JP2002191891A - Working device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a working cassette 5, where a hollow needle 80 is revealable/retractable, from carelessly coming off the rocking arm 40 of a sewing machine main body. SOLUTION: A horizontal U shape engagement groove 86 formed at the tip part of the outer periphery of the storing case 86 of the working cassette 5 is fitted to an engagement pin 42 which is horizontally projected at the tip part of the rocking arm 40. The tip of a nearly Z shape engagement member 44a arranged in the rocking arm 40 so as to be rotatable is engaged with an engagement part at a rear end side so that a posture is kept. Setting is performed with proper separation so that the rear end of the engagement member 44a comes close to be touchable the tip of an operation member 44b in the posture where the tip side of an arm part 40a is rotated upward in the rocking arm 40 and, then, the rear end part of the engagement member 44a is separated to be untouchable the tip part of the operation member 44b in the posture where the tip side of the arm part 40a is rotated downward in the rocking arm 40 (a sewing work posture with the largely projected hollow needle 80).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a processing apparatus capable of detachably mounting a processing cassette for sewing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a sewing apparatus such as a sewing machine, a sewing needle through which an upper thread is passed is driven up and down, and the sewing needle performs sewing in cooperation with a thread catching mechanism, a balance mechanism, a thread tension mechanism, and the like. Usually, a needle bar having a sewing needle attached to the lower end thereof is vertically movably mounted on the sewing device main body, and a thread spool replaceably mounted on the sewing device main body is used as a thread supply source for supplying an upper thread to the sewing needle. Is done.

[0003] Therefore, in a sewing machine such as a household sewing machine that performs sewing by moving one needle bar up and down on a sewing machine main body, when the upper thread of the thread spool used for sewing is consumed, or when the needle thread is colorful. When changing the color of the upper thread in order to sew a simple pattern, the thread spool is exchanged, and each time, the upper thread extending from the thread spool is hung on a plurality of thread hook portions of the sewing device main body and then passed through the needle hole. Work is required.

On the other hand, a sewing cartridge (sewing cassette) provided with a thread spool (and a sewing needle) is provided, and the sewing cartridge is detachably mounted on a sewing apparatus main body to perform sewing on a cloth. Of the sewing machine is put to practical use. In this type of sewing apparatus, when the upper thread used for sewing is consumed or when the color of the upper thread is changed in order to sew a colorful pattern, a sewing cartridge (thread spool) mounted on the sewing apparatus main body is used. ) Can be easily replaced and performed.

[0005] Recently, handy small and light sewing machines and sewing machines have been marketed.
It is assumed that a sewing device having an embroidery function that can be easily handled by children or the like will be put to practical use. In such a case, it is conceivable to apply a sewing device provided with the sewing cartridge so that the thread color (thread spool) can be easily changed. However, the thread color (thread spool) can be changed more easily. There is room for improvement.

In order to meet the above-mentioned demand, the applicant of the present application has previously disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-201244 an arrangement in which a sewing cartridge (working cassette) accommodating a thread spool is detachably attached to a sewing apparatus main body. Suggested ones. That is, in the processing cassette, a thread spool is arranged in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped case main body, and a sewing needle (hollow needle) and a needle cover also serving as a cloth presser are protruded from one outer peripheral surface (side surface in the thickness direction) of the case main body. An engaging groove opened in a laterally U-shape is formed in a side surface orthogonal to the side surface from which the sewing needle projects.

The other side surface of the main body case of the processing cassette is moved to a position where the engaging groove is fitted on a pin shaft of the sewing device main body which is laterally protruded from the side surface of the swing arm. The sewing needle is engaged with one end of a substantially Z-shaped engaging member rotatably provided in the processing cassette, and the sewing needle in the processing cassette is swung to a height position away from the workpiece. In the posture where the arm is rotated,
By rotating the engagement member with a rotatable operation member, the processing cassette is rotated around an axis of a pin shaft to be changed to a detachable posture.

[0008]

However, if the operating member is carelessly operated in a state in which the processing cassette can be sewn, when the sewing needle provided in the processing cassette is stuck in the workpiece, There has been a problem in that the processing cassette is rotated around the pin axis, causing problems such as breakage of the sewing needle and breakage of the workpiece.

In view of the above, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and the processing cassette mounted on the processing apparatus main body cannot be removed carelessly, and the processing cassette can be removed only at a predetermined position. It is an object to provide a processing device.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing apparatus according to the present invention, wherein a processing cassette for sewing is detachably mounted on a main body of the processing apparatus.
In a processing apparatus configured to perform sewing processing on a workpiece, the processing cassette is configured to be disengageable by an engaging means, and the engaging means is disengaged when the processing cassette is at a position where sewing is possible. It is configured to be impossible.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the processing apparatus, a processing cassette for sewing is detachably mounted on a main body of the processing apparatus to perform sewing processing on a workpiece. A swing arm is rotatably mounted on the processing apparatus main body, and the processing cassette is detachably mounted by an engaging portion fixed to the swing arm and a swingable engaging member, while the processing cassette is removed. When the swinging arm is at the processing position of the processing cassette, the operating member is separated from the engaging member, and the processing cassette is moved. When the swing arm is in the non-machining position, the engaging member is brought close to the operating member to enable the operation.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the processing apparatus according to the second aspect, the rotation center position of the engaging member is set relative to the rotation center position of the swing arm. The three rotation center positions are set at positions farther than the rotation center position, and the three rotation center positions are set at the vertices of a triangle.

Further, the invention described in claim 4 is the processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A sewing needle is provided in the processing cassette so as to be able to protrude and retract, and when the processing cassette is mounted on the processing apparatus main body and the needle projects beyond a predetermined amount, the processing cassette cannot be detached. It is configured.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, a sewing device 1 (processing device) of the present embodiment includes a home game machine 6 as a data supply unit including a controller 7.
To a predetermined cloth (workpiece) by using the game machine 6 and using the game machine 6 to view and select a embroidery pattern on a display 8 (home television) as a display means (home television). It is formed by processing.
Note that the front, rear, left and right in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the sewing apparatus 1
Sewing device body 2 (processing device body), safety cover 3 slidably attached to sewing device body 2 in the front-rear direction, embroidery frame 4 and sewing cartridge detachably mounted on sewing device body 2 5 (hereinafter referred to as a processing cassette), and a cloth 70 as a workpiece to be sewn is attached to the embroidery frame 4.
The sewing machine includes a sewing hollow needle 81 (working needle) that can penetrate through the needle.

First, the sewing apparatus main body 2 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 8, the sewing apparatus main body 2 includes a casing 10 and an embroidery frame 4 on which a cloth 70 is attached.
An embroidery frame drive mechanism 11 attached to the processing cassette 5 and moved horizontally with respect to the hollow needle 81 of the processing cassette 5;
Drive mechanism 12 (hereinafter, referred to as a cassette drive mechanism) for detachably attaching to the swing arm 40 and swinging up and down, an embroidery frame drive mechanism 11 and a cassette drive mechanism 1
2 is provided with a control device 13 (see FIG. 42) for controlling the control device 2.

The casing 10 is formed in a relatively small rectangular parallelepiped (for example, 130 mm in length, 165 mm in width, and 70 mm in height). The device 13 is housed.
However, the casing 10 has a length of about 2
Notch space 1 in which a ３ portion, a 前後 portion of the front-back length from the front end, and a 上下 portion of the top-bottom length from the top end are cut into a rectangular parallelepiped shape.
0a is formed. In addition, on the right side of the notch space 10a, the upper wall 10d of the casing 10 is provided with a notch space 10a so that an operation member 44b described later can be operated.
Notched from the side.

An embroidery frame drive mechanism 1 is provided at the lower end of the front wall 10b of the casing 10 forming the cutout space 10a.
A slit 10c for mounting the embroidery frame 4 on one carriage 18 and moving the embroidery frame 4 in the horizontal direction is formed in the left-right direction. On the side wall of the casing 10 forming the cutout space 10a, the swinging arm 40 of the cassette drive mechanism 12 is vertically slidable from the inside of the casing 10 so as to be able to swing up and down.
A slit (not shown) projecting toward the a side is formed in a vertical direction.

On the upper wall portion 10d of the casing 10, a front convex guide upper surface portion 10e is formed in a stepped shape. A power switch electrically connected to the control device 13 is provided on the right side of the guide upper surface portion 10e. 15 and a start / stop switch 1 as command means for commanding start and end of sewing
6 are provided. The upper end surfaces of the switches 15 and 16 are located at the same height level as or slightly below the upper surface of the upper wall 10d.

Attachment / detachment of the processing cassette 5 to / from the swing arm 40 at the front side of the guide upper surface 10e (to be described in detail later).
The front end of the guide upper surface portion 10 e is longer than the left and right width of the processing cassette 5 and extends to the rear left side of the processing cassette 5 mounted on the swing arm 40.

The left and right side walls 1 of the casing 10
At 0f, guide grooves 10g and 10h are formed in the front-rear direction. The vertical width of the guide groove 10g is the guide groove 10
A locking block 67 is fixed to the guide groove 10g of the casing 10 at a substantially central position in the front-rear direction of the casing 10 so as to protrude laterally. However, due to the presence of the notch space 10a, the front and rear lengths of the left wall portion 10f and the guide grooves 10g and 10h are shorter than the front and rear lengths of the right wall portion 10f and the guide grooves 10g and 10h.

The embroidery frame drive mechanism 11 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 6, a carriage 18 for detachably mounting the embroidery frame 4, an X-direction drive mechanism 20 for driving the carriage 18 in the X direction (left-right direction) in a horizontal plane,
The X-direction drive mechanism 20 and the Y-direction drive mechanism 30 that drives the carriage 18 in the Y direction (front-rear direction) orthogonal to the X direction in the horizontal plane.

The carriage 18 has an engaging portion 18a capable of engaging and disengaging the rear end supporting portion 4a of the embroidery frame 4, and a guide plate 18b extending rearward from below the engaging portion 18a. In this case, it is located below the swing arm 40. In the movable frame 21 of the X-direction drive mechanism 20, a guide portion 21a oriented in the left-right direction is formed at the rear portion, and a guide rod 22 oriented in the left-right direction is provided at the front portion. A carriage 18 is supported by a guide so as to be movable in the left-right direction.

