JP3614972B2 - sewing machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sewing machine suitably used as a sewing machine or an embroidery machine for cloth, for example, and more particularly to a sewing machine that can automatically insert an upper thread into a needle hole of a sewing machine needle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, a sewing machine main body, a head part provided on the sewing machine body for reciprocating a sewing needle and swinging a balance, and a yarn storage part provided on the head part for individually storing a plurality of upper threads A plurality of sewing needles are provided on the lower end side of the head portion corresponding to each upper thread of the yarn storage portion, and each thread from the yarn storage portion is individually and individually attached to each sewing needle. A sewing machine such as a sewing machine or an embroidery machine in which any one of the sewing needles is selectively driven by a needle selection mechanism in a state of being inserted (threaded) is known.
[0003]
And in this type of prior art sewing machine, threading each thread from the thread storage part individually by manual operation or the like individually for a plurality of sewing needles provided on the lower end side of the head part, In this state, one of the sewing needles is selected by the needle selection mechanism, and the selected sewing needle is moved by the head portion so that the cloth is sewn.
[0004]
In this case, a plurality of upper thread bobbins are rotatably arranged in the thread storage portion, and different types of upper threads are wound around the bobbins, and frequently used upper threads are wound. The bobbin is wound around about 2 to 3 bobbins, and each of these bobbins is housed in the yarn housing portion. When the sewing needle is selected by the needle selection mechanism, the upper thread is individually fed out from each of these bobbins, and a seam is formed by sewing on the cloth or the like.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above-described prior art, a plurality of sewing needles are provided in the head portion of the sewing machine body, and each thread from the thread storage portion is individually threaded manually in advance with respect to each sewing needle. Later, it is configured to select one of the sewing needles with the needle selection mechanism prior to the sewing work, so that not only the entire head portion is enlarged, but also the plurality of sewing needles provided in the head portion are specified in advance. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is a great obstacle to automating sewing work or embroidery work.
[0006]
Further, for example, sewing machines described in JP-A-61-89365, JP-A-6-154453, JP-A-6-182077, JP-A-7-671, and the like (hereinafter referred to as other conventional techniques). Then, for example, a proposal has been made to allow one of a plurality of threads to be selectively inserted into a single sewing needle provided in the head portion, thereby reducing the size of the entire head portion.
[0007]
However, even in such other conventional techniques, it is difficult to automatically remove the old thread from the sewing needle and automatically thread the new thread through the sewing needle when thread breakage occurs during the sewing operation. In particular, there is a problem that it is difficult to smoothly guide the shaped yarn end side toward the needle hole of the sewing needle and to thread the yarn with high probability while shaping (forming) the yarn end on the tip side of a new yarn. .
[0008]
Also, if the thread being used is completely consumed during the sewing operation and the thread is used up, it can be detected as a thread break due to a decrease in thread tension, but the thread is completely consumed. Therefore, it cannot be determined whether or not the thread breakage has occurred, and there is a problem that it is difficult to efficiently perform the subsequent sewing work.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and the present invention can selectively insert one of a plurality of threads into a sewing needle provided in the head portion, and can reduce the size of the entire head portion. Even when the thread is used up in the middle of the sewing machine operation, it can be handled smoothly, and thread selection and threading are automated. By doing so, sewing work or embroidery work can be automated The purpose is to provide such a sewing machine.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention described in claim 1 includes a sewing machine main body, a head unit that is provided in the sewing machine main body and that reciprocates the sewing needle and swings the balance, and the head unit. A yarn path forming means for forming a thread path for passing the thread through at least the balance and the sewing needle, a thread storage means for individually storing a plurality of threads including the same type of thread, and the thread storage One of the yarn guide means for individually guiding the plurality of yarns stored in the means toward one end side of the yarn path provided in the head portion, and the plurality of yarns guided by the yarn guide means A yarn selecting means for selecting one yarn, a yarn sending means for sending the one yarn selected by the yarn selecting means toward one end of the yarn path with a predetermined feed amount, and the yarn sending means The yarn sent out toward the yarn path A yarn end shaping means for cutting the tip side to adjust the shape of the yarn end; and a yarn that is provided between the yarn end shaping means and the yarn path, and that is cut by the yarn end shaping means and remains in the yarn path. Yarn suction removing means for sucking and removing the yarn outside the yarn path, and by passing a gas through the yarn path, the yarn end whose yarn end is preliminarily arranged by the yarn end shaping means is removed from the other end of the yarn path. A thread guiding means for guiding the thread from the thread end side to the needle hole of the sewing needle, and a thread selected by at least the thread selecting means among a plurality of threads stored in the thread storing means. , A yarn cost consumption detecting means for detecting as a consumption of the yarn whether or not it has been used up by the sewing operation of the sewing machine body; A controller that stores in advance a yarn position of each yarn guided by the yarn guide means in a storage area and performs automatic threading control, and the controller detects the expense consumption of the yarn by the yarn cost consumption detection means. Sometimes, the yarn selecting means, the yarn end shaping means, the yarn suction removing means, and the yarn guiding means are sequentially selected while the yarn selecting means selects the next yarn based on the stored contents of the yarn position in the storage area. Operate Is adopted.
[0011]
With this configuration, when any one of the plurality of yarns guided from the yarn storage unit via the yarn guide unit is selected by the yarn selection unit, the selected yarn is transmitted by the yarn delivery unit. The yarn end shape can be adjusted by cutting the leading end side of the yarn sent out by the yarn sending means by the yarn end shaping means while sending it by a predetermined feed amount toward one end side of the yarn path. The yarn remaining on the road side can be sucked by the yarn suction removing means and removed outside the yarn path. That is, since the controller that performs automatic threading control stores in advance the thread position of each thread guided by the thread guide means, the thread selection by the thread selecting means can be controlled based on the stored contents of the thread position, and thereafter By automatically operating the yarn feeding means, the yarn end shaping means and the yarn suction removing means, the yarn feeding control by the yarn feeding means and the control for adjusting the shape of the yarn end by the yarn end shaping means can be automated. The yarn remaining on the yarn path side can be automatically sucked by the yarn suction removing means and removed to the outside of the yarn path. In this state, the gas is allowed to flow through the yarn path, so that the yarn with the shaped end can be smoothly guided to the other end side of the yarn path by the yarn guiding means. It can be inserted into the needle hole of the needle. In addition, when the used thread is used up due to the sewing operation of the sewing machine body, it can be detected by the thread consumption detecting means as the consumption of the thread. At this time, the old thread remaining on the yarn path side can be detected. The yarn can be sucked and removed from the yarn path by the yarn suction / removal means, and the previous old yarn can be reliably prevented from staying in the middle of the yarn path. Then, for example, by selecting the same type (color) of yarn stored in the yarn storage means with the yarn selection means, while guiding a new yarn of the same type (color) along the yarn path with the yarn guide means, Automatic threading can be performed on the sewing needle.
[0015]
That is The controller, when detecting the consumption of the yarn by the yarn consumption detecting means, causes the yarn selecting means to select the next yarn based on the stored contents of the yarn position, while the yarn sending means, the yarn end shaping means, the yarn The suction removing means and the yarn guiding means can be operated sequentially. For example, by storing the same type (color) of yarn in the yarn storage means in advance, the same type (color) of yarn can be smoothly supplied as needed even after the yarn is consumed. This Even when the used yarn is consumed during the sewing operation, the old yarn remaining on the yarn path side is sucked by the yarn suction removing means while being detected by the yarn consumption detecting means. After that, when a new yarn of the same type is guided along the yarn path by the yarn guiding means, it is ensured that the previous old yarn is stuck in the middle of the yarn path, etc. Can be prevented.
[0016]
Also , Claims 2 The invention described in (1) further includes a yarn break sensor that detects whether or not a yarn break has occurred during the sewing operation, and the controller performs the sewing operation when the yarn break sensor detects the yarn break. In the stopped state, the front Writing The operation of the feeding means and the yarn end shaping means is controlled, and before the new yarn is guided along the yarn path by the yarn guiding means, the old yarn remaining on the yarn path side is sucked by the yarn suction removing means. To remove the yarn path from the outside.
[0017]
As a result, the controller detects the thread breakage of the upper thread, for example, based on the stored contents of the thread position. Same as broken thread The yarn sending means, the yarn end shaping means, the yarn suction removing means, and the yarn guiding means can be sequentially operated while the yarn is selected by the yarn selecting means. Even when such yarn breakage occurs, the corresponding yarn can be smoothly supplied. That is, when a yarn breakage occurs during the sewing operation, the yarn remaining on the yarn path side can be sucked and removed to the outside while being detected by the yarn breakage sensor, When the new yarn is guided along the yarn path by the yarn guiding means, it is possible to reliably prevent the previous old yarn from being caught in the middle of the yarn path or the like.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0025]
Here, FIGS. 1 to 10 show an example in which the sewing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used as an embroidery machine.
[0026]
In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a sewing machine main body constituting a main body part of the embroidery machine. The sewing machine main body 1 is composed of a base 2 and a head part 3 provided on the base 2. The head portion 3 of the sewing machine main body 1 includes a large end portion 3A fixed on the base 2, an arm portion 3B extending substantially parallel to the base 2 from the upper end side of the large end portion 3A, and the arm It is generally composed of a small end portion 3C that protrudes downward from the tip side of the portion 3B and faces an embroidery frame (not shown) on the base 2.
[0027]
Reference numeral 4 denotes a flywheel provided on the base end side of the arm portion 3B of the head portion 3, and the playwheel 4 has a main shaft (not shown) extending in the arm portion 3B of the head portion 3 toward the small end portion 3C side. The main shaft is connected and rotated together with the flywheel 4 by a main shaft motor 73 (see FIG. 8) described later provided on the base 2 side.
