JP2016523675A - Sewing needle plate assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A sewing machine needle plate assembly includes a needle plate that extends in a thickness direction from a first surface to a second surface to contact a layer of fabric to be sewn. The needle plate is provided with a needle hole penetrating the thickness of the needle plate from the first surface to the second surface for passing the sewing needle. The needle plate assembly further includes a cutting member having a cutting edge that is movable relative to the needle hole from a first position to a second position to cut at least one thread received in the needle hole. . The 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, The cutting blade is positioned with respect to the needle plate so as to cut the at least one thread. [Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a needle plate assembly for a sewing machine.

Known sewing machines fall into various categories including loop stitching machines, button sewing machines, and barbed sewing machines.
The loop stitch machine includes a lock stitch machine and a chain stitch machine.

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

  In use, two or more layers of fabric are stacked on top of each other and placed on the top surface of the needle plate. The serrated teeth can be raised and lowered to engage and disengage from the lower surface of the fabric layer, respectively. The serrated teeth are operable to move the fabric forward or backward relative to the needle. When the serrated teeth are moved forward, the serrated teeth are lowered, moved back and raised again to contact the lower surface of the fabric layer, at which point the cycle is repeated and the teeth advance again. In this way, the serrated teeth move the fabric forward relative to the needle. The serrated teeth are mechanically coupled to the actuator to produce the above motion. The actuator may be the same as or different from the actuator that reciprocates the needle.

The needle penetrates a presser 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 shuttle assembly is provided below the lower surface of the needle plate, and includes a bobbin around which a second thread is wound and a shuttle hook mounted to rotate around the bobbin.
In use, when 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. 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 supplies the first thread below the lower surface of the needle plate. At that time, the shuttle hook of the rotary hook rotates with respect to the bobbin, and the supply portion of the first thread is looped around the bobbin, thereby looping around the second thread. As the needle returns toward its upper position, the needle draws the first and second threads into the needle hole through the lower end of the needle hole. As the needle is moved further up, the looped first and second threads are tightly pulled under the fabric to form stitches that secure 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.

A chain stitch machine is similar to a lockstitch machine. Some chain stitch machines use first and second threads to form stitches in the same manner as mainstitch machines. Other chain stitch machines use only a single thread to form a stitch. In such a chain stitch machine, the rotary shuttle assembly (and the bobbin with the second thread) is replaced by a looping hook that is attached to the end of a pivotally attached arm.
In use, when 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. 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 underside of the needle plate.

  Then, the arm turns, and the looping hook forms a thread supply portion protruding from the lower end of the needle hole of the needle plate in a loop shape. Furthermore, as the needle is moved from its upper position to its lower position, the needle passes through the center of the thread loop created by the looping hook in the aforementioned needle cycle, thereby passing the thread through this loop. The serrated teeth of the feed dog assembly then move the fabric layer forward by the desired stitch length so that the loop and the portion of the thread threaded through the loop form a 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.

  Buttoned sewing machines also use only a single thread. However, the presser is generally in the form of a pair of opposing jaws mounted on the arm and includes a button clamp. A button is inserted into the button clamp, and the button clamp 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 with respect to the needle. When the needle is moved up and down, the button is moved not only by the pinch, but also laterally to the left and right, so that the thread passes through each of the button holes from the top of the fabric to the bottom of the fabric, thereby Sews the button to the fabric. At that time, the needle penetrates the hole in the needle plate. As an alternative, the button clamp is fixed and when the needle is moved up and down, it is moved laterally to the left and right to sew the button to the fabric. Again, at that time, the needle penetrates the hole in the needle plate. In a buttoned sewing machine, there is no serrated teeth or slots in the needle plate because the fabric is moved by the movable button clamp.

  In the tacking sewing machine, the presser has a slot extending in the lateral direction. The presser is lowered to press the fabric against the needle plate. As the needle is moved up and down, the presser is moved sideways in the lateral direction, moving the fabric left and right to form a zigzag stitch. At that time, the needle penetrates the hole in the needle plate. Zigzag stitching is used to add reinforcement to each part of the garment. In the tacking sewing machine, since the fabric is moved by the movable presser, there are no serrated teeth or slots in the needle plate.

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

In the lockstitch machine, the cutting assembly cuts both the first and second threads, i.e. cuts the first and second thread portions extending from the lower end of the needle hole of the needle plate.
In a chain stitch machine that uses a single thread, the cutting assembly cuts two parts of the thread loop formed by the looping hook that extends from the lower end of the needle hole in the needle plate.
In a chain stitch machine using first and second threads, the cutting assembly cuts both the first and second threads, i.e., the first and second threads extending from the lower end of the needle hole in the needle plate. Cut the part.
In a button 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.
In a barbed 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 has the problem that the length of the cut yarn end adhering to the fabric is undesirably long. This is particularly a problem in high quality products where very short lengths of cut yarn ends are required. In that case, the yarn end is generally cut manually with scissors to cut the yarn end to a desired length. This is labor intensive (labour 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 alternative throat plate assembly for a sewing machine.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a needle plate assembly of a sewing machine including 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, the needle plate Has a needle hole penetrating the thickness of the needle plate from the first surface to the second surface for passing the sewing needle, and the needle plate assembly cuts at least one thread received in the needle hole. And further includes a cutting member having a cutting edge that is movable relative to the needle hole from the first position to the second position, wherein the cutting member is substantially aligned with the second surface of the needle plate, or The cutting blade is positioned relative to the needle plate so as 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 it cuts one or more threads penetrating the needle hole when moved from its first position to its second position, leaving a thread end length that is less than or equal to the thickness of the needle plate. This results in one or more yarn ends having a relatively short length, i.e. extending a relatively short length from the adjacent face of the fabric layer.

