JP4605336B2

JP4605336B2 - Safety devices in sewing machines

Info

Publication number: JP4605336B2
Application number: JP2001222956A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 雅夫小川; 信介長坂
Original assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2001-07-24
Filing date: 2001-07-24
Publication date: 2011-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 2021-07-24
Also published as: JP2003033596A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、ミシンに係り、より詳しくは、縫製作業中に折れた縫針等の異物にてオペレータの目等を怪我することや、不用意なミシン駆動により怪我するのを防止するための安全装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来から、ミシンでの縫製中に縫針が折損することがあった。これは、被縫製物の段部を縫製している時や、糸絡みとか、布を無理やり引っ張ったときとかの、適正な取り扱いがなされなかったときに、縫針が針板に激突する等して起こることが多い。また、刺繍ミシンにおいてメタリック系の糸を使用すると、その糸の特性により、十分注意していても針折れが発生することがある。
【０００３】
さらに、子供が誤ってミシンの操作スイッチに触れることにより、突然作動した縫針に指が触れたり、針下に位置した指に縫針が落ちて怪我したり、ミシンで縫製中に被縫材を移動させようとして、誤ってオペレータの指が縫針の下に位置する等して、指を怪我するという問題があった。
【０００４】
これらの問題を解消するため、従来から、例えば、実開平４−１０３８７８号公報、特開平１１−２６７３８７号公報、実開昭６２−７９９３号公報、実開平７−２０１７８号公報等に開示されているように、縫針の軸線から略一定の半径で囲むようにしたワイヤ状等のプロテクタを布押えに設ける等のフィンガーガードを配置したり、アイガードと称する透明な樹脂製の保護カバー体で前記縫針及び布押え部の前方を囲ったりしたものが考案されていた。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、従来の前記プロテクタや保護カバー体では、大型であるために、被縫製物の取替え作業や糸掛け、糸通し作業において邪魔になることが多く、前記プロテクタや保護カバー体を一旦取外さないと被縫製物の取替え作業や糸掛け、糸通し作業がしずらいとか、縫製作業に先立ち再度装着する必要があるから、縫製作業の能率が著しく低下するという問題があった。
【０００６】
また、前記の取付け取外しの作業の面倒さから、オペレータが前記プロテクタや保護カバー体を装着しないまま縫製作業を実行してしまい、安全作業の徹底が図られないという問題もあった。
【０００７】
本発明は、これらの従来の問題点を解決すべくなされたものであり、コンパクトで安全性が高く、且つ縫製作業の能率も低下させないミシンの安全装置を提供することを目的とするものである。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記目的を達成するため、請求項１に記載の発明のミシンの安全装置は、縫針が取着されて上下往復動自在な針棒と、少なくとも前記針棒にモータの駆動力を伝達する動力伝達手段と、前記縫針により縫製される加工布を押えるための布押え足を昇降動可能に支持する布押え装置とを備えてなるミシンにおいて、ミシンにおけるフレームに、前記布押え足または該布押え足に装着されたフインガーガード体との間を覆うための防護カバー体を移動可能に装着し、前記防護カバー体を前記フレームと前記布押え足またはフインガーガード体との間であって前記縫針よりもオペレータ側を覆う閉止位置方向に付勢する付勢手段と、防護カバー体を前記フレームと前記布押え足またはフインガーガード体との間であって前記縫針よりもオペレータ側を露出する開き位置に、前記付勢手段の付勢力に抗して係止する係止手段と、前記フレームに設けられ、前記動力伝達手段またはモータの起動スイッチの動作に連動する連動機構とを備え、前記起動スイッチのＯＮ動作にて、前記連動機構を介して前記係止手段による、前記防護カバー体の係止状態を解除するように構成したことを特徴とするものである。
【０００９】
また、請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載のミシンにおける安全装置において、前記防護カバー体には、その開閉時に前記係止手段における摺接部に常時摺接するカム体を備え、第２の付勢手段により前記係止手段を防護カバー体のカム体に接近するように付勢する一方、前記摺接部には前記カム体に形成された係合爪に係脱する係止部を備えたものである。
【００１０】
他方、請求項３に記載の発明のミシンにおける安全装置は、縫針が取着されて上下往復動自在な針棒と、少なくとも前記針棒にモータの駆動力を伝達する動力伝達手段と、前記縫針により縫製される加工布を押えるための布押え足を昇降動可能に支持する布押え装置とを備えてなるミシンにおいて、ミシンにおけるフレームに、前記布押え足または該布押え足に装着されたフインガーガード体との間を覆うための防護カバー体を移動可能に装着し、前記防護カバー体を前記フレームと前記布押え足またはフインガーガード体との間であって前記縫針よりもオペレータ側を覆う閉止位置方向に付勢する付勢手段と、防護カバー体を前記フレームと前記布押え足またはフインガーガード体との間であって前記縫針よりもオペレータ側を露出する開き位置に、前記付勢手段の付勢力に抗して係止する係止手段と、防護カバー体の開閉位置を検知するセンサ手段とを備え、前記センサ手段が防護カバー体の閉止位置を検知するときは前記針棒の駆動を許容し、防護カバー体の開き位置を検知するときは前記針棒の駆動を禁止するように制御する制御手段を備えたものである。
【００１１】
そして、請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項３に記載のミシンの安全装置において、前記防護カバー体には、その開閉移動に応じて前記係止手段を移動させる作動部を設け、前記センサ手段に対して前記係止手段の移動変位部が接離するように構成したものである。
【００１２】
さらに、請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項４に記載のミシンにおける安全装置において、第２の付勢手段により前記係止手段を防護カバー体に接近するように付勢する一方、前記作動部を、防護カバー体の開閉移動時に前記係止手段における摺接部に常時摺接し、且つ防護カバー体の閉止位置で前記係止手段の移動変位部が前記センサから離間し、防護カバー体の開き位置で前記係止手段の移動変位部が前記センサに接近するようにしたカム体にて構成し、前記摺接部には前記カム体に形成された係合爪に係脱する係止部を備えたものである。
【００１３】
請求項６に記載の発明は、請求項１乃至請求項５のいずれかに記載のミシンの安全装置において、前記防護カバー体には、当該防護カバー体の閉止位置にて、布押え足の左右両側に延びるフインガーガード体に係合する係合部を備えたものである。
【００１４】
請求項７に記載の発明は、請求項１乃至請求項６のいずれかに記載のミシンの安全装置において、前記防護カバー体は、透明部材により構成され、且つ前記フインガーガード体の幅寸法より若干広幅に形成されたものである。
【００１５】
請求項８に記載の発明は、請求項１乃至請求項７のいずれかに記載のミシンの安全装置において、前記防護カバー体の上端枢支部は、ミシンにおける前記針棒が下向きに突出するアーム顎部の下端前面側のフレームに装着されているものである。
【００１６】
【発明の実施の形態】
次に、本発明を具体化した実施の形態について説明する。図１は本発明に係る電子制御式のミシンの正面図、図２は図１のミシンにおける針棒上下動機構と布押え装置と安全装置の構成を示す斜視図、図３は側面図、図４は安全装置の分解斜視図、図５は連動機構の斜視図、図６（ａ）は防護カバー体が開き状態を示す平面図、図６（ｂ）は防護カバー体が閉止位置に移行するときの動作を示す説明図、図７は図５のVII −VII 線矢視断面図、図８は布押え足及びフインガーガード体の斜視図、図１０は第２実施形態の安全装置の側面図、図１１は第２実施形態の安全装置の部品の分解斜視図である。
【００１７】
本発明に係るミシン１における本体ケース２内に、ミシンモータ１０（図１４参照）、主軸１１、天秤クランク１２などの動力伝達手段、針棒支持手段としての針棒台１３等が収納されており、本体ケース２の前面部には、表面にタッチパネル（図示せず）を備えた液晶パネル３が設けられている。本体ケース２の右端には、針棒１７を手動にて上下動させるためのプーリ９が設けられている。
【００１８】
液晶パネル３上には、縫製模様や縫製条件の入力キー等が表示され、これらの表示位置に対応して設けられたタッチパネルのキーを押下することにより縫製模様や縫製条件等を選択可能になっている。
【００１９】
また、前記液晶パネル３が設けられた側をミシン１の正面とするとき、ミシン本体２のアーム顎部２ａの下方部には、縫製の際に布が載置されるミシンベッド４が設けられており、該ミシンベッド４の内部には、送り歯、送り歯用パルスモータ、送り歯前後動機構、送り歯上下動機構及び下糸を格納した釜等が収納されている（共に図示せず）。
