EP1507910A2 - Method and machine for production of a non-unravelling seam - Google Patents

Method and machine for production of a non-unravelling seam

Info

Publication number
EP1507910A2
EP1507910A2 EP03756000A EP03756000A EP1507910A2 EP 1507910 A2 EP1507910 A2 EP 1507910A2 EP 03756000 A EP03756000 A EP 03756000A EP 03756000 A EP03756000 A EP 03756000A EP 1507910 A2 EP1507910 A2 EP 1507910A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sewing
laser beam
thermoplastic material
seam
sewn
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP03756000A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1507910B1 (en
Inventor
Christian Guilhem
Jacques Guilhem
Marc Guilhem
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
C Gex Systems C Gex Sarl
Original Assignee
C Gex Systems C Gex Sarl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from FR0206558A external-priority patent/FR2840327B1/en
Application filed by C Gex Systems C Gex Sarl filed Critical C Gex Systems C Gex Sarl
Publication of EP1507910A2 publication Critical patent/EP1507910A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1507910B1 publication Critical patent/EP1507910B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D05—SEWING; EMBROIDERING; TUFTING
    • D05B—SEWING
    • D05B17/00—Sewing machines for concurrently making thread and welded seams
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24033—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including stitching and discrete fastener[s], coating or bond
    • Y10T428/24041—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation, or bond
    • Y10T428/2405—Coating, impregnation, or bond in stitching zone only

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and a machine for producing a seam which cannot be loosened, with interlocked and / or interlaced sewing threads and with stitching passages in or through at least one thickness of material. an object, said sewn object, receiving the seam.
  • Sewing stitches can be decorative and / or functional.
  • They can be used to assemble different pieces together to form a sewn object.
  • the constituent materials of the object can be fabrics, knits, leathers, synthetic materials ...
  • EP-0223312 illustrates an example where a su ⁇ et is used to retain a tensioning thread sliding at the edge of a cover.
  • the sewn object is scrolled through a sewing station of a machine.
  • the sewn object is placed on the sewing station where it remains substantially stationary during the sewing operation.
  • to obtain the sewn object place the piece (s) which constitute it) on a sewing station of a sewing machine.
  • seam One of the well-known problems posed by the use of a seam is that of its relative fragility, insofar as the breaking of the initial or final blocking of the threads, or that of one of the sewing threads, is likely to spread spontaneously over the entire seam and / or by simple pulling on one of the sewing threads and / or by spreading the pieces assembled by the seam.
  • the expression “the seam is likely to come loose” designates this phenomenon which can also be qualified “of threading”. This is in particular the case of sewing stitches with threads or groups of interlocked threads such as chain stitches, overlock stitches or covering stitches in which the non-interlaced threads are not knotted together.
  • sewing stitches with interlocked threads have the advantage of great sewing speed, and, above all, of not.
  • FR-90562, US-1560712, US-5003902 describe taped seams combining one or more seams and a strip of thermoplastic material used to weld the assembled pieces of fabric and / or the seam (s) ) between them.
  • These processes are nevertheless expensive in terms of material, labor and manufacturing time. They are also limited in their applications in the case of parts to be assembled by partial overlap. They are not applicable for example for a border seam or the installation of buttons.
  • the flexibility and appearance characteristics of the seam are greatly modified by the welding performed by the strip.
  • thermoplastic In particular, the use of an intermediate thermoplastic strip increases the thickness of the sewn object.
  • thermoplastic constituent material of the parts receiving the seam to weld the seam threads to this material, by local application of heat using a welding device by punctual contact or by ultrasound, at the places where the sewing threads penetrate the material.
  • These methods are limited in their applications to the case of assembling parts made of thermoplastic material.
  • this again results in changes in flexibility and appearance.
  • These methods also necessarily bind the sewing threads to the sewn object, which is sometimes unwanted, for example in the case of EP-0223312 where a sliding tension thread is interposed between the sewing threads and the sewn object .
  • FR-1427611 describes a process for treating fabrics (weaving, knits, etc.) aimed at avoiding slipping or "spinning" of threads intertwined with a fabric, this expression actually designating in this document the phenomenon of threading of fabric thread after a snag or break in a fabric thread.
  • JP-09084980 envisages, in an alternative embodiment, to solve the problem of fraying a chain stitch thread, using an adhesive thermoplastic thread (polynosic, acrylic, vinylon ...), and to heat and melt the chain stitches by a laser beam or other heating device placed under the work holding plate downstream of the presser foot, in order to weld the chain stitches.
  • an adhesive thermoplastic thread polynosic, acrylic, vinylon
  • a laser beam or other heating device placed under the work holding plate downstream of the presser foot, in order to weld the chain stitches.
  • FR-1427611 it is not possible to implement such a method. Indeed, it is in fact impossible to apply the exact amount of heat, which varies according to the thread used, the material of the sewn piece (more or less absorbent and / or reflective), to obtain a only partial fusion and the welding points.
  • the invention aims to propose a method and a machine allowing the production of a seam which is not capable of being disconnected, in a simple, rapid, economical manner, compatible with the constraints of exploitation on an industrial scale, without harming the mechanical properties of the sewn object, and at least substantially preserving the mechanical properties of the seam itself.
  • the invention also aims to propose such a method and such a machine with which the appearance of the sewn object and of the seam can be at least substantially preserved, and in particular present a traditional appearance of aesthetic seam.
  • the invention aims to allow such a seam to be produced, the stiffness of which is not increased by the treatment intended to prevent the seam from loosening.
  • Such stiffness or rigidity in flexion or compression
  • the invention aims in particular to allow the production of a seam intended to be subjected to high stresses. More particularly, it aims to allow the production of a seam which is not liable to come undone, but in which the sewing threads may not be made integral with the material constituting the sewn object. It also aims to allow the realization of such a seam in various applications, in various locations of the sewn object (including the border), and whatever the material of the object. It aims for example to allow the realization of an overlock not likely to come apart, forming a passage receiving a sliding tension thread, or to allow the fitting of buttons with a seam not likely to come undone.
  • the invention aims to propose in particular a method which can be implemented without manipulation, in a single step, in particular by the sewing station and / or simultaneously with the step of carrying out the seam, and not requiring long adjustments. and / or complex before each seam.
  • the invention relates to a method of producing a seam that is not capable of being loosened with at least one interlocked and / or interlaced seam thread and with stitching passages in or through at minus a thickness of material of an object, said sewn object, receiving the seam, this seam comprising at least one strand of sewn sewing thread extending outside the sewn object, adjacent by at least one another strand of sewing thread sewn on the outside of the sewn object, in which: sewing is carried out with at least one sewing thread having a thermoplastic material, at least on the outside of this sewing thread,
  • At least one laser beam is applied locally to the seam, on the outside of at least one strand of sewn sewing thread extending outside the sewn object, and adjacent to at least one other strand of sewing thread sewn on the outside of the sewn object, characterized in that:
  • Each laser beam is adapted to temporarily soften the thermoplastic material presented on the outside of at least one strand of sewn sewing thread extending outside the sewn object, and adjacent to at least one other strand sewing thread sewn on the outside of the sewn object,
  • At least one pressing member is applied to the softened thermoplastic material of at least one strand of sewing thread having such a thermoplastic material subjected to this laser beam, so as to secure all or part of the adjacent strands together punctually and outside the sewn object, by means of said thermoplastic material.
  • At least one laser beam is applied which is suitable for softening the thermoplastic material without melting it, by bringing it locally to a temperature equal to or greater than its softening temperature but lower than its melting temperature, in particular to a temperature 3 ° C to 15 ° C above the softening temperature.
  • said thermoplastic material does not melt (it does not reach its melting temperature) and does not liquefy. It retains at least substantially its shape, and the strands of wire retain their cohesion and their mechanical strength.
  • at least one pressurized air jet is applied to the strands of sewing thread after application of each laser beam and before application of a pressing member.
  • an air jet is to disperse the constituent fibers of each yarn and / or to move the adjacent strands relative to each other. It also makes it possible to avoid excessive heating of certain parts of the machine. Finally, it removes dust or material residues, in particular in the vicinity of the point of impact of the laser beam and / or in the vicinity of the pressing member.
  • an air jet with a width of the order of the diameter of the thinnest sewing thread having the thermoplastic material is used, or less than this diameter. This small section of the air jet has the effect of increasing its dispersion efficiency of the yarn fibers, without however leading to an excessive premature cooling of the thermoplastic material which remains softened before the application of the pressing member. If necessary, the air in the air stream can be heated.
  • At least one sewing thread formed of at least one thermoplastic material is used and at least one laser beam is applied which is suitable for at least part of the thickness of each strand of this thread. seam in thermoplastic material softened by this laser beam, remains in the non-softened state along its entire length.
  • At least one laser beam is applied so as to soften only part of the thickness of each strand of sewing thread on which it is applied.
  • the seam remains functional, at least part of the thickness of each strand being left in the non-softened state.
  • each pressing member comes into contact with the thermoplastic material by relative displacement and exerts a certain pressure against this softened material, the sewn object being held moreover opposite this pressing member by a work-holding plate and / or another pressure member.
  • each pressing member has an irregular contact surface (which is not smooth) with the thermoplastic material, so as not to impart overall deformation to it. visible (do not flatten it).
  • This contact surface advantageously has teeth, claws, points, notches, striations ... capable of penetrating the softened thermoplastic material to cause individual micro-displacements ultimately producing a joining of the strands together (without fusion or overall welding). ).
  • each pressing member does not slide in contact with the strands of thread and the thermoplastic material, but accompanies the possible movement resulting from sewing. There is thus no component of relative movement of the pressing member and of the thermoplastic material in the direction of sewing, that is to say parallel to the outer face of the object to be sewn.
  • sewing is carried out by passing the sewn object over a sewing station of a sewing machine, and, during a single pass of the sewn object on this sewing station: at least one laser beam is applied after each stitch has been made, then at least one pressing member is applied to the softened thermoplastic material.
  • the invention thus does not in any way modify the duration of completion of the seam compared to that of a traditional seam. From an industrial point of view, it therefore does not entail any additional production cost, and moreover does not prevent a stopping point being made at the end of the seam.
  • passage of the sewn object includes a simple installation and maintenance of different parts to be assembled by sewing.
  • it can be a sewing station for fitting buttons on a garment.
  • This term also includes the fact of driving at least one sewing piece forming the object sewn through the sewing station, as in the case of sewing machines performing a sewing along at least one seam line.
  • a pressing member is applied immediately after the application of a laser beam - in particular immediately downstream of this application in the case of a seam with at least one seam line.
  • each pressing member must be applied to the thermoplastic material while the latter is still at least partly softened.
  • the sewing station comprises sewing means comprising at least one needle for stitching,
  • at least one laser beam is applied immediately downstream of the sewing means, on at least part of the seam intended to be pinched and driven by the drive members, and immediately upstream of '' at least a part of the drive members which, during the pinching of the seam, acts as a pressing member (s) applied to the softened thermoplastic material with at least one strand of thread of the sewing.
  • at least one laser beam is applied immediately upstream of a feed dog of the sewing station which acts as a pressing member on the softened thermoplastic material.
  • At least one air jet is applied downstream of at least one laser beam and immediately upstream of at least one corresponding part of the drive members acting as a member.
  • presser s
  • the pressing member may be a rotary drive member (caster, roller, sphere, etc.) - striated or notched. It can also be a part or a downstream extension of a movable presser foot to drive at least one part of the sewn object and with a contact surface preferably striated or notched.
  • sewing is carried out with at least one flanged and / or swelling sewing thread. Float and / or swelling yarns are well known and have distinct visible fibers.
  • At least one flock and / or swelling sewing thread comprising fibers of thermoplastic material is used. Therefore, the application of a laser beam can be adapted to soften part of the surface fibers of the wire, and the pressing member, in particular if it is formed by a claw, has the effect of diffusing the thermoplastic material. thus softened through the other fibers of the same thread and those of the thread forming an adjacent strand. The result is an almost invisible relative connection, without flattening, but nevertheless resistant.
  • the use of an air jet is particularly advantageous in the case of such float and / or swelling yarns since it then promotes the multiplication of the points of contact and of connections between the adjacent fibers which bind without significant change in appearance. and mechanical properties of the seam.
  • the pressing member has the function of mixing the softened thermoplastic material with the fibers of the adjacent strands. It is applied with pressure to crush, or in any case put the adjacent strands in contact with the thermoplastic material softened by the laser.
  • sewing is carried out according to a sewing point with non-interlaced interlaced threads.
  • a seam is made according to a stitch chosen from a chain stitch, an overlock stitch and a covering stitch. This stitch can be made with one or more sewing threads.
  • the invention is also applicable with a point with interlaced threads such as a tied point. In all cases, the seam must be made so as to form adjacent strands (parallel or intersecting) on at least one side outside the sewn object.
  • the tension of each thread is preferably adjusted during the sewing, so that the interlacing comes out of the object sewn and is not trapped in the middle of the thickness of the material of this sewn object,
  • the invention extends to a machine for implementing a method according to the invention.
  • the invention thus relates to a machine for producing a seam which is not liable to come apart, with at least one interlocked and / or interlaced sewing thread and with stitching passages in or through at least a material thickness of an object, said sewn object, receiving the seam, produced by passing this sewn object on a machine sewing station comprising sewing means comprising at least one stitching needle and adapted to be able to form at least one strand of sewn sewing thread by extending, outside the sewn object, adjacent to at least one other strand of sewing thread sewn on the outside of the sewn object, this machine comprising at least one laser source adapted to be able to apply at least one laser beam, on the outside of at least one strand of sewing thread extending to the outside of the object sewn adjacent to at least one other strand of sewing thread sewn to the outside of the object and sewn, characterized in that: • at least one laser source is adapted
  • each laser source is a laser diode with a wavelength between 780nm and 940nm and a maximum power of 60 W, forming a laser beam of less than 1mm - in particular of the order of 800 ⁇ - of diameter.
  • each laser source comprises means for adjusting the power of the laser beam which it delivers. Means can also be provided for automatic adjustment of the power of the laser beam - in particular as a function of the speed at which the seam is produced and / or the number of sewing stitches made.
  • the machine comprises at least one laser source adapted to soften the thermoplastic material without melting it, by bringing it locally to an equal temperature.
  • a machine according to the invention comprises at least one nozzle forming at least one air jet oriented on the strands of sewing thread after application of each laser beam and before application of a pressing member.
  • a machine according to the invention comprises at least one nozzle forming an air jet with a width of the order of the diameter of the thinnest sewing thread having the thermoplastic material, or less than this diameter.
  • the machine comprises at least one laser source adapted to be able to leave in the non-softened state along its entire length at least part of the thickness of each strand of seam.
  • at least one laser source is adapted to be able to apply at least one laser beam so as to soften only part of the thickness of each strand of sewing thread on which it is applied.
  • a machine according to the invention is adapted to be able, during a single and same passage of the object sewn on the sewing station, to apply at least one laser beam after completion of each stitch, then to apply at least a pressing member on the softened thermoplastic material.
  • the invention relates to a machine, the sewing station of which comprises at least one pair of drive members adapted to be able to press and pinch parts of the seam and the sewn object together, and drive the sewn object.
  • these drive members being at least partly located immediately downstream of the sewing means, characterized in that at least one laser source is adapted to be able to apply at least one laser beam immediately downstream of the sewing means, on at least part of the seam intended to be pinched and driven by the drive members, and immediately upstream of at least some of the drive members which when pinching the seam acts as a pressing member (s) applied to the softened thermoplastic material with at least one strand of sewing thread.
  • the machine comprises at least one nozzle adapted to apply at least one air jet downstream of at least one laser beam, and immediately upstream of at least one corresponding part of the drive members acting as a pressing member (s).
  • At least one laser source is adapted to be able to apply at least one laser beam immediately upstream of a feed dog of the sewing station which acts as a pressing member on the softened thermoplastic material.
  • the invention relates to a machine in which the sewing station comprises a plate for receiving the sewn object, characterized in that the reception plate comprises at least one portion transparent to laser light, and in what it comprises at least one laser source adapted to be able to apply a laser beam through this transparent portion of the receiving plate, on the part of the seam coming into contact with the receiving plate opposite this transparent portion.
  • This transparent portion can be a light made through the reception plate, or a portion of the reception plate made of transparent material.
  • At least one laser source is suitable for applying at least one laser beam to a part of the seam which does not come into contact with the receiving plate - in particular on one side of the 'sewn object opposite the face of this object coming into contact with the receiving plate -.
  • On each outer face one or more line (s) of connection points can be made.
  • two laser beams offset laterally can be used to form two lines of parallel connecting points.
  • means are provided for adjusting the position of at least one laser beam relative to the seam produced.
  • a machine according to the invention comprises means for adjusting the point of impact, on the seam, of at least one laser beam in a direction orthogonal to the direction of sewing and to the beam laser.
  • the position of the point of impact of the laser beam, and therefore of the point of attachment laterally, perpendicular to the direction of sewing, for example as a function of the stitching point formed and / or of the nature of the wire used.
  • a machine according to the invention is suitable for carrying out sewing according to a sewing point with non-interlaced interlocked threads.
  • it is suitable for sewing according to a sewing point with interlaced threads with visible adjacent strands of thread (s).
  • the machine comprises at least one pressing member, at least the part intended to come into contact with said thermoplastic material is made of non-stick material.
  • the invention also relates to a method and a machine characterized in combination by all or some of the characteristics mentioned above or below.
  • the invention thus consists in bonding together, outside the sewn object, adjacent strands of sewing thread (s) resulting from the sewing, by means of the thermoplastic material from one to fewer of these adjacent strands, thanks to the use, on the one hand, of a laser beam to soften this thermoplastic material to a point allowing it to act as a bonding agent for the strands after cooling, and on the other hand, a pressing member which, when applied to this softened thermoplastic material, in fact ensures the contact of the adjacent strands with this softened portion of thermoplastic material, and its simultaneous cooling. This results in a connection by this thermoplastic material of the adjacent strands.
  • the adjacent strands may belong to the same sewing thread, for example looped over on one side and outside the sewn object; or on the contrary, with several separate sewing threads.
  • the two adjacent strands have thermoplastic material; alternatively, a single strand may be formed of a wire having thermoplastic material which comes into contact on the other strand after softening and under the effect of the pressing member.
  • Each. sewing thread having such a thermoplastic material may be made of such a material, or on the contrary be impregnated with this material, or result from a combination of fibers or threads before the sewing is carried out. This thermoplastic material is solid at room temperature.
  • no additional adhesive material is added to achieve the joining of the strands which is obtained using a material constituting one or less of the sewing threads.
  • thermoplastic material thus denotes any solid material at ambient temperature, but capable of softening when it is subjected to laser radiation of appropriate power.
  • all synthetic materials belonging to the known category of thermoplastic polymers polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, etc.
  • thermoplastic material can be used as thermoplastic material in a process according to the invention.
  • These or other initially thermoplastic materials can be made more sensitive and reactive to laser radiation as indicated above, by the addition of additives absorbing laser radiation.
  • a laser beam can be used to heat a thermoplastic material punctually beyond its melting point, for example to cut threads of a fabric.
  • the inventor has found that in fact it is possible with a laser beam, with an initial, very rapid adjustment of the power delivered, to precisely adjust the softening of the thermoplastic material to obtain the desired effect, know an appropriate joining of the adjacent strands without fusion. In particular, it is possible not to melt the adjacent strands or to soften them throughout their thickness, and therefore to preserve the functionality of these strands of the seam.
  • This adjustment of the power of the laser beam is carried out as a function of the nature of the thermoplastic material to be softened, and of the time of application of the laser beam which, in a scrolling machine, depends on the speed of execution of the seam.
  • a laser beam can also be driven instantly, continuously or by pulses or discontinuously. It can be interrupted at any time and then re-used, very simply. It provides heating with very high precision and very high regularity of temperature, very insensitive to changes in the external environment. And it has appeared, in practice, that if the adjustment of a laser to obtain a partial fusion is extremely delicate, this is not the case when only a softening is sought. In this case, the correct adjustment range of the laser is indeed much wider.
  • the invention is compatible with exploitation on an industrial scale, the consolidation of the seam by joining the adjacent strands can be obtained without manipulation, automatically, on the sewing station itself and in particular in a single step corresponding to the step of making the seam (that is to say without requiring a specific subsequent processing step even in the case of a stopping point).
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an overlock machine according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view in partial vertical longitudinal section illustrating a method according to the invention implemented with the machine of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the figure
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a machine according to the invention for producing a lockstitch
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view in partial vertical longitudinal section illustrating a method according to the invention with a lock point and an upper laser beam only
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of FIG. 5,
  • FIGS. 7 to 9 are views similar to FIG. 5 illustrating three other variants of the invention, FIG. 10 is a schematic view from below of FIG. 9,
  • FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating another variant of the invention where the sewn object is driven by rollers, and not by claws,
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of FIG. 11,
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic view in vertical section illustrating a sewing station of a machine according to the invention for fitting a button with a method according to the invention during sewing,
  • Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 13 illustrating a step of applying a presser ejector member, after completion of the seam, a method according to the invention.
  • Figure 1 schematically shows an overlock machine according to the invention comprising a frame 1 carrying an appropriate mechanism and a plate 2 for receiving the sewn object 3 which, in the example shown, is a piece of fabric.
  • the receiving plate 2 is at least substantially horizontal and planar.
  • the machine essentially forms a sewing station 4 provided with sewing means 5 comprising at least one needle 5 a of stitching in or through at least one thickness of material of the sewn object 3.
  • a serger machine traditionally also includes hooks for upper and lower loops, not shown, which make it possible to form loops of threads above and below the piece of fabric and to pass loops of stitching threads around the edge of the piece of fabric.
  • the overlock machine can, in a manner known per se, be provided with numerous various accessories, for example a knife for cutting the edge of the piece of fabric, one or more presser feet for engagement and holding.
  • the overlock machine in the variant shown comprises two feed dogs 6, 7 of the object 3 located immediately downstream of the needle 5a, and, more generally, at l 'downstream of the sewing means 5.
  • the upper feed dog 6 is applied to the upper external face 8 of the object 3 (opposite face to that coming into contact with the receiving plate 2).