The X-direction drive mechanism 20 includes the movable frame 2
1, a guide rod 22, a screw shaft 23, a pulse motor 24, and a guide pin 25. The movable frame 21 is formed in a substantially box shape with an open top, and both end portions of the guide rod 22 are supported on both side walls. The screw shaft 23 extends in the left-right direction inside the movable frame 21, and the left end thereof is rotatably supported by the left wall of the movable frame 21. The pulse motor 24 is fixed to the right side of the right wall of the movable frame 21, and its output shaft is directly connected to the right end of the screw shaft 23.

A guide plate 18b of the carriage 18 is disposed above the screw shaft 23, and a guide pin 25 is fixed to the guide plate 18b so as to project downward.
Is slidably engaged with the spiral groove of. Pulse motor 24
When the screw shaft 23 is rotated, the guide pin 25 is guided by the spiral groove and moves left and right, so that the carriage 18 is driven to move in the X direction.

The Y-direction drive mechanism 30 includes a support frame 3
1 and 2 guide rods 32 and 33, screw shaft 3
4, a pulse motor 35 and guide pins 36 are provided. The support frame 31 is formed in a substantially concave shape in a side view, and both end portions of guide rods 32 and 33 oriented in the front-rear direction are supported by both front and rear walls. And these guide rods 3
The movable frame 21 of the X-direction drive mechanism 20 is supported by the guides 2 and 33 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

The screw shaft 34 extends in the front-rear direction, and its rear end is rotatably supported by the rear wall of the support frame 31. The pulse motor 35 is fixed to the front side of the front wall of the support frame 31, and its output shaft is directly connected to the front end of the screw shaft 34. The guide pin 36 is fixed to the movable frame 21 so as to project downward, and slidably engages with a spiral groove of the screw shaft 34. When the screw shaft 34 is rotated by the pulse motor 35,
Since the guide pin 36 is guided by the spiral groove and moves back and forth, the carriage 18 and the movable frame 21 are driven to move in the Y direction. The Y-direction drive mechanism 30 is disposed below the X-direction drive mechanism 20.

Here, a moving area in which the embroidery frame 4 attached to the carriage 18 can be moved by the embroidery frame driving mechanism 11 is an area 38 shown in FIG. The hollow needle 81 of the processing cassette 5 mounted on the apparatus main body 2 is located. However, since the processing cassette 5 is mounted on the front part of the sewing apparatus main body 2, the front part of the moving area 38 protrudes outside the casing 10. As described above, the X-direction drive mechanism 20 and the Y-direction drive mechanism 30 are arranged vertically,
Since any one of the drive mechanisms is disposed below the sewing machine 8, the sewing apparatus main body 2 can be reduced in size.

The cassette driving mechanism 12 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 5, a swing arm 40 to which the processing cassette 5 can be attached and detached, a sewing machine motor 45 as an AC motor as a driving source for swinging the swing arm 40 up and down, and a rotation speed of the sewing machine motor 45 are reduced. And a cam mechanism 55 that converts the rotational motion decelerated by the gear mechanism 50 into a vertical swing motion of the swing arm 40.

The swing arm 40 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 21, the arm portion 40a which is long in the left-right direction
And a lever portion 40b that is long in the up-down direction is integrally formed, and is disposed in a substantially right half portion on the front side of the casing 10. An intermediate portion of the lever portion 40b is pivotally supported by a pivot 41b supported by the sewing apparatus main body 2 via a bracket 41a, and most of the arm portion 40a of the swing arm 40 is directed toward the notch space 10a. The protruding portion and other portions are housed inside the casing 10.

The arm portion 40a has a pin shaft-shaped engaging pin 42 (supporting portion) oriented in the front-rear direction as an engaging portion for rotatably supporting the processing cassette 5 at the left end thereof.
Are fixed in a forward protruding shape, and a lock release pin 43 facing in the front-rear direction is fixed in a forward protruding shape on the right side of the engagement pin 42, and an engagement pin 42 is fixed on a right side of the lock release pin 43.
Where the processing cassette 5 pivotally supported by the sewing machine can be sewn (FIG. 21).
An engagement member 44a (rotation restricting member) for restricting rotation is rotatably supported in (b). The engagement pin 42
Is a small diameter pin shaft 42a on the base side near the arm portion 40a.
And a large-diameter portion 42b on the free end side (see FIG. 20).

The arm 40a is provided with an engaging member 44.
torsion spring (not shown) for urging a to rotate clockwise
And a leaf spring 44c for receiving the processing cassette 5 at the sewable position from below while elastically biasing the processing cassette 5 upward. On the rear side of the swing arm 40, the sewing device main body 2 is provided.
A front plate 19 integral with the machine frame is provided so as to rise from the right portion of the machine frame and extend to the left. The front surface of the front plate 19 is operated by rotating the engaging member 44a counterclockwise. An operation member 44b for performing the rotation operation is supported.
However, a torsion spring 44 is provided on the support shaft of the operation member 44b.
d is exteriorized, one end of which is received by a fixing member 19b attached to the front plate 19, and the other end of which is received by the left end of the operation member 44b. Further, the operation member 4 is provided on the front plate 19.
A regulating member (not shown) that regulates the rotation of the 4b other than at the time of manual operation is provided, and the operating member 44b is supported while being held in a substantially horizontal direction.

The engagement pin 42, the lock release pin 43,
The engaging member 44a, the operating member 44b, the leaf spring 44c, etc.
It is a member for attaching the processing cassette 5 to the swing arm 40 and removing the processing cassette 5 from the swing arm 40.

Then, as shown in FIG. 21B, when the distal end side of the arm portion 40a of the swing arm 40 is lowered to the sewing position (in other words, when the hollow needle 81 approaches or closes to the cloth 70 in the embroidery frame 4). In a state where the operation member 44b is pierced, the distal end portion of the operation member 44b (the left end portion with respect to the rotation center in FIG. 21A) is the rear end portion of the engagement member 44a as the engagement means (the rotation end in FIG. (The right end from the moving center) so that it cannot be contacted.
As shown in FIG.
In a state in which the distal end side of the arm portion 40a is raised so that the arm member 40a can be removed, the rotation of the swing arm 40 is adjusted so that the distal end of the operating member 44b approaches the rear end of the engaging member 44a. The position of the movement center (pivot shaft 41b) and the rotation center position of the operation member 44b are set.
The length from the rotation center position of b to the front end of the operation member 44b and the distance from the rotation center position of the engagement member 44a to the rear end of the engagement member 44a are set.

In other words, the position of the center of rotation (pivot shaft 41b) of the swing arm 40, the center of rotation of the operating member 44b, and the center of rotation of the engaging member 44a are shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), the distance from the center of rotation (pivot shaft 41b) of the swing arm 40 to the center of rotation of the operation member 44b is located at each vertex of the triangle. Is set to be shorter than the distance from the position of the rotation center (the pivot shaft 41b) to the rotation center position of the engagement member 44a, and further, the rotation of the engagement member 44a from the rotation center position of the operation member 44b. The dimension up to the moving center position is set shorter than the dimensions of the other two sides. Thus, in a posture in which the distal end side of the arm portion 40a of the swing arm 40 is turned upward, the rear end of the engaging member 44a approaches so as to be able to contact the distal end of the operating member 44b. In the posture in which the distal end side of the arm portion 40a is turned downward (sewing work posture), the rear end of the engaging member 44a is
4b is set so as to be separated from the tip of the tip 4b so that it cannot contact the tip.

As another embodiment, an engaging member 42 rotatable with an engaging pin 42 provided on the swing arm 40 is provided.
When the swing arm 40 is in a position where sewing can be performed, the projecting piece of the electromagnetic solenoid as operating means provided on the front plate 19 projects and moves when the swing arm 40 is at a position where sewing is possible. The processing member 5 may be disengaged by rotating the joining member 44a.

In still another embodiment, the processing cassette 5 itself is mounted on the processing apparatus main body from the horizontal direction, and the processing cassette 5 does not move up and down with respect to the processing apparatus main body. The engaging means for engaging and disengaging the machining cassette 5 with respect to the machining apparatus main body can be disengaged by another actuator.
Is detected by the sewing needle up / down position sensor, the actuator is not operated, and the engaging state of the processing cassette 5 is maintained by the engaging means. The sewing needle is in the upper position (in the processing cassette 5). In the retracted state where most of the positions are located, the engagement may be released.

The sewing machine motor 45 is fixed to the rear side of the lower right portion of the front wall 31a of the support frame 31 so as to face forward. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the gear mechanism 50 includes a gear 5 disposed on the front side of the front wall 31 a of the support frame 31.
1-54. The drive gear 51 is fixed to the output shaft of the sewing machine motor 45, and the intermediate gears 52, 53 and the large-diameter gear 54, which are coaxially and integrally connected, are pivotally supported by the front wall 31a. The drive gear 51 and the intermediate gear 52 are meshed, and the intermediate gear 53 and the large diameter gear 54 are meshed, so that the rotation speed of the large diameter gear 54 is reduced with respect to the rotation speed of the sewing machine motor 45 (drive gear 51). You.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the cam mechanism 55 includes a cam member 56 pivotally supported by the front wall portion 31a and a cam follower fixed to the lower right end of the swing arm 40 so as to project forward. A gear tooth of the large-diameter gear 54 is formed on an outer peripheral portion of the cam member 56. A cam groove 56a is formed in the cam member 56 from the rear side, and a cam follower 57 is slidably engaged with the cam groove 56a.

As shown in FIG. 9, the cam groove 56a is formed in an annular shape by changing the distance from the center of rotation of the cam member 56. When the cam member 56 makes one rotation, the arm portion 40a moves to the upper limit position shown in FIG. And a lower limit position shown in FIG. As the distance between the engagement position where the follower 57 engages with the cam groove 56a and the rotation axis of the cam member 56 is longer, the follower 57 is located to the left and the arm portion 40a of the swing arm 40 is located upward. I do. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the cam follower 57 is engaged with a portion of the cam groove 56a that is the most distant from the rotation axis of the cam member 56, and the arm portion 40a of the swing arm 40 is located at the upper limit position.

Next, the safety cover 3 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the safety cover 3
Has a function of guarding the driven embroidery frame 4, the processing cassette 5, and the swing arm 40, and the moving area 3 of the hollow needle 81 and the cloth 70 so that the child or the like does not damage the clothing with the hollow needle 81.
The cover has a function of covering the cover 8 and a function of preventing the start / stop switch 16 from being operated erroneously. The safety cover 3 moves the embroidery frame 4 in a moving area 38.
The sewing position (see FIG. 3) for covering the moving area 38 during sewing and a storage position for packing and storage (FIG. 2) returned from the sewing position.
).

