JPS61172585A - Bobbin case delivery apparatus of sewing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Purpose of the Invention] [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention is applicable to industrial sewing machines, which operate virtually continuously for long periods of time and require frequent replacement of the bobbin thread. Used for sewing machines. This invention relates to a bobbin case feeding device.

[Conventional technology] In sewing machines, the bobbin thread is wound around a small bobbin.

When using a sewing machine, a bobbin is attached to a bobbin case, and the bobbin case is attached to an inner hook. Since the amount of thread that can be wound around one bobbin is small, if the machine is operated continuously like an industrial sewing machine, the bobbin thread will be consumed quickly and the bobbin thread will need to be replaced frequently. . This type of bobbin thread replacement work is extremely troublesome and time consuming.

Therefore, in the technique disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 15145/1982, the inner hook and the outer hook are formed into cylindrical shapes, and the bobbin case is inserted from one end of the hook and discharged from the other end. Additionally, multiple bobbins can be replaced with a simple lever operation.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the prior art, a person is forced to determine the presence or absence of the bobbin thread and replace it, so in any case, an operator is required to monitor the sewing machine. When multiple sewing machines are operated simultaneously, the operator's ability to monitor and change the bobbin thread is limited. Furthermore, when the bobbin cases are automatically pushed out by a motor or the like, positioning will be inaccurate unless the bobbin cases are driven at low speed, but as the number of bobbin cases increases, the stroke of the drive mechanism becomes longer and setting takes time. Therefore, when performing continuous operation, it is necessary to load the bobbin case into the cylindrical object.

It needs to be done several times a day. However, since there are various complicated mechanisms of the sewing machine where this type of cylindrical object is located, it is difficult to load the bobbin case into it.
This is extremely difficult work and takes time.

The present invention automates the replacement of bobbin cases to enable unmanned operation of the sewing machine, and also enables automatic replacement of bobbin cases at high speed and accuracy. The purpose is to simplify case replenishment work.

[Structures of the Invention] [Means for Solving the Problems 1] A base member that supports; a magazine engaging means that engages with the base member so that the bobbin case holding means can be detachably attached to the base member and slidable with respect to the base member; a bobbin; A feeding means for suppressing and driving the bobbin cases in the case holding means in the arrangement direction thereof; a distance detecting means for determining the distance between the feeding means and the rearmost bobbin case in the bobbin case holding means into at least two types; the feeding means a first driving means for driving the bobbin case holding means; a second driving means for driving the bobbin case holding means in its axial direction; is positioned at a predetermined feeding position, and the first driving means is energized to push one bobbin case inside the bobbin case from one end of the bobbin case holding means to replace the bobbin case, and the first driving means is attached. If the distance is far, the output multiplier of the distance detection means is monitored, and if the distance is far, the first drive means is set to high speed, and if the distance is short, the first drive means is set to low speed. A control means is provided to unwind the bobbin case.

The electronic control means controls the second drive means to rotate the bobbin case holding means to a predetermined rotation position! ! (position where the tip is close to the insertion side end of the inner pot).

The first driving means is controlled to press the rearmost bobbin case within the bobbin case holding means. Then, the bobbin case at the forefront is pushed out from the bobbin case holding means, and the bobbin case is replaced with the old bobbin case that was previously attached to the inner pot.

- The distance between the loading and unwinding means is relatively small, but if the number of remaining bobbin cases loaded in the bobbin case holding means is small, the distance between the rearmost bobbin cases and the unwinding means is large. This distance is detected by a distance detection means, and if the detection result, that is, the distance is larger than a predetermined value, the electronic control means sets the first drive means to high-speed drive, and if the distance is less than that, the first drive means is set to high-speed drive. Set to low speed drive. Even if you initially set it to high-speed drive,
When the distance becomes smaller due to movement of the feeding means, the low speed drive is updated and set. Therefore, the stopping position of the feeding means can be accurately controlled, and even when the length of one bobbin case holding means is increased so that a large number of bobbin cases can be loaded therein.

One bobbin case can be fed out at any time in a short time.

In addition, since the bobbin case holding means is detachable from the base member that supports it, loading the bobbin case becomes very difficult when all the bobbin cases loaded in the bobbin case are gone and removed from the body. It's easy.

In the embodiment described later, a bobbin case transport mechanism is interposed between the bobbin case feeding mechanism and the lid mechanism.

By the way, when performing high-speed drive, especially when a stepping motor or the like is used as a drive source, it is not possible to stop the object suddenly. However, if the bobbin case holding means is empty, before the feeding mechanism goes too far,
It is necessary to stop the bobbin as quickly as possible, but in a control that simply grasps the position of the feeding means and stops the feeding means when the position exceeds the position of the last bobbin case, a sudden stopping action is required. be done. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the feeding means is in a predetermined position I! (before the position of the last bobbin case), if the distance detection means does not detect the short distance Im, it is determined that the bobbin case holding means is empty, and predetermined control such as stop control of the feeding means is performed. Process.

[Example J Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6a1m
, Fig. 6b, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9wR, and Fig. 10 show the mechanism of the automatic bobbin thread supply tearing machine according to the present invention. Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view seen from the front, Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view showing the inside of the sewing machine bed 1, Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view seen from the left side, and Fig. 4 is a scaled-down plan view. , Figure 5 is the third
6a is a front view of the bobbin case 15, FIG. 6b is a right side view of the bobbin case 15, and FIG. 7 is a bobbin case magazine 29 with the bobbin case 15 attached.
8 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1, FIG. 9 is a side view taken from line IX-IX in FIG. 1, and FIG. 10 is a side view taken from line XX in FIG. 1. FIG.