【００２０】
また、前記アーム顎部２ａの前面にはミシンモータ１０を駆動開始状態と停止状態とに切り換えるための起動キースイッチ５や、バック縫いキースイッチ６や一針縫いキースイッチ７等の複数の作動スイッチが配置される。その場合、図２に示すように、櫛歯状のボタン取付け板８に、前記各スイッチ５、６、７に対応する押しボタン部５ａ、６ａ、７ａが取付けられ（または一体的に形成され）て縦一列状に配置され、このボタン取付け板８の一端は片持ち梁的に前記アーム顎部２ａのケース裏面に支持されている。なお、前記各スイッチ５、６、７のＯＮ・ＯＦＦを検出するスイッチ基板１８が前記取付け板８の裏面側に対峙させて前記ケース裏面のボス１５にネジ１６を介して固定されている（図３参照）。
【００２１】
オペレータが前記押しボタン部５ａ、６ａ、７ａのいずれかを押すと、その押された押しボタン部が取付けられたボタン取付け板８櫛歯部が図２においてボタン取付け板８におけるその右側の支持部を中心に奥側に弾性的に撓み回動し、対応するキースイッチ５、６、７を押して信号を出力できる構成である。なお、この各キースイッチ５、６、７は１回押すごとに後述するコントローラ７０にてＯＮ信号とＯＦＦ信号となるように判断される。
【００２２】
針棒１７は針棒支持手段としての針棒台１３における上下支持部１３ａ（図２にて下支持部のみ示す）にて滑らかに上下動するように支持されている。針棒１７の上下中途部には、針棒抱き１９が被嵌固定されており、主軸１１の先端に設けた天秤クランク１２に横向きに突設させたクランクピン２０を介して針棒クランクロッド２１が連動回動するように連結されており、この針棒クランクロッド２１のボス部２１ａに、前記針棒抱き１９から突出する軸１９ａが回動可能に嵌挿するように連結されている。
【００２３】
従って、ミシンモータ１０の駆動にて、略中空状のアーム部内に配置された主軸１１が回転すると、天秤クランク１２及び針棒クランクロッド２１を介して針棒抱き１９に上下運動として伝達され、針棒１７を上下運動させる。なお、主軸１１の回転に連動して前記天秤クランク１２に関連させて設けた天秤（図示せず）が上下揺動する。
【００２４】
次に、針棒１７の下端に設けた縫針１７ａの周囲を保護するフインガーガードについて説明すると、図２に示すように、針棒１７と平行状に昇降可能な布押え棒２２の下端に着脱可能に取付けられた布押え装置２３は、布押え棒２２の側面にネジ２５（図８参照）により着脱可能に装着される合成樹脂製等の押えホルダ２４と、押えホルダ２４の下端に対して横ピン２６部分を介して基部側が回動可能に連結される側面視橇状の布押え足２７とを備えており、前記押えホルダ２４は布押え足２７における針通し溝孔２８を除く部分の上側を覆うように形成されている。
【００２５】
そして、実施形態においては、図２、図３、図４及び図８に示すように、前記押えホルダ２４に対して横ピン２９を介してフィンガーガード体３０が取付けられている。このフィンガーガード体３０は前記押えホルダ２４且つ布押え足２７の左右両側を外側から囲み、布押え足２７の自由端側をフィンガーガード体３０における左右一対の橇状のフィンガー部３０ａ，３０ａの互いに接近する先端３１、３１にて囲むことにより、被縫製物を持つオペレータの指が布押え足２７の中央側（針下）に位置し難くなり、安全性が向上する。
【００２６】
次に、ミシンのフレームの一部であるアーム顎部２ａの下端と、前記布押え足２７またはフインガーガード体３０との間であって前記縫針１７ａよりもオペレータ側を覆うことができる防護カバー体４０による安全装置の構成について説明する。図２〜図８はその第１実施形態を示し、ミシンのアーム顎部２ａの前面側における金属板等の取付け台４１の下板４１ａにビス４２等にて取付けられた支持台４３の前側左寄り部位には枢支軸４４の軸受部４５が設けられている（図４参照）。前記防護カバー体４０はアクリル樹脂等の透明部材にて形成された略矩形状のもので、防護カバー体４０の左右両側縁部（係合部）４０ａ，４０ａが奥側に突出している。
【００２７】
前記防護カバー体４０の上端部には、前記軸受部４５に貫通する枢支軸４４に回動可能に取り付けられる一対のブラケット４６ａ，４６ｂが一体的に設けられており、前記枢支軸４４に遊嵌した付勢手段の一例としての捩じりコイルばね４７にて、前記防護カバー体４０を、その下端側が前記布押え足２７またはフインガーガード体３０の自由端側に当接するように、略垂直状となる閉止位置方向に付勢するものである。また、前記防護カバー体４０の上端の一方のブラケット４６ａ（図２で左側）の外周をカム体４８として形成する。その場合、図２に示すように、防護カバー体４０が略垂直状態において、その奥側の下方側のカム体４８の半径が小さく、上に行くに従ってカム体４８の半径を大きくなるように形成し、その一端に係合爪４９を設ける。
【００２８】
他方、前記支持台４３上には、係止手段としての作動体５０を取付け軸５１を介して前後水平方向に回動可能に装着する。実施形態では、作動体５０の自由端側が左方向に延びるように配置され、該作動体５０の自由端側の前面には、前記カム体４８に摺接する摺接部５２が設けられており、この摺接部５２には、前記カム体４８における係合爪４９が係止できる前向きＶノッチ状の係止部５３が形成されている。また、作動体５０における前記摺接部５２が前記カム体４８と常時摺接するように付勢手段としての付勢ばね５４により付勢する。実施形態では、付勢ばね５４の一端は作動体５０における突起部５０ａに掛止めされ、付勢ばね５４の他端は前記枢支軸４４に掛止めされている。さらに、前記作動体５０の上面には、断面略Ｌ字状の被作動部としての壁体５５が設けられている（図２及び図３参照）。
【００２９】
前記取付け台４１は、図２、図３、図５及び図７に示すように、前記支持台４３を支持するための下板４１ａと、該下板４１ａの前端から垂直上向き延びる垂直板４１ｂと、垂直板４１ｂの上端から前方下向きに延びる取り付け板部４１ｃと、前記垂直板４１ｂから横向きに延びて図示しないミシンの機枠等に固定する固定部４１ｄとからなるように、板材を屈曲形成したものである。但し、取り付け板部４１ｃの左端に対して下板４１ａの左端の位置が右方向にずれているため、この両板を繋ぐ前記垂直板４１ｂの左端縁は下に行くに従って右方になるように傾斜状に切除してある。そして、垂直板４１ｂの中途部には後述する連動機構としての回動連動体５６における後向きの突起部５８が前記壁体５５に当接できる窓孔４１ｅが形成されている。
【００３０】
前記取付け台４１における取り付け板部４１ｃの下面には、支軸５７の上端ネジ部を螺合させて垂下し、この下頭付き支持軸５７に回転可能に回動連動体５６の基部５６ａを装着する。そして、回動連動体５６の基部５６ａから略Ｌ字状に突出したアーム部５９を、前記ボタン取り付け板８における櫛歯部の裏面側に臨ませる。なお、取付け台４１における取り付け板部４１ｂ、作動体５０及び支持台４３の前面側には、天秤に係止した上糸（図示せず）が縫針１７ａの方向に通る糸道を確保するための切欠き部６０ａ，６０ｂ，６０ｃが形成されている。
【００３１】
この構成により、ミシンの停止状態においてオペレータが前記防護カバー体４０の下端側を摘んで前記捩じりコイルバネ４７の付勢力に抗して前方上向き回動させる。この場合、第２の付勢手段の付勢ばね５４により作動体５０の自由端側前面の摺接部５２が前記防護カバー体４０上端のカム体４８に常時押圧されて摺接して、カム体４８の形状と防護カバー体４０自体の自重に由来して防護カバー体４０は閉止方向に戻ろうとする。
【００３２】
図３の実線状態まで防護カバー体４０を開き回動すると、カム体４８における先端の係合爪４９が作動体５０におけるＶノッチ状の係止部５３に係止でき、アーム顎部２ａの下端と布押え足２７との間の空間であって縫針１７ａよりもオペレータ側の空間を露出するように、防護カバー体４０の開き状態を保持することができる。
【００３３】
この状態で、図示しないレバーにて布押え足２７を上昇位置に、且つ前記プーリ９を手で回して縫針１７ａを針上位置にして糸掛けや針孔への糸通し作業等を実行する。これら縫製準備作業を完了した後、被縫製物を針落下位置にセットし、布押え足２７を下降させる。
【００３４】
縫製作業開始のため、オペレータが前記ミシンモータ１０を起動させる作動スイッチ（起動キースイッチ５や、バック縫いキースイッチ６や一針縫いキースイッチ７）のいずれかの押しボタン部５ａ，６ａ，７ａを押すと、その押された押しボタン部が取付けられたボタン取付け板８の櫛歯部が図２においてボタン取付け板８におけるその右側の支持部を中心に奥側に弾性的に撓み回動し、対応するキースイッチ５、６、７を押して信号を出力する一方、前記撓んだボタン取付け板８の櫛歯部の裏面にて前記アーム部５９を奥側に押し、連動機構としての回動連動体５６を支軸５７の回りにて図６（ｂ）に示す反時計方向に回動し、後向きの突起部５８が前記作動体５０における壁体５５を押して、第２の付勢手段である付勢ばね５４の付勢力に抗して作動体５０を図６（ｂ）にて時計方向に回動させる。つまり、作動体５０の自由端側（摺接部５２側）が前記カム体４８から離れるので、捩じりコイルバネ４７の付勢力と防護カバー体４０自体の自重とにより、当該防護カバー体４０は迅速に下向きに回動して、前記取付け台４１と前記布押え足２７またはフインガーガード体３０との間であって前記縫針１７ａよりもオペレータ側を覆う閉止位置になり、縫製作業中に針折れが発生して、破片が飛んでも、防護カバー体４０にて阻止でき、オペレータの顔や目等に当たらず、安全を確保できるのである。
【００３５】