  • This upper feed dog 6 is associated with an appropriate mechanism and mounted relative to the frame 1 so as to present a repetitive longitudinal drive movement in the sewing direction 10, then detached from the object 3 and brought back towards the upstream, in a traditional and well known manner.
  • the lower feed dog 7 passes through at least one lumen 11 formed through the receiving plate 2 so as to come into contact with the lower external face 9 of the sewn object 3 (face 9 which comes into contact with the plate reception 2).
  • the lower claw 7 is repetitively driven in longitudinal movements from upstream to downstream relative to the sewing direction 10, then detached from the object 3 and brought back upstream, successively .
  • the movements of the two claws 6, 7 are synchronized and simultaneous so that these two claws 6, 7 remain opposite one another and pinch between them the sewn object 3 and the seam 12 performed.
  • the claws 6, 7 are located immediately downstream of the needle 5a relative to the sewing direction 10, which corresponds to the direction
  • the seam 12 is an overlock stitch comprising for example three threads, including a needle thread 13 forming a stitch line 27 through the material and parallel to the edge 14 of the sewn object 3, an upper loop thread 15 winding on the upper face 8 of the object 3 and interlocked with the needle thread 13 at each puncture, and a lower loop thread 16 snaking on the lower face 9 of the sewn object 3, looped with the needle thread 13 at each puncture, and also looped with the upper loop thread 15 outside the sewn object 3, along the edge 14, so as to form a line d external hooking 28 of these two looping threads 15, 16 around the edge 14 of the sewn object 3.
  • Such a stitch therefore forms strands of adjacent sewing threads on the upper outer face 8 of the sewn object 3, and strands of adjacent sewing threads on the lower outer face 9 of the sewn object 3. Also, the sewing point has areas of intersection of the threads 13, 15 or 13, 16, or 15, 16 for sewing outside the sewn object 3.
  • the machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has two laser beams 17, 18, namely an upper laser beam 17 and a lower laser beam 18.
  • the upper laser beam 17 comes from an upper laser source 19 fixedly mounted on the frame 1 of the machine by means of a bracket 20 fixed by a horizontal transverse screw 21 on the frame 1, a collar 22 enclosing the body of the laser source 19 and passing through a lumen 23 of the bracket 20 to be tightened by a screw 24
  • the lumen 23 of the bracket 20 extends in a direction at least substantially orthogonal to the direction of sewing 10.
  • the bracket 20, the collar 22 and the screws 21, 24 form means for adjusting the relative position of the point of impact 25 of the laser beam 17 on the seam 12 with respect to this seam 12.
  • the screw 21 makes it possible to rotate the laser source 19 about a transverse horizontal axis, generally orthogonal to the direction of sewing 10. On can so adjust the position of the point of impact 25 of the laser beam 17 longitudinally in the sewing direction 10 by means of this screw 21.
  • the light 23 makes it possible to move the laser source 19, and therefore the laser beam 17, in translation laterally with respect to the sewing direction 10.
  • the clamping screw 24 of the collar also makes it possible to pivot the laser source 19, and therefore the laser beam 17, about a pivot axis substantially parallel to the sewing direction 10, and therefore allows also the adjustment of the lateral position of the point of impact 25 of the laser beam 17 with the seam 12 made.
  • the position of the laser beam 17 is adjusted by means of these adjustment means so that the point of impact 25 of this laser beam 17 with the seam 12 produced is located immediately downstream of the needle 5a and upstream of the upper feed dog 6, as shown in FIG. 2.
  • the point of impact 25 of the upper laser 17 softens the thermoplastic material constituting at least one of the sewing threads of adjacent strands of threads resulting from this sewing.
  • the upper loop thread 15 forms adjacent strands meandering between the stitching line 27 formed by the needle thread 13, and the outer edge 14 of the object 3.
  • the upper laser beam 17 is applied to the various adjacent strands and softens the thermoplastic material constituting this upper loop thread 15.
  • the upper claw 6 is applied successively and repetitively to the seam 12, and therefore to the thermoplastic material of the upper loop thread 15, softened by the point of impact 25 of the upper laser beam 17.
  • the claw 6 presses on the softened thermoplastic material of the adjacent strands of the upper loop thread 15, which has the effect of bringing these adjacent strands two by two by a portion of thermoplastic material by forming connection points 26 such that shown in Figure 3 schematically.
  • the upper feed dog 6 therefore forms a pressing member which is applied to the portions of softened thermoplastic material. This application also results in the cooling of the thermoplastic material and its solidification.
  • thermoplastic material it is sufficient for at least one of the sewing threads to present such a thermoplastic material on the outside, so as to be softened when the point of impact 25 of the laser beam 17 contacts this thermoplastic material.
  • the machine shown in FIG. 1 also has a lower laser beam 18 which is similar to the upper laser beam 17, coming from a lower laser source 29 fixedly mounted on the frame 1 of the machine by means of a bracket 30, of a transverse horizontal screw 31, a collar 32, a light 33 formed in the bracket 30 and a screw 34 for clamping the collar 32, these various members 30 to 34 being in all points similar to those 20 to 24 allowing the mounting and adjustment of the upper laser source 19.
  • the lower laser source 29 can also be adjusted in position relative to the frame 1 so as to adjust the position of the point of impact 35 of the lower laser beam 18 on the seam 12 longitudinally relative to the sewing direction 10 and laterally relative to this sewing direction 10. As shown in FIG.
  • the lower laser beam 18 passes through the light 11 formed in the plate receiving 2 so as to come into contact with the seam 12, on the side of the lower external face 9 of the sewn object 3.
  • the lower laser beam 18 has an impact point 35 which is also located downstream of the sewing means 5 -in particular downstream of the needle 5a-, and immediately upstream of the lower claw 7, which acts as a pressing member mixing the softened thermoplastic material of the different adjacent strands of the sewing thread and cooling this thermoplastic material so as to resolidify it to form connection points 36.
  • the two claws 6, 7 are moved in synchronism and exert pressure on the strands of wire, one against the other, the sewn object being trapped between them.
  • thermoplastic material any material capable of being sufficiently softened can be used to then, after cooling, make a relative connection of the strands of adjacent sewing threads (strands of the needle thread intertwined with strands of a closure or adjacent strands of the same looping wire, or alternating strands of two looping wires ). It is possible, for example, to use a polyamide, or a polyolefin, for example a polyethylene or a polypropylene, or a polyester or a copolymer or a mixture of these materials. For example, it is possible to use at least one sewing thread consisting of a main core formed of an aramid thread surrounded by 30 to 40% by weight of polypropylene fibers.
  • This material can advantageously incorporate one or more additives such as pigments absorbing the laser radiation which facilitate softening. It is also possible to impregnate a sewing thread made of non-thermoplastic material with such a thermoplastic material at the very moment of sewing, by passing this thread through an impregnation device (liquid bath, contact with a pad, projection, etc.). ) of the wire carried by the machine.
  • an impregnation device liquid bath, contact with a pad, projection, etc.
  • Each laser beam 17, 18 is adapted to bring the thermoplastic material to a temperature, called the working temperature, higher than its softening temperature, but significantly lower than its melting temperature, in particular at a working temperature which is 3 ° C. 15 ° C - in particular approximately 5 ° C - above the softening temperature and at least 20 ° C below the melting temperature.
  • a flanged and / or swelling sewing thread comprising fibers or strands of thermoplastic material, optionally mixed with other fibers or strands of non-thermoplastic material.
  • the joining thus produced is almost invisible, the softened thermoplastic material coming to mix with the different adjacent strands not in the form of a block or weld point but rather a multiplicity of micro-points of connection of the different adjacent strands, and this thanks when using the claw 6,7 as a pressing member which, in practice, presses the softened thermoplastic material at a multiplicity of distinct points.
  • the impact points 25, 35 of the lasers 17, 18 are located on the outside of the seam (s), and do not melt the thermoplastic material in contact with the seam 12 with the sewn object 3 itself. It follows that the seam 12 is not welded or secured to the object 3. However, nothing prevents, if desired, to adjust the orientation of the laser beams 17, 18 so as to also form a certain incrustation from the seam 12 to the object 3. But, in general, such an inlay is not useful or even desirable. As one can see; it suffices to incorporate into the machine the sources 19, 29 forming the laser beams 17, 18 to obtain an extremely significant reinforcement of the seam 12 which, subsequently, does not come undone.
  • Sewing 12 can therefore be carried out with high-speed sewing stitches, whatever the object 3 sewn, the material of which can be any (fabric, knit, leather, synthetic material, etc.).
  • the laser sources 19, 29 used are preferably of adjustable power and have a power suitable for obtaining the desired softening of the thermoplastic material.
  • an infrared laser for example infrared laser diodes C0 2 with a maximum power of 60 W, with a wavelength between 780 nm and 940 nm, with a laser beam diameter of the order 800 ⁇ and a weak divergence.
  • Such laser sources are for example marketed by the company COHERENT, Santa Clara, California, USA, under the registered trademark FAP-SYSTEM®.
  • a programmable automation can be provided to automatically control the power of each laser beam 17, 18, in particular according to the speed of sewing 12 (operating speed of the machine) and / or the material of the sewing threads and / or the number of sewing stitches made per unit of length.
  • the laser sources 19, 29 of the machine are of course connected to an appropriate electrical power source. It should be noted that instead of mounting the sources 19, 29 directly on the frame 1 in an adjustable manner as described above, these sources 19, 29 can be fixedly mounted at any other place on the frame 1 of the machine , and in fact connect the laser sources 19, 29 to sheathed optical fibers or lenses the end of which is adjustable adjustable to the frame 1 respectively above and below the seam 12 in place of the sources 19, 29 shown in FIG. 1 obviously, it is the orientation and the position of the impact points 25, 35 of the laser beams 17, 18 that it is necessary to be able to determine and adjust precisely.
  • FIG. 4 represents another embodiment of a machine according to the invention, more particularly adapted to the production of a lockstitch.
  • two laser beams 17, 18 are provided, namely an upper laser beam 17 and a lower laser beam 18.
  • the two laser sources 19, 29 are supplied from a common power supply 40 provided with two buttons. separate adjustment 41, 42, respectively for each of these two laser sources 19, 29.
  • the sewing means 5 comprise a sewing needle 5 a and a bobbin 5b not shown in FIG. 4.
  • This machine comprises a lower feed dog 7, and two upper feed dog 45, 46, namely a needle shoe 45 comprising a lumen 47 passed through by the needle 5a and moving simultaneously and in synchronism with the needle 5a high down and
  • This needle claw 45 is inserted between two front teeth of the upper main claw rear 46 drive, crowbar-shaped, which. is also successively moved back and forth parallel to the sewing direction 10 and from top to bottom to drive the sewn object 3.
  • Such a mechanism with two upper prongs 45, 46, including a needle prong 45 is known in itself.
  • the two drive claws 45, 46 are not generally driven in synchronism and at the same speed, since the needle claw 45 follows the movements of the needle 5a, which participates in the drive of the sewn object 3, while the rear upper main claw 46 for driving can have a greater longitudinal amplitude for driving.
  • Such a drive device makes it possible in particular to produce a point tied with two threads, namely a needle thread 37 and a bobbin thread 38, the latter coming from a rotating bobbin 5b, for example along a vertical axis, provided with a hook to intertwine the wires 37, 38 at each point.
  • the tension of the needle thread 37 is preferably increased relative to that of the bobbin thread 38 in order to bring out the interlacing stitches outside, above the upper face 8 of the sewn object 3. From In this way, the point of impact 25 of the laser 17 softens the thermoplastic material of the needle thread and / or the bobbin thread in their interlacing zones.
  • the upper laser beam 17 is positioned so that the point of impact 25 is located between the needle claw 45 and the rear main claw 46, that is to say downstream of the claw d needle 45 and upstream of this main claw 46.
  • the upper rear main claw 46 which acts as a pressing member (against the lower claw 7 and / or the receiving plate 2) to mix the softened thermoplastic material and secure the strands.
  • FIG. 7 represents an alternative embodiment in which a lockstitch is obtained, with a lower feed dog 7 and a single upper feed dog 46 also forming a presser foot.
  • the upper claw 46 is provided with a light 47 for the passage of needle 5a, and of a second light 48 through which the upper laser beam 17 passes.
  • the needle 5a is carried by a needle holder 54 on which is mounted a rod 55 extending downward and the lower end of which forms a pressing pad 56.
  • This rod 55 is guided in axial translations relative to a support 57, itself integral in translation
  • a tension spring 58 is interposed between the upper end 59 of the rod 55 and the lower bottom 60 of the support 57, so as to bring the rod 55 down. In this way, the pressure shoe 56 moves in alternative vertical translations with the needle 5a. In the lower position of the needle 5 a, the pressing pad 56 comes into contact with the seam 12 on which it is applied with pressure by the spring 58, at the level where two strands of adjacent needle thread 37 emerge vertically from a same puncture orifice of the upper face 8 of the object 3 formed by the needle 5a during the puncture immediately preceding.
  • the upper laser beam 17 is oriented to form an impact point 25, in particular on these two strands to soften them.
  • the point of impact 25 of the upper laser beam 17 is slightly upstream - or in any case extends upstream - of the point of contact of the pressure shoe 56 with the seam 12.
  • the underside of the pressure shoe 56 is preferably notched or serrated in the shape of a claw or brush to better penetrate the softened material without flattening it. The presser shoe 56 therefore secures these two strands, the outer part of which is softened.
  • such a pressing pad can be activated by a specific jack programmed as required. Its movements can then be made independent of those of the sewing members 5, in particular of the needle holder 54.
  • a single lower laser beam 18 is used and no upper laser beam 17.
  • This variant also represents the example of a chain stitch with a thread 49 with an upper feed dog 46 forming a presser foot provided with a lumen 45 through which the needle 5a passes and a lower feed dog drive 7 upstream from which the lower laser beam 18 forms an impact point 35 on adjacent interlocking strands of the sewing thread 49 forming the chain stitch.
  • the connection by the thermoplastic material occurs at the intersection points of the different loops of the interlocked sewing thread and / or between the parallel strands of these loops.
  • the lower drive claw 7 acts as a pressing member, against the upper claw 46, and provides securing points 26 for the strands of the wire 49 at their intersection where the thermoplastic material is softened by the bundle laser 18.
  • a double looper hook 5c rotating around a transverse horizontal axis is provided to form loops with the single sewing thread 49. In FIG. 10, the hook 5c is not shown.
  • FIG. 11 shows another alternative embodiment in which the sewn object 3 is driven in the sewing direction 10 not by means of feed dogs, but by an upper roller 50 and a lower roller 51. These two rollers 50 , 51 are rotated so as to drive the object 3 sewn in the sewing direction 10.
  • the lower roller 51 passes through a lumen 52 formed in the receiving plate 2 to come into contact with the sewn object 3.
  • the axis of rotation of the upper caster 50 and / or of the lower caster 51 can be more or less inclined relative to the horizontal, and the contact surface of these casters 50, 51 with the sewn object 3 and with the seam 12 can be striated, notched, serrated or other irregular surface.
  • drive rollers 50, 51 are used for sewing fragile materials, such as leather, which do not withstand the contact of claws capable of damaging the surface.
  • an upper laser beam 17 and a lower laser beam 18 are provided immediately downstream of the needle 5a which is itself downstream of a presser foot 53.
  • the example of an overlock stitch has been shown.
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 also show air jets 70, 71, namely an upper air jet 70 coming from an upper nozzle 72 supplied by an upper tube 74 with pressurized air, and an air jet lower 71 from a lower nozzle 73 supplied by a lower tube 75 with pressurized air.
  • These jets air 70, 71 are applied to the strands of wire adjacent immediately upstream of the pressing members (rollers 50, 51 in this variant), so as to disperse the fibers of softened thermoplastic material before the latter are subjected to pressure pressing members 50, 51 for securing the adjacent strands.
  • These air jets 70, 71 are downstream of the points of impact of the lasers 17, 18.
  • air jets 70, 71 can be provided on the machine to cool certain parts of the machine which would heat up, for example the metal parts facing the laser beams 17, 18 in the absence of an object to be sewn; and / or for cleaning the outputs of the laser sources 19, 29 (diode outputs, or end of the optical fibers, etc.) by which the beams 17, 18 are emitted and which become fouled.
  • air jets 70, 71 can be used in all of the embodiments described above or below.
  • the air jets 70, 71 are supplied with air at a pressure of the order of 3.10 5 Pa or more and the nozzles 72, 73 have a very fine diameter, of the order of the diameter of the sewing thread (s) with thermoplastic material or less than this diameter.
  • the nozzles 72, 73 are placed in the immediate vicinity (as close as possible) of the thread strands of the seam 12, in order to be able to disperse the fibers of the thread on which the corresponding air jet is applied.
  • the pressing member (s) can (be) made of different rigid materials (metals, synthetic materials, etc.).
  • a non-stick material for example belonging to the family of fluorocarbon polymers, in particular PTFE or TEFLON®, on which the softened thermoplastic material does not fix during sewing, thus avoiding deposition residue and the development of untimely friction.
  • This solution is particularly advantageous for decorative multicolored seams in relief, where it also avoids mixing colors.
  • stopping point (s) (by reversing the direction of drive of the object by the machine).
  • This (s) breakpoint (s) is (are) then also consolidated (s) by the thermoplastic material which secures the adjacent strands.
  • the sewing station of the machine is not of the drive type, that is to say that the sewn object 63 is not moved through the sewing.
  • this sewn object is formed of a thickness of fabric 63 and a button 64 which are sewn together by button sewing means well known in themselves, but with a sewing thread 68 having a thermoplastic material at least outside of this sewing thread 68.
  • the sewing means generally comprise a needle 5 a and a hook 5 b.
  • the receiving plate 2 is provided with a lumen 65 for the passage of the needle 5a.
  • a lower laser beam 18 can be oriented on the seam made, towards the lower outer face 66 of the fabric 63, so as to soften the thermoplastic material of the sewing thread 68 as this seam is made. It should be noted that the seam forms adjacent strands of the sewing thread 68 softened successively by the laser beam 18, and which overlap as the seam is made. This alone makes it possible for these different strands to join together as they are sewn.
  • an ejector member 67 can be provided, movable so as to pass through the lumen 65 to come into contact with the lower part of the seam after the end of the latter.
  • FIG. 14 represents the ejection position where the ejector member 67 comes in contact with the seam made, thus forming the joining of the strands.
  • the face of the ejector member 67 coming into contact with the strands of the softened sewing thread 68 is not smooth, but on the contrary in the form of a claw to produce a plurality of microdots for securing in the strands of the thread 68.
  • an upper laser beam 17 has also been shown, capable of softening the strands of the sewing thread above the button 64.
  • the needle holder 54 also carries a rod 55 forming a pressure shoe 56 applied with pressure, by via a spring 58, on the strands of the softened wire 68 to join them together as and when sewing, as in the variant of Figure 8.
  • the ejector member 67 and / or the pressure pad 56 can be made of non-stick material.
  • the machine according to the invention can be provided with safety devices or automatic devices not shown.
  • an automated system can interrupt the operation of the laser sources 19, 29 if no sewing object 3 is in place on the work holding plate 2 (thanks to a photoelectric presence detection cell) and / or if the foot doe 46, 53 vertically movable for feeding a sewing object 3 is in the high position. This avoids the application of laser beams 17, 18 on metal parts of the machine.
  • a casing surrounding the sewing station 4 made of transparent material filtering laser radiation, to protect the user by avoiding any stray reflection towards the user.
  • the invention can be the subject of very numerous variant embodiments other than those described above and shown in the figures only by way of nonlimiting examples.
  • it can be applied to other types of sewing stitches and with a different number of sewing threads.
  • the different variants can be combined with one another.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
  • Sewing Machines And Sewing (AREA)
  • General Factory Administration (AREA)
  • Moulding By Coating Moulds (AREA)
  • Fertilizers (AREA)
  • Preliminary Treatment Of Fibers (AREA)
  • Treatments For Attaching Organic Compounds To Fibrous Goods (AREA)
  • Nonmetallic Welding Materials (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a machine for producing a seam (12) which is not susceptible to coming undone, with at least one interlooped and/or interlaced stitching thread and with stitching passes in or through at least one thickness of the material of an object, called the sewn object (3). The seam (12) is produced with at least one stitching thread having a thermoplastic material at least on its exterior. At least one infrared laser beam (17, 18) is applied locally to the seam (12) on the exterior of the sewn object (3), which laser beam is adapted to soften punctually the thermoplastic material present on the exterior of at least one strand of thread extending on the exterior of the sewn object (3) and adjacent to at least one other strand of thread. An air jet enables mingling of the softened fibers and at least one pressing device (6) is then applied to the softened and mingled thermoplastic material of at least one strand of thread of so as to join punctually the adjacent strands together.

Description

PROCEDE ET MACHINE DE REALISATION D'UNE COUTURE NON SUSCEPTIBLE DE SE DEFAIRE PROCESS AND MACHINE FOR MAKING A SEWING NOT LIKELY TO UNCOVER
L'invention concerne un procédé et une machine pour la réalisation d'une couture non susceptible de se défaire, avec des fils de couture entrebouclés et/ou entrelacés et avec des passages de piqûre dans ou à travers au moins une épaisseur de matière d'un objet, dit objet cousu, recevant la couture.The invention relates to a method and a machine for producing a seam which cannot be loosened, with interlocked and / or interlaced sewing threads and with stitching passages in or through at least one thickness of material. an object, said sewn object, receiving the seam.
Les techniques et machines de couture sont très variées, bien connues et répertoriées. Elles font notamment l'objet de normes. Les points de couture peuvent être décoratifs et/ou fonctionnels. Par exemple, ils peuvent servir à assembler différentes pièces entre elles pour former un objet cousu. Les matières constitutives de l'objet peuvent être des tissus, tricots, cuirs, matières synthétiques.... EP-0223312 illustre un exemple où un suηet est utilisé pour retenir un fil de tension coulissant en bordure d'une housse. Dans le cas d'une couture selon une ou plusieurs ligne(s) de couture, l'objet cousu est entraîné à défilement à travers un poste de couture d'une machine. Dans d'autres cas, tels que la pose de boutons, l'objet cousu est placé sur le poste de couture où il reste sensiblement immobile pendant l'opération de couture. Dans tous les cas, pour obtenir l'objet cousu, on place la(les) pièce(s) qui le constituent) sur un poste de couture d'une machine à coudre.The techniques and sewing machines are very varied, well known and listed. In particular, they are the subject of standards. Sewing stitches can be decorative and / or functional. For example, they can be used to assemble different pieces together to form a sewn object. The constituent materials of the object can be fabrics, knits, leathers, synthetic materials ... EP-0223312 illustrates an example where a suηet is used to retain a tensioning thread sliding at the edge of a cover. In the case of a seam along one or more seam lines, the sewn object is scrolled through a sewing station of a machine. In other cases, such as the fitting of buttons, the sewn object is placed on the sewing station where it remains substantially stationary during the sewing operation. In all cases, to obtain the sewn object, place the piece (s) which constitute it) on a sewing station of a sewing machine.