This will be explained with reference to each drawing. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a lower shaft sewing mechanism 100 is provided inside the sewing machine bed 1. A shuttle mechanism is provided below the needle 18. 2 is the inner pot, and 3 is the outer pot. The inner pot 2 and the outer pot 3 are each formed into a cylindrical shape, and the inside of the inner pot 2,
That is, one bobbin case 15 used for sewing is loaded into the through hole.

In this example, three protrusions 16 having 1 elasticity are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the bobbin case 15, and these protrusions engage with annular grooves 2a formed on the inner circumferential wall of the inner hook 2, thereby The bobbin case 15 is positioned in the axial direction of the inner hook 2. Furthermore, the two protrusions 2b provided on a part of the inner peripheral wall of the inner hook 2 engage with the recess 15a of the bobbin case 15, so that the bobbin case 15 is prevented from moving in the circumferential direction with respect to the inner hook 2. (see Figure 5).

The inner hook 2 is rotatably supported within a through hole of the outer hook 3. The outer hook 3 is fixed to a tubular hook shaft 6 with screws 5, and the hook shaft 6 is rotatably supported on the sewing machine bed 1 by two needle bearings 9 located on the outer periphery of the hook shaft 6. 7 and 8 are washers for thrust stop of the hook shaft 6. The inner diameter of the pot shaft 6 is the same as that of the inner pot 2.
The inside diameter of the bobbin case 1 matches the inner diameter of the bobbin case 1.
5 is allowed to pass.

A gear 6a is formed on a part of the outer periphery of the hook shaft 6, and a lower shaft gear 11 fixed to the lower shaft 1O meshes with this gear 6a. Therefore, when the lower shaft 1O is driven, the driving force is transmitted to the hook shaft 6, and the outer hook 3 rotates. Inner pot 2 is
Rotation is prohibited by the hook stopper 4 that engages with it, so even if the outer hook 3 is rotated, it does not move.

In FIG. 2, on the left side of the hook mechanism, a conventionally known thread trimming mechanism is provided between the lower thread remaining amount check and the hook mechanism. 17 is a needle bar that supports the needle 18, 19 is a presser foot, 20 is a needle plate, and 21 is a lint cover.

As shown by the imaginary line on the right side of the hook shaft 6 in FIG.
A transport mechanism, which will be described later, is positioned. This transport mechanism
Load the bobbin case 15 into the inner hook 2.

The bobbin case 15 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6a and 6b. Inside the bobbin case 15.

A space for mounting the bobbin 13 and a guide shaft 15b formed in the center thereof are provided. A bobbin stopper knob 14 for preventing the bobbin 13 from falling off is provided on the head of the guide shaft 15b. The bobbin stopper knob 14 is supported by a pin 22 on the head of the guide shaft 15b, and is indicated by an arrow AR5.
It is possible to rotate in the direction.

The guide shaft 15b has a cylindrical shape, and a push
24 and a compression coil spring 2 arranged around its outer periphery.
It is equipped with 3. The push rod 24 is a coil spring 2
3, its head presses against the cam surface 14a of the bobbin stopper knob 14.

The bobbin stop knob 14 depends on the shape of its cam surface.

It positions itself in either the solid line position or the phantom line position shown in Figure 6b.

Reference numeral 25 denotes an idling prevention spring for preventing the bobbin 13 from idling during sewing, and is held between the head of the pushpiece 24 and the coil spring 23. Chapter 6a
Figure number: The plate-shaped spring 26 shown is fixed to the bobbin case 15 with a screw 27, and is attached to the bobbin 13 of the thread 12.
Sandwich the part pulled out from the thread 121 with the bobbin case 15. Empower. The amount of tension can be adjusted by adjusting screw 28.

The bobbin 13 is composed of two cylindrical members 13A and 13B each provided with a flange, and the cylindrical portion 13Ba of the member 13B is fitted onto the outside of the cylindrical portion of the first member 13A. The movement of the member 13B is restricted by the head of the cylindrical portion of the member 13A and the protrusion 13Aa formed on the cylindrical portion, but it is slightly slidable in the axial direction of the cylinder. Therefore, the flange 13G of the bobbin 13 can be slightly expanded and contracted in the axial direction.

The thread 12 is wound with the flange 13C of the bobbin 13 stretched. When the thread 12 is wound, the cylindrical part 13Ba
and the protrusion 13Aa; a part of the thread is pinched and this thread prevents the movement of the cylindrical part 13Ba, so that the bobbin 13 normally maintains its stretched state. However, bobbin 13
When the yarn wound around is consumed and the remaining amount of yarn decreases, the cylindrical portion 13Ba becomes movable. In this embodiment, at a predetermined time, the solenoid SL3 shown in FIG. Detects the remaining amount of thread.

Next, the bobbin case feeding mechanism 210 provided below the sewing machine bed l will be explained. In this example, a large number of bobbin cases 15 to be attached to the inner pot 2 are loaded into three bobbin case magazines 29t, numbers 292 and 293, and are stored so as to be automatically fed out one after another. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, each bobbin case magazine has a generally cylindrical shape, and includes a cylindrical portion 29a that has a space therein for loading a large number of bobbin cases 15, and a bobbin case magazine. Base 29b that supports the magazine
, a long groove 29c formed over the entire axial direction for guiding the protrusion 16 of the bobbin case, and an opening 29d formed over the entire axial direction at the head of the cylindrical portion.