  This is more aesthetically pleasing and thus makes it possible to obtain a higher quality article sewn by a sewing machine comprising the needle plate assembly of the present invention. Furthermore, in order to obtain such a desired short yarn end, no subsequent manual cutting operation needs to be performed to cut the yarn end to a shorter length. This makes the process less labor intensive and thereby saves costs. It also reduces the risk of damage to the article that can occur during such manual cutting operations. In addition, the cutting blade cuts the thread along a plane that is 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. Thus, since the cutting member is positioned with respect to the needle plate, the rigidity of the needle plate is maintained. Alternatively, if the thickness of the needle plate is reduced to try to move the cutting member closer to the adjacent surface of the fabric, the stiffness of the needle 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 coupled to the needle. For example, the thread penetrates the eye of the needle or is otherwise 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 surfaces of the needle plate. Preferably, the cutting blade of the cutting member is located between the first and second surfaces of the needle plate.

The cutting member may be located at least partially within the needle plate. Preferably, the cutting blade of the cutting member is located at least partially inside the needle plate.
Preferably, the cutting member is completely located inside the needle plate. Preferably, the cutting blade of the cutting member is located 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 fully 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 dimensioned 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 that allows a sewing needle to pass through the needle hole of the needle plate. The needle opening may be formed by a slot. Preferably, at least a part of the surface of the cutting member defining the needle opening forms the cutting blade, 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 needle opening overlaps the needle hole of the needle plate to the extent that allows the needle to penetrate the needle opening of the cutting member and the cutting member is in its second position The cutting blade is disposed so that the needle opening of the cutting member is positioned with respect to the needle hole of the needle plate so that the cutting blade cuts 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 any shape suitable for cutting the yarn.
Preferably the cutting member is substantially flat. Preferably, the needle plate is substantially planar and the cutting member is arranged to be moved substantially in the plane of the needle plate when moved from its first position to the second position.

The throat plate assembly may be for a lockstitch or chain stitch machine. The first side of the throat plate preferably comprises at least one slot for receiving the teeth of the sewing machine fabric actuation assembly. Such fabric actuator assemblies are arranged to, in use, move the fabric relative to the sewing machine needle to advance the position of the stitch 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.

The at least one slot of the needle plate preferably includes a 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 elongated 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 overlaps the first slot of the needle plate in the lateral direction. Preferably, this overlap is such that the teeth of the fabric actuation assembly can penetrate the overlapping slots. Therefore, the cutting member does not hinder the passage of teeth passing through the needle plate.

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

The cutting member can translate linearly 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 is adapted to serrated teeth that penetrate the needle plate and the first slot of the cutting member.
The throat plate assembly may be for a buttoned or barbed sewing machine. In this case, the needle plate may not include the at least one slot.

  The cutting member may be arranged to be rotatable relative to the needle plate between its first and second positions. This is advantageous in that such a throat plate need not accommodate the teeth of the fabric actuator assembly so that the cutting member can be pivoted, thereby providing the mechanical advantage of the lever. .

Preferably, the cutting member forms a first cutting member and the needle plate assembly is further engaged with 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. And a second cutting member having a cutting blade arranged to cut the yarn along the cut surface.
The first and second cutting members are preferably engaged by sliding engagement, for example by passing 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 surfaces of the needle plate. Preferably, the cutting blade of the second cutting member is located between the first and second surfaces of the needle plate.
The second cutting member may be located at least partially inside the needle plate. Preferably, the cutting blade of the second cutting member is at least partially located inside the needle plate.
Preferably, the second cutting member is completely located inside the needle plate. Preferably, the cutting edge of the second cutting member is completely located 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 a sewing needle to pass when penetrating the needle plate.
Preferably, at least a portion of the surface of the second cutting member that defines the needle opening forms its cutting edge. The needle opening of the second cutting member is preferably arranged so as to be substantially aligned with the needle hole of the needle plate.

  At least one slot of the needle plate preferably includes 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 transverse direction. Preferably, the slot of the second cutting member is substantially parallel to the second slot of the needle plate and overlaps the second slot of the needle plate in the lateral direction. Preferably, the overlap is such that the teeth of the fabric actuation assembly can pass through the overlapping slots. Therefore, the 2nd cutting member does not prevent passage of the tooth which penetrates a needle plate.

