JPH09239182A - Sewing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically select or lead thread by selectively passing one of a plurality of threads through a sewing needle on a bed part. SOLUTION: Thread handling area forming mechanisms 13 and 19, a thread posture rectifier 25 and the like are arranged on the head part 3 of a sewing machine body 1, and the top of the head part 3 is provided with each thread guide tube 46 for guiding each needle thread 43 from each cheese case 41 onto the slider 48 of a needle thread selector mechanism 47. Furthermore, regarding each needle thread 43 introduced to each holder 53 on a slider 48 through each thread guide tube 46, one needle thread 43 is selected with the needle thread selector mechanism 47 and the selected needle thread 43 is fed by the prescribed quantity to the thread handling area of the thread handling area forming mechanism 13 on the operation of a needle thread feed mechanism 54. Then, the leading end of the needle thread 43 paid out by the needle thread feed mechanism 54 is cut with a thread cutting mechanism 62. Thereafter, the needle threads 43 with aligned ends are guided on an air flow and automatically passed through a sewing needle.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sewing machine preferably used as, for example, an embroidery machine or a sewing machine.
The present invention relates to a sewing machine with an automatic threading device that allows an upper thread such as an embroidery thread to be automatically inserted into a sewing machine needle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a base on which a lower thread for embroidery is arranged, and an embroidery needle (sewing needle) on the upper thread side, which is provided on the base and faces the lower thread side, A head portion of the embroidery machine that reciprocates downward, a color changing mechanism provided on the head portion for changing the color of the upper thread (embroidery thread), and located on the lower side of the head portion on the base. A movable frame such as an embroidery frame for movably holding an embroidery object (embroidery cloth), a frame moving mechanism for moving the movable frame on the base for each needle drop point, and each needle. Data storage means for storing embroidery data for each drop point, and drive control of the head portion, the color changing mechanism and the frame moving mechanism based on the embroidery data for each needle drop point by the data storage means. A sewing machine such as an embroidery machine including an embroidery control means for creating an embroidery pattern formed on the embroidery cloth is known. That.

In a sewing machine such as an embroidery machine according to the prior art of this type, the embroidery needle is moved up by the head portion of the embroidery machine based on the embroidery data for each of a plurality of (many) needle drop points stored in the data storage means. , While reciprocating downward, the frame moving mechanism moves the moving frame in the horizontal direction or the like to automatically create an embroidery pattern composed of the needle drop points on the embroidery cloth held in the moving frame. I am trying.

Further, a plurality of embroidery needles (sewing needles) are reciprocally provided in the head portion, and any one of the embroidery needles is selected by a color changing mechanism while the selected embroidery needle is selected. By driving the needle by the head portion, the color of the embroidery thread forming the embroidery pattern is changed.

[0005]

In the prior art described above, a plurality of embroidery needles (sewing needles) or the like are provided in the head portion of the sewing machine, and any one of the embroidery needles is changed when the embroidery thread is changed in color. Since the structure is selected by the mechanism, there is a problem in that the size of the entire head unit becomes large. Further, it is necessary to manually insert embroidery threads of different colors into the plurality of embroidery needles provided on the head portion prior to the embroidery work, which is a major obstacle to automating the entire embroidery work. There is a problem.

Further, for example, JP-A-61-289365, JP-A-6-154453 and JP-A-6-182.
In the automatic threading device for a sewing machine (hereinafter referred to as another conventional technique) described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 077 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-671, for example, a plurality of threads are provided for one sewing machine needle provided in the head portion. It has been proposed that either of the above can be selectively inserted to reduce the size of the entire head unit.

However, even in such another conventional technique, when a thread breakage occurs during the creation of the embroidery pattern, the old thread is pulled out from the sewing machine needle and a new thread is automatically threaded through the sewing machine needle. It is difficult to perform, especially, while shaping (forming) the thread end on the tip side of a new thread, it is difficult to smoothly guide the shaped thread end side toward the needle hole of the sewing machine needle and thread it with high probability. There is a problem.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. The present invention allows any one of a plurality of threads to be selectively inserted into a sewing needle provided in the head portion, and the entire head portion can be made compact. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sewing machine that can be made into a machine and can smoothly guide a thread toward a needle hole of a sewing machine needle so that thread selection and threading can be automated.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention as claimed in claim 1 swings a balance while reciprocating a sewing machine main body and a sewing machine needle provided in the sewing machine main body. A head portion; a yarn path forming means that is provided on the head portion and forms a yarn path for inserting a thread into at least the balance and the sewing machine needle; and a plurality of yarn path members formed by the yarn path forming means toward one end side of the yarn path. A yarn guiding means for guiding the yarn, a yarn selecting means for selecting any one of the plurality of yarns guided by the yarn guiding means, and a yarn selected by the yarn selecting means for the yarn path. A yarn delivery means for delivering a predetermined feed amount toward one end side, a yarn end shaping means for cutting the tip end side of the yarn delivered by the yarn delivery means to adjust the shape of the yarn end, and a gas in the yarn path. The yarn to the other end side of the yarn path by circulating The only induce yarn adopts a configuration comprising a yarn guide means for inserting the yarn end on the sewing needle.

With this structure, when any one of the plurality of yarns guided by the yarn guiding means is selected by the yarn selecting means, the selected yarn is fed by the yarn sending means. It is possible to adjust the shape of the yarn end by cutting the tip end side of the yarn sent out by the yarn sending means by the yarn end shaping means while sending out a predetermined feed amount toward the one end side. Then, by circulating gas in the yarn path in this state, the thread whose thread end has been shaped can be smoothly guided to the other end side of the thread path by the thread guiding means, and this thread can be guided from the thread end side to the sewing needle. It can be inserted into the needle hole.

Further, in the invention according to claim 2, a threading detecting means for detecting whether or not a thread is inserted through the sewing machine needle, and a thread for the sewing machine needle based on a signal from the threading detection means. After the threading, the flow of gas by the yarn guiding means is stopped, and the yarn path opening means for opening the yarn path by the yarn path forming means is provided.

With this configuration, when the threading detecting means detects the insertion of the thread into the sewing machine needle, the thread path releasing means can be automatically operated, and the gas flow by the thread guiding means can be stopped and the thread path can be stopped. The yarn path by the forming means can be automatically opened, and by performing the sewing operation in this state, the yarn can be smoothly supplied to the sewing needle.

Further, in the invention according to a third aspect, the yarn path forming means is provided with a fixing portion fixedly provided on the head portion, and provided so as to abut against and separate from the fixing portion. A movable part having a curved or linear yarn path extending at least before and after the balance between the fixed part and the fixed part, wherein the yarn path releasing means is in an abutting state with respect to the fixed part. The yarn path is opened by separating the movable part in (1) from the fixed part.

Thus, when the yarn path is formed by the yarn path forming means, the yarn path extends between the movable portion and the fixed portion that are in an abutting state at least before and after the balance in a curved or linear shape. Can be formed, and the thread can be smoothly threaded with respect to the sewing machine needle by guiding the thread along the thread path. Then, after the thread is threaded through the sewing machine needle, the movable part can be separated from the fixed part by operating the thread path releasing means, and the thread path can be held in the open state.

On the other hand, in the invention as set forth in claim 4, the yarn path forming means has a meandering yarn path extending in a curved or straight line at least before and after the thread balance for inserting the thread into the thread balance. A yarn posture correcting section which is arranged below the meandering yarn path and linearly supplies the yarn to the needle hole of the sewing machine needle,
The thread posture correcting section is provided so as to face the thread posture correcting section through the needle hole of the sewing machine needle, and a thread suction section for sucking the thread from the thread posture correcting section and passing the thread through the needle hole of the sewing machine needle is provided. .

As a result, when the gas is circulated in the yarn path by the yarn path forming means, the yarn whose shape is adjusted by the yarn end shaping means is guided to the balance while guiding along the meandering yarn path. The thread can be smoothly inserted, and the thread posture correcting section can linearly feed the thread toward the needle hole of the sewing machine needle. By sucking the thread from the thread posture correcting section by the thread suction section, this thread is threaded. The needle hole of the sewing machine needle can be reliably inserted from the end side.

Further, in the invention according to claim 5, the thread posture correcting section and the thread suction section are integrated through a connecting member, and after threading through the sewing machine needle, the needle hole of the sewing machine needle is formed. The yarn path releasing means retracts from the facing position.

Accordingly, after threading through the sewing machine needle, the thread posture correcting section and the thread suction section can be retracted from the position facing the needle hole of the sewing machine needle by the thread path opening means, and these threads can be retracted. It is possible to prevent the posture correction section and the thread suction section from interfering with the movement of the sewing machine needle.