The bottle case magazine is placed at a predetermined position M (see FIG. 4) on the magazine base 42. Each bobbin case magazine is attached to the magazine base 42.

Permanent magnets 44 are fixedly seated at positions facing the magazine mounting fittings 30 and 31, respectively. Therefore, each bobbin case magazine 291, 292, and 293 is held in a predetermined position on the magazine base 42 by the attractive force of the magnet.

Magazine mounting bracket 3 fixed to each bobbin case magazine
0 indicates that one end thereof is bent as the engaging portion 30a. The magazine base 42 has respective engaging portions 30a.
A push rod 46 is arranged at a position facing the. The pushbutton 46 is movably supported by the bush 45, and receives a force from a compression coil spring 47 that presses the magazine mounting bracket 30 toward the left in FIG.

A cylindrical slide head 65 is arranged at a position facing each pushbutton 46 with each engaging portion 30a in between. The slide head 65 is connected to the cylinder shaft 63a of the air cylinder 63.
It sticks to the tip of the. 66 is a lock nut. When the air cylinder 63 is driven to push out the slide head 65, the slide head 65 pushes the engaging portion 30a against the force of the spring 47.

Each bobbin case magazine is engaged on the magazine base 42 by magnetic force, so when a force is applied, it slides and moves on the magazine base 42, and the engaging part 30a comes into contact with the end of the magazine base 42. The magazine returns to its original retracted position.

The magazine base 42 is supported movably in the axial direction by a guide rod 41 oriented in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the bobbin case magazine.
It is moved by rotating a threaded rod 39 parallel to the guide rod 41, which is threaded into a magazine base shaft nut 50 fixed to the magazine base 2.

One end of the screw thread 39 is connected to the feeder base 3 via the bearing 38.
4, and the other end is connected via a joint 36 to a drive shaft of a stepping motor M2. 37 is a set screw.

A thin plate is attached to the end of the magazine base 42 (the left end in FIG. 4), and each bobbin case magazine 2
Magazine base positioning holes 491, 492, and 493 are opened at positions that coincide with the center portions of the shafts of 91, 292, and 293, respectively. On the supply device base 34,
Two transmissive optical sensors S4 and S6 are fixed. The optical sensor S4 is located in the magazine base positioning hole 491.
．． 492 and 493, and the optical sensor S6 is arranged at a position where it can detect one end of the thin plate when the magazine base 42 is at the home position (retracted position I).

In this example, when the optical sensor S4 detects the magazine base positioning holes 491, 492 and 493, the bobbin case magazines 291, 292 and 293, respectively.
The center of the cylindrical portion coincides with a pressing portion 51a of a bobbin case feeding body 51, which will be described later.

Bobbin case magazines 291+292 and 2 respectively
The engaging portion 30a of 93 is aligned with the slide head 65 described above.

In the illustrated state, the optical sensor S4 detects the magazine base positioning hole 491, and the center of the cylindrical part of the bobbin case magazine 291 is aligned with the suppressing part 51a of the bobbin case feeding body, so the bobbin case magazine 291 is selected. ing.

The bobbin case feeding body 51 is supported by a screw holder 58 and a guide rod 59 arranged in the axial direction of each bobbin case magazine, and when the screw holder 58 rotates,
move in the direction of its axis. It is connected to the screw shaft. A part of the bobbin case feeding body 51 is used as the suppressing portion 51a as described above.

It is placed at a position that matches the center axis of the selected bobbin case magazine.

Therefore, by driving the stepping motor M1, the bobbin case payout body 51 moves to the right in FIG. 1, and the rearmost bobbin case in the selected bobbin case magazine is pushed in that direction. The bobbin case is paid out in the axial direction. In this example, the position shown by the imaginary line in FIGS. 1 and 8 is the home position of the bobbin case feeding body 51, and the proximity sensor S2 for detecting the bobbin case feeding body 51 is arranged at that position. It is.

A distance sensor S3 for detecting the distance between the pressing part 51a of the bobbin case feeding body and the rearmost bobbin case in the bobbin case magazine is mounted with the sensing surface facing the bobbin case side. It is.

Next, the bobbin case transport mechanism 2 transports the bobbin case in the bobbin case feeding mechanism 210 and loads it into the inner hook 2.
20 will be explained. A grip tube 69 for gripping one bobbin case inside is fixed to one end of the transport box 68. A through hole is provided in a portion that coincides with the central axis of the gripping tube 69 of the conveyance pock'', and a pushing rod 70 is provided in the hole. A slightly smaller circular washer 72 and elastic body 71 are fixed.

A guide pin 76 whose one end is fixed to the transport box 68 is provided slightly below the push rod 70.

The detection plate 75 has a "<" shape, and is engaged with the guide pin 76 through a hole formed in its center.
A compression coil spring 77 attached to the body receives a force directed to the left in FIG. One arm of the detection plate 75 is arranged in the inner space of the grip tube 69. A proximity sensor S1 is arranged at a position facing the other arm of the detection plate 75 (see FIG. 4).The proximity sensor S1 is fixed to the transport box 68.

