JPS6357095A - Cord body connector - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a string connecting device that automatically connects strings such as threads and wires.

(Prior Art) For example, in a sewing machine, an upper thread bobbin is attached to the upper thread stand of the sewing machine, and the thread is pulled out from there and guided to the needle via a predetermined guide, tensioner, thread take-up, etc. (hereinafter referred to as (referred to as upper thread set). The thread type used in a series of sewing operations using this sewing machine is usually not constant, but the thread color is changed as needed.

Change the thread thickness, thread material, etc. each time (see below).

(This is called upper thread replacement).

However, setting the upper thread is extremely troublesome, and for this reason, a sewing machine equipped with multiple sets of upper thread stands, upper thread guides, tensioners, and needles, and one thread take-up having threading holes corresponding to the number of sets has been proposed. has been done.

In this case, the necessary upper thread bobbins are attached to each upper thread stand, the upper threads are set along respective predetermined routes, and when sewing, a needle on which the required upper thread is set is selected. Therefore, if the needle thread is set for each of the -carriers, it is not necessary to set the needle thread during sewing, so that the work efficiency is improved.

(Problem to be solved by the invention) However, this method has the following problems.

(1) High-speed operation is not possible due to the increased mass of the balance.

(2) Since a plurality of needle threads are set on one thread take-up, a plurality of needle threads that are not in use move back and forth at the same time, and the speed is further restricted when taking into account thread entanglements.

(3) Difficult to adjust as each needle thread has a different route;
Uniform sewing cannot be done with all upper threads.

(4) The needle concentrates on your hand, making it hard to see at your hand.

Therefore, sewing using the above sewing machine is relatively necessary! ! It is used in embroidery equipment where the sewing speed is slow, even if the sewing balance is slightly uneven, it is not noticeable, and there is no need to perform accurate sewing while keeping an eye on the hand. In sewing machines in sewing factories that require it, operators still have to
At the needle thread bobbin, cut the previously used thread (hereinafter referred to as the upper thread), connect it with the thread from the new upper thread bobbin (hereinafter referred to as the new thread), and then cut the upper thread at the needle. The needle thread is replaced by pulling out the thread and pulling in the new thread. Although this method interrupts the sewing operation, it does not affect the functionality of the sewing machine, so it is currently the most efficient method. However, this work of replacing the needle thread is a completely different work from the sewing work of reams, and is painful for the operator.
This results in new reductions in work efficiency.

Therefore, there has been a growing demand for automation of the sewing machine's work of cutting the top thread, tying new thread to it, and setting the bobbin for the new thread.

The present invention provides a string connecting device that automatically connects a first string and a second string. It is an object of the present invention to provide a string connecting device for use in an automatic string exchange device that connects strings.

[Structure of the invention]

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, in the string connecting device of the present invention, a predetermined portion of the first string and a predetermined portion of the second string are made to correspond to each other. string support means attached and supported;
A connecting means for connecting a predetermined portion of the first string to a predetermined portion of the second string; and a biasing instruction device for instructing the biasing device to bias the connecting device. shall be taken as a thing.

(Function) According to this, the predetermined portion of the first string and the predetermined portion of the second string are supported by the supporting means in correspondence with each other, so that complicated control is not required. Instead, each string can be connected by a connecting means.

For example, knotters for tying two threads together are commercially available. In this case, one thread is set at the thread setting position on the connected side, and the other thread is set at the thread setting position on the connecting side.
By rotating the trigger, the two threads are tied together. In this case, each yarn is set at its respective yarn setting position of the knotter by supporting the two yarns substantially in parallel and interposing the divider of the knotter between them.

Therefore, when using this knotter as a connecting means, the first string body and the second string body are supported substantially parallel to each other by the guiding means and the gripping means, and the divider of the knotter is inserted between them. Then, a predetermined portion of the first string and a predetermined portion of the second string are engaged with the connected side string set position and the connecting side string set position of the knotter, respectively, to prevent the knot. In this case, the divider of the knotter is simply inserted between the first and second strings that are supported substantially in parallel, so the knotter is simply driven by a drive device that drives the knotter forward and backward, and a drive device that drives the knotter. All you have to do is to control the drive device that is used to do this, and the control becomes very simple.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

(Example) (1) Overview of machine configuration and mechanism operation FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an automatic needle thread changing device of a sewing machine embodying the present invention. First, an overview will be explained with reference to FIG.

This device is roughly divided into a table unit 1 and a bobbin unit (2a, 2b, 2e, 2d).

Finger unit 3. Notta unit 4. and a sewing machine 5.

Four bobbin units 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d are mounted on the table 135 of the table unit l.

These bobbin units are detachable, and in FIG. 1, the bobbin unit 2a is removed. This table 1
35 rotates and reciprocates toward the sewing machine 5.

The bobbin units 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d all have the same configuration, and include bobbins BOBa and BOBb wound with threads THa, THb, THc and THd, respectively.
, BOBc and BOBd are installed. however,
Bobbins BOBa, BOBb, BOB of this example
c and BOBd are yarns THa, THb, and Tl (c and T) of different types (color, material, thickness, etc.), respectively.
is being wound around. + 23a, 23b, 23c and 2
3d is a thread guide member that guides the threads THa, THb, THc and THd wound around the respective bobbins.
It is movably guided in the first state and fixed in the second state. Note that the thread guide members 23a, 23b, 23c, and/or 23d are set in the second state when they are mounted on the table 135 of the table unit 1.

1 shows a state in which the bobbin unit 2a is attached to the sewing machine 5, and the thread THa of the bobbin unit 2a is connected to the thread guide member 23a, the thread guide member 51 of the sewing machine 5. It is guided to a tensioner 54 by a first guide 52 and a second guide 53, and is guided from a balance 55 to a needle 56.

The thread guide member 51 of the sewing machine 5 movably guides the thread (Tl1a in FIG. 1) supplied from the bobbin unit (2a in FIG. 1) mounted on the sewing machine 5 in a first state. Stick to the 2 state. Note that the sewing machine 5 is used for normal sewing.

The finger unit 3 includes a finger 33 that sets the first state or the second state of the thread guide member (23a) of the bobbin unit (2a) mounted on the sewing machine 5 and the thread guide member 51 on the sewing machine 5 side, and the sewing machine. A scissor 34 is provided to cut the thread (THa) supplied to the thread (THa), and moves horizontally as necessary to approach the thread (THa).

The knotter unit 4 separates the thread cut by the scissors 34 and held by the thread guide member 51 on the sewing machine 5 side (e.g. THa) and the bobbin unit (e.g. 2b) newly attached to the sewing machine 5. Thread guide member (23
Knotter 4 to tie the thread (T) Ib) held by b)
4 (see FIG. 18), and moves vertically as necessary to approach those threads (THa, TI(b)).

Similarly, referring to FIG. 1, an overview of the mechanical operation of this automatic needle thread changing device will be explained.

First, the operator sets the state shown in FIG. 1. That is, the bobbin unit 2a is attached to the sewing machine 5, and the thread THa is passed from the bobbin BOBa to the thread guide members 23a, 51, the first guide 52. 2nd guide 5
3° tensioner 54. It is set on the needle 56 via the thread take-up lever 55. At this time, the thread guide members 23a and 51
guides the thread THa in a movable manner.

In this state, when the operator instructs the operator to change the thread, for example, to the thread THb, the finger unit 3 is advanced to the part of the unfinished thread Ha that is stretched between the thread guide members 23a and 51, and the finger unit 3 is first replaced. 33, the thread guide member 23
Let a and 51 be in the second state. As a result, the thread THa
is maintained in that state. Subsequently, the thread THa of the tension section is cut by the scissors 34, and the finger unit 3 is retreated to its original position. The thread THa is connected to the thread guide members 23a and 51.
Because it is held firmly by this, the nuki will not fall.

Next, the table 135 of the table unit 1 is rotated to open the storage notch 1351a for storing the bobbin unit 2a.
is positioned opposite to the bobbin unit 2a, and then the table 135 is driven toward the sewing machine 5.

By this driving, the bobbin unit base 21a of the bobbin unit 2a mounted on the sewing machine 5 is fitted into the storage notch 1351a, and then the table 135 is moved back again to collect the bobbin unit 2a on the table 135.

Since the thread is to be replaced with thread THb, the table 135 is set to 90.
``After rotating forward and positioning the bobbin unit 2b at a position facing the sewing machine 5, the table 135 is driven toward the sewing machine 5.By this driving, when the bobbin unit 2b is attached to the sewing machine 5 (the bobbin unit base 21b is the mounting plug 5 of the bobbin unit mounting member 58 of the sewing machine 5
81 (see FIG. 6), the table 135 is moved back to its original position.

The finger unit 3 is moved forward again, and the end of the thread THa that is fixed to the thread guide member 51 and the end of the thread THb that is fixed to the thread guide member 23b of the newly installed bobbin unit 2b are removed by the scissors 34. grasp the part,
Subsequently, the thread guide members 23b and 51 are brought into the first state by the fingers 33, and then the finger unit 3 is moved back to its original position. As a result, the threads THa (sewing machine 5 side) and THb (bobbin unit 2b side) are pulled out.

Finally, the knotter unit 4 is raised to engage the pulled-out thread Tl1a (on the sewing machine 5 side) and THb (on the bobbin unit 2b side) with the knotter 44 (see FIG. 18), and the knotter 44 is driven. The threads THa and THb are connected, and the knotter unit 4 is lowered and returned to its original position.

When the operator pulls the previously used thread TI (a) at the needle 56, the threads THa and THb are connected, so the new thread THb is guided to the needle 56. There is no need for troublesome upper thread setting operations.

(2) Detailed structure and mechanical operation of each part will be explained in detail. 2 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 4 is a right side view thereof. In the following description, please also refer to these drawings.

■Table unit: Figures 5, 6, and 7 focus on the configuration and mechanical operation of the table unit l and bobbin units 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. This is an enlarged drawing of the main parts of the figure. First, details of the table unit 1 will be explained with reference to these drawings.

The table unit 1 can be roughly divided into three parts: a fixed part 11, a moving part 12, and a rotating part 13.

The fixed portion 11 mainly includes a brace 111 fixed to the sewing machine table 6 and members fixed to the brace 111. A piston rod fixing plate 113 and a sensor bracket 114 equipped with a sensor S1 are fixed to the brace 111.

Further, a rail 112 is formed on the upper surface of the brace 111, and a slide base 123 is mounted thereon via slide bearings 121 and 122 so as to be able to reciprocate.

The slide base 123 has air cylinders CYI and CY2.
゜Sensor S2. S3 and stepping motor 127
Equipped with etc. The sensor S2 is fixed to the slide base 123 by a sensor bracket 125, and the sensor S3
is attached to the sensor bracket 128, and the air cylinder C
It is fixed to the slide base 123 via Y2.

The stepping motor 127 is fixed to a motor bracket 126 fixed to a slide base, and an output gear 1271 is fixed to its output shaft.