Further, in the invention according to claim 6, between the yarn end shaping means and the yarn path, the yarn path formation is performed before a new yarn is guided along the yarn path by the yarn guiding means. A yarn waste suction device for sucking the old yarn remaining in the device as yarn waste is provided outside the yarn path forming device.

As a result, even if a thread breakage occurs during the movement of the sewing machine needle, the old thread that has broken the thread can be sucked as thread waste to the outside of the yarn path forming means by the thread waste suction means. The old yarn remaining in the yarn path forming means can be reliably discharged to the outside.

Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 7,
A thread slack absorbing means for absorbing slack of the thread after threading through the sewing machine needle, the thread slack absorbing means releasing the thread path by the thread path releasing means based on a signal from the threading detection means. In addition, the balance is pulled up to the top dead center position.

Thus, when the threading detecting means detects the insertion of the thread into the sewing machine needle, the thread path releasing means is operated to automatically open the thread path by the thread path forming means and the thread loosening absorbing means. By pulling up the balance to the top dead center position, it is possible to pull up the thread in a slack state along the curved thread path so that the thread is tensioned. It is possible to smoothly supply the yarn to the yarn.

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Here, FIGS. 1 to 13 show the first embodiment of the present invention.
The case where the automatic threading device of the sewing machine according to the embodiment is applied to an embroidery machine is shown as an example.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a sewing machine main body which constitutes a main body of an embroidery machine, and the sewing machine main body 1 is composed of a base 2 and a head portion 3 provided on the base 2. . The head portion 3 of the sewing machine body 1 includes a large end portion 3A fixed to the base 2, an arm portion 3B extending from the upper end side of the large end portion 3A substantially in parallel with the base 2, and the arm. It is roughly configured by a small end portion 3C that projects downward from the tip end side of the portion 3B and faces the embroidery frame (not shown) on the base 2.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a flywheel provided on the base end side of the arm portion 3B of the head portion 3, and the flywheel 4 is the arm portion 3B of the head portion 3.
The inside is connected to a main shaft (not shown) extending toward the small end portion 3C side, and this main shaft is rotationally driven together with the flywheel 4 by a main shaft motor 70 (see FIG. 11) described later provided on the base 2 side. .

Here, in the small end portion 3C of the head portion 3, there is provided a driving portion (not shown) for converting the rotation of the main shaft into upward and downward reciprocating movements, and this driving portion includes a balance 11 which will be described later. While swinging up and down, the needle shaft 5 and the sewing machine needle 6 projecting from the lower end side of the small end portion 3C toward the base 2 side as shown in FIG. 2 are driven up and down. . In addition, base 2
A needle plate 7 and a lower thread bobbin 8 around which a lower thread (not shown) is wound are disposed inside the sewing machine needle 6 at a position facing the tip of the sewing machine needle 6.

Reference numeral 9 indicates a thread tension member provided on the front side of the head section 3 located on the tip side of the arm section 3B, and the thread tension element 9 will be described later on the outer peripheral side as shown in FIGS. The thread take-up spring 10 that applies tension to the upper thread 43 by hooking the upper thread 43 is provided, and the upper thread 43 is directed toward the balance 11 to perform thread replenishment by low-friction yarn supply. Then, the thread tension member 9 gives a tension of, for example, about 25 to 50 g to the upper thread 43, and when the upper thread 43 is pulled by the sewing machine needle 6 or the like beyond this tension, the upper thread 43 moves toward the balance 11 side. It is designed to allow yarn to be fed.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a balance arranged on the front surface side of the small end 3C of the head portion 3, and the balance 11 is rocked up and down by the drive portion of the head portion 3 in substantially synchronization with the sewing machine needle 6. When swinging downward, a slight slack is given to the upper thread 43 between itself and 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 the stitches (not shown) formed on the embroidery cloth by the sewing needle 6 and the thread tensioner 9 or the like. Tension is applied to the upper thread 43 so that the thread is fastened and the upper thread 43 is fed out.

Reference numeral 12 is a thread hooking rod fixedly provided on the front surface of the small end portion 3C of the head portion 3 at a position lower than the thread balance 11, and the thread hooking rod 12 is inserted into the thread hole 11A of the thread balance 11. The inserted upper thread 43 is slidably hooked on the front side of the small end portion 3C before and after the upper thread 43, and the upper thread 43 is smoothly moved from the thread take-up spring 10 of the thread tensioner 9 toward the thread hole 11A of the balance 11. The upper thread 43 is smoothly fed from the thread hole 11A of the balance 11 toward the sewing machine needle 6.

Reference numeral 13 denotes the tip side of the arm 3B and the small end 3C.
4 shows a yarn path forming mechanism provided on the front side of the head, and the yarn path forming mechanism 13 is fixed to the small end portion 3C of the head portion 3 as shown in FIGS. A fixed plate 14 as a part, and guides 15 and 1 for the fixed plate 14.
The movable plate 16 and the fixed plate 14 are provided so as to be capable of abutting and separating via the movable plate 16 as a movable portion.
A meandering thread path 17 as a thread path for a balance extending in a curved shape or a straight shape before and after the balance 11 and the like is a concave groove having a depth of, for example, about 0.5 to 1 mm. Has been formed.

Here, the meandering yarn path 17 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, a linear yarn path portion 17A extending downward from the position of a yarn introduction detector 61 described later and a curved line extending from the lower end side of the linear yarn path portion 17A along the periphery of the thread tensioner 9. , A thread path 17B for thread tension for inserting the upper thread 43 into the thread take-up spring 10 and the like, and a substantially S-shaped curve from the tip end side of the thread path 17B for thread tension to the thread hooking bar 12. The yarn threading yarn path portion 17C extending so as to form a U-shape extending from the tip of the yarn threading yarn path portion 17C to the front and the rear of the balance 11 to form a needle thread in the thread hole 11A of the thread balance 11. The thread take-up portion 17D for inserting the thread 43 is provided. The tip end side of the thread take-up portion 17D for the balance is opened downward through the position of the thread hooking and bending rod 12.

Reference numeral 18 denotes an actuator provided as a yarn path releasing means provided between the fixed plate 14 and the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13, and the actuator 18 supplies air pressure from the outside. Move the movable plate 16 to each guide 15
The movable plate 16 abuts or separates from the fixed plate 14 by being driven along with. When the movable plate 16 is abutted against the fixed plate 14 by the actuator 18 as shown in FIG. 5, a meandering yarn extending between the movable plate 16 and the fixed plate 14 in a curved line or a straight line as shown in FIG. Road 17 is formed.

As shown in FIG. 8, the actuator 18 separates the movable plate 16 from the fixed plate 14 to open the meandering yarn path 17 and set the upper yarn 43 free from the meandering yarn path 17. This prevents the needle thread 43 from getting caught in the meandering thread path 17 when the sewing machine needle 6 is driven. Then, 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 machine needle 6 side.

Reference numeral 19 denotes another yarn path forming mechanism provided on the front surface side of the small end portion 3C of the head portion 3. The yarn path forming mechanism 19
Is a small end portion 3C as shown in FIGS.
A fixed plate 20 which is fixed to the lower end side of the sewing machine and extends downward to the position of the sewing machine needle 6, and a movable portion which is arranged so as to abut against and separate from the fixed plate 20 via guides 21 and 21. A movable plate 22 and a relay yarn path 23 extending downwardly from the movable plate 22 and the fixed plate 20 in a continuous manner with the meandering yarn path 17 and having a depth of, for example, about 0.5 to 1 mm. It is formed as a concave groove having.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, etc., the intermediate yarn path 23 is a linear yarn whose upper end side is opened facing the tip (lower end) side of the thread take-up portion 17D for balance and whose lower end side extends downward. It is composed of a path portion 23A and a curved yarn path portion 23B which is bent from the lower end side of the linear yarn path portion 23A into a substantially L shape with a constant curvature and extends horizontally toward a yarn attitude corrector 25 described later. Has been done. The fixed plate 2 of the yarn path forming mechanism 19
0 and the movable plate 22 are formed in an elongated flat plate shape, and the lower end side thereof is substantially L along the curved yarn path portion 23B of the relay yarn path 23.
It is curved like a letter.

Reference numeral 24 designates an actuator as a yarn path releasing means provided between the fixed plate 20 and the movable plate 22 of the yarn path forming mechanism 19, and the actuator 24 is supplied with air pressure from the outside to discharge the air pressure. Move the movable plate 22 to each guide 21
The movable plate 22 is abutted against or separated from the fixed plate 20 by being driven along with. When the movable plate 22 is abutted against the fixed plate 20 by the actuator 24 as shown in FIG. 6, the relay yarn path 2 is provided between the movable plate 22 and the fixed plate 20.
3 is formed, and when the movable plate 22 is separated from the fixed plate 20 as shown in FIG. 9, the relay yarn path 23 is opened, and the upper yarn 43 is free from the relay yarn path 23.