In this embodiment, the proximity sensor Sl detects whether or not the bobbin case 15 is gripped by the gripping tube 69 and the push-out rod 70.
detects whether or not it is at a predetermined reference position. That is, when the push rod 70 is moved to the right in FIG. 1, the washer 72 pushes the detection plate 7 to the right, and the proximity sensor S
The detection state of l changes. At this reference position, extrude 70
When the proximity sensor S1 is positioned, the proximity sensor S1 is always in the detection state, so the push-out rod 70 is moved back a little from that position, and the position where the proximity sensor S1 is in the non-detection state is set as the home position. In this state, when the bobbin case 15 is inserted into the grip tube 69, the bobbin case 15 pushes the detection plate 75 via the elastic body 71 and washer 72.

As a result, the state of the proximity sensor S1 changes and the 1-grip cylinder 6
9 is detected to have gripped the bobbin case.

An air pipe 78 is formed slightly above the proximity sensor S1. One end of the air pipe 78 is connected to a high-pressure air source (not shown), and a nozzle 79 is formed at the other end. The nozzle 79 is arranged with its opening facing the inner space of the grip cylinder 69 and slightly inclined with respect to the axial direction.

The pushing rod 70 is formed with teeth, and a gear 73 meshes with the teeth. The gear 73 is a stepping motor M3.
is connected to the drive shaft of the The transport box 68 has a cylinder shaft 80a of an air cylinder 80 provided below,
It is supported by a guide rod 82 so as to be movable up and down relative to the supply device base 34 . 83 is a bearing of the guide rod 82.

FIG. 11 shows an outline of the electric circuit of the sewing machine and the automatic bobbin thread supply device. Note that the sewing machine main body 300 has the same configuration as a conventionally known industrial sewing machine. The operation of the device is controlled by a microcomputer CPU.

In this example, the microcomputer CPU includes a microprocessor MPU, a read-only memory ROM, a read/write memory RAM, an address decoder, a timing controller, 10 ports, and the like.

Proximity sensor S1. S2. S5 and transmission optical sensor S
4. S6 has its output terminals directly connected to the I10 port, the output terminal of the distance sensor s3 is connected to one end of the analog comparator CMP, and the output terminal of CMP is connected to the I10 port.
connected to the port. A predetermined comparison voltage Vraf is applied to the other input terminal of the analog comparator CMP.

The switch SWI connected to the I10 port is a mode switch for instructing the operation mode.

That is, in this example, three bobbin case magazines 29
Since t+292 and 293 can be loaded at once and one of them can be selected, specifically, if switch SW1 is off, it is determined to be the first operation mode in which no thread color is specified, and each When a bobbin case magazine becomes empty, the next bobbin case magazine is selected and bobbin cases are automatically replenished one after another until all bobbin case magazines are empty. If switch SW2 is on, the second operation mode with thread color specification is determined, the bobbin case magazine is automatically selected according to the thread color information included in the threading information, and the thread color of the bobbin thread is automatically changed. .

In the stepping motor Ml, one end of each phase is connected to each output terminal of the driver DVI, and the other end of each phase is commonly connected and connected to the output terminal of the driver DV5. A predetermined DC voltage VD is applied to the driver DV5. Similarly, drivers DV2 and DV6 are connected to stepping motor M2, and stepping motor M2 is connected to drivers DV2 and DV6.
3 is connected to drivers DV3 and DV7.

Each of the drivers DVI, DV2, and DV3 controls on/off the application of the DC voltage VD to the output terminal, respectively.

The input terminals of the drivers DVI, DV2 and DV3 are connected to each other and commonly connected to the output terminal of the motor controller MCU. The motor controller MCU is
an excitation signal generator, in this example in response to a driving direction control signal CIl/CCV and a clock pulse CLK applied to its input terminals;

Generates a 4-phase pulse signal. Drive direction control signal is CW
If it is at level, a pulse signal for forward rotation is output, and if it is at CCW level, a pulse signal for reverse rotation is output. The period of the pulse signal, ie the driving speed of each stepping motor, is determined by the period of the clock pulse CLK.

The output terminal of the multiplexer MPX is connected to the clock pulse input terminal of the motor controller MCU. The three signal input terminals of the multiplexer MPX are connected to the I10 port of the computer, one to the output terminal of the oscillator O8C. Therefore, by controlling the state of this control terminal, the microcomputer CPU can control the driving speed of each stepping motor.

Each driver DV5. The control terminals of DV6 and DV7 are
Each is connected to the I10 port of the microcomputer CPU.

SLI, SL2. SL3 and SL4 are solenoids. Solenoid SLI is a control solenoid for a solenoid valve that controls the air cylinder 80, solenoid SL2 is a control solenoid for a solenoid valve that controls the air cylinder 63, and SL4 is a solenoid that controls air from a high-pressure air source connected to air piping 78. This is a control solenoid for a solenoid valve that controls blowing on/off.

Each solenoid SLI, SL2. SL3 and SL4 are
It is connected to each output terminal of driver DV4. Each input terminal of the driver DV4 is a routine connected to the I10 port of the microcomputer CPU, and the others show each subroutine.The operation of the CPU will be explained with reference to the drawings.

When the power is turned on, initial settings are first performed. In this initial setting, first, the output port level of the microcomputer CPU itself, memory clearing, mode setting, etc. are performed, and then each mechanical section is set. In the initial state, air blowing is prohibited and the sewing machine is set to a stopped state.
The bobbin case magazine is set to the retracted position (return the plunger of the air cylinder 63), the magazine base 42 is set to the home position, and the push rod 70 is set to the home position (the position where 70 is slightly advanced after Sl is no longer turned on). The transport box 68 is set to the lower limit position (Wi where the grip cylinder 69 coincides with the magazine), and the bobbin case payout body 51 is set to the home position (the position where S2 is turned on).