  Alternatively, the second cutting member may also be threaded through which the first and second cutting members engage each other and penetrate the needle hole as they are moved from their first positions to their respective second positions. Can be movable with respect to the needle hole between the first and second positions. In this case, the second cutting member is preferably the second cutting member (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 needle plate may include first and second portions that are releasably attachable to one another to allow access to the cutting member. In this case, the needle plate is 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 removed from each other to allow the cutting member to be replaced if, for example, the cutting member becomes dull with use. The needle plate can be separable in the thickness direction into more than two second parts that can be releasably attached to each other, for example in 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 present invention, there is provided a sewing machine for sewing a first article to a second article, comprising a needle having an eye for receiving a first thread, and a first thread source. A first thread feeder mechanism for supplying a first thread to the eye of the needle, and reciprocating the needle between a first position and a second position to allow the needle to penetrate the first and second articles A first actuator disposed and a second actuator disposed 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. The sewing machine further comprises a throat plate assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein when the needle is moved between its first and second positions, the portion of the first thread is a hole in the throat plate. The needle plate assembly is arranged to move in the needle hole of the needle plate to be received in the needle plate assembly Cutting member when the cutting member is moved from its first position to its second position, the portion of the first thread received in the bore are arranged to cut along the cutting plane.

  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 from 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 sewing machine such as a lock stitch machine or a chain stitch machine. The sewing machine can be a tacking 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 thread actuator arranged to move the first thread when moved may be provided. In this case, the first thread 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 can 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 yarn actuator causes the first article to loop the second article by looping the first and second threads together to form a stitch as the needle is moved between its first and second positions. It is arranged to be sewn on. The second thread actuator can be a rotary hook assembly. The cutting member may be arranged to cut the first and second thread portions 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 buttoned 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 disposed through 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 the needle plate to move at least one of the first and second layer fabrics relative to the needle. And 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 in any position between its first and second positions. The slot of the cutting member and the first slot of the needle plate overlap to such an extent that it allows a set of teeth to penetrate the slot of the cutting member and the first slot of the needle plate. There is a dimensioned and arranged. Where the first and second articles are first and second layers of fabric, respectively, the fabric actuator assembly is preferably arranged to move the first and second layers of fabric relative to the needle.

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

The first and / or second cutting member may form a first cutting assembly. The sewing machine is also a cutting blade that is movable relative to the needle hole from the first position to the second position to cut the first thread or the first and second threads that penetrate the needle hole along the cutting surface. A second cutting assembly including a first cutting member having a cutting surface, the cutting surface of the second cutting assembly being located outward of the second surface of the needle plate in the 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 directly attached to the second surface of the needle plate. Alternatively, the first cutting member may be attached to an intermediate member attached between the first cutting member and the second surface of the needle plate.
This is advantageous in that, in use, the first cutting member of the second cutting assembly may perform a first cut of the first and / or second yarn. Since the cutting blade of the first cutting member is provided below the second surface of the needle plate, the first and / or second thread extending from the needle or the second thread feeder mechanism is stitched thereafter. Ensures that it is long enough to be formed (eg when a new seam begins to form). This therefore avoids the problem of “jumping”.
The first cutting assembly can subsequently perform a second cut of the first yarn or the first and second yarns.

The second cutting assembly can comprise a second cutting member having a cutting edge, wherein the first cutting member of the second cutting assembly is moved from its first position to a second position to cut the yarn. 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 can comprise a first thread supply source. The sewing machine can also include a second thread source.

  According to a third aspect of the present 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 present invention, wherein the needle and the first thread are first and Using the first actuator to reciprocate the needle between its first and second positions to penetrate the second article, and the first article is sewn to the second article by the first thread. Using the second actuator to move the first and second articles relative to the needle, and cutting at least a portion of the first thread received in the needle hole along the cutting surface. 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 receives at least a portion of the first thread received in the needle hole. It is moved from its first position to its second position for cutting.
At least a portion of the first thread may include a plurality of parts of the first thread, for example when the sewing machine is a chain stitch sewing machine that uses a single thread, or a buttoned sewing machine.
When the sewing machine comprises the second thread feeder mechanism and the second thread actuator, preferably the needle is moved from its second position to its first position so that the second thread is received in the needle hole. The method preferably includes a second member from the first position for cutting the first thread received in the needle hole, or at least a portion of the first and second threads, along the cutting surface. Including moving to position.

  Where the sewing machine comprises the second cutting assembly, the method can include cutting at least a portion of the yarn with the second cutting assembly along a cutting surface of the second cutting assembly, before the first cutting assembly. And a second cutting assembly cuts at least a portion of the yarn.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a garment made by a method of sewing a first article to a second article according to the third aspect of the present invention.
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.