The safety cover 3 is made of a transparent or translucent material made of a synthetic resin, and includes an upper wall 3a and a front wall 3a.
b and left and right side wall portions 3c, and is configured to be open at the bottom and rear. A concave notch 3d is formed in the upper wall 3a of the safety cover 3 from the rear end side, and the notch 3d is engaged with the guide upper surface 10e of the casing 10 so as to be slidable back and forth. The lower surface of the upper wall portion 3a can abut on the upper surface of the upper wall portion 10d of the casing 10 other than the guide upper surface portion 10e.

A vertical plate 60 is fixed inside the rear portion of each side wall portion 3c of the safety cover 3, and an engaging piece 66 is fixed to the inside of the upper rear portion of the vertical plate 60, and an engaging portion 66 is fixed below the vertical portion. 60
a is formed integrally. And the casing 10
The engagement piece 66 is slidably engaged with the guide groove 10g formed in each side wall 10f of the first and second engagement portions, and the engagement portion 60 is engaged with the guide groove 10h.
a is slidably engaged. An engagement piece 61 slidably engageable with the guide groove 10g is fixed inside the front end portion of the right side wall 3c of the safety cover 3.

Here, a stopper mechanism 65 is provided for positioning the safety cover 3 at the sewing position and for preventing the safety cover 3 from being detached from the apparatus main body 2. The stopper mechanism 65 includes the guide piece 66 fixed to each side wall 3c of the safety cover 3 and the locking block fixed to the guide groove 10g of each side wall 10f of the casing 10 so as to protrude laterally. When the guide piece 66 is locked by the locking block piece 67, the safety cover 3 is positioned at the sewing position and cannot be moved forward any more.

With the safety cover 3 switched to the storage position shown in FIG. 2, the notch 3d of the safety cover 3 is completely engaged with the guide upper surface 10e of the casing 10 and the upper wall of the safety cover 3 The rear end of the portion 10d abuts on the step of the guide upper surface 10e, and the front wall 3b of the safety cover 3 comes close to the front of the casing 10. When the safety cover 3 is located at the storage position, the safety cover 3 does not cover the entire moving area 38 of the embroidery frame 4, but slides the safety cover 3 forward from the storage position of FIG. Then, when the sewing position is switched to the sewing position shown in FIG. 3, the entire area of the movement area 38 is covered by the safety cover 3.

When the safety cover 3 is switched to the sewing position shown in FIG. 3, the front end of the guide upper surface 10e of the casing 10 and the notch 3d of the safety cover 3 substantially correspond to the front-rear width of the processing cassette 5. A cassette mounting port 68 that is equal and longer than the left and right lengths of the processing cassette 5 is formed. The processing cassette 5 can be mounted on the swing arm 40 from the cassette mounting port 68. An opening is formed in the upper wall of the safety cover 3 so that an operation member 44b described later can be operated from above at the sewing position.

A switch operation hole 3e is formed in the right portion of the upper wall 3a of the safety cover 3. When the safety cover 3 is switched to the storage position shown in FIG.
Is opposed to the power switch 15 and can be operated, and the upper side of the start / stop switch 16 provided in front of the power switch 15 is covered with the safety cover 3 as prohibiting means. The operation of the / stop switch 16 is disabled and prohibited.

The distance between the centers of the power switch 15 and the start / stop switch 16 disposed in front and behind is the same as the sliding distance of the safety cover 3 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the safety cover 3 is switched to the sewing position shown in FIG. In this state, the switch operation hole 3e faces the start / stop switch 16 so that the switch can be operated. That is, the prohibition of the prohibition means is released.

When the safety cover 3 is located at the sewing position, the power switch 15 is located at the rear side of the safety cover and is exposed, so that the power switch 15 can be operated. Thus, the power switch 15 can be operated both when the safety cover 3 is in the sewing position and in the storage position. The power switch 15, the start / stop switch 16, and the switch operation hole 57 are circular and have substantially the same size in plan view.

An embroidery frame insertion hole 3f through which the embroidery frame 4 can be inserted into the inside of the safety cover 3 is formed in the lower part of the front wall 3b of the safety cover 3 near the center in the left-right direction. When the embroidery frame 4 is inserted into the inside of the safety cover 3 through the embroidery frame insertion hole 3f and is mounted on the carriage 18, the guide member 69 for guiding the embroidery frame 4 in the front-rear direction is provided by the front wall 3.
b, and is configured to protrude forward from the front wall 3b. The embroidery frame insertion hole 3f is located at the center in the left-right direction of the front wall 3b, and is slightly shifted to the right from the center position in the left-right movement range of the carriage 18 (the center position in the left-right direction of the movement area 38). Is provided.

When the carriage 18 is located substantially below the swing arm 40, the carriage 18 is moved to the foremost position, and is guided by the guide member 69 through the embroidery frame insertion hole 3f. The embroidery frame 4 inserted in the inside can be mounted on the carriage 18. The guide member 69 is also used as a handle for holding the safety cover 8.

The embroidery frame 4 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 6, 10 and 11, the embroidery frame 4 comprises a rectangular base frame 71 and a holding frame 72. The front end portions of the base frame 71 and the holding frame 72 are rotatably connected to each other, and a rear end support portion 4a capable of engaging and disengaging the embroidery frame 4 with the engaging portion 18a of the carriage 18 is provided on the rear side of the base frame 71. It is formed integrally. In the vicinity of the inner edge of the base frame 71, a stepped portion 71a having a stepped shape with respect to the upper end surface is formed in a frame shape, and a special rectangular cloth 70 is formed on the stepped portion 71a.
The outer periphery of the embroidery frame 4 is fixed to the outer periphery of the embroidery frame 4 in a state where the outer periphery of the embroidery frame 4 is tightened by being pressed by a holding frame 72. ing.

As shown in FIG. 11, this special cloth 70
Is a multilayered elastic cloth formed by sandwiching a urethane elastic film body 73 between a pair of woven cloths 74 by, for example, laminating. Embroidery frame 4 and this embroidery frame 4
And a plurality of sets of the cloth 70 which are attached in advance.

Next, the processing cassette 5 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 12 to 18, etc., the processing cassette 5 includes a cassette body 80, a hollow needle 81 as a processing needle capable of penetrating a cloth 70 as a workpiece,
A thread spool 82 wound with the thread T supplied to the hollow needle 81, a needle cover 83 covering at least the distal end of the hollow needle 81,
A compression coil spring 84 as urging means for urging the needle cover 83 to a cover position covering the hollow needle 81, a movement prohibiting mechanism 85 for prohibiting movement of the needle cover 83 at the cover position, and the like are provided. The sewing apparatus 1 is provided with a plurality of processing cassettes 5 that can be attached to and detached from the swing arm 40. The processing cassettes 5 accommodate threads of different colors, respectively, and can form a colorful embroidery pattern. It has become.

The cassette main body 80 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which the match box is set upright, and a housing case 86 as a movable body portion which is movable with respect to the sewing apparatus main body 2 while being mounted on the swing arm 40. And an opening / closing lid 87 as a fixed body part substantially fixed to the sewing apparatus main body 2, and inside the housing case 86, the upper part of the hollow needle 81 and the needle cover 83, the thread spool 82, the compression coil spring 84, and the movement inhibition. Mechanism 85
Is housed. At the upper right end of the cassette body 80, the housing case 86 and the opening / closing cover 87 are rotatably connected, and the opening / closing cover 87 is moved relative to the housing case 86 between the closed position shown in FIG. Open and close. A torsion spring 88 is attached to a pivot shaft portion that pivotally supports the opening and closing cover 87 with respect to the storage case 86, and the torsion spring 88 urges the opening and closing cover 87 to the closed position.

The processing cassette 5 includes a storage section 90 (thread storage section) for storing the thread spool 82, an idling prevention mechanism 91 for preventing the thread spool 82 stored in the storage section 90 from running idle, and a thread spool 82.
Backflow prevention mechanism 92 that applies resistance to the middle of the thread T from the needle to the hollow needle 81 to prevent the thread T from flowing back from the hollow needle 81 side to the storage section 90 side; And a lock mechanism 93 for integrally locking the lock mechanism in the closed position, and a storage section 90, an idling prevention mechanism 91, and a lock member 110 of the lock mechanism 93 are provided inside the storage case 86.
A backflow prevention mechanism 92 and a lock mechanism 93 are provided inside the opening / closing lid 87.
The engaged portion 87d is provided.

An engaging groove 8 which is rotatable and detachable with respect to an engaging pin 42 as an engaging portion of the swing arm 40 is provided at a lower left end portion on one side of the outer periphery of the housing case 86.
6a is cut out in a U-shape from the left. The engagement groove 86a will be described in more detail.
Among them, a small-diameter groove portion 86a1 rotatably fitted to the small-diameter pin shaft 42a is formed by being cut out from the left in a U-shape, and is connected to the small-diameter groove portion 86a1 so as to be connected to the engagement pin 42. A large-diameter groove portion 86a2 rotatably fitted to the large-diameter portion 42b is formed. Further, at least one continuous portion 86a3 (in the embodiment, both upper and lower continuous portions 86a3, 86a3) of the small-diameter groove portion 86a1 and the outer peripheral surface of the storage case 86 of the processing cassette 5 is formed into a tapered portion or the like. (See FIG. 20). The connecting portions 86a3, 86a3 may be formed in an arc-shaped outer expanded shape instead of the linear tapered portion.

Then, the processing cassette 5 is moved to the sewing device main body 2.
The engagement groove 86a opens in the horizontal direction (leftward) in the state of being mounted on the boss. Further, the engaging groove 86a is
6 may be formed so that the large-diameter groove portion 86a2 is opened in three directions on the outer peripheral surface of the housing case 86. Thereby, the large-diameter groove portion 86a2 is more easily fitted to the large-diameter portion 42b.

Further, at the lower right end of the housing case 86,
An engaging recess 86b is formed so that the engaging member 44a attached to the swing arm 40 can be engaged with the engaging member 44a.

Here, attachment and detachment of the processing cassette 5 to and from the swing arm 40 will be described. When the processing cassette 5 is mounted on the swing arm 40, the processing cassette 5 is gripped in a downwardly inclined position, and is inserted through the cassette mounting opening 68 formed by the forward movement of the safety cover 3, as shown in FIG. Thus, the engagement groove 86a is engaged with the engagement pin 42. In this case, the connecting portions 86a3, 86a3 between the small-diameter groove portion 86a1 in the engagement groove 86a and the outer peripheral surface of the housing case 86 of the processing cassette 5 are shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1 (b), since it is formed in a tapered shape or the like in an outwardly expanding shape, the fitting operation to the small diameter pin shaft 42a can be performed smoothly. Also, the large diameter portion 42 on the free end side of the pin shaft 42a.
b fits into the large-diameter groove portion 86a2 provided continuously with the small-diameter groove portion 86a1 in the engagement groove 86a, so that the processing cassette 5 does not move laterally along the pin axis of the pin shaft 42a and is exactly at a predetermined position. The effect that can be set.

