Sewing machine, adjustment method, and sensor unit

Abstract

The invention provides a sewing machine, a method for adjusting the position of a shuttle mechanism relative to a needle in the sewing machine, and a sensor unit, wherein the position relation between a needle installed on a needle bar and a shuttle tip or a needle guard of the shuttle mechanism can be adjusted with good precision. The sewing machine includes: a needle bar; a shuttle mechanism provided with a movable body having a shuttle tip and a needle guard; a shuttle shaft that rotationally drives the movable body; a position adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the position of the movable body in the axial direction of the shuttle shaft; a frame (7) that accommodates the shuttle mechanism, the shuttle shaft, and the position adjustment mechanism; a first sensor (4A) that has a contact surface (433) that comes into contact with the needle disposed from one side in the axial direction, said contact surface (433) being located at a joining position, which is the position of the needle (31A) at the time when the shuttle tip captures the stitch formed on the upper thread; and an arm part (4B) that supports the first sensor and is fixed to the frame (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sewing machine, an adjustment method and a sensor unit. Background Art

[0002] In order to properly perform sewing actions in a sewing machine, it is necessary to adjust the positional relationship between the needle mounted on the needle bar and the shuttle. Patent document 1 discloses a shuttle position adjustment component that is mounted on the needle bar instead of being mounted on the needle. The shuttle position adjustment component has a detection shaft. When the detection shaft is not in contact with the shuttle tip, the current does not flow to the shuttle position adjustment component, and when the detection shaft is in contact with the shuttle tip, the current flows to the shuttle position adjustment component. The detector connected to the shuttle position adjustment component detects whether the current flows to the shuttle position adjustment component. The operator aligns the shuttle by using the detector to confirm the state in which the shuttle tip is in contact with the detection shaft.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-25594 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the above content, the shuttle position adjustment component is installed on the needle bar instead of the needle, thereby performing adjustment. Therefore, when the shape of the needle is different from the shape of the detection shaft, the positional relationship between the needle and the shuttle cannot be adjusted with good accuracy. Thus, in the above method, there is a situation where the positional relationship between the needle installed on the needle bar and the shuttle cannot be adjusted with good accuracy.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a sewing machine capable of accurately adjusting the positional relationship between a needle mounted on a needle bar and a shuttle tip or needle guard of a shuttle mechanism, an adjustment method for adjusting the position of the shuttle mechanism relative to the needle in the sewing machine, and a sensor unit.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] The first embodiment of the sewing machine of the present invention is characterized in that the sewing machine comprises: a needle bar which can move in the up-down direction and can be equipped with a needle at the top; a shuttle mechanism which comprises a movable body, and the movable body comprises: a shuttle tip which captures the surface thread of the needle which has been installed on the needle bar; and a needle guard which contacts with the needle to guide it; a shuttle shaft which has an axis extending in a direction intersecting the up-down direction and rotationally drives the movable body in a rotation direction centered on the axis; a position adjustment mechanism which can adjust the position of the movable body in the axial direction of the shuttle shaft; a frame which accommodates the shuttle mechanism, the shuttle shaft and the position adjustment mechanism; a sensor which has a contact surface which contacts with the needle arranged at a confluence position from one side of the axial direction, and is used to detect the displacement of the needle in the axial direction, and the confluence position is the position of the needle at the moment when the shuttle tip captures the coil formed on the surface thread; and an arm which supports the sensor and is fixed to the frame.

[0011] The sewing machine is provided with a sensor for detecting the displacement amount of the needle displaced by the contact of the shuttle tip or the needle guard of the movable body. The operator of the sewing machine can confirm the positional relationship between the shuttle tip or the needle guard of the movable body and the needle based on the displacement amount detected by the sensor. Therefore, the operator can adjust the positional relationship between the shuttle tip or the needle guard of the movable body and the needle with good accuracy.

[0012] In the first aspect, the sewing machine may include a display unit that displays the displacement of the sewing needle detected by the sensor. The operator can visually check the display unit to confirm the positional relationship between the shuttle tip or the needle guard of the shuttle mechanism and the sewing needle.

[0013] In the first embodiment, the sensor may include: a detection member that can rotate around a rotation axis that intersects the axial direction and has the contact surface; and a detection unit that detects the rotation position of the detection member that rotates around the rotation axis due to the contact between the needle and the contact surface. Compared with directly detecting the displacement of the needle, the sensor can detect the displacement of the needle with good accuracy regardless of the size and shape of the needle.