1 shows a front perspective view of a sewing machine needle assembly, a needle plate assembly, and a fabric actuator assembly, the needle plate assembly being a needle plate assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention installed for a sewing machine. FIG. FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the needle plate assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the first and second portions of the needle plate assembly of the needle plate assembly are disassembled and placed side-by-side for illustration, and the first and second cuts of the needle plate assembly The member has been disassembled from the needle plate for illustration. FIG. 2 shows a view corresponding to that of FIG. 2, wherein the first and second cutting members are mounted on the first and second portions of the needle plate, respectively. 4 shows a top perspective view of the first cutting member of the needle plate assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. The lower perspective view of the 1st cutting member of FIG. 4 is shown. 4 shows a top perspective view of a second cutting member of the throat plate assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. The lower perspective view of the 2nd cutting member of FIG. 6 is shown. 1-3 shows a lower perspective view of the needle plate assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3, wherein a second portion of the needle plate of the needle plate assembly has been removed for illustration purposes, and the first cutting member is in a first position. FIG. 9 shows a view corresponding to that of FIG. 8, but the first cutting member is in the second position. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1 with the first cutting member in its first position and the teeth of the fabric actuator assembly being omitted for illustration purposes. FIG. 10 shows a view corresponding to that of FIG. 10, with the first cutting member in its second position. FIG. 6 shows a lower perspective view of a first portion of a needle plate of a needle plate assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first cutting member of the needle plate assembly is in a first position and the second cutting member is for illustration purposes It is omitted. FIG. 12 shows a view corresponding to that of FIG. 12, but the first cutting member is in the second position. FIG. 13 shows an enlarged view of region A in FIG. 12, wherein the first cutting member is in the first position. FIG. 14 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 14, wherein the first cutting member is in the second position. FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a second portion of a needle plate of a needle plate assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 shows a lower plan view of a second portion of the needle plate shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 shows an upper perspective view of the first and second parts of the needle plate shown in FIGS. 12 to 17 and shows a continuous process in the assembly of the first and second parts. FIG. 18 shows a view corresponding to FIGS. FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of a buttoned 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 tacking sewing machine including a needle plate assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 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 embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, a front perspective partial view of a loop sewing machine 1 comprising a needle assembly 2, a needle plate assembly 3 and a fabric actuator assembly 110 is illustrated. The throat plate assembly 3 is a throat 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 and 13 mounted inside the needle plate 11 (as will be described below). FIG. 2 shows the first and second cutting members 12 and 13 disassembled from the needle plate 11.

The needle plate 11 is a substantially flat plate. The needle plate 11 extends between the first and second end portions 14 and 15 in the vertical direction and between the first and second side portions 16 and 17 in the horizontal direction.
The first side portion 18 of the needle plate 11 is substantially rectangular in plan view, and the second side portion 19 of the needle plate 11 is substantially semicircular in plan view. The first and second end portions 14, 15 of the needle plate 11 are formed by opposing laterally extending ends of the first side portion 18 of the needle plate 11. The first side portion 16 is provided on a side portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the first side portion 18 of the needle plate 11, and the second side portion 17 is a semicircular shape of the second side portion 19 of the needle plate 11. Provided on the side.

  The needle plate 11 extends in the thickness direction (see an 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 generally thin. The first surface 21 of the needle plate 11 is arranged in contact with a layer of fabric that is sewn to another article, such as another layer of fabric (as discussed in more detail below) in use.

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

  Needle 5 is mechanically coupled to a needle actuator (not shown) for reciprocal movement between first and second positions. In the first position, the needle 5 is disposed 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 passes through the needle hole 23 of the needle plate 11, and the eye 7 and the first thread 8 portion of the needle 5 are disposed 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 presser 6 may move 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 presser 6 includes a needle hole 10 through which the needle 5 penetrates when the presser 6 is moved from the first position to the second position.

The needle plate 11 includes a first pair of elongated slots 24 and 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 extending in the vertical direction and a width extending in the horizontal direction.
The first pair of slots consists of first and second slots 24 and 25. The first and second slots 24, 25 extend substantially parallel to each other and are spaced apart in the lateral direction of the needle plate 11. The first and second ends of the first and second slots 24 and 25 are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction of the needle plate 11 and are disposed 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 and 27 extending from the first end to the second end in the longitudinal direction of the plate 11. The second pair of slots consists of first and second slots 26 and 27. Each of the slots 26, 27 has a length extending in the vertical direction and a width extending in the horizontal direction. The first and second slots 26 and 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 and 27 are provided on the opposite side of the needle hole 23 in the longitudinal direction of the plate 11. The second pair of first and second slots 26, 27 is disposed between the first pair of first and second slots 24, 25. The first and second ends of the second pair of first and second slots 26, 27 are longitudinally aligned with the first and second ends of the first pair of first and second slots 24, 25, respectively. Is substantially aligned.

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

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 substantially in half along the thickness direction.
The first portion 28 has a first surface 21 that forms the first surface of the needle 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 that forms 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 will be appreciated that any suitable fastener can be used.

When the first and second portions 28 and 29 of the needle plate 11 are assembled, the second surface 30 of the first portion 28 and the first surface 31 of the second portion 29 are opposed to and in contact with each other.
The first and second portions 28 and 29 respectively penetrate the portions 28 and 29 in the thickness direction so as to form the first and second pairs of slots 24, 25, 26 and 27 of the needle plate 11. And a first and second pair of slots extending in the direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first cutting member 12 is a generally elongated member that extends longitudinally from the first end 61 to the second end 62. The first end 61 of the cutting member 12 forms a thickened part so as to form a base part 63 (compared to the handle part 67) and a handle part 67 (compared to the base part 63). It has a generally elongated portion with a reduced width.
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 handle portion 67 and extends from the first end 64 to the second end 65 along the longitudinal axis of the handle portion 67. 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 handle portion 67 forms a rim around the slot 66. A second end 65 of the slot 66 is formed in the arcuate cutting edge 70.

