 constituting a control switch means of a power supply control device 450 described later. The DC power supply circuit 304 of the power supply controller 450 includes a lower thread winding device 162 (more precisely, a thread hooking device and a thread cutting device), a remaining yarn removing device 161 and a bobbin replacing device 160 described above. Are connected so as to supply drive currents to the respective devices 160, 161, and 162 based on an on / off signal generated from the relay switch 303.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the lower thread winding device 162 includes a driver 310a for the bobbin driving motor M2, a driver 310b for the air nozzle retreat motor 37, a motor driver 310c for the thread handler 116 with a moving knife, a thread tension. The driver 310d for the solenoid SOL of the variable means, the driver 310e for the solenoid valve 68, and the driver 310f for the solenoid valve of the air cylinder 71 are connected to the bobbin changing device 160, respectively. The residual yarn removing device 161 is connected to a residual yarn winding motor driver 312a. A driver 313 is connected to the relay switch 303. Signals from a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 306 and a ROM 307 and a RAM 308 attached to the CPU 306 are input to these drivers 310 a to 310 f, 311 a, 311 b, 312 a, and 313 via an i / o port 305. Connected to be. As shown in FIG. 19, the devices 162, 161, and 160 execute the above-described predetermined operation while being controlled by the lower thread automatic supply device control means 400, and enable this execution. In this way, the power supply to the lower thread automatic supply device control means 400 is controlled by the power supply control device 450.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 19, the lower thread automatic supply device control means 400 includes a lower thread winding device control means 401, a bobbin exchange device control means (bobbin transport / removal device control means) 402, and a residual yarn removing device. The control means 403 is provided with a predetermined drive current from the DC power supply circuit 304 of the power supply control device 450, and similarly controls the power supply control. The operation command signal from the power supply timing control means 315 of the device 450 is applied. The power supply timing control means 315 has a function of constantly monitoring each operation of the lower thread winding device 162, the remaining yarn removing device 161 and the bobbin replacing device 160.

  Further, a detection signal from the sewing machine power supply monitoring means 301 described above, that is, a signal that detects ON / OFF of the sewing machine power supply switch 302 is applied to the energization timing control means 315. When the power supply timing control means 315 receives the OFF detection signal of the sewing machine power switch 302, the power supply timing control means 315 completes the processing operation of the apparatus which is being operated at the time of the power supply cutoff, and thereafter it is scheduled to be performed following this processing operation. If there is a necessary processing operation before the bobbin replacement, the processing operation is sequentially completed to be in a bobbin replacement standby state, that is, the processing required for the bobbin replacement (remaining yarn removal processing, lower thread winding processing, thread hooking processing) , After the thread trimming process is completed, the operation command signal for moving the bobbin case to the retreat position (origin position) facing the shuttle is provided to each of the control means 401, 402, and 403 described above. are doing.

  The energization timing control means 315 moves the bobbin case, which has been subjected to the processing necessary for bobbin replacement, toward the shuttle 1 from the origin position when the processing of each device is sequentially completed and the apparatus enters the bobbin replacement standby state. A function of issuing an operation command signal for causing the bobbin changing device control means 402 to move forward to a position where the bobbin changing device moves forward.

  The energization timing control means 315 has a function of issuing a processing completion signal to the control switch means 303 when the bobbin case is advanced from the origin position to a position facing and approaching the shuttle 1 by the bobbin exchange device 160. are doing. On the other hand, the control switch means 303 is composed of a power relay switch, a solid state relay and the like, and is always supplied with an AC drive current independently of the sewing machine power switch 302. The control switch unit 303 is configured to output an off command signal to the DC power supply circuit 304 in response to the processing completion signal from the energization timing control unit 315 described above. The DC power supply circuit 304 that has received the OFF command signal stops supplying the drive current to the control means 401, 402, 403 and the devices 160, 161, 162.

  As described above, since the bobbin case on which the processing necessary for the bobbin exchange has been performed is located at a position facing and facing the shuttle 1, the bobbin in the shuttle 1 and the bobbin case, unless the rotation arm 70 is forcibly retracted, It is difficult to manually intervene on the bobbin and the bobbin case that are facing and approaching the shuttle 1. That is, the bobbin and the bobbin case are prevented from being touched unnecessarily unless necessary.

  Further, the processing completion signal issued from the energization timing control means 315 is also applied to the RAM (non-volatile memory) 308 as the cutoff information storage means. The RAM 308 is configured by a battery backup RAM, an EEPROM, or the like, and stores or stores normal or abnormal (for example, at the time of a power failure) information of power shutdown in the RAM 308. On the other hand, the normal or abnormal information of the power shutoff stored in the RAM 308 is constantly referred to the energization timing control unit 315, and the normal or abnormal information of the power shutoff stored in the RAM 308 is used as the energization timing control unit 315. Has been confirmed. Then, based on the confirmed normal or abnormal information of the power cutoff, an initialization signal for each of the control units 401, 402, and 403 is generated from the energization timing control unit 315.

  Further, a predetermined display means 316 is connected to the power supply timing control means 315 so that the normal or abnormal information of the power cutoff stored in the RAM 308 is displayed.

  Further, the energization timing control means 315 causes the above-described bobbin exchange device control means 402 to detect the origin from the position where the bobbin case is opposed to and approaching the shuttle 1 when receiving the re-ON detection signal of the sewing machine power switch 302. It has a function of issuing an operation command signal.

  Further, the power supply control device 450 receives the detection signal from the sewing machine power supply monitoring unit 301 and monitors the operation of the bobbin exchange device 160, receives the re-ON detection signal of the sewing machine power switch 302, and removes the bobbin case. Whether the number of steps when the origin is detected when the origin is detected from the position approaching and approaching the shuttle 1 is the same as the number of steps when the bobbin case is advanced to the position approaching and approaching the shuttle 1 If the number of steps is not the same, the human hand intervenes in the bobbin and the bobbin case in the shuttle 1 and the bobbin and the bobbin case which are facing and approaching the shuttle 1 before the sewing machine power switch 302 is turned on again. However, a manual intervention determination unit 317 for determining that the user has not taken out and performed some treatment).