[0014] In the first aspect, the sewing machine may include a plate covering the upper portion of the movable body, the plate having a notch extending from one end portion of the axial direction toward the other end portion and allowing the detector to enter from one end portion of the axial direction. In this case, the detector of the sensor can be prevented from contacting the plate.

[0015] In the first embodiment, the shuttle tip and the needle guard may contact the needle from the other side of the axial direction. The sensor may detect the amount of deflection as the displacement when the needle is deflected toward one side of the axial direction in response to the shuttle mechanism contacting the needle from the other side of the axial direction.

[0016] The second mode of the present invention is an adjustment method for adjusting the position of the movable body relative to the needle in the sewing machine of the first mode, characterized in that the adjustment method comprises the following steps: a first step, in which the needle is arranged at the merging position; a second step, in which the sensor unit having the sensor and the arm is fixed to the frame; a third step, which is performed after the needle is arranged at the merging position by the first step and the sensor unit is fixed to the frame by the second step, in which the movable body is moved relative to the needle from the other side of the axial direction toward the needle; a fourth step, in which the displacement of the needle is detected by the sensor when the movable body moved by the third step contacts the needle and bends; and a fifth step, in which a reference position for adjusting the position of the movable body in the axial direction by the position adjustment mechanism is determined based on the displacement of the needle detected by the fourth step. According to the second mode, the same effect as that of the first mode can be achieved.

[0017] The sensor unit of the third aspect of the present invention is a sensor unit for a sewing machine, the sewing machine comprising: a needle bar that can move in the up-down direction and can be equipped with a needle at the top; a shuttle mechanism that has a movable body, the movable body having: a shuttle tip that catches the needle thread that passes through the needle installed on the needle bar; and a needle guard that contacts the needle to guide it; a shuttle shaft that has an axis extending in a direction intersecting the up-down direction and drives the movable body to rotate in a rotation direction centered on the axis; a position adjustment mechanism that can adjust the position of the movable body in the axial direction of the shuttle shaft; and a frame that accommodates the shuttle mechanism, the shuttle shaft, and the position adjustment mechanism, the sensor unit is characterized in that the sensor unit has: a sensor that has a contact surface that contacts the needle from one side of the axial direction, the sensor can detect the displacement of the needle in the axial direction; and an arm that supports the sensor and can be fixed to the frame. According to the third aspect, the same effect as the effect of the first aspect can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the sewing machine 1 .

[0019] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the head 24 and the frame 7.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the drive unit 5 .

[0021] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the frame 7.

[0022] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the shuttle unit 8 .

[0023] Figure 6 It is a front view of the shuttle unit 8.

[0024] Figure 7 Observe from the direction of the arrow Figure 6 Cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0025] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the sensor unit 4 .

[0026] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view of the sensor unit 4 separated from the frame 7 .

[0027] Fig.10 is a perspective view of the sensor unit 4 mounted on the frame 7 .

[0028] Fig.11 It is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the sewing machine 1.

[0029] Fig.12 is a flowchart showing a first adjustment method.

[0030] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing the detached state.

[0031] Fig.14 It is a figure which shows the engagement state.

[0032] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing a state where the needle 31A is arranged at the joining position.

[0033] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing the connection status.

[0034] Fig.17 This is a diagram showing the release state.

[0035] Fig.18 It is a figure which shows the state which detected the detection object 84F by the 2nd sensor 6B.

[0036] Fig.19 is a flowchart showing the second adjustment method.

[0037] Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing a second adjustment method and is Fig.19 Continuation.

[0038] Fig.21 This is a diagram showing a state in which the needle guard 84C of the driver 84 is in contact with the needle 31A.

[0039] Fig. 22 This is a diagram showing a state in which the hook tip 83C of the shuttle 83 is in contact with the sewing needle 31A.

[0040] Description of Reference Numerals

[0041] 1. Sewing machine; 4A. First sensor; 4B. Arm; 7. Frame; 8A. Shuttle mechanism; 8B. Shuttle shaft; 8C, 8D. Position adjustment mechanism; 31. Needle bar; 31A. Needle; 43. Detection part; 80. Movable body; 83. Shuttle; 83C. Shuttle tip; 84. Driver; 84C. Needle guard; 85. Shaft; 90. Shuttle thread guide; 90A. Notch; 433. Contact surface; C. Axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] A sewing machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, left and right, front and back, and up and down are indicated by arrows in the drawings.

[0043] <Overview of sewing machine 1>

[0044] The sewing machine 1 is a door-type sewing machine capable of sewing objects. Figure 1 As shown, the sewing machine 1 includes a base portion 21 , a pair of support portions 22 , a beam portion 23 , a head portion 24 , a conveying mechanism 25 , and an operating portion 27 .