換言すると、本実施形態では、防護カバー体４０が開き位置では、アーム顎部２ａの下端からベッド４までのオペレータ側の空間が大きく開いているから、糸掛けや針孔への糸通し作業が自由に行える一方、オペレータが縫製作業開始のためのミシンモータ１０を起動させるべく起動スイッチを押すと、この動作に連動して連動機構を介して、係止手段である作動体５０による防護カバー体４０の開き位置での係止状態を解除するので、前記付勢手段（捩じりコイルバネ４７）の付勢力にて防護カバー体４０を閉止位置に確実且つ迅速に戻すことができる。そして、本実施形態によれば、オペレータが安全装置である防護カバー体４０を安全位置に戻す作業を別途行う必要がないから、手間が省けると共に縫製時の安全性が向上するという効果を奏する。
【００３６】
防護カバー体４０を透明材料にて形成すれば、前記閉止位置において縫針１７ａによる縫製位置が良好に観察でき、縫製作業を妨げることがない。
【００３７】
実施形態では、防護カバー体４０の裏面の下端側の左右両側の後向き縁部（係合部）４０ａ，４０ａが図９に示すように、フインガーガード体３０における左右両フインガー部３０ａ，３０の先端３１、３１部分の外側に係合当接する位置で停止できる。この状態では、防護カバー体４０側面方向からの外力にてその下端側（自由端側）が左右方向にずれ移動しようとしても、左右両側の後向き縁部（係合部）４０ａ，４０ａのいずれかが左右両フインガー部３０ａ，３０の先端３１、３１部に邪魔されて動かず、防護カバー体４０の閉止姿勢が保持され、枢支軸４４に対するブラケット４６ａ，４６ｂ等に無理な力が作用せず、防護カバー体４０が破損するのを防止できる。
【００３８】
ここで、防護カバー体４０が前記閉止位置にある時、後向き縁部（係合部）４０ａ，４０ａは上述したようにフインガーガード体３０や布押え足２７に係合しているが、防護カバー体４０の破損のおそれがない場合は、フインガーガード体３０や布押え足２７に係合させる必要はない。
【００３９】
なお、前記防護カバー体４０は横方向に回動して、開き位置と閉止位置とに姿勢保持できるものであっても良く、その場合には、防護カバー体４０の回動基端側の枢支軸４０を針棒１７と平行状で、針棒１７の横位置または後位置等に配置すれば良く、防護カバー体４０と一体的に回動する枢支軸４０に前記カム体４８を設ければ良い。そして、作動体５０の自由端側の摺接部５２には縦方向のＶノッチの係止部５３を設ければ良い。また、防護カバー体４０の取付け位置も、アーム顎部２ａに限定されるものではなく、ミシンのフレームのアーム顎部２ａを除く部分でも良い。また、動力伝達手段として主軸とモータの間等にクラッチ機構を設け、ミシン駆動に際して、クラッチ機構の駆動連結に連動させて前記連動機構を動作させて防護カバー体４０の係止状態を解除するように構成することも可能である。さらに、針棒の駆動方法として、天秤クランクを採用する代わりに、リニアモータの出力軸を針棒と直結して駆動することも可能である。その場合の動力伝達手段としては、針棒とモータ出力軸との連結手段が相当する。
【００４０】
図１０〜図１３は本発明の第２実施形態を示す。この実施形態では、ミシンにおける取付け台４１に支持台４３を介して、前記布押え足２７または該布押え足に装着されたフインガーガード体３０との間を覆うための防護カバー体４０を上下回動可能に装着する構成、防護カバー体４０を前記ミシンのフレームと前記布押え足２７またはフインガーガード体３０との間であって前記縫針１７ａよりもオペレータ側を覆う閉止位置方向に付勢する付勢手段としての枢支軸４４に遊嵌した捩じりコイルバネ４７等の構成は第１実施形態と同じである。また、防護カバー体４０を上向きに開いた開き位置に保持するための係止手段としての作動体５０、摺接部５２、係止部５３や、防護カバー体４の上端に設けた作動部としてのカム体４８及び係止爪４９等の構成も第１実施形態と同じである。さらに、取付け台４１も回動連動体５６が装着されていない点を除いて第１実施形態と同じである。従って、同じ構成、部品に対しては第１実施形態に説明したものと同じ符号を付して詳細な詳細な説明は省略する。但し、作動体５０の上面の前記壁体５５が省略された点や、連動機構としての回動連動体５６が省略された点は異なる。
【００４１】
そして、第２実施形態においては、前記支持台４３には、防護カバー体の開閉位置を検知するセンサ手段としてのリミットスイッチ６２をその検知レバー６２ａが後向きになるようにして固定する。他方、前記作動体５０には、図１１で右端側に延びる棒状の移動変位部６３を一体的に設ける。このリミットスイッチ６２、前記起動キースイッチ５、バック縫いキースイッチ６、一針縫いキースイッチ７は、制御プログラムを格納したＲＯＭや各種データを記憶するＲＡＭ（図示せず）を有するマイクロコンピュータ式等の電子式コントローラ７０の入力側インターフェイスに接続され、出力側インターフェイスには駆動回路７１を介してミシンモータ１０に接続されている。
【００４２】
そして、防護カバー体４０を上向きに回動させ、前記フレームと前記布押え足またはフインガーガード体との間であって前記縫針よりもオペレータ側を露出する開き位置に、防護カバー体４０を係止手段としての作動体５０により係止した状態（図１０の実線状態参照）では、図１２（ａ）に示すように、防護カバー体４０における作動部としてのカム体４８にて摺接部５２を奥側に押し、係合爪部４９にて係止しているから、時計方向に回動した作動体５０の移動変位部６３にてリミットスイッチ６２の検知レバー６２ａを押し、リミットスイッチ６２はＯＦＦ信号を出力して、制御手段としてのコントローラ７０がこれ（防護カバー体の開き位置）を検知・認識する。逆に、防護カバー体４０が下向きに回動して閉止位置になるときには、図１２（ｂ）に示すように、カム体４８の半径の小さい側に前記摺接部５２が摺接しているから、作動体５０が図１２（ｂ）において反時計方向に回動し、移動変位部６３がリミットスイッチ６２の検知レバー６２ａから離間し、ＯＮ信号を出力する。この状態にてコントローラ７０が、防護カバー体４０の閉止位置を検知・認識するのである。
【００４３】
制御手段としてのコントローラ７０は、前記センサ手段（リミットスイッチ６２）が防護カバー体４０の閉止位置を検知した場合には、前記針棒１７の駆動を許容し、前記いずれかの作動スイッチ（５、６、７）の押下に応答して、駆動回路７１を介してミシンモータ１０を駆動する制御を行う。他方、前記リミットスイッチ６２が、防護カバー体４０の開き位置を検知した場合には、前記針棒１７の駆動を禁止し、前記いずれの作動スイッチ（５、６、７）を押下しても、ミシンモータを駆動しないように制御を行う。
【００４４】
なお、ミシンモータ１０と主軸１１との間等に動力を継断できるクラッチを設け、前記防護カバー体４０の閉止位置の検知に応じて、クラッチを繋ぎ、針棒の昇降を許容する一方、防護カバー体４０の開き位置の検知に応じて、クラッチを切って、針棒の昇降を禁止するように構成しても良いのである。また、前記第２実施形態において、防護カバー体４０が横方向に開閉回動するように構成してもよく、その場合には、防護カバー体４０の回動基端側の枢支軸４０を針棒１７と平行状で、針棒１７の横位置または後位置等に配置すれば良く、防護カバー体４０と一体的に回動する枢支軸４０に前記カム体４８を設ければ良い。そして、作動体５０の自由端側の摺接部５２には縦方向のＶノッチの係止部５３を設ければ良い。
【００４５】
前記第２実施形態の変形例として、防護カバー体の回動（移動）と一体的に回動（移動）変位するようにしたカム体等の作動部にて直接前記センサ手段（リミットスイッチ６２）をＯＮ・ＯＦＦさせるように構成しても良いことはいうまでもない。
【００４６】
いずれにしても、第２実施形態の発明によれば、作動体５０、カム体等の作動によりリミットスイッチのＯＮ・ＯＦＦが正確になり、前記防護カバー体４０が完全に閉止位置になっていない状態では、開き位置と認識して、ミシンモータ１０の駆動もしくは針棒の昇降を禁止するように制御されるから、防護カバー体４０が安全位置である閉止状態にならないと、ミシンが作動せず、安全性が格段に向上するのである。
【００４７】
また、前記防護カバー体４０には、その開閉移動に応じて前記係止手段を移動させる作動部を設け、前記センサ手段に対して前記係止手段の移動変位部が接離するように構成した場合には、第１実施形態の発明の構成部品（カム体４８や作動体５０）と共通部品にて構成できることになり、安全装置の構成がコンパクト且つ簡単になるという効果を奏する。
【００４８】
前記防護カバー体４０を、透明部材により構成し、且つ前記フインガーガード体３０の幅寸法より若干広幅に形成すれば、防護カバー体４０を上下回動させて開閉するときに操作しやすく、縫製時に手元の邪魔にならず、閉止位置での安全性、強度も確保できる。さらに、前記防護カバー体４０の上端枢支部が、ミシンにおける前記針棒１７が下向きに突出するアーム顎部２ａの下端前面側のフレームに装着されている場合には、防護カバー体４０の上下寸法を著しく小さくしたものでありながら、閉止位置での安全性も十分に確保できる構成となる。
【００４９】
【発明の効果】
以上に詳述したように、請求項１に記載の発明のミシンの安全装置は、縫針が取着されて上下往復動自在な針棒と、少なくとも前記針棒にモータの駆動力を伝達する動力伝達手段と、前記縫針により縫製される加工布を押えるための布押え足を昇降動可能に支持する布押え装置とを備えてなるミシンにおいて、ミシンにおけるフレームに、前記布押え足または該布押え足に装着されたフインガーガード体との間を覆うための防護カバー体を移動可能に装着し、前記防護カバー体を前記フレームと前記布押え足またはフインガーガード体との間であって前記縫針よりもオペレータ側を覆う閉止位置方向に付勢する付勢手段と、防護カバー体を前記フレームと前記布押え足またはフインガーガード体との間であって前記縫針よりもオペレータ側を露出する開き位置に、前記付勢手段の付勢力に抗して係止する係止手段と、前記フレームに設けられ、前記動力伝達手段またはモータの起動スイッチの動作に連動する連動機構とを備え、前記起動スイッチのＯＮ動作にて、前記連動機構を介して前記係止手段による前記防護カバー体の係止状態を解除するように構成したことを特徴とするものである。