Air cylinder C'/1 is fixed to a cylinder support plate 124 fixed to a slide base, and cylinder CY
Since the piston rod PII of No. 1 is fixed to the piston rod fixing plate 113 fixed to the brace 111,
The slide base 123 is reciprocated by an air cylinder CYI.

That is, the moving part 12 mainly consists of a slide base 123 that reciprocates on the rail 112 and a member fixed to the slide base 123.

A fixed shaft 129 is further fixed to the slide base 123, a sleeve shaft 131 is attached thereto, and the head is fixed with an E-ring 1311. Sleeve shaft 1
31 is integrally formed with an input gear 132, to which a slit plate 133, a table 135, etc. are fixed, and is rotatably supported in the axial direction by a thrust bearing 134.

The input gear 132 is a gear pair with an output gear 1271 fixed to the output shaft of the stepping motor 127.

In other words, the rotating portion 13 mainly consists of a member fixed to the sleeve shaft.

■Bobbin unit: Referring to FIG. 6, the table 135 is disc-shaped;
A storage notch 1351a that stores the bobbin unit 2a, a storage notch (not shown) that stores the bobbin unit 2b, a storage notch (not shown) that stores the bobbin unit 2c, and A storage notch (not shown) is formed to store the bobbin unit 2d. The following is a description of the storage notch 1351a and the bobbin unit 2a, but it should be understood that the other storage notches and bobbin units 2b, 2e, and 2d all have the same configuration.

The storage notch 1351a is a U-shaped notch, and storage checks 1352a and 1353a, which are small notches, are formed at symmetrical positions on the upper and lower sides thereof.

The bobbin unit 2a includes a bobbin unit base 21a,
The bobbin receiver consists of a shaft 22a, a bobbin BOBa, and a thread guide member 23a.

The bobbin unit base 21a has a lower plate 211a and an upper plate 2.
12a has a sandwich structure in which a first spacer 213a and a second spacer 214a are sandwiched between them.

The first spacer 213a and the second spacer 214a are
Since they are symmetrical and have approximately the same thickness as the table 135, 3 of the bobbin unit base 21a excluding the left side
A guide groove that follows the storage notch 1351a is formed on the side. The first spacer 213a is equipped with a storage stopper pin 2131a that protrudes outward (downward in FIG. 6), and an outward force is applied to the storage stopper pin 2131a by a compression coil spring 2132a. 1. Although not shown in the figure, the second spacer 214a is provided with a storage stopper pin that also protrudes outward (upward in FIG. 6) at a position symmetrical to the storage stopper pin 2131a, and is equipped with a compression coil spring. gives an outward force. When the bobbin unit 2a is attached to the storage notch 1351a, the storage stopper pin 213
1a is in the storage check 1353a, and another one (not shown)
The two storage stopper pins respectively engage the storage checks 1352a to fix the bobbin unit 2a.

The lower plate 211a, the upper plate 212a, the first spacer 213a, and the second spacer 214a form a socket inside. This socket is used to attach the bobbin unit 2a to the sewing machine 5.
When the sewing machine is mounted on the machine, the mounting plug 581 of the mounting member 58 fixed to the sewing machine bed 57 is inserted. The mounting plug 581 has mounting checks formed at laterally symmetrical (vertically symmetrical in FIG. 6) positions (only 582 is shown). On the other hand, the first spacer 213a is equipped with a mounting stopper pin 2133a that protrudes inwardly (upper side in FIG. 6), and an inward force is applied to the storage stopper pin 2133a by a compression coil spring 2134a. There is. Also, although not shown.

The mounting stopper pin 213 of the second spacer 214a
At a position symmetrical to 3a, there is provided a bag-side stopper pin that also protrudes inward (downward in FIG. 6), and is given an inward force by a compression coil spring. When the mounting plug 581 is inserted into the socket of the bobbin unit base 21a, the mounting stopper pin 213
3a engages with a mounting check 582, and another storage stopper pin (not shown) engages with a corresponding storage check (not shown) to fix the bobbin unit 2a. In this case, since the mounting stopper pin (2133a) engages with the tapered portion of each mounting check (582), a relative force is applied to press the bobbin unit 2a toward the sewing machine 5, thereby preventing the wobbling of the bobbin unit 2a. To prevent.

Note that the spring (2134a) that acts on the mounting stopper pin (2133a) is the same as the storage stopper pin (2131).
The spring constant is larger than that of the spring (2132a) acting on a) 6. In other words, the installation stopper pin (2133a) has a stronger force than the storage stopper pin (2131a).

Further, a collection hole 2111a, which will be described later, is bored in the lower plate 211a.

The shaft 22a of the bobbin receiver is fixed to the upper plate 212a of the bobbin unit base 21a. Referring to Figure 10,
A skirt 221a made of 4I1m with a flared hem is press-inserted therein. Bobbin BOBa is this skirt 22
It is fixed by 1a.

Referring to FIG. 5, the thread guide member 23a is a pole 231a fixed to the bobbin unit base 21a.

It consists of a guide plate 232a fixed to the upper end of a pole 231a and a chuck 233a fixed to the guide plate 232a. The pole 231a is screwed together with the lower plate 211a, the second spacer 214a, and the upper plate 212a.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line ■--■ in FIG. 5. The chuck 233a will be explained with reference to FIG.

The chuck 233a includes a guide shaft 2331a, a tapered socket 2332a, and compression coil springs 2333a and 2334a.

Slide barrel 2335a, balls 2336a and 2
337a.

It is composed of a retaining ring 2338a and a nut 2339a.

The slide barrel 2335a reciprocates on the guide shaft 2331a, opens the taper socket 2332a at the first position (the position in the first state) and movably guides the thread THa, and moves to the second position (the position in the second state). In the position in the state), the tapered socket 2332a is closed and the thread Tl1a is held firmly.

The guide shaft 2331a is shown in FIG. 9a, the taper socket 2332a is shown in FIG. 9b, and the slide barrel 2335a is shown in FIG. 9c.

Please refer to these drawings together.

The guide shaft 2331a has a through hole 23311a formed in the center thereof through which the thread THa passes. Further, on its outer circumferential surface, there are two spring fixing holes 23313a and 23314a (blind holes) each having a circular vertical cross section in the axial direction.

The circumferential receiver is groove 23312a, the first circumferential check groove 23
316a2 circumference second check groove 23315a, flange 23317a.

and a male screw 23318a are respectively formed.

The tapered socket 2332a has two claws of the same shape, 2
It consists of 3321a and 23322a. The respective claws are pivotably engaged with the grooves 23312a of the guide shaft 2331a. When assembling, compress the coil spring 2.
333a is the spring fixing hole 23313a and the claw 2332
A compression coil spring 2334a is fitted into the spring receiver 23323a of 1a, the spring fixing hole 23314a, and the spring receiver 23324a of the claw 23322a, respectively. In other words, compression coil spring 2333
a and 23324a are winter melon 23321a and 23
322a in the direction of pushing them apart, and their receivers prevent rotation around the groove 23312a.

The slide barrel 2335a is a cylinder that reciprocates on the outer peripheral surface of the guide shaft 2331a. There is a tapered portion 23351a on the inner circumferential surface, and when the guide shaft 2331a, tapered socket 2332a, and slide barrel 2335a are assembled, the tapered portion 23351a follows the outer circumferential surface of the tapered socket 2332a. Slide barrel 233
5a has a circumferential working pin holder which will be described later with a groove 23354.
a is formed, and two ball receivers 23352a and 2335 are formed at symmetrical positions at the bottom of the groove 23354a.
3a is bored. The ball receivers 23352a and 23353a are through holes with a circular cross section in the axial direction,
Here, balls 2336a and 2337a are shown, respectively.
is inserted. Balls 2336a and 2337a are held by a presser ring 2338a.

A force is applied in the direction of the guide shaft 2331a, respectively.

When the slide barrel 2335a is in the first position, the balls 2336a and 2337a are aligned with the guide shaft 2331a.
When the slide barrel 2335a is in the second position, the balls 2336a and 2337 are fitted into the first check groove 23316a to fix the slide barrel 2335a.
a is the second check groove 23315a of the guide shaft 2331a
engage with. In the second position, balls 2336a and 2
337a engages with the tapered portion of the second check W23315a, applying force to the slide barrel 2335a to push it toward the tapered socket 2332a. Therefore, the tapered socket h 2332a stably holds the thread THa.

The female screw 23318a of the guide shaft 2331a passes through the upright surface of the guide plate 232a (see FIG. 5), and a through hole with a smaller diameter than the flange 23317a is bored therein. Inserted into Natsu 233
9a, and the flange 23317a and nut 233
The upright surface is sandwiched between 9g and 9g.

Furthermore, a thread guide 2321a made of resin is press-fitted into the horizontal surface of the guide plate 232a.

■Sewing Machine: Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, a sewing machine side thread guide member 51 is fixed to the sewing machine ped 57. This thread guide member 51 has balls 511. It consists of a guide plate 512 fixed to the upper end of a ball 511 and a chuck 513 fixed to the guide plate 512.

The ball 511 and the guide plate 512 are attached to the chuck 513
is supported coaxially and oppositely to the chuck (233a) of the thread guide member (23a) of the bobbin unit (2a in FIGS. 5 and 8; hereinafter referred to as the mounting bobbin unit) mounted on the mounting plug 581.

The chuck 513 guides the thread (THa) from the attached bobbin unit (2a) or holds the needle thread left on the sewing machine 5, and has exactly the same configuration as the chuck 233a described above, and includes a guide shaft 5131, Tapered socket 5132. Compression coil springs 5133 and 513
4. Slide barrel 5135. balls 5136 and 5
137, presser ring 5138. and Natsuto 5139
It is composed of The slide barrel 5135 reciprocates on the outer circumferential surface of the guide shaft 5131 to a first position (the first position).
In the second position (the position in the second state), the taper socket 5132 is opened to guide the thread (THa) in a movable manner, and in the second position (the position in the second state), the tapered socket 5132 is closed to hold the thread (THa) firmly. do. A more detailed explanation will be omitted since it will be a repetition of the above.

The guide plate 512 has a female screw (the ninth female screw) of the guide shaft 5131 on the upright side (right side in FIG. 5).
(same as 23318a shown in figure a) passes through, and the flange (
A smaller diameter through hole (same as 23317a shown in FIG.
and the upright surface is sandwiched between the flange and nut 5139.

Further, a thread guide 514 made of resin is press-fitted into the inverted feeding vertical surface (the left side in FIG. 5) of the guide plate 512.

■Collection and installation of bobbin unit: The mechanical operation of the table unit 1 will be explained with reference mainly to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.

The table unit 1 is in the state shown by the solid line in FIGS. 5 and 6, that is, the slide base 123 is at the right end (
Waiting position! The reference state is defined as a state in which the sewing machine 135 is completely retracted and the storage notch 1351a of the table 135 is facing the direction of the sewing machine 5. At this time, the cylinder support plate 124 is located directly above the sensor S1, and the slit 1331 formed in the slit plate 133 is located between the sensors S2. The sensor S1 is a magnetic sensor, and the cylinder support plate 1 is at the timing position.
The sensor S2 is a photointerrupter and turns on when it detects the light transmitted through the slit 1331 in the reference state.