[0045] The base 21 has a base 21A and a frame 21B. The base 21A is roughly rectangular in shape. A flat holding surface 21U extending horizontally is formed on the upper surface of the base 21A. A holding plate 21P extending forward along the holding surface 21U is provided at the front end of the base 21A. An opening 210L is formed near the left end of the holding surface 21U, and a bellows 21L extending in the front-to-back direction covers the opening 210L. An opening 210R is formed near the right end of the holding surface 21U, and a bellows 21R extending in the front-to-back direction covers the opening 210R. The bellows 21L and 21R both extend in a straight line between the front end and the rear end of the holding surface 21U. The bellows 21L and 21R reciprocate in the front-to-back direction with the conveying mechanism 25 described later and extend and retract accordingly. The frame 21B is a lattice-shaped structure that supports the base 21A from below.

[0046] The conveying mechanism 25 has a connecting portion 25L and a connecting portion 25R. The connecting portion 25L is connected to a guide rail arranged at the opening portion 210L of the machine base 21. The connecting portion 25R is connected to a guide rail arranged at the opening portion 210R of the machine base 21. The connecting portion 25L and the connecting portion 25R are connected to a holding mechanism 26. The holding mechanism 26 holds the sewn object. The holding mechanism 26 has an upper frame, a lower frame 261, a cylinder 262L, and a cylinder 262R, which are not shown in the figure. The upper frame and the lower frame 261 are rectangular frames in a plan view, and the sewn object is sandwiched in the middle. The upper frame is moved up and down by the cylinders 262L and 262R. Figure 1 The upper frame is removed from the air cylinder 262L and the air cylinder 262R. The conveying mechanism 25 moves the holding mechanism 26 holding the sewn object in the front-rear direction.

[0047] The pair of pillars 22 includes a pillar 22L and a pillar 22R. The pillars 22L and 22R are both roughly quadrangular prism-shaped. The pillar 22L extends upward from the left end of the base 21A of the base 21 and is located in front of the center in the front-to-back direction. The pillar 22L is located on the left side of the bellows 21L in the left-right direction. The pillar 22R extends upward from the right end of the base 21A of the base 21 and is located in front of the center in the front-to-back direction. The pillar 22R is located on the right side of the bellows 21R in the left-to-right direction. The pillars 22L and 22R are separated in the left-to-right direction.

[0048] The beam 23 is mounted between the pillars 22L and 22R. The beam 23 extends in the left-right direction between a pair of pillars 22. The beam 23 has a housing 23U. The housing 23U extends between the upper ends and the rear ends of the pillars 22L and 22R. A guide rail not shown is provided in the space surrounded by the pillars 22L, 22R and the housing 23U. The guide rail is in the shape of a rod and is mounted between the pillars 22L and 22R. The guide rail supports the head 24 described later in such a way that it can move in the left-right direction. The bellows 23F is provided over the front ends of the pillars 22L, 22R and the housing 23U and the left and right ends of the head 24 described later. The bellows 23F covers the guide rail for supporting the head 24 from the front. The bellows 23F and the head 24 reciprocate along the guide rail in the left-right direction and extend and retract accordingly.

[0049] The operation unit 27 is fixed to the front surface of the left end of the beam 23. The operation unit 27 includes a switch group 27A and a display unit 27B. The switch group 27A inputs various instructions according to the operation of the operator. The display unit 27B is a liquid crystal display and can display various images.

[0050] The head 24 is provided at the front side relative to the beam 23. The head 24 includes a needle bar 31, a presser foot 32, a thread take-up lever 33, a thread clamp 34, a secondary thread clamp 35, a thread guide 36, a thread guide 37, etc. The needle bar 31 extends in the vertical direction, and a needle 31A can be mounted at the lower end (see Figure 3 The drive unit 5 that drives the needle bar 31 (see Figure 3 , described later) is arranged in the head 24. The presser foot 32 has a through hole for the needle 31A to pass through in accordance with the movement of the needle bar 31, and the presser foot 32 presses the sewn object from above. The thread take-up lever 33 operates in accordance with the movement of the needle bar 31 in the up and down directions to lift the upper thread. The thread clamp device 34 adjusts the tension of the upper thread. The auxiliary thread clamp 35 is wound around the upper thread extending from the thread drum not shown in the figure, and guides the upper thread toward the thread clamp device 34 below. The thread guide 36 and the thread guide 37 are respectively in contact with the upper thread extending from the thread clamp device 34, and guide the upper thread toward the thread take-up lever 33.

