JP6728041B2 - Sewing machine, method and clothing - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to sewing machines, methods and clothing .

Known sewing machines are classified into various categories including loop stitch sewing machines, button sewing machines and bartacking sewing machines.
Loop stitch sewing machines include lock stitch sewing machines and chain stitch sewing machines.

The lockstitch sewing machine comprises a needle mechanically coupled to an actuator, such as an electric motor, for producing a reciprocating linear movement of the needle between an upper position and a lower position. The needle is supplied with a first thread from a spool mounted rotatably, and the thread is threaded through the eye of the needle.
The sewing machine also includes a needle plate assembly. The needle plate assembly includes a needle plate extending in a thickness direction from an upper surface to a lower surface. The needle plate has a needle hole that penetrates the needle plate in the thickness direction and extends from the upper surface to the lower surface. The upper surface is provided with one or more slots extending along the length of the needle plate.
The sewing machine also includes a feed dog assembly that is provided within each of the slots and that includes a set of serrated teeth that project above the upper surface of the needle plate.

In use, two or more layers of fabric are laid on top of each other and placed on top of the needle plate. The serrated teeth can be raised and lowered to engage and disengage the lower surface of the fabric layer, respectively. The serrated teeth are operable to move the fabric forward or backward with respect to the needle. When the serrated teeth are moved forward, the serrated teeth are lowered, moved backwards, and raised again to contact the underside of the fabric layer, at which point the cycle repeats and the teeth advance again. In this way, the serrated teeth move the fabric forward with respect to the needle. The serrated teeth are mechanically coupled to the actuator to produce the above movement. The actuator may be the same as or different from the actuator that reciprocally drives the needle.

The needle penetrates a retainer arranged to press the fabric layer against the top surface of the needle plate as the fabric is moved relative to the needle by the feed dog assembly.
A rotary hook assembly is provided below the lower surface of the needle plate and includes a bobbin around which the second yarn is wound, and a shuttle hook mounted to rotate around the bobbin.
In use, as the needle is moved from its upper position to its lower position, the needle pierces the fabric layer provided between the needle plate and the presser foot. Then, the needle passes through the needle hole of the needle plate and passes from above the upper surface of the needle plate to below the lower surface of the needle plate.

In its lower position, the needle feeds the first thread below the lower surface of the needle plate. The shuttle hook of the rotary shuttle then pivots with respect to the bobbin, causing the supply section of the first thread to loop around the bobbin and thereby the second thread. As the needle returns toward its upper position, the needle pulls the first and second threads into the needle hole through the lower end of the needle hole. As the needle is moved further toward its upper position, the looped first and second threads are pulled tightly under the fabric, forming a stitch that secures the layers of fabric together.
The serrated teeth then move the fabric layer forward relative to the needle by the desired stitch length and the process is repeated to form adjacent stitches. This process is then repeated to form the desired length of seam along the fabric layer.

Chainstitch sewing machines are similar to lockstitch sewing machines. Some chain stitch sewing machines use first and second threads to form stitches in a manner similar to lockstitch sewing machines. Other chain stitch sewing machines use only a single thread to form the stitch. In such chain stitch sewing machines, the rotary hook assembly (and the bobbin with the second thread) is replaced by a looping hook mounted on the end of a pivotally mounted arm.
In use, as the needle is moved from its upper position to its lower position, the needle pierces a fabric layer provided between the needle plate and the presser foot. Then, the needle passes through the needle hole of the needle plate and passes from above the upper surface of the needle plate to below the lower surface of the needle plate. In its second position, the needle feeds the thread below the lower surface of the needle plate.

Then, the arm pivots, and the looping hook forms a loop-like portion for supplying the thread protruding from the lower end of the needle hole of the needle plate. Furthermore, as the needle is moved from its upper position to its lower position, it passes through the center of the loop of thread created by the looping hook in the aforementioned needle cycle, thereby threading this thread. The serrated teeth of the feed dog assembly then move the fabric layer forward by a desired stitch length, which causes the loop and the portion of thread passed through the loop to form the stitch. The process is then repeated to form adjacent stitches. The process is then repeated along the fabric layer to form the desired length of seam.

Button sewing machines also use only a single thread. However, the retainer is generally provided with a button clip in the form of a pair of opposed jaws mounted on the arm. The button is inserted into the button clip and the button clip is lowered to press the fabric against the needle plate. When the button is inserted into the button holder, the hole in the button is aligned with the correct orientation for the needle. As the needle is moved up and down, the buttons are moved laterally to the left and right as well as back and forth by the button clip, which causes the thread to pass through each of the button holes from the top of the fabric to the bottom of the fabric, thereby Sew the button on the fabric. At that time, the needle penetrates the hole of the needle plate. Alternatively, the button clip is fixed and the needle is moved laterally left and right as it is moved up and down, sewing the button to the fabric. Again, the needle then penetrates the hole in the needle plate. In button sewing machines, there is no serrated tooth or slot in the needle plate as the fabric is moved by the movable button clip.

In the bartacking machine, the presser includes a laterally extending slot. The presser foot is lowered to press the fabric against the needle plate. As the needle is moved up and down, the presser is moved laterally left and right, moving the fabric left and right to form a zigzag stitch. At that time, the needle penetrates the hole of the needle plate. Zigzag stitches are used to provide reinforcement to various parts of clothing. In bartacking machines, there is no serrated teeth or slots on the needle plate as the fabric is moved by the movable presser.

In all of the above types of sewing machines, a cutting assembly, in the form of a pair of cutting members that are movable relative to one another, is provided below the lower surface of the needle plate to create a desired length of seam, or a button is When sewn to the fabric, it operates to cut the thread below the needle plate.

In a lockstitch sewing machine, the cutting assembly cuts both the first and second threads, ie, the portion of the first and second threads extending from the lower end of the needle hole in the needle plate.
In a chain stitch sewing machine that uses a single thread, the cutting assembly cuts two portions of a loop of thread formed by a looping hook that extends from the lower end of the needle hole in the needle plate.
In a chain stitch sewing machine using first and second threads, the cutting assembly cuts both the first and second threads, ie, the first and second threads extending from the lower end of the needle hole of the needle plate. Cut the part.
In button sewing machines, the cutting assembly cuts one or more portions of the same thread extending from the lower end of the needle hole in the needle plate.
In a bartack sewing machine, the cutting assembly cuts one or more portions of the same thread extending from the lower end of the needle hole in the needle plate.

However, this cutting assembly suffers from the disadvantage that the length of the cutting thread attached to the fabric is undesirably long. This is especially a problem in high quality products, where very short yarn ends are required. In that case, the yarn end is generally manually cut with scissors in order to cut the yarn end to a desired length. This is labor-intensive (labor-intensive) and therefore expensive and can result in inadvertent cutting of the fabric.
The object of the present invention is to solve or alleviate the problems mentioned in the above paragraph. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an alternate needle plate assembly for sewing machines.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a needle plate assembly for a sewing machine, the needle plate assembly for a sewing machine comprising a needle plate extending in a thickness direction from a first surface to a second surface for contacting a layer of fabric to be sewn. Has a needle hole through the thickness of the needle plate from the first surface to the second surface for passage of the sewing machine needle, and the needle plate assembly cuts at least one thread received in the needle hole. Further comprising a cutting member having a cutting edge movable relative to the needle hole from the first position to the second position, the cutting member being substantially aligned with the second surface of the needle plate, or A cutting blade is positioned relative to the needle plate to cut at least one thread along a cutting surface located between the second surface of the needle plate and the first surface of the needle plate.