The rotational position of the table 135 from the reference state is determined by counting the number of steps of the stepping motor 127.

Please refer to FIGS. 5 and 6 assuming that the thread THa between the chucks 233a and 513 is now cut.

When collecting the bobbin unit 2a attached to the sewing machine 5, first, the table 135 is rotated so that the storage notch 1351a for storing the bobbin unit 2a to be collected is directed toward the sewing machine 5. When the storage notch (1351a) facing the sewing machine 5 is empty (no bobbin unit is stored), the magnetic sensor S3 is turned off.

Next, the air supply to the air cylinder CYI is switched to the forward movement side. CYI is a double-acting cylinder, and as will be described later, air is normally supplied to the double-acting side to press and fix the slide base 123 at the right end (standby position). With this air switching, the bobbin units 2b, 2c, and 2 mounted on the moving section 12, the rotating section 13, and the table 135 are
d moves toward the sewing machine 5 as one body. These have moved sufficiently to the side of the sewing machine 5, and the bobbin unit 2a is inserted into the storage notch 1351a as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 5 and 6.
When the is completely installed, air is forced into the air cylinder CY2, and the piston rod PI2 of CY2 is inserted into the collection hole 2111a provided in the lower plate 211a of the bobbin unit base 21a.
Insert into. After this, the air supply to the air cylinder CY1 is switched to the backward movement side. As a result, the table 135 moves to the right with the bobbin 22h2a attached.
The bobbin unit 2a is recovered from the sewing machine 5.

When the moving part 12 reaches the standby position, the sensor S1 is turned on, so the air supply to the air cylinder CY2 is stopped and the piston rod PI2 is returned.

When installing a designated bobbin unit on the sewing machine 5, first, the bobbin unit is faced in the direction of the sewing machine 5. For example, when installing the bobbin unit 2b, the stepping motor 127 switches the air supply to a predetermined space cylinder CYI to the forward movement side, and the moving part 12 and the rotating part 1
3, and the bobbin units 2a and 2b mounted on the table 135.

2c and 2d are moved together toward the sewing machine 5.

When these have sufficiently moved toward the sewing machine 5 side and become in a state corresponding to the two-dot chain line shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and the bobbin unit 2b is attached to the attachment plug 581 of the sewing machine 5, the magnetic Sensor S4 is turned on.

In this state, the mounting stopper bin 2 of the bobbin unit 2b
133b and 2143b are the attachment check of the attachment plug 581 (582 and the notch in the symmetrical position)
engage with.

Therefore, when the air supply of the air cylinder CYI is switched to the backward movement side and the table unit 1 (together with the installed bobbin unit) is driven toward the standby position, as described above, the installation stopper bins 2133b and 2143
b has a stronger force (stronger spring) than the storage stopper bin (not shown, but corresponds to 2132a of the bobbin unit 2a in Fig. 6 and the bin in a symmetrical position)
Therefore, the bobbin unit 2b is peeled off from the storage notch 1 of the table 135 (corresponding to 1351a) and is attached to the attachment plug 581 of the sewing machine 5.

(φ finger unit: Figure 11 is a right side view of the main part of finger unit 3 and its surroundings (based on Figure 2), Figure 12 is a right side view of the main part of finger unit 3 and its surroundings (based on Figure 2),
The plan view of the figure and FIG. 13 are front views of the main parts of the finger unit 3. The finger unit 3 will be mainly explained with reference to these drawings.

The finger unit 3 mainly includes a fixed part 31, a conveying part 32. Finger 33. It is divided into scissors 34 and bush rods 35.

The fixing portion 31 mainly includes a support arm 311 fixed to the sewing machine table 6 and a member fixed to the support arm 311 (see FIG. 4).

A guide block 312 is fixed to the support arm 311, and an air cylinder C'/3 and cylinders 323 and 324 are slidably attached to the guide block 312.

The left end of the slide pars 323 and 324 is the support plate 321
Therefore, the right ends are connected by a support plate 322, respectively. The support plate 321 has bushings 325 and 3
A finger scissor bracket 327 is fixed via 26. In addition, the support plate 321 includes an air cylinder C.
Since the piston rod PI3 of Y3 is fixed, the reciprocating movement of the piston rod PI3 causes the slide par 3 to move.
23 and 324. Support plates 321 and 322. In addition, the finger island scissor bracket 237 reciprocates together.

In other words, the conveyance unit 32 has slide pars 323, 324 .
Support plates 321, 322. It consists of bushings 325, 326 and finger island scissor bracket 327.

The finger 33 consists of a left finger member 331 and a right finger member 332 symmetrical thereto, each of which has one
It is a member having a shape (see the perspective view of FIG. 1) in which only one side of an L-shape is shifted in parallel and connected at the corner. On the left finger member 331, the upper working pin 331
1 and a lower working pin 3312 are provided facing each other, and a connecting pin 331 that projects upward (based on FIG. 13) is provided at the other end.
It is equipped with 3.

One end of the right finger member 332 (the end of the double side of the L-shape)
includes an upper working pin 3321 and a lower working pin 332.
2 are provided facing each other, and the other end is provided with an upper side (based on Fig. 13).
A connecting pin 3323 is provided that protrudes from the top.

Each connecting pin 3313 and 3323 is engaged with a finger action plate 335. Finger action plate 33
A piston rod PI4 of an air cylinder C'/4 mounted on a bracket 327 is fixed to the lower part of the cylinder C'/4 (inner side in FIG. 12). therefore,
When the piston PI4 is pushed out, the left finger member 33
1 and the one end of the right finger member 332 is the left first knife 342 . Second block 343. It consists of a second knife 344° and support means for rotatably supporting the second knife 344°.

The first block 341 has an occlusal surface 3411. First knife storage groove 3414. It has an elongated hole 3412 and a support hole although not shown in the drawing. The first knife 342 is installed in the first knife storage groove 3414. Also, the second block 3
43 has the same shape as the second block 341, and the occlusal surface 3431. Second knife storage groove 3434, long hole 3432
and a support hole 3433. The second knife 344 is
It is attached to the second knife storage groove 3414.

These are the assembly of the first block 341 and the first knife 342, and the assembly of the second block 343 and the second knife 3.
44 is rotatably supported with support pins 345 passing through the respective support holes. The support pin 345 is inserted into a support pin receiver 3461 of the support block 346 and fixed with a fixing bolt 3462.

The first knife 342 and the second knife 344 are respectively a pair of scissors.

The long hole 3412 of the first block 341 and the long hole 3432 of the second block 343 are provided with the scissor action plate 3, respectively.
47 working pins 3472 and 3473 pass through. In the assembled state, an E-ring 3474 for preventing the scissor action plate 347 from shaking is attached to the tip of the first action pin 3473.

A piston rod mounting hole 3471 is bored in the bent surface on the right side (lower side in FIG. 12) of the scissor action plate 347, and the piston rod PI5 of the air cylinder CY5 mounted on the bracket 327 is fixed therein. be done.

Therefore, when the piston PI5 is pushed out, the occlusal surface 3
411 and 3431 engage, and the first knife 34
When the cutting edges of the second knife 344 and the second knife 344 slide together and the piston PI4 is retracted, the occlusal surfaces 3411 and 343
A bushing rod 35 is pivotally connected by a first pin 351.

A portion of the sensor scissor bracket 327 is vertically bent there to form a rod receiver 3271 and a rod stopper 3272. Rod receiver 327
1 and the rod stopper 3272 are the bushing rod 3
Limit the rotation range of 5.

When the bushing rod 35 is in contact with the rod receiver 3271, the tip of the bushing rod 35 is connected to the chuck 513 and the thread guide 51 of the thread guide member 51 on the sewing machine 5 side.
4 (the thread THa in FIGS. 11 and 12).

Next, the mechanical operation of the finger unit 3 will be explained with reference mainly to FIGS. 11, 12, 14, 15, and 16.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the air cylinder C
The piston rod PI3 of Y3 is fully retracted and the conveying section 32 is in the standby position, the piston rod PI4 of the air cylinder CY4 is pushed out, the fingers 33 are opened 7 degrees left and right, and the piston of the air cylinder CY5 is tilted. The rod PI5 is pulled in and the scissors 34 open up and down.
Let the state of ζ be the reference state. When the transport section 32 is in the standby position, the sensor s5 detects the support plate 321 and is turned on, and the sensor S6 is turned off.

It is now assumed that the bobbin unit 2a is attached to the sewing machine 5, and thread THa is supplied to the sewing machine from the bobbin BOBa. Therefore, the thread guide member 51 of the sewing machine 5 and the thread guide member 23a of the bobbin unit 2a are both in the first state, that is, the slide barrel 5135 of the chuck 513 and the slide barrel 2335a of the chuck 233a are both in the first position.

The air cylinder CY3 is a double-acting cylinder, and normally air is supplied to the backward-acting side to press and fix the conveyance section 32 in the standby position, but when the air supply is switched to the forward-acting side, the piston rod PI3 is extruded.

As a result, the yarn Tl1a in the portion guided by the conveying section 32 and the finger & scissor guide 514 comes into contact with the yarn Tl1a in that portion, and as it moves forward, the yarn THa in that portion is pulled out. In this case, the thread THa extending toward the sewing machine 5 side is thread guide 52, 53 . Since the thread THa is engaged with the tensioner 54 etc., the resistance is large, and therefore the thread THa is drawn out from the bobbin BOBa.
There is no chance that Ha will fall out.

When the piston rod PI3 is pushed out sufficiently, the conveying section 3
2 and each member mounted on the finger scissor bracket 327 moves forward to the operating position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 11 and 12, and the magnetic sensor s6
22 is detected and turned on.

In the operating position, the upper working pin 3311 and the lower working pin 33 of the left finger member 331 of the finger 33
12 is attached to the working pin receiver 51354 of the slide barrel 5135 of the chuck 513; the upper working pin 3321 and the lower working pin 3322 of the right finger member 332 of the finger 33 are attached to the sliding barrel 233 of the chuck 233a.
respectively engaged with the working pin receivers 23354a of 5a;
In addition, the thread THa of the portion "\1" of the scissor 34 guided by the chuck 513 and the chuck 233a between the occlusal surface 3411 and the first knife 342 and the "4 interlocking surface 3431 and the second knife 344" enters.

Please refer to FIG. 14. Here, air is supplied to the reciprocating side to draw the piston rod P 4 of the air cylinder CY4, and the finger 33 moves the slide barrel 5135 of the chuck 513 and the chuck 233a as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. Slide barrel 2335a to the second
Drive into position. Thereby, the thread THa is held firmly by the chuck 513 and the chuck 2338, respectively.

Next, air is forced into the air cylinder CY5 to push out the piston rod PI5, the occlusal surface 3411 and the first knife 342, the occlusal surface 3431 and the second knife 344 of the scissor 34 are closed, and the chuck 513 and the chuck 233 are closed.
Cut the thread held by part a. This stone rod PI5 is pulled in, and the occlusal surface 34 of the scissors 34 is
11 and the first knife 342, and the occlusal surface 3431 and the second knife 344 are opened.