【００５０】
このように構成することにより、防護カバー体が開き位置では、オペレータ側の針元の空間が大きく開いているから、糸掛けや針孔への糸通し作業が自由に行える一方、オペレータが縫製作業開始のため、起動スイッチを押すと、この動作に連動して連動機構を介して、係止手段による防護カバー体の開き位置での係止状態を解除するので、その付勢手段の付勢力にて防護カバー体を閉止位置に確実且つ迅速に戻すことができる。従って、本発明によれば、オペレータが安全装置である防護カバー体を安全位置に戻す作業を別途行う必要がないから、手間が省けると共に縫製時の安全性が向上するという効果を奏する。
【００５１】
また、請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載のミシンにおける安全装置において、前記防護カバー体には、その開閉時に前記係止手段における摺接部に常時摺接するカム体を備え、第２の付勢手段により前記係止手段を防護カバー体のカム体に接近するように付勢する一方、前記摺接部には前記カム体に形成された係合爪に係脱する係止部を備えたものであるから、請求項１に記載の発明による効果に加えて、構造が簡単になり、オペレータが防護カバー体を開き位置方向に回動すると、カム体の併合爪が係止手段における係止部に確実に係合するので、そのばでオペレータの手を離しても、防護カバー体の開き状態を確保できて、糸掛けや糸通し作業を両手で行えるという効果を奏する。
【００５２】
他方、請求項３に記載の発明のミシンにおける安全装置は、縫針が取着されて上下往復動自在な針棒と、少なくとも前記針棒にモータの駆動力を伝達する動力伝達手段と、前記縫針により縫製される加工布を押えるための布押え足を昇降動可能に支持する布押え装置とを備えてなるミシンにおいて、ミシンにおけるフレームに、前記布押え足または該布押え足に装着されたフインガーガード体との間を覆うための防護カバー体を移動可能に装着し、前記防護カバー体を前記フレームと前記布押え足またはフインガーガード体との間であって前記縫針よりもオペレータ側を覆う閉止位置方向に付勢する付勢手段と、防護カバー体を前記フレームと前記布押え足またはフインガーガード体との間であって前記縫針よりもオペレータ側を露出する開き位置に、前記付勢手段の付勢力に抗して係止する係止手段と、防護カバー体の開閉位置を検知するセンサ手段とを備え、前記センサ手段が防護カバー体の閉止位置を検知するときは前記針棒の駆動を許容し、防護カバー体の開き位置を検知するときは前記針棒の駆動を禁止するように制御する制御手段を備えたものである。
【００５３】
この構成によれば、前記防護カバー体が完全に閉止位置になっていない状態では、開き位置と認識して、針棒の駆動を禁止するように制御されるから、防護カバー体が安全位置である閉止状態にならないと、ミシンが作動せず、安全性が格段に向上するのである。また、開き位置から閉止位置へは係止手段の係止を解除すれば、付勢手段の付勢力により、防護カバー体を簡単且つスムースに移動させることができ作業性が良い。
【００５４】
そして、請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項３に記載のミシンの安全装置において、前記防護カバー体には、その開閉移動に応じて前記係止手段を移動させる作動部を設け、前記センサ手段に対して前記係止手段の移動変位部が接離するように構成したものであるから、請求項１に記載の発明の構成部品と共通部品にて構成できることになり、請求項１及び請求項３の２つの発明の別々の作用効果を有する２種類の安全装置の構成がコンパクト且つ簡単になるという効果を奏する。
【００５５】
さらに、請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項４に記載のミシンにおける安全装置において、第２の付勢手段により前記係止手段を防護カバー体に接近するように付勢する一方、前記作動部を、防護カバー体の開閉移動時に前記係止手段における摺接部に常時摺接し、且つ防護カバー体の閉止位置で前記係止手段の移動変位部が前記センサから離間し、防護カバー体の開き位置で前記係止手段の移動変位部が前記センサに接近するようにしたカム体にて構成し、前記摺接部には前記カム体に形成された係合爪に係脱する係止部を備えたものであり、このカム体及び係合爪と係止手段とを、請求項１及び請求項３の２つの発明の別々の作用効果を有する２種類の安全装置の構成のための共通部品にすることができて、安全装置の構成を一層コンパクト且つ簡単にできるという効果を奏する。
【００５６】
請求項６に記載の発明は、請求項１乃至請求項５のいずれかに記載のミシンの安全装置において、前記防護カバー体には、当該防護カバー体の閉止位置にて、布押え足の左右両側に延びるフインガーガード体に係合する係合部を備えたものであるから、閉止位置にて防護カバー体の自由端側が被縫製物の取り扱い等の外力にて破損することがなく、安全性を一層向上できるという効果を奏する。
【００５７】
請求項７に記載の発明は、請求項１乃至請求項６のいずれかに記載のミシンの安全装置において、前記防護カバー体を透明部材により構成した場合には、閉止位置でオペレータ側から針元が良く観察でき、被縫製物の取り扱い時に防護カバー体が邪魔に成らず、縫製作業が効率良く行えるという効果を奏する。そして、防護カバー体を前記フインガーガード体の幅寸法より若干広幅に形成すれば、防護カバー体を小型化したものでありながら、針折れによるオペレータの被災をよく防止できるという効果を奏する。
【００５８】
請求項８に記載の発明は、請求項１乃至請求項７のいずれかに記載のミシンの安全装置において、前記防護カバー体の上端枢支部は、ミシンにおける前記針棒が下向きに突出するアーム顎部の下端前面側のフレームに装着されているものであるので、防護カバー体を開き位置回動した場合にも、物理的障害とならず、布押え足の昇降時に邪魔にならず、縫製作業に手間取ることがないから、防護カバー体の上下寸法を大きくする必要がなく、防護カバー体を小型化したものでありながら、針折れによるオペレータの被災をよく防止できるという効果を奏する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明を適用するミシンの正面図である。
【図２】安全装置の第１実施形態の斜視図である。
【図３】同じく側面図である。
【図４】安全装置の第１実施形態の部品の分解斜視図である。
【図５】連動機構の斜視図である。
【図６】（ａ）は防護カバー体の開き位置を示す平面図、（ｂ）は連動機構による閉止位置への変更を示す作用説明図である。
【図７】図５のVII −VII 線矢視断面図である。
【図８】布押え足及びフインガーガード体の分解斜視図である。
【図９】閉止位置におけるフインガーガード体に対する防護カバー体の左右両側の位置関係を示す断面図である。
【図１０】安全装置の第２実施形態の側面図である。
【図１１】安全装置の第２実施形態の部品の分解斜視図である。
【図１２】（ａ）は防護カバー体の開いた状態を示す平面図、（ｂ）は閉止位置の状態を示す平面図である。
【図１３】フレームの斜視図である。
【図１４】制御装置の機能ブロック図である。
【符号の説明】
１ミシン
２ａアーム顎部
５、６、７スイッチ
１０ミシンモータ
１１主軸
１７針棒
１７ａ縫針
２２布押え棒
２７布押え足
３０フィンガーガード
４０防護カバー体
４３支持台
４７捩じりコイルバネ
４８カム体
４９係合爪
５０作動体
５３係止部
５４付勢ばね
５５壁体
５６回動連動体
５８突起部
５９アーム部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sewing machine, and more particularly, a safety device for preventing an operator's eyes from being injured by a foreign object such as a sewing needle broken during a sewing operation or inadvertently driving the sewing machine. It is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a sewing needle sometimes breaks during sewing with a sewing machine. This is because the sewing needle collides with the needle plate when proper handling is not performed, such as when sewing the stepped part of the workpiece, entanglement of the thread, forcibly pulling the cloth, etc. It often happens. In addition, when a metallic thread is used in an embroidery sewing machine, needle breakage may occur even if sufficient care is taken due to the characteristics of the thread.