[0028]
Here, in the small end portion 3C of the head portion 3, a drive unit (not shown) for converting the rotation of the main shaft into an up and down reciprocating motion is provided. 2 and the needle shaft 5 and the sewing needle 6 protruding as shown in FIG. 2 from the lower end side of the small end portion 3C toward the base 2 are driven up and down. In the base 2, a needle plate 7 and a lower thread bobbin 8 around which a lower thread (not shown) is wound are disposed at a position facing the tip of the sewing needle 6.
[0029]
Reference numeral 9 denotes a thread tension provided on the front side of the head section 3 and positioned on the front end side of the arm section 3B. The thread tension 9 is arranged on the outer peripheral side on the upper thread 43 described later as shown in FIGS. Is provided with a thread take-up spring 10 that applies tension to the upper thread 43 and feeds the upper thread 43 toward the balance 11 with low friction feeding. The thread tension 9 applies a tension of, for example, about 25 to 50 g to the upper thread 43, and when the upper thread 43 is pulled beyond the tension by the sewing needle 6 or the like, the upper thread 43 is directed toward the balance 11 side. It is designed to allow yarns to be fed.
[0030]
Reference numeral 11 denotes a balance disposed on the front side of the small end portion 3C of the head portion 3. The balance 11 is swung upward and downward substantially synchronously with the sewing needle 6 by the driving portion of the head portion 3, and downwards. When swinging, a slight slack is given to the upper thread 43 between the sewing needle 6 and the upper thread 43 is fed to the sewing needle 6 side. Further, when the balance 11 is swung upward, the upper thread 43 is pulled up between a stitch (not shown) formed on the embroidery cloth by the sewing needle 6 and the thread tension 9 or the like. A tension is applied to the upper thread 43 to tighten the seam and feed the upper thread 43.
[0031]
Reference numeral 12 denotes a thread hook that is fixed to the front surface of the small end portion 3C of the head portion 3 at a position below the balance 11, and the thread hook 12 is provided with an upper thread 43 inserted through a thread hole 11A of the balance 11. The upper thread 43 is smoothly slid from the thread hole 11A of the balance 11 toward the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6 so as to be slidably hooked on the front surface of the lower end of the small end 3C.
[0032]
Reference numeral 13 denotes a yarn path forming mechanism provided on the front end side of the arm portion 3B and the front side of the small end portion 3C. The yarn path forming mechanism 13 is a small end of the head portion 3 as shown in FIGS. A fixed plate 14 as a fixed portion provided fixed to the portion 3C, and a movable plate as a movable portion disposed so as to be able to abut against and be separated from the fixed plate 14 via guides 15, 15,. 16, and a meandering yarn path 17 is formed on the movable plate 16 as a yarn path located on the abutting surface side with the fixed plate 14. The meandering yarn path 17 is formed in front of the balance 11 by engraving a U-shaped groove having a depth of about 0.5 to 1 mm on the abutting surface of the movable plate 16. It is formed as a narrow groove extending in a curved line or a straight line later.
[0033]
Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the meandering yarn path 17 includes a straight yarn path portion 17A extending downward from a position of a yarn introduction detector 63 described later, and a thread tension from the lower end side of the linear yarn path portion 17A. 9 extending in a curved shape around the circumference of the thread 9 and threading part 17B for thread tension for inserting the upper thread 43 through the thread take-up spring 10 or the like; The balance thread passage portion 17C extends in a substantially U-shape or V-shape and passes the upper thread 43 through the thread hole 11A of the balance 11, and the distal end side of the balance thread passage portion 17C. Is open downward to the position of the thread hook 12.
[0034]
In this case, the fixed plate 14 and the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13 have respective abutting surfaces formed as smooth surfaces, and can be abutted in an airtight state. The movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13 is pushed in the direction of arrow A1 in FIG. 5 by an actuator 18 or the like described later, and the abutting surface of the movable plate 16 is airtight on the abutting surface of the fixed plate 14. By adhering together, the meandering yarn path 17 is formed as an air passage between the fixed plate 14 and the meandering yarn path 17. The fixed plate 14 and the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13 are formed with a later-described balance guide hole 70 and the like that allow the balance 11 and the like to swing up and down.
[0035]
Reference numeral 18 denotes an actuator as a yarn path opening means provided between the fixed plate 14 and the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13, and the actuator 18 is movable plate 16 by supplying and discharging air pressure from the outside. Are driven along the guides 15 in the directions indicated by arrows A1 and A2, and the movable plate 16 is abutted or separated from the fixed plate 14. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the actuator 18 releases the meandering thread path 17 by separating the movable plate 16 from the fixed plate 14 in the direction indicated by the arrow A2, and the upper thread 43 is free from the meandering thread path 17. And
[0036]
Here, since the meandering thread path 17 is formed as a narrow groove having a U-shaped cross section on the abutting surface side of the movable plate 16, the movable plate 16 is indicated by an arrow A2 by the actuator 18 after threading through the sewing needle 6. When the sewing needle 6 is driven, the upper thread 43 is caught on the serpentine thread path 17 when the sewing thread 6 is driven. It is designed to prevent such a situation. In this state, tension is applied to the upper thread 43 by the thread tension 9 or the like according to the swing of the balance 11, and the upper thread 43 is fed with low friction toward the sewing needle 6.
[0037]
Reference numeral 19 denotes another yarn path forming mechanism provided on the front side of the small end portion 3C of the head portion 3. The yarn path forming mechanism 19 is fixed to the lower end side of the small end portion 3C as shown in FIGS. A fixed plate 20 as a fixed portion extending downward to the position of the sewing needle 6 and a movable plate 22 as a movable portion disposed so as to be able to abut against and be separated from the fixed plate 20 via guides 21 and 21. The movable plate 22 has a relay yarn path 23 which is located on the abutting surface side with the fixed plate 20 and extends downward, and has a U-shaped cross section having a depth of about 0.5 to 1 mm, for example. It is formed as a narrow groove made of a concave groove.
[0038]
Here, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 and the like, the relay yarn path 23 opens at the upper end side to face the tip (lower end) side of the balance thread path portion 17C, and the linear yarn path portion 23A extends downward at the lower end side. And a curved yarn path portion 23B that is bent in a substantially L shape with a constant curvature from the lower end side of the linear yarn path portion 23A and extends in the horizontal direction toward the yarn posture corrector 25 described later. . The fixed plate 20 and the movable plate 22 of the yarn path forming mechanism 19 are formed in an elongated flat plate shape, and the lower end side thereof is curved in a substantially L shape along the curved thread path portion 23B of the relay thread path 23. . In addition, the abutting surfaces of the fixed plate 20 and the movable plate 22 of the yarn path forming mechanism 19 are formed as smooth surfaces, and can be abutted in an airtight state.
[0039]
Reference numeral 24 denotes an actuator as a yarn path opening means provided between the fixed plate 20 and the movable plate 22 of the yarn path forming mechanism 19, and the actuator 24 is movable plate 22 by supplying and discharging air pressure from the outside. Are driven along the guides 21 so that the movable plate 22 is abutted or separated from the fixed plate 20. When the movable plate 22 is brought into contact with the fixed plate 20 by the actuator 24 as shown in FIG. 6, the relay yarn path 23 is formed as an air passage between the movable plate 22 and the fixed plate 20. When separated from the fixed plate 20 in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 6, the relay yarn path 23 is opened, and the upper thread 43 is set free from the relay yarn path 23.
[0040]
Reference numeral 25 denotes a yarn posture correcting device as a yarn posture correcting unit disposed between the lower end side of the yarn path forming mechanism 19 and the sewing needle 6 so as to be able to advance and retreat. The yarn posture correcting device 25 is shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, the nozzle half 26A, 26B is provided on an extension 37A of a swing arm 37, which will be described later, and is divided into two at the bottom, and the sewing needle 6 formed between the nozzle halves 26A, 26B. The nozzle-like yarn path 27 that extends linearly toward the needle hole 6A and the extension part 37A of the swing arm 37 adjacent to the nozzle halves 26A and 26B are arranged to move the nozzle halves 26A and 26B up and down. It is comprised from the correction | amendment cylinders 28, such as an air cylinder made to collide and separate in a direction.
[0041]
The correction cylinder 28 forms a nozzle-like thread path 27 between the nozzle halves 26A and 26B when the nozzle halves 26A and 26B are brought into contact with each other as shown in FIG. In this state, one end of the path 27 faces the front end side of the curved thread path 23B, and the other end faces the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6. Further, when the nozzle half 26B is separated upward from the nozzle half 26A by the correcting cylinder 28, the nozzle-like yarn path 27 is opened, and the upper thread 43 is made free from the nozzle-like yarn path 27.
[0042]
Further, an air inlet 26C is formed on one end side of the nozzle half body 26A, and the air inlet 26C discharges air from an external pressure source through an air supply / discharge valve (both not shown) and the like. To the downstream side of the thread path 27. The yarn posture corrector 25 is in a state in which one end side of the nozzle-like yarn path 27 is opposed to the tip end side of the curved yarn path portion 23B and the other end side is opposed to the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6. The air suction port 26 </ b> C is jetted toward the downstream side of the nozzle-like yarn path 27, thereby correcting the yarn posture of the upper thread 43 in a straight line in the nozzle-like yarn path 27, and a yarn suction device described later. In cooperation with 30, the upper thread 43 is inserted into the needle hole 6 </ b> A of the sewing needle 6.