  The manual intervention determination means 317 displays a warning that manual intervention has been performed on the display means 316 when it is determined that manual intervention has occurred on the bobbin and the bobbin case before the sewing machine power switch 302 is turned on again. It has been made. That is, the operator is prompted to check.

  When the manual intervention determination unit 317 determines that the manual operation did not intervene in the bobbin and the bobbin case before turning on the sewing machine power switch 302 again, the above-described energization timing control unit 315 performs a predetermined continuation process. It has a function of issuing an operation command signal to be performed to each of the control means 401, 402, and 403 described above.

  In particular, the energization timing control means 315 in this embodiment moves the air nozzle 67a to the working position N1 when the lower thread is entangled with the bobbin shaft 7a, to the retracted position N2 when winding the lower thread and threading, It has a function of issuing an operation command signal to the lower thread winding device control means 401 so as to be positioned at the thread trimming position N5 and at the standby position N3 from the time after thread trimming to the time when the lower thread is entangled with the next bobbin. ing.

  The energization timing control means 315 has a function of issuing an operation command signal to the lower thread winding device control means 401 so that the cylinder head 71a is protruded when the air nozzle 67a is located at the standby position N3. ing.

  Next, a basic control operation of the lower thread automatic supply device using such a control device will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. The description will be made from the start of the sewing operation in consideration of the ease of understanding. That is, first, in step 5 in FIG. 20, when the RAM (non-volatile memory) 308 is cleared, the bobbin thread automatic supply device is put into an operation start standby state. Then, in step 6, it is determined whether there is a bobbin replacement request. The bobbin replacement request is automatically generated by the bobbin thread automatic supply device when, for example, the remaining amount of bobbin yarn in the shuttle becomes small, or when the operator turns on a replacement request switch.

  If there is a bobbin replacement request from any of these, the process proceeds to step 7, in which the sewing machine operation is prohibited in order to avoid interference with the sewing machine 300, the process proceeds to step 8, and the bobbin replacement is performed in step 8. . At this time, the one bobbin case 2Y gripped by the bobbin case gripping means is at the origin position, that is, the retracted position facing the shuttle 1 by the operation of step 4 or step 18 described later (see FIG. 6). For convenience of explanation, this bobbin case is 2Y, and the bobbin case in the shuttle is 2X.

  Then, the rotary arm 70 is rotated by 180 ° so that the bobbin case gripping means that does not grip the bobbin case is opposed to the shuttle 1 and then moved forward. The case 2X is held by the bobbin case gripping means, and then the rotating arm 70 is retracted. Next, the rotary arm 70 is rotated by 180 ° so that the bobbin case 2Y is opposed to the shuttle 1 and then advanced to mount the bobbin case 2Y in the shuttle, and then the rotary arm 70 is retracted.

  Next, the process proceeds to step 9, in which the operation of the sewing machine 300 is permitted, and the process proceeds to step 10. In step 10, the residual thread removing process is performed. That is, the bobbin case 2X taken out of the shuttle is rotated by rotating the rotary arm 70 to advance to the residual yarn removing position B, and the residual yarn removing device 161 removes the bobbin residual yarn in the bobbin case 2X. The moving arm 70 is retracted.

  Next, in step 11, the cylinder head 71a of the air cylinder 71 protruding in step 17 described later is retracted, that is, the holding of the lower thread 150 from the thread winding 200 derived from the tip of the air cylinder 67a is released. Then, in step 12, the air nozzle 67a at the standby position N3 is moved to the retreat position N2 in step 16 described later in step 16, and proceeds to step 13. In step 13, lower bobbin winding (thread winding) processing is performed. This bobbin winding process will be described according to a bobbin winding process routine shown in FIG.

  In this bobbin winding process routine, the following operation is performed before that. First, the bobbin thread 200 and the bobbin thread 150 from the thread tension varying means 204 are wound once on the roller 54. At this time, the switch of the thread tension varying means 204 is turned on to generate the solenoid thrust to the maximum and to minimize the bobbin thread tension.

  Next, the thread end of the lower thread 150 is inserted into the suction hole 65a of the thread suction device 65, and is pushed slightly. Next, the solenoid valve 68 is temporarily turned on to flow air from an air source into the air tubes 66 and 67, and the lower thread 150 inserted and pushed into the suction hole 65a is guided to the air nozzle 67a by the flow of air. The yarn end is exposed from the air nozzle 67a and led out. As described above, the lead-out length LL is a length necessary to entangle the lower thread end with the bobbin shaft, and is about 55 mm in the present embodiment. When the bobbin thread 150 inserted and pushed into the suction hole 65a is conveyed from the thread suction device 65 by air to be exposed and drawn out from the air nozzle 67a, an operator manually removes the bobbin thread from the bobbin 200 by hand. If the necessary amount is previously pulled and loosened or sent out manually, the lower thread is conveyed more favorably.

  Then, in step 1, the rotating arm 70 is rotated to make the bobbin case 2X face the bobbin winding position C. Next, the process proceeds to step 2, in which the rotary arm 70 is moved forward to position the bobbin case 2X at the bobbin winding position C, and the bobbin drive motor M2 is temporarily driven to connect the clutch mechanism 50a and the bobbin 7. connect.

  Next, the process proceeds to step 3, in which the bobbin drive motor M2 is driven to rotate the bobbin 7, as shown in FIG. Next, the process proceeds to step 4, in which the air nozzle retracting motor 37 is driven to move the air nozzle 67a located at the standby position N3 to the working position N1 as shown in FIG. .