This is because the cutting surface of the cutting member is substantially aligned with the second surface of the needle plate or is located between the second surface of the needle plate and the first surface of the needle plate. Is advantageous in that when it is moved from its first position to its second position, it cuts one or more threads through the needle hole, leaving a thread end length that is less than or equal to the thickness of the needle plate, respectively. This results in one or more yarn ends of relatively short length, that is, a relatively short length extending from the adjacent surface of the fabric layer.

This allows for a more aesthetically pleasing and thus higher quality article sewn by the sewing machine with the needle plate assembly of the present invention. Furthermore, in order to obtain such desired short yarn ends, subsequent manual cutting operations need not be performed to cut the yarn ends into shorter lengths. This makes the process less labor intensive, thereby saving costs. It also reduces the risk of damage to the article that can occur during such manual cutting operations. In addition, the cutting edge cuts the thread along a plane substantially aligned with the second surface of the needle plate or located between the second surface of the needle plate and the first surface of the needle plate. Since the cutting member is positioned with respect to the needle plate as described above, the rigidity of the needle plate is maintained. If, instead, the thickness of the throat plate is reduced in an attempt to move the cutting member closer to the adjacent surface of the fabric, the stiffness of the throat plate will be reduced. This will cause the needle plate to bend during use due to the force exerted on the needle plate by the presser/button clamp of the sewing machine.

Preferably, at least one thread is a thread attached to a needle. For example, the thread may penetrate the eye of the needle or otherwise be coupled to the needle.
The cutting member may be arranged to cut the first and second portions of the same thread in the needle hole.
The cutting member may be arranged to cut a plurality of threads in the needle hole. For example, the cutting member may be arranged to cut the first and second threads in the needle hole.
Preferably, the cutting surface of the cutting member is located between the second surface of the needle plate and the first surface of the needle plate.
Preferably, the cutting member is located between the first and second faces of the needle plate. Preferably, the cutting edge of the cutting member is located between the first and second faces of the needle plate.

The cutting member may be located at least partially inside the needle plate. Preferably, the cutting edge of the cutting member is at least partially located inside the needle plate.
Preferably, the cutting member is located entirely inside the needle plate. Preferably, the cutting edge of the cutting member lies completely inside the needle plate.
Preferably, the needle plate defines an enclosure in which the cutting member is at least partially received. The cutting member may be entirely contained within the enclosure. The surrounding wall may be formed by a groove and/or a passage formed inside the needle plate.
The enclosure is preferably sized to allow the cutting member to move from its first position to its second position.

Preferably, the cutting member is provided with a needle opening which allows passage of a sewing machine needle through the needle hole of the needle plate. The needle opening may be formed by the slot. Preferably, at least a portion of the surface of the cutting member defining the needle opening forms the cutting edge, and the needle penetrates the needle hole of the needle plate when the cutting member is in its first position. When the cutting member is moved to its second position when the cutting member is in its second position and the needle opening overlaps the needle hole of the needle plate to the extent that it allows the cutting member to penetrate the needle opening of the cutting member. The cutting blade is arranged such that the needle opening of the cutting member is positioned with respect to the needle hole of the needle plate so as to cut the thread passing through the needle hole of the needle plate and the needle opening of the cutting member.

The cutting edge is preferably a substantially arcuate edge. Alternatively, the cutting edge may be formed by a V-shaped edge or a substantially straight edge. Alternatively, the cutting edge can be of any shape suitable for cutting the thread.
Preferably the cutting member is substantially flat. Preferably the throat plate is substantially planar and the cutting member is arranged to be moved substantially in the plane of the throat plate when moved from its first position to its second position.

The needle plate assembly can be for a lockstitch or chain stitch sewing machine. The first side of the throat plate preferably includes at least one slot for receiving a tooth of the fabric actuating assembly of the sewing machine. Such fabric actuator assemblies are arranged to, in use, move the fabric relative to the needle of the sewing machine to advance the position of the stitches along the fabric.
Preferably, at least one slot extends from the first surface of the needle plate through the thickness of the needle plate to the second surface of the needle plate.

At least one slot in the needle plate preferably comprises the first slot. The cutting member preferably comprises a slot. The first slot of the needle plate and the slot of the cutting member are preferably elongate and have a length extending in the longitudinal direction and a width extending in the lateral direction.
Preferably, the slot of the cutting member is substantially parallel to the first slot of the needle plate and laterally overlaps the first slot of the needle plate. Preferably, the overlap is such that the teeth of the fabric actuation assembly can pass through the overlapping slots. Therefore, the cutting member does not prevent the passage of teeth through the needle plate.

The slot of the cutting member and the first slot of the needle plate are preferably the cutting member when the cutting member is not only in its first and second positions, but also in any position between its first and second positions. And the first slot of the needle plate are sized and arranged to overlap in the vertical direction. Preferably, the overlap is such that it allows the teeth to pass through the overlapping slots.

The cutting member is linearly translatable from its first position to its second position. Preferably, the cutting member is arranged to move substantially parallel to the length of the first slot of the needle plate when moved from its first position to its second position. This is advantageous in that the movement of the cutting member accommodates the saw blades which penetrate the needle plate and the first slot of the cutting member.
The throat plate assembly may be for a button sewing machine or a bartacking sewing machine. In this case, the throat plate may not include the at least one slot.

The cutting member may be arranged to be rotatable with respect to the needle plate between its first and second positions. This is advantageous in that it allows the cutting member to be pivotable, as such a needle plate does not have to accommodate the teeth of the fabric actuator assembly, thereby providing the mechanical advantage of the lever. ..

Preferably the cutting member forms a first cutting member and the throat plate assembly further engages the cutting edges of the first and second cutting members as the first cutting member is moved from its first position to its second position. A second cutting member having a cutting edge that is arranged to combine to cut the yarn along the cutting surface.
The first and second cutting members are preferably engaged by sliding engagement, for example by shifting past each other.
Preferably the second cutting member is fixed to the needle plate.

The second cutting member may have some or all of the features of the first cutting member. For example, the second cutting member is preferably located between the first and second faces of the needle plate. Preferably, the cutting edge of the second cutting member is located between the first and second faces of the needle plate.
The second cutting member may be located at least partially inside the needle plate. Preferably, the cutting edge of the second cutting member is located at least partially inside the needle plate.
Preferably the second cutting member is located entirely inside the needle plate. Preferably, the cutting edge of the second cutting member is located entirely inside the needle plate.

Preferably, the needle plate defines an enclosure in which the second cutting member is at least partially received. The surrounding wall may be formed by a groove and/or a passage formed inside the needle plate.
The second cutting member may include a needle opening that allows passage of a sewing needle when penetrating the needle plate.
Preferably, at least a portion of the surface of the second cutting member defining the needle opening forms its cutting edge. The needle opening of the second cutting member is preferably arranged substantially in line with the needle hole of the needle plate.

At least one slot in the needle plate preferably comprises a second slot. The second cutting member preferably comprises a slot. The slot of the second cutting member is preferably elongated and has a length extending in the longitudinal direction and a width extending in the lateral direction. Preferably, the slot of the second cutting member is substantially parallel to the second slot of the needle plate and laterally overlaps the second slot of the needle plate. Preferably, the overlap is such that the teeth of the fabric actuation assembly can pass through the overlapping slots. Therefore, the second cutting member does not prevent the teeth passing through the needle plate from passing.