Once the thread THa is cut, the air supply of the air cylinder CY3 is switched to the backward motion side again, and the conveying section 32 is driven to the standby position (until the sensor S5 is turned on), resulting in the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 14. At this time, the finger 33 remains centered, the thread Tl+a is firmly held by the chuck 513 and the chuck 233a, and the portion pulled out by the bushing rod 35 hangs down.

Here, as described above, the bobbin unit 2a is replaced. For example, if the bobbin unit 2b is replaced at this time, the bobbin unit 2b is replaced with the 14th bobbin unit 2b.
It is attached to the sewing machine 5 in exactly the same state as shown by the solid line in the figure (all the bobbin units attached to the table unit 1 hold the thread ends firmly in the second state).

When the bobbin unit 2b is attached to the sewing machine 5 (that is,
(The aforementioned sensor S4 is turned on), and each member mounted on the near cylinder & scissor bracket 327 is moved forward again. This time, since the thread THa between the chuck 513 and the thread guide 514 of the thread guide member 51 is hanging down, the bush rod 35 does not engage with the thread THa during this forward movement.

When moving forward to the operating position M shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 15 (the magnetic sensor S6 detects the support plate 322 and turns on),
The upper working pin 3311 and the lower working pin 3312 of the left finger member 331 of the finger 33 are connected to the chuck 51.
No. 3 slide barrel 5135 working pin receiver 51354
The upper working pin 3321 and the lower working pin 3322 of the right finger member 332 of the finger 33 are connected to the working pin receiver 2 of the slide barrel 2335b of the chuck 233b.
3354b; respectively engaged, and also of the scissors 34;
Occlusal surface 3411 and first knife 342, and occlusal surface 34
The end of the thread THb held by 31-/F233b enters.

Therefore, air is forced into the air cylinder C'15 to push out the piston rod PI5, and the occlusal surface 3411 of the scissor 34 is
(integrated with the first knife 342) and the occlusal surface 3431 (integrated with the second knife 344), grip the end of the thread THa and the end of the thread THb, and then use the air cylinder CY
Air is supplied to the forward movement side of the chuck 233b to push out the piston rod PI4, and the finger 33 drives the slide barrel 5135 of the chuck 513 and the slide barrel 2335b of the chuck 233b to the first position. Thereby, the thread THa and the thread Tl1b each become movable.

The occlusal surface 3411 and the occlusal surface 3431 allow the thread TH
While gripping the end of the thread a and the end of the thread THb, switch the air supply of the air cylinder CY3 to the backward movement side, and move the conveying section 32 to the standby position (until the sensor S5 is turned on).
Drive. In other words, as shown by the solid line in FIG.
) la and thread THb are pulled out. At this time, thread T
Since the bushing rod 35 has given enough extra length in advance as described above, l1a stops the air supply from the air cylinder CY5 and retracts the piston rod PI5, and the occlusal surface 3411 of the scissor 34 and the first The knife 342, occlusal surface 3431 and second knife 344 are opened again.

■Knotter unit: Fig. 17 is a right side view of the main parts of knotter unit 4 and its surroundings (based on Fig. 2), and Fig. 18 is a rear view of the main parts of knotter unit 4 and its surroundings (see Fig. 2). ). The knotter unit 4 will be explained with reference to these drawings.

Broadly speaking, the knotter unit 4 includes a fixed part 41. Transport section 4
2. It is divided into a rotary solenoid 43 and a knotter 44.

The fixing part 41 is a support arc 4 of the finger unit 3.
12 is the air cylinder CY6 and sensor bracket 4.
13 is fixed, and the sensor S is fixed to the sensor bracket 413.
7 and sensor S8 are fixed.

Sensors S7 and S8 are magnetic sensors.

The guide block 412 has two slide pars 422.
and 423 are slidably attached. The lower ends of the slide pars 422 and 423 are connected by a support plate 424, and the upper ends are connected by a knotter bracket 421, respectively. Further, since the piston rod PI6 of the air cylinder CY6 is fixed to the knotter bracket 421, the reciprocating movement of the piston rod PI6 causes the knotter bracket 421. The slide pars 422, 423 and the support plate 424 reciprocate together. In other words, the conveyance section 42 includes the knotter bracket 421. Slide par 422.42
3 and a support plate 424.

The knotter 44 is mounted on a knotter bracket 421. In this embodiment, a Wiverse knotter manufactured by Todo Seisakusho is used as the knotter 44.

This knotter 44 is connected to the thread on the sewing machine 5 side (for example, Tt(a)
・With reference to Fig. 21c, Fig. 21d, Fig. 21e, Fig. 21f, Fig. 21g, and Fig. 21h,
Explain.

FIG. 19 is a front external view of the knotter 44 with the front side (left side in FIG. 17) cover plate removed.

The knotter 44 includes a divider 44L, a trigger 442. 1st
Crosser 443. Second crosser 444. Tying head 445. Stripper 446. Scissor 447. The main component is a base plate 448.

Hereinafter, the two threads shown in the drawings will be referred to as black thread (filled in) and white thread (outlined), respectively.

The ends of the two threads to be connected are distributed and placed on both sides of the divider 441. Tying head 44 at this time
5 and each thread from the right side (IJ442's bushing 114423 is the first and second cross:
3,444, the crossing plates 4431 and 4432 of the first crosser 443 and the second
The crossing plates 4441 and 4442 of the clother 444 are driven in the directions of the arrows to cross the two threads with the black thread facing down, and the knife 4421 of the trigger 442 acts on the spiral 4451 continuous to the tying head 445. Then, the head 445 starts rotating (FIG. 21b).

Further, by rotating the trigger 442, the tying head 445 is rotated by the action of the knife 4421 and the spiral 4451, and as shown in FIGS. 21c and 21d,
The black thread and white thread are twisted as shown in Figure 21e.

The tying head 445 has a configuration in which the tip opens and closes with one rotation, and grips the right end of the white thread at a predetermined position (
Figure 21f). At this time, the scissor 447 is triggered by the trigger 445.
is driven by the machine to cut the end of the black thread.

Thereafter, with the tying head 445 in an almost upright position, the part of the trigger 442 where the bushing spur 4422 was tied is removed. Since the tying head 445 grips the end of the white thread, the end of the white thread is just passed through the ring of black thread and white thread (Figure 21g), and the stripper 446 is pushed up further. Tighten the knot.

As shown in 2, the black thread and white thread are tied together, and the 21st h.
Combined as shown.

When the force to rotate the trigger 442 is released, the spring 4
49, the trigger 442 is rotated in the opposite direction, and each element is driven in the reverse order to return to its original state.

The rotary linenoid 43 is mounted on the knotter bracket 421 on the mount 1, and its drive arm 431 is engaged with the trigger 442 of the knotter 44 via a leaf spring 4424. In other words, this rotorinoid 43□ ・
ゝ・−21+≧ No.・Backlash is prevented by the mechanical play of − to −7 of the rotary solenoid 44 and the rotary solenoid 43.

The mechanical operation of the knotter unit 4 will be explained.

As shown by the solid line in FIG. 17, when the piston rod PI6 of the air cylinder CY6 is fully retracted, the conveyance section 42 is in the standby position, and the sensor S7 detects the knotter bracket 421 and is turned on. .

As shown by the solid line in FIG. 15 above, with the scissors 34 of the finger unit 3 pulling out the thread THa end on the sewing machine 5 side and the thread THb end on the newly installed bobbin unit 2b side, the air Switching the air of cylinder CY6 to the forward movement side, the knotter bracket 421 and the footer 44 mounted thereon. The rotary solenoid 43 is raised together. The air cylinder CY6 is a double-acting cylinder, and normally air is fed under pressure to the double-acting side to fix the conveyance section in the standby position.

・Due to the twist, the divider 441 of the knotter 44 becomes thread TH.
a and the system Tub, and when it further rises to the operating position (sensor S8 on), the thread THa and the thread TH
b is placed on the knotter 44 in the state described above.

In other words, the black thread mentioned above is the thread THa, and the white thread is the thread THb.
corresponds to At this time, the knotter 44 flips up the bushing rod 35 of the finger unit 3.

When the rotary solenoid 43 is energized, the thread T
The end of the thread Ha and the end of the thread T)Ib are tied with a grouper knot. When this connection is completed, the air of the air cylinder CY6 is switched to the backward movement side, and the knotter bracket 421 and the footer 44 mounted thereon are connected. Rotary solenoid 4
3 and return it to the standby position (sensor S phono).

(3) Drive mechanism The drive mechanism has already been explained in the previous section, but I will summarize it once more here. Figure 22 shows air cylinder CYI
, CY2. CY3. CY4. A fluid circuit including CY5 and CY6. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 22.

In Fig. 22, Pmp is an air source, Can is a constant pressure adjustment unit, and Va Q 1. VaQ 2. VaQ
3. Va Q4. Va Q 5 and Va Q 6 are switching valves, So Q 1. So Q 2. SoQ
3 degrees and each solenoid is deenergized. In addition, in the following explanation, the air source P
iρ and the constant pressure adjustment unit Con are collectively referred to as an air source.

The air cylinder CYI that drives the slide base 123 of the table unit 1 is a double-acting cylinder, and in a steady state, the air supply port on the double-acting side (the air supply port on the side that draws in the piston rod by air pressure: the same applies hereinafter) is throttled. Valve 5CII
The air supply port on the forward side (the air supply port on the side that pushes out the piston rod by air pressure) is connected to the air source through the throttle valve 5C12 and the switching valve VaQL. is connected to.

When the solenoid 5oQ1 is energized, it communicates with the atmosphere via the switching valve. This pushes out the piston rod PII.

After that, when the solenoid So Q 1 is deenergized, the switching valve VaQ 1 returns to the state shown in the figure due to the reaction force of the spring provided therein, and the backward air supply port becomes the air source again, and the forward air Since each supply port communicates with the atmosphere,
The piston rod PII is retracted and returns to a steady state after a predetermined period of time.

Provided on the slide base 123 of the table unit 1,
The air cylinder CY2 for collecting the bobbin unit is a single-acting cylinder with a spring, and in a steady state, the air supply port (forward movement) is connected to the throttle valve SC2 and the switching valve Va Q
It communicates with the atmosphere via 2.

Piston rod PI2 is pushed out against the spring provided in cylinder CY2.

After that, when the solenoid 5oQ2 is deenergized, the switching valve Va El 2 returns to the state shown in the figure due to the reaction force of the spring provided therein, and the air supply port is again communicated with the atmosphere, so the spring provided in the cylinder CY2 The piston rod PI2 is retracted by the reaction force, and returns to a steady state after a predetermined time.

The air cylinder CY3 that drives the conveyance section 32 of the finger unit 3 is a double-acting cylinder, and in a steady state, the double-acting side air supply port is connected to the throttle valve 5C31 and the switching valve VaQ.
3, and the forward air supply port communicates with the atmosphere via a throttle valve 5C32 and a switching valve VaQ3.