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

A slot 86 is provided in the handle portion 87 and extends from the first end 84 to the second end 85 along the longitudinal axis of the handle portion 87. The slot 86 extends partway along the length direction of the handle portion 87 from the end of the base portion 83. 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 handle 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 recessed 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 a second slot of the needle plate 11 that forms a second slot 27 of the second pair of slots of the needle plate 11 with a corresponding slot in the first portion 28 of the needle plate 11. Formed around a slot in portion 29. The first passage 51 extends substantially parallel to the slot. The first passage 51 is set to a size and dimension that can accommodate the first cutting member 12.

  A portion of the second surface 30 of the first portion 28 is recessed 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 together with a corresponding slot of the second portion 29 of the needle plate 11. Formed around a slot in portion 28. The second passage 52 extends substantially parallel to the slot. The 2nd channel | path 52 is set to the magnitude | size and dimension which can accommodate the 2nd cutting member 13. FIG.

  The second cutting member 13 is mounted in the second passage 52 such that an 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. The 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, and the second cutting member 13 is attached 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 1st channel | path 51 is set to the magnitude | size and dimension which enable the movement of the 1st cutting member 12 from the 1st position to the 2nd position. In this regard, the first passage 51 is longer than the first cutting member 12 to allow the 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. Accordingly, 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 thread 8 or of the first and second threads ( At least a portion of (see below) is received within the needle hole 23 as described below.

  When the first cutting member 12 is in its second position, the second end 62 of the first cutting member 12 is disposed in the needle hole 23. When the first cutting member 12 is moved from the first position to the second position, the cutting edge 70 engages with the cutting edge 90 of the second cutting member 13 along the cutting surface 100 (see FIG. 11). The first thread (8) penetrating the needle hole 23 or at least a part of the first thread and the second thread (see below) is cut along the cut surface 100. Opposing surfaces of the cutting blades 70 and 90 are shifted from each other along the cutting surface 100.

  The first and second cutting members 12 and 13 are disposed 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 needle plate 11.

  This is because the cut 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. Cut thread 600 of one thread 8 or at least a part of the first thread and the second thread (see below) extending from a layer of fabric (see FIG. 22) has a length equal to or less than the thickness of the needle plate 11. It is advantageous in that it is cut to have. This results in a yarn end 600 having a relatively short length, i.e., a relatively short length from the adjacent surface of the fabric layer. This is more aesthetically pleasing and thus makes it possible to obtain a higher quality article sewn by a sewing machine comprising the throat plate of the invention.

  Further, in order to obtain such a short yarn end length, it is not necessary to perform a subsequent manual cutting operation to cut the yarn end to a desired length. This makes the process less labor intensive and thereby saves costs. It also reduces the risk of damage to the article that 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. Alternatively, if the thickness of the needle plate 11 is reduced to try to move the cutting members 12, 13 closer to the adjacent surface of the fabric, the stiffness of the needle plate 11 will be reduced. This can cause the needle plate 11 to bend during use because force is exerted on the needle plate 11 by the presser 6 of the sewing machine 1.

  The first cutting member 12 is connected to an actuating member (not shown) via an opening 71 in its base portion 63 to move the cutting member from its first position to its second position when operated by the user. Yes. 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 sewing machine for sewing a first layer of fabric to a second layer of fabric (not shown).
The fabric actuator assembly 110 (see FIG. 1) moves the fabric layer relative to the needle from the first longitudinal position to the second longitudinal position as the needle 5 moves from its first position to the second position and back again. Is arranged to move the fabric layer longitudinally relative to the needle 5 (and the needle plate 11) in order 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 fabric layer by moving the fabric layer along the needle plate 11 to form a seam.

  The fabric actuator assembly 110 includes 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 accept 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 accept 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 a set of serrated teeth 111, 112, and the teeth 111, 112 protrude upward from the first surface 21 of the needle plate 11 and engage the lower surface of the lowermost fabric. The upper surface of the teeth 111 and 112 is lifted to a second position provided below the height of the first surface 21 of the needle plate 11 so that the teeth 111 and 112 do not engage with the fabric layer.

The serrated teeth 111, 112 are movable forward in the longitudinal direction to move the fabric forward relative to the needle 5. As the serrated teeth 111, 112 are moved forward, they are lowered to their second position, moved backwards, and raised again to contact the lower surface of the fabric layer, at which point the cycle is repeated and the teeth are Moved forward again. In this way, the serrated teeth 111, 112 move the fabric forward relative to the needle 5. The tooth actuator may be the same as or different from the needle actuator.
As the serrated teeth 111, 112 move up and down between their first and second positions, they penetrate the respective slots 24, 25, 26, 27.

The sewing machine 1 can be a lockstitch 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 with a second thread feeder mechanism, a bobbin (not shown) around which the second thread (not shown) is wound. And a second thread actuator in the form of a rotary hook assembly (not shown) provided under the needle plate 11 including a shuttle hook (not shown) mounted.