Further, when the small-diameter groove 86a1 is positioned on the large-diameter portion 42b and the large-diameter groove 86a2 is positioned on the pin shaft 42a side by mistake, the small-diameter groove 86a Is completely unfit to the large-diameter portion 42b, so that the user can reliably prevent the processing cassette 5 from being mounted in an incorrect posture.

Thereafter, the processing cassette 5 is rotated clockwise until the sewing cassette 5 becomes a substantially horizontal sewing position. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the engaging member 44a is engaged with and held by the swing arm 40 in such a position that the engaging member 44a can come into contact with the lower right end portion of the processing cassette 5, and is at a position where the processing cassette 5 can be sewn. Shortly before switching, the processing cassette 5 is switched to a position where sewing can be performed while the engaging member 44a is rotated counterclockwise against the urging force of the torsion spring 44d. .

Then, as shown in FIG. 21 (b), the engaging member 44a is slightly rotated and returned clockwise by the urging force of the torsion spring 44d to engage with the engaging recess 86b. The accommodation case 86 is restricted in rotation at a position where sewing can be performed, and is fixedly attached to the swing arm 40. Processing cassette 5
When the is rotated to a position where sewing is possible, the engaging member 44a also comes into contact with the leaf spring 44c before engaging with the engaging recess 86b,
The processing cassette 5 is switched to a position where sewing can be performed while elastically deforming the leaf spring 44c. That is, the processing cassette 5 is received in a state where it can be sewn and is urged upward by the leaf spring 44c, and is mounted with its rotation restricted (see FIG. 21B).

As described above, when the distal end side of the arm portion 40a of the swing arm 40 is in a posture in which the processing cassette 5 can be sewn, when the distal end side of the arm portion 40a is rotated downward in a substantially horizontal state, the engaging portion provided in the middle of the arm portion 40a is rotated. Since the rear end of the joining member 44a is separated from the front end of the operating member 44b pivotally supported by the front plate 19, which is the position fixed side, even if the user operates the operating member 44b by mistake, the processing cassette 5 is a swing arm 40
And the hollow needle 80 projecting from the lower end of the processing cassette 5 is positioned on the cloth 7 on the embroidery frame 4.
Even when the processing cassette 5 is stabbed to zero, the processing cassette 5 does not come off from the processing apparatus main body 2 carelessly, and it is possible to reliably prevent an accident such as the hollow needle 80 being bent or the cloth 70 being damaged.

The processing cassette 5 is mounted on the swing arm 40 in a state where the swing arm 40 is located at the upper limit position. As described above, the housing case 86 is fixed to the swing arm 40. 7 and FIG. 21 (b)
As shown in the figure, the locked portion 87a of the opening / closing lid 87 is locked so as to contact the pin 19a of the front plate 19 of the sewing apparatus main body 2 from above, and the guide pin 105 of the opening / closing lid 87 is Despite the large swing, it swings only slightly, so that it is almost fixed to the sewing apparatus main body 2. Incidentally, the opening / closing lid 87 may be completely fixed to the sewing apparatus main body 2.

When the processing cassette 5 is removed from the swing arm 40, the swing arm 40 is rotated upward so that the hollow needle 81 in the processing cassette 5 is located above the cloth 70 in the embroidery frame 4. In the upper limit state of FIG. 21A, the rear end of the engaging member 44a pivotally supported by the arm portion 40a of the swing arm 40 approaches the distal end of the operating member 44b pivotally supported by the front plate 19. Operating member 44b
Is rotated clockwise, this operating member 44b
, The engaging member 44a can be rotated clockwise against the urging force of the torsion spring 44d. Then, as shown by the solid line in FIG.
Is disengaged from the engaging recess 86b, and after the operation by the operating member 44b is completed, the processing cassette 5 is displaced by the urging force of the leaf spring 44c until the engaging member 44a does not engage with the engaging recess 86b again. It is rotated clockwise and rises (Fig. 2
1 (a), the processing cassette 5 can be detached from the swing arm 40 from this state by reversing the operation of the processing cassette 5 when mounting. However, when the operation member 44b is not being rotated, the operation member 44b is
It is supported by d and the like while being held in a substantially horizontal posture.

The upper wall 10d of the casing 10 is cut out so that the operating member 44b is exposed upward.
Notched from the a side, corresponding to the notched portion,
Since an opening is formed in the upper wall of the safety cover 3 at the sewing position, the operation member 44b can be operated from the outside.

The accommodation case 86 of the cassette body 80 includes
An opening 86c is formed in a front wall on the front side of the storage section 90 of the storage case 86, as an opening 86c as a remaining amount visually recognizable section from which the remaining amount of the thread T of the thread spool 82 stored in the storage section 90 can be viewed from the outside.
A storage unit 90 is provided on the upper surface of the open / close lid 87 of the cassette body 80.
A thread color display portion 87b for displaying the same color or a similar color to the color of the thread T of the thread spool 82 stored in is provided by bonding the same color or similar color seal or the like.

The collar 82b of the thread spool 82 is transparent or translucent. Therefore, the remaining amount of the thread wound on the thread spool 82 can be visually recognized from the opening 86c through the collar 82b. Further, by providing the thread color display portion 87b on the upper surface of the opening / closing lid 87, the thread color display portion 87b can be visually exposed to the outside while the processing cassette 5 is mounted on the sewing apparatus main body 2.

The hollow needle 81 is disposed on the left side of the cassette body 80 in a substantially upright position. A cylindrical needle support member 9 in which at least the upper end portion of the hollow needle 81 is fixed to the housing case 86
5, the lower end portion of the hollow needle 81 projects below the cassette body 80. The distal end of the hollow needle 81 is sharpened so as to be inclined from left to lower right. When the processing cassette 5 is mounted on the sewing apparatus main body 2, the distal end thereof is the swing arm 40 of the hollow needle 81. Is located substantially at the end (right end) on the swing center side.

The storage section 90 is formed in the right half of the storage case 86 at a portion surrounded by the arc-shaped wall 90a of the storage case 86, and the thread spool 82 stored in the storage section 90 is formed.
Is slidably fitted in the shaft member 90b of the housing case 86 and is rotatably supported. Thread T extending from thread spool 82
Is introduced into the hole from the upper end of the hollow needle 81 through the backflow prevention mechanism 92 from the thread passing port 90c between the arc walls 90a,
The hollow needle 81 is fed out of the processing cassette 5 from the lower end.

The thread T, which is the upper thread wound around the thread spool 82, is a slightly thick thread, and the hole of the hollow needle 81 is
Is formed in a size that allows threading. In addition, the hollow needle 8
Sewing is started in a state where the thread T is fed out from the lower end of the thread 1 by a certain length.

The needle cover 83 moves between a cover position for covering the distal end of the hollow needle 81 and a retract position for retracting the cover position upward and allowing the hollow needle 81 to pass through the cloth 70. It is configured to be possible. This needle cover 83
Is a presser foot that presses the cloth 70 at the time of sewing, and is formed integrally with a cover portion 83a (pressing portion) and a guided portion 83b extending upward from the right end side of the cover portion 83a. .

A needle passage hole 83c through which the hollow needle 81 can pass is formed in the cover portion 83a, and the guided portion 83b is guided by the housing case 86 so as to be movable up and down.
A compression coil spring 84 is interposed between 3b and the housing case 86. A protruding portion 83d is provided at the center in the vertical direction of the guided portion 83b so as to protrude rightward.
Are ribs 86 for guiding the guided portion 83b in the vertical direction.
The needle cover 83 comes to the cover position in a state where the needle cover 83 is in contact with the upper end of the hollow needle d, and the distal end of the hollow needle 81 is located inside the needle passage hole 83c and is covered by the cover part 83a. When the needle cover 83 moves upward with respect to the hollow needle 81 from the cover position, the needle cover 83 comes to the retracted position, and the hollow needle 81 passes through the needle passage hole 83c and protrudes below the cover portion 83a.

As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 and FIGS. 22 to 24, the movement prohibiting mechanism 85 has a movement prohibiting member 100 disposed in the lower part of the center of the housing 86 in the left-right direction. The movement inhibiting member 100 includes a vertical pivot shaft portion 100a,
The lock portion 100b located on the left side of the pivot shaft portion 100a and the input portion 100c located on the right side of the pivot shaft portion 100a are integrally formed. The movement prohibiting member 100 has its pivot shaft 100a.
Are pivotally supported by the housing case 86, and are provided so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis and not to move up and down.

The lock portion 100b is relatively long in the vertical direction,
The lower end of the needle cover 83 is located at the cover position.
83d, that is, the upper surface of the protrusion 83d that is in contact with the upper surface of the rib 86d. In this state,
The lock portion 100b is interposed between the rib 86e and the projecting portion 83d, and the needle cover 83 at the cover position is locked and cannot be moved upward. Movement prohibition member 100
Is rotatable between the lock position (see FIG. 22) and an unlock position (see FIG. 23) in which the lock portion 100b is retracted from the vertical movement locus of the protruding portion 83d. Is in the unlock position, the needle cover 83 can move upward.

A torsion spring 100d is provided on the pivot shaft portion 100a, and the movement inhibiting member 100 is urged to rotate to the lock position by the torsion spring 100d. In the state where it is removed from the
0 is held in this locked position. An opening 86f corresponding to the input unit 100c is formed in the front wall of the storage case 86,
When the movement prohibiting member 100 is located at the lock position, the input unit 100c faces the outside through the opening 86f.

As shown in FIG. 24, the opening 86f is formed to be open at the lower end, and a tapered portion 100e inclined upward and outward is formed below the input portion 100c. As described above, the swing arm 40 is provided with the lock release pin 43. When the processing cassette 5 is mounted on the swing arm 40, the lock release pin 43 enters the opening 86f from below, and The lock release pin 43 is engaged with the tapered portion 100e of the input portion 100c, and the movement inhibiting member 100 is rotated by the torsion spring 100d.
The needle cover 84 is unlocked by rotating from the locked position to the unlocked position against the urging force of.