When solenoid So Q 3 is energized, switching valve V
aQ3 has just been translated to the left in Fig. 22, the forward air supply port communicates with the air source via the throttle valve 5C32 and the switching valve VaQ3, and the backward air supply port is throttled. Valve 5C31 and switching valve Va Q 3
It communicates with the atmosphere through. As a result, the piston communicates with the air source and the forward air supply port communicates with the atmosphere, so the piston rod PI3 is retracted and returns to a steady state after a predetermined period of time.

The air cylinder CY4 that drives the fingers 33 of the finger unit 3 is a double-acting cylinder, and the switching valve Vaf14 inserted in the air circuit of CY4 is a 3-position closed center valve. In a steady state, the forward air supply port and the backward air supply port are closed.

Solenoid 5oQ41 is energized, solenoid So Q
When 42 is de-energized, the switching valve Va Q 4 is just translated to the right in Fig. 22, and the reciprocating side air supply port communicates with the air source via the throttle valve SC41 and the switching valve Va Q 4. The air supply port on the forward side is the throttle valve 5C.
42° The state returns to the illustrated state, and the forward air supply port and the backward air supply port are closed again. Therefore, the 5-piston rondo PI4 is positioned at that position.

Solenoid 5oQ41 is deenergized, solenoid SOΩ42
When energized, the switching valve Va Q 4 is just translated to the left in Fig. 22, and the forward air supply port communicates with the air source via the throttle valve 5C42 and the switching valve Va Q 4. , the air supply port on the double-acting side is the throttle valve 5C41.
゜Communicates with the atmosphere via the switching valve VaQ4 - This causes the piston rod PI4 to be retracted. If the predetermined time elapses and the solenoid 5oQ42 is deenergized, 1
The steady state shown in the figure is reached.

The air cylinder CY5 that drives the scissors 34 of the finger unit 3 is a single-acting cylinder with a spring, and in a steady state, the air supply port (forward movement) communicates with the atmosphere via the throttle valve SC5 and the switching valve Va Q5. ing.

When the solenoid 5ou5 is energized, the switching valve Va
Q 2 is just translated to the left in Figure 22, -difference! , the air supply port is connected to throttle valve SC5 and switching: L
P', Va Q 5 communicates with the air source. Due to this.

;11゛The Nistone rod PI5 is pushed out against the spring provided in the cylinder CY5.

After this, when the solenoid So Q 5 is deenergized, the switching valve Vau 5 returns to the state shown in the figure due to the reaction force of the spring provided therein, and the air supply port is again communicated with the atmosphere, so that the spring provided in the cylinder CY 5 The piston rod PI5 is retracted by the reaction force, and returns to a steady state after a predetermined time.

The air cylinder CY6 that drives the conveyance section 42 of the knotter unit 4 is a double-acting cylinder, and in a steady state, the double-acting side air supply port is connected to the throttle valve 5C61 and the switching valve VaQ.
6, and the forward air supply port communicates with the atmosphere via a throttle valve 5C62 and a switching valve VaQ6.

When solenoid So Q 6 is energized, switching valve V
aQ6 has just been translated to the left in FIG. When So Q 3 is deenergized, the switching valve Va Q 3 returns to the state shown in the figure due to the reaction force of the spring provided therein, and the backward air supply port becomes the air source and the forward air supply port becomes the air source again. are in communication with the atmosphere, the piston rod PI3 is retracted, and the steady state is restored after a predetermined period of time.

The stepping motor 127 is connected to the table 1 through a gear train consisting of an output gear 1271 and an input gear 132.
35 in the normal direction (rotated clockwise in FIG. 3) or reversely rotates the table 135 (rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 3).

The rotary solenoid 43 engages with the trigger 442 of the knotter 44 via a leaf spring 4424, and when energized rotates the trigger 442 clockwise in FIG. 19, and when deenergized,
The normal state is restored by the reaction force of the spring 449 engaged with the trigger.

The microprocessor CPU is a terminal of the host processor MPU, in which each sensor Sl, S2 . S3. S
4. S5°S6,57 and S8. Stepping motor driver Drl that executes forward/reverse energization/deenergization of the stepping motor 127 according to instructions from the CPU, and each solenoid 5oQ1 and SoQ according to instructions from the CPU 2. So Q 3.
So Q41. So Q42. Solenoid driver leaf 2° that energizes/deenergizes SoQ5 and 5oQ6, and lamps LPI and LP2 according to instructions from the CPU.
A lamp driver 3 that turns on/off the light is connected.

The lamps LPI and LP2 are provided on the sewing machine bed 57 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

First, the operator first selects each bobbin unit 2a, 2
Take out the bobbin unit containing the thread type you need and the thread you are about to use (needle thread) from b, 2c, and 2d, attach it to the sewing machine 5, and loosen its chuck (that is,
This bobbin unit does not need to be attached to the table 135 from the beginning.

(There is no need to fix the thread end), let out the thread, and turn it on to the sewing machine 5.
thread guide member 51 and thread guide 52 of the sewing machine body.
．． 53 through the tensioner 54. It is attached to the balance 55 and attached to the needle 56 (this will become clear in the following explanation).
This attachment of the upper thread to the sewing machine 5 is only the first time and is unnecessary thereafter).

When the operator finishes sewing using this thread and replaces it with another thread, the operator selects the number corresponding to the thread from an operation board (not shown), that is, the number associated with each storage notch on the table 135. (described later) and input a replacement instruction.

The host processor MPU receives this input and provides a predetermined instruction to the microprocessor CPU.

Microprocessor CPU is host processor MPU
With instructions from sensors Sl, S2. S3. S4. S5.
S6. While monitoring S7 and S8, the needle thread exchange control of the sewing machine 5 is performed by selectively instructing the stepping driver leaf 1 to be energized/deenergized.

If an error occurs while performing upper thread exchange control, the microprocessor CPυ causes the lamp driver Dr3 to output the lamp LPI or lamp LP2 corresponding to the error.
It instructs the host processor MPU to turn on the light and notifies the host processor MPU of this fact.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 24 is the main routine of needle thread exchange control performed by the microprocessor CPU.

Generally speaking, when the CPU is turned on, it sets the initial state and waits for thread replacement instructions from the host processor MPU.
When there is a thread replacement instruction from the host processor MPtl, details of how the bobbin unit is installed will be explained.

■Initial state settings: When the power is turned on, the internal memory, registers, and output ports are initialized, and the driver is set to 1. Dr2 and Dr3
Reset.

The table 135 of the table unit 1 is at the home position (the position where the storage notch 1351a faces the sewing machine 5:
In other words, if the sensor S2 is not in the ON position), while monitoring the sensor S2, the driver Drl is activated to rotate the stepping motor 127 one step forward (the table 135 rotates in the normal direction) until the sensor S2 is turned on. direction).

When the table 135 is set to the home position, the value of register C is set to 1, and the host processor MP
This becomes a loop waiting for U thread replacement instruction.

The value of register C indicates the rotational position of table 135, and C
=1 indicates the home position of the table 135, that is, the position where the storage notch 1351a for storing the bobbin unit 2a faces the sewing machine 5, and C=2.
indicates the position where the storage notch for storing the bobbin unit 2b and housing unit 2d faces the sewing machine 5.

■Recovery of bobbin unit: When thread replacement is instructed by the host processor MPU, the value indicating the designated bobbin unit is memorized in the B register, and the B
Set usy.

The B register indicates the bobbin unit 2a with B21, and B21 indicates the bobbin unit 2a.
=2 indicates the bobbin unit 2b, B=3 indicates the bobbin unit 2c, and B=4 indicates the bobbin unit 2d.

If a bobbin unit is installed on sewing machine 5,
Sensor S4 detects the bobbin unit base of the attached bobbin unit and is turned on.

As will become clear from the explanation that will be given later, normally, after the designated bobbin unit is attached to the sewing machine 5, the sensor S3 is located at the storage notch facing the sewing machine 5. Since the storage notch that stores the installed bobbin unit faces the sewing machine 5 and sensor S3 is off, for example, when the operator sets the upper thread for the first time, it can be set at any position. Since the bobbin unit is selected and installed, the sensor S3 may be turned on in this case.

In searching for a storage notch for collecting the installed bobbin unit, first, the value of the C register is saved to the D register.

, C register stores the number indicating the storage notch facing the sewing machine 5 as described above, so the search start position is stored here.

Next, execute the 90″ forward rotation subroutine and
Rotate 5 90 degrees forward (clockwise in Figure 3). 90' normal rotation subroutine is shown in FIG. 25. Referring to FIG. 25, the microprocessor CPU controls the stepping motor 1.
The table 135 is positioned at 90' normal rotation by counting the number of steps in which the table 135 is urged to rotate in the normal direction. Sometimes, positioning is performed while monitoring the sensor S2 to prevent cumulative errors due to step-out of the stepping motor or the like.

Therefore, two types of control are executed depending on the value of the C register. In other words, as described above, each storage notch is formed at a position that divides the circumference of the disc-shaped table 135 into four, so if the value of the C register is 4, the 90 ``Forward rotation causes the storage notch (1351a) corresponding to C=1 to face the sewing machine 5.

Therefore, while monitoring the sensor S2, the driver Drl is sequentially instructed to energize the stepping motor 127 in one step forward rotation, and when the sensor S2 is turned on, the value of the C register is set to 1.
and return to the main routine.

If the value of the C register is not 4, after clearing the N register that counts the number of steps, the N register is incremented by 1 each time the driver Drl is instructed to energize the stepping motor 127 in the normal rotation by 1 step. This is repeated until the value N reaches the number of steps N (90) of the motor 127 required to rotate the table 135 90 degrees forward (this number of steps is, of course, the same for 90 degrees reverse rotation, which will be described later). When the value of the N register becomes N (90), C
Increment the register value by 1 and return to the main routine.

Please refer again to the main routine in FIG.

When the 90" forward rotation subroutine is executed, the sensor s3 checks whether the new storage notch facing the sewing machine 5 is empty. If it is not empty, the table 135 is rotated 90@normal again.

If the operator mistakenly attaches bobbin units to all four storage notches of table 135 even though the bobbin units are attached to sewing machine 5,
At this time, the CPU uses the table 135 to notify the host processor MPU that error 1 has occurred, and
y is reset and the host processor MPU enters an instruction waiting loop.

In either case, if the storage notch for collecting and storing the installed bobbin unit is facing the sewing machine 5, or if the storage notch is located facing the sewing machine 5 after searching, then the value of the C register is and the value of the B register. The value of the C register indicates the storage notch,
The value in register B indicates the bobbin unit that will be installed on sewing machine 5 after collecting the bobbin unit that is currently installed on sewing machine 5 (i.e., the currently installed unit) (i.e., the specified bobbin unit), so when these values match, Since the recovered bobbin unit will be attached to the sewing machine 5 again (as mentioned above, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the storage notch and the bobbin unit), the bobbin unit will be attached to the thread exchange 5 of the host processor MPU at this time. Collect the currently installed bobbin unit (that is, the currently installed unit). The collection subroutine is shown in FIG. 28 and will be explained with reference to FIG.