L'un des problèmes bien connus que pose l'utilisation d'une couture est celui de sa relative fragilité, dans la mesure où la rupture du blocage initial ou final des fils, ou celle de l'un des fils de couture, est susceptible de se propager sur toute la couture spontanément et/ou par simple traction sur l'un des fils de couture et/ou par écartement des pièces assemblées par la couture. L'expression « la couture est susceptible de se défaire » désigne ce phénomène pouvant aussi être qualifié « d'éfaufilage ». Tel est en particulier le cas des points de couture à fils ou groupes de fils entrebouclés comme les points de chaînette, les points de surjet ou les points de recouvrement dans lesquels les fils non entrelacés ne sont pas noués les uns aux autres. Or, les points de couture à fils entrebouclés présentent l'avantage d'une grande rapidité de couture, et, surtout, de ne. pas nécessiter de canette de contenance limitée. Dès lors, dans l'industrie, on préfère utiliser des points de chaînette, des surjets ou des points de recouvrement réalisés avec des machines pouvant être alimentées par des bobines de fils de grande contenance, d'exécution très rapide, et offrant des variations importantes de réalisation, notamment permettant l'utilisation d'un grand nombre (pouvant aller jusqu'à 9) de fils de couture distincts. Mais l'utilisation de ce type de points est grandement limitée par le fait que ces points forment des coutures susceptibles de se défaire très facilement, pouvant être éfaufilées de façon intempestive et indésirable. Ainsi, on renonce à utiliser ce type de points pour l'assemblage de pièces sous tension devant être garanties par le fabricant, par exemple pour la réalisation des housses d'habillage des garnitures de siège.One of the well-known problems posed by the use of a seam is that of its relative fragility, insofar as the breaking of the initial or final blocking of the threads, or that of one of the sewing threads, is likely to spread spontaneously over the entire seam and / or by simple pulling on one of the sewing threads and / or by spreading the pieces assembled by the seam. The expression “the seam is likely to come loose” designates this phenomenon which can also be qualified “of threading”. This is in particular the case of sewing stitches with threads or groups of interlocked threads such as chain stitches, overlock stitches or covering stitches in which the non-interlaced threads are not knotted together. However, sewing stitches with interlocked threads have the advantage of great sewing speed, and, above all, of not. not require a can of limited capacity. Consequently, in industry, it is preferable to use chain stitches, overlocking or covering stitches produced with machines which can be fed by spools of large capacity yarns, of very rapid execution, and offering significant variations. embodiment, in particular allowing the use of a large number (up to 9) of separate sewing threads. However, the use of this type of stitches is greatly limited by the fact that these stitches form seams capable of being very easily undone, which can be untimely and undesirably threaded. Thus, it gives up using this type of points for the assembly of live parts to be guaranteed by the manufacturer, for example for the production of covers for the seat upholstery.
Avec les points de couture à fils ou groupes de fils entrelacés, ce problème se pose avec moins d'acuité, mais existe encore dans la mesure où une rupture sur la couture peut se propager spontanément de façon indésirable et intempestive. En définitive, la couture est susceptible de se défaire, même si l'éfaufilage est moins rapide que dans le cas des points entrebouclés.With thread stitching or groups of threads intertwined, this problem is less acute, but still exists insofar as a break in the seam can propagate spontaneously in an undesirable and untimely manner. Ultimately, the seam is likely to come undone, even if the threading is slower than in the case of the looped stitches.
Dans certaines applications spécifiques telles que celles de la réalisation de coutures étanches, on a proposé de renforcer une couture par un assemblage par soudure et/ou collage complémentaire qui a aussi indirectement pour conséquence de pallier le problème de l'éfaufilage.In certain specific applications such as those for making waterproof seams, it has been proposed to reinforce a seam by an assembly by welding and / or complementary gluing which also indirectly has the consequence of alleviating the problem of threading.
Par exemple, FR-90562, US-1560712, US-5003902 décrivent des coutures étanches combinant une ou plusieurs couture(s) et une bande de matière thermoplastique servant à souder les pièces de tissus assemblées et/ou la(les) çouture(s) entre elles. Ces procédés sont néanmoins coûteux en matière, en main-d'œuvre et en temps de fabrication. Ils sont en outre limités dans leurs applications en cas de pièces à assembler par chevauchement partiel. Ils ne sont pas applicables par exemple pour une couture de bordure ou la pose de boutons. De surcroît, les caractéristiques de flexibilité et d'apparence de la couture sont grandement modifiées par la soudure réalisée par la bande thermoplastique. En particulier, l'emploi d'une bande thermoplastique intermédiaire augmente l'épaisseur de l'objet cousu.For example, FR-90562, US-1560712, US-5003902 describe taped seams combining one or more seams and a strip of thermoplastic material used to weld the assembled pieces of fabric and / or the seam (s) ) between them. These processes are nevertheless expensive in terms of material, labor and manufacturing time. They are also limited in their applications in the case of parts to be assembled by partial overlap. They are not applicable for example for a border seam or the installation of buttons. In addition, the flexibility and appearance characteristics of the seam are greatly modified by the welding performed by the strip. thermoplastic. In particular, the use of an intermediate thermoplastic strip increases the thickness of the sewn object.
On a aussi pensé (FR-886765, US-3296990) à utiliser la matière constitutive thermoplastique des pièces recevant la couture pour souder les fils de la couture à cette matière, par application locale de chaleur à l'aide d'un appareil de soudure par contact ponctuel ou par ultrasons, aux endroits de pénétration des fils de couture dans la matière. Ces procédés sont limités dans leurs applications au cas de l'assemblage des pièces en matière thermoplastique. En outre, il en résulte, là encore, des modifications de flexibilité et d'apparence. Ces procédés lient par ailleurs nécessairement les fils de couture à l'objet cousu, ce qui est parfois non souhaité, par exemple dans le cas de EP-0223312 où un fil de tension coulissant est interposé entre les fils de couture et l'objet cousu. Par ailleurs, ces procédés ne sont pas exploités en pratique notamment du fait que la réalisation précise de la soudure spécifiquement aux points mêmes où le fil pénètre dans la matière est extrêmement difficile, sinon impossible à réaliser en pratique. Avec les ultrasons, seule une fusion totale du fil et d'une partie de la matière de la pièce selon une ligne de fusion continue peut en fait être réalisée. Dès lors, la réalisation de la couture elle-même perd une grande partie de son intérêt, le fil étant en final fusionné avec la matière de la pièce. Par ailleurs, FR- 886765, qui date de 1942, ne précise pas comment une soudure ponctuelle peut être réalisée en pratique.It has also been thought (FR-886765, US-3296990) to use the thermoplastic constituent material of the parts receiving the seam to weld the seam threads to this material, by local application of heat using a welding device by punctual contact or by ultrasound, at the places where the sewing threads penetrate the material. These methods are limited in their applications to the case of assembling parts made of thermoplastic material. In addition, this again results in changes in flexibility and appearance. These methods also necessarily bind the sewing threads to the sewn object, which is sometimes unwanted, for example in the case of EP-0223312 where a sliding tension thread is interposed between the sewing threads and the sewn object . Furthermore, these methods are not used in practice, in particular because the precise production of the weld specifically at the very points where the wire enters the material is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to carry out in practice. With ultrasound, only complete fusion of the wire and part of the material of the part along a continuous fusion line can in fact be carried out. Consequently, the production of the seam itself loses much of its interest, the thread being ultimately fused with the material of the piece. Furthermore, FR-886765, which dates from 1942, does not specify how a spot weld can be carried out in practice.
FR- 1427611 décrit un procédé de traitement de tissus (tissage, tricots, ...) visant à éviter le glissement ou « filage » de fils entrelacés d'un tissu, cette expression désignant en fait dans ce document le phénomène d'éfaufilage de fils du tissu après un accroc ou une rupture d'un fil du tissu.FR-1427611 describes a process for treating fabrics (weaving, knits, etc.) aimed at avoiding slipping or "spinning" of threads intertwined with a fabric, this expression actually designating in this document the phenomenon of threading of fabric thread after a snag or break in a fabric thread.
Comme l'explique ce document, il avait été proposé, pour résoudre ce problème, d'appliquer une substance adhésive qui rigidifie cependant le tissu. Il avait aussi été proposé de traiter des tissus tels que les bas nylons en fils thermoplastiques grâce à une application locale de chaleur, qui est en fait extrêmement difficile à contrôler de sorte que le tissu peut soit être endommagé par une chaleur excessive (fusion totale des fils), soit ne pas être traité efficacement si la chaleur est insuffisante pour fixer les fils du tissu. Dans tous les cas, l'aspect du tissu et sa résistance sont dégradés. Dans ce brevet, il est donc préconisé d'appliquer des gouttes espacées d'une solution adhésive à certaines intersections seulement des fils du tissu. Ce procédé nécessite une étape de traitement spécifique du tissu après fabrication. Ce document n'en envisage pas l'application pour une couture. En tout état de cause, il serait extrêmement délicat et coûteux à utiliser sur une couture et non sur un tissu.As explained in this document, it was proposed, to solve this problem, to apply an adhesive substance which nevertheless stiffens the fabric. It has also been proposed to treat fabrics such as low nylons made of thermoplastic threads by means of a local application of heat, which is in fact extremely difficult to control so that the fabric can either be damaged by excessive heat (total melting of the threads), or not be treated effectively if the heat is insufficient to fix the threads of the fabric. In all cases, the appearance of the fabric and its resistance are degraded. In this patent, it is therefore recommended to apply drops spaced from an adhesive solution at certain intersections only of the threads of the fabric. This process requires a specific treatment step for the fabric after manufacture. This document does not envisage the application for a seam. In any event, it would be extremely delicate and expensive to use on a seam and not on a fabric.
Par ailleurs, JP-09084980 envisage, dans une variante de réalisation, pour résoudre le problème de l'effilochage d'un fil de point de chaînette, d'utiliser un fil thermoplastique adhésif (polynosic, acryle, vinylon...), et de chauffer et fondre les points de chaînette par un rayon laser ou autre dispositif de chauffage disposé sous la plaque porte-ouvrage à l'aval du pied presseur, afin de souder les points de chaînette. Néanmoins, en pratique, comme mentionné ci-dessus pour FR- 1427611, il n'est pas possible de mettre en œuvre un tel procédé. En effet, il est en fait impossible d'appliquer la quantité de chaleur exacte, qui varie selon le fil utilisé, la matière de la pièce cousue (plus ou moins absorbante et/ou réfléchissante), pour obtenir une fusion uniquement partielle et la soudure des points. De surcroît, après fusion, le fil de couture se rétracte, se carbonise et perd sa résistance mécanique. En outre, les brins de fil fondu viennent ensuite immédiatement au contact de la plaque porte-ouvrage, sur laquelle ils se collent ou déposent de la matière fondue. Il en résulte, dans les meilleurs cas, un bourrage quasi immédiat de l'ouverture de passage du rayon laser, et même un collage de l'objet cousu, qui ne glisse plus sur la plaque. Cette variante décrite par JP-09084980 ne peut donc pas être mise en œuvre dans la pratique industrielle avec succès. Dans ce contexte, l'invention vise à proposer un procédé et une machine permettant la réalisation d'une couture non susceptible de se défaire, de façon simple, rapide, économique, compatible avec les contraintes d'une exploitation à l'échelle industrielle, sans nuire aux propriétés mécaniques de l'objet cousu, et en préservant au moins sensiblement les propriétés mécaniques de la couture elle-même.Furthermore, JP-09084980 envisages, in an alternative embodiment, to solve the problem of fraying a chain stitch thread, using an adhesive thermoplastic thread (polynosic, acrylic, vinylon ...), and to heat and melt the chain stitches by a laser beam or other heating device placed under the work holding plate downstream of the presser foot, in order to weld the chain stitches. However, in practice, as mentioned above for FR-1427611, it is not possible to implement such a method. Indeed, it is in fact impossible to apply the exact amount of heat, which varies according to the thread used, the material of the sewn piece (more or less absorbent and / or reflective), to obtain a only partial fusion and the welding points. In addition, after fusion, the sewing thread shrinks, carbonizes and loses its mechanical strength. In addition, the strands of molten wire then immediately come into contact with the work-holding plate, on which they stick or deposit molten material. This results, in the best cases, an almost immediate jamming of the opening for passage of the laser beam, and even a bonding of the sewn object, which no longer slides on the plate. This variant described by JP-09084980 cannot therefore be implemented in industrial practice successfully. In this context, the invention aims to propose a method and a machine allowing the production of a seam which is not capable of being disconnected, in a simple, rapid, economical manner, compatible with the constraints of exploitation on an industrial scale, without harming the mechanical properties of the sewn object, and at least substantially preserving the mechanical properties of the seam itself.
Plus particulièrement, l'invention vise aussi à proposer un tel procédé et une telle machine avec lesquels l'apparence de l'objet cousu et de la couture peut être au moins sensiblement préservée, et notamment présenter un aspect traditionnel de couture esthétique.More particularly, the invention also aims to propose such a method and such a machine with which the appearance of the sewn object and of the seam can be at least substantially preserved, and in particular present a traditional appearance of aesthetic seam.
En particulier, l'invention vise à permettre la réalisation d'une telle couture dont la raideur n'est pas augmentée par le traitement visant à empêcher à la couture de se défaire. Une telïe raideur ou rigidité (en flexion ou en compression) peut notamment constituer une gêne à l'utilisation, par exemple dans le cas de pièces de tissus en contact avec la peau tels que des vêtements ou sous-vêtementsIn particular, the invention aims to allow such a seam to be produced, the stiffness of which is not increased by the treatment intended to prevent the seam from loosening. Such stiffness or rigidity (in flexion or compression) can in particular constitute a discomfort in use, for example in the case of pieces of tissue in contact with the skin such as clothing or underwear
L'invention vise en particulier à permettre la réalisation d'une couture destinée à être soumise à des contraintes élevées. Plus particulièrement, elle vise à permettre la réalisation d'une couture non susceptible de se défaire, mais dans laquelle les fils de couture peuvent ne pas être rendus solidaires de la matière constitutive de l'objet cousu. Elle vise aussi à permettre la réalisation d'une telle couture dans diverses applications, en divers endroits de l'objet cousu (y compris en bordure), et quelle que soit la matière constitutive de l'objet. Elle vise par exemple à permettre la réalisation d'un surjet non susceptible de se défaire, formant un passage recevant un fil de tension coulissant, ou encore à permettre la pose de boutons avec une couture non susceptible de se défaire. L'invention vise à proposer en particulier un procédé pouvant être mis en œuvre sans manipulation, en une seule étape, notamment par le poste de couture et/ou simultanément à l'étape de réalisation de la couture, et ne nécessitant pas de réglages longs et/ou complexes avant chaque couture.The invention aims in particular to allow the production of a seam intended to be subjected to high stresses. More particularly, it aims to allow the production of a seam which is not liable to come undone, but in which the sewing threads may not be made integral with the material constituting the sewn object. It also aims to allow the realization of such a seam in various applications, in various locations of the sewn object (including the border), and whatever the material of the object. It aims for example to allow the realization of an overlock not likely to come apart, forming a passage receiving a sliding tension thread, or to allow the fitting of buttons with a seam not likely to come undone. The invention aims to propose in particular a method which can be implemented without manipulation, in a single step, in particular by the sewing station and / or simultaneously with the step of carrying out the seam, and not requiring long adjustments. and / or complex before each seam.
Pour ce faire, l'invention concerne un procédé de réalisation d'une couture non susceptible de se défaire avec au moins un fil de couture entrebouclé(s) et/ou entrelacé(s) et avec des passages de piqûre dans ou à travers au moins une épaisseur de matière d'un objet, dit objet cousu, recevant la couture, cette couture comprenant au moins un brin de fil de couture cousu en s'étendant à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu, adjacent d'au moins un autre brin de fil de couture cousu à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu, dans lequel : - on réalise la couture avec au moins un fil de couture présentant une matière thermoplastique, au moins sur l'extérieur de ce fil de couture,To do this, the invention relates to a method of producing a seam that is not capable of being loosened with at least one interlocked and / or interlaced seam thread and with stitching passages in or through at minus a thickness of material of an object, said sewn object, receiving the seam, this seam comprising at least one strand of sewn sewing thread extending outside the sewn object, adjacent by at least one another strand of sewing thread sewn on the outside of the sewn object, in which: sewing is carried out with at least one sewing thread having a thermoplastic material, at least on the outside of this sewing thread,
- puis on applique au moins un faisceau laser localement sur la couture, à l'extérieur d'au moins un brin de fil de couture cousu s'étendant à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu, et adjacent d'au moins un autre brin de fil de couture cousu à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu, caractérisé en ce que :- Then at least one laser beam is applied locally to the seam, on the outside of at least one strand of sewn sewing thread extending outside the sewn object, and adjacent to at least one other strand of sewing thread sewn on the outside of the sewn object, characterized in that:
- chaque faisceau laser est adapté pour ramollir ponctuellement la matière thermoplastique présentée à l'extérieur d'au moins un brin de fil de couture cousu s'étendant à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu, et adjacent d'au moins un autre brin de fil de couture cousu à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu,- Each laser beam is adapted to temporarily soften the thermoplastic material presented on the outside of at least one strand of sewn sewing thread extending outside the sewn object, and adjacent to at least one other strand sewing thread sewn on the outside of the sewn object,
- après application de chaque faisceau laser et avant resolidification complète de la matière thermoplastique ramollie, on applique au moins un organe presseur sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie d'au moins un brin de fil de couture présentant une telle matière thermoplastique soumise à ce faisceau laser, de façon à solidariser tout ou partie des brins adjacents ensemble ponctuellement et à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu, par l'intermédiaire de ladite matière thermoplastique. Dans tout le texte, l'expression "on applique un faisceau laser localement sur la couture" et ses dérivés signifient que l'on oriente ce faisceau laser vers la couture de façon qu'il soit projeté vers elle, en formant un point d'impact du faisceau laser localisé sur la couture.- after application of each laser beam and before complete resolidification of the softened thermoplastic material, at least one pressing member is applied to the softened thermoplastic material of at least one strand of sewing thread having such a thermoplastic material subjected to this laser beam, so as to secure all or part of the adjacent strands together punctually and outside the sewn object, by means of said thermoplastic material. Throughout the text, the expression "we apply a laser beam locally on the seam" and its derivatives mean that we direct this laser beam towards the seam so that it is projected towards it, forming a point of impact of the localized laser beam on the seam.
Avantageusement et selon l'invention, on applique au moins un faisceau laser adapté pour ramollir la matière thermoplastique sans la fondre, en la portant localement à une température égale ou supérieure à sa température de ramollissement mais inférieure à sa température de fusion, notamment à une température de 3°C à 15°C au-dessus de la température de ramollissement. De la sorte, ladite matière thermoplastique ne fond pas (elle n'atteint pas sa température de fusion) et ne se liquéfie pas. Elle conserve au moins sensiblement sa forme, et les brins de fil conservent leur cohésion et leur résistance mécanique. Par ailleurs, avantageusement et selon l'invention, on applique au moins un jet d'air sous pression sur les brins de fil de couture après application de chaque faisceau laser et avant application d'un organe presseur. Un tei jet d'air a pour effet de disperser les fibres constitutives de chaque fil et/ou de déplacer les brins adjacents l'un par rapport à l'autre. Il permet en outre d'éviter un échauffement excessif de certaines parties de la machine. Il enlève enfin les poussières ou résidus de matière, notamment au voisinage du point d'impact du faisceau laser et/ou au voisinage de l'organe presseur. Avantageusement et selon l'invention, on utilise un jet d'air de largeur de l'ordre du diamètre du fil de couture le plus fin présentant la matière thermoplastique, ou inférieure à ce diamètre. Cette faible section du jet d'air a pour effet d'augmenter son efficacité de dispersion des fibres de fil, sans néanmoins entraîner un refroidissement prématuré trop important de la matière thermoplastique qui reste ramollie avant l'application de l'organe presseur. Si nécessaire, l'air du jet d'air peut être chauffé.Advantageously and according to the invention, at least one laser beam is applied which is suitable for softening the thermoplastic material without melting it, by bringing it locally to a temperature equal to or greater than its softening temperature but lower than its melting temperature, in particular to a temperature 3 ° C to 15 ° C above the softening temperature. In this way, said thermoplastic material does not melt (it does not reach its melting temperature) and does not liquefy. It retains at least substantially its shape, and the strands of wire retain their cohesion and their mechanical strength. Furthermore, advantageously and according to the invention, at least one pressurized air jet is applied to the strands of sewing thread after application of each laser beam and before application of a pressing member. The effect of an air jet is to disperse the constituent fibers of each yarn and / or to move the adjacent strands relative to each other. It also makes it possible to avoid excessive heating of certain parts of the machine. Finally, it removes dust or material residues, in particular in the vicinity of the point of impact of the laser beam and / or in the vicinity of the pressing member. Advantageously and according to the invention, an air jet with a width of the order of the diameter of the thinnest sewing thread having the thermoplastic material is used, or less than this diameter. This small section of the air jet has the effect of increasing its dispersion efficiency of the yarn fibers, without however leading to an excessive premature cooling of the thermoplastic material which remains softened before the application of the pressing member. If necessary, the air in the air stream can be heated.
Avantageusement et selon l'invention, on utilise au moins un fil de couture formé d'au moins une matière thermoplastique et on applique au moins un faisceau laser adapté pour qu'au moins une partie de l'épaisseur de chaque brin de ce fil de couture en matière thermoplastique ramollie par ce faisceau laser, reste à l'état non ramolli selon toute sa longueur.Advantageously and according to the invention, at least one sewing thread formed of at least one thermoplastic material is used and at least one laser beam is applied which is suitable for at least part of the thickness of each strand of this thread. seam in thermoplastic material softened by this laser beam, remains in the non-softened state along its entire length.