As described above, when the processing cassette 5 is detached from the sewing apparatus main body 2, the movement prohibiting mechanism 100 prohibits the movement of the needle cover 83 at the cover position, and moves the processing cassette 5 to the sewing apparatus main body 2. In the mounted state, the needle cover 83 is configured to be allowed to move from the cover position to the retracted position.

As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the idling prevention mechanism 91 has a contact 101 that can contact one flange 82b of the thread spool 82 and a contact 101 that presses the contact 101 against the flange 82b. The torsion spring 102 is urged, and the frictional force acting between the contact element 101 and the flange 82b prevents the thread spool 82 from running idle. The contact 101 is rotatably supported by a shaft 103 near the storage section 90 of the storage case 86, and a torsion spring 102 is mounted on the shaft 103. The tip of the contact 101 is a gap 90d between the arc walls 90a.
, And is in contact with the flange 82b of the thread spool 82 in the storage section 90.

As shown in FIGS. 15, 16, 18 and 25, the backflow prevention mechanism 92 is provided with a guide pin 105 (shaft member).
And a leaf spring member 106 abutting on the guide pin 105. The guide pin 105 and the leaf spring member 106 constitute a thread passage portion 107 having a minute gap between the guide pin 105 and the leaf spring member 106. The thread T extending from the thread spool 82 is passed through the portion 107 so that frictional resistance due to contact between the guide pin 105 and the leaf spring member 106 acts on the thread T.

The guide pin 105 has both ends at the open / close lid 87.
The leaf spring member 106 is fitted and fixed to the opening / closing lid 87 so as to press the guide pin 105 in a downwardly inclined position to the left. ing. An annular concave portion 105a is formed in the center of the outer peripheral portion of the guide pin 105, and the annular concave portion 105a and the leaf spring member 10 are formed.
6 constitute the thread passing portion 107. Accordingly, the yarn T passing through the yarn passing portion 107 can be given an appropriate frictional resistance, and the yarn T can be reliably guided to the hollow needle 81.

The lock mechanism 93 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 6, when the processing cassette 5 is detached from the sewing apparatus main body 2, the opening / closing lid 87 is integrally locked to the storage case 86, and is disposed on the right side of the storage case 86. And a lock member 110 provided. The lock member 110 includes pivot portions 110a and 110b, an engagement portion 110c,
The input portion 110d is formed integrally, and the pivot portions 110a, 110b
Are rotatably supported by the housing case 86 about a vertical axis, and are locked and unlocked (see FIG. 1).
6) can be switched.

The lock member 110 cannot move in the vertical direction, and is urged to the lock position by the torsion spring 111. An engaging portion 110c is formed on the upper portion of the lock member 110 so as to protrude leftward, and an input portion 110d is formed on the lower end portion of the lock member 110 so as to protrude leftward. The engaging portion 110c and the input portion 110d are
It can project to the left from holes 86g and 86h formed in the upper part of the front wall of the storage case 86 and the rear end wall of the engagement groove 86a, respectively.

When the processing cassette 5 is not mounted on the swing arm 40, the opening / closing lid 87 is in the closed position. In this state, the engaging portion 110c of the lock member 110 at the locked position is
Since the engaging piece 87d protruding rightward (inward) from the front wall of the opening / closing lid 87 is brought into contact with the engaging piece 87d from above and is engaged therewith, the housing case 8
The opening / closing lid 87 cannot move upward with respect to 6, and is integrally locked at the closed position.

When the processing cassette 5 is mounted on the swing arm 40, as described above, the engagement groove 86a of the housing case 86 engages with the engagement pin 42 of the swing arm 40, Since the pin 42 pushes the input portion 110d of the lock member 110 rightward, the lock member 110 is switched from the locked position to the unlocked position. Lock member in unlocked position
The engaging portion 110c of 110 is disengaged from the engaged piece 87d, and the opening / closing cover 87 can be moved upward with respect to the storage case 86 to unlock.

Normally, since the processing cassette 5 is detached from the swing arm 40 with the opening / closing lid 87 being at the closed position, the opening / closing lid 87 is moved to the accommodation case 86 immediately after the processing cassette 5 is detached. Locked together. Assuming that the opening / closing lid 87 is located at a position other than the closed position, the processing cassette 5
Is removed from the swing arm 40, first, the locking member
The lock switch 110 is switched to the lock position in a state where it does not lock the opening / closing lid 87. However, since the left end-shaped portion of the engagement portion 110c of the lock member 110 is formed with a tapered portion falling to the left, the torsion spring 88 The opening / closing lid 87 is rotated to the closed position by the urging force of the above, and at this time, the engaged piece 87d temporarily pushes the lock member 110 to the unlocked position side via the tapered portion to switch to the closed position. Enable.

Next, the sewing operation of the sewing apparatus 1 and the stitches formed on the cloth 70 by the sewing operation will be described with reference to FIG.
7 to 32 and FIGS. 33 and 34.

With the embroidery frame 4 on which the cloth 70 is attached and the processing cassette 5 mounted on the sewing apparatus main body 1, the processing cassette 5 is swung up and down by the cassette driving mechanism 12. At this time, the hollow needle 81, the needle cover 83 (when the needle cover 83 is not in contact with the cloth 70), the thread spool 82, the anti-spin mechanism 91 and the like move up and down integrally with the housing case 86. The opening / closing lid 87 is connected to the sewing apparatus main body 2 with a pin 19a.
And the backflow prevention mechanism 92 provided therein hardly moves up and down.

When sewing is performed for the first time after the processing cassette 5 is mounted on the swing arm 40, as shown in FIG.
This is performed in a state where the thread T is fed out from the lower end of the thread 1 by a certain length. When the storage case 86 is lowered from this state, as shown in FIG. 28, first, the needle cover 83 as the presser foot presses the cloth 70 and presses the upper thread T on the cloth 70. The needle cover 83 is substantially stationary when the cloth 70 is pressed, and then the hollow needle 81 descends with respect to the needle cover 83 to move the cloth 70.
Pierce. The moment when the hollow needle 81 pierces the cloth 70 is substantially perpendicular to the cloth 70, and the most distal end of the hollow needle 81 is located at the end of the hollow needle 81 on the swing center side of the swing arm 40. Prevent displacement.

The hollow needle 81 pierces the elastic membrane 73,
When the thread T extending from the hollow needle 81 contacts the cloth 70, the cloth 7
The thread T at the portion penetrating through the cloth 70 is held by the thread holding force of the elastic film 73, particularly the elasticity of the elastic film body 73. In this state,
When the hollow needle 81 (the thread spool 82 and the spinning prevention mechanism 91) further descends, the thread T is pulled out from the thread spool 82 against the yarn pull-out resistance by the spinning prevention mechanism 91 and the backflow prevention mechanism 92,
A free loop 75 is formed below the cloth 70. At this stage, about half the thread T of the free loop 75 is inside the hollow needle 81.

While the hollow needle 81 pierces the cloth 70 and descends to the lower limit position, the thread T previously fed from the hollow needle 81 is pulled below the cloth 70 and the thread T is pulled out from the thread spool 82 side. A free loop 75 is formed below the cloth 70. Even before the descending hollow needle 81 pierces the cloth 70, the thread T extending from the hollow needle 81 remains in the needle cover 8.
After being pressed by the cloth 70 in Step 3, the thread T that has been fed in advance is restrained from being pulled to the lower side of the cloth 70 to some extent.

Next, when the storage case 86 is lifted, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, the hollow needle 81 rises from the lower limit position, the tip of the hollow needle 81 comes off from the cloth 70, and then the cloth presser by the needle cover 83 is released and moves up to the upper limit position together with the hollow needle 81. The hollow needle 81 rises so as to pass through the thread T in a fixed state connecting the backflow prevention mechanism 92 stopped at a certain position and the cloth 70, and the free loop 75 formed below the cloth 70 is held. All of them are exposed to the outside in the state. On the other hand, when the hollow needle 81 moves to the upper limit position,
2 and the anti-spin mechanism 91 also move to the upper limit position. At this time, however, there is no drawing out of the thread T from the back-flow preventing mechanism 92 to the hollow needle 81 side. Since the resistance is applied, the thread
The thread T between the backflow prevention mechanism 92 and the backflow prevention mechanism 92 becomes slack.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 30, when the cloth 70 moves in the horizontal direction, the thread T extending from the hollow needle 81 is
Since the thread T is held at 0, the thread T is pulled by the thread holding force, and the slack thread T between the thread spool 82 and the backflow prevention mechanism 92 is pulled out via the backflow prevention mechanism 92. At this time, the yarn holding force of the cloth 70 is much larger than the yarn pull-out resistance of the backflow prevention mechanism 92 alone, so that the free loop 75
There is no danger that the thread T of the above will be pulled toward the hollow needle 81 and come off.

After the cloth 70 moves in the horizontal direction, the housing case 86 is lowered, and the needle cover 83 presses the cloth 70 and the hollow needle 81 pierces the cloth 70 as shown in FIG. When the hollow needle 81 descends from the upper limit position to the lower limit position,
When the slacked remaining thread T is pulled out between the backflow prevention mechanism 92 and the backflow prevention mechanism 92, the thread spool 82 subsequently rotates and the thread T is paid out. The yarn T has an idling prevention mechanism 91 and a backflow prevention mechanism 92.
The yarn pull-out resistance acts, but the anti-spin mechanism 91
Since the yarn pull-out resistance of the backflow prevention mechanism 92 is smaller than the yarn holding force of the cloth 70, the yarn T can be pressed against the cloth 70 by the needle cover 83, so that the free loop 75 formed last time is pulled. The current free loop 75 is formed without falling off the cloth 70.

Next, as shown in FIG. 32, the hollow needle 81 and the needle cover 83 are raised, and thereafter, FIGS. 30 to 32 are repeated. In this manner, the sewing is performed while leaving the thread on the cloth 70 for each sewing processing by the thread holding force due to the elasticity of the cloth 70, and a large number of threads are formed on the back side of the cloth 70 by the upper thread T as shown in FIG. Of the embroidery pattern 76 is formed on the surface of the cloth 70. When a double-sided tape 77 as a fixing material for fixing a large number of free loops 75 is adhered to the back surface of the cloth 70, FIG.
The pattern sewing cloth 78 which is a pattern workpiece shown in FIG.