In recovery, first, solenoid S is connected to driver Dr2.
o Instruct to energize the switching valve VaQ3
, and pushes out the piston rod PI3 of the air cylinder CY3. Due to this pushing out, the transfer section 32 of the finger unit 3 and the fingers 33 . The scissors 34 etc. move forward as one.

At this time, as described above, the sewing machine side thread guide member 51
The needle thread is let out by the bushing rod 35 at the portion guided by the thread guide member 51 (thread guide member 51 fixed to the sewing machine 5).

Since the air cylinder CY4 is inserted into the air circuit, the air cylinder CY4 is maintained in its previous used state. Therefore, as will become clear from the explanation below,
In the current state, the bobbin unit is attached to the sewing machine 5, and the upper thread is being supplied to the sewing machine 5 from the bobbin of the bobbin unit.

At this time, the air cylinder CY4 is connected to the piston rod ['I
4 is maintained in an extruded state, ie.

The fingers 33 are opened left and right. Therefore, when the piston rod PI3 of the air cylinder C'/3 is pushed out sufficiently, the finger 33 moves to the side thread guide member 5 of the sewing machine.
1 slide barrel 5135 of chuck 513, and
The slide barrel of the chuck (23a in FIG. 12) of the installed bobbin unit side thread guide member (thread guide member of the bobbin unit installed in the sewing machine 5: 23a in FIG. 12)
2335a) of 33a.

Further, in this state, the thread guided by these chucks enters between the scissors 24, and the sensor S6 detects the support plate 322 and turns on.

When the sensor S6 turns on, it instructs the driver leaf 2 to energize the solenoid SoQ41. As a result, the piston rod PI4 of the cylinder CY4 is retracted, so
The fingers 33 are driven toward the center, and the slide barrels of the respective chucks (5135 and the slide barrel of the mounting bobbin unit: 2335a in FIG. 12) are moved to the second position.
Drive into position. Thereby, each chuck holds the thread being supplied to the sewing machine 5 in place.

Also, at this time, the driver Dr2 is instructed to energize the solenoid 5oQ5 to push out the piston rod PI5 of the air cylinder CY5. As a result, the scissors 34 are closed, and the thread in the portion supported by the chuck 513 of the sewing machine side thread guide member 51 and the chuck of the attached bobbin unit side thread guide member is cut. As mentioned above, the scissors 34 trim the ends of the yarn during this cutting.

Since the fingers 33 and scissors 34 are driven by air cylinders CY4 and C'15, respectively, there is a time lag until each completes its operation (in this embodiment, this is set as 1), so an internal timer is set. Clear start and wait for 1 hour to pass.

When one hour has passed, the driver Dr2 is instructed to de-energize solenoid SoQ5, de-energize solenoid 5oQ3, de-energize solenoid 5on41, and energize solenoid 5OQ1, and clear the internal timer. Start.

When the solenoid So Q5 is deenergized, the piston rod PI5 of the air cylinder CY5 is retracted by the spring reaction force and opens the scissor 34 again.

When solenoid So Q 3 is deenergized, switching valve V
a Q3 returns to its original state due to the spring reaction force, switches the port, and connects the piston rod PI of air cylinder CY3.
Pull in 3. In other words, the transport section 3 of the finger unit 3
2 retreat begins.

When solenoid 5oQ41 is deenergized, switching valve Va
Q4 returns to its original state due to the spring reaction force, and closes the air supply ports on the forward and backward sides of the air cylinder CY4.

Therefore, the air cylinder CY4 is fixed, and the fingers 33 are maintained in a central position, that is, in the position when each slide barrel is driven to the second position.

When solenoid 5oQ1 is energized, switching valve Va
Q1 is driven, and air is force-fed to the forward air supply port of air cylinder C'/1. As a result, the piston rod PII is pushed out (in this case, the piston rod PII is fixed, but it should be considered that the piston rod PII is pushed out relatively), and is housed in the moving part 12 of the table unit 1 and the table 135. The bobbin unit is integrated and starts moving forward in the sewing machine's 5 directions. In the timer, the moving part 12 of the table unit 1 moves forward, and the bobbin unit base of the attached bobbin unit and the storage notches (for example, 21a and 13
351a) is measured for a sufficient time (in this example, it is set as 2).

After 2 hours have elapsed, solenoid 5o is connected to driver leaf 2.
Q2 is given an energizing instruction, the switching valve VaQ2 is switched, the piston rod PI2 is pushed out, and the rod PI2 is inserted into the collection hole of the bobbin unit base of the installed bobbin unit (2111a in FIG. 6 or other bobbin unit). The driver D
Give an instruction to deenergize solenoid 5o121 to r2.

When the solenoid 5oul is deenergized, the switching valve Va
Q1 returns to its original state due to the spring reaction force, switches the port, and (relatively) draws in the piston rod PX1 of the air cylinder CYI. As a result, the movable section 12 of the table unit 1 and the bobbin unit housed in the table 135 integrally start moving backward in the direction of the sewing machine 5, but at this time, the piston rod PI2 of the air cylinder CY2 moves against the bobbin unit of the attached bobbin unit. Since the bobbin has entered the collection hole of the unit base, it is peeled off against the bonding force between the bobbin unit base and the mounting plug 581 of the sewing machine 5, and retreats together with the table 135.

When the sensor S1 that detects the standby position of the moving part 12 of the table unit 1 detects the cylinder support plate 124 and turns on, it gives an instruction to the driver Dr2 to de-energize the solenoid 5oQL (attached to the sewing machine 5). After the collection of the bobbin unit is completed, the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG. 24.

■Attachment of designated bobbin unit following collection of bobbin unit: Currently, the bobbin unit that was previously installed in sewing machine 5 (hereinafter referred to as the old bobbin unit) has been collected in table unit 1, and the bobbin unit is It faces sewing machine 5. So, I returned to the main routine and continued.

The specified No. and set subroutine is executed, and the specified bobbin unit (correctly, a storage notch for storing the specified bobbin unit: described later) is made to face the sewing machine 5. Designation No.
The set subroutine is shown in FIG. 26 and will be explained with reference to FIG.

When the designated bobbin unit is at a position of 90 degrees in the normal rotation direction (clockwise in Figure 3) with respect to the old bobbin unit, that is, when the old bobbin unit is at 2a and the designated bobbin unit is at 2d, the old bobbin unit is at 2b. When the designated bobbin unit is 2a, the old bobbin unit is 20 and the designated bobbin unit is 25, or the old bobbin unit is 2d and the designated bobbin unit is 20, it is more rational to reverse the table 135. be. In other words, the old bobbin unit at this time is indicated by the value of the C register, so from the value of the C register, B
Subtract the value of the register, and if the value is 1 or -3, then 9
Execute the 01 reversal subroutine and change the table 135 to 9.
0' Reverse. The 90° reversal subroutine is shown in FIG. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 27.

The microprocessor CPυ is a stepping motor 12
The table 135 is positioned 90'' in the reverse direction by counting the number of steps for reversely energizing the notch 1351a. By positioning while monitoring S2, cumulative errors due to step-out of the stepping motor, etc. are prevented.Therefore, two types of control are selectively executed.

That is, when the old bobbin unit is 2b and the designated bobbin unit is 2a, the value of the C register is 2, so while monitoring the sensor S2, the driver Drl is sequentially instructed to reverse energize the stepping motor 127 by one step, When sensor S2 turns on, the value of the C register is decremented by 1 and the process returns to the main routine.

If the value of the C register is not 2, after clearing the N register that counts the number of steps, the N register is counted down by 1 every time the driver Drl is instructed to reverse energize the stepping motor 127 by 1 step, and the value of the N register is The value is 900 in the table 135. Motor 127 required for reversal
Repeat until the number of steps N (90) is reached (this number of steps is the same as the 90° forward rotation described above). When the value of the N register becomes N (90), the value of the C register is changed to 1.
Decrement and return to the main routine.

However, if this 90'' reverse subroutine is executed when the old bobbin unit is 2a (C=1), the designated bobbin unit 2d will face the sewing machine 5.

By decrementing the value of the C register by 1, the value of the C register becomes -1, so in that case, the value of the C register is set to 4 and then the process returns to the main routine.

In the designation number and set subroutine shown in FIG. 26, the value obtained by subtracting the value of the B register from the value of the C register is 3.
．． 2. If it is -1 or -2, the specified bobbin unit is at a position 90' in the reverse direction or at a position 180'' with respect to the old bobbin unit, so the value of the C register is B.
The 90'' forward rotation subroutine is executed until the value matches the register value.

In other words, when the designated bobbin unit is in the position of 90' in the reverse direction with respect to the old bobbin unit (that is, C-
B=3 or -1), execute the 90'' forward rotation subroutine shown in FIG. If there is a case (that is, C-B=2 or -2), the above-described 90'' forward rotation subroutine of FIG. 25 is executed twice to rotate the table 135 180'' forward.

When the designated No., set subroutine is executed and the main routine is returned, the sensor S3 is checked.

The operator has correctly installed table unit 1 as described above.
If the bobbin unit is set in
will turn on, but if the bobbin unit is incorrectly set, sensor S3 may not turn on at this time6.
In other words, if sensor S3 is not turned on, execute the specified No. set subroutine and set error 2 because the bobbin unit (designated bobbin unit) is not stored in the storage notch facing the sewing machine 5. It instructs the driver Dr3 to turn on the lamp LP2, notifies the host processor MPU that error 2 has occurred, resets Busy, and sets the host processor MPU to an instruction waiting loop.

In this case, the bobbin unit (that is, the old bobbin unit) that was attached to the sewing machine 5 has been recovered, that is, the bobbin unit is not attached to the sewing machine 5.

At this time, if sensor S3 is on, it is designated No.

By executing the set subroutine, the designated bobbin unit is placed opposite the sewing machine 5, so the mounting subroutine is then executed to mount the designated bobbin unit on the sewing machine 5. The mounting subroutine is shown in FIG. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 29.

When installing, first attach the solenoid 5 to the driver Dr2.
Instruct to energize the valve VaQ1, switch the port of the switching valve VaQ1, and push out the piston rod PII of the air cylinder CYI (since the PII is fixed, it is pushed out relatively). As a result, the movable section 12 of the table unit 1 and the bobbin unit housed in the table 135 are integrally moved, and the designated bobbin unit is made to face the sewing machine 5 and starts moving forward.

When the bobbin unit base of the designated bobbin unit (for example, 21b) and the installation plug 581 of the sewing machine 5 are properly connected, the sensor S4 detects the bobbin unit base and turns on, so that the solenoid 5o is connected to the driver Dr2.
121 and energize solenoid So Q3.

When solenoid 5oQ1 is deenergized, switching valve VaQ
1 returns to its original state due to the spring reaction force, switches the port, and (relatively) draws in the piston rod PII of the air cylinder CYI. As a result, the movable section 12 of the table unit 1 and the bobbin unit housed in the table 135 begin to move backward toward the sewing machine 5 together.