[0003]
Furthermore, if a child accidentally touches the sewing machine operation switch, the finger touches the suddenly activated sewing needle, the needle falls below the needle, causing injury, or the sewing material is moved while sewing with the sewing machine. However, there is a problem that the operator's finger is injured because the operator's finger is positioned under the sewing needle by mistake.
[0004]
In order to solve these problems, it has been conventionally disclosed in, for example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 4-103878, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-267387, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 62-7993, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 7-20178. As described above, a finger guard such as a wire-like protector that is surrounded by a substantially constant radius from the axis of the sewing needle is provided on the presser foot, or a transparent resin protective cover body called an eye guard is used. The thing surrounding the front of the sewing needle and the presser foot has been devised.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the conventional protector and protective cover body are large in size, they often become obstructive in replacement work, threading, and threading work of the sewing object, and the protector and protective cover body are not temporarily removed. There is a problem that it is difficult to replace the work to be sewn, threading and threading work, and it is necessary to reattach the sewing work prior to the sewing work, which significantly reduces the efficiency of the sewing work.
[0006]
In addition, due to the troublesome work of attaching and detaching, there is a problem that the operator performs the sewing work without wearing the protector and the protective cover body, and the safety work cannot be thoroughly performed.
[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve these conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a safety device for a sewing machine that is compact and has high safety and does not reduce the efficiency of sewing work. .
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a safety device for a sewing machine according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a needle bar to which a sewing needle is attached and which can be reciprocated up and down, and a power transmission that transmits at least the driving force of the motor to the needle bar. Means and a presser foot device that supports a presser foot for pressing the work cloth sewn by the sewing needle so as to be movable up and down, wherein the presser foot or the presser foot is attached to a frame of the sewing machine. A protective cover body for covering between the finger guard body mounted on the frame is movably mounted, and the protective cover body is disposed between the frame and the presser foot or the finger guard body and the sewing needle. An urging means for urging the operator side closer to the closing position, and a protective cover body between the frame and the presser foot or the finger guard body and closer to the operator side than the sewing needle. A locking means that locks against an urging force of the urging means at an exposed open position, and an interlocking mechanism that is provided on the frame and interlocks with the operation of the power transmission means or the motor start switch. In the ON operation of the start switch, the locking state of the protective cover body by the locking means is released via the interlocking mechanism.
[0009]
Further, the invention according to claim 2 is the safety device for the sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the protective cover body is provided with a cam body that is always in sliding contact with the sliding contact portion of the locking means when opened and closed. The second urging means urges the locking means so as to approach the cam body of the protective cover body, while the sliding contact portion engages and disengages with an engaging claw formed on the cam body. It has a part.
[0010]
On the other hand, the safety device in the sewing machine according to claim 3 includes a needle bar to which a sewing needle is attached and which can be reciprocated up and down, power transmission means for transmitting at least the driving force of the motor to the needle bar, and the sewing needle. In a sewing machine comprising a presser foot device that supports a presser foot that presses a work cloth sewn by the above-mentioned so as to move up and down, the presser foot or a foot attached to the presser foot is mounted on a frame of the sewing machine. A protective cover body for covering the space between the finger guard body is movably mounted, and the protective cover body is placed between the frame and the presser foot or the finger guard body and closer to the operator side than the sewing needle. An urging means for urging the cover in the direction of the closing position; and an opening that exposes the protective cover body between the frame and the presser foot or the finger guard body and exposing the operator side of the sewing needle. A locking means for locking against the urging force of the urging means, and a sensor means for detecting the opening / closing position of the protective cover body. The sensor means detects the closed position of the protective cover body. Control means for allowing the needle bar to be driven, and prohibiting the needle bar from being driven when detecting the opening position of the protective cover body.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the safety device for a sewing machine according to the third aspect, the protective cover body is provided with an operating portion for moving the locking means in accordance with the opening / closing movement thereof, and the sensor The moving displacement portion of the locking means is configured to come in contact with and away from the means.
[0012]
Further, the invention according to claim 5 is the safety device for the sewing machine according to claim 4, wherein the locking means is urged to approach the protective cover body by the second urging means, while the operation is performed. At the time of opening and closing movement of the protective cover body, and the sliding displacement portion of the locking means is separated from the sensor at the closed position of the protective cover body. A locking portion that is configured by a cam body in which the movement displacement portion of the locking means approaches the sensor at the open position, and that is engaged with and disengaged from an engagement claw formed on the cam body. It is equipped with.
[0013]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the safety device for a sewing machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the protective cover body includes a left and right foot of the presser foot at a closed position of the protective cover body. It has an engaging portion that engages with a finger guard body extending on both sides.
[0014]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the safety device for a sewing machine according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the protective cover body is formed of a transparent member, and the width dimension of the finger guard body It is formed slightly wider.
[0015]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the safety device for a sewing machine according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the upper end pivotal support portion of the protective cover body has an arm jaw from which the needle bar of the sewing machine projects downward. It is attached to the frame on the front side of the lower end of the part.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described. 1 is a front view of an electronically controlled sewing machine according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a needle bar up-and-down moving mechanism, a cloth presser device, and a safety device in the sewing machine of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the safety device, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the interlocking mechanism, FIG. 6A is a plan view showing the opened state of the protective cover body, and FIG. 6B is a state in which the protective cover body is moved to the closed position. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 5, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the presser foot and the finger guard body, and FIG. 10 is a side view of the safety device of the second embodiment. 11 and 11 are exploded perspective views of parts of the safety device of the second embodiment.
[0017]
In a main body case 2 of the sewing machine 1 according to the present invention, a sewing machine motor 10 (see FIG. 14), a main shaft 11, a power transmission means such as a balance crank 12, and a needle bar base 13 as a needle bar support means are accommodated. A liquid crystal panel 3 having a touch panel (not shown) on the surface is provided on the front surface of the main body case 2. A pulley 9 for manually moving the needle bar 17 up and down is provided at the right end of the main body case 2.
[0018]
On the liquid crystal panel 3, input keys for sewing patterns and sewing conditions are displayed. By pressing keys on the touch panel provided corresponding to these display positions, the sewing patterns and sewing conditions can be selected. ing.
[0019]
When the side on which the liquid crystal panel 3 is provided is the front surface of the sewing machine 1, a sewing machine bed 4 on which a cloth is placed at the time of sewing is provided below the arm jaw 2a of the sewing machine body 2. The sewing machine bed 4 houses a feed dog, a feed dog pulse motor, a feed dog forward / backward movement mechanism, a feed dog vertical movement mechanism, a hook storing a lower thread, and the like (both not shown). ).
[0020]
Further, a plurality of operation switches such as a start key switch 5 for switching the sewing machine motor 10 between a driving start state and a stop state, a back sewing key switch 6 and a single stitching key switch 7 are provided on the front surface of the arm jaw 2a. Is placed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the push button portions 5a, 6a, 7a corresponding to the switches 5, 6, 7 are attached (or integrally formed) to the comb-like button attaching plate 8. One end of the button mounting plate 8 is cantilevered on the case back surface of the arm jaw 2a. A switch board 18 for detecting ON / OFF of each of the switches 5, 6, 7 is fixed to a boss 15 on the back of the case via a screw 16 so as to face the back of the mounting plate 8 (see FIG. 3).
[0021]
When the operator pushes one of the push button portions 5a, 6a, 7a, the button attachment plate 8 to which the pushed push button portion is attached is the comb support portion on the right side of the button attachment plate 8 in FIG. Is configured to be able to output a signal by pressing the corresponding key switch 5, 6, 7. Each time the key switches 5, 6 and 7 are pressed once, it is determined by the controller 70 which will be described later to be an ON signal and an OFF signal.
[0022]
The needle bar 17 is supported so as to move smoothly up and down by an upper and lower support part 13a (only the lower support part is shown in FIG. 2) of a needle bar base 13 as needle bar support means. A needle bar holder 19 is fitted and fixed to a middle part of the needle bar 17 in the vertical direction, and a needle bar crank rod 21 is provided via a crank pin 20 protruding laterally on a balance crank 12 provided at the tip of the main shaft 11. Are connected so as to rotate in conjunction with each other, and a shaft 19a protruding from the needle bar holder 19 is rotatably connected to the boss portion 21a of the needle bar crank rod 21.
[0023]
Therefore, when the main shaft 11 disposed in the substantially hollow arm portion is rotated by the drive of the sewing machine motor 10, it is transmitted as a vertical motion to the needle bar holder 19 via the balance crank 12 and the needle bar crank rod 21, and the needle The rod 17 is moved up and down. A scale (not shown) provided in association with the scale crank 12 swings up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the main shaft 11.