Alternatively, the second cutting member may also thread the first and second cutting members into mutual engagement through the needle hole as they are moved from their respective first positions to their respective second positions. May be movable relative to the needle hole between the first and second positions so as to cut. In this case, the second cutting member is preferably the second cutting member described above (ie the second cutting member has some or all of the features of the first cutting member).

The needle plate may be formed from a single piece. Alternatively, the throat plate may include first and second portions releasably attachable to each other to allow access to the cutting member. In this case, the needle plates are preferably separable in the thickness direction into first and second parts which are releasably attachable to each other. This is advantageous in that the first and second parts can be detached from each other, for example to allow the cutting member to be replaced if it becomes blunted by use. The throat plate may be separable in thickness through more than two second parts releasably attachable to each other, for example three parts.

Preferably, the cutting member is for connection with an actuating member for moving the cutting member from its first position to its second position. The actuating member may comprise a motor, such as a pneumatic, electric and/or hydraulic motor. Alternatively or additionally, the cutting member may be manually operable between its first and second positions.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a sewing machine for sewing a first article to a second article, which comprises a needle having an eye for receiving the first thread and a first thread source. A first yarn feeder mechanism for supplying a first yarn to the eye of the needle, and reciprocating the needle between a first position and a second position for penetrating the first and second articles. A first actuator arranged and a second actuator arranged to move the first and second articles relative to the needle such that the first article is sewn to the second article by the first thread. And the sewing machine further comprises a needle plate assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the first thread portion causes the needle thread to move through the needle plate when the needle is moved between its first and second positions. A cutting member of the needle plate assembly, the cutting member being arranged to move within the needle hole of the needle plate for receipt therein, the receiving member being received in the hole when the cutting member is moved from its first position to its second position. It is arranged so as to cut the portion of the obtained first yarn along the cut surface.

The second actuator may be arranged to move the needle and the first and second articles to effect the relative movement. The second actuator may be the same as the first actuator or may be different than the first actuator.

The first article can be a first layer of fabric and the second article can be a second layer of fabric. The sewing machine may be a loop stitch sewing machine such as a lock stitch or chain stitch sewing machine. The sewing machine can be a bartacking sewing machine.

The sewing machine further includes a needle between its first and second positions such that the first article is sewn to the second article by looping together portions of the first thread to form a stitch. A first yarn actuator may be provided that is arranged to move the first yarn when moved. In this case, the first yarn actuator can be a hook attached to an arm that is pivotally attached to the needle plate. The cutting member may be arranged to cut the first and second portions of the first thread received in the needle hole.

The sewing machine may further include a second yarn feeder mechanism and a second yarn actuator, and the second yarn feeder mechanism is for supplying the second yarn from the second yarn supply source to the second yarn actuator. The thread actuator is configured such that the first article and the second article loop together by looping the first and second threads to form a stitch as the needle is moved between its first and second positions. It is arranged to be sewn on. The second yarn actuator can be a rotary hook assembly. The cutting member may be arranged to cut a portion of the first and second threads received in the needle hole.
The first article can be a button and the second article can be a layer of fabric. The sewing machine can be a button sewing machine.

Where at least one of the first and second articles is a layer of fabric, the second actuator is preferably at least one set of at least one set arranged to penetrate the slot of the first cutting member and the first slot of the needle plate. A fabric actuator assembly including teeth, and a tooth actuator arranged to move at least one set of teeth relative to a needle plate to move at least one of the first and second layers of fabric relative to the needle The slot of the cutting member and the first slot of the needle plate are at least when the cutting member is not only in its first and second positions, but also in any position between its first and second positions. The cutting member slot and the needle plate first slot are sized and arranged to overlap to the extent that a set of teeth are allowed to pass through the cutting member slot and the needle plate first slot. The fabric actuator assembly is preferably arranged to move the first and second layers of fabric relative to the needle when the first and second articles are respectively first and second layers of fabric.

This allows the cutting member to move from its first position to its second position (ie cutting the thread) when at least one set of teeth penetrates the slot of the cutting member and the first slot of the needle plate. Is advantageous in that Thus, the cutting member is capable of cutting the yarn when the fabric actuation assembly engages the fabric.

The first and/or second cutting members may form the first cutting assembly. The sewing machine also has a cutting blade movable relative to the needle hole from a first position to a second position for cutting a first thread, or first and second threads, that penetrate the needle hole along a cutting surface. A second cutting assembly including a first cutting member having a second cutting assembly having a cutting surface located outside the second surface of the needle plate in a thickness direction of the needle plate.
Preferably, the cutting surface of the second cutting assembly is located below the second surface of the needle plate.

The first cutting member of the second cutting assembly may be attached directly to the second side of the needle plate. Alternatively, the first cutting member may be mounted on an intermediate member mounted between the first cutting member and the second surface of the needle plate.
This is advantageous in that, during use, the first cutting member of the second cutting assembly may perform the first cutting of the first and/or second yarn. Since the cutting edge of the first cutting member is provided below the second surface of the needle plate, this is because the first and/or the second thread extending from the needle or the second thread feeder mechanism respectively is the subsequent stitch. To ensure that it is long enough to be formed (eg, when a new seam begins to form). Therefore, this avoids the problem of "skipping".
The first cutting assembly can subsequently perform a second cutting of the first yarn, or the first and second yarns.

The second cutting assembly may include a second cutting member having a cutting edge, the first cutting member of the second cutting assembly being moved from its first position to a second position to cut the yarn. And is movable relative to the second cutting member of the second cutting assembly.
Preferably, the second cutting member of the second cutting assembly is fixed with respect to the needle plate. Alternatively, the second cutting member of the second cutting assembly can be movable relative to the first cutting member of the second cutting assembly.
The sewing machine may include a first yarn source. The sewing machine can also include a second yarn source.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of sewing a first article to a second article using a sewing machine according to the second aspect of the invention, which comprises a needle and a first thread for the first and second threads. Using a first actuator to reciprocate a needle between its first and second positions to penetrate a second article, the first article being sewn to the second article by a first thread A second actuator to move the first and second articles relative to the needle so as to cut at least a portion of the first thread received in the needle hole along the cutting plane. Moving the cutting member from its first position to its second position.

Preferably, the needle is moved from its second position to its first position such that at least a portion of the first thread is received in the needle hole and the cutting member is configured to remove at least a portion of the first thread received in the needle hole. It is moved from its first position to a second position for cutting.
At least a portion of the first thread may include multiple portions of the first thread, eg, where the sewing machine is a chain stitch sewing machine using a single thread, or a buttoned sewing machine.
If the sewing machine comprises the second yarn feeder mechanism and the second yarn actuator, preferably the needle is moved from its second position to its first position so that the second yarn is received in the needle hole. The method preferably includes a cutting member from its first position to a second position for cutting a first thread, or at least a portion of the first and second threads, received in the needle hole along the cutting plane. Including moving to a position.