At this time, as mentioned above, the bobbin unit base
Since the binding force to the mounting plug 581 is greater than the binding force to the storage notch (the spring of the stopper pin is strong), the designated bobbin unit is peeled off from the storage notch against the binding force and remains on the mounting plug 581 of the sewing machine 5. (In other words, it is installed; hereinafter, the newly installed specified bobbin unit will be referred to as a new bobbin unit).

When solenoid So Q 3 is energized, switching valve V
a Q 3 is driven, the port is switched, and the piston rod PI3 of the air cylinder CY3 is pushed out.

This extrusion causes the conveyance section 32 of the finger unit 3 and the fingers 33 mounted thereon. The scissors 34 etc. move forward as one. In this case, the upper thread (hereinafter referred to as upper thread) that was supplied from the old bobbin unit extending from the sewing machine side thread guide member 51 toward the sewing machine main body
is loosened by the action of the bushing rod 35 mentioned above, so that the bushing rod 35 does not engage with the upper thread.

Since the air cylinder CY4 is maintained in a state in which the air supply port is closed and the piston rod PI4 is retracted, the finger 33 is in a central position, that is, the sewing machine side thread guide member 51 and the thread guide member of the old bobbin unit. The slide barrels of the respective chucks are maintained in the posture when they are driven to the second position (the state after execution of the collection subroutine).

Therefore, when the piston rod P work 3 of the air cylinder CY3 is pushed out sufficiently, the finger 33 moves to the slide barrel 5 of the chuck 513 of the sewing machine side thread guide member 51.
135 and the slide barrel of the chuck of the new bobbin unit side thread guide member (thread guide member of the bobbin unit newly installed in the sewing machine 5: 23b in FIG. 15).
In FIG. 15, the chuck 2335b) of 233b is engaged (as described above, the chuck of the new bobbin unit is in the second state).

In this state, the ends of the thread held by these chucks between the scissors 24 (thread end of the upper thread and thread end of the new thread: the thread edge of the thread emerging from the bobbin of the new bobbin unit) are The yarn ends) enter each other, and furthermore, the sensor S
6 detects the support plate 322 and turns on.

When sensor S6 turns on, it instructs driver leaf 2 to energize solenoid SoQ5 and solenoid 5oQ42.

When solenoid So Q5 is energized, switching valve V
a Q 5 is driven, the port is switched, and the piston rod PI5 of the air cylinder CY5 is pushed out.

As a result of this pushing, the scissors 34 are closed and grip the end of the upper yarn and the end of the new wheel yarn.

Further, when the solenoid 5oL42 is energized, the switching valve VaQ4 is driven and the port is switched.

Since the forward air supply port of the air cylinder CY4, which had been closed until then, is used as an air source and the backward air supply port is communicated with the atmosphere, the piston rod PI4 is pushed out. This extrusion drives the fingers 33 to spread left and right, driving the slide barrels of the respective chucks (5135 and the slide barrel of the new bobbin unit) to the first position. Thereby, each chuck supports the upper thread and the new thread in a movable manner.

In this driving of cylinders CY5 and CY4,
An internal timer sets a delay step corresponding to the time lag until each operation is completed (in this embodiment, this is defined as Hi4).

When four hours have passed, an instruction to de-energize the solenoid 5oQ42 and a de-energize instruction to the solenoid 5oQ3 are given to the driver Dr2.

When solenoid 5oQ42 is deenergized, switching valve Va
Q4 returns to its original state due to the spring reaction force, and closes the air supply ports on the forward and backward sides of the air cylinder CV4. Therefore, the air cylinder CV4 is fixed, and the fingers 33 are maintained in the left and right open position, that is, in the position when each slide barrel is driven to the first position. The posture of the finger 33 at this time is the posture when starting execution of the above-described collection subroutine.

When solenoid So Q 3 is deenergized, switching valve V
a Q3 returns to its original state due to the spring reaction force, switches the port, and connects the piston rod PI of air cylinder CY3.
3, that is, the transport section 3 of the finger unit 3
2 retreat begins. At this time, the scissors 34 move backward while holding the end of the top thread and the end of the new thread, so that the top thread and the new thread are pulled out.

When the conveyance section 32 of the finger unit 3 is sufficiently retreated and the sensor S5 detects the support plate 321 and turns on (1 moment, when the conveyance section 32 is in the standby position), the driver Dr2 is activated by the solenoids So Q and 6. Give a biasing instruction.

When solenoid So Q 6 is energized, switching valve V
a Q 6 is driven, the port is switched, and the piston rod PI5 of the air cylinder CY6 is pushed out.

This extrusion causes the transport section 42 of the knotter unit 4 and the footer 44 mounted thereon. The rotary solenoid 43 starts to rise together, and the divider 441 of the knotter 44 intervenes between the top yarn pulled out by the finger unit 3 and the new wheel yarn.

When the transport section 32 of the knotter unit 4 and the members mounted thereon rise sufficiently together and the sensor S8 detects the support plate 424 and turns on, a predetermined portion of the knotter 44 (i.e., both sides of the divider 424) Since the upper thread and the new wheel thread are set, the driver Dr2 is given an instruction to de-energize the solenoid 5oQ5 and an instruction to energize the rotary solenoid 43.

When the solenoid So Q5 is deenergized, the piston rod PI5 of the air cylinder CY5 is retracted by the spring reaction force and opens the scissor 34 again.

At this time, the rotary solenoid 43 is energized and rotates the trigger 442 of the knotter 44, so that the knotter 44
Perform a grouper knot between the opening thread and the new thread.

An internal timer delays the time required for this connection (in this embodiment, it is L5), and the driver Dr.
2, rotary solenoid 43 and solenoid So
Q: Give the 6th deactivation instruction.

When the rotary solenoid 43 is deenergized, the trigger 442 of the knotter 44 and the rotary solenoid 43 are returned to their original states by the reaction force of the spring 449 engaged with the trigger 442.

When solenoid So Q 6 is deenergized, switching valve V
a Q6 returns to its original state due to the spring reaction force, switches the port, and connects the piston rod PI of air cylinder CY6.
Pull in 6. This retraction causes the conveyor section 42 of the knotter unit 4 and the footer 44 mounted thereon.
When the rotary solenoid 43 is lowered together and the sensor S7 detects the knotter bracket 421 and turns on, the 24th
Return to the main routine shown in the figure.

As described above, the old bobbin unit has been collected, the specified new bobbin unit has been installed, and the connection between the top thread and the new wheel thread has been completed.Busy is reset, the completion is notified to the host processor MPU, and the instruction is given. Set up a wait loop.

Thereafter, the operator pulls out the top thread at the needle 56 of the sewing machine 5 and brings in a new thread.

■Installing the specified bobbin unit when no bobbin unit is installed: When the above-mentioned specified No. and set subroutine is finished and sensor S3 is checked, it is not turned on and error 2 is set. In this example, the sewing machine 5 is not equipped with a bobbin unit, and a loop is set to wait for instructions from the host processor MPU.

Therefore, if the operator attaches a bobbin unit to the storage notch that was empty at that time and specifies the same bobbin unit, or specifies the same bobbin unit without attaching a bobbin unit, error 2 will be set again), or Specify a different bobbin unit (it is not necessary to install a bobbin unit in an empty storage notch) and enter the replacement instruction.

To repeat the above, when the microprocessor CPU receives a thread exchange instruction from the host processor MPU,
A value indicating the designated bobbin unit is stored in the B register and Busy is set.

In this case, since the bobbin unit is not installed in the sewing machine 5, the sensor S4 is off, and the specified No. and set subroutine is immediately executed to place the storage notch in which the specified bobbin unit is supposed to be stored in the sewing machine 5. make them face each other.

If the designated bobbin unit is not stored in the storage notch and sensor S3 is off, error 2 is set again, but if the designated bobbin unit is stored in the storage notch and sensor S3 is on. , execute the attachment subroutine.

At this time, the sewing machine side thread guide member 51 firmly holds the upper thread (thread that was supplied to the sewing machine 5 from the old bobbin unit collected when setting error-2), and the finger 33 of the finger unit 3 The chucks of the side thread guide member 51 and the old bobbin unit are maintained in the second state, that is, in the centered position, which is exactly the same as the state at the start of the above-mentioned mounting subroutine. Therefore, using the same control as above, the specified bobbin unit is installed in the sewing machine 5, and the top thread and the new bobbin thread are connected.

Under the control of the microprocessor CPU, when the designated bobbin unit is installed and the top thread and the new wheel thread are connected, the operator pulls out the top thread at the needle 56 of the sewing machine 5 and brings in the new wheel thread.

(5) Structural Features of the Embodiment The structural features of the automatic needle thread changing device of the sewing machine described above are summarized below.

a: Since the bobbin unit is detachable from the sewing machine 5, it is easy to replace.

b= The thread guide member of the bobbin unit freely guides or holds the thread at a predetermined position facing the sewing machine side thread guide member 51, regardless of the bobbin shape or the amount of thread wound around the bobbin. The needle thread can be easily cut and connected, and even if the thread is cut after being used, the cut thread end will not fall off from the predetermined position.

C: Since the bonding force of the bobbin unit with the sewing machine 5 is greater than the bonding force with the table 135, the bobbin unit can be attached to the sewing machine 5 while the bobbin unit is stored in the table 135, and the bobbin unit can be attached to the sewing machine 5 by simply pulling the table 135 apart. A bobbin unit can be attached, and the control regarding attachment is simple.

d: Since a plurality of bobbin units can be stored in the table 135, a bobbin unit can be prepared for each type of thread used for sewing at that time, such as thread thickness, thread color, and material.

e: The scissors 34 of the finger units 1 to 3 accommodate scissors in the grooves on the occlusal surface, so they cut the thread and also trim the cut thread ends. Also, the end of the thread can be grasped and pulled out.

f: Table unit 1. Since the finger unit 3 and the knotter unit 4 are installed on the sewing machine table 6, the sewing machine 5 has a thread guide member 51 on the sewing machine bed 57.
．． Almost no changes are required except for installing the bobbin unit mounting member 58 and sensor S4.

(6) Operational characteristics of the embodiment device The operational characteristics of the automatic needle thread changing device of the sewing machine described above are summarized below.

a: Only when changing the thread, the table 135 of the table unit 1 approaches the sewing machine 5, the fingers 33 and scissors 34 of the finger unit 3 approach the sewing machine 5, and the knotter 44 of the knotter unit 4 rises. These members do not interfere with the operator's work when sewing.

b: Before cutting the thread, the bushing rod 35 of the finger unit 3 has enough extra length, so the cut thread end is pulled out using the finger 33 and the knotter 44
Even when the thread is connected by the needle 56 of the sewing machine 5, the thread does not come off from the needle 56 of the sewing machine 5.

C: Before cutting the thread, the thread is held firmly by the chuck of the thread guide member, and before releasing the chuck, the cut thread end is gripped by the scissors 34, so the thread end does not fall off from the chuck. There isn't.

d: Since the thread exchange operation is unrelated to the function of the sewing machine 5, it can be applied to a normal sewing machine.