The double-sided tape 77 allows the free loop 7
Since the thread 5 is not extracted, the embroidery pattern 76 on the surface of the cloth 70 is stabilized without fraying without fixing the thread with another thread or a thread before and after the thread. Then, the pattern sewing cloth 78 can be used as an emblem and adhered and fixed to various objects via the double-sided tape 77. Note that, in addition to the double-sided tape 77, various adhesives or adhesives may be applied in layers on the back surface of the cloth 70 where the free loops 75 remain,
A tape of these various adhesives or adhesives may be formed, and the plurality of free loops 75 may be fixed to the back surface of the cloth 70 with the tape.

Since a large number of free loops 75 are located on the back side of the cloth 70, the double-sided tape 7
When 7 is attached, irregularities occur on the double-sided tape 77. Therefore, when the cloth 70 is applied as an emblem or the like to the garment via the double-sided tape 77, the garment to be affixed is soft and such an emblem is easily peeled off. Can be improved. Whether the unevenness is formed for each individual free loop or a plurality of free loops depends on the material of the thread or the double-sided tape.

As shown in FIGS. 35 to 41, when replacing the processing cassette 5 mounted on the sewing apparatus main body 2 with the sewing apparatus 1, the embroidery frame 4 extends from the processing cassette 5. Yarn cutting mechanism for cutting the yarn T connected to the cloth 70
130 are provided. As described above, the sewing device main body 2
The processing cassette 5 is connected to the sewing apparatus main body 2 (the swing arm 4).
An operation member 44b operated to remove the sewing cassette 5 from the sewing cassette 5 is operated in accordance with the operation of the operation member 44b and the removal of the processing cassette 5 from the sewing apparatus main body 2. It is configured to cut the thread T.

The thread cutting mechanism 130 includes a thread cutting lever 131 pivotally supported by the front plate 19 and linearly extending to the left near the operating member 44b, and a link mechanism connected to the left end of the thread cutting lever 131. 132, a pair of thread cutting blades 133 and 134 opened and closed via a link mechanism 132, and an engagement groove 86a at the left end of the processing cassette 5 engaged with the engagement pin 42 of the swing arm 40. An engagement mechanism 13 for releasably engaging the vicinity of the right side of the processing cassette 5 with the thread cutting lever 131
5 and so on.

By operating the operation member 44b for removing the processing cassette 5 from the sewing apparatus main body 2, the thread cutting lever 131 and the link mechanism 132 can be driven to move. The thread cutting lever 131 and the link mechanism 132 are driven to move, and the thread cutting mechanism 130 is operated through the movement of the thread cutting lever 131 and the link mechanism 132 to perform a thread cutting operation. The thread cutting lever 131 and the link mechanism 132 correspond to a movable member.

The thread cutting lever 131 is disposed behind the front plate 19. Through hole 131a at the right end of thread trimming lever 131
(See FIG. 40) is formed, and the thread trimming lever 131 is inserted through a pivot shaft 140 that extends in the front-rear direction through the through hole 131a.
Are pivotally supported by the front plate 19 and can swing up and down over a lower limit position shown in FIGS. 35 to 37 and an upper limit position shown in FIGS. 38 and 39. Pull the coil spring to the thread trimming lever 131
141 and the tension coil spring
141 is connected to the front plate 19 at the lower end thereof.
By 142, the thread cutting lever 131 is elastically biased to the lower limit position.

The link mechanism 132 has four substantially linear links 143 to 146, and the upper ends of the links 143, 144 are rotatably connected to the left end of the thread cutting lever 131 via a common shaft 147. . The upper ends of the links 145 and 146 are rotatably connected to the lower ends of the links 143 and 144 via shafts 148 and 149, respectively. Is pivoted to. Thread cutting blades 133 and 134 are formed at the lower end portions of the links 145 and 146, respectively. When the thread cutting lever 131 is at the lower limit position, the shafts 147 and 150 are closest to each other and the pair of thread cutting blades 13 are provided.
When the thread cutting lever 131 is at the upper limit position, the shafts 147 and 150 are separated from each other and the pair of thread cutting blades 133 and 13 are opened.
4 is closed.

The engagement mechanism 135 has a thread cutting lever claw 151 rotatably supported at the front side of the thread cutting lever 131 at the center in the longitudinal direction thereof, and projects rearward from near the lower end of the right end of the processing cassette 5. And a pin-shaped projection 152.
The thread cutting lever claw 151 has a claw portion 151a (the link mechanism 32 side in FIG. 35) extending radially outward with respect to the rotation axis thereof, and a spring connecting portion 151b (the operation member 44b side in FIG. 35). ,
The projection 152 of the processing cassette 5 can be engaged with the claw 151a. The thread cutting lever claw 151 has a pin-shaped projection 131 b protruding forward from a middle portion in the length direction of the thread cutting lever 131.
(See FIG. 40).

As shown in FIG. 41, the thread cutting lever pawl 151
The claw portion 151a and the spring connection portion 151b extend in directions substantially opposite to each other, and the right end portion is threaded to the hole 151c of the spring connection portion 151b.
The left end of a tension coil spring 153 connected to the pivot shaft 140 of 131 is connected. The spring connection portion 151b is pulled by the coil spring 153, so that the claw portion 151a normally extends leftward along the thread cutting lever 131, so that the thread cutting lever claw 151 is in the engagement position.

The rotation range of the thread cutting lever 131 is regulated by two locking portions (not shown) provided above and below the thread cutting lever 131, and the rotation of the thread cutting lever 131 is regulated (stopped). Then, the thread cutting lever claw 151 starts rotating. The thread cutting lever claw 151 is freely rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise from the engagement position, but is turned to the engagement position by the tension coil spring 153. The front plate 19 is formed with a notch 19c cut out from the upper side so that the projection 152 of the processing cassette 5 can be engaged with the thread cutting lever claw 151.

The operation of the thread cutting mechanism 130 will be described.

The attachment / detachment of the machining cassette 5 to / from the swing arm 40 has been described above. However, as shown in FIG.
a, the processing cassette 5 is rotated clockwise in a state where the engaging pin 42 is engaged with the engaging pin 42, and the engaging member 44a is
By the time the processing cassette 5 is mounted by engaging with the cutting cassette 6b, the projection 152 is engaged with the claw 151a from above and the thread cutting lever 13 is engaged.
1 is regulated and stopped, and the thread trimmer lever 151 is rotated counterclockwise from the engaged position.

As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the engagement member 4
When the processing cassette 5 is mounted with the engagement of the threading lever claw 151 with the engagement recess 86b engaged with the engagement recess 86b, the engagement between the projection 152 and the claw 151a is released, and the thread trimming is performed. The lever claw 151 is rotated clockwise by the urging force of the tension coil spring 153 and returns to the engaged position.
Is located above the protrusion 152. During this time, thread trimming lever
131 is held at the lower limit position, and a pair of thread cutters 133,
134 is kept open.

Next, when removing the machining cassette 5 from the swing arm 40, as shown in FIGS.
By operating 4b, the engaging member 44a is disengaged from the engaging recess 86b, and the processing cassette 5 is rotated counterclockwise around the engaging pin 42 so as to be ready for removal. When the processing cassette 5 is rotated counterclockwise, the protrusion 152
Is engaged with the claw portion 151a from below, and the thread cutting lever claw 151 is lifted together with the thread cutting lever claw 151 from a state where the thread cutting lever claw 151 is slightly rotated clockwise and cannot be further rotated. As a result, the pair of opened thread cutting blades 133 and 134 is closed and the upper thread T is cut.

Since the protrusion 152 also moves to the left while rising, when the thread cutting lever 131 is lifted and rises to the upper limit position, the thread cutting lever claw 151 is further rotated, and the protrusion 152 and the claw portion are rotated. The engagement with 151a is released, and thereafter, the thread cutting lever 131 returns to the lower limit position by the urging force of the coil spring 141, and the thread cutting lever claw 151 also returns to the engaged position by the urging force of the coil spring 153.

Here, in order to surely cut the upper thread T by the pair of thread cutting blades 133 and 134, it is necessary to position the upper thread T between the open blades 133 and 134. Of the embroidery frame 4 (thread cutting preparation processing). That is, the thread T extending from the processing cassette 5
Is connected to the last needle drop point of the cloth 70, but by moving the embroidery frame 4 backward by the thread cutting preparation process and positioning the final needle drop point to the rear side of the hollow needle 81, the blade in the open state is opened. The upper thread T can be positioned in a tight state between 133 and 134.

As described above, the operation cassette 44 can be removed from the sewing apparatus main body 2 by operating the operation member 44b provided on the sewing apparatus main body 2, and the operation of the operation member 44b and the sewing apparatus main body 2 can be performed. The thread T can be cut by operating the thread cutting mechanism 130 in accordance with the removal of the processing cassette 5 from.

That is, the operating member 44b is operated to determine that the processing cassette 5 is to be removed from the sewing apparatus main body 2, and before the processing cassette 5 is completely removed, the thread cutting mechanism 13 is required.
0 can be operated, and it is not necessary to separately provide an operation member for operating the thread cutting mechanism 130, and it is not necessary to operate the operation member.

Therefore, the processing cassette 5 may be removed from the sewing apparatus main body 2 without cutting the thread T, and the processing cassette 5 may not be removed from the sewing apparatus main body 2 (even if the processing cassette 5 is not replaced). T can be prevented from being cut. That is, the thread T necessary for removing (replacement) the processing cassette 5 from the sewing apparatus main body 2 can be reliably and easily cut, and the thread color (thread spool) can be more easily replaced. become.

Although not shown, a sensor for detecting operation of the operating member 44b or removal of the processing cassette 5 from the sewing apparatus main body 2 is provided, and a thread cutting mechanism 130 is provided.
An actuator such as an electric motor for driving the motor may be provided, and the actuator may be driven based on a detection signal from the sensor to operate the thread cutting mechanism 130. In this case, the engagement mechanism 135 is omitted. Also,
The operating member 44b may be provided on the processing cassette 5, or the thread cutting mechanism 130 may be provided on the processing cassette 5 side.

Incidentally, according to the processing cassette 5,
The state of being attached to the sewing device main body 2 is of course
Even when the needle is removed from the needle, at least the distal end of the hollow needle 81 can be covered with the needle cover 83, and furthermore, the movement of the needle cover at the cover position can be prohibited by the movement prohibiting mechanism 85. Can be prevented from being exposed to the outside. Therefore, especially when the processing cassette 5 is attached to and detached from the sewing apparatus main body 2, the hollow needle 8
1 can be prevented from damaging clothes and the like, and can be handled easily with excellent safety.