Reference numeral 25 denotes a yarn posture correcting device as a yarn posture correcting portion which is arranged between the lower end side of the yarn path forming mechanism 19 and the sewing machine needle 6 so as to be able to move forward and backward. The yarn posture correcting device 25 is shown in FIG. 9 to 9, an extension portion 3 of a swing arm 37, which will be described later,
Nozzle half body 2 provided on 7A and divided into upper and lower parts 2
6A and 26B, a nozzle-shaped yarn path 27 that is formed between the nozzle halves 26A and 26B and extends linearly toward the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6, and sways adjacent to the nozzle halves 26A and 26B. The straightening cylinder 28, such as an air cylinder, which is provided on the extension 37A of the moving arm 37 and abuts and separates the nozzle halves 26A and 26B in the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 5, the straightening cylinder 28 has the nozzle-shaped yarn path 2 between the nozzle halves 26A and 26B when the nozzle halves 26A and 26B are abutted against each other.
In this state, one end side of the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27 faces the tip end side of the curved yarn path portion 23B and the other end side faces the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6. Further, when the nozzle halves 26A and 26B are separated from each other by the straightening cylinder 28 as shown in FIG. 8, the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27 is opened, and the upper yarn 43 is freed from the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27.

Further, an air inlet port 26C is formed at one end of the nozzle half 26A, and the air inlet port 26C is provided with an air supply / discharge valve (not shown) for supplying air from an external compressed air source. It is jetted toward the downstream side of the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27 via the nozzle. Then, in the yarn posture corrector 25, one end side of the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27 is made to face the tip end side of the curved yarn path portion 23B and the other end side is made to face the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6, By ejecting air from the air introduction port 26C toward the downstream side of the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27, the yarn attitude of the upper yarn 43 is linearly corrected in the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27, and a yarn suction device described later is also provided. Three
The upper thread 43 is inserted into the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6 in cooperation with 0.

, 29 are nozzle half halves 26A, 2
Air escape holes formed in 6B. One end side of each air escape hole 29 communicates with an intermediate portion of the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27, and the other end side has a constant inclination angle to the downstream side of the nozzle halves 26A, 26B. And extends to the outside. When the air stays in the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27, each of the air escape holes 29 discharges the air to the outside of the nozzle halves 26A and 26B, thereby smoothing the air in the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27. To compensate for the flow.

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-shaped yarn path 27 of the yarn posture correcting device 25 with the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6 interposed therebetween. The thread suction device 30 has a small-diameter thread suction hole 30A at one end, which faces the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6, and the other end at the upper thread 4.
3 is a drawer portion 30B. An air inlet 30C is formed in the middle of the yarn suction device 30 in the longitudinal direction, and the air inlet 30C draws air from the compressed air source 30B.
Distribute to the side. Then, a negative pressure is generated on the yarn suction hole 30A side by the air flow at this time, whereby the needle thread 43 from the yarn attitude corrector 25 is needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6.
While being inserted into the draw-out portion 30B through the yarn suction hole 30A.
Will be guided to the position.

Here, the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30 constitute a yarn passage forming means together with the yarn passage forming mechanisms 13 and 19, and the correction cylinder 28 of the yarn posture correction device 25 is one of the yarn passage releasing means. It is what constitutes a section. The air inlets 26C and 30C and the air escape holes 29 together with the supply / discharge nozzles 64 to 69, which will be described later, constitute a thread guiding means for the upper thread 43, and the upper thread 43 is moved to the sewing needle 6 by the air flow as gas. It guides toward the needle hole 6A.

Reference numeral 31 denotes a threading detector as a threading detecting 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 is composed of an optical sensor or the like. , The upper thread 43 from the pull-out portion 30B of the thread suction device 30.
By detecting whether or not the tip side of the sewing machine is pulled out, it is detected whether or not the upper thread 43 is inserted into the sewing machine needle 6. Then, the threading detector 31 is the sewing machine needle 6
When it is detected that the upper thread 43 has been inserted into the thread, a threading completion signal is output to a controller 73 (not shown) described later,
The positioning motor 32 and the like described later are operated.

Reference numeral 32 denotes a positioning motor mounted on the rear surface side of the small end portion 3C of the head portion 3 via a support plate 33. The positioning motor 32 is composed of a stepping motor or the like, and is driven on one end side of the rotary shaft 32A. The gear 34 is fixed. Further, a manual knob 32B is provided on the other end side of the rotary shaft 32A, and the manual knob 32B can manually rotate the rotary shaft 32A of the positioning motor 32 appropriately.

Reference numeral 35 denotes a bearing device mounted below the positioning motor 32 via a bracket or the like, 36 denotes a driven gear rotatably supported by the bearing device 35, and the driven gear 36 is a drive gear 34. It is engaged and rotated by the positioning motor 32.

37 is fixed at its base end side to the driven gear 36,
A tip end side shows a swing arm as a connecting member extending downward, and an extension portion 37A extending horizontally below the sewing machine needle 6 is integrally formed at the tip end side of the swing arm 37 as shown in FIG. The extension portion 37A is provided so as to integrally support the yarn posture correcting device 25 and the yarn suction device 30. Then, the swing arm 37 is moved by the positioning motor 32 as shown in FIG.
It is swung at an angle θ shown in Fig. 7 to move the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30 back and forth between the yarn suction position shown in Fig. 7 and the retracted position shown in Fig. 10.

Here, the swing arm 37 constitutes a yarn path opening mechanism 38 of the thread posture corrector 25 and the thread suction device 30 together with the positioning motor 32 and the like, and the thread path releasing mechanism 38 is the sewing machine needle 6.
A yarn path releasing means for opening the meandering yarn path 17, the relay yarn path 23, the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27 and the like after the threading to the yarn is configured together with the actuators 18 and 24.

Reference numerals 39 and 40 denote position detectors for detecting the swing position of the swing arm 37. In the position detector 39, the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30 reach the yarn suction position shown in FIG. The position detector 40 detects whether or not the thread posture corrector 25 and the thread suction device 30 have reached the retracted positions shown in FIG. It is to be detected through.

Reference numerals 41, 41, ... denote cheese cases arranged at predetermined positions apart from the head portion 3 of the sewing machine main body 1. Each cheese case 41 has a head portion 3 as shown in FIG.
A total of about 10 to 15 pieces are provided on the upper side of the above, and together with each thread guide tube 46, which will be described later, constitute a thread guide means. Then, in each cheese case 41, an upper thread 43 as a thread is accommodated in a wound state via a bobbin 42, and each upper thread 43 is composed of threads of different types (colors) or the like. . It should be noted that among the upper threads 43 stored in the respective cheese cases 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. You may keep it.

Reference numeral 44 designates a guide holder for the upper thread 43 which is arranged above the head portion 3 so as to be separated from each cheese case 41. As shown in FIGS. Thread tension 4 corresponding to the number of cheese cases 41
, 45 and the tip ends of the yarn guide tubes 46, 46, ... Are attached, and the base ends of the yarn guide tubes 46 are connected to the upper ends of the cheese cases 41. And
The upper thread 43 from each cheese case 41 is guided to each thread tension 45 through each thread guide tube 46, and each thread tension 4
It is guided to each yarn holder 53 described later in a state where a constant tension is applied by 5.

Reference numeral 47 denotes an upper thread selecting mechanism as a thread selecting means for selecting one of the upper threads 43 guided from the cheese cases 41. The upper thread selecting mechanism 47 is shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 4, a slider 48, which is disposed between the guide holder 44 and a yarn introduction detector 61, which will be described later, is movably disposed on the head portion 3 of the sewing machine main body 1, and the slider 48 is a rack 49. , And a yarn selection motor 51 that slides the head portion 3 in the lateral direction (arrow A direction) via the pinion 50 and the like.

Here, the yarn selection motor 51 is composed of a stepping motor or the like, and the slider 48 is slid through the rack 49, the pinion 50 and the like in the lateral direction of the head portion 3 (direction of arrow A) at a constant pitch. Each needle thread 43
One of the upper yarns 43 is fed out by a delivery roller 5 described later.
5. Move to position 5 selectively.

Reference numeral 52 denotes a guide roller rotatably provided on the slider 48. The guide roller 52 is advanced and retracted by a pressing cylinder 58 described later to an operating position shown by a solid line and a non-operating position shown by a dotted line in FIG. In the operating position, the delivery roller 55 is rotated by being driven by the delivery roller 55,
This is to compensate for the upper yarn 43 selected between No. 5 and 5 being sent out toward the yarn introducing device 60 described later. Further, the guide roller 52 is separated from the feeding roller 55 when retracted to the non-operating position, and the upper thread 4 by the feeding roller 55 is
The delivery of 3 is stopped.