  Next, the process proceeds to step 5, in which, as shown in FIG. 22A, the blowing of the yarn guide air is started from the air nozzle 67a, and the process proceeds to step 6. In step 6, the process waits for a predetermined time.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the lower thread end derived from the air nozzle 67a is satisfactorily inserted (guided) into the bobbin case 2 from the opening 2A of the bobbin case 2 in a state where flapping and the like are suppressed. And is guided to the bobbin shaft lower thread winding side XX, and entangled with the bobbin shaft 7a by the cooperation of the rotation of the bobbin shaft 7a and the vortex formed by air.

  Then, when the bobbin thread 150 from the bobbin 200 is entangled with the bobbin shaft 7a, the roller 54 starts rotating, and a pulse wave is output from the photosensor 60 as shown in FIG. start.

  Then, in step 7, the effective bobbin winding amount detecting means 61 determines whether or not the pulse wave has been counted a predetermined number during the above-mentioned fixed time. Here, in the present embodiment, when three pulse waves are detected, it is determined that the lower thread 150 is entangled with the bobbin shaft 7a. The number of three pulse waves is a value in consideration of the safety factor, and is not limited to this number.

  If the pulse wave has not been counted for a predetermined number of times in step 7, the process proceeds to step 13 in which the entanglement of the lower thread with the bobbin shaft 7a has failed, and in step 13, the air nozzle The yarn guide air from 67a is stopped, and the process proceeds to step 14. In step 14, the air nozzle retreat motor 37 is driven to move the air nozzle 67a at the working position N1 to the retreat position N2. Then, the process returns to step 4 to retry.

  On the other hand, if a predetermined number of pulse waves have been counted during the predetermined time in step 7, it is determined that the bobbin thread has been successfully entangled with the bobbin shaft 7a. Is counted as an effective bobbin winding amount.

  Next, the process proceeds to step 8, in which the yarn guide air from the air nozzle 67a is stopped as shown in FIG. 22 (a), and the process proceeds to step 9, where the air nozzle retreat motor 37 By driving as shown in FIG. 22C, the air nozzle 67a at the work position N1 is moved to the retreat position N2.

  At this time, the bobbin drive motor M2 continues to rotate, so that the lower thread is wound around the bobbin shaft 7a. As described above, when the lower thread is wound while increasing the distance between the tip of the air nozzle 67a and the bobbin shaft 7a, the lower thread 150 is wound substantially uniformly over the entire area of the bobbin shaft 7a. Become.

  Next, the routine proceeds to step 10, in which the determination means 61B detects the actual bobbin winding amount detected by the effective bobbin winding amount detecting means 61 and the set lower bobbin winding amount inputted from the bobbin winding amount setting means 61A. It is determined whether or not the amount of the lower thread matches the amount of the lower thread. Here, if they do not match, that is, if the bobbin thread has not yet been wound to the set bobbin winding amount, the same determination is repeated until the bobbin thread matches. In this case, the process proceeds to step 11, where the bobbin drive motor M2 is stopped. That is, the set lower thread winding amount input from the lower thread winding amount setting means 61A is wound around the bobbin shaft 7a.

  When the winding operation of the bobbin thread 150 on the bobbin 7 is automatically performed in this manner, the process proceeds to step 14 shown in FIG. 20, in which the switch of the thread tension varying means 204 is turned off, and the solenoid thrust is reduced. Threading is performed with the bobbin thread tension maximized. That is, the bobbin thread 150 from the bobbin 200 wound around the bobbin 7 and led out from the bobbin case opening 2A is guided to the thread hooking position 2B via a gap between the open end edge of the bobbin case 2 and the outer periphery of the bobbin 7. It is led to the slit groove 2C, and is led out from the vicinity of the lower thread tension spring hole 2E through the lower thread lead-out hole 2H below the lower thread tension spring 2D.

  Next, the process proceeds to step 15, in which the air nozzle 67a is moved from the retreat position N2 to the thread cutting position N5, and the switch of the thread tension varying means 204 is turned on to generate the above-mentioned solenoid thrust to the maximum. Perform thread trimming with the thread tension minimized. As a result of this thread trimming, the lower thread on the bobbin case 2 side has a length required for forming a stitch by entanglement with the upper thread, that is, about 40 mm, as described above, the lower thread lead-out hole under the lower thread tension spring 2D. After passing through 2H, the bobbin thread is pulled out from the vicinity of the bobbin thread tension spring hole 2E. On the other hand, the bobbin thread on the bobbin 200 side has a length LL required to entangle the bobbin thread with the bobbin shaft 7a, that is, 55 mm, as described above. The degree is derived from the tip of the air nozzle 67a.

  As described above, since the lower thread required to entangle the lower thread on the bobbin shaft 7a is derived from the air nozzle 67a, the bobbin for the next bobbin (the same applies to the next bobbin). By performing the same operation as described above, the lower thread can be wound in the same manner. Then, the air nozzle 67a is moved from the thread cutting position N5 to the retreat position N2.

  Then, when the bobbin thread cutting operation is automatically performed in this manner, the process proceeds to step 16, and in step 16, the air nozzle 67a located at the retreat position N5 by the operation of step 15 is moved to the standby position N3. That is, by moving the air nozzle 67a to the standby position N3 in this way, the thread is cut so that the yarn end derived from the air nozzle 67a is sufficiently separated from the vicinity of the shuttle to prevent oil, dust, etc. from adhering near the shuttle. I have to.

  Next, proceeding to step 17, in step 17, the cylinder head 71a of the air cylinder 71 is made to protrude, and the cylinder head 71a presses and closes the opening at the tip of the air nozzle 67a, from the spool 200 derived from the tip of the air nozzle 67a. The lower thread 150 is held. In other words, even if the sewing machine vibration is transmitted, the vibration prevents the derived yarn from returning to the lower thread supply source side (the side of the bobbin 200) and shortening or eliminating the derived length.