[0043]
29, 29,... Are air escape holes formed in the nozzle halves 26A, 26B. Each of the air escape holes 29 communicates with an intermediate portion of the nozzle-like yarn path 27 at one end and has a constant inclination angle at the other end. And extends to the downstream side of the nozzle halves 26A and 26B and opens to the outside. When the air stays in the nozzle-like yarn path 27, each air escape hole 29 discharges the air to the outside of the nozzle halves 26A and 26B, thereby smooth air in the nozzle-like yarn path 27. Compensate for the flow of
[0044]
Reference numeral 30 denotes a yarn suction device as a yarn suction portion attached to the swing arm 37 so as to face the nozzle-like yarn path 27 of the yarn posture correcting device 25 across the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6. Reference numeral 30 denotes a thread suction hole 30A having a small diameter at one end and is opposed to the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6, and the other end is a drawing portion 30B of the upper thread 43. Further, an air introduction port 30C is formed in the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the yarn suction device 30, and the air introduction port 30C circulates air from the pressurized air source toward the drawing portion 30B side. Then, a negative pressure is generated on the yarn suction hole 30A side by the air flow at this time, whereby the upper thread 43 from the yarn posture corrector 25 is inserted into the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6, and the yarn suction hole 30A. Is led to the position of the lead-out part 30B.
[0045]
Here, the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30 constitute a yarn path forming means together with the yarn path forming mechanisms 13 and 19, and the correction cylinder 28 of the yarn posture corrector 25 constitutes a part of the yarn path opening means. It is what you are doing. The air inlets 26C and 30C and the air escape holes 29 constitute yarn guiding means for the upper thread 43 together with supply / discharge nozzles 66 to 69 described later, and the upper thread 43 is attached to the sewing needle 6 by the air flow as gas. It is guided toward the needle hole 6A.
[0046]
Reference numeral 31 denotes a threading detector as a threading detection means provided on the swing arm 37 so as to face the drawing portion 30B of the thread suction device 30, and the threading detector 31 includes an optical sensor or the like, Whether or not the upper thread 43 has been inserted into the sewing needle 6 is detected by detecting whether or not the leading end side of the upper thread 43 has been withdrawn from the drawing portion 30B of the container 30. When the threading detector 31 detects that the upper thread 43 has been inserted into the sewing needle 6, a threading completion signal is sent to a controller 76 (see FIG. See 8 ) To operate a positioning motor 32 described later.
[0047]
Reference numeral 32 denotes a positioning motor attached to the back side of the small end portion 3C of the head portion 3 via a support plate 33. The positioning motor 32 comprises a stepping motor or the like, and a drive gear 34 is provided on one end side of the rotary shaft 32A. It is fixed. A manual knob 32B is provided on the other end side of the rotating shaft 32A, and the manual knob 32B can manually rotate the rotating shaft 32A of the positioning motor 32 appropriately.
[0048]
Reference numeral 35 denotes a bearing device attached to the lower side of the positioning motor 32 via a bracket or the like. Reference numeral 36 denotes a driven gear rotatably supported by the bearing device 35. The driven gear 36 meshes with the drive gear 34 and is positioned. It is rotated by the motor 32.
[0049]
Reference numeral 37 denotes a swing arm as a connecting member whose base end side is fixed to the driven gear 36 and whose distal end extends downward, and the tip end side of the swing arm 37 is below the sewing needle 6 as shown in FIG. An extension portion 37 </ b> A extending in the horizontal direction is integrally provided, and the extension portion 37 </ b> A is configured to integrally support the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30. Then, the swing arm 37 is swung in the direction indicated by the arrow C shown in FIG. 7 by the positioning motor 32, and the yarn posture correcting device 25 and the yarn suction device 30 are moved to the yarn suction position indicated by the solid line in FIG. It is made to advance and retreat to the retracted position indicated by.
[0050]
Here, the swing arm 37 constitutes a yarn path opening mechanism 38 of the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction unit 30 together with the positioning motor 32 and the like, and the yarn path opening mechanism 38 is meandered after threading to the sewing needle 6. The yarn path opening means for opening the thread path 17, the relay thread path 23, the nozzle thread path 27, and the like is configured together with the actuators 18 and 24.
[0051]
Reference numerals 39 and 40 denote position detectors for detecting the swinging position of the swinging arm 37. The position detector 39 reaches the thread suction position indicated by the solid line in FIG. The position detector 40 detects whether or not the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30 have reached the retracted position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. It is detected via the swing arm 37.
[0052]
41, 41,... Indicate cheese cases serving as yarn storage means disposed at predetermined positions apart from the head portion 3 of the sewing machine body 1, and each cheese case 41 is located above the head portion 3 as shown in FIG. 10 to 15 in total are provided, and the upper end side thereof is connected to the proximal end side of each yarn guide tube 46 described later. And in each cheese case 41, the upper thread 43 as a thread | yarn is accommodated in the wound state via the bobbin 42, respectively, and each these upper thread 43 is comprised by the thread | yarn etc. from which a kind (color) differs mutually. . Of the upper threads 43 stored in each cheese case 41, the same type (color) of the upper threads 43 that are frequently used are stored in, for example, two cheese cases 41 via bobbins 42. ing.
[0053]
44 shows a guide holder for the upper thread 43 as a thread guiding means disposed apart from each cheese case 41 and above the head portion 3, and the guide holder 44 has a guide holder 44 as shown in FIGS. The number of thread tensions 45, 45,... Corresponding to each cheese case 41 and the distal end side of the thread guide tubes 46, 46,... Are attached, and the base end side of each yarn guide tube 46 is the upper end of each cheese case 41. Connected to the side. Then, the upper thread 43 from each cheese case 41 is guided to each thread tension 45 via each thread guide tube 46, and each thread retainer described later in a state where a constant tension is applied by each thread tension 45. To 55.
[0054]
Reference numerals 47, 47,... Indicate yarn cost consumption sensors as yarn cost consumption detection means located on the lower side of each thread tension 45 and attached to the guide holder 44. Each of the yarn cost consumption sensors 47 is composed of an optical sensor or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the guide holders 44 are arranged in the length direction with the number corresponding to each thread tension 45. In addition, flat thread hooks 48 and 48 are disposed in front of and behind each of the yarn cost consuming sensors 47 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction, and the upper thread 43 from each thread tension 45 is connected to the front and rear thread hooks 48 and 48. Etc., and is inserted into each yarn cost consuming sensor 47 in a state where tension is applied thereto.
[0055]
Here, each yarn cost canceling sensor 47 detects whether or not the upper thread 43 is inserted into each inside, whereby each upper thread 43 stored in each cheese case 41 is completely consumed by the sewing operation. That is, it is detected upstream of the yarn introduction detector 63 whether or not the upper thread 43 has been consumed in the sewing machine operation and has been used up. As a result, even if a thread breakage occurs in the upper thread 43 on the head part 3 side of the sewing machine body 1, in this case, the upper thread 43 is held while being inserted in each thread cost consuming sensor 47. The controller 76 can reliably identify when the yarn is cut and when the yarn is consumed (end of use).
[0056]
49 is an upper thread selection mechanism as a thread selection means for selecting one of the upper threads 43 guided from each cheese case 41, and the upper thread selection mechanism 49 is shown in FIGS. As shown, a slider 50 located between the guide holder 44 and the yarn introduction detector 63 is movably disposed on the head portion 3 of the sewing machine body 1, and the slider 50 is attached to a rack 51, a pinion 52, and the like. And a thread selection motor 53 that is slid in the lateral direction of the head portion 3 (in the direction indicated by the arrow D in FIG. 3).
[0057]
Here, the thread selection motor 53 comprises a stepping motor or the like, and the slider 50 is slid at a constant pitch in the lateral direction (arrow D direction) of the head portion 3 via the rack 51, the pinion 52, etc. Any one of the upper threads 43 among the threads 43 is selectively moved to a position of a feed roller 57 described later.
[0058]
A guide roller 54 is rotatably provided on the slider 50. The guide roller 54 is advanced and retracted by an after-mentioned pressing cylinder 60 to an operating position indicated by a solid line and a non-operating position indicated by a dotted line in FIG. By rotating in accordance with the feeding roller 57, the upper thread 43 selected with the feeding roller 57 is compensated for being fed toward the yarn introducing device 62 described later. Further, the guide roller 54 is separated from the feeding roller 57 when the guide roller 54 is retracted to the non-operating position, and the feeding of the upper thread 43 by the feeding roller 57 is stopped.
[0059]
55 denote yarn holders as yarn holding means for temporarily holding the tip end side of each upper thread 43 guided from each cheese case 41, and each yarn holder 55 is exemplified in FIG. On the slider 50, the number corresponding to each cheese case 41 (each thread tension 45) is arranged in a row. Each thread retainer 55 allows the upper thread 43 selected by the upper thread selection mechanism 49 out of each upper thread 43 to be sent out to the thread introducer 62 side, and sets each remaining upper thread 43 in a standby state. It is the structure held in.
[0060]
Reference numeral 56 denotes an upper thread delivery mechanism as a thread delivery means for delivering the upper thread 43 selected by the upper thread selection mechanism 49 to the thread introducer 62 side. The upper thread delivery mechanism 56 includes a guide roller 54 and a guide roller 54 as shown in FIG. The feed roller 57 sandwiches the leading end side of the upper thread 43 and a drive motor 59 that rotationally drives the feed roller 57 via a belt 58 or the like.
[0061]
Here, the drive motor 59 is a stepping motor or the like, and rotationally drives the feed roller 57 with a constant rotation amount when the guide roller 54 is in the operating position. At this time, the feeding roller 57 holds the upper thread 43 between the guide roller 54 and rotates at a constant speed together with the guide roller 54 so that the upper thread 43 is directed toward the thread introducer 62. It is configured to feed by a predetermined feed amount.
[0062]
Reference numeral 60 denotes a pressing cylinder that sends out the guide roller 54 and advances and retreats with respect to the roller 57. The pressing cylinder 60 is constituted by an air cylinder or the like that expands and contracts the rod 60A upward and downward as shown in FIG. At the time of extension, the guide roller 54 is swung to the operating position via the arm 61. At this time, the guide roller 54 is pressed against the delivery roller 57 and is rotated by being driven by the delivery roller 57. When the rod 60A of the pressing cylinder 60 is contracted, the guide roller 54 is retracted to the inoperative position indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 4 via the arm 61. At this time, the guide roller 54 is separated from the sending roller 57. Then, the feeding of the upper thread 43 by the feeding roller 57 is stopped.