Next, the state of the mode switch SWI is determined.

If it is on, set II l Fl to plug F1, and if it is off, set II OJP to Fl.

Next, set the motor M2 to normal rotation drive, and set the optical
The magazine base 42 is moved until the switch S4 is turned on for the first time. Since the magazine base 42 starts from the home position, the bobbin case magazine 291 is thereby positioned to match the suppressing portion 51a of the bobbin case feeding body. That is, the bobbin case magazine 291 is selected by this. At this time, in order to grasp the type of magazine being selected, register R
Set 1 to 1.

When the above processing is completed, wait until there is an instruction to start operation, and when there is an instruction, determine the state of flag F1, and if it is Pj l ## (thread color specified), execute "magazine exchange processing". Then, if the flag F1 is #lO## (no thread color specified), the process immediately proceeds to the "bobbin thread replenishment process". Briefly, in this magazine exchange process J, a bobbin case magazine to be positioned at the bobbin case payout position is selected and positioned according to the specified thread color.

Roughly speaking, in the "bobbin thread replenishment process", one bobbin case 1 is paid out from the selected bobbin case magazine and loaded into the inner hook 2 via the transport mechanism 220. That is, in the initial state, it is determined that the bobbin case is not attached to the inner pot 2, and the bobbin case replenishment operation is performed without any special instruction.

Checks whether there is a running signal and operates the sewing machine according to the instructions. The sewing machine continues to operate until the specified sewing operation is completed. When the specified operation is completed, the sewing machine is stopped and the thread trimming operation is performed (the lower thread pulled out from the bobbin case loaded in the inner hook 2). (cut), and then perform the bobbin thread remaining amount detection operation.

The bobbin thread remaining amount detection operation is performed by energizing solenoid SL3 and moving its plunger to bobbin 1 inside the bobbin case in the inner hook.
This is done by applying it to the flange of 3. As described above, the bobbin 13 maintains a stretched state in the axial direction depending on the remaining amount of yarn wound on it. The bobbin can be compressed in the axial direction. Therefore, when the remaining amount of yarn is small, when the plunger of the solenoid SL3 hits the flange of the bobbin 13, the bobbin 13 contracts in the axial direction. In other words, the stroke of the plunger when energizing the solenoid SL3 changes depending on the remaining amount of yarn. Proximity sensor S5 detects the rear flange connected to the plunger of solenoid SL3, and if there is enough yarn remaining, the flange will not approach 85, so 85 will remain off, but if the remaining yarn amount is low, the flange will remain off. 85 approaches, and at that time 55 turns on. Therefore, the remaining amount of yarn can be determined by monitoring the state of the proximity sensor S5 when the solenoid SL3 is energized.

If the thread remaining amount is low, a "bobbin thread replenishment process" is executed.

In addition, even if there is sufficient thread remaining, the state of flag Fl is "
1", that is, the mode with thread color specification, checks whether there is a thread replacement instruction from the sewing program, and if there is such an instruction, performs the "magazine replacement process" and then executes the "bobbin thread replenishment process. ”. Then, the process returns to the operation signal check process and the above operation is repeated.

The "magazine exchange process" will be explained with reference to FIG. 112b. In this process, the state of the flag F1 is first checked, and processing is performed according to the result.

First, the case where the flag F1 is II l #l, that is, the case where the thread color is specified will be explained. In addition, if the thread color is specified, each bobbin case magazine 291y292 and 2
93, it is necessary to load a bobbin case with a bobbin wound with thread of a predetermined color depending on the position where the bobbin is placed.

The thread color designation information is input, and the magazine value corresponding to the thread color is loaded into the register R2. The contents of registers R1 and R2 are compared, and if they match, nothing is done and the process returns to the main routine. If R1<R2, motor M2 is set to forward rotation drive, otherwise motor M2 is set to reverse rotation drive (signal CW/CCV is set).

Before starting the drive, the optical sensor S4 detects either of the magazine base positioning holes 491, 492 and 493 and is in the on state, but when the drive starts, the optical sensor S4 becomes the off state. Therefore, when the optical sensor S4 is turned on for the first time, the bobbin case magazine located next to the previously selected bobbin case magazine has reached the selected position. When optical sensor S4 turns on, the number of times it turns on is stored in register N.
is set (counted) and the contents of N are compared with the difference between registers R1 and R2. If they do not match, the motor M
2, and when they match, motor M2 is stopped, the contents of register R2 are set in register R1, and the process returns to the main routine.

When the flag Fl is II OIt, that is, when there is no thread color specification, the 6-monitor M2 is set to normal rotation drive and waits for the optical sensor S4 to turn on. Optical sensor S4
When turned on, motor M2 is stopped, the contents of register R1 are incremented by 1, and the process returns to the main routine.

The "bobbin thread replenishment process" will be explained with reference to FIG. 12e.

Note that the following description will be made assuming that the bobbin case magazine 291 is selected. First, turn on the solenoid SL2 and let out the cylinder shaft 63a of the air cylinder 63.
As a result, the sliding rod 65 coupled to the cylinder shaft 63a moves to the right in FIG. 1 and presses the engaging portion 30a of the magazine attachment fitting fixed to the selected bobbin case magazine 291. Therefore, the bobbin case magazine slides on the magazine base 42 and is positioned at a transport position close to the bobbin case transport device [220].