  Then, the process proceeds to step 18, in which the rotating arm 70 is retracted to the retreat position, and then rotated to bring the bobbin case 2 </ b> X to the shuttle 1 to be in a standby state.

  Then, the process proceeds to a step 19, wherein it is determined whether or not the sewing machine power switch 302 is off. Therefore, even if the sewing machine power switch 302 is turned off during the processing operation of each device in the above steps 8 to 17, all of the series of processing operations in steps 8 to 17 are performed and the bobbin replacement standby state is set. .

  Then, even if there is no bobbin replacement request in step 6, the process proceeds to step 19. If it is determined in step 19 that the sewing machine power switch 302 is turned on, the process returns to step 6. That is, when the sewing machine power switch 302 is turned on, the bobbin case 2X gripped by the bobbin case gripping unit is positioned at the origin position and waits for a bobbin replacement request. If it is determined to be off, that is, if the sewing machine power switch 302 is turned off by the operator, the process proceeds to step 20.

  Next, in step 20, the rotary arm 70 is advanced by a predetermined step, and the bobbin case 2X is moved to a position where the bobbin case 2X faces and approaches the shuttle 1 as shown in FIG. As a result, the bobbin case 2X and the bobbin case 2Y in the shuttle cannot be taken out unless the rotating arm 70 is manually rotated or retracted. In the present embodiment, since there is an obstacle around the bobbin case gripping means at this position, the rotation of the rotating arm 70 is restricted, and the rotation is impossible.

  Next, the process proceeds to step 21, in which the current state is stored in the RAM (non-volatile memory) 308, and the fact that the normal power-off process has been performed is stored in the RAM 308. Then, the process proceeds to step 22, and in step 22, the relay switch 303 is turned off to cut off the power supply of the lower thread automatic supply device itself.

  Thereafter, when the sewing machine power switch 302 is turned on again, the process returns to step 1 shown in FIG. 20, and first, information on the state at the time of the previous power shutdown and whether or not normal power shutdown processing has been performed is read from the RAM 308. It is.

  Then, proceed to step 2, where the initialization operation is performed in the most efficient manner. When the initialization operation has been completed, the process proceeds to step 3, where it is determined whether or not the normal power-off process has been performed last time. If the switch 302 is turned off, the process proceeds to step 4. If not, for example, if the normal power shutdown process is not performed due to an unexpected power failure or the like, display means 316 such as an error display window or a warning buzzer is provided. Displays an error, prompts operator intervention, and proceeds to step 23.

  In step 4, the origin is detected by retracting the rotary arm 70 by a predetermined number of steps, and it is determined whether the origin is detected by the same number of steps (step 20) as described above. Here, when the operator removes the bobbin case 2X and the bobbin case 2Y in the shuttle while the sewing machine power switch 302 is off, the position of the rotating arm 70 moves from the position facing and approaching the shuttle 1 described above. Therefore, the origin is not detected with the same number of steps as above. On the other hand, if the operator does not take out the bobbin case 2X and the bobbin case 2Y in the shuttle, the pivot arm 70 is in the position facing and approaching the shuttle 1, so that the pivot arm 70 is in the same step as described above. Return to the origin position by the number. If the origin is not detected in the same number of steps, that is, if the bobbin case 2X and the bobbin case 2Y in the shuttle are taken out, an error display is performed by the display means 316 such as an error display window and a warning buzzer. And the process proceeds to step 23.

  When the rotating arm 70 is retracted by the same number of steps (step 20) as described above, it is determined whether or not the bobbin case 2X is at the home position, whereby the operator can determine whether the bobbin case 2X or the bobbin case 2Y in the shuttle is in operation. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not is taken out.

  In step 23, the operator waits for the intervention of the operator, the bobbin check, the remaining yarn removing process, and the resetting are performed by the operator, and the process proceeds to step 24. In step 24, the lower thread winding process similar to that described in step 13 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to step 25. In step 25, the same thread hooking process as described in step 14 is performed, and the process proceeds to step 26. In step 26, the same thread cutting process as described in step 15 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to step 27. In step 27, the bobbin case accommodating the bobbin subjected to each process is mounted on the shuttle 1, and the process proceeds to step 13 described above. In step 13, the bobbin thread winding process for the other bobbin case is performed. Do. Then, the subsequent operations are performed in the same manner.

  Note that when the bobbin case holding the bobbin is first gripped by the bobbin case gripping means, a hand is inserted from the rotating arm side, and the palm is returned in the same manner as when the bobbin case is mounted on the inner hook shaft 5. The bobbin case is mounted on the dummy shaft 6 by pushing the bobbin case onto the dummy shaft 6, the bobbin case holding means is opposed to the dummy shaft 6, and then the bobbin case is moved forward. What is necessary is just to let a case holding | gripping means hold | grip.

  Further, when replacing the bobbin and bobbin case used, if the bobbin case gripping means holding the bobbin case is moved forward after facing the dummy shaft 6, the bobbin case gripping means The bobbin case 2 can be transferred to the dummy shaft 6. When the bobbin case 2 held on the dummy shaft 6 is taken out, as in the case of taking out the bobbin case 2 from the intermediate hook shaft 5, if the hand is inserted from the rotating arm side, the dummy shaft can be returned without returning the palm. The bobbin case held in 6 can be taken out.

  Thus, in the basic embodiment described above, the air nozzle 67a is positioned at the work position N1 near the bobbin case opening 2A when the bobbin 7 is guided by the stepping motor 37, and the bobbin winding is performed. When performing the thread cutting, the thread trimming air is positioned at a retreat position N2 separated from the work position N1, and after the thread trimming is positioned at a standby position N3 further separated from the retreat position N2 in a direction away from the work position N1. Since the yarn end derived from the nozzle 67a is configured to be sufficiently separated from the vicinity of the hook to prevent the adhesion of oil, dust, and the like near the hook, the lower thread can be entangled satisfactorily. In addition, it is possible to improve the sewing quality.