If the sewing machine comprises the second cutting assembly, the method may include the step of cutting at least a portion of the thread with the second cutting assembly along a cutting surface of the second cutting assembly, prior to the first cutting assembly. First, a second cutting assembly cuts at least a portion of the yarn.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a garment made by the method of sewing a first article according to a third aspect of the invention onto a second article.
All of the features described herein can be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination.
Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of a needle assembly, a needle plate assembly and a fabric actuator assembly of a sewing machine, the needle plate assembly being a needle plate assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention installed for a sewing machine. FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the needle plate assembly shown in FIG. 1, wherein the first and second portions of the needle plate of the needle plate assembly have been disassembled and placed side by side for purposes of illustration, and the first and second cuts of the needle plate assembly. The member has been disassembled from the needle plate for illustration. 2 shows a view corresponding to that of FIG. 2, wherein the first and second cutting members are mounted on the first and second parts of the needle plate, respectively. 4 is a top perspective view of a first cutting member of the needle plate assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 5 shows a lower perspective view of the first cutting member of FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a second cutting member of the needle plate assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. FIG. 7 shows a lower perspective view of the second cutting member of FIG. 6. FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the needle plate assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, with the second portion of the needle plate of the needle plate assembly removed for purposes of illustration and the first cutting member in the first position. Figure 8 shows a view corresponding to that of Figure 8, but with the first cutting member in the second position. Figure 2 shows a sectional view taken along the line BB of Figure 1, with the first cutting member in its first position and the teeth of the fabric actuator assembly omitted for purposes of illustration. Figure 10 shows a view corresponding to that of Figure 10, but with the first cutting member in its second position. FIG. 7c shows a bottom perspective view of a first portion of a needle plate of a needle plate assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the first cutting member of the needle plate assembly in a first position and the second cutting member for purposes of illustration. Omitted. Figure 12 shows a view corresponding to that of Figure 12, but with the first cutting member in the second position. 12 shows an enlarged view of region A of FIG. 12, with the first cutting member in the first position. Figure 14 shows a view corresponding to Figure 14, but with the first cutting member in the second position. FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a second portion of the needle plate of the needle plate assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 shows a lower plan view of the second part of the needle plate shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 shows a top perspective view of the first and second parts of the needle plate shown in FIGS. 12 to 17 and shows successive steps in the assembly of the first and second parts. 18a-c, but with a lower perspective view. FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of a button sewing machine including a needle plate assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of a bartacking machine including a needle plate assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows the thread ends of first and second threads sewn and cut to form a seam using the throat plate assembly of the first or second embodiments. FIG.

Referring to FIG. 1, a front perspective partial view of a loop stitch sewing machine 1 including a needle assembly 2, a needle plate assembly 3 and a fabric actuator assembly 110 is illustrated. The needle plate assembly 3 is a needle plate assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The needle plate assembly 3 includes a needle plate 11 and first and second cutting members 12, 13 mounted within the needle plate 11 (as described below). In FIG. 2, the first and second cutting members 12 and 13 are shown disassembled from the needle plate 11.

The needle plate 11 is a substantially flat plate. The needle plate 11 extends longitudinally between the first and second ends 14, 15 and laterally between the first and second sides 16, 17.
The first lateral portion 18 of the needle plate 11 is generally rectangular in a plan view, and the second lateral portion 19 of the needle plate 11 is generally semicircular in a plan view. The first and second ends 14, 15 of the needle plate 11 are formed by opposite laterally extending ends of the first lateral portion 18 of the needle plate 11. The first side portion 16 is provided on a side portion of the first side portion 18 of the needle plate 11 extending in the longitudinal direction, and the second side portion 17 is a semicircle of the second side portion 19 of the needle plate 11. It is provided on the side.

The throat plate 11 extends in the thickness direction (see the arrow labeled "t" in FIGS. 10 and 11) between the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The plate 11 is substantially flat and is generally thin. The first side 21 of the throat plate 11 is arranged in use to contact a layer of fabric that is sewn to another article, such as another layer of fabric (as discussed in more detail below).

The needle assembly 2 includes a needle 5 and a presser 6. The needle 5 has a tip located proximal to the first surface 21 of the needle plate 11. The needle 5 is provided with an eye 7 proximal to its tip for receiving the first thread 8. The first thread 8 is supplied from a spool (not shown) and is received in the eye 7 of the needle 5.
The needle plate 11 is provided with a needle hole 23 that penetrates from the first surface 21 in the thickness direction of the needle plate 11 and extends to the second surface 22 thereof. The needle hole 23 is provided for receiving the needle 5.

The needle 5 is mechanically coupled to a needle actuator (not shown) for reciprocating movement between the first and second positions. In its first position, the needle 5 is arranged outside the needle plate 11 above the first surface 21 of the needle plate 11. In this position, the eye 7 of the needle 5 and the portion of the first thread 8 received in the eye 7 of the needle 5 are arranged above the needle plate. In the second position, the needle 5 penetrates the needle hole 23 of the needle plate 11, and the eye 7 of the needle 5 and the portion of the first thread 8 are arranged below the second surface 22 of the needle plate 11.

The retainer 6 includes an elongated foot member with a substantially flat lower surface 9. The retainer 6 may be moved toward or away from the first surface 21 of the needle plate assembly 3 from a first position distal to the first surface 21 to a second position proximal to the first surface 21. it can. When the presser 6 is in its second position, the presser 6 presses one or more layers of fabric (not shown) between the lower surface 9 of the presser 6 and the first surface 21 of the needle plate 11. The retainer 6 has a needle hole 10 through which the needle 5 penetrates when moved from its first position to its second position.

The needle plate 11 includes a first pair of elongated slots 24, 25 extending from the first end to the second end in the longitudinal direction of the plate 11. Each of the slots 24, 25 has a length that extends vertically and a width that extends laterally.
The first pair of slots comprises first and second slots 24,25. The first and second slots 24, 25 extend substantially parallel to each other and are laterally spaced apart from the needle plate 11. The first and second ends of the first and second slots 24, 25 are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction of the needle plate 11 and arranged on both lateral sides of the needle hole 23 of the needle plate 11.

The needle plate 11 includes a second pair of elongated slots 26, 27 extending from the first end to the second end in the longitudinal direction of the plate 11. The second pair of slots comprises first and second slots 26,27. Each of the slots 26, 27 has a length that extends longitudinally and a width that extends laterally. The first and second slots 26, 27 are substantially parallel to each other and are aligned with each other in the lateral direction of the needle plate 11. The first and second slots 26, 27 are provided on opposite sides of the needle hole 23 in the longitudinal direction of the plate 11. The second pair of first and second slots 26, 27 are located between the first pair of first and second slots 24, 25. The first and second ends of the first and second slots 26, 27 of the second pair are longitudinally aligned with the first and second ends of the first and second slots 24, 25 of the first pair, respectively. Are substantially aligned with.

The first and second pairs of slots 24, 25, 26, 27 extend through the needle plate 11 in the thickness direction and extend from the first surface 21 to the second surface 22 thereof. Each slot 24, 25, 26, 27 is arranged to receive a respective set of teeth of the fabric actuator assembly (see below).

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 10 and 11, the needle plate 11 is divided into first and second portions 28 and 29 in the thickness direction. In the present embodiment, the needle plate 11 is divided into the first and second portions 28 and 29 along the thickness direction thereof by substantially half.
The first portion 28 has a first surface 21 forming the first surface of the throat plate 11 and a second surface 30 on the opposite side. Similarly, the second portion 29 has a first surface 31 and an opposite second surface 22 forming the second surface 22 of the needle plate 11.
The first and second portions 28, 29 are releasably attachable to each other by a plurality of fasteners in the form of screws 40. However, it goes without saying that any suitable fastener can be used.