Next, the stepping motor M1 is set to normal rotation drive. When the motor M1 rotates forward, the screw 58 connected to its drive shaft rotates, and the bobbin case drawing body 51 screwed therewith moves toward the right in FIG. 1. After setting the motor M1 to normal rotation drive, the microcomputer CPU outputs a distance signal, that is, a distance sensor S3.
Monitor the state of the output signal of the analog comparator CMP connected to.

If the distance is greater than a predetermined value, the speed signal is set to high speed. In other words, by controlling the multiplexer MPX.

The direct output pulse of the oscillator O8C is applied to the motor controller MCU as a clock pulse. Note that at the same time as starting the drive of the motor M1.

Start counting the number of clock pulses applied to the motor controller MCU. In other words, by counting the number of clock pulses, the step value, that is, the distance traveled by the bobbin case feeding body 51 after the start of driving can be determined.

While the distance sensor S3 detects that the distance is not a predetermined short distance, the number of driving steps is checked.

Nl is the rear end of the bobbin case (the first
The bobbin case feeding body 51 has reached a position a distance corresponding to the short distance from the position (left end in the figure). This value corresponds to a drive step that can be determined to be .

Normally, since the bobbin case magazine is not empty, the distance sensor S3 detects a short distance before the number of drive steps reaches N1. When the SL detects a short distance, it sets the speed signal to low speed. That is, by controlling the multiplexer MPX, a relatively long-cycle pulse signal obtained at the output terminal of the 1-frequency divider DVD is applied as a clock pulse to the motor controller MCU.

Next, the output state of the proximity sensor S1 is checked. In this case, the proximity sensor S1 is initially off, but the bobbin case located at the rightmost end in FIG.
When it presses the detection plate 75 via the elastic body 71 and washer 72, the proximity sensor S1 detects the detection plate 75 and turns on.

When the proximity sensor S1 is turned on, it is determined that the first gripping cylinder 69 has completely gripped the bobbin case 15, and the stepping motor M1 is stopped. Next, the speed signal is set to high speed again, and the stepping motor Ml is set to reverse drive. Therefore, the bobbin case payout body 51 is driven back toward the home position. In addition, the solenoid SL2 is turned off and the plunger 63a of the air cylinder 63 is returned.Therefore, the engaging portion 30a of the magazine mounting bracket fixed to the bobbin case magazine 291 is returned to the retracted position by the push-piece 46, and the bobbin case The leading end of the magazine 291 (the right end in FIG. 1) is separated from the bobbin case transport mechanism 220.

The bobbin case magazine 29z is the bobbin case transport mechanism 2
20, turn on the solenoid SLI of the solenoid valve that controls the air cylinder 80, and turn on the solenoid SLI that controls the air cylinder 80a.
This pushes the transport box 681 upward.
The grip cylinder 69 and the like are lifted upward. In this example, the grip cylinder 69 is positioned so as to exactly match the hook shaft 6 at its upper limit position. After this, when the proximity sensor S2 detects the bobbin case feeding body 51, that is, when the bobbin case feeding body 51 reaches the home position, the stepping motor M1
stop.

Next, the solenoid SL4, which is a solenoid valve that controls air blowing from the nozzle 79, is turned on to start blowing air from the nozzle 79.

'As shown in FIG. 5, each bobbin case 15 is in a state where one end of the thread is pulled out from the front surface.
However, in this embodiment, air is blown out from within the gripping cylinder, so that the thread is combed through the sides of the bobbin case 15 and thus drawn out of the bobbin case. The yarn end is swept in the direction of the air flow and does not come into contact with the surrounding mechanism, so it does not get caught in the mechanism. In addition, since the hook rotates at high speed in the hook mechanism, the generation of lint is unavoidable, but the nozzle 79
The airflow blown out from the hook blows away lint and the like attached to various parts of the hook mechanism toward the tip, and the hook mechanism is therefore automatically cleaned.

Subsequently, the stepping motor M3 is set to normal rotation drive to drive the push rod 70 toward the left in FIGS. 1 and 2. At the same time, motor controller MC
Start counting the clock pulses applied to U, check the number of 6 drive steps that determines the amount of drive of the push rod 70, and wait until it reaches a predetermined value N3. This predetermined value N
3 is a bobbin case 15 located at the tip of the push rod 70;
This corresponds to the distance 1111 (number of steps) from the home position that the pushing rod 70 is moved until the inner pot 2 is completely loaded.

When the push rod 70 is driven, the bobbin case held in the grip cylinder 69 is pushed out from the grip cylinder 69 and moved to the second
As shown by the imaginary line in the figure, it is pushed into the inside of the hook shaft 6, further advanced, and set at a predetermined position inside the inner hook 2. When the bobbin case is attached to the inner hook 2, the stepping motor M3 is set to a stopped state, and then set to reverse drive.

Then, the state of the proximity sensor Sl is checked. The proximity sensor S1 is turned on when the grip tube 69 grips the bobbin case 15, but when the pusher rod 70 is driven and pushes out the bobbin case from the grip tube 69, the proximity sensor S1 is turned off again.

Then, when the push rod 70 enters the grip cylinder 69 and returns further, the washer 72 coupled thereto pushes the detection plate 75,
This turns on the proximity sensor Sl again.