  Further, in the basic embodiment, the standby position N3 is set to a position outside the cover 22 in which the lower thread winding device is stored, and the oil near the shuttle is provided with respect to the thread end where the thread is cut and led out from the air nozzle 67a. Since it is configured such that the attachment of dust and the like can be further prevented, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of sewing the lower thread and the sewing quality.

  Further, in the basic embodiment, the bobbin thread 150 from the bobbin 200 derived from the air nozzle 67a is held by the air cylinder 71 from the time after the bobbin thread is cut by the thread trimmer to the next bobbin winding, and vibration is transmitted. However, since the vibration prevents the lower thread 150 derived from the air nozzle 67a from being returned to the lower thread supply source side and shortening or eliminating the derived length, the next bobbin is used. , And it is possible to improve the reliability.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a flow of a control operation procedure of the lower thread automatic supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the functions of the energization timing control means 315 described in the basic embodiment include processes necessary for bobbin replacement (remaining yarn removing process, lower thread winding process, thread hooking process, thread cutting process). Is completed, the bobbin case is stopped at the lower thread winding position C, that is, the bobbin on which the thread has been cut is kept connected to the clutch mechanism 50a, and the bobbin rotation is restrained, and a bobbin replacement standby state is set. When a bobbin replacement request is made, a function of attaching a bobbin case accommodating a bobbin whose rotation is restricted at the lower thread winding position C to the shuttle (of course, after removing the bobbin case from the shuttle) is added. (First function).

  In addition, upon receiving a re-ON detection signal of the sewing machine power switch 302, it is determined that the previous power shutoff is normal, and if it is determined that no manual operation is performed during the power shutoff, the bobbin replacement request is not issued. A function of moving the bobbin case waiting at the origin position to the bobbin winding position C and connecting the bobbin to the clutch mechanism 50a is added (second function).

  In the following embodiments including the first embodiment, the structure and control function for moving the air nozzle 67a to the standby position N3 described in the basic embodiment, Are not provided for the sake of explanation.

  Next, a control operation of the lower thread automatic supply device in the first embodiment using such a control device will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. The description will be made from the start of the sewing operation in consideration of the ease of explanation. That is, first, in step 6, the RAM (non-volatile memory) 308 is cleared and the process proceeds to step 7. In step 7, it is determined whether or not there is a bobbin replacement request. In step 8, the sewing machine operation is prohibited, and the process proceeds to step 9. In step 9, the rotary arm 70 is first retracted, and the bobbin in the lower thread winding position C after thread trimming is performed in step 15 or step 5 described later. The case 2 is moved to the evacuation position. That is, by this moving operation, the connection (restriction) of the bobbin 7 housed in the bobbin case 2 to the clutch mechanism 50a is released. Then, after that, the rotating arm 70 is rotated so that the bobbin case gripping means that does not grip the bobbin case is opposed to the shuttle 1. For convenience of explanation, the bobbin case inside the shuttle is 2X, and the other bobbin case is 2Y.

  Next, the process proceeds to step 10, in which the rotating arm 70 is advanced, and the bobbin case 2X containing the bobbin with the remaining yarn in the shuttle is held by the bobbin case gripping means by the bobbin case gripping means. 70 is retracted. Next, the rotary arm 70 is rotated by 180 ° so that the bobbin case 2Y is opposed to the shuttle 1 and then advanced to mount the bobbin case 2Y in the shuttle, and then the rotary arm 70 is retracted.

  Next, the process proceeds to step 11, where the operation of the sewing machine 300 is permitted in step 11, and the process proceeds to step 12. In step 12, the remaining thread is removed and the process proceeds to step 13. In step 13, the lower thread winding process is performed. . The bobbin thread winding process is the same as the flowchart of FIG. 21 described in the basic embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the process proceeds to step 14, in which the same threading process as in step 14 of FIG. 20 described in the basic embodiment is performed, and the process proceeds to step 15. In step 15, the step of FIG. 20 described in the basic embodiment is performed. A thread trimming process similar to 15 is performed.

  Next, the routine proceeds to step 16. Also, in step 7 described above, if there is no bobbin replacement request, the process also proceeds to step 16, where it is determined whether the sewing machine power switch 302 is off. If it is determined that the sewing machine power switch 302 is ON, the process returns to step S7. That is, when the sewing machine power switch 302 is turned on, the bobbin case 2X is stopped at the lower thread winding position C, and the bobbin 7 having the thread trimmed is kept connected to the clutch mechanism 50a to restrict the bobbin rotation. In a bobbin exchange standby state, if a bobbin exchange request is made in step 7, the bobbin case 2X accommodating the bobbin whose rotation is restricted at the lower thread winding position C is opposed to the dummy shaft 6 in step 9 through step 8. After that, the flow is the same as the flow after step 10 in FIG. 24 described above.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 16 that the sewing machine power switch 302 is off, that is, when the sewing machine power switch 302 is turned off by the operator, the process proceeds to step 16a, and in step 16a, the rotation is restricted at the lower thread winding position C. The bobbin case 2X accommodating the bobbin being moved is moved to the origin position, and the process proceeds to step 17. In step 17, the rotating arm 70 is advanced by a predetermined step, and as shown in FIG. It moves to the position facing and approaching 1.

  Next, the process proceeds to step 18, in which the current state is stored in the RAM (non-volatile memory) 308, and the fact that the normal power-off process has been performed is stored in the RAM 308. Then, the process proceeds to step 19, and in step 117, the relay switch 303 is turned off and the power supply of the lower thread automatic supply device itself is cut off.

  Thereafter, when the sewing machine power switch 302 is turned on again, the process returns to step 1 shown in FIG. 24, and first, the information at the time of the previous power shutdown and whether the normal power shutdown process has been performed is read from the RAM 308. It is.