The hollow needle 81 is fixedly provided so that the distal end portion protrudes from the cassette body 80.
Can be reciprocated up and down together with the processing cassette 5 to allow the processing needle to penetrate the cloth 70 to perform sewing processing. Further, the needle cover 83 is also used as a presser foot.
The processing cassette 5 can be made small and simple, and the mechanism for reciprocating the hollow needle (the processing cassette 5) can be simplified, which is advantageous in reducing the size and weight of the sewing apparatus 1.

When the processing cassette 5 is mounted on the sewing apparatus main body 2, the processing cassette 5 is held in a posture different from the posture mounted on the sewing apparatus main body 2, and the engaging pin 42 is engaged with the engaging groove 86 a. To do the pivoting work,
Thereafter, the work can be switched to a position where sewing can be performed only by rotating the processing cassette 5 about the engagement pin 42, and the engagement recesses 86 are formed in the engagement members 44a.
b, the rotation of the processing cassette 5 can be restricted to this sewable position. That is, in consideration of the structure of the processing cassette 5 and the sewing apparatus main body 2, the processing cassette 5 can be easily and reliably mounted on the sewing apparatus main body 2, and it is easy to determine whether the processing cassette 5 has been mounted at the regular mounting position. can do.

Incidentally, the processing cassette 5 may be partially changed as follows. 1) The needle cover 83 may be manually moved and switched between the cover position and the retracted position. In that case, the compression coil spring 84 for urging the needle cover 83 to the cover position can be omitted. 2) Instead of the hollow needle 81, a general sewing needle may be applied. 3) In the anti-spin mechanism 91, besides pressing the contact element 101 urged by the torsion spring 102 against the flange 82b of the thread spool 82 to impart frictional resistance, the thread spool retainer and other members and parts It can be configured to contact the thread spool 82 to impart frictional resistance. 4) In the backflow prevention mechanism 92, the guide pin 105 may not be formed with the annular recess 105a, but may be formed with a recess in the leaf spring member 106 to constitute a thread passing portion. 5] Instead of forming the opening 86c as a remaining amount visually recognizable portion where the remaining amount of the thread T can be visually recognized from the outside, the housing case 86
Or / and the opening / closing lid 87 is made of a transparent or translucent material,
The remaining amount of the thread T may be configured to be visible from outside through the storage case 86 and / or the opening / closing lid 87. 6] Open / close lid 87 of cassette body 80
May be provided at a portion other than the upper surface portion of the thread color display portion 87.
As b, a part or the whole of the case main body 80 may be colored in the same color or a similar color to the color of the thread T of the thread spool 82 housed inside the case body 80 other than bonding the seal.

Next, the control system will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

The control device 13 of the sewing device 1 has a CPU 13
a, a computer including a ROM 13b and a RAM 13c, an input / output interface 13d, and an input / output terminal 13
e, which are connected by a bus 13f. The input / output interface 13d includes a drive circuit 24a for the pulse motor 24 of the X-direction drive mechanism 20, a drive circuit 35a for the pulse motor 35 of the Y-direction drive mechanism 30, and a sewing machine motor 45 of the cassette drive mechanism 12. Drive circuit 4 for
5a, a power switch 15, a start / stop switch 16, and a phase detector 119 are connected.

Here, the phase detector 119 will be described. For example, the phase detector 119 is fixed to a plurality of photo-interrupters and a pivot shaft that rotates integrally with the large-diameter gear 54, and corresponds to each photo-interrupter. The rotation phase of the pivot shaft is detected to detect the upper limit position, the lower limit position, the needle removal position, and the like of the swing arm 40.

On the other hand, the game machine 6 has a CPU 6a and a ROM
A computer including a RAM 6c and a RAM 6c, and a DVD drive 6d (DVD
D), a flash card connector 6e, input / output terminals 6f and 6g, an input terminal 6h, and an output terminal 6i, which are connected by a bus 6j. Input / output terminal 6
f is connected to the input / output terminal 13e of the sewing apparatus 1, and the controller 7 is connected to the input terminal 6h. A drive circuit 8a (LCDD) for the CRT 8 is connected to the output terminal 6i, and the input / output terminal 6g can be connected to the telephone line 9a.

A DVD 120 serving as an external storage medium for storing various sewing data and programs in a computer readable manner is detachable from the DVD drive 6d. When the DVD 120 storing game software for a video game is mounted, the DVD 120 is used. , The game screen can be displayed on the CRT 8 and the controller 7 can be operated to enjoy the game. The input / output terminal 9g and the telephone line 9
a, a server of a manufacturer (for example, Brother Industries, Ltd.) or another manufacturer (for example, a manufacturer other than Brother Industries) which is a manufacturer of the sewing apparatus 1, data, programs, etc., via the telephone line 9a. Various data related to sewing can be captured from the server on the side of)) through the server of the connection company. In other words, various data on sewing supplied from a manufacturer (for example, Brother Industries) via the Internet can be captured.

In the sewing apparatus 1, the controller 13 drives and controls the embroidery frame drive mechanism 11 (the X-direction drive mechanism 20 and the Y-direction drive mechanism 30) and the cassette drive mechanism 12 based on the sewing data. The control program for the embroidery pattern is stored in the ROM 13b. In the case of the present embodiment, various characters (persons, animals, robots, etc.) displayed on the CRT 8 by the game software using the game machine 6 are selected or edited via the screen, and the characters are displayed. The pattern data to be embroidered is created in the game machine 6 and can be supplied to the sewing device 1.

For this reason, the game machine 6 is provided with a dedicated DVD 120 capable of selecting and editing sewing data. That is, as shown in FIG. 43, the DVD 120 has a plurality of types of embroidery patterns selected from the game software and pattern data of a plurality of types of embroidery patterns input in advance. A pattern selection control program for selecting a desired embroidery pattern from the list, a pattern editing control program for editing (enlargement, reduction, combination, inversion, etc.) the selected embroidery pattern, and displayed on the CRT for selecting and setting the pattern A display control program to be executed is stored. The flash card 121 which can be connected to the flash card connector 6e can store the pattern data of the selected and edited embroidery pattern.

Further, the DVD 120 also stores a pattern data creation control program for selecting and editing a character of the game software based on the data of the game software and creating pattern data, together with the game software. In the case of creating pattern data by a program, this control program is downloaded to the RAM 6c, a DVD for game software is operated to display various characters, and characters to be provided for embroidery are selected and edited, and pattern data is created. I do. However, the pattern data is D
It is stored in VD120.

Next, a series of operations of the sewing apparatus 1 described above will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. However, as shown in FIG. 1, the sewing apparatus 1 and the game machine 6 are connected via a connection cable, and the DVD drive 6d of the game machine 6 is equipped with a DVD 120 storing the data of FIG. Shall be.
Note that the game machine 6 and the display 8 are also connected via a connection cable.

First, the game machine 6 controls the display 8
The user operates the controller 7 to select and edit the embroidery pattern while viewing the screen of the above. The embroidery pattern can be selected and edited without turning on the sewing machine 1.

In the control device of the game machine 6, as shown in FIG. 44, the control is started when the power is turned on, and after the initial setting (S1), the data of the DVD 120 (the pattern selection control program, the pattern editing A control program, a display control program, etc.) are read (S2). Thereafter, in a pattern selection process (S3), a desired embroidery pattern can be selected from a plurality of types of embroidery patterns stored in the DVD 120. In the pattern editing process (S4), the selected embroidery pattern is edited (enlarged, (Reduction, combination, inversion, etc.).

Next, when the selection and editing of the embroidery pattern are completed by operating a predetermined button of the controller 7 (S5; Ye)
s) Next, when the sewing apparatus 1 can receive data (S6; Yes), the pattern data of the embroidery pattern selected and edited is transmitted to the sewing apparatus 1 (S7), and the process returns to S3. However, when the sewing apparatus 1 cannot receive data, such as when the power of the sewing apparatus 1 is not turned on (S
6; No) Return to S5.

As shown in FIG. 45, the controller 13 of the sewing apparatus 1 starts control when the power switch 15 is operated to turn on the power, and after the initial setting (S10), data can be received. Next, when there is a transmission of the pattern data selected and edited from the game machine 6 (S1
1; Yes), the pattern data is received (S12). Next, when the start / stop switch 16 is turned on (S13; Yes), a sewing process (S14) is executed based on the received pattern data.

Here, preparations that need to be performed before starting sewing will be described.

First, with the safety cover 3 of the sewing apparatus 1 positioned at the storage position shown in FIG. 2, the embroidery frame 4 on which the cloth 70 is mounted is guided by the guide member 69 of the safety cover 3 while the embroidery frame is inserted. The embroidery frame 4 is inserted into the cover 3 through the hole 3f, and the rear end supporting portion 4a of the embroidery frame 4 is engaged with the engaging portion 18a of the carriage 18 to be mounted. The position of the carriage 18 to which the embroidery frame 4 can be securely mounted is located substantially below the swing arm 40, and the carriage 18 is moved to this position in the initial setting (S10) and is on standby. The embroidery frame 4 projects slightly beyond the safety cover 3 in a state where the safety cover 3 is located at the storage position.

After the embroidery frame 4 is mounted, the guide member 69 serving as a handle is gripped, and the safety cover 3 is slid forward to switch to the sewing position shown in FIG. In this state, the cartridge mounting port 68 is formed, so that the processing cassette 5 containing a thread of a desired color is inserted into the safety cover 3 from the cartridge mounting port 68, and mounted on the swing arm 40 and mounted. . With these preparations, the sewing process can be executed.

When the safety cover 3 is located at a position other than the sewing position, the start / stop switch 16 is turned on.
When the safety cover 3 is switched to the sewing position, the start / stop switch 16 faces the switch operation hole 3e, so that the operation is possible. That is, after that, when the start / stop switch 16 is turned on (S13; Yes), the sewing process (S1)
4) is executed.

Here, as shown in FIG.
The pattern data of each embroidery pattern stored in the embroidery pattern is composed of pattern part data of a plurality of pattern parts, and a processing cassette is exchanged for each pattern part to change a thread color. That is, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, when the start / stop switch 16 is turned on (S13; Yes), a sewing process (S14) is executed, and the embroidery frame drive mechanism 11 and the cassette drive are driven based on the pattern data of one pattern portion. The mechanism 12 is controlled to sew the pattern portion on the cloth 70.

When one pattern portion is formed, sewing of the pattern portion is completed (S15), and when the thread color of the pattern portion to be sewn next is changed, another processing cassette accommodating the thread T of that color. Replace with 8. In this case, before removing the currently mounted machining cassette 5, for example, the controller 7
Is operated (S16; Yes), a thread cutting preparation process (S17) is executed for thread cutting and replacement of the processing cassette 5.