Reference numerals 53, 53, ... Depict thread retainers as thread retaining means for temporarily retaining the tip end side of each upper thread 43 guided from each cheese case 41, and each thread retainer 53 is shown in FIG.
Each cheese case 41 on the slider 48 as illustrated in FIG.
The number of threads corresponding to each thread tension member 45 is arranged in a line. Then, each thread retainer 53 allows the upper thread 43 selected by the upper thread selection mechanism 47 among the respective upper threads 43 to be sent out to the thread introducing device 60 side, and the remaining respective upper thread 4
3 is held in a standby state.

54 is the upper thread 4 selected by the upper thread selection mechanism 47.
3 shows an upper thread sending mechanism as a thread sending means for sending 3 to the thread introducing device 60 side, and the upper thread sending mechanism 54 holds the tip side of the upper thread 43 with the guide roller 52 as shown in FIG. The delivery roller 55 and a drive motor 57 that rotationally drives the delivery roller 55 via a belt 56 and the like are roughly configured.

Here, the drive motor 57 is composed of a stepping motor or the like, and when the guide roller 52 is in the operating position, the delivery roller 55 is rotationally driven with a constant rotation amount. Then, at this time, the delivery roller 55 holds the upper thread 43 with the guide roller 52 and rotates at a constant speed together with the guide roller 52, whereby the upper thread 4
3 is fed toward the yarn introducing device 60 side by a predetermined feeding amount.

Reference numeral 58 denotes a pressing cylinder for feeding the guide roller 52 forward and backward with respect to the roller 55. As shown in FIG. 4, the pressing cylinder 58 is composed of an air cylinder for expanding and contracting a rod 58A up and down. , The guide roller 5 via the arm 59 when the rod 58A is extended.
Swing 2 into the actuated position. And the guide roller 5
2 is pressed against the sending roller 55 at this time, and is rotated following the sending roller 55. When the rod 58A of the pressing cylinder 58 contracts, the guide roller 52 retracts via the arm 59 to the non-actuated position shown by the dotted line in FIG. 4, and at this time, the guide roller 52 separates from the feed roller 55. And the upper thread 4 by the delivery roller 55
Stop sending 3.

Reference numerals 60, 60, ... Show thread introducing devices arranged between the head portion 3 of the sewing machine main body 1 and the feeding roller 55, and each thread introducing device 60 is as shown in FIG. The yarn holders 53 are arranged in a row in a number corresponding to the yarn holders 53 so as to face the yarn holders 53 above and below. Then, each thread introducing device 60 is moved in the direction of the arrow A together with the slider 48 of the upper thread selecting mechanism 47 when the upper thread 43 is selected, and any one of the thread introducing devices 60 (selected upper thread is selected). Thread 4
3 and the thread introduction device 60) is above the thread introduction detector 61,
Will come to face below.

Air is supplied to and discharged from the outside of each yarn introducing device 60 to generate an air flow toward the yarn introducing detector 61 side in the yarn introducing device 60. The upper thread 43 is inserted (guided) into the thread introducing device 60. The tip end side of the upper thread 43 sent out from the sending roller 55 with a constant feed amount is inserted downward into the thread introducing device 60, and is further downwardly sent out, whereby the thread introducing detector 61 passes through the thread introducing detector 61. It is introduced into the linear yarn path portion 17A of the path forming mechanism 13.

Reference numeral 61 denotes a yarn introduction detector arranged between the yarn introduction device 60 and the linear yarn passage portion 17A of the yarn passage forming mechanism 13, and the yarn introduction detector 61 is composed of an optical sensor or the like. It is detected whether or not the tip end side of the upper yarn 43 is introduced into the linear yarn path portion 17A via the yarn introducing device 60.

Reference numeral 62 denotes a thread trimming mechanism as a thread end shaping means which is disposed below the thread introduction detector 61 and is capable of advancing and retreating on the upper end side of the linear yarn path portion 17A. 6
When the yarn introduction detector 61 detects the front end side of the upper yarn 43, the yarn No. 2 advances from the standby position shown in FIG. 6 to the operating position shown in FIG. The fore end side of the upper thread 43 introduced into is forcedly cut.

Here, the thread cutting mechanism 62 is driven by an electromagnetic actuator such as a solenoid, and the linear thread path portion 1
By cutting the tip side of the upper thread 43 in 7A, an edge-shaped thread end is formed (shaped) on the tip side of the upper thread 43. After forming (shaping) the thread end on the tip side of the upper thread 43, the thread cutting mechanism 62 retracts to the standby position shown in FIG. 6 and is lifted by air from the supply / discharge nozzles 64, 65, 66 and the like described later. It ensures that the thread 43 is smoothly guided into the meandering thread path 17.

Reference numeral 63 denotes a yarn waste suction device as a yarn waste suction means disposed below the yarn cutting mechanism 62 and disposed between the fixed plate 14 and the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13, As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the yarn waste suction device 63 has one end opening at a position near the supply / discharge nozzle 64 and the other end opening at the yarn path forming mechanism 1.
3 is configured as a nozzle cylinder that opens to the outside. Then, the thread waste suction device 63 generates an air flow in the arrow C direction by the air from the compressed air source when the thread cutting mechanism 62 is operated,
The thread waste cut by the thread cutting mechanism 62 from the tip side of the upper thread 43 is discharged to the outside in the direction of arrow C.

Also, when a yarn breakage occurs during the movement of the sewing machine needle 6 or the like, the yarn waste suction device 63 generates an air flow in the arrow C direction by the air from the pressure source, For example, when the sewing machine is driven, the fixed plate 1 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13
4 and the movable plate 16 are sucked so as to suck the yarn (old yarn in which the yarn breaks) in the direction of arrow C, and the old yarn remaining in the yarn path forming mechanism 13 is discharged to the outside. And discharge it.

64, 65, 66 and 67 are meandering yarn paths 17
A supply / discharge nozzle serving as a yarn guiding means is provided in the middle of the supply / discharge nozzles. The supply / discharge nozzles 64 to 67 supply / discharge air from the compressed air source into the meandering yarn path 17 via an air supply / discharge valve or the like. As a result, a negative pressure or a positive pressure is generated in the meandering yarn path 17, and the upper yarn 43 whose thread end is shaped is moved along the meandering yarn path 17 from one end (upstream end) side to the other end (upstream end). It guides to the downstream end) side.

Here, the supply / discharge nozzle 64 is the linear yarn path portion 1.
7A is arranged at one end (upper end) side, and the upper yarn 43 is guided to the downstream side of the linear yarn path portion 17A and the thread tension yarn path portion 17B by the air from the air pressure source. The feeding / discharging nozzle 65 is disposed in the middle of the yarn hooking yarn path portion 17C, and the air flow from the feeding / discharging nozzle 64 causes the yarn tension yarn path portion 17B.
The upper yarn 43, which has been guided to the downstream side, is guided from the yarn threading portion 17C for threading to the yarn path portion 17D for balance by the air flow from the supply / discharge nozzle 65.

Further, the feeding / discharging nozzle 66 is the thread path portion 1 for the balance.
The upper thread 4 which is disposed in the middle portion of 7D and has been guided to the thread path portion 17D for balance by the air flow from the supply / discharge nozzle 65.
3 to the downstream side of the thread path part 17D for the balance.
Induced by the air flow from. Then, the supply / discharge nozzle 6
7 is disposed on the downstream side of the thread take-up portion 17D for take-up, and the upper yarn 43 that has been guided to the downstream side of the yarn path for take-up thread 17D by the air flow from the supply / discharge nozzle 66 is formed into the next yarn path. Mechanism 1
The air is guided into the relay yarn path 23 of No. 9 by supplying and discharging air.

Reference numerals 68 and 69 denote supply and discharge nozzles as yarn guiding means arranged in the middle of the relay yarn path 23. The supply and discharge nozzles 68 and 69 supply air from the compressed air source to an air supply and discharge valve or the like. By supplying / discharging into / from the intermediate yarn path 23 via the intermediate yarn path 23, a negative pressure or a positive pressure is generated in the intermediate yarn path 23, and the upper yarn 43 having the shaped yarn end is cut along the intermediate yarn path 23 at one end ( Upstream end)
From one side to the other end (downstream end) side.