  Then, proceed to step 2, where the initialization operation is performed in the most efficient manner. When the initialization operation has been completed, the process proceeds to step 3, where it is determined whether or not the normal power-off process has been performed last time. If the switch 302 is turned off, the process proceeds to step 4. If not, for example, if the normal power shutdown process is not performed due to an unexpected power failure or the like, display means 316 such as an error display window or a warning buzzer is provided. Displays an error, prompts operator intervention, and proceeds to step 20.

  In step 4, the origin is detected by retracting the rotating arm 70 by a predetermined number of steps, and it is determined whether the origin is detected by the same number of steps (step 17) as described above. When the origin is not detected in the same number of steps, that is, when the bobbin case 2X and the bobbin case 2Y in the shuttle are taken out, an error is displayed by the display means 316 such as an error display window and a warning buzzer. Is urged to proceed to step 20.

  On the other hand, if the origin is detected with the same number of steps, that is, if the bobbin case 2X and the bobbin case 2Y in the shuttle are not taken out, the process proceeds to step 5, and in step 5, the bobbin case 2X at the origin position is wound with the bobbin winding. The bobbin 7 having moved to the position C and having the thread trimmed is connected to the clutch mechanism 50a, the rotation of the bobbin is restrained, the bobbin replacement standby state is set, and the routine proceeds to step 6, where the same flow follows. Steps 20 to 24 are the same as steps 23 to 27 in the flowchart of FIG. 20 described in the basic embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the rotation of the bobbin waiting to be replaced after the bobbin winding, thread hooking, and thread trimming is restricted by the clutch mechanism 50a as the bobbin restricting means until there is a bobbin replacement request. However, even if vibration is transmitted to the bobbin on which the bobbin has been wound, the bobbin is configured so as to prevent the bobbin wound on the bobbin from expanding and unwinding due to this vibration. In addition, it is possible to satisfactorily perform sewing using, and to improve the sewing quality, thereby improving reliability (first effect).

  Further, in the first embodiment, when a bobbin replacement request is made, the bobbin winding, thread hooking, and thread trimming are performed, and the bobbin in a standby state can be immediately replaced with the bobbin in the shuttle. Therefore, for example, the cycle time can be shortened as compared to the second embodiment described later, and the above-described effect can be further enhanced (second effect).

  In the first embodiment, the rotation of the bobbin on which the bobbin thread has been wound in the standby state is restricted by the clutch mechanism 50a of the bobbin driving mechanism E. Since the configuration is such that it is not necessary to newly provide one, it is possible to obtain the above effect at low cost (third effect).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control operation procedure of the lower thread automatic supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the first function of the energization timing control means 315 described in the first embodiment is performed by stopping the bobbin case at the lower thread winding position C when the thread hooking process is completed. That is, the bobbin on which the thread is hooked is kept connected to the clutch mechanism 50a, and the bobbin rotation is restrained so as to be in a bobbin replacement standby state. When there is a bobbin replacement request, the rotation is restrained at the lower thread winding position C. The thread cutting process is performed on the bobbin case containing the bobbin, and then the bobbin case is attached to the shuttle (of course, after the bobbin case in the shuttle is removed).

  Next, a control operation of the lower thread automatic supply device according to the second embodiment using such a control device will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. The description will be made from the start of the sewing operation in consideration of the ease of explanation. That is, first, in step 6, the RAM (non-volatile memory) 308 is cleared and the process proceeds to step 7. In step 7, it is determined whether or not there is a bobbin replacement request. In step 8, the sewing machine operation is prohibited and the process proceeds to step 9. In step 9, it is determined whether or not the thread trimming for the bobbin case has been completed. In step 10, thread cutting is performed at the lower thread winding position C for the bobbin case 2 at the lower thread winding position C, where the threading is performed in step 16 described later, and the process proceeds to step 11. On the other hand, if the thread is trimmed in step 18 described later and the bobbin rotation is restrained at the lower thread winding position C in step 5 and the robot is on standby, step 10 is skipped and the process proceeds to step 11.

  Steps 11 to 16 are the same as steps 9 to 14 in the flowchart of FIG. 24 described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. When the thread is hooked in step 16, the process proceeds to step 17, where it is determined whether the sewing machine power switch 302 is off. If it is determined that the sewing machine power switch 302 is ON, the process returns to step S7. That is, when the sewing machine power switch 302 is ON, the bobbin case 2X is stopped at the lower thread winding position C without performing thread trimming, and the threaded bobbin 7 is kept connected to the clutch mechanism 50a. The bobbin rotation is restrained and the bobbin replacement standby state is set. If there is a bobbin replacement request in step 7, thread cutting is performed in step 10 through steps 8 and 9, and the process proceeds to step 11, and thereafter, the above-mentioned steps 11 and thereafter are performed. This is the same as the flow of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 17 that the sewing machine power switch 302 is turned off, the process proceeds to step 18. In step 18, the bobbin at the lower thread winding position C is trimmed, and the process proceeds to step 18 a. Steps 18a to 21, Steps 1 to 6, and Steps 23 to 27 are performed in the same manner as Steps 16a to 19, Steps 1 to 6, and Steps 20 to 24 in the flowchart of FIG. 24 described in the first embodiment. Do it.

  In this way, the rotation of the bobbin 7 after the thread hooking is restricted by the clutch mechanism 50a as the bobbin restricting means until the bobbin replacement is requested. Even if it is performed, it goes without saying that the first and third effects described in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Moreover, in the second embodiment, the bobbin in a standby state is not trimmed, and the bobbin is restrained by the clutch mechanism 50a on the bobbin. The bobbin thread 150 from the wound bobbin 200 is returned to the bobbin supply source side to prevent the lead-out length from being shortened or eliminated. That is, even if the air cylinder 71 as the yarn end holding means of the basic embodiment is not provided, the lower bobbin guide to the next bobbin can be favorably performed, and the reliability can be improved.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of a control operation procedure of the lower thread automatic feeding device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 27 is a right side view showing the bobbin restraining means together with the bobbin exchanging device according to the third embodiment. It is.