(7) Application In the above embodiment, the binding force of the bobbin unit to the sewing machine 5 is made larger than the binding force to the table 135, but this may be reversed. In this case, place the mounting air cylinder (equivalent to CY2) at an appropriate position where the piston rod can engage when the bobbin unit is mounted on the sewing machine 5 (for example, on the sewing machine bed 57, sewing machine table 6, on the rail 112). When the bobbin unit is retrieved, the table unit 1 is moved backward, and when it is installed, the bobbin unit is moved to the sewing machine side using the air cylinder.

In the above embodiment, the thread end of the old needle thread and the thread end of the new thread are tied by the knotter 44, but the two thread guide members
Since both yarn ends are supported facing each other and both ends are trimmed by the scissors 34, a bonding device for bonding both yarn ends with an adhesive can be used in place of the knotter. Moreover, when using a metal wire instead of a thread, a welding device or the like that welds both ends can be used.

In the above embodiment, the table 135 of the table unit 1
Although it is circular, for example, by using a linear table that extends toward the front and back of the sewing machine 5 (left and right in FIG. 4) at right angles to the rail 112, it is possible to store even more bobbin units. can.

In the above embodiment, one table unit 1-1 is provided for one sewing machine 5, but it may be combined with a plurality of sewing machines. In this case, a rail or a corresponding path to each sewing machine is constructed, and the table unit 1 approaches a predetermined sewing machine as necessary to collect or mount the bobbin unit.

In the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to a needle thread changing device of a sewing machine, but the present invention is not limited to this.6 For example,
It can be applied to paper exchange devices for packaging equipment, material exchange devices for n and net work equipment, wire exchange devices for wire bonding machines, etc.

〔effect〕

As explained above, according to the string connecting device of the present invention,
Since the supporting means supports the predetermined portion of the first string and the predetermined portion of the second string in correspondence with each other, each string can be connected to the connecting means without requiring complicated control. Can be connected.

For example, as explained in the example, when using a commercially available knotter as a connecting device, the first string and the second string are pulled out and supported substantially parallel, and the knotter is inserted between them. Interject the divider.

A predetermined portion of the first string and a predetermined portion of the second string are respectively engaged with the string cella 1 position n on the connected side of the knotter and the string set position on the connecting side, and the knotter is closed. By rotating the trigger, each string can be connected. In this case, since the divider of the knotter is simply inserted between the first and second strings that are supported substantially in parallel, the drive device that drives the knotter forward and backward and the drive device that drives the knotter are simply inserted. All you have to do is control it, and the control is very simple.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view showing the appearance of an automatic needle thread changing device of a sewing machine in which the present invention is implemented as an example. 2 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a plan view of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a right side view of FIG. 2. 5 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 2 focusing on table unit 1, FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 3 focusing on table unit l, and FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 4 focusing on table unit 1. It is a partially enlarged view. FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line ■-■ in FIG. 5, FIG. 9a is an enlarged sectional view of only the guide shaft 2331a shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. socket 23
FIG. 9c is an enlarged sectional view showing only the slide barrel 2335a shown in FIG. 8. In Figure 10, the bobbin receiver is the shaft 22a and the skirt 221a.
FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 4 focusing on finger unit 3, and FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 4 focusing on finger unit 3.
FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2 focusing on the finger unit 3. 14 and 15 are plan views showing the operation of the fingers 33 and scissors 34 of the finger unit 3. FIG. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the scissors 34. 17 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 4 focusing on the knotter unit 4, and FIG. 18 is a partially enlarged rear view of the knotter unit 4. FIG. 19 is an exploded front view showing the configuration of the knotter 44. FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view showing the operation of the knotter 44.
Figure a, Figure 21b, Figure 21c, Figure 21d, Figure 21a
21f, 21g, and 21h are plan views showing the yarn connecting operation of the knotter 44. FIG. 22 is an air circuit diagram showing the air circuit of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the device shown in FIG. 1. Figure 24 shows the microprocessor CPt shown in Figure 23.
Flowchart showing the control operation of J, FIGS. 25 and 26
27, 28 and 29 are respectively
5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4; 1: Table unit 11: Fixed part 111: Brace 112: Rail 113: Piston rod fixing plate 114: Sensor bracket 12: Moving part 121, 122 Nijiride bearing 123 Nijiride base 124 Nijilinda support plate 125: Sensor bracket 126: Motor bracket 127: Stepping motor 1271: Output gear 128: Sensor bracket 129: Fixed shaft 13: Rotating part 131 Ni sleeve shaft 132: Input gear 133 Ni slit plate 1331: Detection slit 134 Ni thrust bearing 135: Table 1351a: Storage notch 13
52a, 1353a: Storage check C'/1. CY2
: Air cylinder PIE, PI2 : Piston rond SL, S2. S3: Sensors 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d: Bobbin units 21a, 21
b, 21c, 21d: Bobbin unit base 211a
, 211b, 211c, 2L1d: lower plate 212a, 2
12b, 212c, 212d: Upper plate 213a, 213
b, 213c: First spacer 2131a: Storage stopper pins 2133a, 2133b, 2143b: Mounting stopper pins 2132a, 2134a: Compression coil springs 214a, 214b, 214c: Second spacer 22a
, 22b, 22c, 22d: The bobbin receiver is the shaft 221a
Nice skirts 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d: Yarn guide members (second guide means) 231a, 231b, 231
c, 231d: poles 232a, 232b, 232c
, 232d Ni guide plates 2321a, 2321b, 23
21c, 2321d: Thread guides 233a, 233b,
233c, 233d: Chuck 2331a Ni guide shaft 23311a: Through hole 23312a: Reception groove 23313a, 23314a Ni spring fixing hole 23
315a: First check groove 23316a: Second check groove 23317a: Flange 23318a: Male screw 2332a: Taper socket 23321a, 23322a: Claw 23323a, 23324a Spring receiver 233
3a, 2334a: Compression coil spring 2335a
Nisride barrel 23351a: Tapered portions 23352a, 23353a: Ball receiver 23354
a: Working pin receiver is groove 2336a, 2337a: Ball 2338a: Holding ring 2339a: Nut BO
Ba, BOBb, 130Bc, BOBd
: Bobbin Ding Ha, Tl1b, Tl1c, Tl1d :
Thread 3: Finger unit 31: Fixed part 311: Support arm 312 Guide block 313
: Sensor bracket 32 : Conveyance part 321.322 : Support plate 323, 324 Nice slide bar 325.326 : Bushing 327 : Fingal scissor bracket 3271 : Rod receiver 3272 : Rod stopper 33 : Finger (gripping means) 331 : Left finger member 3311 .3312: Working pin 3313: Connecting pin 332: Left finger member 3321.3322: Working pin 3323: Connecting pin 333.334: Pivot shaft 335: Finger working plate 34: Scissor 341: First block 3411: Occlusal surface 3412: Long hole 3414
: Knife storage groove 343 : Second block 3411 : Occlusal surface 3412 : Long hole 3413
: Support hole 3414 : Knife storage groove 342.
344: Knife 345: Support bottle 346: Support block 3461: Support bottle receiver 3462: Support pin fixing bolt 347: Scissor action plate 3471: Piston rod mounting hole 3472.3473: Action pin 3474: E-ring 35: Push rod 351: Pin C'/3. C'V4. CY5: Air cylinder PT3.
PI4. Pr5: Piston rod S5. S6: Sensor 4: Knotter unit (connection means) 41: Fixed part 411: Support arm 412 Guide block 413
:Sensor bracket 42:Knotter bracket 422,423 on the conveyance section 42Nish slide bar 424:Support plate 43:Rotary solenoid (knotter drive means) 431:
Drive arm 44: Knotter 441: Divider 442: Trigger 4421: Knife edge 4422: Pusher 4423: Push groove 4424: Leaf spring 443
:1st crosser 4431.4432 :Crossing plate 444:
Second crosser 4441.4442: Crossing plate 445:
Tying head 4451: Spiral 446: Stripper 4461: Lift lever 447: Scissor 448: Base plate 449
Spring CY6: Air cylinder PI6: Piston rod C
Y6. PI6: (driving means provided in the support means) 4
1.42. CY6. PI6: (Support means) S7,
58: Sensor 5: Sewing machine 51: Thread guide member (first guide means) 23b, 34.51: (String support means) 511:
Pole 512 Guide plate 513: Chuck 5131 Guide shaft 5132: Taper socket 5133.5134: Compression coil spring 513
5 Nisride barrel 51354: Working bottle holder is groove 5136.5137: Ball 513g: Holding ring 5139: Nut 514
: Thread guide 52: 1st thread guide 53: 2nd thread guide 54: Tensioner 55: Balance 56 2 needles 57: Sewing machine bed 58: Bobbin unit mounting member 581: Mounting plug 582: Mounting check S4: Sensor LPI, LP2: Lamp 6 : Sewing machine table Pmp : Air source Con : Constant pressure adjustment unit SCI 1.5C12, SC2, S, C31, 5C32
, 5C41, 5C42, SC5, 5C61. 5C62: Throttle valve Va Q 1. VaQ 2. VaQ 3. VaQ
/I, Va Q5. Va Q 6: Switching valve 5of11, 5oQ2, 5oQ3, 5oQ4, 5oI2
5,5o126: Solenoid MPU: Host processor CPU: Microprocessor (energizing instruction means) Drl
Varnish chipping motor driver Dr2: Solenoid driver (energizing means) Dr3: Lamp driver Patent applicant Director of the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology Sachi Iizuka = -Voice 18 Figure East 20 Figure Voice 21a 7% 21 b 'Q Voice 21
Figure e Addressed to 211 Into 21CE Voice 2 + DP Figure 219

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) Strap support means that supports a predetermined portion of the first string and a predetermined portion of the second string in association with each other; the predetermined portion of the first string and the second string A cord connecting device comprising: a connecting means for connecting the connecting means to a predetermined portion; a biasing means for biasing the connecting means; and a biasing instruction means for instructing the biasing means to bias the connecting means. (2) The connecting means includes a knotter that connects a predetermined portion of the first string and a predetermined portion of the second string; a knotter driving device that drives the knotter; and a knotter that connects the knotter to a connected side of the knotter. Supporting means for supporting at a position where a string set position and a predetermined portion of the first string engage, and a connecting side string set position and a predetermined portion of the second string engage. A cord connecting device according to claim 1, comprising; (3) The string support means includes a first guide means for guiding the first string; a second guide means for guiding the second string; and an end portion of the first string and the second string. A gripping means for gripping an end of the body; and supporting a predetermined portion of the first string and a predetermined portion of the second string substantially in parallel, according to claim (2). string connection device. (4) The support means holds the knotter in a standby position, a connected side string setting position of the knotter, and a predetermined portion of the first string supported by the first guide means and the gripping means, and , a connection position where the connection-side string set position engages with a predetermined portion of the second string supported by the second guide means and the gripping means;
The string connecting device according to claim 3, further comprising a driving means for driving the knotter from a retracted position to a connected position. (5) The biasing instruction means instructs the biasing means to bias the drive means of the support means, and when the knotter is in the connecting position, the biasing means is configured to instruct the biasing means to bias the knotter drive means. The cord connecting device according to scope item (4).