Here, the supply / discharge nozzles 68, 69 are arranged separately from one end (upper end) side and the other end (lower end) side of the linear yarn path portion 23A, and the air flow from the supply / discharge nozzle 67 is increased. The upper yarn 43 guided into the linear yarn path portion 23A is guided toward the curved yarn path portion 23B on the lower end side. And
The supply / discharge nozzle 69 supplies / discharges air to / from the curved yarn path portion 23B, so that the upper yarn 43 is supplied to the curved yarn path portion 23B.
To the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27 of the yarn posture corrector 25.

Reference numeral 70 denotes a spindle motor as a drive source provided on the base 2 side of the sewing machine main body 1. The spindle motor 70 is connected to the output side of the controller 73 as shown in FIG.
The head unit 3 is driven by a drive signal from the controller 73.
The main spindle on the side is rotationally driven.

Reference numeral 71 denotes a rotation sensor as a rotation position detecting means for detecting the rotation position of the spindle motor 70. The rotation sensor 71 detects the rotation angle (position) of the spindle motor 70 and outputs the detection signal to the controller 73. To do. Then, the controller 73 monitors the needle tip position of the sewing machine needle 6 and the swing position of the balance 11 based on the detection signal from the rotation sensor 71.

Reference numeral 72 denotes a thread break sensor provided on the head portion 3 of the sewing machine main body 1. The thread break sensor 72 causes a break in the upper thread 43 or the lower thread during the normal sewing operation (embroidery work). Then, this is detected and the detection signal is output to the controller 73 to automatically suspend the sewing machine operation.

Further, reference numeral 73 denotes a controller constituted by a microcomputer or the like, and the controller 73 has a threading detector 3 on the input side thereof as shown in FIG.
1, the position detectors 39 and 40, the yarn introduction detector 61, the rotation sensor 71, the yarn break sensor 72, etc., and the output side of the yarn path opening actuators 18, 24, the straightening cylinder 28, the positioning motor 32, the yarn selection The motor 51, the drive motor 57, the pressing cylinder 58, the thread cutting mechanism 62, the thread waste suction device 63, the spindle motor 70, the frame moving mechanism (not shown) of the embroidery frame, and the like are connected.

Then, the controller 73 stores the programs shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 in its memory circuit,
The automatic threading control process is performed. Also,
The memory circuit of the controller 73 has a memory area 73A
The rotational position of the spindle motor 70 corresponding to the needle tip position of the sewing machine needle 6 to be threaded, the rotational position of the spindle motor 70 corresponding to the top dead center position of the balance 11, and the like are stored in advance.

The automatic threading device of the embroidery machine according to the present embodiment has the above-mentioned structure, and will be described with reference to FIGS.
The automatic threading control process and the like by the controller 73 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, as an operation preparation work of the embroidery machine, the tip side of each needle thread 43 accommodated in each cheese case 41 is guided to each thread tensioner 45 through each thread guide tube 46, and each thread tensioner 45 is guided. Thus, while applying a constant tension to each needle thread 43, each needle thread 43 is guided to each thread holder 53 in this state.

Then, the respective upper yarns 43 passing through the respective yarn holders 53 are sent out to the respective yarn introducing devices 60 side by the sending rollers 55 via the guide rollers 52, and at this time, the respective yarn introducing devices 60 are externally fed. The upper yarn 43 is inserted (guided) into the respective yarn introducing devices 60 by supplying and discharging air from the respective yarn introducing devices 60 to generate an air flow toward the yarn introducing detector 61 side. Meanwhile, the yarn holders 53 are held in a standby state.

Next, when the processing operation is started in this state, in step 1, the needle tip position of the sewing machine needle 6 is read based on the rotation position signal (detection signal) of the spindle motor 70 output from the rotation sensor 71. . Then, in step 2, the needle tip of the sewing machine needle 6 is moved to a predetermined threading position (needle plate 7
It is determined whether or not it has reached a height position (for example, about 10 mm away from the top), and while it is determined to be "NO", the spindle motor 70 is rotationally driven in step 3 to move the sewing machine needle 6 to move the sewing machine. Guide the needle tip of the needle 6 to the threading position.

When it is determined to be "YES" in step 2, it means that the needle tip of the sewing machine needle 6 has reached the threading position. Therefore, the rotation of the spindle motor 70 is stopped and the process proceeds to the next step 4, In order to execute the yarn path forming process, the nozzle halves 26A and 26B of the yarn attitude straightener 25 are made to collide with each other to form the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27, and the positioning motor 32 of the yarn path opening mechanism 38 swings the arm. By swinging 37, the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30 are brought to the yarn suction positions shown in FIG. 7, and the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27 of the yarn posture correction device 25 and the yarn suction hole 30A of the yarn suction device 30. And are made to directly face the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6.

Further, in the yarn path forming process of step 4, the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13 is abutted (adhered) to the fixed plate 14, and the meandering yarn path is provided between the fixed plate 14 and the movable plate 16. 17 and the movable plate 2 of the yarn path forming mechanism 19
2 is abutted (adhered) to the fixed plate 20, and a relay yarn path 23 is formed between the fixed plate 20 and the movable plate 22. Then, the tip end side of the curved yarn path portion 23B of the relay yarn path 23 is made to directly face the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27 of the yarn posture correcting device 25.

Next, in step 5, in order to execute the selection processing of the upper thread 43, the thread selection motor 51 of the upper thread selection mechanism 47 moves the slider 48 in the lateral direction of the head portion 3 via the rack 49, the pinion 50 and the like. By sliding in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 3), the tip of any one of the upper threads 43 held on the slider 48 by the respective thread retainers 53 is attached to the upper thread delivery mechanism. The feeding roller 54 of 54 is guided to a state where it can be nipped between the guide roller 52 and the feeding roller 55. Further, at this time, air is sent to the corresponding yarn introducing device 60, the tip (lower end) side of the upper yarn 43 clamped by the yarn holder 53 is straightened by the air flow, and the yarn is introduced into the yarn introducing detector 61. By introducing the tip end side of the upper thread 43, the thread introduction can be detected.

Then, in this state, the process proceeds to the next step 6, the rod 58A of the pressing cylinder 58 is extended, and the guide roller 52 is moved to the operating position shown by the solid line in FIG.
The guide roller 52 is sent out and pressed against the roller 55 by swinging through. Next, in this state, while unclamping the upper thread 43 by the thread retainer 53, the drive motor 57 of the upper thread delivery mechanism 54 is operated to rotationally drive the delivery roller 55 with a constant rotation amount. The tip end side of the upper yarn 43 is fed into the meandering yarn path 17 through the yarn introduction detector 61 by a predetermined feeding amount (for example, about 2 cm).

Thus, the tip end side of the needle thread 43 passes through the thread introduction detector 61 and the linear thread path portion 1 of the thread path forming mechanism 13 is formed.
When it is introduced into 7A, in step 7, the thread cutting mechanism 62 is operated based on the detection signal from the thread introduction detector 61, and the tip end side of the needle thread 43 is cut in the linear yarn path portion 17A, An edge-shaped thread end is formed (shaped) on the tip side of the upper thread 43. Then, in the next step 8, the lint suction device 6
3, an air flow in the direction of arrow C is generated by the air from the compressed air source, and the thread cutting mechanism 62 starts from the tip side of the needle thread 43.
The yarn waste cut by is discharged to the outside of the linear yarn path portion 17A in the direction of arrow C in FIG.

Next, in this state, the process proceeds to step 9 to execute automatic threading, and by supplying and discharging air from the supply / discharge nozzles 64 to 69 of the yarn path forming mechanisms 13 and 19, the meandering yarn path 17 and An air flow due to negative pressure or positive pressure is generated in the relay yarn path 23, and the upper thread 43 having an edge-shaped yarn end formed on the front end side is used for thread tension from the linear yarn path portion 17A of the meandering yarn path 17. The yarn guide portion 17B, the yarn hooking yarn passage portion 17C, the thread balance portion 17D, the linear yarn passage portion 23A of the relay yarn passage 23, and the curved yarn passage portion 23B are smoothly guided.

In this case, when the upper yarn 43 is guided by the air flow along the meandering yarn path 17 and the relay yarn path 23, the upper yarn 43 tends to be guided at an excessively high speed.
While the guide roller 52 is driven by the delivery roller 55 of the upper thread delivery mechanism 54, the upper thread 43 is gradually delivered toward the thread introducer 60 side, and the meandering yarn path 17 and the relay yarn path 2 are provided.
The moving speed of the upper thread 43 in the inside of 3 is suppressed to a desired speed.

When the thread end side of the upper thread 43 passes through the thread tension thread passage portion 17B, the upper thread 43 is inserted around the thread tensioner 9 and the thread take-up spring 10, and the thread end side of the upper thread 43 is moved. Thread path 17C for threading and thread path 17 for thread balance
When passing through D, the thread hooking bar 12 and the balance 11
The upper yarn 43 is inserted from the yarn end side, and the upper yarn 43 is guided from the curved yarn passage portion 23B of the relay yarn passage 23 to the yarn posture corrector 25.