  In the third embodiment, an air cylinder 75 is provided as bobbin restraining means. As shown in FIG. 27, the air cylinder 75 has a main body portion 75a fixed to the back surface (the right side in the drawing) of the base plate 3 near the dummy shaft 6, and a cylinder head 75b parallel to the shuttle shaft 1a. It can move forward and backward in the direction. That is, when the bobbin case 2 is located at the retracted position facing the dummy shaft 6 and the air cylinder 75 is driven to advance the cylinder head 75b, the bobbin 7 in the bobbin case 2 is moved by the advanced cylinder head 75b. Is pressed to restrict its rotation.

  Further, in the third embodiment, the first function of the energization timing control means 315 described in the first embodiment is performed by setting the bobbin case with the thread trimmed to the dummy shaft 6 when the thread trimming process is completed. When this movement is made, the cylinder head 75b of the air cylinder 75 is protruded to restrict the rotation of the bobbin in the bobbin case to be in a bobbin replacement standby state. (At this time, the cylinder head 75b is retracted into the cylinder head advance / retreat hole formed in the base plate 3) to release the restraint of the bobbin rotation, and the bobbin case is put into the shuttle. It is replaced with the function of attaching (after taking out the bobbin case in the pot).

  Further, the second function of the energization timing control means 315 described in the first embodiment is implemented by determining that the previous power cutoff is normal upon receiving a re-ON detection signal of the sewing machine power switch 302, and during the power cutoff. If it is determined that no manual intervention is made, the bobbin case waiting at the origin position is moved to the retreat position facing the dummy shaft 6 until the bobbin replacement request is issued, and the air cylinder 75 is driven. Instead of the function of restricting the rotation of the bobbin in the bobbin case 2.

  Next, the control operation of the lower thread automatic supply device in the third embodiment using such a control device will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The description will be made from the start of the sewing operation in consideration of the ease of explanation. That is, first, in step 7, the RAM (non-volatile memory) 308 is cleared and the process proceeds to step 8. In step 8, it is determined whether or not there is a bobbin replacement request. In step 9, the sewing machine operation is prohibited and the process proceeds to step 10. In step 10, the cylinder head 75b protrudes from the bobbin waiting at the retracted position facing the dummy shaft 6 in step 18 or step 6 described later. Withdraw. That is, the restriction of the bobbin rotation is released.

  Next, the process proceeds to step 11, in which the rotating arm 70 is first advanced, and the bobbin case 2X having the bobbin with the remaining thread in the shuttle is held by the bobbin case gripping means by the bobbin case gripping means. The arm 70 is retracted. Next, the rotary arm 70 is rotated by 180 ° so that the bobbin case 2Y is opposed to the shuttle 1 and then advanced to mount the bobbin case 2Y in the shuttle, and then the rotary arm 70 is retracted. Then, the process proceeds to step 12.

  Steps 12 to 16 are the same as steps 11 to 15 in the flowchart of FIG. 24 described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. When the thread is cut in step 16, the process proceeds to step 17. In step 17, the rotary arm 70 is retracted to position the bobbin case 2X at the lower thread winding position C at the retracted position, and then the bobbin case is rotated to The case 2X is located at a position facing the dummy shaft 6, and the process proceeds to step 18. In step 18, the cylinder head 75b of the air cylinder 75 is protruded to restrict the rotation of the bobbin 7 in the bobbin case 2X.

  Next, the routine proceeds to step 19. Also, if there is no bobbin replacement request in step 8, the process proceeds to step 19, where it is determined whether the sewing machine power switch 302 is off. If it is determined that the sewing machine power switch 302 is turned on, the process returns to step S8. That is, when the sewing machine power switch 302 is on, the bobbin located at the retracted position facing the dummy shaft 6 is set in a bobbin replacement standby state while the rotation of the bobbin is restricted by the air cylinder 75, and a bobbin replacement request is issued in step 8. Then, in step 10 after step 9, the bobbin restraint by the air cylinder 75 is released and the process proceeds to step 11, and thereafter, the flow is the same as that in step 11 and thereafter.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 19 that the sewing machine power switch 302 is turned off, the process proceeds to step 20, and in step 20, the air that has been applied to the bobbin located at the retreat position facing the dummy shaft 6 in step 18. The bobbin restraint by the cylinder 75 is released, and the process proceeds to step 20a. In step 20a, the rotary arm 70 is rotated by 180 °, and the bobbin case 2X at the retreat position facing the dummy shaft 6 is moved to the origin position. Then, in step 21, the rotary arm 70 is advanced by a predetermined step, and the bobbin case 2X is moved to a position where the bobbin case 2X faces the shuttle 1 as shown in FIG.

  Then, the subsequent processes of Steps 22 to 23, Steps 1 to 4, and Steps 24 to 28 are performed in Steps 18 to 19, Steps 1 to 4, and Steps 20 to 24 in the flowchart of FIG. 24 described in the first embodiment. Perform in the same manner as described above.

  Then, in step 4, when the origin is detected with the same number of steps as in step 21, the process proceeds to step 5, in which the rotating arm 70 is rotated by 180 °, and in step 4, the bobbin case at the origin position is rotated. The 2X is moved to the retracted position facing the dummy shaft 6 and proceeds to step 6. In step 6, the cylinder head 75b of the air cylinder 75 is protruded to restrict the rotation of the bobbin 7 in the bobbin case 2X. Thereafter, the flow is the same as described above.

  It goes without saying that even with this configuration, the first and second effects described in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Although the invention made by the inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment, the invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it can be said that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. Until short, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 6-285932 filed by the present applicant, the lower thread winding device 162 of the above-described embodiment is connected to the lower thread 150 from the spool 200 by an air nozzle. The bobbin thread winding device may be replaced with a bobbin winding device that guides the bobbin thread into the bobbin case 2 via the bobbin case opening 2A by air while forcibly feeding out the bobbin thread from the tip end of the bobbin 67a.