[0024]
Next, the finger guard for protecting the periphery of the sewing needle 17a provided at the lower end of the needle bar 17 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the finger guard 17 is attached to and detached from the lower end of the presser bar 22 that can be moved up and down in parallel with the needle bar 17. The presser device 23, which can be attached to the presser bar 22, is attached to the side surface of the presser bar 22 with a screw 25 (see FIG. 8) so as to be detachable, and to the lower end of the presser holder 24. The presser foot 27 is provided with a presser foot 27 having a side-view-like shape that is rotatably connected to the base side via a lateral pin 26 portion. The presser holder 24 is a portion of the presser foot 27 excluding the needle passage groove hole 28. It is formed so as to cover the upper side.
[0025]
In the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 8, a finger guard body 30 is attached to the presser holder 24 via a lateral pin 29. The finger guard body 30 surrounds the left and right sides of the presser holder 24 and the presser foot 27 from the outside, and the free end side of the presser foot 27 is formed by a pair of left and right hook-shaped finger portions 30a and 30a on the finger guard body 30. By enclosing with the approaching tips 31, 31, the operator's finger having the workpiece is difficult to be positioned on the center side (under the needle) of the presser foot 27, and safety is improved.
[0026]
Next, a protective cover that can cover the operator side from the sewing needle 17a between the lower end of the arm jaw 2a, which is a part of the frame of the sewing machine, and the presser foot 27 or the finger guard body 30. The configuration of the safety device using the body 40 will be described. 2 to 8 show the first embodiment, and the front left side of the support base 43 attached to the lower plate 41a of the mounting base 41 such as a metal plate on the front side of the arm jaw 2a of the sewing machine with a screw 42 or the like. A bearing 45 of the pivot shaft 44 is provided at the site (see FIG. 4). The protective cover body 40 has a substantially rectangular shape formed of a transparent member such as acrylic resin, and right and left side edges (engagement portions) 40a, 40a of the protective cover body 40 protrude to the back side.
[0027]
A pair of brackets 46 a and 46 b that are rotatably attached to a pivot shaft 44 that penetrates the bearing portion 45 are integrally provided at the upper end portion of the protective cover body 40. With the torsion coil spring 47 as an example of the loosely-fitting biasing means, the lower end side of the protective cover body 40 is in contact with the free end side of the presser foot 27 or the finger guard body 30. It is biased in the direction of the closing position that is substantially vertical. Further, the outer periphery of one bracket 46 a (left side in FIG. 2) at the upper end of the protective cover body 40 is formed as a cam body 48. In that case, as shown in FIG. 2, when the protective cover body 40 is in a substantially vertical state, the radius of the cam body 48 on the lower side of the protective cover body 40 is small, and the radius of the cam body 48 increases as it goes upward. The engaging claw 49 is provided at one end thereof.
[0028]
On the other hand, an operating body 50 as a locking means is mounted on the support base 43 through an attachment shaft 51 so as to be rotatable in the front-rear and horizontal directions. In the embodiment, the operating body 50 is arranged so that the free end side extends in the left direction, and a sliding contact portion 52 that is in sliding contact with the cam body 48 is provided on the front surface of the operating body 50 on the free end side. The sliding contact portion 52 is formed with a forward V-notch-shaped locking portion 53 capable of locking the engaging claw 49 in the cam body 48. Further, the slidable contact portion 52 of the operating body 50 is urged by a urging spring 54 as urging means so as to always slidably contact the cam body 48. In the embodiment, one end of the biasing spring 54 is hooked on the protrusion 50 a of the operating body 50, and the other end of the biasing spring 54 is hooked on the pivot shaft 44. Further, a wall body 55 as an actuated portion having a substantially L-shaped cross section is provided on the upper surface of the actuating body 50 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0029]
As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 7, the mounting base 41 includes a lower plate 41a for supporting the support base 43, and a vertical plate 41b extending vertically upward from the front end of the lower plate 41a. The plate material is bent so as to include a mounting plate portion 41c extending downward from the upper end of the vertical plate 41b and a fixing portion 41d extending laterally from the vertical plate 41b and fixed to a machine frame (not shown). Is. However, since the position of the left end of the lower plate 41a is shifted in the right direction with respect to the left end of the mounting plate portion 41c, the left end edge of the vertical plate 41b connecting both the plates is set to the right as going downward. It is cut in an inclined shape. A window hole 41e is formed in the middle portion of the vertical plate 41b so that a rearward protruding portion 58 of a rotation interlocking body 56 as an interlocking mechanism to be described later can come into contact with the wall body 55.
[0030]
The upper end threaded portion of the support shaft 57 is screwed onto the lower surface of the mounting plate portion 41c of the mounting base 41, and the base portion 56a of the rotation interlocking body 56 is rotatably mounted on the support shaft 57 with the lower head. To do. Then, the arm part 59 protruding in a substantially L shape from the base part 56 a of the rotation interlocking body 56 is made to face the back side of the comb tooth part in the button mounting plate 8. It should be noted that an upper thread (not shown) locked to the balance is secured on the front side of the mounting plate 41b, the operating body 50, and the support base 43 in the mounting base 41 to secure a thread path through which the upper thread (not shown) passes in the direction of the sewing needle 17a. Notches 60a, 60b, and 60c are formed.
[0031]
With this configuration, when the sewing machine is stopped, the operator picks the lower end side of the protective cover body 40 and turns it forward and upward against the urging force of the torsion coil spring 47. In this case, the slidable contact portion 52 on the front surface of the free end of the operating body 50 is always pressed against the cam body 48 on the upper end of the protective cover body 40 by the urging spring 54 of the second urging means, and slidably contacts the cam body. Due to the shape of 48 and the weight of the protective cover body 40 itself, the protective cover body 40 tries to return to the closing direction.
[0032]
When the protective cover body 40 is opened and rotated to the solid line state of FIG. 3, the engaging claw 49 at the tip of the cam body 48 can be locked to the V-notch-shaped locking portion 53 of the operating body 50, and the lower end of the arm jaw 2a. The protective cover body 40 can be kept open so that the space between the presser foot 27 and the operator side with respect to the sewing needle 17a is exposed.
[0033]
In this state, the work presser foot 27 is moved to the raised position by a lever (not shown), and the pulley 9 is turned by hand so that the sewing needle 17a is set to the needle upper position, and the threading operation, the threading operation to the needle hole, and the like are executed. After completing the sewing preparation work, the workpiece is set at the needle dropping position, and the presser foot 27 is lowered.
[0034]
In order to start the sewing work, any one of the push buttons 5a, 6a, 7a of the operation switch (start key switch 5, back stitching key switch 6, single stitch key switch 7) by which the operator starts the sewing machine motor 10 is operated. When pressed, the comb tooth portion of the button mounting plate 8 to which the pressed push button portion is mounted is elastically bent and rotated to the back side around the right support portion of the button mounting plate 8 in FIG. While the corresponding key switch 5, 6, 7 is pressed to output a signal, the arm 59 is pushed to the back side on the back surface of the comb tooth portion of the bent button mounting plate 8, and the rotation interlocking as an interlocking mechanism. The body 56 is rotated around the support shaft 57 in the counterclockwise direction shown in FIG. 6B, and the rearward protruding portion 58 pushes the wall body 55 of the operating body 50, which is the second urging means. The bias of the bias spring 54 It is rotated in the clockwise direction actuation body 50 against in FIG 6 (b) to. That is, since the free end side (sliding contact portion 52 side) of the operating body 50 is separated from the cam body 48, the protective cover body 40 is caused by the urging force of the torsion coil spring 47 and the own weight of the protective cover body 40 itself. It quickly turns downward to reach a closed position between the mounting base 41 and the presser foot 27 or the finger guard body 30 so as to cover the operator side of the sewing needle 17a. Even if a fold is generated and a fragment is blown, it can be prevented by the protective cover body 40, so that it does not hit the operator's face or eyes, and safety can be ensured.
[0035]
In other words, in this embodiment, when the protective cover body 40 is in the open position, the space on the operator side from the lower end of the arm jaw 2a to the bed 4 is wide open. On the other hand, when the operator presses the start switch to start the sewing machine motor 10 for starting the sewing work, the protective cover body by the operating body 50 as the locking means is linked to this operation via the interlocking mechanism. Since the locked state at the open position of 40 is released, the protective cover body 40 can be reliably and quickly returned to the closed position by the biasing force of the biasing means (torsion coil spring 47). And according to this embodiment, since it is not necessary for an operator to perform the operation | work which returns the protective cover body 40 which is a safety device separately to a safe position, there exists an effect that the safety | security at the time of sewing is improved while a labor is saved.
[0036]
If the protective cover body 40 is formed of a transparent material, the sewing position by the sewing needle 17a can be observed well at the closed position, and the sewing operation is not hindered.