When the first and second parts 28, 29 of the throat plate 11 are assembled, the second surface 30 of the first part 28 and the first surface 31 of the second part 29 face each other and contact each other.
The first and second parts 28, 29 each penetrate the parts 28, 29 in the thickness direction so as to form the first and second said pairs of slots 24, 25, 26, 27 of the needle plate 11. A first and a second pair of slots extending therethrough.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first cutting member 12 is a generally elongated member extending longitudinally from the first end 61 to the second end 62. The first end 61 of the cutting member 12 is thickened to form the base portion 63 (compared to the handle portion 67) and to form the handle portion 67 (compared to the base portion 63). It comprises a generally elongated portion of reduced width.
The base portion 63 includes a substantially circular opening 71 for attachment to an actuator member (not shown), as described in further detail below.

The handle portion 67 extends from the end of the base portion 63 to the second end 62 of the first cutting member 12. A slot 66 is provided in the shank portion 67 and extends along the longitudinal axis of the shank portion 67 from the first end 64 to the second end 65. The first end 64 of the slot 66 is proximal to the base portion 63 and the second end 65 of the slot 66 is proximal to the second end 62 of the first cutting member 12. The shank portion 67 forms a rim around the slot 66. The second end 65 of the slot 66 is formed in an arcuate cutting edge 70.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the second cutting member 13 is a generally elongated member extending longitudinally from the first end 81 to the second end 82. The first end 81 of the cutting member 13 is thickened to form the base portion 83 (compared to the handle portion 87) and to form the handle portion 87 (compared to the base portion 83). It comprises a generally elongated portion of reduced width.
The base portion 83 comprises a substantially circular opening 47 for attachment of the needle plate 11 to the first portion 28 (as described below).

A slot 86 is provided in the shank portion 87 and extends along the longitudinal axis of the shank portion 87 from the first end 84 to the second end 85. The slot 86 extends partway from the end of the base portion 83 along the length direction of the handle portion 87. The first end 84 of the slot 86 is proximal to the base portion 83 and the second end 85 of the slot 86 is proximal to the second end 82 of the second cutting member 13. The shank portion 87 forms a rim around the slot 86.
An opening 88 is provided proximal to the second end 82 of the second cutting member 13. The opening 88 is provided between the second end 85 of the slot 86 and the second end 82 of the second cutting member 13. A portion of the opening 88 provided toward the second end 82 of the second cutting member 13 is formed in the arcuate cutting edge 90.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 10 and 11, a portion of the first surface 31 of the second portion 29 of the needle plate 11 is concave in the direction of the second surface 22 so as to define the first passage 51. ing. The recess has a footprint of the first cutting member 12 and forms a second slot 27 of the second pair of slots of the needle plate 11 with a corresponding slot of the first portion 28 of the needle plate 11. Formed around the slot in portion 29. The first passage 51 extends substantially parallel to the slot. The first passage 51 is sized and dimensioned to accommodate the first cutting member 12.

A portion of the second surface 30 of the first portion 28 is concave in the direction of the first surface 21 so as to define the second passage 52. The recess has a footprint of the second cutting member 13 and forms a first slot 26 of the second pair of slots of the needle plate 11 with a corresponding slot of the second portion 29 of the needle plate 11. Formed around the slot of portion 28. The second passage 52 extends substantially parallel to the slot. The second passage 52 is sized and dimensioned to accommodate the second cutting member 13.

The second cutting member 13 is mounted in the second passage 52 such that the opening 88 provided proximal to the second end 82 of the cutting member 13 is substantially aligned with the needle hole 23 of the needle plate 11. It The circular protrusion of the second surface 30 of the first portion 28 of the needle plate 11 is received in the opening 47 of the second cutting member 13 to attach the second cutting member 13 to the first portion 28 of the needle plate 11.

The first cutting member 12 can slide in the first passage 51 from the first position shown in FIG. 10 to the second position shown in FIG. 11 and vice versa. The first passage 51 is sized and dimensioned to allow movement of the first cutting member 12 from its first position to its second position. In this regard, the first passage 51 is longer than the first cutting member 12 to allow said movement.

When the first cutting member 12 is in its first position, the second end 65 of the slot 66 provided in the cutting member 12 extends past the needle hole 23 of the needle plate 11. Therefore, the needle hole 23 is not blocked by the first cutting member 12 (or the second cutting member 13).
When the needle 5 is lowered from its first (upper) position to a second (lower) position and raised to its first position, of the first yarn 8 or of the first and second yarns ( At least a portion (see below) is received within the needle hole 23, as described below.

The second end 62 of the first cutting member 12 is positioned within the needle hole 23 when the first cutting member 12 is in its second position. As the first cutting member 12 is moved from its first position to its second position, its cutting edge 70 engages the cutting edge 90 of the second cutting member 13 along the cutting surface 100 (see FIG. 11). At least a part of the first yarn (8) or the first yarn and the second yarn (see below) penetrating the needle hole 23 is cut along the cutting surface 100. The opposing surfaces of the cutting edges 70, 90 pass past one another along the cutting surface 100.

The first and second cutting members 12, 13 are arranged such that the cutting surface 100 is located between the second surface 22 of the needle plate 11 and the first surface 21 of the needle plate 11. Alternatively, the first and second cutting members 12, 13 may be arranged such that the cutting surface 100 is substantially aligned with the second surface 22 of the throat plate 11.

This is because the cutting surface 100 is substantially aligned with the second surface 22 of the needle plate 11 or is located between the second surface 22 of the needle plate 11 and the first surface 21 of the needle plate 11. At least a portion of one yarn 8 or of the first and second yarns (see below) extends from a layer of fabric (see FIG. 22) such that each cut yarn 600 has a length less than or equal to the thickness of the needle plate 11. It is advantageous in that it is cut to have. This results in a relatively short length of yarn end 600 that extends a relatively short length from the adjacent surface of the fabric layer. This makes it more aesthetically pleasing and thus makes it possible to make articles sewn by a sewing machine with the needle plate of the invention of higher quality.

Furthermore, in obtaining such a short yarn end length, subsequent manual cutting operations need not be performed to cut the yarn end to the desired length. This makes the process less labor intensive, thereby saving costs. It also reduces the risk of damage to the article, which can often occur during such manual cutting operations. In addition, since the first and second cutting members are provided inside the needle plate 11, the rigidity of the needle plate 11 is maintained. If, instead, the thickness of the needle plate 11 is reduced to move the cutting members 12, 13 closer to the adjacent face of the fabric, the stiffness of the needle plate 11 will be reduced. This may cause the needle plate 11 to bend due to the force exerted on the needle plate 11 by the presser 6 of the sewing machine 1 during use.

The first cutting member 12 is connected to an actuating member (not shown) through an opening 71 in its base portion 63 to move the cutting member from its first position to its second position when operated by a user. There is. The actuating member may include a motor such as a pneumatic, electric and/or hydraulic motor. Alternatively or additionally, the first cutting member 12 may be manually operable between its first and second positions.