  In use, when the needle 5 is moved from its first (upper) position to a 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 formation. This pierces the first thread 8 through the fabric layer and supplies the first thread 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, and the supply portion of the first yarn 8 is looped around the bobbin, thereby looping around the second yarn. As the needle 5 is moved back to its first position, the looped first and second threads are tightly pulled under the fabric to form stitches that secure the layers of fabric together. The serrated teeth 111, 112 then move the fabric layer forward by the desired stitch length relative to the needle 5, 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 the lockstitch sewing machine and how to operate them are well known in the art and will therefore 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 The thread portion is received in the needle hole 23.
The first cutting member 12 is continuously moved from the first position to the second position, and the first and second thread portions received in the needle hole 23 are cut along the cutting surface 100. This is because the cut first and second threads 600 (see FIG. 22) extending from the fabric layer each have a length that is less than or equal to the thickness of the throat plate 11 near the adjacent surface of the fabric layer. Cut the first and second yarns. This results in a yarn end 600 having a relatively short length, i.e., a relatively short length from the adjacent surface of the fabric layer. This provides the advantages described 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 lateral 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 as it is 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 lateral 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 as it is moved from its first position to its 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 not only the first and second positions of the first cutting member 12 but also the first and second positions. Dimension where the slots 66, 27 and needle plate 11 of the cutting member 12 overlap to an extent that allows the set of serrated teeth 112 to pass through the slots 66, 27 when in any position between the positions. And is supposed to be placed. Accordingly, the first cutting member 12 can cut the first thread 8 when the teeth 11 and 112 are in their first (raised) position.

  If the sewing machine 1 is a chain stitch machine that uses a single thread, only a single thread is used to form the stitches. In this regard, the rotary hook assembly (and the second thread bobbin) is replaced with a looping hook attached to the end of the pivotally attached arm. When the needle 5 is moved from the first position to the second position, the needle 5 pierces the fabric layer provided on the needle plate 11. This 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 turns, and the looping hook forms a supply portion of the first yarn in the loop. Furthermore, 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 so that the loop and the portion of the thread 8 threaded through the loop form a stitch. The process is then repeated along the fabric layer to form the desired length seam.

Alternatively, the chain stitch machine can use the first and second threads to form a stitch.
These features and methods of operation of a chain stitch machine 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 in the needle hole 23.
The first cutting member 12 is continuously moved from the first position to the second position, and cuts the first and second portions of the first yarn 8 along the cutting surface 100. This is because the first thread 8 of the first yarn 8 is adjacent to the adjacent surface of the fabric layer such that the cut first and second portions extending from the fabric layer each have a length that is less than or equal to the thickness of the needle plate 11. Cut the first and second parts. This results in yarn ends having a relatively short length, i.e., a relatively short length from the adjacent surface of the fabric layer. This provides the advantages described above.
The first cutting member 12 can be moved back from its second position to the first position so that it is ready to perform another cut.

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

The throat plate assembly 200 of the second embodiment is the same as the throat plate assembly 3 of the first embodiment, except that the throat plate assembly 200 does not include the slot 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 attached to the second surface 30 of the first portion 28 of the needle plate 11.

  18a-c and FIGS. 19a-c show a series of steps in the assembly of the first and second portions 28, 29 of the needle plate 11. FIG. The first portion 28 of the needle 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 are opposed to and in contact with each other. The first and second portions 28, 29 are connected to each other by a plurality of fasteners in the form of screws (not shown) that pass through the respective aligned openings 41 of the first and second portions 28, 29. Mounted releasably.

The first and second cutting members 12, 13 form a first cutting assembly. A 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 rotates with respect to the second cutting member 302 from the first position to the second position in order to cut the thread 8 along the cutting surface located below the second surface 22 of the needle plate 200. For this purpose, the second surface 22 is pivotally mounted with respect to the pivot point 303.
The first embodiment of the needle plate assembly 3 can include the second cutting assembly 300 of the second embodiment.
The throat plate assembly of the second embodiment is for a buttoned sewing machine or a barbed sewing machine.

  Referring to FIG. 20, the needle plate assembly 200 of the second embodiment is shown installed on a button sewing machine 450. The button sewing machine 450 uses a single thread. The presser 6 is typically provided with a button holder 400 in the form of a pair of opposing jaws 401, 402 mounted on an arm 403. A button is mounted on the button holder 400, and the button holder 400 is lowered to press the fabric against the needle plate 11. When the button is mounted on the button holder 400, the button hole is aligned with the needle 5 in the correct orientation. When the needle 5 is moved up and down between its first and second positions, the button is moved not only forward and backward but also laterally left and right by the presser 6 (connected to the actuator), whereby the first The thread 8 passes through each of the button holes from the upper side of the fabric to the lower side of the fabric, thereby sewing the button to the fabric. In a button sewing machine, the fabric is moved by the movable presser 6 so that the needle plate 11 has no serrated teeth or slots. These features and methods of operation of the button sewing machine 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 Is received in the needle hole 23.
The first cutting member 12 is continuously moved from the first position to the second position, and is positioned along the cutting surface 100, that is, between the second surface 22 of the needle plate 11 and the first surface 21 of the needle plate 11. A portion of the first yarn 8 is cut along the cut surface. This cuts the first yarn 8 near the adjacent surface of the fabric layer so that the cut yarn portions extending from the fabric layer each have a length that is less than or equal to the thickness of the needle plate 11. This results in yarn ends having a relatively short length, i.e., a relatively short length from the adjacent surface of the fabric layer. This provides the advantages described above.