[0037]
In the embodiment, the left and right rearward edge portions (engagement portions) 40a, 40a on the lower end side of the back surface of the protective cover body 40 are formed on the left and right finger portions 30a, 30 of the finger guard body 30 as shown in FIG. The tip 31 can be stopped at a position where it engages and abuts the outside of the 31 portion. In this state, even if the lower end side (free end side) tries to shift in the left-right direction by an external force from the side surface direction of the protective cover body 40, either one of the left and right rearward edges (engaging portions) 40a, 40a Is obstructed by the tips 31 and 31 of the left and right finger parts 30a and 30 and does not move, the closed posture of the protective cover body 40 is maintained, and an unreasonable force does not act on the brackets 46a and 46b with respect to the pivot shaft 44. The protective cover 40 can be prevented from being damaged.
[0038]
Here, when the protective cover body 40 is in the closed position, the rearward edge portions (engagement portions) 40a and 40a are engaged with the finger guard body 30 and the presser foot 27 as described above. If there is no risk of damage to the cover body 40, it is not necessary to engage the finger guard body 30 or the presser foot 27.
[0039]
Note that the protective cover body 40 may be capable of rotating in the lateral direction and maintaining the posture in the open position and the closed position. In this case, the pivot of the protective cover body 40 on the pivot base end side may be used. The support shaft 40 is parallel to the needle bar 17 and may be disposed at a lateral position or a rear position of the needle bar 17. The cam body 48 is provided on the pivot support shaft 40 that rotates integrally with the protective cover body 40. Just do it. Then, the slidable contact portion 52 on the free end side of the operating body 50 may be provided with a vertical V-notch engaging portion 53. Further, the mounting position of the protective cover body 40 is not limited to the arm jaw 2a, and may be a portion excluding the arm jaw 2a of the sewing machine frame. Further, a clutch mechanism is provided between the main shaft and the motor as power transmission means, and when the sewing machine is driven, the interlock mechanism is operated in conjunction with the drive connection of the clutch mechanism to release the locking state of the protective cover body 40. It is also possible to configure. Further, as a driving method of the needle bar, it is possible to drive the linear motor output shaft directly connected to the needle bar instead of adopting a balance crank. In this case, the power transmission means corresponds to a connection means between the needle bar and the motor output shaft.
[0040]
10 to 13 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the protective cover body 40 for covering the presser foot 27 or the finger guard body 30 attached to the presser foot via the support base 43 on the attachment base 41 of the sewing machine is vertically moved. A configuration in which the protective cover body 40 is rotatably mounted, and the protective cover body 40 is urged between the sewing machine frame and the presser foot 27 or the finger guard body 30 in the closing position direction covering the operator side from the sewing needle 17a. The configuration of the torsion coil spring 47 and the like loosely fitted on the pivot shaft 44 as the biasing means is the same as that of the first embodiment. Further, as an operating body 50 as a locking means for holding the protective cover body 40 in an open position opened upward, a sliding contact section 52, a locking section 53, and an operating section provided at the upper end of the protective cover body 4. The configurations of the cam body 48 and the locking claws 49 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the mounting base 41 is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the rotation interlocking body 56 is not mounted. Accordingly, the same components and parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as those described in the first embodiment, and detailed detailed description thereof is omitted. However, the difference is that the wall body 55 on the upper surface of the operating body 50 is omitted and the rotation interlocking body 56 as an interlocking mechanism is omitted.
[0041]
And in 2nd Embodiment, the limit switch 62 as a sensor means which detects the opening / closing position of a protective cover body is fixed to the said support stand 43 so that the detection lever 62a may face back. On the other hand, the operating body 50 is integrally provided with a rod-like moving displacement portion 63 extending to the right end side in FIG. The limit switch 62, the start key switch 5, the back stitching key switch 6, and the one stitch key switch 7 are a microcomputer type having a ROM storing a control program and a RAM (not shown) storing various data. The electronic controller 70 is connected to the input side interface, and the output side interface is connected to the sewing machine motor 10 via the drive circuit 71.
[0042]
Then, the protective cover body 40 is rotated upward to engage the protective cover body 40 at an open position between the frame and the presser foot or the finger guard body and exposing the operator side of the sewing needle. In the state of being locked by the operating body 50 as the stopping means (see the solid line state in FIG. 10), as shown in FIG. 12 (a), the slidable contact portion 52 is formed by the cam body 48 as the operating portion in the protective cover body 40. Is pushed by the engaging claw portion 49, the detection lever 62a of the limit switch 62 is pushed by the moving displacement portion 63 of the operating body 50 rotated clockwise, and the limit switch 62 is An OFF signal is output, and the controller 70 as the control means detects and recognizes this (opening position of the protective cover body). On the contrary, when the protective cover body 40 is rotated downward to the closed position, the sliding contact portion 52 is in sliding contact with the smaller radius side of the cam body 48 as shown in FIG. The operating body 50 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 12B, and the moving displacement portion 63 moves away from the detection lever 62a of the limit switch 62 and outputs an ON signal. In this state, the controller 70 detects and recognizes the closed position of the protective cover body 40.
[0043]
When the sensor means (limit switch 62) detects the closed position of the protective cover body 40, the controller 70 as the control means allows the needle bar 17 to be driven, and any one of the operation switches (5, In response to pressing of 6 and 7), control is performed to drive the sewing machine motor 10 via the drive circuit 71. On the other hand, when the limit switch 62 detects the opening position of the protective cover body 40, the needle bar 17 is prohibited from being driven, and any of the operation switches (5, 6, 7) is depressed. Control is performed so that the sewing machine motor is not driven.
[0044]
In addition, a clutch capable of switching power is provided between the sewing machine motor 10 and the main shaft 11, and the clutch is connected in accordance with detection of the closed position of the protective cover body 40, and the needle bar is allowed to move up and down. The clutch may be disengaged in accordance with detection of the opening position of the cover body 40, and the needle bar may be prohibited from being raised or lowered. Further, in the second embodiment, the protective cover body 40 may be configured to open and close in a lateral direction. In this case, the pivot shaft 40 on the rotation base end side of the protective cover body 40 is provided. The cam body 48 may be provided on the pivot shaft 40 that rotates in one piece with the protective cover body 40 and is disposed parallel to the needle bar 17 and at a lateral position or a rear position of the needle bar 17. Then, the slidable contact portion 52 on the free end side of the operating body 50 may be provided with a vertical V-notch engaging portion 53.
[0045]
As a modified example of the second embodiment, the sensor means (limit switch 62) is directly applied to an operating portion such as a cam body that is displaced (moved) integrally with the rotation (movement) of the protective cover body. Needless to say, it may be configured to turn on and off.
[0046]
In any case, according to the invention of the second embodiment, the ON / OFF of the limit switch becomes accurate by the operation of the operating body 50, the cam body, etc., and the protective cover body 40 is not completely in the closed position. In this state, since it is recognized as an open position and is controlled so as to prohibit the drive of the sewing machine motor 10 or the raising and lowering of the needle bar, the sewing machine will not operate unless the protective cover body 40 is in the closed state, which is the safe position. The safety is greatly improved.
[0047]
Further, the protective cover body 40 is provided with an operating portion that moves the locking means according to the opening and closing movement thereof, and the moving displacement portion of the locking means is brought into contact with and separated from the sensor means. In this case, it can be configured with the components (the cam body 48 and the operating body 50) of the invention of the first embodiment, and there is an effect that the configuration of the safety device is compact and simple.
[0048]
If the protective cover body 40 is made of a transparent member and is formed to be slightly wider than the width dimension of the finger guard body 30, the protective cover body 40 can be operated easily when it is opened and closed by turning up and down, and sewing is performed. Sometimes it does not get in the way of the hand, and safety and strength at the closed position can be secured. Furthermore, when the upper end pivotal support portion of the protective cover body 40 is attached to the frame on the front side of the lower end of the arm jaw portion 2a from which the needle bar 17 projects downward, the vertical dimension of the protective cover body 40 is provided. In this configuration, the safety at the closed position can be sufficiently secured.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, the safety device for the sewing machine according to the first aspect of the present invention is a needle bar that can be reciprocated up and down with a sewing needle attached thereto, and a power that transmits at least the driving force of the motor to the needle bar. In a sewing machine comprising a transmission means and a presser foot device that supports a presser foot for pressing a work cloth sewn by the sewing needle so as to be movable up and down, the presser foot or the presser foot is attached to a frame of the sewing machine. A protective cover body for covering the space between the finger guard body mounted on the foot is movably mounted, and the protective cover body is disposed between the frame and the presser foot or the finger guard body, and A biasing means for biasing the operator side from the sewing needle toward the closing position; and a protective cover body between the frame and the presser foot or the finger guard body and closer to the operator side than the sewing needle. A locking means that locks against an urging force of the urging means at an opening position to be extended, and an interlocking mechanism that is provided on the frame and interlocks with the operation of the power transmission means or the motor start switch. In the ON operation of the start switch, the locking state of the protective cover body by the locking means is released via the interlocking mechanism.
[0050]
With this configuration, when the protective cover body is in the open position, the needle base space on the operator side is wide open, so that threading and threading work through the needle hole can be performed freely, while the operator can perform sewing work. To start, when the start switch is pressed, the locking state at the opening position of the protective cover body by the locking means is released via the interlocking mechanism in conjunction with this operation, so the biasing force of the biasing means Thus, the protective cover body can be reliably and quickly returned to the closed position. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is not necessary for the operator to separately perform the work of returning the protective cover body, which is a safety device, to the safe position, and therefore, it is possible to save time and improve the safety during sewing.