Furthermore, on the yarn posture corrector 25 and yarn suction device 30 side, air from the compressed air source is ejected toward the downstream side of the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27 through the air introducing port 26C, and at the same time, from the air introducing port 30C. Is the pull-out portion 30 of the yarn suction device 30.
Air is circulated toward the B side, 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 has one end side of the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27 directly facing the tip side of the curved yarn path portion 23B and the other end side thereof facing the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6. By ejecting air from the introduction port 26C toward the downstream side of the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27, the yarn attitude of the upper yarn 43 is corrected linearly in the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27, and cooperates with the yarn suction device 30. Work and thread 4
3 is inserted into the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6.

On the yarn suction device 30 side, the yarn suction hole 30A is provided.
By the negative pressure generated inside, the upper thread 43 from the thread posture corrector 25 is sucked into the thread suction hole 30A through the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6 and is inserted into the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6. Thread 43
The leading end side of is guided to the position of the drawing portion 30B through the yarn suction hole 30A. Then, the pull-out portion 3 of the yarn suction device 30
When the tip side of the upper thread 43 comes to be pulled out from 0B,
By detecting this with the threading detector 31, it is determined as “YES” in step 10 and the completion processing of the automatic threading is performed.

When the threading through the sewing machine needle 6 is completed, the air supply to the thread introducing device 60 is stopped and
Supply / discharge nozzles 64-69 and air introduction ports 26C, 30C
Stop the air supply to etc. Then, the process proceeds to step 11 shown in FIG. 13 to execute the yarn path releasing process, and the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27 of the yarn posture correcting device 25 is opened by the correction cylinder 28, and the positioning motor 32 of the yarn path opening mechanism 38 is used. By swinging the swing arm 37 by the angle θ shown in FIG. 10, the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30 are moved to the position shown in FIG.
The yarn suction position shown in Fig. 10 is retracted to the retracted position shown in Fig. 10.

Further, the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13 is fixed by the actuator 18 to the fixed plate 14 as shown in FIG.
After the thread is passed through the sewing machine needle 6, the meandering thread path 1
7, the movable plate 22 of the yarn path forming mechanism 19 is moved by the actuator 24 as shown in FIG.
And the relay yarn path 23 is opened. As a result, the needle thread 43 guided into the meandering yarn path 17, the relay yarn path 23 and the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27 during threading through the sewing machine needle 6 is free with respect to these yarn paths 17, 23, 27 and the like. It will be in a state.

Then, in this state, the yarn slack absorption processing from step 12 to step 14 is executed. in this case,
In step 12, the swing position of the balance 11 is set to the spindle motor 70.
The main shaft motor 70 is driven to rotate in step 14 while reading from the rotational position of No. 1 and determining in step 13 whether or not the balance 11 has reached the top dead center position. Then, by driving the spindle motor 70 to move (swing) the balance 11 to the top dead center position so as to apply tension to the upper thread 43 between the thread tensioner 9 and the sewing machine needle 6, as shown in FIG. The slack of the upper thread 43 is eliminated as indicated by the chain double-dashed line.

Next, in this state, the guide roller 52 is retracted by the pressing cylinder 58 to the non-actuated position shown by the dotted line in FIG. 4 so that the upper yarn 43 can be smoothly fed during the sewing machine operation. In this case, after the threading is completed, after the threaded upper thread 43 is clamped by the corresponding thread retainer 53, the above-mentioned thread path opening process, the backward movement of the guide roller 52, and the balance 11 are performed. The slack absorbing process of the upper thread 43 may be performed, and then the clamp by the thread retainer 53 may be released.

Thus, when the determination is "YES" in step 13, the balance 11 is swung to the top dead center position,
Since the slack of the upper thread 43 has been absorbed,
Then, the process goes to the next step 15 to execute the embroidery work by the sewing machine operation. When the sewing machine needle 6 is driven, the upper thread 4
3 is held in a free state with respect to the yarn paths 17, 23, 27, etc., and the upper thread 43 is tensioned by the thread tensioner 9 etc. in response to the swing of the thread take-up 11 and the sewing machine needle 6 side. Since the low-friction yarn is supplied to the upper yarn 43, it is possible to reliably prevent the upper yarn 43 from being caught by the meandering yarn path 17, the relay yarn path 23, the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27, and the like during a normal sewing machine operation.

On the other hand, in step 16, it is judged based on a signal from the thread break sensor 72 whether or not a thread break has occurred during the driving of the sewing machine needle 6 and the like. Since the yarn breakage has occurred, the process proceeds to step 17 in which the yarn waste suction device 63 is operated to generate an air flow in the arrow C direction by the air from the compressed air source while the upper yarn 4
By cutting 3 with the thread cutting mechanism 62, for example, an old thread in which a thread breakage has occurred from between the fixed plate 14 and the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13 is moved in the arrow C direction by the thread waste suction device 63. The old yarn that is sucked and remains in the yarn path forming mechanism 13 or the like is discharged to the outside.

When it is determined to be "NO" in step 16, the process proceeds to step 18, and it is determined whether or not it is a color change based on, for example, embroidery data. When it is determined to be "YES", the color of the upper thread 43 is determined. In order to perform replacement, the upper thread 43 inserted into the sewing machine needle 6 is cut by a cutter (not shown) or the like, and in this case also, the process proceeds to the step 17 and the old thread is discharged to the outside by the thread waste suction device 63. Let

After the discharging process in step 17, the process returns to step 1 shown in FIG. 12 to restart the process thereafter, and the upper yarn 43 is fed by the feeding roller 55 of the above-mentioned upper yarn feeding mechanism 54, for example. The thread cutting mechanism 62 is actuated to form a thread end on the tip side of the upper thread 43 while the tip side of the upper thread 43 is fed toward the thread introducing device 60 by a constant feed amount (for example, about 2 cm), and automatic threading Run again. When it is determined to be "YES" in step 19 shown in FIG. 13, it means that the embroidery is completed, and thus all the processing operations are ended.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the yarn path forming mechanisms 13, 1 for forming the meandering yarn path 17, the relay yarn path 23, the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27, etc. in the head portion 3 of the sewing machine main body 1.
9, a yarn posture corrector 25, a yarn suction device 30, and the like, and each yarn guide tube that guides each upper yarn 43 from each cheese case 41 onto the slider 48 of the upper yarn selection mechanism 47 on the head portion 3. 46, each needle thread 4 guided to each thread holder 53 side on the slider 48 by each thread guide tube 46
3, a needle thread selection mechanism 47 for selecting any one of the needle threads 43, and the needle thread 43 selected by the needle thread selection mechanism 47 is fed toward the meandering yarn path 17 with a predetermined feed amount. The needle thread feeding mechanism 54 and the thread cutting mechanism 62 for trimming the shape of the thread end by cutting the tip side of the needle thread 43 fed by the needle thread feeding mechanism 54 are provided.

As a result, any one of the upper threads 43 guided by the respective thread guide tubes 46 can be selected by the upper thread selecting mechanism 47, and the selected upper thread 43 is fed out. The mechanism 54 can accurately feed the fixed amount of yarn toward the meandering yarn path 17, and the tip end side of the upper yarn 43 fed by the constant amount can be reliably cut by the thread cutting mechanism 62. An edge-shaped thread end can be formed (shaped) on the tip side of the upper thread 43.

The meandering yarn path 17 and the relay yarn path 2
3 and the nozzle-shaped yarn path 27 and the like are circulated by air from a compressed air source to move the upper yarn 43 with the adjusted yarn ends from one end side to the other end side of these yarn paths 17, 23, 27 and the like. Since the upper thread 43 is guided toward the upper end and the upper thread 43 is inserted from the thread end side into the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6, the upper thread 43 whose thread end is shaped is connected to one end of the thread paths 17, 23, 27 and the like. Can be smoothly guided by the air flow from one side to the other side.
3 can be stably inserted into the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6 from the thread end side.