Referring to FIG. 21, the needle plate assembly 200 of the second embodiment is shown installed on the tacking sewing machine 550. In the tacking sewing machine, the presser 6 includes a slot 501 extending in the lateral direction. The presser 6 is lowered to press the fabric against the needle plate 11. When the needle 5 is moved up and down, the presser 6 is moved laterally left and right by the actuator to form a zigzag stitch. Zigzag stitching is used to add reinforcement to each part of the garment. In the tacking sewing machine 550, since the fabric is moved by the movable presser 6, the needle plate 11 has no serrated teeth or slots.
These features and methods of operation of the tacking sewing machine 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 is in the needle hole 23.
The first cutting member 12 is continuously moved from the first position to the second position to cut the 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 so that the cut yarn portions extending from the fabric layer each have a length that is less than or equal to the thickness of the needle plate 11. This results in yarn ends having a relatively short length, i.e., a relatively short length from the adjacent surface of the fabric layer. This provides the advantages described above.

With respect to the second cutting assembly 300, when used in either the first or second embodiment of the needle plate assembly, when a desired length of seam is sewn (or buttons are sewn to the fabric layer). And) the first cutting member 301 of the second cutting assembly 300 performs a first cutting of the first thread 8 received in the needle hole 23, or the first and second thread portions.
Since the cutting surface of the second cutting assembly 300 is located below the second surface of the needle plate 11, this is because the cutting portion of the first thread 8 or the first and second thread cutting portions extending from the needle or bobbin respectively. Ensure that subsequent stitches are long enough to be formed (eg, when a new seam begins to be formed). This therefore avoids the problem of “jumping”.
The first cutting member 12 is subsequently moved from its first position to the second position, performing a second cutting of the yarn along the cutting surface 100, resulting in a short yarn end with the advantages described above.

  In view of the above, a throat plate assembly according to the present invention is made of many different types of sewing machines that can cut one or more threads so that their length is less than or equal to the thickness of the throat plate 11, respectively. It can be seen that a throat plate assembly that is eligible for use is provided. This results in a yarn end 600 having a relatively short length, i.e., a relatively short length from the adjacent surface of the fabric layer. This is more aesthetically pleasing and thus makes it possible to obtain a higher quality article sewn by a sewing machine comprising the throat plate of the invention. Furthermore, in order to obtain such a short yarn end length, no subsequent manual cutting operation needs to be performed to cut the yarn end to the desired length. This makes the process less labor intensive and thereby saves costs. It also reduces the risk of damage to the article that can occur during such manual cutting operations 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 are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive, and only preferred embodiments are shown and described, and all modifications falling 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 embodiment, the needle plate assembly 3, 200 includes the first and second cutting members 12, 13. However, it will be appreciated 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, squares, rectangles and the like.
Furthermore, the needle plate 11 may not be divided exactly in half in the thickness direction, and the first and second portions 28 and 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 preferable” in the description suggests that the feature so described is desirable, but is not required, such feature It should be understood that embodiments lacking can be envisaged within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. With respect to a claim, if the word “a”, “an”, “at least one” or “at least part” is used in front of a feature, the claim unless the contrary is stated otherwise in the claim There is no intention of limiting the number of features to one. When the words “at least part” and / or “part” are used, the item may include the part and / or the entire item unless the contrary is stated to the contrary.

Claims (36)