When proximity sensor S1 turns on, stepping motor M3
, then turn solenoid SL4 on Offra Takashi nozzle 7.
Stop air blowing from 9. Next, solenoid SL
I is turned off, the cylinder shaft 80a of the air cylinder 80 is moved backward, and the transport box 68 is lowered to the lower limit position.

Finally, the stepping motor M3 is driven in normal rotation while monitoring the state of the distance sensor S1, and when Sl is turned off, the motor M3 is stopped. The first bobbin case feeding operation becomes possible at 29.

Case 1 of driving the bobbin case feeding body 51 for feeding out the bobbin case in the bobbin case magazine 291
Normally it works as above, but sometimes the bobbin case magazine is empty. In that case, after setting the speed signal to high speed, the number of driving steps of stepping motor Ml is N.
Exceeds 1.

When this is detected, the stepping motor M1 is immediately set to reverse drive, and the bobbin case payout body 51 is driven in the return direction to return it to the home position.

When the bobbin case feeding body 51 reaches the home position, the stepping motor M1 is stopped and the solenoid S
Turn off L2. Check the status of flag F1 here. If the flag F1 is #lO11, that is, no thread color is specified, the "magazine exchange process" is executed and another bobbin case magazine is selected. However, if the content of register R1 is 3, all bobbin case magazines are empty, so "magazine empty processing" is executed. If the flag Fl is ##11#, that is, if thread color is specified, "magazine empty processing" is executed regardless of the state of register R1.

"Magazine empty processing" will be explained with reference to FIG. 12d.

First, set the stepping motor M2 to reverse drive,
Motor M2 is driven until optical sensor S6 is turned off.

Thereby, the magazine base 42 is positioned at a predetermined home position where it is easy to attach and detach the bobbin case magazine. It then displays that the magazine is empty and waits for the replenishment process to be completed.

When the replenishment work is completed, clear the magazine empty display, set the stepping motor M2 to normal rotation drive, position the magazine base 42 so that the bobbin case magazine 291 is selected, and set 1 to the register R1 to start the main Return to routine.

Figures 13a and 13b show modified examples of the bobbin case. In this bobbin case 90, in order to stop the movement in the circumferential direction, each of the two rLJ-shaped metal fittings -
Sides 91a and 92a are arranged on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The other sides of these metal fittings 91 and 92 are each supported by the bobbin case 90 so as to be slidable in the radial direction, and the sliding range thereof is regulated by a protrusion (9lb) or the like. Further, one ends of the metal fittings 91 and 92 are coupled to both ends of a compression coil spring 93 whose central portion is fixed to the bobbin case 90.

Therefore, the metal fittings 91 and 92 are always subjected to a force directed toward the outside of the bobbin case 90 by the spring 93, and normally each side 91a, 92a protrudes to the outer periphery of the bobbin case 90. However, when each of the metal fittings 91 and 92 receives a force directed toward the center of the bobbin case 90 from the outside, it retreats to a position inside the outer periphery of the five-bobbin case 90.

In addition, when using the bobbin case 90 of this modification, depending on the shape and position of the metal fittings 91 and 92, grooves (for example, 2
It is necessary to change the shape and position of 9C).

In the above embodiment, for example, the bobbin case payout body 51 of the bobbin case payout mechanism 210 is driven by a mechanism using a threaded rod (58), but a structure in which the driving force is transmitted using, for example, a timing belt may also be used. You can also do this.

In the above embodiment, the bobbin case transport mechanism 22 is provided between the bobbin case feeding mechanism 210 and the lid mechanism.
0, but the bobbin case feeding mechanism 2 is moved so that the axis of the bobbin case magazine and the axis of the lid mechanism are aligned.
If you compose 10.

The bobbin case transport mechanism 220 can be omitted. However, if the bobbin case transport mechanism 220 is provided, the free space for arranging the bobbin case feeding mechanism becomes larger, and a large number of bobbin cases can be held in the bobbin case magazine at one time. Further, in the embodiment, the bobbin case magazine is provided with magnetic metal fittings 30° 31, and the magazine base 42 is provided with a permanent magnet 44, but these relationships may be reversed, or permanent magnets may be placed on both. Good too.