Further, in order to insert the upper thread 43 into at least the thread take-up 11, a meandering thread path 17 extending in a curved or straight line in front of and behind the thread take-up 11, and relaying below the meandering thread path 17. A thread posture corrector 25 which is arranged through the thread path 23 and linearly supplies the upper thread 43 to the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6.
Is arranged so as to face the thread posture corrector 25 through the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6, and the upper thread 43 from the thread posture corrector 25 is sucked and passed through the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6. Since the yarn suction device 30 is provided, the yarn paths 17, 2
By circulating air through the yarns 3, 27 and the like, the upper thread 43 having the adjusted thread end shape can be guided along the meandering thread path 17 and smoothly inserted into the balance 11, and the thread posture corrector 25 Then, the upper thread 43 can be linearly fed toward the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6, and the upper thread 43 from the thread posture corrector 25 is sucked by the thread suction device 30 to cause the upper thread 43 to move toward the thread end side. Can be reliably inserted into the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, a plurality of upper threads 4 are inserted into the needle hole 6A of the sewing needle 6 provided in the head portion 3.
Any one of 3, 43, ... Can be selectively inserted, thread selection and threading can be automated, and there is no need to provide a color changing mechanism or the like on the head section 3 side as in the prior art, and the head section 3 can be eliminated. The structure can be simplified and the entire size can be reduced, and the upper thread 43 can be smoothly guided toward the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6.

Further, a threading detector 31 for detecting whether or not the upper thread 43 has been inserted into the sewing machine needle 6 is provided on the side of the drawing portion 30B of the thread suction device 30, and a signal from the threading detector 31 is detected. After the threading on the sewing machine needle 6, the supply / discharge nozzle 64 to
The air flow from 69 etc. is stopped, and the actuator 18,
The meandering yarn path 1 of the yarn path forming mechanisms 13 and 19 by 24 or the like
7. Since the relay thread path 23 and the like are opened, when the threading detector 31 detects the insertion of the upper thread 43 into the sewing machine needle 6, the actuators 18, 24 and the like are automatically operated to cause the thread path forming mechanism. 13, 19 serpentine yarn paths 1
7 and the relay yarn path 23 can be opened, and the sewing machine operation is performed in this state, so that the sewing needle 6
The upper thread 43 can be smoothly supplied to the upper thread 43.

Furthermore, the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30
Are integrated with each other via the extension portion 37A of the swing arm 37, and after the thread is threaded through the sewing machine needle 6, the positioning motor 32 of the thread path opening mechanism 38 causes the thread posture corrector 25 and the thread suction device 30 to be sewn together. From the position facing the needle hole 6A of the needle 6, FIG.
Since it is configured to be retracted as shown in 0, it is possible to reliably prevent the yarn posture corrector 25, the yarn suction device 30 and the like from interfering with the movement of the sewing machine needle 6.

Furthermore, since the thread waste suction device 63 is provided below the thread cutting mechanism 62 between the fixed plate 14 and the movable plate 16 of the yarn path forming mechanism 13, for example, the sewing machine needle 6 is used. Even if a yarn breakage occurs during the movement of the needle, the old yarn with the yarn breakage can be sucked to the outside of the meandering yarn path 17 as a yarn waste by the yarn waste suction device 63, and inside the meandering yarn path 17 It is possible to reliably discharge the old yarn remaining in the outside.

Therefore, even if thread breakage or the like occurs during the creation of the embroidery pattern (sewing machine operation), the new upper thread 43 is automatically removed from the sewing machine needle 6 while automatically removing the old thread from the sewing machine needle 6 or the balance 11. The thread can be automatically threaded, and even in this case, while shaping (forming) the thread end on the tip side of the new upper thread 43,
The shaped thread end side can be smoothly guided toward the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6, and threading can be performed with a very high probability.

In the first embodiment, the processing from step 12 to step 14 in the programs shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is a specific example of the thread loosening absorbing means which is a feature of the present invention. Is shown.

Next, FIG. 14 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. . However, the feature of the present embodiment is that the first thread tension 82 and the second thread tension are provided in the guide holder 81 for the upper thread 43 which is arranged above the head portion 3 and apart from each cheese case 41. It is configured to be provided in series above and below 83.

Here, the guide holder 81 and each thread tension member 82 are constructed in substantially the same manner as the guide holder 44 and each thread tension member 45 described in the first embodiment.
Are arranged in a row on the guide holder 81 in the number corresponding to each cheese case 41. Also, each thread tension 8
3 are arranged under each thread tensioner 82 in the same number as each thread tensioner 82, and each thread tensioner 83 has a thread take-up spring (not shown) like the thread tensioner 9 described in the first embodiment. ), The tension of about 25 to 50 g is applied to each needle thread 43.

In this way, this embodiment, which is constructed in this way, can obtain substantially the same effects as the first embodiment, but especially in this embodiment, the guide holder 81 for each needle thread 43 is obtained. First thread tension 82 and second thread tension 8
Since it is arranged to be provided in series with No. 3, it is not necessary to provide the thread tensioner 9 or the like in the meandering yarn path 17 by the yarn path forming mechanism 13 as in the first embodiment, and the meandering shape by the yarn path forming mechanism 13 is eliminated. The configuration of the yarn path 17 can be greatly simplified, and for example, the thread tension yarn path portion provided between the linear yarn path portion 17A and the yarn hooking yarn path portion 17C of the meandering yarn path 17 shown in FIG. 17
B and the like can be eliminated.

In the first embodiment, the sewing machine needle 6
It is described that the needle tip of the sewing machine needle 6 is arranged at a predetermined threading position (a position of about 10 mm on the needle plate 7) by controlling the rotational position of the spindle motor 70 when threading the needle. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the flywheel 4 is provided with a fixed position sensor or the like, and the needle tip of the sewing machine needle 6 is automatically stopped at a predetermined threading position based on a detection signal from the fixed position sensor. You may do it.

In the first embodiment, the sewing machine needle 6
As the upper thread 43 is automatically pulled out from the thread suction hole 30A of the thread suction device 30 after threading the
0 has been described as an example in which the two-division structure is not adopted like the thread posture corrector 25, but instead of this, for example, in the case where a thread gripping device 31 side is provided with a thread grip or the like. It is preferable that the yarn suction device 30 has a two-part structure.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the yarn posture corrector 25 and the yarn suction device 30 are connected to the extension portion 3 of the swing arm 37.
7A and the like, and after threading the sewing machine needle 6, the positioning motor 32 of the yarn path opening mechanism 38 causes the thread posture corrector 25 and the thread suction device 30 to face the needle hole 6A of the sewing machine needle 6. Although it is configured to be retracted from the position as shown in FIG. 10, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the thread posture straightener 25
The yarn suction device 30 and the yarn suction device 30 are retracted separately, and the tip end side of the upper yarn 43 is further sucked by the yarn suction device 30 in a state where only the yarn posture corrector 25 is retracted, and on the meandering yarn path 17 side. The slack of the upper thread 43 of the upper thread 43 is absorbed, and then the thread suction device 3
The configuration may be such that 0 is saved.

On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the correction cylinder 28, the pressing cylinder 58 and the like are described as being constructed by air cylinders, but instead of this, an actuator such as an electromagnetic solenoid may be used. In addition, position detectors 39 and 4 for detecting the swing position of the swing arm 37.
Instead of 0, for example, the positioning motor 32 may be provided with a rotary encoder or the like so that the swing position of the swing arm 37 is detected.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the automatic threading device is applied to a single-head type embroidery machine has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a multi-head type embroidery machine or It may be applied to an industrial sewing machine or the like as a normal sewing machine.

[0116]

As described above in detail, in the invention described in claim 1, the head portion of the sewing machine main body is provided with the thread balance and the thread path forming means for forming the thread path for inserting the thread into the sewing machine needle. A yarn guiding means for guiding a plurality of yarns toward one end side of the yarn path by the yarn path forming means, and a yarn selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of yarns guided by the yarn guiding means. And a yarn feeding means for feeding the yarn selected by the yarn selecting means toward one end side of the yarn path with a predetermined feeding amount, and a yarn end by cutting the tip end side of the yarn fed by the yarn feeding means. End shaping means for adjusting the shape of the thread, and thread guiding means for guiding the thread toward the other end side of the thread path by passing gas through the thread path to insert the thread from the thread end side into the sewing machine needle. Since it is configured to include a plurality of yarns guided by the yarn guiding means. Then, when any one of the yarns is selected by the yarn selecting means, the selected yarn is sent toward the one end side of the yarn path by the yarn sending means by a predetermined feeding amount, and the yarn end shaping means moves the yarn. The shape of the yarn end can be reliably adjusted by cutting the tip end side of the yarn sent by the sending means.

[0117] Then, by circulating gas in the yarn path in this state, the thread with the shaped thread end can be smoothly guided to the other end side of the thread path by the thread guiding means, and the thread end side Can be inserted into the needle hole of the sewing machine needle. Therefore,
Any of a plurality of threads can be selectively inserted into the sewing needle provided in the head portion, the entire head portion can be miniaturized, and the threads can be smoothly guided toward the needle hole of the sewing needle, so that thread selection and Threading can be reliably automated.