The sewing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a loop stitch sewing machine for sewing a first layer of fabric onto a second layer of fabric (not shown).
The fabric actuator assembly 110 (see FIG. 1) moves the layer of fabric from the first vertical position to the second vertical position relative to the needle 5 as it moves from its first position to its second position and back again. Is arranged to move a layer of fabric longitudinally with respect to the needle 5 (and the needle plate 11) to form a stitch made by the reciprocating needle 5. The fabric actuator assembly 110 also advances the stitches made by the needles 5 along the layers of fabric by moving the layers of fabric along the needle plate 11 to form a seam.

The fabric actuator assembly 110 comprises a first pair of first and second sets of serrated teeth 111 and a second pair of first and second sets of serrated teeth 112. The first and second slots 24, 25 of the first pair of slots are sized and arranged to receive a first pair of first and second sets of serrated teeth 111. The first and second slots 26, 27 of the second pair of slots are sized and arranged to receive a second pair of first and second sets of serrated teeth 112.

The set of serrated teeth 111, 112 is mechanically connected to a tooth actuator (not shown) such as an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motor. The tooth actuator is mechanically coupled to the set of serrated teeth 111, 112 to cause the teeth 111, 112 to project upwardly from the first surface 21 of the needle plate 11 and engage the lower surface of the lowermost fabric. 1 position and a second position in which the upper surfaces of the teeth 111, 112 are provided below the height of the first surface 21 of the needle plate 11 so that the teeth 111, 112 do not engage the layer of fabric.

The serrated teeth 111, 112 are movable in the front longitudinal direction to move the fabric forward with respect to the needle 5. When the serrated teeth 111, 112 are moved forward, they are lowered to their second position, moved backwards, and then raised again to contact the underside of the fabric layer, at which point the cycle repeats and the teeth are It is moved forward again. In this way, the serrated teeth 111, 112 move the fabric forward with respect to the needle 5. The tooth actuator may be the same as or different from the needle actuator.
As the serrated teeth 111, 112 rise and fall between their first and second positions, they penetrate respective slots 24, 25, 26, 27.

The sewing machine 1 may be a lock stitch sewing machine or a chain stitch sewing machine.
When the sewing machine 1 is a lockstitch sewing machine, the sewing machine 1 further rotates around the bobbin (not shown) around which the second thread feeder mechanism, the second thread (not shown) is wound, and the bobbin. A second thread actuator in the form of a rotary hook assembly (not shown) provided below the needle plate 11 including a mounted shuttle hook (not shown).

In use, when the needle 5 is moved from its first (upper) position to its second (lower) position, the needle 5 is a cloth provided on the needle plate 11 between the needle plate 11 and the presser 6. Pierce the strata. This pierces the first yarn 8 through the fabric layer and supplies the first yarn 8 on the lower side of the needle plate 11. At that time, the rotary hook of the rotary hook rotates with respect to the bobbin to loop the supply portion of the first yarn 8 around the bobbin and thereby around the second yarn. As the needle 5 is moved back to its first position, the looped first and second threads are pulled tightly under the fabric, forming a stitch that secures the layers of fabric together. The serrated teeth 111, 112 then move the fabric layer forward relative to the needle 5 by the desired stitch length, and the process is repeated to form adjacent stitches. This process is then repeated to form the desired length of seam along the fabric layer. These features of lockstitch sewing machines and how to operate them are well known in the art and therefore will not be described in further detail.

When the needle 5 is lowered from its first (upper) position to a second (lower) position and raised to its first position to complete the final stitch of the seam, the portion of the first thread 8 and the second Part of the thread is received in the needle hole 23.
The first cutting member 12 is subsequently moved from its first position to its second position to cut along the cutting surface 100 the portions of the first and second threads received in the needle hole 23. This is done so that the cut first and second yarns 600 (see FIG. 22) extending from the layers of fabric each have a length that is less than or equal to the thickness of the needle plate 11, near the adjacent face of the fabric layer. Cut the first and second threads. This results in a relatively short length of yarn end 600 that extends a relatively short length from the adjacent surface of the fabric layer. This provides the advantages mentioned above.

The slot 66 of the first cutting member 12 extends substantially parallel to the second slot 27 of the second pair of slots of the needle plate 11 and is substantially aligned with the slot 27 in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The slot 66 is sized and arranged to allow the second set of the second pair of serrated teeth 112 to pass through the slot 66 when moved from its second position to its first position and vice versa. It is said that.
The slot 86 of the second cutting member 13 extends substantially parallel to the first slot 26 of the second pair of slots of the needle plate 11 and is substantially aligned with the slot 26 in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The slot 86 is sized and arranged to allow the first set of the second pair of serrated teeth 112 to pass through the slot 86 when moved from its first position to the second position.

The slot 66 of the first cutting member 12 and the second slot 27 of the second pair of slots of the needle plate 11 are arranged so that the first cutting member 12 has not only its first and second positions but also its first and second positions. Dimensions such that the slots 66, 27 of the cutting member 12 and the needle plate 11, when in any position between positions, overlap to an extent that allows the serrated teeth 112 of the set to pass through the slots 66, 27. And the arrangement. Thus, the first cutting member 12 can cut the first yarn 8 when the teeth 11, 112 are in their first (raised) position.

If the sewing machine 1 is a chain stitch sewing machine using a single thread, only a single thread is used to form the stitch. In this regard, the rotary hook assembly (and the second thread bobbin) is replaced by a looping hook mounted on the end of a pivotally mounted arm. As the needle 5 is moved from its first position to its second position, the needle 5 pierces the fabric layer provided on the needle plate 11. It pierces the first thread 8 through the fabric layer and feeds it on the second side of the needle plate 11. At that time, the arm rotates, and the looping hook forms the supply portion of the first yarn into a loop. In addition, the needle 5 passes through the center of the loop created by the looping hook in the preceding needle cycle. The serrated teeth 111, 112 then move the fabric layer forward, whereby the loop and the portion of thread 8 threaded through the loop form a stitch. The process is then repeated along the fabric layer to form the desired length of seam.

Alternatively, the chain stitch sewing machine can use the first and second threads to form a stitch.
These features and operating methods of chainstitch sewing machines are well known in the art and therefore will not be described in further detail.

When the needle 5 is lowered from its first (upper) position to a second (lower) position and raised to its first position to complete the final stitch of the seam, the looped first thread 8 The first and second portions are received within the needle hole 23.
The first cutting member 12 is subsequently moved from its first position to its second position, cutting the first and second parts of the first yarn 8 along said cutting surface 100. This is because the cut first and second portions extending from the layers of fabric each have a length of first yarn 8 near the adjacent surface of the fabric layer such that the cut first and second portions each have a length that is less than or equal to the thickness of needle plate 11. Cut the first and second parts. This results in yarn ends of relatively short length, ie extending a relatively short length from the adjacent surface of the fabric layer. This provides the advantages mentioned above.
The first cutting member 12 is movable back from its second position to the first position, whereby it is ready to perform another cutting.

12-19, a needle plate assembly 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Where the needle plate assembly 200 of the second embodiment has the same features as the needle plate assembly 3 of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used.

The needle plate assembly 200 of the second embodiment is the same as the needle plate assembly 3 of the first embodiment, except that the needle plate assembly 200 does not include the slots for the serrated teeth of the fabric actuator assembly. ..
In addition, the first cutting member 12 is rotated with respect to the needle plate 11 between its first position shown in FIGS. 12 and 14 and its second position shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, The needle plate 11 is pivotally mounted on the second surface 30 of the first portion 28.