[0051]
Further, the invention according to claim 2 is the safety device for the sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the protective cover body is provided with a cam body that is always in sliding contact with the sliding contact portion of the locking means when opened and closed. The second urging means urges the locking means so as to approach the cam body of the protective cover body, while the sliding contact portion engages and disengages with an engaging claw formed on the cam body. In addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention, the structure is simplified, and when the operator rotates the protective cover body in the open position direction, the combined pawl of the cam body is locked. Since the engaging portion is securely engaged with the means, even if the operator's hand is released, the protective cover body can be kept open, and the threading and threading operations can be performed with both hands.
[0052]
On the other hand, the safety device in the sewing machine according to claim 3 includes a needle bar to which a sewing needle is attached and which can be reciprocated up and down, power transmission means for transmitting at least the driving force of the motor to the needle bar, and the sewing needle. In a sewing machine comprising a presser foot device that supports a presser foot that presses a work cloth sewn by the above-mentioned so as to move up and down, the presser foot or a foot attached to the presser foot is mounted on a frame of the sewing machine. A protective cover body for covering the space between the finger guard body is movably mounted, and the protective cover body is placed between the frame and the presser foot or the finger guard body and closer to the operator side than the sewing needle. An urging means for urging the cover in the direction of the closing position; and an opening that exposes the protective cover body between the frame and the presser foot or the finger guard body and exposing the operator side of the sewing needle. A locking means for locking against the urging force of the urging means, and a sensor means for detecting the opening / closing position of the protective cover body. The sensor means detects the closed position of the protective cover body. Control means for allowing the needle bar to be driven, and prohibiting the needle bar from being driven when detecting the opening position of the protective cover body.
[0053]
According to this configuration, when the protective cover body is not completely in the closed position, it is recognized as an open position and is controlled so as to prohibit the driving of the needle bar. If it is not in a certain closed state, the sewing machine will not operate and safety will be greatly improved. Further, if the locking means is released from the open position to the closed position, the protective cover body can be easily and smoothly moved by the biasing force of the biasing means, and the workability is good.
[0054]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the safety device for a sewing machine according to the third aspect, the protective cover body is provided with an operating portion for moving the locking means in accordance with the opening / closing movement thereof, and the sensor Since the moving displacement portion of the locking means comes in contact with and separates from the means, it can be constituted by the component parts of the invention according to claim 1 and the common parts. There exists an effect that the structure of two types of safety devices which has a separate effect of two inventions of claim | item 3 becomes compact and simple.
[0055]
Further, the invention according to claim 5 is the safety device for the sewing machine according to claim 4, wherein the locking means is urged to approach the protective cover body by the second urging means, while the operation is performed. At the time of opening and closing movement of the protective cover body, and the sliding displacement portion of the locking means is separated from the sensor at the closed position of the protective cover body. A locking portion that is configured by a cam body in which the movement displacement portion of the locking means approaches the sensor at the open position, and that is engaged with and disengaged from an engagement claw formed on the cam body. The cam body, the engaging claw, and the locking means are commonly used for the construction of two types of safety devices having different functions and effects of the two inventions of claims 1 and 3. Can be made into parts, making the safety device more compact There is an effect that it and easily.
[0056]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the safety device for a sewing machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the protective cover body includes a left and right foot of the presser foot at a closed position of the protective cover body. Since it has an engagement part that engages with the finger guard body extending on both sides, the free end side of the protective cover body is not damaged by external forces such as handling of the sewing product in the closed position, and it is safe There is an effect that the property can be further improved.
[0057]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the safety device for a sewing machine according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, when the protective cover body is formed of a transparent member, the needle base from the operator side at the closed position is provided. The protective cover body does not get in the way when the workpiece is handled, and the sewing work can be performed efficiently. If the protective cover body is formed to be slightly wider than the width dimension of the finger guard body, the protective cover body can be miniaturized, and the operator can be well prevented from being damaged by needle breakage.
[0058]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the safety device for a sewing machine according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the upper end pivotal support portion of the protective cover body has an arm jaw from which the needle bar of the sewing machine projects downward. Since it is attached to the frame on the front side of the lower end of the part, even if the protective cover is opened and rotated, it does not become a physical obstacle and does not get in the way when the work clamp foot is raised and lowered, and sewing work Therefore, there is no need to increase the vertical dimension of the protective cover body, and the protective cover body is miniaturized, and the operator can be well prevented from being damaged by needle breakage.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a sewing machine to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the safety device.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the same.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of components of the first embodiment of the safety device.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an interlocking mechanism.
6A is a plan view showing an opening position of the protective cover body, and FIG. 6B is an operation explanatory view showing a change to a closing position by an interlocking mechanism.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the presser foot and the finger guard body.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the left and right sides of the protective cover body with respect to the finger guard body in the closed position.
FIG. 10 is a side view of a second embodiment of the safety device.
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of components of a second embodiment of the safety device.
12A is a plan view showing a state in which a protective cover body is opened, and FIG. 12B is a plan view showing a state in a closed position.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a frame.
FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of a control device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Sewing machine
2a Arm jaw
5, 6, 7 switch
10 Sewing motor
11 Spindle
17 Needle bar
17a Sewing needle
22 Work clamp
27 Work clamp foot
30 Finger guard
40 Protective cover
43 Support stand
47 Torsion coil spring
48 cam body
49 engaging claw
50 Actuator
53 Locking part
54 Biasing spring
55 Wall
56 Rotating interlocking body
58 Projection
59 Arm

Claims

A needle bar that can be moved up and down with a sewing needle attached;
Power transmission means for transmitting a driving force of a motor to at least the needle bar;
In a sewing machine comprising a presser foot device that supports a presser foot for pressing a work cloth sewn by the sewing needle so as to be movable up and down,
The frame in the sewing machine is movably mounted with a protective cover body for covering between the presser foot or the finger guard body mounted on the presser foot,
A biasing means for biasing the protective cover body between the frame and the presser foot or the finger guard body in a closing position direction covering the operator side with respect to the sewing needle;
A mechanism for locking the protective cover body between the frame and the presser foot or the finger guard body at an open position exposing the operator side of the sewing needle against the biasing force of the biasing means. Stopping means,
An interlocking mechanism that is provided in the frame and interlocks with the operation of the power transmission means or the start switch of the motor,
A safety device for a sewing machine configured to release the locking state of the protective cover body by the locking means via the interlocking mechanism when the activation switch is turned on.

The protective cover body is provided with a cam body that is always in sliding contact with the sliding contact portion of the locking means when the protective cover body is opened and closed, and the locking means is moved closer to the cam body of the protective cover body by the second biasing means. 2. The safety device for a sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the sliding contact portion includes a locking portion that engages with and disengages from an engaging claw formed on the cam body.

A needle bar that can be moved up and down with a sewing needle attached;
Power transmission means for transmitting a driving force of a motor to at least the needle bar;
In a sewing machine comprising a presser foot device that supports a presser foot for pressing a work cloth sewn by the sewing needle so as to be movable up and down,
The frame in the sewing machine is movably mounted with a protective cover body for covering between the presser foot or the finger guard body mounted on the presser foot,
A biasing means for biasing the protective cover body between the frame and the presser foot or the finger guard body in a closing position direction covering the operator side with respect to the sewing needle;
A mechanism for locking the protective cover body between the frame and the presser foot or the finger guard body at an open position exposing the operator side of the sewing needle against the biasing force of the biasing means. Stopping means,
Sensor means for detecting the opening and closing position of the protective cover body,
Control means for controlling the needle bar to be driven when the sensor means detects the closed position of the protective cover body, and prohibiting the needle bar drive when detecting the open position of the protective cover body. A safety device for a sewing machine characterized by comprising.

The protective cover body is provided with an operating portion that moves the locking means in accordance with the opening and closing movement thereof, and the movement displacement portion of the locking means is configured to contact and separate from the sensor means. The safety device for a sewing machine according to claim 3.

While the second biasing means biases the locking means so as to approach the protective cover body, the operating portion is always in sliding contact with the sliding contact portion of the locking means when the protective cover body is opened and closed. And a cam body in which the movement displacement portion of the locking means is separated from the sensor at the closed position of the protective cover body, and the movement displacement portion of the locking means approaches the sensor at the open position of the protection cover body. 5. The safety device for a sewing machine according to claim 4, wherein the sliding contact portion includes a locking portion that engages with and disengages from an engaging claw formed on the cam body.

The said protective cover body is provided with the engaging part engaged with the finger guard body extended in the right-and-left both sides of the work clamp foot in the closed position of the said protective cover body. The safety device for a sewing machine according to any one of 5.

The safety device for a sewing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protective cover body is made of a transparent member and is formed to be slightly wider than a width dimension of the finger guard body. .

The upper end pivotal support part of the protective cover body is attached to a frame on the front side of the lower end of the arm jaw part from which the needle bar in the sewing machine protrudes downward. The sewing machine safety device described.