  In the above embodiment, the bobbin case is described in which the bobbin case is applied to a bobbin winding device in which the bobbin thread 150 from the bobbin 200 is inserted through the bobbin case opening 2A and wound around the bobbin 7. The present invention is also applicable to a bobbin winding device in which the bobbin 150 is wound around the bobbin 7 separated from the bobbin 7.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the rotation of the bobbin 7 accommodated in the bobbin case 2 is restricted, but the rotation of the bobbin 7 separated from the bobbin case 2 may be restricted.

  Furthermore, the bobbin restraining means is not limited to the one in the above embodiment. In short, any bobbin restraining means that can restrain the bobbin rotation during standby before the bobbin thread is wound and used for sewing is used. It may be something.

It is a schematic front view showing a lower thread automatic supply device in a basic embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the bobbin exchange device employ | adopted in the same upper and lower thread supply device. It is a top view of a bobbin exchange device same as the above. FIG. 4 is a right side view illustrating a linear motion mechanism portion in the bobbin changing device. FIG. 4 is a right side view illustrating a rotating mechanism portion of the bobbin changing device. FIG. 2 is a schematic right side view for explaining a dummy position and a dummy shaft of the bobbin changing device. It is a top view showing the bobbin drive mechanism and the air guide mechanism of the lower thread winding device adopted in the upper and lower thread automatic supply device. It is a front view of a bobbin drive mechanism and an air guide mechanism same as the above. It is the front view showing the thread supply detection mechanism of the same upper and lower thread winding device. It is a right view of the same thread supply detection mechanism. It is the front view showing the thread tension variable means of the same upper and lower thread winding device. It is a cross-sectional view showing the lower thread suction device of the air guide mechanism of the same. It is a perspective view of a bobbin drive mechanism same as the above. It is explanatory drawing showing the positional relationship with respect to the bobbin case and the bobbin axis at the time of the lower thread entanglement of the air nozzle which inserts a lower thread. It is a figure for explaining the lower thread winding side of a bobbin shaft. It is explanatory drawing showing the positional relationship of the air nozzle of an air guide mechanism, a thread cutting device, and a bobbin case at the time of thread cutting. It is a perspective view of the bobbin case employ | adopted in the embodiment same as the above. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the entire apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control system in the embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the flow of the control operation procedure of the upper and lower thread automatic supply device. It is the flow figure showing the flow of the control operation procedure of the same upper and lower thread winding device. It is a timing chart for explaining operation of the same upper and lower thread winding device. FIG. 4 is a right side view showing only a main part of the bobbin changing device when the power supply to each device is cut off. It is a flowchart showing the flow of the control operation | movement procedure of the lower thread automatic supply apparatus in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the flow figure showing the flow of the control operation procedure of the lower thread automatic feeder in a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is the flow figure showing the flow of the control operation procedure of the lower thread automatic feeder in a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is a right side view showing the bobbin restraint means in a 3rd embodiment with a bobbin exchange device.

Explanation of reference numerals

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hook 2, 2X, 2Y bobbin case 2D bobbin thread tension spring 2E hole for bobbin thread tension spring 2H bobbin thread lead-out hole 7 bobbin 7a bobbin shaft 22 cover 37 thread guide moving means 50a clutch means 65, 67 guide path 67a thread guide means Derivation unit (guide route derivation unit)
71 Thread end holding means 75 Bobbin restraining means 91 Thread cutting device 116 Threading device 150 Bobbin thread 160 Bobbin exchanging device 162 Bobbin thread winding device 200 Bobbin thread supply source 315 Electricity timing control means 400 Bobbin automatic supply device control means 401 Bobbin thread winding Rotating device control means 402 Bobbin exchanging device control means A Hook position C Lower thread winding position E, M2 Bobbin driving means (bobbin restraining means)
G thread guide means N1 working position N2 retreat position N3 standby position N5 thread cutting position

Claims (4)

In a bobbin exchange device that can hold or release a bobbin case containing a bobbin and move along a predetermined path,
A bobbin exchanging device comprising a bobbin restraining means for restraining vibration of a bobbin in a standby state before the bobbin thread is wound and used for sewing. A lower thread winding device configured to be capable of winding a lower thread from a lower thread supply source around the bobbin by rotating the bobbin by a bobbin driving unit;
A bobbin exchange device that can move a bobbin case gripper capable of gripping or opening a bobbin case,
An automatic lower thread supply device comprising the bobbin restraining means according to claim 1. A lower thread winding device configured to be capable of winding a lower thread from a lower thread supply source around the bobbin by rotating the bobbin by a bobbin driving unit;
A bobbin exchange device that can move a bobbin case gripper that can grip or open a bobbin case,
The bobbin having been moved by the bobbin changing device, bobbin winding, and a bobbin restraining means for restraining the rotation of the bobbin until a bobbin replacing request is issued, the bobbin restraining means including a bobbin replacing request, ,
The bobbin thread is characterized in that when a bobbin replacement request is made, the bobbin thread is wound, the thread is hooked, the bobbin is exchanged after performing the thread trimming and the release of the bobbin restraint for the waiting bobbin. Automatic feeding device. The lower thread automatic feeding device according to claim 2 or 3,
The bobbin driving means includes a clutch means for transmitting / cutting off a driving force to the bobbin. The clutch means is connected to the bobbin, and the bobbin driving means is driven to rotate the bobbin so that the bobbin is rotated. An automatic bobbin thread supplying device, wherein bobbin winding can be performed, the clutch means is connected to a bobbin as bobbin restraining means, and the bobbin rotation means can be restrained by stopping driving of the bobbin driving means.

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