[0063]
62, 62,... Indicate thread introducers disposed between the head portion 3 of the sewing machine body 1 and the feed roller 57, and each thread introducer 62 holds each thread as illustrated in FIG. A number corresponding to each yarn holder 55 is arranged in a row so as to face the container 55 at the top and bottom. Each thread introducer 62 is moved in the direction of arrow D together with the slider 50 of the upper thread selection mechanism 49 when the upper thread 43 is selected, and one of the thread introducers 62 (the selected upper thread 62) is selected. The yarn introduction device 62) corresponding to the yarn 43 is opposed to the yarn introduction detector 63 at the upper side and the lower side.
[0064]
In addition, each of the yarn introduction devices 62 generates air flow toward the yarn introduction detector 63 in the yarn introduction device 62 by supplying and discharging air from the outside, and the upper yarn 43 is generated by the air flow at this time. Is inserted (guided) into the thread introducer 62. Then, the tip end side of the upper thread 43 fed from the feed roller 57 with a constant feed amount is inserted into the thread introducer 62 and further sent downward to pass the thread through the thread introduction detector 63. It is introduced into the straight yarn path portion 17A of the path forming mechanism 13.
[0065]
Reference numeral 63 denotes a yarn introduction detector disposed between the yarn introduction device 62 and the linear yarn path portion 17A of the yarn path forming mechanism 13, and the yarn introduction detector 63 includes an optical sensor or the like, and the upper yarn It is detected whether or not the distal end side of 43 has been introduced into the linear yarn path portion 17A via the yarn introducer 62.
[0066]
Reference numeral 64 denotes a thread trimming mechanism as a thread end shaping means which is positioned below the thread introduction detector 63 and is disposed so as to be able to advance and retreat on the upper end side of the linear thread path portion 17A. When the leading end side of the upper thread 43 is detected by the introduction detector 63, the leading end side of the upper thread 43 is advanced into the operating position shown in FIG. 6 in the direction of the arrow E1 and introduced into the linear thread path portion 17A. Is forcibly disconnected.
[0067]
Here, the thread trimming mechanism 64 is driven by an electromagnetic actuator such as a solenoid, and cuts the leading end side of the upper thread 43 within the linear thread path portion 17A, whereby an edge-shaped thread end is formed on the leading end side of the upper thread 43. Is formed (shaped). Further, the thread trimming mechanism 64 forms (shapes) the thread end on the leading end side of the upper thread 43, and then moves backward in the direction of arrow E2 shown in FIG. Is smoothly guided into the serpentine thread path 17.
[0068]
Denoted at 65 is a yarn sucker as a yarn sucking / removing means located below the yarn trimming mechanism 64 and disposed between the fixed plate 14 and the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, 65 is configured as a nozzle cylinder having one end opened at a position near the supply / discharge nozzle 66 and the other end opened outside the yarn path forming mechanism 13. Then, the yarn sucker 65 generates an air flow in the direction indicated by arrow F with air from the pressurized air source when the yarn trimmer mechanism 64 is operated, and is cut by the yarn trimmer mechanism 64 from the tip side of the upper thread 43. The yarn waste is discharged to the outside in the direction of arrow F.
[0069]
Also, when yarn breakage or yarn consumption (end of use of the upper thread 43) occurs during the sewing operation or the like, the yarn sucker 65 generates an air flow in the direction indicated by arrow F by the air from the pressure source. Thus, for example, when the sewing machine is driven, the thread (the old thread that has been used so far) that has been supplied to the sewing machine needle 6 through the fixed plate 14 and the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13 is indicated by an arrow. Suction is performed so as to suck in the direction F, and the old yarn remaining in the yarn path forming mechanism 13 is discharged to the outside.
[0070]
Reference numerals 66 and 67 denote supply / discharge nozzles as yarn guiding means disposed in the middle of the meandering yarn path 17, and the supply / discharge nozzles 66 and 67 supply air from the pressurized air source via an air supply / discharge valve or the like. By supplying and discharging into the serpentine thread path 17, a negative pressure or a positive pressure is generated in the serpentine thread path 17, and the upper thread 43 with the thread end shaped is end-ended along the serpentine thread path 17. It is guided from the (upstream end) side to the other end (downstream end) side.
[0071]
Here, the supply / discharge nozzle 66 is disposed on one end (upper end) side of the linear yarn path portion 17A, and the upper thread 43 is fed into the linear yarn path portion 17A and the thread tension yarn path portion 17B by the air from the pressure source. To the downstream side. The supply / discharge nozzle 67 is disposed in the middle of the balance thread passage portion 17C, and the upper thread 43 guided to the balance thread passage portion 17C by the air flow from the supply / discharge nozzle 66 is used as the balance thread. It guide | induces by the air flow from the supply / discharge nozzle 67 to the downstream of the road part 17C.
[0072]
Reference numerals 68 and 69 denote supply / discharge nozzles as yarn guiding means disposed in the middle of the relay yarn path 23. The supply / discharge nozzles 68 and 69 relay air from the pressurized air source via an air supply / discharge valve or the like. By supplying or discharging into the yarn path 23, a negative pressure or a positive pressure is generated in the relay yarn path 23, and the upper thread 43 with the yarn end shaped is moved along the relay yarn path 23 at one end (upstream end) side. To the other end (downstream end) side.
[0073]
Here, the supply / discharge nozzles 68, 69 are spaced apart from one end (upper end) side and the other end (lower end) side of the linear yarn path portion 23 </ b> A, and are linearly formed by the air flow from the supply / discharge nozzle 67. The upper thread 43 guided into the yarn path portion 23A is guided toward the curved thread path portion 23B on the lower end side. The supply / discharge nozzle 69 supplies / discharges air toward the curved yarn path portion 23B, whereby the upper thread 43 is transferred from the curved yarn path portion 23B into the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27 of the yarn posture corrector 25. Induce.
[0074]
Reference numeral 70 denotes a balance guide hole formed in the fixed plate 14 and the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13, and the balance guide hole 70 is vertically moved along the swinging locus of the balance 11 as shown in FIG. It extends by a certain length and allows the balance 11 to swing up and down during the sewing machine operation. In addition, the fixed plate 14 and the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13 have an upper portion extending along the balance guide hole 70 to the upper end of the balance guide hole 70 and a lower portion having a certain curvature from the balance guide hole 70. An arc-shaped lever guide hole 70 </ b> A that branches off at the right is formed. The lever guide hole 70A is configured to allow the yarn hooking portion 71B side of the yarn spreading lever 71 described later to swing in the direction indicated by the arrow G in FIG.
[0075]
Reference numeral 71 denotes a yarn separating lever provided in the head portion 3 of the sewing machine body 1 together with the yarn path forming mechanism 13. The yarn separating lever 71 is connected to the output shaft of the yarn separating motor 72 with the base end side as a rotation center 71A. The leading end side is a thread hook 71B inserted into the lever guide hole 70A. Then, when the thread hooking portion 71B is threaded through the sewing needle 6, the thread separating lever 71 approaches the balance 11 as shown by the solid line in FIG. 6 so as to face the thread hole 11A on the left and right. It is arranged in the middle of the path portion 17C, and after threading to the sewing needle 6, it is rotated in the direction of arrow G by the thread separating motor 72 as shown by the dotted line in FIG.
[0076]
As a result, with the serpentine thread path 17 etc. of the yarn path forming mechanism 13 opened, the yarn hooking portion 71B of the yarn spreading lever 71 is largely separated from the balance 11, thereby forming the curved serpentine thread path 17 etc. The upper thread 43 in the slack state along the balance 11 can be pulled between the thread hole 11A of the balance 11 and the thread hooking portion 71B of the thread separating lever 71, and the upper thread 43 can be surely slackened before the subsequent sewing operation. Can be absorbed into.
[0077]
Reference numeral 73 denotes a spindle motor as a drive source provided on the base 2 side of the sewing machine body 1. The spindle motor 73 is connected to the output side of the controller 76 as shown in FIG. The main spindle on the 3 side is driven to rotate.
[0078]
Reference numeral 74 denotes a rotation sensor as a rotation position detecting means for detecting the rotation position of the spindle motor 73. The rotation sensor 74 detects the rotation angle (position) of the spindle motor 73 and outputs a detection signal to the controller 76. The controller 76 monitors the needle tip position of the sewing needle 6 and the swing position of the balance 11 based on the detection signal from the rotation sensor 74.
[0079]
Reference numeral 75 denotes a thread break sensor provided in the head portion 3 of the sewing machine body 1, etc. The thread break sensor 75 detects this when a thread break occurs in the upper thread 43 or the lower thread during a normal sewing operation (embroidery operation). The sewing machine operation is automatically stopped by detecting and outputting the detection signal to the controller 76.
[0080]
Further, 76 denotes a controller constituted by a microcomputer or the like. As shown in FIG. 8, the controller 76 has a threading detector 31, position detectors 39 and 40, a thread consumption sensor 47, a thread introduction detector 63 on its input side. Are connected to the rotation sensor 74, the thread break sensor 75, etc., and the output side actuators 18 and 24 for opening the yarn path, the correction cylinder 28, the positioning motor 32, the thread selection motor 53, the drive motor 59, the thread trimming mechanism 64, and the thread suction mechanism. It is connected to a device 65, a thread separating motor 72, a spindle motor 73, a frame moving mechanism (not shown) of the embroidery frame, and the like.