Plus généralement, avantageusement et selon l'invention, on applique au moins un faisceau laser de façon à ne ramollir qu'une partie de l'épaisseur de chaque brin de fil de couture sur lequel il est appliqué. Ainsi, la couture reste fonctionnelle, au moins une partie d'épaisseur de chaque brin étant laissée à l'état non ramolli.More generally, advantageously and according to the invention, at least one laser beam is applied so as to soften only part of the thickness of each strand of sewing thread on which it is applied. Thus, the seam remains functional, at least part of the thickness of each strand being left in the non-softened state.
Chaque organe presseur vient au contact de la matière thermoplastique par déplacement relatif et exerce une certaine pression contre cette matière ramollie, l'objet cousu étant maintenu par ailleurs à l'opposé de cet organe presseur par une plaque porte-ouvrage et/ou un autre organe presseur. Avantageusement et selon l'invention, chaque organe presseur présente une surface de contact irrégulière (qui n'est pas lisse) avec la matière thermoplastique, de façon à ne pas lui impartir une déformation d'ensemble visible (ne pas l'aplatir). Cette surface de contact présente avantageusement des dents, griffes, pointes, crans, stries... aptes à pénétrer la matière thermoplastique ramollie pour entraîner des micro-déplacements individuels produisant en final une solidarisation des brins entre eux (sans fusion ni soudure d'ensemble). En outre, chaque organe presseur ne glisse pas au contact des brins de fil et de la matière thermoplastique, mais en accompagne le mouvement éventuel résultant de la couture. Il n'y a ainsi pas de composante de mouvement relatif de l'organe presseur et de la matière thermoplastique selon la direction de couture, c'est-à- dire parallèlement à la face extérieure de l'objet à coudre. Par ailleurs, avantageusement et selon l'invention, on réalise la couture en faisant passer l'objet cousu sur un poste de couture d'une machine à coudre, et, lors d'un seul et même passage de l'objet cousu sur ce poste de couture : on applique au moins un faisceau laser après réalisation de chaque point de couture, puis on applique au moins un organe presseur sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie. On réalise ainsi, lors du même passage sur le poste de couture, la couture et la solidarisation des brins adjacents empêchant ensuite l'éfaufilage de la couture. L'invention ne modifie ainsi en aucune manière la durée de réalisation de la couture par rapport à celle d'une couture traditionnelle. Du point de vue industriel, elle n'entraîne donc aucun coût supplémentaire de production, et n'empêche d'ailleurs pas de réaliser un point d'arrêt en fin de couture.Each pressing member comes into contact with the thermoplastic material by relative displacement and exerts a certain pressure against this softened material, the sewn object being held moreover opposite this pressing member by a work-holding plate and / or another pressure member. Advantageously and according to the invention, each pressing member has an irregular contact surface (which is not smooth) with the thermoplastic material, so as not to impart overall deformation to it. visible (do not flatten it). This contact surface advantageously has teeth, claws, points, notches, striations ... capable of penetrating the softened thermoplastic material to cause individual micro-displacements ultimately producing a joining of the strands together (without fusion or overall welding). ). In addition, each pressing member does not slide in contact with the strands of thread and the thermoplastic material, but accompanies the possible movement resulting from sewing. There is thus no component of relative movement of the pressing member and of the thermoplastic material in the direction of sewing, that is to say parallel to the outer face of the object to be sewn. Furthermore, advantageously and according to the invention, sewing is carried out by passing the sewn object over a sewing station of a sewing machine, and, during a single pass of the sewn object on this sewing station: at least one laser beam is applied after each stitch has been made, then at least one pressing member is applied to the softened thermoplastic material. One thus realizes, during the same passage on the sewing station, the seam and the joining of the adjacent strands then preventing the threading of the seam. The invention thus does not in any way modify the duration of completion of the seam compared to that of a traditional seam. From an industrial point of view, it therefore does not entail any additional production cost, and moreover does not prevent a stopping point being made at the end of the seam.
Le terme « passage » de l'objet cousu englobe une simple mise en place et un maintien de différentes pièces à assembler par la couture. Par exemple, il peut s'agir d'un poste de couture pour la pose de boutons sur un vêtement. Ce terme englobe aussi le fait d'entraîner à défilement au moins une pièce à coudre formant l'objet cousu à travers le poste de couture, comme dans le cas des machines à coudre réalisant une couture selon au moins une ligne de couture.The term "passage" of the sewn object includes a simple installation and maintenance of different parts to be assembled by sewing. For example, it can be a sewing station for fitting buttons on a garment. This term also includes the fact of driving at least one sewing piece forming the object sewn through the sewing station, as in the case of sewing machines performing a sewing along at least one seam line.
Avantageusement et selon l'invention, on applique un organe presseur immédiatement après l'application d'un faisceau laser -notamment immédiatement à l'aval de cette application dans le cas d'une couture à au moins une ligne de couture-. En tout cas, chaque organe presseur doit être appliqué sur la matière thermoplastique alors que cette dernière est encore au moins pour partie ramollie.Advantageously and according to the invention, a pressing member is applied immediately after the application of a laser beam - in particular immediately downstream of this application in the case of a seam with at least one seam line. In any case, each pressing member must be applied to the thermoplastic material while the latter is still at least partly softened.
Avantageusement et selon l'invention, le poste de couture comprend des moyens de couture comportant au moins une aiguille de piqûre,Advantageously and according to the invention, the sewing station comprises sewing means comprising at least one needle for stitching,
- au moins une paire d'organes d'entraînement entre lesquels des parties de la couture et de l'objet cousu sont pressées et pincées, et aptes à entraîner l'objet cousu au fur et à mesure de la réalisation de la couture selon une direction, dite direction de couture, à travers le poste de couture, ces organes d'entraînement étant au moins pour partie situés immédiatement à l'aval des moyens de couture. Selon l'invention, on applique au moins un faisceau laser immédiatement à l'aval des moyens de couture, sur une partie au moins de la couture destinée à être pincée et entraînée par les organes d'entraînement, et immédiatement à l'amont d'au moins une partie des organes d'entraînement qui, lors du pinçage de la couture, fait office d'organe(s) presseur(s) appliqué(s) sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie d'au moins un brin de fil de la couture. Avantageusement et selon l'invention, on applique au moins un faisceau laser immédiatement à l'amont d'une griffe d'entraînement du poste de couture qui fait office d'organe presseur sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie.- At least one pair of drive members between which parts of the seam and of the sewn object are pressed and pinched, and capable of driving the sewn object as and when the sewing is carried out according to a direction, said direction of sewing, through the sewing station, these drive members being at least partly located immediately downstream of the sewing means. According to the invention, at least one laser beam is applied immediately downstream of the sewing means, on at least part of the seam intended to be pinched and driven by the drive members, and immediately upstream of '' at least a part of the drive members which, during the pinching of the seam, acts as a pressing member (s) applied to the softened thermoplastic material with at least one strand of thread of the sewing. Advantageously and according to the invention, at least one laser beam is applied immediately upstream of a feed dog of the sewing station which acts as a pressing member on the softened thermoplastic material.
Avantageusement et selon l'invention, on applique au moins un jet d'air à l'aval d'au moins un faisceau laser et immédiatement à l'amont d'au moins une partie correspondante des organes d'entraînement faisant office d'organe (s) presseur(s). En variante, l'organe presseur peut être un organe rotatif d'entraînement (roulette, galet, sphère.. ,)- strié ou cranté. Il peut s'agir aussi d'une partie ou d'une extension aval d'un pied de biche presseur mobile pour entraîner au moins une pièce de l'objet cousu et à surface de contact de préférence striée ou crantée. Avantageusement et selon l'invention, on réalise la couture avec au moins un fil de couture floche et/ou gonflant. Les fils floches et/ou gonflants sont bien connus et présentent des fibres distinctes apparentes. En particulier, on utilise au moins un fil dé couture floche et/ou gonflant comprenant des fibres de matière thermoplastique. De ce fait, l'application d'un faisceau laser peut être adaptée pour ramollir une partie des fibres superficielles du fil, et l'organe presseur, notamment s'il est formé d'une griffe, a pour effet de diffuser la matière thermoplastique ainsi ramollie à travers les autres fibres du même fil et celles du fil formant un brin adjacent. Il en résulte une solidarisation relative quasiment invisible, sans aplatissement, mais néanmoins résistante. L'utilisation d'un jet d'air est particulièrement avantageuse dans le cas de tels fils floches et/ou gonflants car elle favorise alors la multiplication des points de contacts et de liaisons entre les fibres adjacentes qui se lient sans modification notable d'aspect et de propriétés mécaniques de la couture.Advantageously and according to the invention, at least one air jet is applied downstream of at least one laser beam and immediately upstream of at least one corresponding part of the drive members acting as a member. (s) presser (s). As a variant, the pressing member may be a rotary drive member (caster, roller, sphere, etc.) - striated or notched. It can also be a part or a downstream extension of a movable presser foot to drive at least one part of the sewn object and with a contact surface preferably striated or notched. Advantageously and according to the invention, sewing is carried out with at least one flanged and / or swelling sewing thread. Float and / or swelling yarns are well known and have distinct visible fibers. In in particular, at least one flock and / or swelling sewing thread comprising fibers of thermoplastic material is used. Therefore, the application of a laser beam can be adapted to soften part of the surface fibers of the wire, and the pressing member, in particular if it is formed by a claw, has the effect of diffusing the thermoplastic material. thus softened through the other fibers of the same thread and those of the thread forming an adjacent strand. The result is an almost invisible relative connection, without flattening, but nevertheless resistant. The use of an air jet is particularly advantageous in the case of such float and / or swelling yarns since it then promotes the multiplication of the points of contact and of connections between the adjacent fibers which bind without significant change in appearance. and mechanical properties of the seam.
Ainsi, dans l'invention, l'organe presseur a pour fonction de mêler la matière thermoplastique ramollie aux fibres des brins adjacents. Il est appliqué avec pression pour écraser, ou en tout cas mettre les brins adjacents en contact avec la matière thermoplastique ramollie par le laser.Thus, in the invention, the pressing member has the function of mixing the softened thermoplastic material with the fibers of the adjacent strands. It is applied with pressure to crush, or in any case put the adjacent strands in contact with the thermoplastic material softened by the laser.
En outre, avantageusement et selon l'invention, on réalise la couture selon un point de couture à fils entrebouclés non entrelacés. Par exemple, on réalise une couture selon un point choisi parmi un point de chaînette, un point de surjet et un point de recouvrement. Ce point peut être réalisé avec un ou plusieurs fils de couture. L'invention est aussi applicable avec un point à fils entrelacés tel qu'un point noué. Dans tous les cas, la couture doit être réalisée de façon à former des brins adjacents (parallèles ou d'entrecroisement) d'un côté au moins à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu. Par exemple, dans le cas d'un point noué à deux fils, on règle de préférence, lors de la réalisation de la couture, la tension de chaque fil de telle sorte que l'entrelacement sorte à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu et ne soit pas emprisonné au milieu de l'épaisseur de la matière de cet objet cousu,In addition, advantageously and according to the invention, sewing is carried out according to a sewing point with non-interlaced interlaced threads. For example, a seam is made according to a stitch chosen from a chain stitch, an overlock stitch and a covering stitch. This stitch can be made with one or more sewing threads. The invention is also applicable with a point with interlaced threads such as a tied point. In all cases, the seam must be made so as to form adjacent strands (parallel or intersecting) on at least one side outside the sewn object. For example, in the case of a two-thread lockstitch, the tension of each thread is preferably adjusted during the sewing, so that the interlacing comes out of the object sewn and is not trapped in the middle of the thickness of the material of this sewn object,
L'invention s'étend à une machine pour la mise en œuvre d'un procédé selon l'invention. L'invention concerne ainsi une machine pour la réalisation d'une couture non susceptible de se défaire, avec au moins un fil de couture entrebouclé(s) et/ou entrelacé(s) et avec des passages de piqûre dans ou à travers au moins une épaisseur de matière d'un objet, dit objet cousu, recevant la couture, réalisée en passant cet objet cousu sur un poste de couture de la machine comprenant des moyens de couture comportant au moins une aiguille de piqûre et adaptés pour pouvoir former au moins un brin de fil de couture cousu en s'étendant, à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu, adjacent d'au moins un autre brin de fil de couture cousu à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu, cette machine comprenant au moins une source laser adaptée pour pouvoir appliquer au moins un faisceau laser, à l'extérieur d'au moins un brin de fil de couture s'étendant à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu adjacent d'au moins un autre brin de fil de couture cousu à 1 ' extérieur de 1 ' obj et cousu, caractérisée en ce que : • au moins une source laser est adaptée pour pouvoir appliquer localement sur la couture au moins un faisceau laser, adapté pour ramollir ponctuellement la matière thermoplastique présentée à l'extérieur d'au moins un brin de fil de couture s'étendant à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu adjacent d'au moins un autre brin de fil de couture cousu à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu , • elle comprend au moins un organe presseur adapté pour pouvoir être appliqué sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie d'au moins un brin de fil de couture après application de chaque faisceau laser, et avant la resolidification complète de la matière thermoplastique ramollie, de façon à solidariser tout ou partie des brins adjacents ensemble ponctuellement à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu, par l'intermédiaire de ladite matière thermoplastique.The invention extends to a machine for implementing a method according to the invention. The invention thus relates to a machine for producing a seam which is not liable to come apart, with at least one interlocked and / or interlaced sewing thread and with stitching passages in or through at least a material thickness of an object, said sewn object, receiving the seam, produced by passing this sewn object on a machine sewing station comprising sewing means comprising at least one stitching needle and adapted to be able to form at least one strand of sewn sewing thread by extending, outside the sewn object, adjacent to at least one other strand of sewing thread sewn on the outside of the sewn object, this machine comprising at least one laser source adapted to be able to apply at least one laser beam, on the outside of at least one strand of sewing thread extending to the outside of the object sewn adjacent to at least one other strand of sewing thread sewn to the outside of the object and sewn, characterized in that: • at least one laser source is adapted to be able to apply locally to sewing at least one laser beam, adapted to temporarily soften the thermoplastic material presented on the outside of at least one strand of sewing thread extending outside the adjacent sewn object of at least one other strand of sewing thread sewn on the outside of the o bjet sewn, • it comprises at least one pressing member adapted to be able to be applied to the softened thermoplastic material with at least one strand of sewing thread after application of each laser beam, and before the complete resolidification of the softened thermoplastic material, so as to secure all or part of the adjacent strands together punctually outside the sewn object, by means of said thermoplastic material.
Avantageusement et selon l'invention, chaque source laser est une diode laser de longueur d'onde comprise entre 780nm et 940nm et de puissance maximale de 60 W, formant un faisceau laser de moins de 1mm -notamment de l'ordre de 800μ- de diamètre. Avantageusement et selon l'invention, chaque source laser comporte des moyens de réglage de la puissance du faisceau laser qu'elle délivre. Il peut être prévu aussi des moyens d'ajustement automatique de la puissance du faisceau laser -notamment en fonction de la vitesse de réalisation de la couture et/ou du nombre de points de couture effectués-. Avantageusement et selon l'invention, la machine comprend au moins une source laser adaptée pour ramollir la matière thermoplastique sans la fondre, en la portant localement à une température égale ou supérieure à sa température de ramollissement mais inférieure à sa température de fusion -notamment à une température de 3°C à 15°C au-dessus de la température de ramollissement-. Avantageusement, une machine selon l'invention comporte au moins une buse formant au moins un jet d'air orienté sur les brins de fil de couture après application de chaque faisceau laser et avant application d'un organe presseur. Avantageusement, une machine selon l'invention comporte au moins une buse formant un jet d'air de largeur de l'ordre du diamètre du fil de couture le plus fin présentant la matière thermoplastique, ou inférieure à ce diamètre. Avantageusement et selon l'invention, la machine comprend au moins une source laser adaptée pour pouvoir laisser à l'état non ramolli selon toute sa longueur au moins une partie de l'épaisseur de chaque brin de fil de coulure. Avantageusement et selon l'invention, au moins une source laser est adaptée pour pouvoir appliquer au moins un faisceau laser de façon à ne ramollir qu'une partie de l'épaisseur de chaque brin de fil de couture sur lequel il est appliqué.Advantageously and according to the invention, each laser source is a laser diode with a wavelength between 780nm and 940nm and a maximum power of 60 W, forming a laser beam of less than 1mm - in particular of the order of 800μ - of diameter. Advantageously and according to the invention, each laser source comprises means for adjusting the power of the laser beam which it delivers. Means can also be provided for automatic adjustment of the power of the laser beam - in particular as a function of the speed at which the seam is produced and / or the number of sewing stitches made. Advantageously and according to the invention, the machine comprises at least one laser source adapted to soften the thermoplastic material without melting it, by bringing it locally to an equal temperature. or higher than its softening temperature but lower than its melting temperature - in particular at a temperature of 3 ° C to 15 ° C above the softening temperature -. Advantageously, a machine according to the invention comprises at least one nozzle forming at least one air jet oriented on the strands of sewing thread after application of each laser beam and before application of a pressing member. Advantageously, a machine according to the invention comprises at least one nozzle forming an air jet with a width of the order of the diameter of the thinnest sewing thread having the thermoplastic material, or less than this diameter. Advantageously and according to the invention, the machine comprises at least one laser source adapted to be able to leave in the non-softened state along its entire length at least part of the thickness of each strand of seam. Advantageously and according to the invention, at least one laser source is adapted to be able to apply at least one laser beam so as to soften only part of the thickness of each strand of sewing thread on which it is applied.
Avantageusement, une machine selon l'invention est adaptée pour pouvoir, lors d'un seul et même passage de l'objet cousu sur le poste de couture, appliquer au moins un faisceau laser après réalisation de chaque point de couture, puis appliquer au moins un organe presseur sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie.Advantageously, a machine according to the invention is adapted to be able, during a single and same passage of the object sewn on the sewing station, to apply at least one laser beam after completion of each stitch, then to apply at least a pressing member on the softened thermoplastic material.
Plus particulièrement, l'invention concerne une machine dont le poste de couture comprend au moins une paire d'organes d'entraînement adaptés pour pouvoir presser et pincer entre eux des parties de la couture et l'objet cousu, et entraîner l'objet cousu au fur et à mesure de la réalisation de la couture selon une direction, dite direction de couture, à -travers le poste de couture, ces organes d'entraînement étant au moins pour partie situés immédiatement à l'aval des moyens de couture, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins une source laser est adaptée pour pouvoir appliquer au moins un faisceau laser immédiatement à l'aval des moyens de couture, sur une partie au moins de la couture destinée à être pincée et entraînée par les organes d'entraînement, et immédiatement à l'amont d'au moins une partie des organes d'entraînement qui lors du pinçage de la couture fait office d'organe(s) presseur(s) appliqué(s) sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie d'au moins un brin de fil de couture.More particularly, the invention relates to a machine, the sewing station of which comprises at least one pair of drive members adapted to be able to press and pinch parts of the seam and the sewn object together, and drive the sewn object. as and when the sewing is carried out in a direction, called sewing direction, through the sewing station, these drive members being at least partly located immediately downstream of the sewing means, characterized in that at least one laser source is adapted to be able to apply at least one laser beam immediately downstream of the sewing means, on at least part of the seam intended to be pinched and driven by the drive members, and immediately upstream of at least some of the drive members which when pinching the seam acts as a pressing member (s) applied to the softened thermoplastic material with at least one strand of sewing thread.
Avantageusement et selon l'invention, la machine comprend au moins une buse adaptée pour appliquer au moins un jet d'air à l'aval d'au moins un faisceau laser, et immédiatement à l'amont d'au moins une partie correspondante des organes d'entraînement faisant office d'organe(s) presseur(s).Advantageously and according to the invention, the machine comprises at least one nozzle adapted to apply at least one air jet downstream of at least one laser beam, and immediately upstream of at least one corresponding part of the drive members acting as a pressing member (s).
Avantageusement et selon l'invention, au moins une source laser est adaptée pour pouvoir appliquer au moins un faisceau laser immédiatement à l'amont d'une griffe d'entraînement du poste de couture qui fait office d'organe presseur sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie. En variante ou en combinaison, l'invention concerne une machine dans laquelle le poste de couture comprend une plaque de réception de l'objet cousu, caractérisée en ce que la plaque de réception comprend au moins une portion transparente à la lumière laser, et en ce qu'elle comprend au moins une source, laser adaptée pour pouvoir appliquer un faisceau laser à travers cette portion transparente de la plaque de réception, sur la partie de la couture venant au contact de la plaque de réception en regard de cette portion transparente. Cette portion transparente peut être une lumière ménagée à travers la plaque de réception, ou une portion de la plaque de réception en matériau transparent.Advantageously and according to the invention, at least one laser source is adapted to be able to apply at least one laser beam immediately upstream of a feed dog of the sewing station which acts as a pressing member on the softened thermoplastic material. . As a variant or in combination, the invention relates to a machine in which the sewing station comprises a plate for receiving the sewn object, characterized in that the reception plate comprises at least one portion transparent to laser light, and in what it comprises at least one laser source adapted to be able to apply a laser beam through this transparent portion of the receiving plate, on the part of the seam coming into contact with the receiving plate opposite this transparent portion. This transparent portion can be a light made through the reception plate, or a portion of the reception plate made of transparent material.