18a-c and 19a-c show a series of steps in the assembly of the first and second parts 28, 29 of the needle plate 11. The first portion 28 of the throat plate 11 is placed on the second portion 29, and the second surface 30 of the first portion 28 and the first surface 31 of the second portion 29 face each other and are in contact with each other. The first and second parts 28, 29 are connected to each other by a plurality of fasteners in the form of screws (not shown) which are threaded through the respective aligned openings 41 of the first and second parts 28, 29. Releasably mounted.

The first and second cutting members 12, 13 form a first cutting assembly. The second cutting assembly 300 is attached to the second surface 22 of the needle plate assembly 200. The second cutting assembly 300 includes a first cutting member 301 and a second cutting member 302 (see FIG. 17). The first cutting member 301 is rotated with respect to the second cutting member 302 from the first position to the second position to cut the yarn 8 along the cutting surface located below the second surface 22 of the needle plate 200. In order to do so, it is pivotally mounted on the second surface 22 with respect to the pivot point 303.
The first embodiment of the needle plate assembly 3 may include the second cutting assembly 300 of the second embodiment.
The needle plate assembly of the second embodiment is for a button sewing machine or a bartacking sewing machine.

Referring to FIG. 20, the needle plate assembly 200 of the second embodiment is shown installed on the button sewing machine 450. Button sewing machine 450 uses a single thread. The retainer 6 comprises a button holder 400, typically in the form of a pair of opposed jaws 401, 402 mounted on an arm 403. The button is attached to the button holder 400, and the button holder 400 is lowered to press the cloth against the needle plate 11. When the button is mounted in the button holder 400, the button hole is aligned with the needle 5 in the correct orientation. As the needle 5 is moved up and down between its first and second positions, the button is moved not only forwards and backwards but also laterally left and right by the retainer 6 (connected to the actuator), whereby the first Threads 8 pass through each of the button holes from the top of the fabric to the bottom of the fabric, thereby sewing the buttons to the fabric. In a button sewing machine, since the fabric is moved by the movable presser 6, the needle plate 11 has no serrated teeth or slots at all. These features and operating methods of button sewing machines are well known in the art and therefore will not be described in further detail.

A portion of the first thread 8 when the needle 5 is lowered from its first (upper) position to a second (lower) position and raised to its first position to complete the final stitching of the button to the fabric. Are received in the needle hole 23.
The first cutting member 12 is subsequently moved from its first position to its second position and is positioned along said cutting surface 100, ie between the second surface 22 of the needle plate 11 and the first surface 21 of the needle plate 11. The portion of the first yarn 8 is cut along the cut surface to be cut. This cuts the first yarn 8 near the adjacent surface of the fabric layer such that the portions of the cut yarn extending from the layers of fabric each have a length that is less than or equal to the thickness of the needle plate 11. This results in yarn ends of relatively short length, ie extending a relatively short length from the adjacent surface of the fabric layer. This provides the advantages mentioned above.

Referring to FIG. 21, the needle plate assembly 200 of the second embodiment is shown installed on the bar tacking sewing machine 550. In the bartacking sewing machine, the presser 6 has a slot 501 extending in the lateral direction. The presser foot 6 is lowered to press the fabric against the needle plate 11. As the needle 5 is moved up and down, the retainer 6 is moved laterally left and right by the actuator to form a zigzag stitch. Zigzag stitches are used to provide reinforcement to various parts of clothing. In the bartacking machine 550, since the fabric is moved by the movable presser 6, the needle plate 11 has no serrated teeth or slots at all.
These features and methods of operation of bartacking machines are well known in the art and therefore will not be described in further detail.

When the needle 5 is lowered from its first (upper) position to a second (lower) position and raised to its first position to complete the final stitch of the seam, the portion of the first thread 8 becomes Accepted within 23.
The first cutting member 12 is subsequently moved from its first position to its second position to cut a portion of the first yarn 8 along the cutting surface 100. This cuts the first yarn 8 near the adjacent surface of the fabric layer such that the portions of the cut yarn extending from the layers of fabric each have a length that is less than or equal to the thickness of the needle plate 11. This results in yarn ends of relatively short length, ie extending a relatively short length from the adjacent surface of the fabric layer. This provides the advantages mentioned above.

With respect to the second cutting assembly 300, when used in either the first or second embodiments of the throat plate assembly, the desired length of seam is sewn (or the button is sewn to a layer of fabric). )), the first cutting member 301 of the second cutting assembly 300 performs a first cutting of the first thread 8 or a portion of the first and second threads received in the needle hole 23.
The cutting surface of the second cutting assembly 300 is located below the second surface of the needle plate 11, so that the cutting portion of the first yarn 8 or of the first and second yarns extending from the needle or bobbin, respectively. Ensure that subsequent stitches are long enough to be formed (eg, when new seams begin to be formed). Therefore, this avoids the problem of "skipping".
The first cutting member 12 is subsequently moved from its first position to a second position to carry out a second cutting of the yarn along said cutting surface 100, resulting in a short yarn end with the advantages mentioned above.

In view of the above, the needle plate assembly according to the present invention is a sewing machine of many different types capable of cutting one or more threads so that each length is less than or equal to the thickness of the needle plate 11. It can be seen that it provides a needle plate assembly that is suitable for use in the. This results in a yarn end 600 of relatively short length, that is, a relatively short length extending from the adjacent surface of the fabric layer. This makes it more aesthetically pleasing and thus makes it possible to make articles sewn by a sewing machine with the needle plate of the invention of higher quality. Furthermore, in order to obtain such short yarn end lengths, subsequent manual cutting operations need not be performed to cut the yarn ends to the desired length. This makes the process less labor intensive, thereby saving costs. It also reduces the risk of possible damage to the article during such manual cutting operations, as compared to other sources of quality defects. Such damage can be relatively expensive. In addition, the rigidity of the needle plate 11 is substantially maintained.

The described and illustrated embodiments must be considered as illustrative in nature and not restrictive, only the preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described, and all modifications which fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. And it is understood that modifications should be protected.
For example, in the above-described embodiments, the needle plate assembly 3,200 comprises first and second cutting members 12,13. However, it goes without saying that only a single cutting member 12 may be used.
In addition, it goes without saying that the needle plate 11 can have different plan view shapes, for example square, rectangular, etc.
Further, the needle plate 11 need not be exactly divided in half in the thickness direction, and the first and second portions 28, 29 of the needle plate 11 may have different thicknesses.
In the described embodiment, the second cutting member 13 is fixed to the needle plate 11. However, it goes without saying that the second cutting member 13 may be movable from the first position to the second position with respect to the needle plate 11 in order to cut the thread 8.

The use of the words "desirable," "preferably," "preferred," or "more preferred" in the description suggests that the feature so stated is desirable, although it is not required and such feature may be used. It is to be understood that embodiments lacking can be envisioned as within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. When the word "a", "an", "at least one" or "at least a portion" is used in front of a feature with respect to a claim, the claim is used unless the contrary is stated in the claim. There is no intention to limit the above to just one of the above characteristic parts. Where the words "at least a portion" and/or "a portion" are used, the item may include a portion and/or the entire item, unless the contrary is stated.