[0081]
The controller 76 stores the programs shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 in the storage circuit, and performs automatic threading control processing and the like. Further, in the storage circuit of the controller 76, in the storage area 76A, the rotational position of the spindle motor 73 corresponding to the top dead center position of the balance 11 to which the balance 11 is to be rocked in advance when threading, The thread positions of the upper threads 43, 43,... Led from the cheese case 41 to the thread holders 55 via the thread guide tubes 46 are stored in an updatable manner.
[0082]
The automatic threading device of the embroidery machine according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration. Next, automatic threading control processing by the controller 76 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0083]
First, as an operation preparation operation of the embroidery machine, the leading end side of each upper thread 43 accommodated in each cheese case 41 is guided to each thread tension 45 via each thread guide tube 46, and each upper thread tension 45 causes each upper thread 43 to move upward. While applying a constant tension to the yarn 43, in this state, the respective upper yarns 43 are guided to the respective yarn holders 55 via the respective yarn cost consumption sensors 47 and the like.
[0084]
Then, each upper thread 43 that has passed through each thread retainer 55 is sent out and sent by the roller 57 to the respective thread introducer 62 side through the guide roller 54, and at this time, air is supplied to the respective thread introducers 62 from the outside. Each upper thread 43 is inserted (guided) into each thread introducer 62 by supplying and discharging and generating an air flow toward the thread introduction detector 63 in each thread introducer 62, and this state Thus, each upper thread 43 is held by each thread holder 55. Further, in the storage area 76A of the controller 76, the thread position of each upper thread 43 that is clamped by each thread retainer 55 and is in a standby state is stored in advance by manual operation of a keyboard (not shown) or the like.
[0085]
Next, when the processing operation is started in this state, in step 1, the swing position of the balance 11 is read based on the rotational position signal (detection signal) of the spindle motor 73 output from the rotation sensor 74. Then, in Step 2, it is determined whether or not the balance 11 is swung to the top dead center position that is the threading position. While determining “NO”, the process proceeds to Step 3 to rotationally drive the spindle motor 73, The balance 11 is swung to the top dead center position. At this time, the sewing needle 6 is driven (moved) by the spindle motor 73 so as to be substantially interlocked with the movement of the balance 11, and the sewing needle 6 has a predetermined needle threading position (a certain dimension from above the needle plate 7). It reaches a distant height position).
[0086]
When it is determined as “YES” in step 2, the balance 11 is at the top dead center position, and the balance 11 has reached the predetermined threading position together with the needle point of the sewing needle 6. Therefore, the rotation of the spindle motor 73 Then, the process proceeds to the next step 4 where the yarn path forming process is executed and the nozzle halves 26A and 26B of the yarn posture corrector 25 are brought into contact with each other to form the nozzle-like thread path 27 and the thread path is released. By swinging the swing arm 37 by the positioning motor 32 of the mechanism 38, the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30 are set to the yarn suction position indicated by the solid line in FIG. The path 27 and the thread suction hole 30A of the thread suction device 30 are made to face (facing) the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6.
[0087]
Further, in the yarn path forming process in step 4, the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13 is abutted (contacted) with the fixed plate 14, and a meandering yarn path 17 is formed between the fixed plate 14 and the movable plate 16. At the same time, the movable plate 22 of the yarn path forming mechanism 19 is abutted (contacted) with the fixed plate 20, and the relay yarn path 23 is formed between the fixed plate 20 and the movable plate 22. The leading end side of the curved yarn path 23B of the relay yarn path 23 is made to face the nozzle-like thread path 27 of the yarn posture corrector 25. At this time, the yarn spreading motor 72 is raised to the threading position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 6 by the yarn spreading motor 72, and the yarn hooking portion 71B of the yarn spreading lever 71 is moved to the right and left of the balance 11 with the thread hole 11A. Try to match.
[0088]
Next, in step 5, the slider 50 is moved by the thread selection motor 53 of the upper thread selection mechanism 49 in the lateral direction of the head unit 3 via the rack 51, the pinion 52, and the like (in FIG. 3). The tip of any one of the upper threads 43 held on the slider 50 by each thread retainer 55 is fed by the upper thread delivery mechanism 56. The guide roller 54 and the guide roller 54 are guided to a state where they can be clamped. At this time, air is sent to the corresponding yarn introduction device 62, and the tip (lower end) side of the upper yarn 43 clamped by the yarn holder 55 is straightened by the air flow to enter the yarn introduction detector 63. Then, the leading end side of the upper thread 43 is guided so that the thread introduction can be detected.
[0089]
In this state, the process proceeds to the next step 6 to extend the rod 60A of the pressing cylinder 60 and swing the guide roller 54 to the operating position shown by the solid line in FIG. Press against the feed roller 57. Next, in this state, while releasing the holding of the upper thread 43 by the thread retainer 55, the drive motor 59 of the upper thread delivery mechanism 56 is operated, and the delivery roller 57 is rotationally driven with a constant rotation amount. The tip end side of the upper thread 43 is fed by a predetermined feed amount (for example, about 2 cm) into the meandering yarn path 17 through the thread introduction detector 63.
[0090]
Thus, when the leading end side of the upper thread 43 is introduced into the linear thread path portion 17A of the thread path forming mechanism 13 via the thread introduction detector 63, in step 7, the detection signal from the thread introduction detector 63 is detected. Based on this, the thread trimming mechanism 64 is actuated to cut the leading end side of the upper thread 43 in the linear thread path portion 17A, and an edge-shaped thread end is formed (shaped) on the leading end side of the upper thread 43.
[0091]
In the next step 8, an air flow in the direction indicated by arrow F is generated by air from the pressure source by the yarn sucker 65, and the yarn waste cut by the yarn trimming mechanism 64 from the tip side of the upper thread 43 is illustrated. 4 is sucked and removed in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 4, and this yarn waste is discharged in the direction of arrow F to the outside of the linear yarn path portion 17A.
[0092]
Next, in this state, the process proceeds to step 9 to execute an automatic threading process, and air is supplied / discharged from the supply / discharge nozzles 66 to 69 of the yarn path forming mechanisms 13, 19, thereby causing the meandering thread path 17 and the relay thread. An air flow by negative pressure or positive pressure is generated in the path 23, and the upper thread 43 having an edge-shaped thread end formed on the tip side is passed from the linear thread path portion 17A of the serpentine thread path 17 to the thread tension thread path. It smoothly guides to the straight thread path 23A and the curved thread path 23B of the section 17B, the balance thread path 17C and the relay thread path 23.
[0093]
In this case, if the upper thread 43 is guided along the meandering thread path 17 and the relay thread path 23 by the air flow, the upper thread 43 tends to be guided at an excessively high speed. While the guide roller 54 is driven by the feed roller 57, the upper thread 43 is gradually fed toward the yarn introducer 62 side, and the moving speed of the upper thread 43 in the meandering thread path 17 and the relay thread path 23 is adjusted. Keep it at the desired speed.
[0094]
When the thread end side of the upper thread 43 passes through the thread tension yarn path portion 17B, the upper thread 43 is inserted around the thread tension 9 and the thread take-up spring 10, and the thread end side of the upper thread 43 is placed on the balance thread. When passing through the path portion 17C, the upper thread 43 is inserted from the thread end side into the thread hooking portion 71B of the thread separating lever 71 and the thread hole 11A of the balance 11, and the upper thread 43 is inserted into the curved line of the relay thread path 23. Guide from the yarn path portion 23B to the yarn posture corrector 25.
[0095]
Further, on the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30 side, air from a pressure source is ejected toward the downstream side of the nozzle-like yarn path 27 via the air introduction port 26C, and yarn suction is performed from the air introduction port 30C. Air is circulated toward the drawing portion 30B side of the container 30, and a negative pressure is generated on the yarn suction hole 30A side by the air flow at this time. In this state, the yarn posture corrector 25 is such that one end side of the nozzle-like yarn path 27 faces the front end side of the curved yarn path portion 23B, and the other end side faces the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6. The air from the inlet 26C is jetted toward the downstream side of the nozzle-like yarn path 27, so that the yarn posture of the upper thread 43 is corrected linearly in the nozzle-like yarn path 27 while cooperating with the yarn suction device 30. The upper thread 43 is inserted into the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6 by operating.
[0096]
On the yarn suction device 30 side, the upper thread 43 from the yarn posture corrector 25 is sucked into the yarn suction hole 30A through the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6 by the negative pressure generated in the yarn suction hole 30A. The tip end side of the upper thread 43 inserted through the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6 is guided to the position of the drawing portion 30B through the thread suction hole 30A. Then, when the leading end side of the upper thread 43 comes to be pulled out from the drawing portion 30B of the thread suction device 30, this is detected by the threading detector 31, thereby "YES" in step 10 to complete the automatic threading. Judgment processing.
[0097]
Next, when the threading to the sewing needle 6 is completed, the air supply to the yarn introducing device 62 is stopped, and the air supply to the supply / discharge nozzles 66 to 69 and the air introduction ports 26C and 30C is stopped. Then, the process proceeds to step 11 shown in FIG. 10 to execute the yarn path opening process, and the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27 of the yarn posture corrector 25 is opened by the correcting cylinder 28 and the positioning motor 32 of the yarn path releasing mechanism 38 is used. By swinging the swing arm 37 in the direction indicated by the arrow C, the yarn posture correcting device 25 and the yarn suction device 30 are retracted from the yarn suction position indicated by the solid line to the retracted position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. To do.
[0098]
Further, the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13 is separated from the fixed plate 14 by an actuator 18 as shown in FIG. 5, and the meandering yarn path 17 is opened after threading the sewing needle 6, and the yarn path forming mechanism 19. The movable plate 22 is moved in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 6 by the actuator 24, and the movable plate 22 is separated from the fixed plate 20 to open the relay yarn path 23. As a result, the upper thread 43 guided into the meandering thread path 17, the relay thread path 23, and the nozzle thread path 27 during threading through the sewing needle 6 is free with respect to these thread paths 17, 23, 27 and the like. It becomes a state.