En variante ou en combinaison, avantageusement et selon l'invention, au moins une source laser est adaptée pour appliquer au moins un faisceau laser sur une partie de la couture ne venant pas au contact de la plaque de réception -notamment sur une face de l'objet cousu opposée à la face de cet objet venant au contact de la plaque de réception-. On peut donc solidariser des brins adjacents s'étendant sur au moins l'une des faces extérieures de l'objet cousu. Sur chaque face extérieure, une ou plusieurs ligne(s) de points de liaison peut(peuvent) être pratiquée(s). En particulier, on peut utiliser deux faisceaux laser décalés latéralement pour former deux lignes de points de liaison parallèles. Avantageusement et selon l'invention, il est prévu des moyens de réglage de la position d'au moins un faisceau laser par rapport à la couture réalisée. En particulier, dans le cas d'une couture sous forme d'une ou plusieurs ligne(s) de couture, avantageusement, une machine selon l'invention comprend des moyens de réglage du point d'impact, sur la couture, d'au moins un faisceau laser selon une direction orthogonale à la direction de couture et au faisceau laser. De la sorte, on peut ajuster la position du point d'impact du faisceau laser, et donc du point de solidarisation, latéralement, perpendiculairement à la direction de couture, par exemple en fonction du point de couture formé et/ou de la nature du fil utilisé.As a variant or in combination, advantageously and according to the invention, at least one laser source is suitable for applying at least one laser beam to a part of the seam which does not come into contact with the receiving plate - in particular on one side of the 'sewn object opposite the face of this object coming into contact with the receiving plate -. We can therefore join adjacent strands extending over at least one of the outer faces of the sewn object. On each outer face, one or more line (s) of connection points can be made. In particular, two laser beams offset laterally can be used to form two lines of parallel connecting points. Advantageously and according to the invention, means are provided for adjusting the position of at least one laser beam relative to the seam produced. In particular, in the case of a seam in the form of one or several seam line (s), advantageously, a machine according to the invention comprises means for adjusting the point of impact, on the seam, of at least one laser beam in a direction orthogonal to the direction of sewing and to the beam laser. In this way, it is possible to adjust the position of the point of impact of the laser beam, and therefore of the point of attachment, laterally, perpendicular to the direction of sewing, for example as a function of the stitching point formed and / or of the nature of the wire used.
Avantageusement, une machine selon l'invention est adaptée pour réaliser la couture selon un point de couture à fils entrebouclés non entrelacés. En variante, elle est adaptée pour réaliser la couture selon un point de couture à fils entrelacés à brins de fil(s) adjacents apparents.Advantageously, a machine according to the invention is suitable for carrying out sewing according to a sewing point with non-interlaced interlocked threads. As a variant, it is suitable for sewing according to a sewing point with interlaced threads with visible adjacent strands of thread (s).
Avantageusement et selon l'invention, la machine comprend au moins un organe presseur dont au moins la partie destinée à venir au contact de ladite matière thermoplastique est en matière anti-adhérente. L'invention concerne aussi un procédé et une machine caractérisés en combinaison par tout ou partie des caractéristiques mentionnées , ci-dessus ou ci-après.Advantageously and according to the invention, the machine comprises at least one pressing member, at least the part intended to come into contact with said thermoplastic material is made of non-stick material. The invention also relates to a method and a machine characterized in combination by all or some of the characteristics mentioned above or below.
L'invention consiste ainsi à lier ensemble, à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu, des brins adjacents de fil(s) de couture résultant de la réalisation de la couture, par l'intermédiaire de la matière thermoplastique de l'un au moins de ces brins adjacents, et ce, grâce à l'emploi, d'une part, d'un faisceau laser pour ramollir cette matière thermoplastique jusqu'à un point lui permettant de faire office d'agent de liaison des brins après refroidissement, et d'autre part, d'un organe presseur qui, lorsqu'il est appliqué sur cette matière themioplastique ramollie, assure en fait le contact des brins adjacents avec cette portion ramollie de matière thermoplastique, et son refroidissement simultané. Il en résulte une liaison par cette matière thermoplastique des brins adjacents.The invention thus consists in bonding together, outside the sewn object, adjacent strands of sewing thread (s) resulting from the sewing, by means of the thermoplastic material from one to fewer of these adjacent strands, thanks to the use, on the one hand, of a laser beam to soften this thermoplastic material to a point allowing it to act as a bonding agent for the strands after cooling, and on the other hand, a pressing member which, when applied to this softened thermoplastic material, in fact ensures the contact of the adjacent strands with this softened portion of thermoplastic material, and its simultaneous cooling. This results in a connection by this thermoplastic material of the adjacent strands.
Les brins adjacents peuvent appartenir à un même fil de couture, par exemple entrebouclé sur un côté et à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu ; ou au contraire, à plusieurs fils de couture distincts. De préférence, les deux brins adjacents présentent de la matière thermoplastique ; en variante, un seul brin peut être formé d'un fil présentant de la matière thermoplastique qui vient au contact de l'autre brin après ramollissement et sous l'effet de l'organe presseur. Chaque . fil de couture présentant une telle matière thermoplastique peut être constitué d'une telle matière, ou au contraire être imprégné de cette matière, ou résulter d'une association de fibres ou de fils préalablement à la réalisation de la couture. Cette matière thermoplastique est solide à température ambiante. Ainsi, dans l'invention, aucune matière adhésive supplémentaire n'est rapportée pour réaliser la solidarisation des brins qui est obtenue à l'aide d'une matière constitutive de l'un ou moins des fils de couture.The adjacent strands may belong to the same sewing thread, for example looped over on one side and outside the sewn object; or on the contrary, with several separate sewing threads. Preferably, the two adjacent strands have thermoplastic material; alternatively, a single strand may be formed of a wire having thermoplastic material which comes into contact on the other strand after softening and under the effect of the pressing member. Each. sewing thread having such a thermoplastic material may be made of such a material, or on the contrary be impregnated with this material, or result from a combination of fibers or threads before the sewing is carried out. This thermoplastic material is solid at room temperature. Thus, in the invention, no additional adhesive material is added to achieve the joining of the strands which is obtained using a material constituting one or less of the sewing threads.
Par « matière thermoplastique », on désigne ainsi toute matière solide à température ambiante, mais susceptible de se ramollir lorsqu'elle est soumise à un rayonnement laser de puissance appropriée. En particulier, toutes les matières synthétiques appartenant à la catégorie connue des polymères thermoplastiques (polyoléfines, polyesters, polyamides, ...) peuvent être utilisées à titre de matière thermoplastique dans un procédé selon l'invention. Ces matières ou d'autres matières initialement thermoplastiques peuvent être rendues plus sensibles et réactives au rayonnement laser comme indiqué ci-dessus, par adjonction d'additifs absorbeurs de rayonnement laser.The term “thermoplastic material” thus denotes any solid material at ambient temperature, but capable of softening when it is subjected to laser radiation of appropriate power. In particular, all synthetic materials belonging to the known category of thermoplastic polymers (polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, etc.) can be used as thermoplastic material in a process according to the invention. These or other initially thermoplastic materials can be made more sensitive and reactive to laser radiation as indicated above, by the addition of additives absorbing laser radiation.
On sait qu'un faisceau laser peut servir à chauffer une matière thermoplastique ponctuellement au-delà de son point de fusion, par exemple pour couper des fils d'un tissu. Néanmoins, l'inventeur a constaté qu'en fait il est possible avec un faisceau laser, moyennant un réglage initial, très rapide, de la puissance délivrée, d'ajuster précisément le ramollissement de la matière thermoplastique pour obtenir l'effet souhaité, à savoir une solidarisation appropriée des brins adjacents sans fusion. En particulier, il est possible de ne pas fondre les brins adjacents ni de les ramollir dans toute leur épaisseur, et donc de préserver la fonctionnalité de ces brins de la couture. Ce réglage de puissance du faisceau laser est effectué en fonction de la nature de la matière thermoplastique à ramollir, et du temps d'application du faisceau laser qui, dans une machine à défilement, dépend de la vitesse d'exécution de la couture. Un faisceau laser peut par ailleurs être piloté instantanément, en continu ou par impulsions ou de façon discontinue. Il peut être interrompu à tout moment puis ré-utilisé, de façon très simple. Il fournit un chauffage avec une très grande précision et une très grande régularité de température, très peu sensible aux modifications d'environnement extérieur. Et il est apparu, en pratique, que si le réglage d'un laser pour obtenir une fusion partielle est extrêmement délicat, tel n'est pas le cas lorsque seul un ramollissement est recherché. Dans ce cas, la plage de réglage correct du laser est en effet beaucoup plus large..It is known that a laser beam can be used to heat a thermoplastic material punctually beyond its melting point, for example to cut threads of a fabric. However, the inventor has found that in fact it is possible with a laser beam, with an initial, very rapid adjustment of the power delivered, to precisely adjust the softening of the thermoplastic material to obtain the desired effect, know an appropriate joining of the adjacent strands without fusion. In particular, it is possible not to melt the adjacent strands or to soften them throughout their thickness, and therefore to preserve the functionality of these strands of the seam. This adjustment of the power of the laser beam is carried out as a function of the nature of the thermoplastic material to be softened, and of the time of application of the laser beam which, in a scrolling machine, depends on the speed of execution of the seam. A laser beam can also be driven instantly, continuously or by pulses or discontinuously. It can be interrupted at any time and then re-used, very simply. It provides heating with very high precision and very high regularity of temperature, very insensitive to changes in the external environment. And it has appeared, in practice, that if the adjustment of a laser to obtain a partial fusion is extremely delicate, this is not the case when only a softening is sought. In this case, the correct adjustment range of the laser is indeed much wider.
Il est à noter en outre que l'invention est compatible avec une exploit tion à l'échelle industrielle, la consolidation de la couture par solidarisation des brins adjacents pouvant être obtenue sans manipulation, de façon automatique, sur le poste de couture lui-même et en particulier en une seule étape correspondant à l'étape de réalisation de la couture (c'est-à-dire sans nécessiter une étape de traitement ultérieur spécifique même dans le cas d'un point d'arrêt).It should also be noted that the invention is compatible with exploitation on an industrial scale, the consolidation of the seam by joining the adjacent strands can be obtained without manipulation, automatically, on the sewing station itself and in particular in a single step corresponding to the step of making the seam (that is to say without requiring a specific subsequent processing step even in the case of a stopping point).
D'autres buts, caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortent de la description suivante de ses modes de réalisation préférentiels donnés uniquement à titre d'exemples non limitatifs et représentés sur les figures, dans lesquelles :Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention appear from the following description of its preferred embodiments given only by way of nonlimiting examples and represented in the figures, in which:
- la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une machine surjeteuse selon l'invention,FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an overlock machine according to the invention,
- la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale verticale partielle illustrant un procédé selon l'invention mis en œuvre avec la machine de la figure 1,FIG. 2 is a schematic view in partial vertical longitudinal section illustrating a method according to the invention implemented with the machine of FIG. 1,
- la figure 3 est une vue schématique de dessus de la figure- Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the figure
2,2
- la figure 4 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une machine selon l'invention pour la réalisation d'un point noué,FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a machine according to the invention for producing a lockstitch,
- la figure 5 est une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale verticale partielle illustrant un procédé selon l'invention avec un point noué et un faisceau laser supérieur uniquement,FIG. 5 is a schematic view in partial vertical longitudinal section illustrating a method according to the invention with a lock point and an upper laser beam only,
- la figure 6 est une vue schématique de dessus de la figure 5,FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of FIG. 5,
- les figures 7 à 9 sont des vues similaires à la figure 5 illustrant trois autres variantes de l'invention, - la figure 10 est une vue schématique de dessous de la figure 9,FIGS. 7 to 9 are views similar to FIG. 5 illustrating three other variants of the invention, FIG. 10 is a schematic view from below of FIG. 9,
- la figure 11 est une vue similaire à la figure 2 illustrant une autre variante de l'invention où l'objet cousu est entraîné par des roulettes, et non par des griffes,FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating another variant of the invention where the sewn object is driven by rollers, and not by claws,
- la figure 12 est une vue schématique de dessus de la figure 11,FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of FIG. 11,
- la figure 13 est une vue schématique en coupe verticale illustrant un poste de couture d'une machine selon l'invention pour la pose d'un bouton avec un procédé selon .l'invention en cours de couture,FIG. 13 is a schematic view in vertical section illustrating a sewing station of a machine according to the invention for fitting a button with a method according to the invention during sewing,
- la figure 14 est une vue similaire à la figure 13 illustrant une étape d'application d'un organe presseur éjecteur, après réalisation de la couture, d'un procédé selon l'invention.- Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 13 illustrating a step of applying a presser ejector member, after completion of the seam, a method according to the invention.
La figure 1 représente de façon schématique une machine surjeteuse selon l'invention comprenant un bâti 1 portant un mécanisme approprié et une plaque 2 de réception de l'objet cousu 3 qui, dans l'exemple représenté, est une pièce de tissu. La plaque 2 de réception est au moins sensiblement horizontale et plane.Figure 1 schematically shows an overlock machine according to the invention comprising a frame 1 carrying an appropriate mechanism and a plate 2 for receiving the sewn object 3 which, in the example shown, is a piece of fabric. The receiving plate 2 is at least substantially horizontal and planar.
La machine forme essentiellement un poste de couture 4 doté de moyens 5 de couture comprenant au moins une aiguille 5 a de piqûre dans ou à travers au moins une épaisseur de matière de l'objet cousu 3. Une machine surjeteuse comprend traditionnellement également des crochets de bouclage supérieurs et inférieurs, non représentés, qui permettent de former des boucles de fils au-dessus et au-dessous de la pièce de tissu et de faire passer des boucles de fils de couture autour du bord de la pièce de tissu. Sur la figure 1, tous les accessoires et composants de la machine surjeteuse ne sont pas représentés. En particulier, les bobines de fils, les crochets boudeurs,... ne sont pas représentés. En outre, la machine surjeteuse peut, de façon connue en soi, être dotée de nombreux accessoires divers, par exemple un couteau de découpe du bord de la pièce de tissu, un ou plusieurs pieds-de-biche pour l'engagement et le maintien de la pièce de tissu à l'amont de l'aiguille 5... Comme on le voit sur la figure 2, la machine surjeteuse dans la variante représentée, comprend deux griffes d'entraînement 6, 7 de l'objet 3 situées immédiatement à l'aval de l'aiguille 5a, et, plus généralement, à l'aval des moyens de couture 5. La griffe d'entraînement supérieure 6 est appliquée sur la face extérieure supérieure 8 de l'objet 3 (face opposée à celle venant au contact de la plaqμe de réception 2). Cette griffe d'entraînement supérieure 6 est associée à un mécanisme approprié et montée par rapport au bâti 1 de façon à présenter un mouvement répétitif d'entraînement longitudinal selon la direction de couture 10, puis décollée de l'objet 3 et ramenée vers l'amont, et ce de façon traditionnelle et bien connue en soi.The machine essentially forms a sewing station 4 provided with sewing means 5 comprising at least one needle 5 a of stitching in or through at least one thickness of material of the sewn object 3. A serger machine traditionally also includes hooks for upper and lower loops, not shown, which make it possible to form loops of threads above and below the piece of fabric and to pass loops of stitching threads around the edge of the piece of fabric. In Figure 1, not all accessories and components of the overlock machine are shown. In particular, the spools of wires, the looper hooks, etc. are not shown. In addition, the overlock machine can, in a manner known per se, be provided with numerous various accessories, for example a knife for cutting the edge of the piece of fabric, one or more presser feet for engagement and holding. from the piece of fabric upstream of needle 5 ... As seen in Figure 2, the overlock machine in the variant shown, comprises two feed dogs 6, 7 of the object 3 located immediately downstream of the needle 5a, and, more generally, at l 'downstream of the sewing means 5. The upper feed dog 6 is applied to the upper external face 8 of the object 3 (opposite face to that coming into contact with the receiving plate 2). This upper feed dog 6 is associated with an appropriate mechanism and mounted relative to the frame 1 so as to present a repetitive longitudinal drive movement in the sewing direction 10, then detached from the object 3 and brought back towards the upstream, in a traditional and well known manner.
La griffe d'entraînement inférieure 7 traverse au moins une lumière 11 ménagée à travers la plaque de réception 2 de façon à venir au contact de la face extérieure inférieure 9 de l'objet cousu 3 (face 9 qui vient au contact de la plaque de réception 2). Là encore, la griffe inférieure 7 est entraînée de façon répétitive selon des mouvements longitudinaux de l'amont vers l'aval par rapport à la direction de couture 10, puis décollée de l'objet 3 et ramenée vers l'amont, de façon successive. De préférence, les mouvements des deux griffes 6, 7 sont synchronisés et simultanés de telle sorte que ces deux griffes 6, 7 restent en regard l'une de l'autre et viennent pincer entre-elles l'objet cousu 3 et la couture 12 réalisée. En effet, les griffes 6, 7 sont situées immédiatement à l'aval de l'aiguille 5a par rapport à la direction de couture 10, qui correspond à la directionThe lower feed dog 7 passes through at least one lumen 11 formed through the receiving plate 2 so as to come into contact with the lower external face 9 of the sewn object 3 (face 9 which comes into contact with the plate reception 2). Here again, the lower claw 7 is repetitively driven in longitudinal movements from upstream to downstream relative to the sewing direction 10, then detached from the object 3 and brought back upstream, successively . Preferably, the movements of the two claws 6, 7 are synchronized and simultaneous so that these two claws 6, 7 remain opposite one another and pinch between them the sewn object 3 and the seam 12 performed. Indeed, the claws 6, 7 are located immediately downstream of the needle 5a relative to the sewing direction 10, which corresponds to the direction
( de déplacement de V objet cousu 3 sur le poste de couture 4 de la machine.(movement of the sewn object 3 on the sewing station 4 of the machine.
Dans l'exemple représenté, figures 1 à 3, la couture 12 est un point de surjet comprenant par exemple trois fils, dont un fil d'aiguille 13 formant une ligne de piqûre 27 à travers le matériau et parallèlement au bord 14 de l'objet cousu 3, un fil de bouclage supérieur 15 serpentant sur la face supérieure 8 de l'objet 3 et entrebouclé avec le fil d'aiguille 13 à chaque piqûre, et un fil de bouclage inférieur 16 serpentant sur la face inférieure 9 de l'objet cousu 3, entrebouclé avec le fil d'aiguille 13 à chaque piqûre, et également entrebouclé avec le fil de bouclage supérieur 15 à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu 3, le long du bord 14, de façon à former une ligne d'accrochage externe 28 de ces deux fils de bouclage 15, 16 autour du bord 14 de l'objet cousu 3. Un tel point de couture forme donc des brins de fils de couture adjacents sur la face extérieure supérieure 8 de l'objet cousu 3, et des brins de fils de couture adjacents sur la face extérieure inférieure 9 de l'objet cousu 3. Egalement, le point de couture présente des zones d'entrecroisement des fils 13, 15 ou 13, 16, ou 15, 16 de couture à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu 3.In the example shown, Figures 1 to 3, the seam 12 is an overlock stitch comprising for example three threads, including a needle thread 13 forming a stitch line 27 through the material and parallel to the edge 14 of the sewn object 3, an upper loop thread 15 winding on the upper face 8 of the object 3 and interlocked with the needle thread 13 at each puncture, and a lower loop thread 16 snaking on the lower face 9 of the sewn object 3, looped with the needle thread 13 at each puncture, and also looped with the upper loop thread 15 outside the sewn object 3, along the edge 14, so as to form a line d external hooking 28 of these two looping threads 15, 16 around the edge 14 of the sewn object 3. Such a stitch therefore forms strands of adjacent sewing threads on the upper outer face 8 of the sewn object 3, and strands of adjacent sewing threads on the lower outer face 9 of the sewn object 3. Also, the sewing point has areas of intersection of the threads 13, 15 or 13, 16, or 15, 16 for sewing outside the sewn object 3.
La machine représentée figures 1 et 2 présente deux faisceaux laser 17, 18, à savoir un faisceau laser supérieur 17 et un faisceau laser inférieur 18. Le faisceau laser supérieur 17 est issu d'une source laser 19 supérieure montée fixe sur le bâti 1 de la machine par l'intermédiaire d'une potence 20 fixée par une vis 21 horizontale transversale sur le bâti 1, un collier 22 enserrant le corps de la source laser 19 et traversant une lumière 23 de la potence 20 pour être serré par une vis 24. La lumière 23 de la potence 20 s'étend selon une direction au moins sensiblement orthogonale à la direction de couture 10. Ainsi, la potence 20, le collier 22 et les vis 21, 24 forment des moyens d'ajustement de la position relative du point d'impact 25 du faisceau laser 17 sur la couture 12 par rapport à cette couture 12. La vis 21 permet de faire pivoter la source laser 19 autour d'un axe horizontal transversal, globalement orthogonal à la direction de couture 10. On peut ainsi régler la position du point d'impact 25 du faisceau laser 17 longitudinalement selon la direction de couture 10 grâce à cette vis 21. La lumière 23 permet de déplacer en translation la source laser 19, et donc le faisceau laser 17, latéralement par rapport à la direction de couture 10. La vis 24 de serrage du collier permet en outre de faire pivoter la source laser 19, et donc le faisceau laser 17, autour d'un axe de pivotement sensiblement parallèle à la direction de couture 10, et permet donc également le réglage de la position latérale du point d'impact 25 du faisceau laser 17 avec la couture 12 réalisée.The machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has two laser beams 17, 18, namely an upper laser beam 17 and a lower laser beam 18. The upper laser beam 17 comes from an upper laser source 19 fixedly mounted on the frame 1 of the machine by means of a bracket 20 fixed by a horizontal transverse screw 21 on the frame 1, a collar 22 enclosing the body of the laser source 19 and passing through a lumen 23 of the bracket 20 to be tightened by a screw 24 The lumen 23 of the bracket 20 extends in a direction at least substantially orthogonal to the direction of sewing 10. Thus, the bracket 20, the collar 22 and the screws 21, 24 form means for adjusting the relative position of the point of impact 25 of the laser beam 17 on the seam 12 with respect to this seam 12. The screw 21 makes it possible to rotate the laser source 19 about a transverse horizontal axis, generally orthogonal to the direction of sewing 10. On can so adjust the position of the point of impact 25 of the laser beam 17 longitudinally in the sewing direction 10 by means of this screw 21. The light 23 makes it possible to move the laser source 19, and therefore the laser beam 17, in translation laterally with respect to the sewing direction 10. The clamping screw 24 of the collar also makes it possible to pivot the laser source 19, and therefore the laser beam 17, about a pivot axis substantially parallel to the sewing direction 10, and therefore allows also the adjustment of the lateral position of the point of impact 25 of the laser beam 17 with the seam 12 made.