In the yarn cutting preparation processing in S17, the pattern (cloth)
An operation is performed to position the thread T reaching the processing cassette 5 from the thread cutting blades 133 and 134 of the thread cutting mechanism 130. Specifically, the control device 13 (CPU 13a) controls the drive of the embroidery frame driving mechanism 11 so as to move the embroidery frame 4 to the deepest side of the moving range and to the position where the thread T extends back and forth. . Note that it is not always necessary to tighten the thread T to such an extent that the thread T is not removed from the cloth. Two thread cutting blades 133,134
Since the thread T is cut at a predetermined position, the thread T only needs to be at a predetermined position (between the thread cutting blades 133 and 134 in the open state).

If the processing cassette 5 is not replaced, the process goes to S18.
Need not be executed. When the thread change is not instructed (S16; No), the process returns to S13, so if the start / stop switch 16 is turned on after the sewing interruption (S15) (S13; Yes), the sewing process (S13)
14) is performed to form the next pattern portion.

As described above, according to the sewing apparatus 1,
A desired embroidery pattern can be selected and edited from a plurality of types of embroidery patterns using the game machine 6, and the embroidery pattern can be sewn on the cloth 70 attached to the embroidery frame 4.
Further, a colorful embroidery pattern can be sewn by changing the thread colors of a plurality of pattern portions forming the embroidery pattern. Then, the cloth 70 on which the embroidery pattern has been sewn is removed, the double-sided tape 77 is adhered, and a pattern sewing cloth 78 serving as an emblem can be prepared and attached to various objects.

During the sewing operation, the moving area 38 of the embroidery frame 4 can be covered by the safety cover 3 switched to the sewing position. The swing arm 40 can be covered, and the safety cover 3 cannot be removed from the sewing device main body 2.
When the safety cover 3 is at a position other than the sewing position, the start / stop switch 16 is covered by the safety cover 3 to disable the switch operation and prevent the sewing apparatus 1 from malfunctioning. Will also be very good.

In addition, the embroidery frame 4 and the processing cassette 5 can be easily attached and detached because they are compact and lightweight, so that they are convenient to carry, store and store.
The safety cover 3 can be slid back and forth to easily switch between the storage position and the sewing position for attachment and detachment, and the thread T between the hollow needle 81 and the cloth 70 can be easily cut after the sewing is completed. Therefore, it is very easy to handle.

Further, since the sewing state inside the safety cover 3 can be seen through the safety cover 3 made of a transparent material or a translucent material, the fun is increased.
From the above, it is possible to provide the embroidery device 1 that is very easy to handle even for children and the like, and is very excellent in safety and operability. Since various characters appearing in the game software can be selected to make an embroidered embroidery of the characters, it is very meaningful and fun for children and the like.

In the above embodiment, a desired embroidery pattern is selected from a plurality of types of embroidery patterns stored in the DVD 120 and edited using the game machine 6, and the pattern data is supplied to the sewing apparatus 1. In this case, the embroidery pattern is sewn, but the game machine 6 supplies the image data of the character of the game software to the sewing device 1 side, and the sewing device 1 creates the pattern data based on the image data. You may.

[0150]

As described in detail above, in the processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, a processing cassette for sewing processing is detachably mounted on a main body of the processing apparatus, and a sewing processing is performed on a workpiece. In the processing apparatus, the processing cassette is configured to be disengageable by engaging means, and the engaging means is not detachable when the processing cassette is at a position where sewing is possible. Therefore, the processing cassette during the sewing operation is held by the engagement means and does not come off the processing apparatus main body, and therefore, occurrence of inconvenience such as breakage of the workpiece and parts of the processing cassette is reliably prevented. It has the effect of being able to do so.

The processing apparatus according to claim 2 is characterized in that a processing cassette for sewing is detachably mounted on a main body of the processing apparatus, and sewing is performed on a workpiece. A swing arm is rotatably mounted on the processing apparatus main body, and the processing cassette is detachably mounted by an engaging portion fixed to the swing arm and a swingable engaging member, while the processing cassette is removed. When the swinging arm is at the processing position of the processing cassette, the operating member is separated from the engaging member, and the processing cassette is moved. When the swinging arm is in the non-machining position, the engaging member is brought close to the operating member to be operable.

Accordingly, the working cassette is engaged and supported by two members, the engaging portion and the engaging member, of the swinging arm which swings, and can maintain a stable posture, while the swinging position which is the working position of the working cassette. When the arm is in the posture, the operating member and the engaging member are separated from each other, and in the posture of the swinging arm in which the processing cassette is in the non-processing position, the operating member is brought closer to the operating member to enable the operation. As described above, the operating member can be automatically selected to be in an operable state or an inoperable state with respect to the engaging member in accordance with the posture of the swinging arm. Conversely, it is possible to control the state in which the processing cassette cannot be removed, which is advantageous in that the control configuration is extremely simplified. In addition, even if the user operates the operation member by mistake during the processing, the processing cassette is not detached from the swing arm and thus from the processing apparatus main body, so that the processing cassette is not damaged and is safe.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the processing apparatus according to the second aspect, the rotation center position of the engaging member is set relative to the rotation center position of the swing arm. Since the three rotation center positions are set at positions farther than the rotation center position and the three rotation center positions are located at the vertices of a triangle, the arrangement of the three members is substantially linear. This is advantageous in that it is more compact and the entire processing apparatus can be made more compact.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 provides the processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A sewing needle is provided in the processing cassette so as to be able to protrude and retract, and when the processing cassette is mounted on the processing apparatus main body and the needle projects beyond a predetermined amount, the processing cassette cannot be detached. With this configuration, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the user cannot accidentally remove the processing cassette during the processing, As described above, an accident such as bending of the protruding sewing needle can be reliably prevented, and an effect is obtained in that the workpiece is not damaged and is safe.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sewing device and a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sewing device (a state in which a safety cover is in a storage position).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sewing device (a state in which a safety cover is in a sewing position).

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a sewing device (a state in which a safety cover is in a sewing position).

FIG. 5 is a side view of the sewing device (a state in which a safety cover is in a sewing position).

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sewing device.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view from the front of the sewing device (the state in which the hollow needle is at the upper limit position).

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view from the front of the sewing device (the state in which the hollow needle is at the lower limit position).

FIG. 9 is a front view of a cam member.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embroidery frame.

FIG. 11 is a partial vertical sectional view of an embroidery frame.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a processing cassette.

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the processing cassette.

FIG. 14 is a left side view of the processing cassette.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of a processing cassette (closed state).

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of a processing cassette (open state).

FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the processing cassette on the storage case side.

FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the open / close lid side of the processing cassette.

FIG. 19 is a front view of a swing arm and a processing cassette (in an unmounted state).

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a part of a processing cassette and a swing arm.

FIG. 21A is a front view showing a state of attaching and detaching the processing cassette to and from the swing arm, and FIG. 21B is a front view of the processing cassette and the swing arm in a mounted state.

FIG. 22 is a plan view of a movement prohibition mechanism (locked state).

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the movement inhibition mechanism (unlocked state).

FIG. 24 is a side view of the movement inhibition mechanism.

FIG. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view of a backflow prevention mechanism.

FIG. 26 is a side view of a lock member of the lock mechanism.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of a sewing operation (before starting sewing).

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of the sewing operation (when the first needle is dropped).

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of a sewing operation (a needle rising state immediately after the first needle has dropped).

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram of the sewing operation (during cloth feeding).

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of the sewing operation (when the needles drop after the first stitch).
It is.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory view of the sewing operation (the needle up state after the first stitch).

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a cloth, an embroidery pattern formed on the cloth, and a double-sided tape.

FIG. 34 is a sectional view of a pattern sewing cloth.

FIG. 35 is a front view of a main part including a thread cutting mechanism (standby state).

FIG. 36 is a front view of a main part including a thread cutting mechanism (standby state).

FIG. 37 is a left side view of a main part including the thread cutting mechanism of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a front view of a main part including a thread cutting mechanism (a thread cutting state).

FIG. 39 is a left side view of a main part including the thread cutting mechanism of FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a thread cutting lever.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a thread cutting lever claw.

FIG. 42 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the sewing device and the game machine.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing data stored on a DVD.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart of control executed by the game machine.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart of control executed by the sewing device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 T Thread 1 Sewing device 2 Sewing device main body 3 Safety cover 4 Embroidery frame 5 Processing cassette 42 Engagement pin 42a Small diameter pin shaft 42b Large diameter portion 44a Engaging member 44b Operating member 70 Cloth 80 Cassette body 81 Hollow Needle 82 Thread spool 83 Needle cover 84 Compression coil spring 85 Movement inhibiting mechanism 86 Housing case 86a Engagement groove 86a1 Small diameter engagement groove 86a2 Large diameter engagement groove 86a3 Connecting portion 86b Engaging recess 86c Opening 87b Thread color display portion 90 storage section 91 anti-spin mechanism 92 backflow prevention mechanism 105 guide pin 105a annular recess 106 leaf spring member 107 thread passing section 130 thread cutting mechanism 131 thread cutting lever 132 link mechanism

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A processing apparatus configured to detachably mount a processing cassette for sewing processing on a main body of a processing apparatus and perform sewing processing on a workpiece, wherein the processing cassette is engaged by an engaging means. Make it detachable,
The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said engaging means is inoperable when said processing cassette is at a position where sewing is possible. 2. A processing apparatus configured to detachably mount a processing cassette for sewing processing on a main body of a processing apparatus and perform sewing processing on a workpiece, wherein a swing arm is attached to the processing apparatus main body. An operating member that is rotatably mounted and that detachably mounts the processing cassette by an engaging portion fixed to the swing arm and a swingable engaging member, and an operating member that is operated to remove the processing cassette. When the swing arm is pivotally supported on the processing device main body and is in the posture of the processing position of the processing cassette, the operating member and the engaging member are separated from each other, and the processing arm is in the non-processing position. In the posture, the working member is configured to be operable by bringing the engaging member close to the operating member. 3. The rotation center position of the engaging member is located farther than the rotation center position of the operating member with respect to the rotation center position of the swing arm, and the three rotation center positions are arranged. 3. The processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting is made so as to be positioned at a vertex of the triangle. 4. A sewing needle is provided in the processing cassette so as to be retractable, and when the processing cassette is mounted on a processing apparatus main body and the needle projects beyond a predetermined amount, the processing cassette is detached. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing apparatus is configured to be disabled.