[0099]
Next, the process proceeds to step 12 in this state, and the yarn separating lever 71 is lowered (swinged) downward along the arc-shaped lever guide hole 70A by the yarn separating motor 72, and the yarn hooking portion of the yarn separating lever 71 is moved. 71B is greatly separated from the balance 11. Then, with the serpentine thread path 17 and the like of the thread path forming mechanism 13 opened, the yarn hooking portion 71B of the yarn separating lever 71 is largely separated from the balance 11, thereby along the curved serpentine thread path 17 and the like. The upper thread 43 in a slack state is pulled between the thread hole 11A of the balance 11 and the thread hooking part 71B of the thread separating lever 71 as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The slack of the thread 43 is absorbed.
[0100]
Next, in this state, the guide roller 54 is retracted to the non-operating position indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 4 by the pressing cylinder 60, so that the upper yarn 43 can be smoothly fed during the sewing operation. In this case, after the threading is finished, the threaded upper thread 43 is clamped by the corresponding thread retainer 55, and then the above-described thread path opening process, the backward movement of the guide roller 54, and the thread separating lever are performed. The slack absorbing process of the upper thread 43 by 71 may be performed, and then the clamp by the thread retainer 55 may be released.
[0101]
Next, the process proceeds to step 13 where the spindle motor 73 and the frame moving mechanism of the embroidery frame are driven based on the embroidery data to execute a sewing operation (embroidery work) by moving the sewing needle 6. When the sewing needle 6 is moved, the upper thread 43 is held in a free state with respect to the yarn paths 17, 23, 27, etc., and the upper thread 43 is moved by the thread tension 9 according to the swing of the balance 11. Since low-friction yarn is fed toward the sewing needle 6 while tension is applied, the upper thread 43 is applied to the meandering thread path 17, the relay thread path 23, the nozzle-shaped thread path 27, and the like during normal sewing operation. It can be surely prevented from being caught.
[0102]
On the other hand, in step 14, it is determined based on a signal from the thread break sensor 75 whether or not a thread break has occurred while the sewing needle 6 is being driven. If it is determined "YES", the upper thread 43 or the like has a thread break. Therefore, the process proceeds to step 15 to operate the yarn sucker 65, and the upper thread 43 is cut by the yarn cutting mechanism 64 while the air flow in the direction indicated by the arrow F is generated by the air from the pressure source. For example, the old yarn having broken yarn is sucked in the direction indicated by arrow F by the yarn sucker 65 from between the fixed plate 14 and the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13 and remains in the yarn path forming mechanism 13. The old thread is discharged to the outside.
[0103]
If “NO” is determined in step 14, the process proceeds to step 16, for example, based on a signal from the yarn expense canceling sensor 47 whether or not the used upper thread 43 is completely consumed. When the determination is “YES”, the upper thread 43 that has been used (the thread consumption state) has been used to automatically thread the upper thread 43 of the same type stored in each cheese case 41 through the sewing needle 6. 43 is cut by a thread trimming mechanism 64 and a cutter (not shown). The cut old thread is transferred to Step 15 and discharged to the outside by a thread sucker 65.
[0104]
Then, after the discharge process of step 15 is executed, the process returns to step 1 shown in FIG. 9 and the subsequent processes are resumed. The selected upper thread 43 is selected by the upper thread selection mechanism 49, and in step 5, the selected upper thread 43 is sent out by the feed roller 57 of the upper thread delivery mechanism 56 toward the thread introduction detector 63 by a fixed feed amount (for example, about 2 cm). .
[0105]
In the next step 7, the thread trimming mechanism 64 is operated to form a yarn end on the tip side of the upper thread 43. In step 8, the thread waste is sucked in, and then the process proceeds to step 9 and the subsequent automatic threading is executed again. To do. When it is determined as “YES” in step 17 shown in FIG. 10, the processing operation is ended because the sewing operation (embroidery) is completed.
[0106]
Thus, according to the present embodiment, the thread path forming mechanisms 13 and 19 that form the serpentine thread path 17, the relay thread path 23, the nozzle thread path 27, and the like in the head portion 3 of the sewing machine body 1, and the yarn posture corrector 25. And a yarn suction device 30 and the like, and on the head portion 3, each thread guide tube 46 for guiding each upper thread 43 from each cheese case 41 onto the slider 50 of the upper thread selection mechanism 49, each thread guide tube. The upper thread selection mechanism 49 for selecting any one of the upper threads 43 guided to the respective thread holders 55 on the slider 50 by the 46, and the upper thread selected by the upper thread selection mechanism 49 The upper thread feed mechanism 56 that feeds 43 toward the meandering thread path 17 side with a predetermined feed amount and the tip end side of the upper thread 43 fed by the upper thread feed mechanism 56 are cut to form the shape of the thread end. A structure provided with a thread trimming mechanism 64 for trimming It is set to.
[0107]
As a result, any one of the upper threads 43 guided by each thread guide tube 46 can be selected by the upper thread selection mechanism 49, and the selected upper thread 43 is selected by the upper thread delivery mechanism 56. A certain amount of feed can be accurately fed toward the serpentine yarn path 17, and the leading end side of the upper yarn 43 fed by this amount can be reliably cut by the thread trimming mechanism 64. An edge-shaped yarn end can be formed (shaped) on the tip side of the thread.
[0108]
Then, air from a pressure source is circulated through the meandering thread path 17, the relay thread path 23, the nozzle thread path 27, and the like, so that the upper thread 43 with the thread end adjusted is supplied to these thread paths 17, Since the upper thread 43 is guided from one end side to the other end side, such as 23 and 27, and the upper thread 43 is inserted into the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6 from the thread end side, the upper thread having a shaped thread end 43 can be smoothly guided by an air flow from one end side to the other end side of the yarn paths 17, 23, 27, etc., and the upper thread 43 is stably inserted into the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6 from the yarn end side. be able to.
[0109]
In this case, the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13 is formed with a meandering yarn path 17 as a narrow groove having a U-shaped cross section on the abutting surface side, and the abutting surface of the fixed plate 14 is a smooth surface. Therefore, when air is blown into the meandering thread path 17 from the supply / discharge nozzles 66 and 67, the flow of this air flows between the meandering thread path 17 of the movable plate 16 and the smooth surface of the fixed plate 14. The upper thread 43 can be smoothly guided to the downstream side along the substantially central position of the meandering yarn path 17 by the jet flow at this time. Further, the same action can be obtained on the relay yarn path 23 side of the yarn path forming mechanism 19, and the upper thread 43 can be smoothly guided to the downstream side of the relay yarn path 23.
[0110]
Furthermore, in order to insert the upper thread 43 into at least the balance 11, a meandering thread path 17 extending in a curved or linear manner before and after the scale 11, and a relay thread path 23 below the meandering thread path 17. Thread posture corrector 25 that linearly feeds the upper thread 43 into the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6, and the thread posture corrector 25 that opposes the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6. And a yarn suction device 30 that sucks the upper thread 43 from the yarn posture correcting device 25 and passes it through the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6.
[0111]
As a result, air is circulated through the yarn paths 17, 23, 27, etc., so that the upper thread 43 whose yarn end shape is adjusted is guided along the meandering thread path 17 and smoothly inserted into the balance 11. In addition, the thread posture corrector 25 can supply the upper thread 43 linearly toward the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6, and by sucking the upper thread 43 from the yarn posture corrector 25 with the thread suction device 30, The upper thread 43 can be reliably inserted from the thread end side into the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6.
[0112]
On the other hand, on the movable plates 16 and 22 of the yarn path forming mechanisms 13 and 19, meandering thread paths 17 and relay thread paths 23 are formed as narrow grooves each having a U-shaped cross section on the contact surface side with the fixed plates 14 and 20. Therefore, when the movable plates 16 and 22 are moved away from the fixed plates 14 and 20 by the actuators 18 and 24 after threading through the sewing needle 6, the upper plates 43 vibrate due to the movement of the movable plates 16 and 22. Thus, the upper thread 43 can be reliably detached from the meandering thread path 17 and the relay thread path 23 of the movable plates 16 and 22.
[0113]
Further, the head portion 3 of the sewing machine body 1 is provided with a yarn separating lever 71 together with the yarn path forming mechanism 13, and the thread hooking portion 71 B of the yarn separating lever 71 is threaded through the sewing needle 6 with a solid line in FIG. As shown in the figure, it is arranged in the middle of the thread passage portion 17C for the balance so as to face the thread hole 11A of the balance 11 on the left and right, and after threading through the sewing needle 6, the thread hooking portion 71B of the thread separating lever 71 is As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 6, the yarn separating motor 72 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow G so as to be largely separated from the balance 11.
[0114]
As a result, when the threading detector 31 detects threading with respect to the sewing needle 6, the actuators 18 and 24 are actuated to automatically open the meandering thread path 17 and the relay thread path 23, and the thread separating lever 71. Is turned to separate the thread hook 71B from the balance 11, so that the upper thread 43 in a slack state along the curved meandering thread path 17 and the like is threaded between the balance 11 and the thread separating lever 71. The upper thread 43 can be tensioned and the thread can be smoothly supplied to the sewing needle 6 during the subsequent sewing operation.
[0115]
Further, the guide holder 44 is provided with a row of yarn cost consuming sensors 47 positioned below the respective thread tensions 45 and having a number corresponding to the respective thread tensions 45. Is detected in the upstream side of the yarn introduction detector 63 and whether or not the upper yarn 43 is broken by the yarn breakage sensor 75 and the upper yarn. Thus, the controller 76 can reliably identify the end of use due to the thread consumption cancellation of 43, and the subsequent automatic threading can be smoothly performed by distinguishing between the time when the upper thread 43 is broken and the time when the thread consumption is consumed.