Claims (26)

A sewing machine for sewing a first article to a second article, comprising:
A needle having an eye for receiving the first thread,
A first yarn feeder mechanism for supplying a first yarn from a first yarn supply source to the eye of the needle;
A first actuator arranged to reciprocate the needle between a first position and a second position for penetrating the needle into the first and second articles;
A second actuator arranged to move the first and second articles relative to the needle such that the first article is sewn to the second article by the first thread;
A needle plate assembly,
A second cutting assembly,
Is equipped with
The needle plate assembly is
A first cutting assembly,
A needle plate extending in the thickness direction from the first surface to the second surface for contacting the layer of fabric to be sewn,
The needle plate has a needle hole penetrating the thickness of the needle plate from the first surface to the second surface for passage of the sewing machine needle,
The first cutting assembly includes a first cutting member having a cutting blade, movable relative to the needle hole from a first position to a second position for cutting the first yarn received in the needle hole. , When the first cutting member is moved from its first position to its second position, the cutting edges of the first and second cutting members engage and cut the first yarn along a cutting surface. A second cutting member having a cutting blade arranged as
The first cutting member is substantially aligned with the second surface of the needle plate, or along a cutting surface located between the second surface of the needle plate and the first surface of the needle plate. And its cutting edge is positioned with respect to the throat plate so as to cut the first yarn,
A first side of the throat plate having at least one slot for receiving a tooth of a fabric actuation assembly of a sewing machine;
Said at least one slot comprises a first slot,
The first cutting member comprises a slot, the slot being substantially parallel to the first slot of the needle plate and the first slot of the needle plate such that the teeth of the fabric actuation assembly pass through the overlapping slots. Overlap,
The needle moves in the needle hole of the needle plate such that a portion of the first thread is received in the needle hole of the needle plate when moved between its first and second positions. Is located in
The first cutting member of the first cutting assembly is configured to cut the portion of the first thread received in the needle hole into the cutting surface when the first cutting member is moved from its first position to a second position. It is arranged to cut along
The second cutting assembly has a cutting blade movable relative to the needle hole from a first position to a second position for cutting the first thread passing through the needle hole along a cutting surface. Including 1 cutting member,
The cutting surface of the second cutting assembly is located outside the second surface of the needle plate in the thickness direction of the needle plate , and
The sewing machine, wherein the first cutting member of the second cutting assembly is arranged to cut a portion of the first yarn received in the needle hole along the cutting surface. The slot of the first cutting member of the first cutting assembly and the first slot of the needle plate may include the first and second positions of the first cutting member as well as its first and second positions. The slots of the first cutting member and the first slot of the needle plate are sized and arranged to overlap such that the teeth penetrate the overlapping slots when in any position between positions. The sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The sewing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the first cutting member of the first cutting assembly is linearly translatable from its first position to its second position. The first cutting member of the first cutting assembly is arranged to move substantially parallel to the length of the first slot of the needle plate when moved from its first position to its second position. The sewing machine according to claim 3, wherein the sewing machine is used . 5. The cutting surface of the first cutting member of the first cutting assembly is located between the second surface of the needle plate and the first surface of the needle plate. The sewing machine according to the item. 6. The sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the first cutting member of the first cutting assembly is located at least partially inside the needle plate. 7. The sewing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the needle plate defines an enclosure wall in which the first cutting member of the first cutting assembly is at least partially accommodated. 8. The sewing machine according to claim 7, wherein the surrounding wall is sized to allow the first cutting member of the first cutting assembly to move from its first position to its second position. 9. The first cutting member of the first cutting assembly comprises a needle opening to allow the passage of a sewing machine needle passing through a needle hole of the needle plate. The sewing machine according to the item. At least a portion of a surface of the first cutting member of the first cutting assembly defining the needle opening,
Forming the cutting edge,
To the extent that it allows a needle that penetrates a needle hole in the needle plate to penetrate a needle opening in the first cutting member when the first cutting member of the first cutting assembly is in its first position. When the needle opening overlaps the needle hole of the needle plate and the first cutting member is in its second position, the cutting blade penetrates the needle hole of the needle plate and the needle opening of the first cutting member. 10. The needle opening of the first cutting member of the first cutting assembly is arranged so as to be positioned with respect to the needle hole of the needle plate so as to cut an existing thread. Sewing machine. The sewing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first cutting member of the first cutting assembly has a flat plate shape. The throat plate is a flat plate and is arranged such that the first cutting member of the first cutting assembly is moved along a plane along the throat plate when moved from its first position to its second position. The sewing machine according to claim 11, which is provided. The first cutting member of the first cutting assembly is arranged to be rotatable with respect to the needle plate between its first and second positions. The sewing machine according to claim 12 . The sewing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second cutting member is at least partially located inside the needle plate. The sewing machine according to claim 14 , wherein the needle plate defines a surrounding wall in which the second cutting member is at least partially housed. The second cutting member, the sewing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a needle opening to allow passage of the sewing needle when penetrating the needle plate. The sewing machine according to claim 16 , wherein at least a part of a surface of the second cutting member that defines the needle opening forms a cutting edge thereof. Said at least one slot of said needle plate comprises a second slot,
The second cutting member comprises a slot, the slot being substantially parallel to the second slot of the needle plate, the first slot of the needle plate such that the teeth of the fabric actuation assembly pass through the overlapping slot. The sewing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the sewing machine overlaps with two slots. The throat plate comprises first and second portions releasably attachable to each other to allow access to the first cutting member of the first cutting assembly. The sewing machine according to any one of items 1 to 18 . 20. The sewing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first article is a first layer of fabric and the second article is a second layer of fabric. The second actuator is
A fabric actuator assembly including at least one set of teeth arranged to extend through the slot of the first cutting member of the first cutting assembly and the first slot of the needle plate;
A tooth actuator arranged to move the at least one set of teeth relative to the needle plate to move the first and second layers of fabric relative to the needle;
Is equipped with
The slot of the first cutting member of the first cutting assembly and the first slot of the needle plate are not only in the first and second positions of the first cutting member, but also in the first and second positions thereof. when an arbitrary position between said at least one pair of teeth said first cutting member slot and the first cutting member to an extent which makes it possible to penetrate the first slot of the needle plate slot and 21. The sewing machine according to claim 20 , wherein the first slot of the needle plate is sized and arranged to overlap. The second cutting assembly includes a second cutting member having a cutting edge,
The first cutting member of the second cutting assembly moves relative to the second cutting member of the second cutting assembly when moved from its first position to a second position to cut the first yarn. The sewing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 21, which is possible . The first article using a sewing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 22 A method of sewing the second article,
Penetrating the needle and the first thread through the first and second articles by reciprocating the needle between its first and second positions using the first actuator,
Stitching the first article to the second article with the first thread by using the second actuator to move at least one of the first and second articles with respect to the needle; and,
Moving at least a portion of the first yarn received in the needle hole along the cutting surface by moving the first cutting member of the first cutting assembly from its first position to a second position. ,
A method comprising: cutting the at least a portion of a thread with the second cutting assembly along the cutting surface of the second cutting assembly . The needle is moved from its second position to a first position such that at least a portion of the first thread is received in the needle hole,
The first cutting member of the first cutting assembly and the first cutting member of the second cutting assembly are disposed at a first position thereof for cutting at least a portion of the first yarn received in the needle hole. 24. Method according to claim 23, characterized in that it is moved to two positions. 25. The method of claim 24 , wherein the second cutting assembly cuts the at least a portion of the thread prior to the first cutting assembly. A garment made by the method of any one of claims 23 to 25 , wherein the first article is sewn to the second article.

Images