Selon l'invention, on règle la position du faisceau laser 17 grâce à ces moyens d'ajustement de telle sorte que le point d'impact 25 de ce faisceau laser 17 avec la couture 12 réalisée soit situé immédiatement à l'aval de l'aiguille 5a et à l'amont de la griffe d'entraînement supérieure 6, comme représenté figure 2. Ainsi, immédiatement après et à l'aval de la réalisation de la couture 12 par les moyens 5 de couture (dont l'aiguille 5a), le point d'impact 25 du laser supérieur 17 vient ramollir la matière thermoplastique constitutive de l'un au moins des fils de couture de brins de fils adjacents résultant de cette couture. Dans l'exemple représenté figure 3, on voit que le fil de bouclage supérieur 15 forme des brins adjacents serpentant entre la ligne de piqûre 27 formée par le fil d'aiguille 13, et le bord extérieur 14 de l'objet 3. Au fur et à mesure du passage de l'objet 3 dans le poste de couture et de son entraînement selon la direction de couture, le faisceau laser supérieur 17 est appliqué sur les différents brins adjacents et vient ramollir la matière thermoplastique constitutive de ce fil de bouclage supérieur 15. Immédiatement à l'aval du point d'impact 25, la griffe supérieure 6 est appliquée successivement et de façon répétitive sur la couture 12, et donc sur la matière thermoplastique du fil de bouclage supérieur 15, ramollie par le point d'impact 25 du faisceau laser 17 supérieur. Ce faisant, la griffe 6 appuie sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie des brins adjacents du fil de bouclage supérieur 15, ce qui a pour effet de réunir deux à deux ces brins adjacents par une portion de matière thermoplastique en formant des points de liaison 26 tels que représentés figure 3 schématiquement. La griffe d'entraînement supérieur 6 forme donc un organe presseur qui est appliqué sur les portions de matière thermoplastique ramollie. Cette application entraîne également le refroidissement de la matière thermoplastique et sa solidification.According to the invention, the position of the laser beam 17 is adjusted by means of these adjustment means so that the point of impact 25 of this laser beam 17 with the seam 12 produced is located immediately downstream of the needle 5a and upstream of the upper feed dog 6, as shown in FIG. 2. Thus, immediately after and downstream of the production of the seam 12 by the sewing means 5 (including the needle 5a) , the point of impact 25 of the upper laser 17 softens the thermoplastic material constituting at least one of the sewing threads of adjacent strands of threads resulting from this sewing. In the example shown in Figure 3, we see that the upper loop thread 15 forms adjacent strands meandering between the stitching line 27 formed by the needle thread 13, and the outer edge 14 of the object 3. As and as the object 3 passes through the sewing station and as it drives along the sewing direction, the upper laser beam 17 is applied to the various adjacent strands and softens the thermoplastic material constituting this upper loop thread 15. Immediately downstream from the point of impact 25, the upper claw 6 is applied successively and repetitively to the seam 12, and therefore to the thermoplastic material of the upper loop thread 15, softened by the point of impact 25 of the upper laser beam 17. In doing so, the claw 6 presses on the softened thermoplastic material of the adjacent strands of the upper loop thread 15, which has the effect of bringing these adjacent strands two by two by a portion of thermoplastic material by forming connection points 26 such that shown in Figure 3 schematically. The upper feed dog 6 therefore forms a pressing member which is applied to the portions of softened thermoplastic material. This application also results in the cooling of the thermoplastic material and its solidification.
Il est à noter qu'il suffit que l'un au moins des fils de couture présente une telle matière thermoplastique à l'extérieur, de façon à être ramollie lorsque le point d'impact 25 du faisceau laser 17 contacte cette matière thermoplastique. Pour ce faire, on peut simplement utiliser des fils de couture de matière thermoplastique ou associés à une matière thermoplastique préalablement. Au lieu de régler le point d'impact 25 du faisceau laser 17 sur , les brins . adjacents serpentant du fil de bouclage supérieur 15, il est aussi possible de régler ce point d'impact 25 de telle sorte qu'il vienne sur la ligne de piqûre 27 du fil d'aiguille 13 et donc au niveau des zones d'entrecroisement de ce fil d'aiguille 13 avec le fil de bouclage 15 supérieur. Il est également possible de prévoir non pas un seul faisceau laser 17 supérieur mais deux faisceaux laser distincts dont l'un présente un point d'impact au voisinage des zones d'entrecroisement du fil d'aiguille 13 et du fil de bouclage supérieur 15, tandis que l'autre présente un point d'impact sur les brins adjacents serpentant du fil de bouclage 15.It should be noted that it is sufficient for at least one of the sewing threads to present such a thermoplastic material on the outside, so as to be softened when the point of impact 25 of the laser beam 17 contacts this thermoplastic material. To do this, one can simply use threads of thermoplastic material or associated with a thermoplastic material beforehand. Instead of setting the point of impact 25 of the laser beam 17 on, the strands. adjacent serpentine upper loop thread 15, it is also possible to adjust this point of impact 25 so that it comes on the stitch line 27 of the needle thread 13 and therefore at the intersection areas of this needle thread 13 with the upper loop thread 15. It is also possible to provide not a single upper laser beam 17 but two separate laser beams, one of which has an impact point in the vicinity of the areas of intersection of the needle thread 13 and the upper loop thread 15, while that the other has a point of impact on the adjacent strands meandering through the loop wire 15.
La machine représentée figure 1 présente également un faisceau laser inférieur 18 qui est semblable au faisceau laser supérieur 17, issu d'une source laser 29 inférieure montée fixe sur le bâti 1 de la machine par l'intermédiaire d'une potence 30, d'une vis horizontale transversale 31, d'un collier 32, d'une lumière 33 ménagée dans la potence 30 et d'une vis 34 de serrage du collier 32, ces différents organes 30 à 34 étant en tous points semblables à ceux 20 à 24 permettant le montage et l'ajustement de la source laser supérieure 19. Ainsi, la source laser inférieure 29 peut également être réglée en position par rapport au bâti 1 de façon à régler la position du point d'impact 35 du faisceau laser inférieur 18 sur la couture 12 longitudinalement par rapport à la direction de couture 10 et latéralement par rapport à cette direction de couture 10. Comme représenté figure 2, le faisceau laser inférieur 18 traverse la lumière 11 ménagée dans la plaque de réception 2 de façon à venir au contact de la couture 12, du côté de la face extérieure inférieure 9 de l'objet cousu 3. Le faisceau laser inférieur 18 présente un point d'impact 35 qui est également situé à l'aval des moyens 5 de couture -notamment à l'aval de l'aiguille 5a-, et immédiatement à l'.amont de la griffe inférieure 7, qui fait office d'organe presseur mêlant la matière thermoplastique ramollie des différents brins adjacents du fil de couture et refroidissant cette matière thermoplastique de façon à la resolidifier pour former des points de liaison 36. Là encore, il est possible de prévoir non pas un seul faisceau laser inférieur 18 mais plusieurs faisceaux laser adjacents pour réaliser plusieurs lignes de point de liaison inférieures parallèles. Les deux griffes 6, 7 sont mues en synchronisme et exercent des pressions sur les brins de fil, l'une à l'encontre de l'autre, l'objet cousu étant emprisonné entre elles.The machine shown in FIG. 1 also has a lower laser beam 18 which is similar to the upper laser beam 17, coming from a lower laser source 29 fixedly mounted on the frame 1 of the machine by means of a bracket 30, of a transverse horizontal screw 31, a collar 32, a light 33 formed in the bracket 30 and a screw 34 for clamping the collar 32, these various members 30 to 34 being in all points similar to those 20 to 24 allowing the mounting and adjustment of the upper laser source 19. Thus, the lower laser source 29 can also be adjusted in position relative to the frame 1 so as to adjust the position of the point of impact 35 of the lower laser beam 18 on the seam 12 longitudinally relative to the sewing direction 10 and laterally relative to this sewing direction 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower laser beam 18 passes through the light 11 formed in the plate receiving 2 so as to come into contact with the seam 12, on the side of the lower external face 9 of the sewn object 3. The lower laser beam 18 has an impact point 35 which is also located downstream of the sewing means 5 -in particular downstream of the needle 5a-, and immediately upstream of the lower claw 7, which acts as a pressing member mixing the softened thermoplastic material of the different adjacent strands of the sewing thread and cooling this thermoplastic material so as to resolidify it to form connection points 36. Here again, it is possible to provide not a single lower laser beam 18 but several adjacent laser beams to produce several lines of parallel lower connection points. The two claws 6, 7 are moved in synchronism and exert pressure on the strands of wire, one against the other, the sewn object being trapped between them.
A titre de matière thermoplastique, on peut utiliser toute matière susceptible d'être suffisamment ramollie pour réaliser ensuite, après refroidissement, une solidarisation relative des brins de fils de couture adjacents (brins du fils d'aiguille entrecroisés avec des brins d'un fil de bouclage ou de brins adjacents d'un même fil de bouclage, ou encore brins entrecroisés de deux fils de bouclage...). On peut utiliser par exemple un polyamide, ou une polyoléfme, par exemple un polyéthylène ou un polypropylène, ou un polyester ou un copolymère ou un mélange de ces matières. Par exemple, on peut utiliser au moins un fil de couture constitué d'une âme principale formée d'un fil aramide entourée de 30 à 40 % en poids de fibres de polypropylène.As thermoplastic material, any material capable of being sufficiently softened can be used to then, after cooling, make a relative connection of the strands of adjacent sewing threads (strands of the needle thread intertwined with strands of a closure or adjacent strands of the same looping wire, or alternating strands of two looping wires ...). It is possible, for example, to use a polyamide, or a polyolefin, for example a polyethylene or a polypropylene, or a polyester or a copolymer or a mixture of these materials. For example, it is possible to use at least one sewing thread consisting of a main core formed of an aramid thread surrounded by 30 to 40% by weight of polypropylene fibers.
Cette matière peut avantageusement incorporer un ou plusieurs additifs tels que des pigments absorbant le rayonnement laser qui facilitent le ramollissement. On peut aussi imprégner un fil de couture en matière non thermoplastique d'une telle matière thermoplastique au moment même de la couture, en faisant passer ce fil à travers un dispositif d'imprégnation (bain liquide, contact avec un tampon, projection...) du fil porté par la machine.This material can advantageously incorporate one or more additives such as pigments absorbing the laser radiation which facilitate softening. It is also possible to impregnate a sewing thread made of non-thermoplastic material with such a thermoplastic material at the very moment of sewing, by passing this thread through an impregnation device (liquid bath, contact with a pad, projection, etc.). ) of the wire carried by the machine.
Chaque faisceau laser 17, 18 est adapté pour porter la matière thermoplastique à une température, dite température de travail, supérieure à sa température de ramollissement, mais nettement inférieure à sa température de fusion, notamment à une température de travail qui est 3°C à 15°C -notamment environ 5°C- au-dessus de la température de ramollissement et au moins 20°C inférieure à la température de fusion.Each laser beam 17, 18 is adapted to bring the thermoplastic material to a temperature, called the working temperature, higher than its softening temperature, but significantly lower than its melting temperature, in particular at a working temperature which is 3 ° C. 15 ° C - in particular approximately 5 ° C - above the softening temperature and at least 20 ° C below the melting temperature.
Le tableau ci- après donne des exemples de températures de travail appropriées pour différentes matières.The table below gives examples of suitable working temperatures for different materials.
TABLEAUBOARD
Avantageusement,' on utilise un fil de couture floche et/ou gonflant comprenant des fibres ou des brins de matière thermoplastique, éventuellement mélangés à d'autres fibres ou brins de matière non thermoplastique. Dans ce cas, et contrairement à ce qui est représenté figure 3, la solidarisation ainsi réalisée est quasiment invisible, la matière thermoplastique ramollie venant se mêler aux différents brins adjacents non pas sous forme d'un bloc ou point de soudure mais plutôt d'une multiplicité de micro-points de liaison des différents brins adjacents, et ce grâce à l'utilisation de la griffe 6,7 à titre d'organe presseur qui, en pratique, presse la matière thermoplastique ramollie en une multiplicité de points distincts. On constate en pratique en effet, que l'utilisation de fils de couture floche avec une griffe d'entraînement 6, 7 permet de réaliser une solidarisation des brins empêchant ultérieurement à la couture de se défaire, mais sans que cette solidarisation soit en fait réellement visible à l'œil nu et ne modifie les caractéristiques et les propriétés mécaniques de la couture 12 et de l'objet 3.Advantageously, a flanged and / or swelling sewing thread is used comprising fibers or strands of thermoplastic material, optionally mixed with other fibers or strands of non-thermoplastic material. In this case, and contrary to what is shown in Figure 3, the joining thus produced is almost invisible, the softened thermoplastic material coming to mix with the different adjacent strands not in the form of a block or weld point but rather a multiplicity of micro-points of connection of the different adjacent strands, and this thanks when using the claw 6,7 as a pressing member which, in practice, presses the softened thermoplastic material at a multiplicity of distinct points. It is found in practice, in fact, that the use of flanged sewing threads with a drive claw 6, 7 makes it possible to secure the strands subsequently preventing the sewing from coming undone, but without this securing being in fact actually visible to the naked eye and does not modify the characteristics and mechanical properties of the seam 12 and of the object 3.
Il faut également noter que les points d'impact 25, 35 des lasers 17, 18 sont situés du côté extérieur du(des) fil(s) de couture, et ne viennent pas fondre la matière thermoplastique au contact de la couture 12 avec l'objet cousu 3 lui-même. Il en résulte que la couture 12 n'est pas soudée ni solidarisée à l'objet 3. Rien n'empêche néanmoins, si cela est souhaité, de régler l'orientation des faisceaux laser 17, 18 de façon à former aussi une certaine incrustation de la couture 12 à l'objet 3. Mais, en général, une telle incrustation n'est pas utile ni même souhaitable. Comme on le voit; il suffit d'incorporer à la machine les sources 19, 29 formant les faisceaux laser 17, 18 pour obtenir un renforcement extrêmement important de la couture 12 qui, ultérieurement, ne se défait plus. Ce faisant, la réalisation de la couture 12 n'est en rien perturbée notamment quant à sa vitesse d'exécution. La couture 12 peut donc être réalisée avec des points de couture à haute vitesse, quel que soit l'objet 3 cousu, dont la matière peut être quelconque (tissu, tricot, cuir, matière synthétique...).It should also be noted that the impact points 25, 35 of the lasers 17, 18 are located on the outside of the seam (s), and do not melt the thermoplastic material in contact with the seam 12 with the sewn object 3 itself. It follows that the seam 12 is not welded or secured to the object 3. However, nothing prevents, if desired, to adjust the orientation of the laser beams 17, 18 so as to also form a certain incrustation from the seam 12 to the object 3. But, in general, such an inlay is not useful or even desirable. As one can see; it suffices to incorporate into the machine the sources 19, 29 forming the laser beams 17, 18 to obtain an extremely significant reinforcement of the seam 12 which, subsequently, does not come undone. In doing so, the production of the seam 12 is in no way disturbed in particular as to its speed of execution. Sewing 12 can therefore be carried out with high-speed sewing stitches, whatever the object 3 sewn, the material of which can be any (fabric, knit, leather, synthetic material, etc.).
Les sources laser 19, 29 utilisées sont de préférence à puissance réglable et présentent une puissance adaptée pour obtenir le ramollissement souhaité de la matière thermoplastique. En pratique, on peut utiliser par exemple un laser infrarouge, par exemple des diodes lasers infrarouges C02 de puissance maximale de 60 W, de longueur d'onde comprise entre 780 nm et 940 nm, avec un diamètre de faisceau laser de l'ordre de 800μ et une divergence faible. De telles sources laser sont par exemple commercialisées par la société COHERENT, Santa Clara, Californie, USA, sous la marque enregistrée FAP-SYSTEM®. Un automatisme programmable peut être prévu pour piloter automatiquement la puissance de chaque faisceau laser 17, 18, selon notamment la vitesse de réalisation de la couture 12 (vitesse de fonctionnement de la machine) et/ou la matière des fils de couture et/ou le nombre de points de couture réalisés par unité de longueur.The laser sources 19, 29 used are preferably of adjustable power and have a power suitable for obtaining the desired softening of the thermoplastic material. In practice, it is possible to use, for example, an infrared laser, for example infrared laser diodes C0 2 with a maximum power of 60 W, with a wavelength between 780 nm and 940 nm, with a laser beam diameter of the order 800μ and a weak divergence. Such laser sources are for example marketed by the company COHERENT, Santa Clara, California, USA, under the registered trademark FAP-SYSTEM®. A programmable automation can be provided to automatically control the power of each laser beam 17, 18, in particular according to the speed of sewing 12 (operating speed of the machine) and / or the material of the sewing threads and / or the number of sewing stitches made per unit of length.
Les sources laser 19, 29 de la machine sont bien entendu reliées à une source d'alimentation électrique appropriée. Il est à noter qu'au lieu de monter les sources 19, 29 directement sur le bâti 1 de façon ajustable comme décrit ci-dessus, on peut monter ces sources 19, 29 de façon fixe à tout autre endroit du bâti 1 de la machine, et en fait relier les sources laser 19, 29 à des fibres optiques ou lentilles gainées dont l'extrémité est montée réglable au bâti 1 respectivement au-dessus et en dessous de la couture 12 à la place des sources 19, 29 représentées figure 1. Quoi qu'il en soit, c'est l'orientation et la position des points d'impact 25, 35 des faisceaux laser 17, 18 qu'il convient de pouvoir déterminer et ajuster précisément.The laser sources 19, 29 of the machine are of course connected to an appropriate electrical power source. It should be noted that instead of mounting the sources 19, 29 directly on the frame 1 in an adjustable manner as described above, these sources 19, 29 can be fixedly mounted at any other place on the frame 1 of the machine , and in fact connect the laser sources 19, 29 to sheathed optical fibers or lenses the end of which is adjustable adjustable to the frame 1 respectively above and below the seam 12 in place of the sources 19, 29 shown in FIG. 1 Anyway, it is the orientation and the position of the impact points 25, 35 of the laser beams 17, 18 that it is necessary to be able to determine and adjust precisely.
La figure 4 représente un autre mode de réalisation d'une machine selon l'invention, plus particulièrement adaptée à la réalisation d'un point noué. Là encore, on a prévu deux faisceaux laser 17, 18, à savoir un faisceau laser supérieur 17 et un faisceau laser inférieur 18. Les deux sources laser 19, 29 sont alimentées à partir d'une alimentation électrique 40 commune dotée de deux boutons de réglage 41, 42 distincts, respectivement pour chacune de ces deux sources laser 19, 29. Dans la variante représentée figure 4, les moyens de couture 5 comprennent une aiguille de couture 5 a et une canette 5b non représentée figure 4. Cette machine comprend une griffe inférieure 7 d'entraînement, et deux griffes supérieures d'entraînement 45, 46, à savoir une griffe d'aiguille 45 comprenant une lumière 47 traversée par l'aiguille 5a et se déplaçant simultanément et en synchronisme avec l'aiguille 5a de haut en bas etFIG. 4 represents another embodiment of a machine according to the invention, more particularly adapted to the production of a lockstitch. Again, two laser beams 17, 18 are provided, namely an upper laser beam 17 and a lower laser beam 18. The two laser sources 19, 29 are supplied from a common power supply 40 provided with two buttons. separate adjustment 41, 42, respectively for each of these two laser sources 19, 29. In the variant shown in FIG. 4, the sewing means 5 comprise a sewing needle 5 a and a bobbin 5b not shown in FIG. 4. This machine comprises a lower feed dog 7, and two upper feed dog 45, 46, namely a needle shoe 45 comprising a lumen 47 passed through by the needle 5a and moving simultaneously and in synchronism with the needle 5a high down and
' d'avant en arrière parallèlement à la direction de couture 10. Cette griffe d'aiguille 45 est insérée entre deux dents avant de la griffe principale supérieure arrière 46 d'entraînement, en forme de pied-de-biche, qui. est également déplacée successivement d'avant en arrière parallèlement à la direction de couture 10 et de haut en bas pour entraîner l'objet cousu 3. Un tel mécanisme à deux griffes 45, 46 d'entraînement supérieures, dont une griffe d'aiguille 45, est connu en lui- même. Les deux griffes 45, 46 d'entraînement ne sont pas entraînées en général en synchronisme et à la même vitesse, puisque la griffe d'aiguille 45 suit les mouvements de l'aiguille 5a, qui participe à l'entraînement de l'objet cousu 3, tandis que là griffe principale supérieure arrière 46 d'entraînement peut présenter une amplitude longitudinale d'entraînement plus grande. Un tel dispositif d'entraînement permet notamment de réaliser un point noué à deux fils, à savoir un fil d'aiguille 37 et un fil de canette 38, ce dernier étant issu d'une canette 5b rotative, par exemple selon un axe vertical, dotée d'un crochet pour entrelacer les fils 37, 38 à chaque point. ' back and forth parallel to the sewing direction 10. This needle claw 45 is inserted between two front teeth of the upper main claw rear 46 drive, crowbar-shaped, which. is also successively moved back and forth parallel to the sewing direction 10 and from top to bottom to drive the sewn object 3. Such a mechanism with two upper prongs 45, 46, including a needle prong 45 , is known in itself. The two drive claws 45, 46 are not generally driven in synchronism and at the same speed, since the needle claw 45 follows the movements of the needle 5a, which participates in the drive of the sewn object 3, while the rear upper main claw 46 for driving can have a greater longitudinal amplitude for driving. Such a drive device makes it possible in particular to produce a point tied with two threads, namely a needle thread 37 and a bobbin thread 38, the latter coming from a rotating bobbin 5b, for example along a vertical axis, provided with a hook to intertwine the wires 37, 38 at each point.
Dans les variantes représentées figures 5, 7 et 8, seul le faisceau laser 17 supérieur est utilisé, aucun faisceau laser inférieur n'étant utilisé. La tension du fil d'aiguille 37 est de préférence augmentée par rapport à celle du fil de canette 38 pour faire sortir les points d'entrecroisement à l'extérieur, au-dessus de la face supérieure 8 de l'objet cousu 3. De la sorte, le point d'impact 25 du laser 17 vient ramollir la matière thermoplastique du fil d'aiguille et/ou du fil de canette dans leurs zones d'entrecroisement.In the variants shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, only the upper laser beam 17 is used, no lower laser beam being used. The tension of the needle thread 37 is preferably increased relative to that of the bobbin thread 38 in order to bring out the interlacing stitches outside, above the upper face 8 of the sewn object 3. From In this way, the point of impact 25 of the laser 17 softens the thermoplastic material of the needle thread and / or the bobbin thread in their interlacing zones.