In addition, in the embodiment, the driving speed of the stepping motor M1 is set to "
Although the speed can be set in two stages, ``high speed'' and ``low speed,'' it may be configured to have three or more speed settings. Also, the clock pulses that determine the speed of the motor may be generated by software by a microcomputer;
Instead of the stepping motor, a DC servo motor equalization driving means may be used.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, upon receiving a predetermined instruction, the bobbin case magazine is automatically positioned at a predetermined transport position, and the bobbin cases loaded therein are fed out one by one. Therefore, the bobbin case can be automatically replaced using the device of the present invention. Since the member that feeds out the bobbin case is driven at a speed that corresponds to the distance between it and the bobbin case, even if a large number of bobbin cases are loaded into the magazine, the bobbin cases can be replaced in a short time.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view showing the automatic bobbin thread supply mechanism 200, and FIG.
The figure is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view showing the lower shaft sewing mechanism 100, FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view seen from the left side of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a reduced plan view showing the bobbin thread automatic supply mechanism 200, and FIG. is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3, FIG. 6a is a front view of the bobbin case 15, and FIG. 6b is a partial enlarged view of FIG.
The figure is a partially cutaway right side view of the bobbin case 15, and FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the bobbin case magazine loaded with the bobbin case. FIG. 8 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the bobbin case feeding mechanism 210, and FIG. 9 is a left side view of the bobbin case transport mechanism 220 (
1), and FIG. 1O is a sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical circuit of the sewing machine. Figure 12a shows the microcomputer 70 shown in Figure 11.
12b, 12c and 12d are flowcharts showing the operation of each subroutine of the CPU. Figures 13a and 13b are a front view and a partially cutaway right side view showing a modification of the bobbin case. 1: Sewing machine bed 2: Inner hook 2a: Inner hook groove 2b = Inner hook protrusion, ・: 2-
Dollar bearing lO: Lower shaft 11: Lower shaft gear 12: Lower thread
13: Bobbin 13A, 13B: Members constituting the bobbin 13Aa: Protrusion, 13Ba: Cylindrical portion 14: Bobbin stopper knob 14a: Cam surface 15: Bobbin case 16: Protrusion 17: Needle bar 18: Needle 19: Presser foot 20: Throat plate 21: Lint cover 22 = Pin 23: Coil spring 24: Push-in 25: Idling prevention spring 26: Plate spring 27: Screw 28: Adjusting screw 291* 292 + 293: Bobbin case magazine (bobbin case holding means) 29a: cylindrical part, 29b: base, 29c: long groove. 29d: Opening portion 30.31: Magazine mounting bracket 30a: Engagement portion 32: Stopper 33: Flat head screw
34: Sewing machine base 36: Joint 3
7: Set female screw 38: Bearing 39: Threaded rod 40: Set screw 41 Guide rod 42: Magazine base (base member) 42a: Detection plate 43: Magazine positioning groove 44: Permanent magnet 45: Push 46: Push-in 47 : Coil spring 49, , 492.49a: Magazine base positioning hole 50: Magazine base shaft nut 51: Bobbin case feeding body (feeding means) 52 Nib bracket 54 Joint 55: Set screw 56: Bracket 57: Caulking metal 58: Threaded rod 59 Ni guide rod 60: Nut 63: Air cylinder (second driving means) 63a Niji cylinder shaft 72: Washer 73: Gear 75: Detection plate 76: Guide bin 77: Coil spring 78: Air piping 79: Nozzle 80: Air cylinder 80a Rainbow cylinder shaft 82 Ni guide rod 83: Bearing 84: Bobbin case receiver 85: Bobbin case collection box 100: Lower shaft sewing mechanism 200: Automatic bobbin thread supply mechanism 210: Bobbin case feeding mechanism 220: Bobbin case transport mechanism ARI to AR6: Arrow Ml, M2. [3 varnish chipping motors (first drive means) SLI, SL2. SL3. SL4: Solenoid S
1. S2. ss: Proximity sensor S3: Distance sensor (distance detection means) 84.86: Transmissive optical sensor SWI: Mode switch CPU: Microcomputer (electronic control means) CMP
:Analog comparator patent applicant Director of the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology Todoroki Datsuto 5 Figure 6a Figure 6b Figure 7 ■-= East 9 Figure East 10 Figure East 12b <7 Power' Jin Bunten Shizuku ε-ku Narua! 〉 Y912d Figure Broom 13a Figure East 13b Figure 92 92a

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A bobbin case holding means in which a space for arranging a plurality of bobbin cases is formed and an opening is formed at at least one end in the axial direction; a base bobbin case that supports the bobbin case holding means Magazine engaging means for engaging the holding means with the base member in a detachable and slidable manner; Feeding means for pressing and driving the bobbin cases in the bobbin case holding means in the direction in which they are arranged; Distance detection means for determining at least two types of distances between the feeding means and the rearmost bobbin case in the bobbin case holding means; A first driving means for driving the feeding means; A first driving means for driving the bobbin case holding means in its axial direction; a second driving means that is driven to a predetermined bobbin exchange instruction; and upon receiving a predetermined bobbin exchange instruction, the second driving means is energized to position the bobbin case holding means at a predetermined feeding position, and the first driving means is energized. monitor the output signal of the distance detecting means when pushing out one bobbin case inside the bobbin case holding means from one end of the bobbin case holding means to replace the bobbin case and energizing the first driving means; A bobbin case feeding device comprising: electronic control means that sets the first driving means to a high speed when the distance is long, and sets the first driving means to a low speed when the distance is short. Claim No. 3, which is arranged in the pressing direction
The bobbin case feeding device of the sewing machine described in item 1). (3) If the distance detection means does not detect a short distance even after driving the feeding means a predetermined amount from a predetermined reference position, the electronic control means determines that the bobbin case holding means is empty and performs a predetermined process. , a bobbin case feeding device for a sewing machine according to claim (1). (4) There is a plurality of bobbin case holding means, and the electronic control means selects another bobbin case holding means when the bobbin case holding means becomes empty.
) A bobbin case feeding device for the sewing machine described in item 2. (5) The bobbin case according to claim (1), wherein the magazine engaging means comprises a permanent magnet fixed to one of the bobbin case holding means and the base member, and a magnetic member provided to the other. Feeding device. (6) The first driving means is an electric motor, and the feeding means is composed of a threaded rod connected to the drive shaft of the electric motor and arranged in the axial direction of the bobbin case holding means, and a pressing member screwed into the threaded rod. Claims (1) and (2)
), (3), (4), or (5).