A sewing machine needle plate assembly,
Comprising a needle plate extending in the thickness direction from the first surface to the second surface to contact the fabric layer to be sewn;
The needle plate is provided with a needle hole that penetrates the thickness of the needle plate from the first surface to the second surface for the passage of the sewing needle,
The needle plate assembly further includes a cutting member having a cutting edge that is movable relative to the needle hole from a first position to a second position to cut at least one thread received in the needle hole. And
The 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, A needle plate assembly for a sewing machine, wherein the cutting blade is positioned with respect to the needle plate so as to cut the at least one thread. The needle plate assembly according to claim 1, wherein a cutting surface of the cutting member is located between a second surface of the needle plate and a first surface of the needle plate.   The throat plate assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cutting member is located at least partially inside the throat plate.   The throat plate assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the throat plate defines a surrounding wall in which the cutting member is at least partially accommodated.   The throat plate assembly according to claim 4, wherein the surrounding wall is dimensioned to allow the cutting member to move from a first position to a second position.   The needle plate assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cutting member includes a needle opening that allows the sewing needle to pass through a needle hole of the needle plate. At least a portion of the surface of the cutting member defining the needle opening is
Forming the cutting edge,
When the cutting member is in its first position, the needle opening is such that it allows a needle that penetrates the needle hole of the needle plate to penetrate the needle opening of the cutting member. When the cutting member is in its second position, the cutting member has a needle opening so that the cutting blade cuts the thread passing through the needle hole of the needle plate and the needle opening of the cutting member. The needle plate assembly according to claim 6, wherein the needle plate assembly is disposed so as to be positioned with respect to a needle hole of the needle plate.   The throat plate assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cutting member is substantially flat.   The needle plate is substantially flat, and the cutting member is arranged to be moved substantially in the plane of the needle plate when moved from its first position to a second position. The throat plate assembly according to claim 8.   10. A throat plate assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first surface of the throat plate includes at least one slot for receiving a tooth of a sewing machine fabric actuation assembly. The at least one slot comprises a first slot;
The cutting member includes a slot, the slot being substantially parallel to the first slot of the needle plate and overlapping the first slot of the needle plate so that the teeth of the fabric actuation assembly pass through the overlapping slot. The throat plate assembly according to claim 10.   The slot of the cutting member and the first slot of the needle plate are when the cutting member is not only in its first position and second position but also in any position between its first and second positions. 12. The needle according to claim 11, wherein the slot of the cutting member and the first slot of the needle plate overlap each other so that the teeth penetrate the overlapping slot. Board assembly.   The throat plate assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cutting member is able to translate linearly from its first position to its second position.   When the cutting member is moved from the first position to the second position, the cutting member is arranged to move substantially parallel to the length direction of the first slot of the needle plate. 14. A needle plate assembly according to claim 13 when dependent on claim 11 or 12.   The needle according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cutting member is arranged so as to be rotatable with respect to the needle plate between the first and second positions. Board assembly. The cutting member forms a first cutting member;
When the first cutting member is moved from the first position to the second position, the needle plate assembly engages with the cutting blades of the first and second cutting members and moves along the cutting surface. The throat plate assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a second cutting member having a cutting edge arranged to cut the thread.   The throat plate assembly according to claim 16, wherein the second cutting member is at least partially located inside the throat plate.   The throat plate assembly of claim 17, wherein the throat plate defines an enclosure in which the second cutting member is at least partially received.   The needle plate assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the second cutting member includes a needle opening that allows the sewing needle to pass through when passing through the needle plate.   20. The throat plate assembly of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the second cutting member defining the needle opening forms a cutting edge thereof. The at least one slot of the needle plate comprises a second slot;
The second cutting member includes a slot, the slot being substantially parallel to the second slot of the needle plate and the first of the needle plate so that the teeth of the fabric actuation assembly pass through the overlapping slot. 21. Needle plate assembly according to any of claims 16 to 20 dependent on claim 11, characterized in that it overlaps two slots.   22. A needle plate according to any preceding claim, wherein the needle plate comprises first and second portions that are releasably attachable to each other to allow access to the cutting member. Needle plate assembly. A sewing machine for sewing the first article to the second article,
A needle having an eye for receiving the first thread;
A first thread feeder mechanism for supplying a first thread from the first thread supply source to the eye of the needle;
A first actuator arranged to reciprocate the needle between a first position and a second position to penetrate the needle through 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;
With
The sewing machine further comprises a throat plate assembly according to any of claims 1 to 22,
When the needle is moved between its first and second positions, it moves within the needle hole of the needle plate such that a portion of the first thread is received in the hole of the needle plate. Has been placed,
The cutting member of the needle plate assembly is configured to cut a portion of the first thread received in the hole along the cutting surface when the cutting member is moved from the first position to the second position. A sewing machine characterized by being arranged in   24. The sewing machine according to claim 23, wherein the first article is a first layer of fabric and the second article is a second layer of fabric. The second actuator includes:
A fabric actuator assembly including at least one set of teeth disposed through the slot of the first cutting member 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 fabric of the first and second layers relative to the needle;
With
The slot of the cutting member and the first slot of the needle plate are arranged when the cutting member is not only in the first position and the second position, but in any position between the first and second positions. The cutting member slot and the needle plate first slot are dimensioned and arranged to overlap to an extent that allows at least one set of teeth to pass through the cutting member slot and the needle plate first slot. The sewing machine according to claim 24, wherein the sewing machine is provided.   The sewing machine according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the first article is a button and the second article is a fabric layer. The first and second cutting members form a first cutting assembly;
The sewing machine includes a first cutting member having a cutting blade that is movable with respect to the needle hole from a first position to a second position to cut the first thread passing through the needle hole along a cutting surface. Further comprising a second cutting assembly;
27. The sewing machine according to claim 23, wherein a cutting surface of the second cutting assembly is located outside the second surface of the needle plate in a thickness direction of the needle plate. The second cutting assembly comprises 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 as it is moved from its first position to a second position to cut the first yarn. 28. Sewing machine according to claim 27, characterized in that it is possible. A method of sewing a first article to a second article using the sewing machine according to any one of claims 23 to 28,
Piercing 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;
Sewing the first article with the first thread to the second article by moving at least one of the first and second articles relative to the needle using the second actuator; and,
Cutting the at least a portion of the first thread received in the needle hole along the cutting surface by moving the cutting member from the first position to the second position;
Including methods. 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;
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the cutting member is moved from its first position to a second position to cut at least a portion of the first thread received in the needle hole. 28. Subordinate directly or indirectly to claim 27, comprising cutting the at least part of the yarn by the second cutting assembly along the cutting surface of the second cutting assembly. 30. The method according to 30.   32. The method of claim 31, wherein the second cutting assembly cuts the at least a portion of a thread prior to the first cutting assembly.   33. A garment made by the method according to any of claims 29 to 32, wherein a first article is sewn to a second article.   A needle plate assembly substantially as described in the specification and drawings.   A sewing machine substantially as described in the specification and drawings.   A method of sewing a first article to a second article substantially as described in the specification and drawings.

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