[0116]
Since the yarn position of each upper yarn 43 guided from each yarn guide tube 46 and the like is stored in advance in the storage area 76A of the controller 76, the yarn consumption sensor 47 detects the consumption of the yarn, When the breakage sensor 75 detects the breakage of the upper thread 43, the upper thread 43 to be selected next can be definitely selected by the upper thread selection mechanism 49 based on the stored contents of the thread position. By storing the upper thread 43 in the cheese case 41 in advance, it is possible to smoothly replenish the same type of upper thread 43 as necessary even after the consumption of the thread.
[0117]
Furthermore, before the new upper thread 43 is guided along the serpentine thread path 17 between the thread trimming mechanism 64 and the serpentine thread path 17 by the supply / discharge nozzles 66, 67 and the like, the thread path forming mechanism 13 is provided. When the old thread remaining between the fixed plate 14 and the movable plate 16 is sucked to the outside by the thread sucker 65, the upper thread 43 in use is consumed during the sewing operation and used up. However, while this is detected by the yarn cost canceling sensor 47, the used upper thread 43 remaining on the yarn path forming mechanism 13 side can be sucked and removed to the outside by the thread sucker 65, and then along the meandering thread path 17 When the new upper thread 43 is guided, it is possible to reliably prevent the previous old thread from being caught in the middle of the meandering thread path 17 and the like.
[0118]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, any one of the plurality of upper threads 43, 43,... Can be selectively inserted into the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6 provided in the head portion 3, The threading can be automated, and there is no need to provide a needle selection mechanism or the like as in the prior art on the head portion 3 side, the structure of the head portion 3 can be simplified and the entire size can be reduced, and the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6 can be reduced. Thus, the upper thread 43 can be smoothly guided.
[0119]
Further, a threading detector 31 for detecting whether or not the upper thread 43 has been inserted into the sewing needle 6 is provided on the drawing portion 30B side of the thread suction device 30. Based on a signal from the threading detector 31, the sewing needle After the threading to 6, the air flow from the supply / discharge nozzles 66 to 69 is stopped, and the meandering thread path 17 and the relay thread path 23 of the thread path forming mechanisms 13, 19 are opened by the actuators 18, 24, etc. Since it is configured, when the threading detector 31 detects the insertion of the upper thread 43 into the sewing needle 6, the actuators 18, 24, etc. are automatically operated to cause the meandering thread path 17 of the thread path forming mechanisms 13, 19, The relay thread path 23 and the like can be opened, and the slack of the upper thread 43 can be automatically absorbed by the thread separating lever 71. By performing the sewing operation in this state, the upper thread 43 is supplied to the sewing needle 6. Smooth line It is possible.
[0120]
Further, the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30 are integrated through an extension 37A of the swing arm 37 and the like, and after threading through the sewing needle 6, the yarn is released by the positioning motor 32 of the yarn path opening mechanism 38. Since the posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30 are configured to be retracted as shown in FIG. 10 from the position facing the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6, the yarn posture correction device 25, the yarn suction device 30 and the like are used as the sewing machine. It is possible to reliably prevent the needle 6 from interfering with the operation of moving the needle.
[0121]
Furthermore, since the yarn sucker 65 is provided below the yarn trimming mechanism 64 between the fixed plate 14 and the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13, for example, the needle moving operation of the sewing needle 6 is performed. Even if thread breakage or yarn cost consumption occurs on the way, the old thread with yarn breakage or yarn cost consumption can be sucked out of the serpentine thread path 17 by the yarn sucker 65 and remains in the serpentine thread path 17. The old thread can be reliably discharged to the outside.
[0122]
Therefore, even if thread breakage or thread cost consumption occurs during the creation of the embroidery pattern (sewing operation), the old thread is automatically removed from the sewing needle 6, the balance 11, etc., and the thread 76 stores the thread position. Based on this, it is possible to automatically select the upper thread 43 as required. Even in this case, the thread end is shaped (formed) on the leading end side of the new upper thread 43, and the shaped thread end side is the sewing needle. 6 can be guided smoothly toward the 6th needle hole 6A, and the threading can be performed with a very high probability.
[0123]
In the first embodiment, the processing of step 5 in the programs shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 shows a specific example of the thread selection control means forming a part of the feature of the present invention.
[0124]
Next, FIG. 11 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. However, the present embodiment is characterized in that the first thread tension 82 and the second thread tension are provided on the guide holder 81 for the upper thread 43 that is spaced apart from each cheese case 41 and disposed above the head portion 3. 83 is provided in series at the top and bottom, respectively, and these thread tensions 82 and 83 constitute thread tension adjusting means.
[0125]
Here, the guide holder 81 and each thread tension 82 are configured in substantially the same manner as the guide holder 44 and each thread tension 45 described in the first embodiment, and each thread tension 82 is a number corresponding to each cheese case 41. Are arranged in a row on the guide holder 81. Further, the respective thread tensions 83 are arranged below the respective thread tensions 82 in the same number as the respective thread tensions 82, and the respective thread tensions 83 are thread take-ups similarly to the thread tensions 9 described in the first embodiment. By providing each with a spring (not shown), for example, a tension of about 25 to 50 g is applied to each upper thread 43.
[0126]
Further, a meandering thread path 84 is formed on the movable plate 16 of the thread path forming mechanism 13 on the abutting surface side with the fixed plate 14, and the meandering thread path 84 is described in the first embodiment. Compared with the meandering thread path 17, the shape is simple. The meandering yarn path 84 has a substantially straight S-shape extending downward from the position of the yarn introduction detector 63 and from the lower end side of the linear yarn path portion 84A to the front and back of the balance 11. The balance thread passage 84B extends in a shape, and the tip (lower end) side of the balance thread passage 84A opens downward to the position of the thread hook 12.
[0127]
Thus, in the present embodiment configured as described above, substantially the same operation and effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In particular, in the present embodiment, the guide holder 81 for each upper thread 43 has the first effect. Since the thread tension 82 and the second thread tension 83 are provided in series, the thread tension 9 and the like are provided in the meandering thread path 17 by the thread path forming mechanism 13 as in the first embodiment. The shape of the meandering thread path 84 by the thread path forming mechanism 13 can be greatly simplified, and the upper thread 43 can be made extremely smooth along the serpentine thread path 84 by the air flow from the supply / discharge nozzles 66 and 67. Can be guided.
[0128]
In the first embodiment, when threading the sewing needle 6, the rotational position of the spindle motor 73 is controlled so that, for example, the balance 11 is placed at a predetermined threading position at which the top dead center position is located. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a fixed position sensor or the like is provided in the spring wheel 4 and the needle points of the balance 11 and the sewing needle 6 are set to a predetermined position based on a detection signal from the fixed position sensor. You may make it automatically stop at the threading position.
[0129]
In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the upper thread 43 is automatically withdrawn from the thread suction hole 30A of the thread suction device 30 after threading the sewing needle 6, and the thread suction device 30 is provided with the yarn posture correcting device 25. As described above, the case where the two-split structure is not used has been described as an example, but instead, for example, in the case where a thread gripper is provided on the threading detector 31 side, the thread suction device 30 is split into two parts. It is good to do.
[0130]
Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30 are integrated via the extension 37A of the swing arm 37 and the thread path opening mechanism 38 of the yarn path opening mechanism 38 after threading through the sewing needle 6. The positioning motor 32 is configured to retract the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30 from the position facing the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6 in the direction indicated by the arrow C in FIG. For example, the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30 are separately retracted, and the tip end side of the upper thread 43 is further sucked by the yarn suction device 30 with only the yarn posture correction device 25 retracted. Thus, the slack of the upper thread 43 on the meandering thread path 17 (84) side may be absorbed, and then the thread suction device 30 may be retracted.
[0131]
On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the correction cylinder 28, the pressing cylinder 60, and the like are described as air cylinders. However, instead of this, an actuator such as an electromagnetic solenoid may be used. Further, instead of the position detectors 39 and 40 for detecting the swing position of the swing arm 37, for example, a rotary encoder or the like is attached to the positioning motor 32, thereby detecting the swing position of the swing arm 37. It is good.
[0132]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the automatic threading device is applied to a single-head embroidery machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, a multi-head embroidery machine or normal sewing is performed. The present invention may be applied to an industrial sewing machine as a machine.
[0133]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, in the invention according to claim 1, the head portion of the sewing machine body is provided with a balance and a thread path forming means for forming a thread path for threading the thread through the sewing needle, and from the thread storage means. Yarn guide means for guiding a plurality of yarns toward one end side of the yarn path by the yarn path forming means, and yarn selection means for selecting any one of the plurality of yarns guided by the yarn guide means A yarn sending means for sending the yarn selected by the yarn selecting means toward one end side of the yarn path with a predetermined feed amount, and cutting the tip end side of the yarn sent by the yarn sending means to cut the yarn end A yarn end shaping means for adjusting the shape of the yarn, a yarn suction removing means for sucking and removing the yarn that has been cut by the yarn end shaping means and remains in the yarn path, and circulating gas in the yarn path To guide the yarn toward the other end of the yarn path, A yarn guide means for inserting the yarn end to the sewing needle, and thread consumed detecting means for detecting whether or not finished using yarn in use by machine-operated as consumed yarn A controller that stores in advance a yarn position of each yarn guided by the yarn guide means in a storage area and performs automatic threading control, and the controller detects the expense consumption of the yarn by the yarn cost consumption detection means. Sometimes, the yarn selecting means, the yarn end shaping means, the yarn suction removing means, and the yarn guiding means are sequentially selected while the yarn selecting means selects the next yarn based on the stored contents of the yarn position in the storage area. Activate Therefore, when any one of the plurality of yarns guided from the yarn storage means via the yarn guide means is selected by the yarn selection means, the selected yarn is sent by the yarn delivery means to the yarn path. The yarn end shaping means can cut the tip end side of the yarn fed by the yarn sending means while the feed amount is fed toward the one end side of the yarn by a predetermined feed amount, and the yarn end shape can be adjusted reliably. The yarn remaining on the road side can be sucked by the yarn suction removing means and removed outside the yarn path.