Avantageusement, on positionne le faisceau laser supérieur 17 de telle sorte que le point d'impact 25 soit situé entre la griffe d'aiguille 45 et la griffe principale 46 arrière, c'est-à-dire à l'aval de la griffe d'aiguille 45 et à l'amont de cette griffe principale 46. Ainsi, c'est la griffe principale supérieure arrière 46 qui fait office d'organe presseur (à l' encontre de la griffe inférieure 7 et/ou de la plaque de réception 2) pour mêler la matière thermoplastique ramollie et solidariser les brins.Advantageously, the upper laser beam 17 is positioned so that the point of impact 25 is located between the needle claw 45 and the rear main claw 46, that is to say downstream of the claw d needle 45 and upstream of this main claw 46. Thus, it is the upper rear main claw 46 which acts as a pressing member (against the lower claw 7 and / or the receiving plate 2) to mix the softened thermoplastic material and secure the strands.
La figure 7 représente une variante de réalisation dans laquelle un point noué est obtenu, avec une griffe d'entraînement inférieure 7 et une seule griffe d'entraînement supérieure 46 formant également pied-de-biche. Dans cette variante, la griffe supérieure 46 est dotée d'une lumière 47 pour le passage d'aiguille 5a, et d'une deuxième lumière 48 traversée par le faisceau laser 17 supérieur.FIG. 7 represents an alternative embodiment in which a lockstitch is obtained, with a lower feed dog 7 and a single upper feed dog 46 also forming a presser foot. In this variant, the upper claw 46 is provided with a light 47 for the passage of needle 5a, and of a second light 48 through which the upper laser beam 17 passes.
Dans la variante représentée figure 8, l'aiguille 5a est portée par un porte-aiguille 54 sur lequel est montée une tige 55 s'étendant vers le bas et dont l'extrémité inférieure forme un patin presseur 56. Cette tige 55 est guidée en translations axiales par rapport à un support 57, lui-même solidaire en translationIn the variant shown in FIG. 8, the needle 5a is carried by a needle holder 54 on which is mounted a rod 55 extending downward and the lower end of which forms a pressing pad 56. This rod 55 is guided in axial translations relative to a support 57, itself integral in translation
_ du porte-aiguille 54. Un ressort 58 de traction est interposé entre rextrémité supérieure 59 de la tige 55 et le fond inférieur 60 du support 57, de façon à rappeler la tige 55 vers le bas. De la sorte, le patin presseur 56 se déplace en translations verticales alternatives avec l'aiguille 5a. En position basse de l'aiguille 5 a, le patin presseur 56 vient au contact de la couture 12 sur laquelle il est appliqué avec pression par le ressort 58, au niveau où deux brins du fil d'aiguille 37 adjacents ressortent verticalement d'un même orifice de piqûre de la face supérieure 8 de l'objet 3 formé par l'aiguille 5a lors de la piqûre immédiatement antérieure. Le faisceau laser supérieur 17 est orienté pour former un point d'impact 25, notamment sur ces deux brins pour les ramollir. Le point d'impact 25 du faisceau laser supérieur 17 est légèrement à l'amont -ou en tout cas s'étend à l'amont- du point de contact du patin presseur 56 avec la couture 12. La face inférieure du patin presseur 56 est de préférence crantée ou dentelée en forme de griffe ou brosse pour mieux pénétrer dans la matière ramollie sans l'aplatir. Le patin presseur 56 réalise donc la solidarisation de ces deux brins dont la partie extérieure est ramollie._ of the needle holder 54. A tension spring 58 is interposed between the upper end 59 of the rod 55 and the lower bottom 60 of the support 57, so as to bring the rod 55 down. In this way, the pressure shoe 56 moves in alternative vertical translations with the needle 5a. In the lower position of the needle 5 a, the pressing pad 56 comes into contact with the seam 12 on which it is applied with pressure by the spring 58, at the level where two strands of adjacent needle thread 37 emerge vertically from a same puncture orifice of the upper face 8 of the object 3 formed by the needle 5a during the puncture immediately preceding. The upper laser beam 17 is oriented to form an impact point 25, in particular on these two strands to soften them. The point of impact 25 of the upper laser beam 17 is slightly upstream - or in any case extends upstream - of the point of contact of the pressure shoe 56 with the seam 12. The underside of the pressure shoe 56 is preferably notched or serrated in the shape of a claw or brush to better penetrate the softened material without flattening it. The presser shoe 56 therefore secures these two strands, the outer part of which is softened.
Il est à noter qu'en variante non représentée, un tel patin presseur peut être activé par un vérin spécifique programmé selon les besoins. Ses mouvements peuvent alors être rendus indépendants de ceux des organes 5 de couture, notamment du porte-aiguille 54.It should be noted that in a variant not shown, such a pressing pad can be activated by a specific jack programmed as required. Its movements can then be made independent of those of the sewing members 5, in particular of the needle holder 54.
Dans la variante des figures 9 et 10, on utilise un seul faisceau laser 18 inférieur et aucun faisceau laser 17 supérieur. Cette variante représente par ailleurs l'exemple d'un point de chaînette à un fil 49 avec une griffe d'entraînement supérieure 46 formant pied-de-biche dotée d'une lumière 45 traversée par l'aiguille 5a et une griffe inférieure d'entraînement 7 à l'amont de laquelle le faisceau laser 18 inférieur vient former un point d'impact 35 sur des brins entrecroisés adjacents du fil de couture 49 formant le point de chaînette. Dans le cas d'un point de chaînette comme représenté figures 9 et 10, la liaison par la matière thermoplastique intervient aux points d'entrecroisement des différentes boucles du fil de couture entrebouclé et/ou entre les brins parallèles de ces boucles. La griffe inférieure 7 d'entraînement fait office d'organe presseur, à l' encontre de la griffe supérieure 46, et réalise des points de solidarisation 26 des brins du fil 49 au niveau de leur entrecroisement où la matière thermoplastique est ramollie par le faisceau laser 18. Un crochet double boudeur 5c rotatif autour d'un axe horizontal transversal est prévu pour former des boucles avec le fil de couture unique 49. Sur la figure 10, le crochet 5c n'est pas représenté.In the variant of FIGS. 9 and 10, a single lower laser beam 18 is used and no upper laser beam 17. This variant also represents the example of a chain stitch with a thread 49 with an upper feed dog 46 forming a presser foot provided with a lumen 45 through which the needle 5a passes and a lower feed dog drive 7 upstream from which the lower laser beam 18 forms an impact point 35 on adjacent interlocking strands of the sewing thread 49 forming the chain stitch. In the case of a chain stitch as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the connection by the thermoplastic material occurs at the intersection points of the different loops of the interlocked sewing thread and / or between the parallel strands of these loops. The lower drive claw 7 acts as a pressing member, against the upper claw 46, and provides securing points 26 for the strands of the wire 49 at their intersection where the thermoplastic material is softened by the bundle laser 18. A double looper hook 5c rotating around a transverse horizontal axis is provided to form loops with the single sewing thread 49. In FIG. 10, the hook 5c is not shown.
La figure 11 représente une autre variante de réalisation dans laquelle l'objet cousu 3 est entraîné selon la direction de couture 10 non pas grâce à des griffes d'entraînement, mais par une roulette supérieure 50 et une roulette inférieure 51. Ces deux roulettes 50, 51 sont entraînées en rotation de façon à entraîner l'objet 3 cousu selon la direction de couture 10. La roulette inférieure 51 traverse une lumière 52 ménagée dans la plaque de réception 2 pour venir au contact de l'objet cousu 3. Comme représenté figure 12, l'axe de rotation de la roulette supérieure 50 et/ou de la roulette inférieure 51 peut être plus ou moins incliné par rapport à l'horizontale, et la portée de contact de ces roulettes 50, 51 avec l'objet cousu 3 et avec la couture 12 peut être striée, crantée, dentelée ou autre surface irrégulière. En général, on utilise de telles roulettes 50, 51 d'entraînement pour la couture de matériaux fragiles, tels que le cuir, ne supportant pas le contact de griffes susceptibles d'en détériorer la surface. Dans l'exemple représenté figure 11, on a prévu un faisceau laser supérieur 17 et un faisceau laser inférieur 18 immédiatement à l'aval de l'aiguille 5a qui est elle-même à l'aval d'un pied-de biche 53. On a représenté l'exemple d'un point de surjet.FIG. 11 shows another alternative embodiment in which the sewn object 3 is driven in the sewing direction 10 not by means of feed dogs, but by an upper roller 50 and a lower roller 51. These two rollers 50 , 51 are rotated so as to drive the object 3 sewn in the sewing direction 10. The lower roller 51 passes through a lumen 52 formed in the receiving plate 2 to come into contact with the sewn object 3. As shown FIG. 12, the axis of rotation of the upper caster 50 and / or of the lower caster 51 can be more or less inclined relative to the horizontal, and the contact surface of these casters 50, 51 with the sewn object 3 and with the seam 12 can be striated, notched, serrated or other irregular surface. In general, such drive rollers 50, 51 are used for sewing fragile materials, such as leather, which do not withstand the contact of claws capable of damaging the surface. In the example shown in FIG. 11, an upper laser beam 17 and a lower laser beam 18 are provided immediately downstream of the needle 5a which is itself downstream of a presser foot 53. The example of an overlock stitch has been shown.
On a aussi représenté figures 11 et 12 des jets d'air 70, 71, à savoir un jet d'air supérieur 70 issu d'une buse supérieure 72 alimentée par un tube supérieur 74 en air sous pression, et un jet d'air inférieur 71 issu d'une buse inférieure 73 alimentée par un tube inférieur 75 en air sous pression. Ces jets d'air 70, 71 sont appliqués sur les brins de fil adjacents immédiatement à l'amont des organes presseurs (roulettes 50, 51 dans cette variante), de façon à disperser les fibres de matière thermoplastique ramollie avant que ces dernières ne subissent la pression des organes presseurs 50, 51 pour solidariser les brins adjacents. Ces jets d'air 70, 71 sont à l'aval des points d'impact des laser 17, 18. Ils sont très fins pour opérer une dispersion correcte des fibres, et ne pas apporter un débit d'air trop important qui refroidirait la matière thermoplastique jusqu'à sa resolidification. Le cas échéant, l'air utilisé peut être chauffé pour que la matière thermoplastique reste bien ramollie au contact des organes presseurs 50, 51. Ces jets d'air 70, 71 ou d'autres jets d'air peuvent être prévus sur la machine pour refroidir certaines pièces de la machine qui s'échaufferaient, par exemple les pièces métalliques en regard des faisceaux laser 17, 18 en l'absence d'objet à coudre ; et/ou pour nettoyer les sorties des sources laser 19, 29 (sorties de diodes, ou extrémité des fibres optiques...) par lesquelles les faisceaux 17, 18 sont émis et qui viendraient à s'encrasser. Bien que représentés uniquement pour la variante des figures 11 et 12, de tels jets d'air 70, 71 peuvent être utilisés dans tous les modes de réalisation décrits ci-dessus ou ci- après.FIGS. 11 and 12 also show air jets 70, 71, namely an upper air jet 70 coming from an upper nozzle 72 supplied by an upper tube 74 with pressurized air, and an air jet lower 71 from a lower nozzle 73 supplied by a lower tube 75 with pressurized air. These jets air 70, 71 are applied to the strands of wire adjacent immediately upstream of the pressing members (rollers 50, 51 in this variant), so as to disperse the fibers of softened thermoplastic material before the latter are subjected to pressure pressing members 50, 51 for securing the adjacent strands. These air jets 70, 71 are downstream of the points of impact of the lasers 17, 18. They are very fine to operate a correct dispersion of the fibers, and not to provide an excessive air flow which would cool the thermoplastic until resolidified. If necessary, the air used can be heated so that the thermoplastic material remains well softened in contact with the pressing members 50, 51. These air jets 70, 71 or other air jets can be provided on the machine to cool certain parts of the machine which would heat up, for example the metal parts facing the laser beams 17, 18 in the absence of an object to be sewn; and / or for cleaning the outputs of the laser sources 19, 29 (diode outputs, or end of the optical fibers, etc.) by which the beams 17, 18 are emitted and which become fouled. Although shown only for the variant of FIGS. 11 and 12, such air jets 70, 71 can be used in all of the embodiments described above or below.
Les jets d'air 70, 71 sont alimentés avec de l'air à une pression de l'ordre de 3.105 Pa ou plus et les buses 72, 73 ont un diamètre très fin, de l'ordre du diamètre du(des) fil(s) de couture doté(s) de matière thermoplastique ou inférieur à ce diamètre. Les buses 72, 73 sont placées à proximité immédiate (le plus près possible) des brins de fil de la couture 12, pour pouvoir disperser les fibres du fil sur lequel le jet d'air correspondant est appliqué.The air jets 70, 71 are supplied with air at a pressure of the order of 3.10 5 Pa or more and the nozzles 72, 73 have a very fine diameter, of the order of the diameter of the sewing thread (s) with thermoplastic material or less than this diameter. The nozzles 72, 73 are placed in the immediate vicinity (as close as possible) of the thread strands of the seam 12, in order to be able to disperse the fibers of the thread on which the corresponding air jet is applied.
Le(les) organe(s) presseur(s) peut(vent) être constitué(s) en différentes matières rigides (métaux, matières synthétiques...). Avantageusement, on utilise au moins pour la partie de l'(des) organe(s) venant au. contact de la matière thermoplastique ramollie, une matière anti-adhérente, par exemple appartenant à la famille des polymères fluorocarbonés, notamment le PTFE ou TEFLON®, sur laquelle la matière thermoplastique ramollie ne se fixe pas au cours de la couture, évitant ainsi le dépôt de résidus et le développement de frictions intempestives. Cette solution est en particulier avantageuse pour des coutures décoratives multicolores en relief, où elle évite aussi un mélange de couleurs.The pressing member (s) can (be) made of different rigid materials (metals, synthetic materials, etc.). Advantageously, one uses at least for the part of the organ (s) coming to. contact of the softened thermoplastic material, a non-stick material, for example belonging to the family of fluorocarbon polymers, in particular PTFE or TEFLON®, on which the softened thermoplastic material does not fix during sewing, thus avoiding deposition residue and the development of untimely friction. This solution is particularly advantageous for decorative multicolored seams in relief, where it also avoids mixing colors.
A la fin de la couture, il est possible de réaliser un ou plusieurs point(s) d'arrêt (par inversion du sens d'entraînement de l'objet par la machine). Ce(s) point(s) d'arrêt est(sont) alors également consolidé(s) par la matière thermoplastique qui en solidarise les brins adjacents.At the end of sewing, it is possible to make one or more stopping point (s) (by reversing the direction of drive of the object by the machine). This (s) breakpoint (s) is (are) then also consolidated (s) by the thermoplastic material which secures the adjacent strands.
Dans la variante de réalisation des figures 13 et 14, le poste de couture de la machine n'est pas du type à entraînement, c'est-à-dire que l'objet cousu 63 n'est pas déplacé à travers le poste de couture. Dans l'exemple représenté, cet objet cousu est formé d'une épaisseur de tissu 63 et d'un bouton 64 qui sont cousus ensemble par des moyens de couture de bouton bien connus en eux-mêmes, mais avec un fil de couture 68 présentant une matière thermoplastique au moins à l'extérieur de ce fil de couture 68. Les moyens de couture comprennent en général une aiguille 5 a et un crochet 5b. La plaque de réception 2 est dotée d'une lumière 65 pour le passage de l'aiguille 5a. Un faisceau laser inférieur 18 peut être orienté sur la couture réalisée, vers la face extérieure inférieure 66 du tissu 63, de façon à venir ramollir la matière thermoplastique du fil de couture 68 au fur et à mesure que cette couture est réalisée. Il est à noter que la couture forme des brins adjacents du fil de couture 68 ramollis successivement par le faisceau laser 18, et qui se chevauchent au fur et à mesure de la réalisation de la couture. On obtient de ce seul fait une solidarisation de ces différents brins au fur et à mesure de la couture. En outre, un organe éjecteur 67 peut être prévu, mobile de façon à traverser la lumière 65 pour venir au contact de la partie inférieure de la couture après la fin de celle-ci. Cet organe éjecteur 67 appliqué au contact des différents brins du fil de couture 68 ramollis adjacents les uns aux autres fait office d'organe presseur, présente une surface de contact irrégulière, par exemple dentelée, et réalise ainsi la solidarisation de ces brins ensemble. On empêche ainsi tout éfaufilage ultérieur. Ainsi, même en cas de rupture de l'une des boucles du fil de couture 68 réalisées à travers le bouton, les autres boucles restent maintenues et le fil ne s'éfaufile pas. La figure 14 représente la position d'éjection où l'organe éjecteur 67 vient au contact de la couture réalisée,, formant ainsi la solidarisation des brins. La face de l'organe éjecteur 67 venant au contact des brins du fil de couture 68 ramollis n'est pas lisse, mais au contraire en forme de griffe pour réaliser une pluralité de micropoints de solidarisation dans les brins du fil 68. Sur les figures 13 et 14, on a aussi représenté un faisceau laser supérieur 17, apte à ramollir les brins du fil de couture au-dessus du bouton 64. Le porte- aiguille 54 porte aussi une tige 55 formant un patin presseur 56 appliqué avec pression, par l'intermédiaire d'un ressort 58, sur les brins du fil 68 ramollis pour les solidariser ensemble au fur et à mesure de la couture, comme dans la variante de la figure 8. Là encore, l'organe éjecteur 67 et/ou le patin presseur 56 peuvent être réalisés en matière anti-adhérente.In the variant embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, the sewing station of the machine is not of the drive type, that is to say that the sewn object 63 is not moved through the sewing. In the example shown, this sewn object is formed of a thickness of fabric 63 and a button 64 which are sewn together by button sewing means well known in themselves, but with a sewing thread 68 having a thermoplastic material at least outside of this sewing thread 68. The sewing means generally comprise a needle 5 a and a hook 5 b. The receiving plate 2 is provided with a lumen 65 for the passage of the needle 5a. A lower laser beam 18 can be oriented on the seam made, towards the lower outer face 66 of the fabric 63, so as to soften the thermoplastic material of the sewing thread 68 as this seam is made. It should be noted that the seam forms adjacent strands of the sewing thread 68 softened successively by the laser beam 18, and which overlap as the seam is made. This alone makes it possible for these different strands to join together as they are sewn. In addition, an ejector member 67 can be provided, movable so as to pass through the lumen 65 to come into contact with the lower part of the seam after the end of the latter. This ejector member 67 applied in contact with the different strands of the softened sewing thread 68 adjacent to each other acts as a pressing member, has an irregular contact surface, for example serrated, and thus achieves the joining of these strands together. This prevents any further basting. Thus, even in the event of one of the loops of the sewing thread 68 produced through the button breaking, the other loops remain maintained and the thread does not thread. FIG. 14 represents the ejection position where the ejector member 67 comes in contact with the seam made, thus forming the joining of the strands. The face of the ejector member 67 coming into contact with the strands of the softened sewing thread 68 is not smooth, but on the contrary in the form of a claw to produce a plurality of microdots for securing in the strands of the thread 68. In the figures 13 and 14, an upper laser beam 17 has also been shown, capable of softening the strands of the sewing thread above the button 64. The needle holder 54 also carries a rod 55 forming a pressure shoe 56 applied with pressure, by via a spring 58, on the strands of the softened wire 68 to join them together as and when sewing, as in the variant of Figure 8. Again, the ejector member 67 and / or the pressure pad 56 can be made of non-stick material.
La machine selon l'invention peut être dotée d'organes ou automatismes de sécurité non représentés. Par exemple, un automatisme peut interrompre le fonctionnement des sources laser 19, 29 si aucun objet à coudre 3 n'est en place sur la plaque porte-ouvrage 2 (grâce à une cellule photoélectrique de détection de présence) et/ou si le pied de biche 46, 53 mobile verticalement pour l'amenée d'un objet à coudre 3 est en position haute. On évite ainsi l'application des faisceaux laser 17, 18 sur des pièces métalliques de la machine. De même, il est avantageusement prévu un carter entourant le poste de couture 4 en matière transparente filtrant les rayonnements laser, pour protéger l'utilisateur en évitant toute réflexion parasite vers l'utilisateur.The machine according to the invention can be provided with safety devices or automatic devices not shown. For example, an automated system can interrupt the operation of the laser sources 19, 29 if no sewing object 3 is in place on the work holding plate 2 (thanks to a photoelectric presence detection cell) and / or if the foot doe 46, 53 vertically movable for feeding a sewing object 3 is in the high position. This avoids the application of laser beams 17, 18 on metal parts of the machine. Similarly, there is advantageously provided a casing surrounding the sewing station 4 made of transparent material filtering laser radiation, to protect the user by avoiding any stray reflection towards the user.
