초록 ▼

A serial bus control system for an automatic sewing station for attaching a series of work pieces includes a serial bus cable connected to a power supply and a system controller. A program module is plugged into the serial bus cable and is programmed with an operations program or set of command inst

A serial bus control system for an automatic sewing station for attaching a series of work pieces includes a serial bus cable connected to a power supply and a system controller. A program module is plugged into the serial bus cable and is programmed with an operations program or set of command instructions that are accessed and run by the system controller for controlling the automatic sewing station. A series of input modules are removably connected to the serial bus cable and receive inputs from various detectors monitoring the position and movement of the work pieces along a sewing path through the automatic sewing station. The input modules transmit this input information to the system controller via the serial bus cable in response to which the system controller sends command signals to a series of output modules that are connected to the operative elements of the sewing station, such as a sewing machine and upstream and downstream drive assemblies, to control the operation of the sewing machine and such other operative elements of the sewing station.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A control system for automated sewing equipment of type having a sewing machine positioned along a sewing path along which a work piece is manipulated and sewn, and having a sewing needle, at least one detector for monitoring the work piece, and a drive system for movin

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A control system for automated sewing equipment of type having a sewing machine positioned along a sewing path along which a work piece is manipulated and sewn, and having a sewing needle, at least one detector for monitoring the work piece, and a drive system for moving the work piece about the sewing path, said control system comprising:a system controller;a serial bus system in communication with said system controller; and including:a bus cable having a series of connectors therealong;a program module having programmed instructions for operation of the sewing system;at least one input module connected to said bus cable and to said at least one detector for communicating information from said detector to said system controller; andat least one output module connected to said bus cable and to said sewing machine and drive system for communicating control instructions from said control module to said sewing machine and said drive system;wherein each of said modules includes a connector adapted to releasibly engage a connector of said bus cable to enable ease of replacement of said modules.