According to the second aspect of the invention, when the threading detecting means detects the insertion of the thread into the sewing machine needle, the thread path releasing means can be automatically actuated, and the gas guiding by the thread guiding means is performed. The circulation can be automatically stopped, and the yarn path by the yarn path forming means can be automatically opened. By performing the sewing operation in this state, the yarn can be smoothly supplied to the sewing needle.

Further, in the invention according to claim 3, when the yarn path is formed by the yarn path forming means, at least before and after the balance between the movable part and the fixed part which are in an abutting state with each other. A yarn path that extends in a curved or straight line can be formed, and by guiding the yarn along the yarn path, it is possible to smoothly thread the thread on a balance, a sewing machine needle, or the like. After the thread has been threaded through the sewing machine needle, the movable section can be separated from the fixed section by operating the thread path releasing means, and the thread path can be held in an open state. It is possible to reliably prevent the road from interfering with the thread supply, and it is possible to smoothly supply the thread to the sewing machine needle.

On the other hand, in the invention of claim 4, the yarn path forming means is a meandering yarn path that extends in a curved or straight line at least before and after the thread take-up thread for inserting the thread into the thread take-up thread. A yarn posture correcting section which is arranged below the meandering yarn path and linearly supplies the yarn to the needle hole of the sewing machine needle,
The yarn posture correcting section is arranged so as to face each other through the needle hole of the sewing machine needle, and a yarn suction section for sucking the yarn from the yarn posture correcting section and passing it through the needle hole of the sewing machine needle is provided. From
By circulating a gas in the yarn path by the yarn path forming means, a yarn whose shape is adjusted by the yarn end shaping means is used.
The thread can be smoothly inserted into the balance while being guided along the meandering thread path, and the thread posture correcting section can linearly feed the thread toward the needle hole of the sewing machine needle. By sucking with the suction portion, this thread can be reliably inserted from the thread end side into the needle hole of the sewing machine needle.

According to the invention described in claim 5, the yarn posture correcting section and the yarn suction section are integrated through a connecting member,
After threading through the sewing machine needle, the thread posture correcting section and the thread suction section are configured to be retracted from the position facing the needle hole of the sewing machine needle by the thread path opening means. The thread posture correcting section and the thread suction section can be retracted from the position facing the needle hole of the sewing machine needle by the yarn path opening means, and these thread posture correcting section and thread suction section can be used for the needle movement operation of the sewing machine needle. It is possible to reliably prevent the obstacles and smoothly supply the thread to the sewing machine needle.

Further, in the invention according to claim 6, between the yarn end shaping means and the yarn path, before the new yarn is guided along the yarn path by the yarn guiding means, inside the yarn path. Since the waste thread suction means for sucking the remaining old thread as thread waste outside the thread path is provided, even if thread breakage or the like occurs during the movement of the sewing machine needle, the old thread breakage occurs. The yarn can be sucked to the outside of the yarn path as a yarn waste by the yarn waste suction means, the old yarn remaining in the yarn path can be reliably discharged to the outside, and the yarn end of the yarn shaped by the yarn end shaping means The side can be smoothly guided toward the needle hole of the sewing machine needle, and threading can be performed with a very high probability.

Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 7,
A thread slack absorbing means for absorbing slack of the thread after threading through the sewing machine needle, the thread slack absorbing means releasing the thread path by the thread path releasing means based on a signal from the threading detection means. Since the thread take-up detecting means detects that the thread has been inserted into the sewing machine needle, the thread path releasing means is actuated to automatically move the thread path by the thread path forming means. In addition to being able to open the thread, the thread slack absorbing means pulls up the balance to the top dead center position so that the thread in a slackened state along the curved thread path can be pulled up so as to be tensioned. At times, tension is applied to the thread so that the thread can be smoothly supplied to the sewing needle.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway front view showing an embroidery machine equipped with an automatic threading device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken in the direction of arrows II-II in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken in the direction of arrows III-III in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway front view showing the yarn path forming mechanism and the like in FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner.

7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 5 showing a state in which a yarn suction device or the like is arranged at a yarn suction position.

8 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 5, showing a state in which a nozzle-shaped yarn path or the like of the yarn posture correcting device is opened.

FIG. 9 is a front view similar to FIG. 6, showing a state in which a relay yarn path of the yarn path forming mechanism is opened.

10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7, showing a state in which a yarn suction device and the like are arranged in a retracted position.

FIG. 11 is a control block diagram showing a controller and the like of the automatic threading device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an automatic threading control process and the like by the controller in FIG.

13 is a flowchart showing an automatic threading control process and the like following FIG.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged front view showing a cheese case, a guide holder and the like of the automatic threading device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Sewing machine main body 2 Base 3 Head part 5 Needle shaft 6 Sewing machine needle 9,45,82,83 Thread tension 10 Thread take-up spring 11 Thread balance 12 Thread hooking bar 13,19 Thread path forming mechanism (thread path forming means) 14,20 Fixed plate (fixed part) 16,22 Movable plate (movable part) 17 Meandering yarn path 18,24 Actuator (yarn path releasing means) 23 Relay yarn path 25 Yarn posture corrector (yarn posture correction part) 26C, 30C Air introduction Mouth (thread guiding means) 27 Nozzle-shaped thread path 28 Straightening cylinder (thread path opening means) 30 Thread suction device (thread suction portion) 31 Threading detector (threading detection means) 32 Positioning motor 37 Swing arm (connecting member) ) 38 yarn path release mechanism (yarn path release means) 41 cheese case 43 upper thread 44, 81 guide holder 46 thread guide tube (thread guide means) 47 upper thread selection mechanism (thread selection means) 53 Thread retainer (thread retaining means) 54 Upper thread delivery mechanism (thread delivery means) 60 Thread introduction device 61 Thread introduction detector 62 Thread cutting mechanism (thread end shaping means) 63 Thread waste suction device (thread waste suction means) 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 Supply / discharge nozzle (thread guiding means) 70 Spindle motor 71 Rotation sensor 72 Thread break sensor 73 Controller

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A sewing machine main body, a head portion provided on the sewing machine main body for reciprocatingly moving the balance, and a thread for inserting a thread into at least the balance and the sewing needle provided on the head portion. A yarn guide forming means for forming a yarn guide, a yarn guide for guiding a plurality of yarns toward one end side of the yarn guide by the yarn guide forming device, and a plurality of yarns guided by the yarn guide Among them, a yarn selecting means for selecting one of the yarns, 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 feeding amount, and the yarn sending means. A yarn end shaping device that cuts the tip end side of the fed yarn to adjust the shape of the yarn end, and a gas is circulated in the yarn passage to guide the yarn toward the other end side of the yarn passage to fix the yarn. Comprised of thread guiding means that is inserted from the thread end side into the sewing machine needle A sewing machine that does. 2. A threading detecting means for detecting whether or not a thread is inserted through the sewing machine needle, and a gas by the thread guiding means after threading through the sewing machine needle based on a signal from the threading detection means. The sewing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a yarn path opening unit that stops circulation and opens the yarn path formed by the yarn path forming unit. 3. The yarn path forming means is at least the balance between a fixing portion fixedly provided to the head portion and the fixing portion provided so as to abut against and separate from the fixing portion. And a movable part in which a yarn path extending in a curved or straight line is formed in front of and behind the yarn path, and the yarn path releasing means moves the movable part in an abutting state with respect to the fixed part from the fixed part. The sewing machine according to claim 2, wherein the thread path is opened by separating the thread path. 4. The yarn path forming means has a meandering thread path extending in a curved or straight line at least in front of and behind the thread balance for inserting a thread into the thread balance, and below the meandering thread path. And a thread posture correcting section for linearly feeding the thread into the needle hole of the sewing machine needle, and the thread posture correcting section arranged so as to face the thread posture correcting section through the needle hole of the sewing machine needle. The sewing machine according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising: a thread suction section configured to suck a thread from the section and pass the thread through a needle hole of the sewing machine needle. 5. The thread posture correcting section and the thread suction section are integrated via a connecting member, and after threading through the sewing machine needle, the thread path is opened from a position facing the needle hole of the sewing machine needle. The sewing machine according to claim 4, wherein the sewing machine is configured to be retracted by means. 6. Between the yarn end shaping means and the yarn path, before the new yarn is guided along the yarn path by the yarn guiding means,
6. The sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the old thread remaining in the yarn path forming means is provided with a thread waste suction means for sucking the old thread outside the yarn path forming means as thread waste. 7. A thread slack absorbing means for absorbing slack of the thread after threading through the sewing machine needle, the thread slack absorbing means is provided by the thread path releasing means based on a signal from the threading detecting means. A structure in which the balance is pulled up to the top dead center position when the road is opened.
The sewing machine according to 4, 5, or 6.