[0134]
That is, since the controller that performs automatic threading control stores in advance the thread position of each thread guided by the thread guide means, the thread selection by the thread selecting means can be controlled based on the stored contents of the thread position, and thereafter Can sequentially operate the yarn feeding means, the yarn end shaping means and the yarn suction removing means. This makes it possible to automate the yarn feeding control by the yarn feeding means and the control for adjusting the shape of the yarn end by the yarn end shaping means, and the yarn remaining on the yarn path at this time is automatically sucked by the yarn suction removing means. And can be removed outside the yarn path. In this state, the gas is allowed to flow through the yarn path so that the yarn whose shape is formed can be smoothly guided to the other end of the yarn path by the yarn guiding means. Can be smoothly inserted into the needle hole. In addition, when the used thread is used up due to the sewing operation of the sewing machine body, it can be detected by the thread consumption detecting means as the consumption of the thread. At this time, the old thread remaining on the yarn path side can be detected. The yarn can be sucked and removed from the yarn path by the yarn suction / removal means, and the previous old yarn can be reliably prevented from staying in the middle of the yarn path. And, for example, by selecting a new thread of the same type (color) stored in the thread storage means by the thread selection means, while guiding a new thread of the same type (color) along the yarn path by the thread guide means, Automatic threading can be performed on the sewing needle. Therefore, one of a plurality of threads can be selectively inserted into the sewing needle provided in the head section, and the entire head section can be reduced in size, and even when the thread is used up in the middle of the sewing operation smoothly The thread selection and threading can be reliably automated.
[0136]
In this case, The controller, when the consumption of the yarn is detected by the yarn consumption cancellation detecting means, allows the yarn selection means to select the next yarn based on the stored contents of the yarn position in the storage area, the yarn sending means, Since the yarn end shaping means, the yarn suction removing means and the yarn guiding means are sequentially operated, when the controller detects the consumption of the yarn by the yarn cost consumption detecting means, the controller performs the next operation based on the stored contents of the yarn position. The yarn sending means, the yarn end shaping means, the yarn suction removing means, and the yarn guiding means can be sequentially operated while selecting the yarn to be formed by the yarn selecting means. For example, by storing the same type (color) of yarn in the yarn storage means in advance, the same type (color) of yarn can be smoothly supplied as needed even after the yarn is consumed. That is, even when the used yarn is consumed during the sewing operation and used up, the old yarn remaining on the yarn path side is sucked by the yarn suction removing means while detecting this by the yarn consumption detecting means. It can be removed to the outside, and when a new yarn of the same type is guided along the yarn path by the yarn guiding means, it is ensured that the previous old yarn stays caught in the middle of the yarn path, etc. Can be prevented. Then, the yarn end side of the yarn shaped by the yarn end shaping means can be smoothly guided toward the needle hole of the sewing needle, and threading can be performed with a very high probability.
[0137]
Also , Claims 2 The invention described in (1) further includes a yarn break sensor that detects whether or not a yarn break has occurred during the sewing operation, and the controller performs the sewing operation when the yarn break sensor detects the yarn break. In the stopped state, the front Writing The operation of the feeding means and the yarn end shaping means is controlled, and before the new yarn is guided along the yarn path by the yarn guiding means, the old yarn remaining on the yarn path side is sucked by the yarn suction removing means. Therefore, when the controller detects, for example, the thread breakage of the upper thread by the thread breakage sensor, the controller is based on the stored contents of the thread position. Same as broken thread The yarn sending means, the yarn end shaping means, the yarn suction removing means, and the yarn guiding means can be sequentially operated while the yarn is selected by the yarn selecting means. Even when such yarn breakage occurs, the corresponding yarn can be smoothly supplied. That is, when a yarn breakage occurs during the sewing operation, the yarn remaining on the yarn path side can be sucked and removed to the outside while being detected by the yarn breakage sensor, When the new yarn is guided along the yarn path by the yarn guiding means, it is possible to reliably prevent the previous old yarn from being caught in the middle of the yarn path or the like. Then, the yarn end side of the yarn shaped by the yarn end shaping means can be smoothly guided toward the needle hole of the sewing needle, and threading can be performed with a very high probability.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partially broken front view showing an automatic threading device and the like of an embroidery machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of arrows II-II in FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of arrows III-III in FIG.
4 is an enlarged view of a main part in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part in FIG. 2;
6 is a partially cutaway front view showing the yarn path forming mechanism and the like in FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner. FIG.
7 is a left side view of FIG. 5 showing a state in which a yarn suction device and the like are arranged at a yarn suction position.
FIG. 8 is a control block diagram showing a controller and the like of the embroidery machine.
9 is a flowchart showing an automatic threading control process and the like by the controller in FIG.
10 is a flowchart showing automatic threading control processing and the like following FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a partially broken front view showing an automatic threading device of an embroidery machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Sewing machine
2 base
3 Head
5 Needle shaft
6 Sewing needle
9,45 Thread tension
10 Thread take-up spring
11 Balance
12 Thread hook
13, 19 Yarn path forming mechanism (yarn path forming means)
14,20 Fixed plate (fixed part)
16, 22 Movable plate (movable part)
17,84 Serpentine thread path
18, 24 Actuator (thread path opening means)
23 Relay Yarn
25 Thread posture corrector (Thread posture corrector)
26C, 30C air inlet (thread guide means)
27 Nozzle thread path
28 Straightening cylinder (thread path opening means)
30 Thread suction unit (Thread suction part)
31 Threading detector (Threading detection means)
32 Positioning motor
37 Swing arm (connecting member)
38 Yarn path opening mechanism (yarn path opening means)
41 Cheese case
42 bobbins
43 Upper thread
44, 81 Guide holder
46 Thread guide tube (Thread guide means)
47 Yarn Expenditure Sensor (Thread Expenditure Detection Means)
49 Upper thread selection mechanism (thread selection means)
55 Thread retainer (Thread retaining means)
56 Upper thread delivery mechanism (yarn delivery means)
62 Thread introducer
63 Yarn introduction detector
64 Thread trimming mechanism (thread end shaping means)
65 Thread sucker (Thread suction and removal means)
66, 67, 68, 69 Supply / discharge nozzle (thread guiding means)
70 Guide hole for balance
70A Lever guide hole
71 Thread separation lever
72 Thread separation motor
73 Spindle motor
74 Rotation sensor
75 Thread breakage sensor
76 controller
82, 83 Thread tension (Thread tension adjusting means)

Claims (2)

Sewing machine body (1),
A head portion (3) provided on the sewing machine main body (1), for swinging the balance (11) while reciprocating the sewing needle (6);
Thread path forming means (13) provided in the head portion (3) and forming thread paths (17, 23, 27) for inserting the thread (43) into at least the balance (11) and the sewing needle (6). , 19, 25, 30),
Thread storage means (41) for individually storing a plurality of threads (43) including the same type of thread (43);
Thread guide means (44) for individually guiding a plurality of threads (43) stored in the thread storage means (41) toward one end side of the yarn path (17) provided in the head portion (3). When,
Thread selection means (49) for selecting any one of the plurality of threads (43) guided by the thread guide means (44);
Yarn sending means (56) for feeding the one yarn (43) selected by the yarn selecting means (49) toward one end of the yarn path (17) with a predetermined feed amount;
A yarn end shaping means (64) for cutting the tip side of the yarn (43) fed toward the yarn path (17) by the yarn feeding means (56) and adjusting the shape of the yarn end;
The yarn that is provided between the yarn end shaping means (64) and the yarn path (17), is cut by the yarn end shaping means (64) and remains in the yarn path (17), and the yarn is sucked. Thread suction and removal means (65) for removing outside the road (17);
By allowing gas to flow through the yarn path (17, 23, 27), the yarn (43) whose yarn end is preliminarily prepared by the yarn end shaping means (64) is passed through the yarn path (17, 23, 27). Thread guide means (66, 67, 68, 69, 26C, threaded through the needle hole (6A) of the sewing needle (6) from the yarn end side. 30C) and
A state in which at least the thread (43) selected by the thread selection means (49) among the plurality of threads (43) stored in the thread storage means (41) has been used due to the sewing operation of the sewing machine body (1); Thread cost consumption detecting means (47) for detecting whether or not the yarn has been consumed as thread consumption ,
A controller (76) for previously storing the yarn position of each yarn (43) guided by the yarn guide means (44) in the storage area (76A) and performing automatic threading control;
The controller (76) detects the next yarn (43A) based on the stored contents of the yarn position in the storage area (76A) when the yarn cost consumption detecting means (47) detects the consumption of the yarn (43). 43) is selected by the yarn selecting means (49), while the yarn sending means (56), the yarn end shaping means (64), the yarn suction removing means (65) and the yarn guiding means (66, 67, 68, 69). , 26C, 30C) sequentially configuration and then formed by a sewing machine to operate the. A thread break sensor (75) for detecting whether or not a thread break has occurred in the middle of the sewing machine operation is provided. When the thread break sensor (75) detects a thread break, the controller (76) in a state of stopping the operation, and controls the operation of the pre Kiito delivery means (56) and the yarn end shaping means (64), the yarn guide means (66,67,68,69,26C, 30C) in the new Before the yarn (43) is guided along the yarn path (17, 23, 27), the old yarn remaining on the yarn path (17, 23, 27) side is sucked by the yarn suction removing means (65). The sewing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the sewing machine is configured to be removed outside the yarn path (17, 23, 27).

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