L'invention peut faire l'objet de très nombreuses variantes de réalisation autres que celles décrites ci-dessus et représentées sur les figures uniquement à titre d'exemples non limitatifs. En particulier, elle peut être appliquée à d'autres types de points de couture et avec un nombre de fils de couture différents. En outre, les différentes variantes peuvent être pou partie combinées entre elles. The invention can be the subject of very numerous variant embodiments other than those described above and shown in the figures only by way of nonlimiting examples. In particular, it can be applied to other types of sewing stitches and with a different number of sewing threads. In addition, the different variants can be combined with one another.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS II - Procédé de. réalisation d'une couture (12) non susceptible de se défaire avec au moins un fil de couture entrebouclé (s) et/ou entrelacé(s) et avec des passages de piqûre dans ou à. travers au moins une épaisseur de matière d'un objet, dit objet cousu (3), recevant la couture, cette couture (12) comprenant au moins un brin de fil de couture cousu en s'étendant à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu (3), adjacent d'au moins un autre brin de fil de couture cousu à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu (3), dans lequel : CLAIMS II - Method of. production of a seam (12) which is not capable of being undone with at least one interlocked and / or interlaced seam thread and with stitching passages in or at. through at least one thickness of material of an object, called sewn object (3), receiving the seam, this seam (12) comprising at least one strand of sewn sewing thread extending outside the object sewn (3), adjacent to at least one other strand of sewing thread sewn outside the sewn object (3), in which:
- on réalise la couture (12) avec au moins un fil de couture (13, 15, 16, 37, 38, 49, 68) présentant une matière thermoplastique, au moins sur l'extérieur de ce fil de couture,- sewing is carried out (12) with at least one sewing thread (13, 15, 16, 37, 38, 49, 68) having a thermoplastic material, at least on the outside of this sewing thread,
- puis on applique au moins un faisceau laser (17,18) localement sur la couture (12), à l'extérieur d'au moins un brin de fil de couture cousu s'étendant à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu (3), et adjacent d'au moins un autre brin de fil de couture cousu à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu (3), caractérisé en ce que :- then at least one laser beam (17, 18) is applied locally to the seam (12), on the outside of at least one strand of sewn sewing thread extending outside the sewn object ( 3), and adjacent to at least one other strand of sewing thread sewn outside the sewn object (3), characterized in that:
- chaque faisceau laser (17, 18) est adapté pour ramollir ponctuellement la matière thermoplastique présentée à l'extérieur d'au moins un brin de fil de couture cousu en s'étendant à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu (3), et adjacent d'au moins un autre brin de fil de couture cousu à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu,each laser beam (17, 18) is adapted to temporarily soften the thermoplastic material presented on the outside of at least one strand of sewn sewing thread extending outside the sewn object (3), and adjacent to at least one other strand of sewing thread sewn on the outside of the sewn object,
- après application de chaque faisceau laser (17, 18) et avant resolidification complète de la matière thermoplastique ramollie, on applique au moins un organe presseur (6, 7, 46, 50, 51, 56, 67) sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie d'au moins un brin de fil de couture présentant une telle matière thermoplastique soumise à ce faisceau laser (17, 18), de façon à solidariser tout ou partie des brins adjacents ensemble ponctuellement et à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu (3), par l'intermédiaire de ladite matière thermoplastique. 21 - Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'on applique au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18) adapté pour ramollir la matière thermoplastique sans la fondre, en la portant localement à une température égale ou supérieure à sa température de ramollissement mais inférieure à sa température de fusion.- After application of each laser beam (17, 18) and before complete resolidification of the softened thermoplastic material, at least one pressing member (6, 7, 46, 50, 51, 56, 67) is applied to the softened thermoplastic material d '' at least one strand of sewing thread having such a thermoplastic material subjected to this laser beam (17, 18), so as to join all or part of the adjacent strands together punctually and outside the sewn object (3) , by means of said thermoplastic material. 21 - Method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one laser beam (17, 18) is applied adapted to soften the thermoplastic material without melting it, by bringing it locally to a temperature equal to or higher than its softening temperature but lower than its melting temperature.
3/ - Procédé selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce qu'on applique au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18) adapté pour porter la matière thermoplastique localement à une température de 3°C à 15°C au-dessus de la température dé ramollissement.3 / - Method according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one laser beam (17, 18) is applied adapted to bring the thermoplastic material locally to a temperature of 3 ° C to 15 ° C above the temperature softening.
4/ - Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce qu'on applique au moins un jet d'air sous pression sur les brins de fil de couture après application de chaque faisceau laser (17, 18) et avant application d'un organe presseur (6, 7, 46, 50, 51, 56, 67).4 / - Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one pressurized air jet is applied to the strands of sewing thread after application of each laser beam (17, 18) and before application of a pressing member (6, 7, 46, 50, 51, 56, 67).
5/ - Procédé selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce qu'on utilise un jet d'air de largeur de l'ordre du diamètre du fil de couture le plus fin présentant la matière thermoplastique, ou inférieure à ce diamètre.5 / - Method according to claim 4, characterized in that an air jet of width of the order of the diameter of the thinnest sewing thread having the thermoplastic material is used, or less than this diameter.
6/ - Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce qu'on utilise au moins un fil de couture (13, 15, 16) formé d'au moins une matière thermoplastique et en ce qu'on applique au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18) adapté pour qu'au moins une partie de l'épaisseur de chaque brin de ce fil de couture en matière thermoplastique ramollie par ce faisceau laser (17, 18), reste à l' état non ramolli selon toute sa longueur. 11 - Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 6, caractérisé en ce qu'on applique au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18) de façon à ne ramollir qu'une partie de l'épaisseur de chaque brin de fil de couture sur lequel il est appliqué.6 / - Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one sewing thread (13, 15, 16) formed from at least one thermoplastic material is used and that the at least one laser beam (17, 18) adapted so that at least part of the thickness of each strand of this sewing thread of thermoplastic material softened by this laser beam (17, 18), remains in the non-softened state along its entire length. 11 - Method according to one of claims 1 or 6, characterized in that at least one laser beam (17, 18) is applied so as to soften only part of the thickness of each strand of sewing thread to which it is applied.
8/ - Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce qu'on réalise la couture (12) en faisant passer l'objet cousu (3) sur un poste de couture (4) d'une machine à coudre, et, lors d'un. seul et même passage de l'objet cousu (3) sur ce poste de couture (4) : on applique au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18) après réalisation de chaque point de couture, puis on applique au moins un organe presseur (6, 7, 46, 50, 51, 67) sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie.8 / - Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sewing is carried out (12) by passing the sewn object (3) on a sewing station (4) of a sewing machine , and, during a. single and same passage of the sewn object (3) on this sewing station (4): at least one laser beam (17, 18) is applied after each stitch has been made, then at least one pressing member is applied ( 6, 7, 46, 50, 51, 67) on the softened thermoplastic material.
91 - Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que le poste de couture (4) comprenant : - des moyens (5) de couture comportant au moins une aiguille de piqûre (5 a),91 - Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sewing station (4) comprising: - sewing means (5) comprising at least one stitching needle (5 a),
- au moins une paire d'organes d'entraînement (2, 6, 7, 45, 46, 50, 51) entre lesquels des parties de la couture (12) et de l'objet cousu (3) sont pressées et pincées, et aptes à entraîner l'objet cousu (3) au fur et à mesure de la réalisation de la couture (12) selon une direction, dite direction de couture (10), à travers le poste de couture (4), ces organes d'entraînement étant au moins pour partie situés immédiatement à l'aval des moyens (5) de couture, on applique au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18) immédiatement à l'aval des moyens (5) de couture, sur une partie au moins de la couture (12) destinée à être pincée et entraînée par les organes d'entraînement, et immédiatement à l'amont d'au moins une partie des organes d'entraînement qui, lors du pinçage de la couture, fait office d'organe(s) presseur(s) appliqué(s) sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie d'au moins un brin de fil de la couture. 10/ - Procédé selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce qu'on applique au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18) immédiatement à l'amont d'une griffe d'entraînement (6, 7, 46) du poste de couture qui fait office d'organe presseur sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie.- at least one pair of drive members (2, 6, 7, 45, 46, 50, 51) between which parts of the seam (12) and of the sewn object (3) are pressed and pinched, and capable of driving the sewn object (3) as and when the sewing (12) is carried out in a direction, called the sewing direction (10), through the sewing station (4), these members of 'drive being at least partly located immediately downstream of the sewing means (5), at least one laser beam (17, 18) is applied immediately downstream of the sewing means (5), on a part at less of the seam (12) intended to be pinched and driven by the drive members, and immediately upstream of at least part of the drive members which, when pinching the seam, acts as pressing device (s) applied to the softened thermoplastic material with at least one strand of thread from the seam. 10 / - Method according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one laser beam (17, 18) is applied immediately upstream of a feed dog (6, 7, 46) of the sewing station which acts as a presser on the softened thermoplastic material.
11/ - Procédé selon Tune des revendications 4 ou 5 et selon l'une des revendications 9 ou 10, caractérisé en ce qu'on applique au moins un jet d'air à l'aval d'au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18), et immédiatement à l'amont d'au moins une partie correspondante des organes d'entraînement faisant office d'organe(s) presseur(s).11 / - Method according to one of claims 4 or 5 and according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that at least one air jet is applied downstream of at least one laser beam (17, 18), and immediately upstream of at least one corresponding part of the drive members acting as a pressing member (s).
12/ - Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 11, caractérisé en ce qu'on réalise la couture (12) avec au moins un fil de couture floche et/ou gonflant.12 / - Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the sewing is carried out (12) with at least one flanged and / or swelling sewing thread.
13/ - Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 12, caractérisé en ce qu'on réalise la couture (12) selon un point de couture à fils entrebouclés non entrelacés. 14/ - Machine pour la réalisation d'une couture (12) non susceptible de se défaire, avec au moins un fil de couture entrebouclé(s) et/ou entrelacé(s) et avec des passages de piqûre dans ou à travers au moins une épaisseur de matière d'un objet, dit objet cousu (3), recevant la couture (12) réalisée en passant cet objet cousu (3) sur un poste de couture (4) de la machine comprenant des moyens (5) de couture comportant au moins une aiguille de piqûre (5a) et adaptés pour pouvoir former au moins un brin de fil de couture cousu en s'étendant, à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu (3), adjacent d'au moins un autre brin de fil de couture cousu à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu (3), cette machine comprenant au moins une source laser (19, 29) adaptée pour pouvoir appliquer au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18), à l'extérieur d'au moins un brin de fil de couture s'étendant à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu (3) adjacent d'au moins un autre brin de fil de couture cousu à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu (3), caractérisée en ce que :13 / - Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the sewing is carried out (12) according to a sewing point with interwoven threads not interlaced. 14 / - Machine for producing a seam (12) which cannot be loosened, with at least one interlocked and / or interlaced seam thread and with at least one stitching passages in or through a thickness of material of an object, said sewn object (3), receiving the seam (12) produced by passing this sewn object (3) on a sewing station (4) of the machine comprising sewing means (5) comprising at least one pricking needle (5a) and adapted to be able to form at least one strand of sewn sewing thread extending, outside the sewn object (3), adjacent to at least one other strand of sewing thread sewn on the outside of the sewn object (3), this machine comprising at least one laser source (19, 29) adapted to be able to apply at least one laser beam (17, 18), outside of 'at least one strand of sewing thread extending outside the sewn object (3) adjacent to at least one other strand of sewing thread sewn outside the sewn object (3), characterized in that:
• au moins une source laser (19, 29) est adaptée pour pouvoir appliquer localement sur la couture au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18), adapté pour ramollir ponctuellement la matière thermoplastique présentée à l'extérieur d'au moins un brin de fil de couture s'étendant à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu (3) adjacent d'au moins un autre brin de fil de couture cousu à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu (3),• at least one laser source (19, 29) is adapted to be able to locally apply to the seam at least one laser beam (17, 18), adapted to temporarily soften the thermoplastic material presented on the outside of at least one strand of sewing thread extending outside the sewn object (3) adjacent to at least one other strand of sewing thread sewn outside the sewn object (3),
• elle comprend au moins un organe presseur (6, 7, 46, 50, 51, 56, 67) adapté pour pouvoir être appliqué sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie d'au moins un brin de fil de couture après application de chaque faisceau laser (17, 18), et avant la resolidification complète de la matière thermoplastique ramollie, de façon à solidariser tout ou partie des brins adjacents ensemble ponctuellement à l'extérieur de l'objet cousu (3), par l'intermédiaire de ladite matière thermoplastique. 15/ - Machine selon la revendication 14, caractérisée en ce que chaque source laser comprend une diode laser de longueur d'onde comprise entre 780 nm et 940 nm et de puissance maximale de 60 W, formant un faisceau laser de moins de 1mm -notamment de l'ordre de 800μ- de diamètre.• it comprises at least one pressing member (6, 7, 46, 50, 51, 56, 67) adapted to be able to be applied to the softened thermoplastic material with at least one strand of sewing thread after application of each laser beam ( 17, 18), and before the complete resolidification of the softened thermoplastic material, so as to join all or part of the adjacent strands together punctually outside the sewn object (3), by means of said thermoplastic material. 15 / - Machine according to claim 14, characterized in that each laser source comprises a laser diode of wavelength between 780 nm and 940 nm and a maximum power of 60 W, forming a laser beam of less than 1mm -in particular of the order of 800μ- in diameter.
16/ - Machine selon l'une des revendications 14 ou 15, caractérisée en ce que chaque source laser (19, 29) comporte des moyens de réglage de la puissance du faisceau laser (17, 18) qu'elle délivre. 17/ - Machine selon l'une des revendications 14 à 16, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins une source laser (19, 29) est adaptée pour ramollir la matière thermoplastique sans la fondre, en la portant localement à une température égale ou supérieure à sa température de ramollissement mais inférieure à sa température de fusion.16 / - Machine according to one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that each laser source (19, 29) comprises means for adjusting the power of the laser beam (17, 18) which it delivers. 17 / - Machine according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that at least one laser source (19, 29) is adapted to soften the thermoplastic material without melting it, by bringing it locally to an equal or higher temperature at its softening temperature but lower than its melting temperature.
18/ - Machine selon la revendication 17, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins une source laser (19, 29) est adaptée pour porter la matière thermoplastique localement à une température de 3°C à 15°C au-dessus de la température de ramollissement. 19/ - Machine selon l'une des revendications 14 à 18, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte au moins une buse (72, 73) formant au moins un jet d'air orienté sur les brins de fil de couture après application de chaque faisceau laser (17, 18) et avant application d'un organe presseur (6, 7, 46, 50, 51, 56, 67). 20/ - Machine selon la revendication 19, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte au moins une buse (72, 73) formant un jet d'air de largeur de l'ordre du diamètre du fil de couture le plus fin présentant la matière thermoplastique, ou inférieure à ce diamètre.18 / - Machine according to claim 17, characterized in that at least one laser source (19, 29) is adapted to bring the thermoplastic material locally to a temperature of 3 ° C to 15 ° C above the temperature of softening. 19 / - Machine according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that it comprises at least one nozzle (72, 73) forming at least one jet of air oriented on the strands of sewing thread after application of each laser beam (17, 18) and before application of a pressing member (6, 7, 46, 50, 51, 56, 67). 20 / - Machine according to claim 19, characterized in that it comprises at least one nozzle (72, 73) forming an air jet of width of the order of the diameter of the thinnest sewing thread having the thermoplastic material , or less than this diameter.
21/ - Machine selon l'une des revendications 14 à 20, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins une source laser (19, 29) est adaptée pour pouvoir appliquer au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18) de façon à ne ramollir qu'une partie de l'épaisseur de chaque brin de fil de couture sur lequel il est appliqué.21 / - Machine according to one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that at least one laser source (19, 29) is adapted to be able to apply at least one laser beam (17, 18) so as to soften only '' part of the thickness of each strand of sewing thread on which it is applied.
22/ - Machine selon l'une des revendications 14 à 21, caractérisée en ce qu'elle est adaptée pour pouvoir, lors d'un seul et même passage de l'objet cousu (3) sur le poste de couture (4), appliquer au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18) après réalisation de chaque point de couture, puis appliquer au moins un organe presseur (6, 7, 46, 50, 51, 67) sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie.22 / - Machine according to one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that it is adapted to be able, during a single and same passage of the sewn object (3) on the sewing station (4), applying at least one laser beam (17, 18) after completion of each stitch, then applying at least one pressing member (6, 7, 46, 50, 51, 67) on the softened thermoplastic material.
23/ - Machine selon l'une des revendications .14 à 22, dont le poste de couture comprend au moins une paire d'organes d'entraînement (2, 6, 7, 45, 46, 50, 51) adaptés pour pouvoir presser et pincer entre eux des parties de la couture (12) et l'objet cousu (3), et entraîner l'objet cousu (3) au fur et à mesure de la réalisation de la couture (12) selon une direction, dite direction de couture (10), à travers le poste de couture (4), ces organes d'entraînement étant au moins pour partie situés immédiatement à l'aval des moyens (5) de couture, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins une source laser (19, 29) est adaptée pour pouvoir appliquer au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18)immédiatement à l'aval des moyens (5) de couture, sur une partie au moins de la couture (12) destinée à être pincée et entraînée par les organes d'entraînement, et immédiatement à l'amont d'au moins une partie des organes d'entraînement qui, lors du pinçage de la couture (12), fait office d'organe(s) presseur(s) appliqué(s) sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie d'au moins un brin de fil de couture.23 / - Machine according to one of claims .14 to 22, whose sewing station comprises at least one pair of drive members (2, 6, 7, 45, 46, 50, 51) adapted to be able to press and pinch between them parts of the seam (12) and the sewn object (3), and entrain the sewn object (3) as and measurement of the completion of the sewing (12) in a direction, called the sewing direction (10), through the sewing station (4), these drive members being at least partly located immediately downstream of the means (5) for sewing, characterized in that at least one laser source (19, 29) is adapted to be able to apply at least one laser beam (17, 18) immediately downstream of the sewing means (5), at least part of the seam (12) intended to be pinched and driven by the drive members, and immediately upstream of at least part of the drive members which, when pinching the seam (12 ), acts as a pressing member (s) applied to the softened thermoplastic material with at least one strand of sewing thread.
24/ - Machine selon la revendication 23, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins une source laser (19, 29) est adaptée pour pouvoir appliquer au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18) immédiatement à l'amont d'une griffe d'entraînement (6, 7, 46) du poste de couture (4) qui fait office d'organe presseur sur la matière thermoplastique ramollie.24 / - Machine according to claim 23, characterized in that at least one laser source (19, 29) is adapted to be able to apply at least one laser beam (17, 18) immediately upstream of a claw drive (6, 7, 46) of the sewing station (4) which acts as a pressing member on the softened thermoplastic material.
25/ - Machine selon l'une des revendications 19 ou 20 et selon l'une des revendications 23 ou 24, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend au moins une buse (72, 73) adaptée pour appliquer au moins un jet d'air à l'aval d'au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18), et immédiatement à l'amont d'au moins une partie correspondante des organes d'entraînement faisant office d'organe(s) presseur(s).25 / - Machine according to one of claims 19 or 20 and according to one of claims 23 or 24, characterized in that it comprises at least one nozzle (72, 73) adapted to apply at least one air jet downstream of at least one laser beam (17, 18), and immediately upstream of at least one corresponding part of the drive members acting as a pressing member (s).
26/ - Machine selon l'une des revendications 14 à 25, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins une source laser (19, 29) est adaptée pour appliquer au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18) sur une partie de la couture ne venant pas au contact de la plaque de réception (2).26 / - Machine according to one of claims 14 to 25, characterized in that at least one laser source (19, 29) is adapted to apply at least one laser beam (17, 18) on a part of the seam does not coming into contact with the receiving plate (2).
27/ - Machine selon l'une des revendications 14 à 26, caractérisée en ce qu'elle est adaptée pour réaliser la couture (12) selon un point de couture à fils entrebouclés non entrelacés.27 / - Machine according to one of claims 14 to 26, characterized in that it is suitable for carrying out the sewing (12) according to a sewing point with interlocked threads not interleaved.
28/ - Machine selon l'une des revendications 14 à 27, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend des moyens (20 à 24 ; 30 à 34) de réglage de la position du point d'impact (25, 35) d'au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18) par rapport à la couture (12) réalisée. 29/ - Machine selon les revendications '23 et 28, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend des moyens (22, 23, 24 ; 32, 33, 34) de réglage du point d'impact (25, 35) d'au moins un faisceau laser (17, 18) selon une direction orthogonale à la direction de couture (20) et au faisceau laser (17, 18).28 / - Machine according to one of claims 14 to 27, characterized in that it comprises means (20 to 24; 30 to 34) for adjusting the position of the impact point (25, 35) of less a laser beam (17, 18) relative to the seam (12) produced. 29 / - Machine according to claims '23 and 28, characterized in that it comprises means (22, 23, 24; 32, 33, 34) for adjusting the impact point (25, 35) of at least a laser beam (17, 18) in a direction orthogonal to the sewing direction (20) and to the laser beam (17, 18).
30/ - Machine selon l'une des revendications 14 à 29, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend au moins un organe presseur (6, 7, 46, 50, 51, 56, 67) dont au moins la partie destinée à venir au contact de ladite matière thermoplastique est en matière anti-adhérente. 30 / - Machine according to one of claims 14 to 29, characterized in that it comprises at least one pressing member (6, 7, 46, 50, 51, 56, 67) of which at least the part intended to come to the contact of said thermoplastic material is non-stick material.
EP03756000A 2002-05-29 2003-05-20 Method and machine for production of a non-unravelling seam Expired - Lifetime EP1507910B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0206558A FR2840327B1 (en) 2002-05-29 2002-05-29 METHOD AND MACHINE FOR MAKING A SEWING NOT LIKELY TO RECOVER
FR0206558 2002-05-29
US40795302P 2002-09-05 2002-09-05
US407953P 2002-09-05
PCT/FR2003/001523 WO2003102287A2 (en) 2002-05-29 2003-05-20 Method and machine for production of a non-unravelling seam

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US8347438B2 (en) 2008-09-29 2013-01-08 Nike, Inc. Footwear uppers and other textile components including reinforced and abutting edge joint seams
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GB2475232B (en) * 2009-11-09 2013-03-13 Montfort Services Sdn Bhd Improvements in or relating to securing a button to a garment
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NZ536630A (en) 2006-09-29
DE60304700T2 (en) 2007-04-26
AU2003255587B2 (en) 2008-02-21
ES2263020T3 (en) 2006-12-01
US20030221765A1 (en) 2003-12-04
JP4129455B2 (en) 2008-08-06
OA12824A (en) 2006-07-11
ATE323791T1 (en) 2006-05-15
WO2003102287A2 (en) 2003-12-11
MA27236A1 (en) 2005-02-01
RU2323285C2 (en) 2008-04-27
SI1507910T1 (en) 2006-10-31
PT1507910E (en) 2006-08-31
MXPA04011661A (en) 2005-03-07
CA2487565A1 (en) 2003-12-11
PL372048A1 (en) 2005-07-11
AU2003255587A1 (en) 2003-12-19
RU2004138569A (en) 2005-06-27
JP2005532847A (en) 2005-11-04
EP1507910B1 (en) 2006-04-19
WO2003102287A3 (en) 2004-04-22
DE60304700D1 (en) 2006-05-24
US20070131337A1 (en) 2007-06-14
BR0311388A (en) 2005-03-15
IL165209A0 (en) 2005-12-18
US7857927B2 (en) 2010-12-28
US7291236B2 (en) 2007-11-06
TNSN04233A1 (en) 2007-03-12

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