[0051] The guide rail in the beam portion 23 supports the head portion 24 so that the head portion 24 can move in the left-right direction. Therefore, the head portion 24 can move in the left-right direction along the front end portion of the beam portion 23.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the drive unit 5 has a main shaft 50 , a rotating knob 51 , a pulley 52 , a balancing weight 53 , a crank 54 , a rod 56 , a rod 57 and a needle bar clamp 58 .

[0053] The main shaft 50 is cylindrical and extends in the left-right direction. The rotary knob 51 is fixed to the right end of the main shaft 50. When the operator moves the needle bar 31 in the up-down direction or moves the movable body 80 (see Figure 4 ) is rotated manually. The pulley 52 is fixed to the left of the rotation knob 51 in the main shaft 50. A gear 52A is formed on the side of the pulley 52. Fig.11 ) and a pulley 52. ​​The pulley 52 receives a rotational driving force from the belt that rotates in response to the drive of the main motor 131, thereby rotating the main shaft 50.

[0054] The balance weight 53 is fixed to the left of the pulley 52 in the main shaft 50. The balance weight 53 suppresses the vibration generated when the main shaft 50 rotates. The crank 54 is fixed to the left of the balance weight 53 in the main shaft 50. A first support shaft (not shown) extending to the left is fixed to the crank 54 at a position separated from the main shaft 50 in the radial direction based on the rotation center of the main shaft 50. The lower end of the rod 56 is supported on the first support shaft in a rotatable manner. The rod 56 extends upward from the portion supported by the first support shaft. The thread take-up lever 33 is fixed to the upper end of the rod 56. The thread take-up lever 33 extends obliquely forward and upward from the upper end of the rod 56.

[0055] A thread take-up lever support portion 55 is provided at the rear of the thread take-up lever 33. The thread take-up lever support portion 55 has a rotation axis 55A extending in the left-right direction and a crank 55B extending forward from the rotation axis 55A. The front end portion of the crank 55B is connected to the upper end portion of the rod 56. The crank 55B can rotate relative to the rod 56. The thread take-up lever support portion 55 controls the speed of the thread take-up lever 33 when it moves in the up-down direction.

[0056] When the main shaft 50 rotates in response to the driving of the main motor 131, the upper end of the rod 56 moves in the vertical direction. Therefore, the thread take-up lever 33 fixed to the upper end of the rod 56 also moves in the vertical direction in response to the rotation of the main shaft 50.

[0057] A connecting plate 56A is fixed to the left surface of the lower end of the rod 56, and the connecting plate 56A extends in a direction away from the first supporting axis in a radial direction centered on the first supporting axis. A second supporting axis 57A extending to the left is fixed to the end of the connecting plate 56A on the side opposite to the first supporting axis. One end of the rod 57 is supported by the second supporting axis 57A in a manner that the rod 57 can rotate. The other end of the rod 57 supports the needle bar hoop 58 in a manner that the needle bar hoop 58 can rotate. The needle bar hoop 58 is fixed to the needle bar 31. The needle bar hoop 58 has a third supporting axis (not shown) extending to the right. The third supporting axis is supported by the other end of the rod 57 in a manner that it can rotate.

[0058] When the main shaft 50 rotates in response to the drive of the main motor 131, the other end of the rod 57 moves up and down. At this time, the needle bar clamp 58 rotatably supported by the other end of the rod 57 also moves up and down. Therefore, the needle bar 31 to which the needle bar clamp 58 is fixed also moves in the up and down direction in response to the rotation of the main shaft 50.

[0059] A machine needle 31A is attached to the lower end of the needle bar 31. A notch 30 cut out to the left is formed on the right side near the tip of the machine needle 31A.

[0060] <Frame 7>

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, below the head 24 is the base 21A (see Figure 1 ) is provided inside the frame 7. The frame 7 has a housing 70A and a pair of leg portions 70B.

[0062] The housing 70A includes a shuttle unit 8 (see Figure 5 The housing 70A has a main portion 701 and a protruding portion 702. The main portion 701 has a box shape. The protruding portion 702 is provided near the front end portion of the left surface of the main portion 701 and protrudes to the left. A needle plate 74 is fixed to the upper side of the protruding portion 702 in a detachable manner. The needle plate 74 has a portion for the needle 31A (see Figure 3 The needle hole 74A is located below the needle rod 31. Figure 4 This shows the state in which the needle plate 74 has been detached.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , a pair of leg portions 70B are provided at the front and rear ends of the main portion 701. The pair of leg portions 70B are supported by guide rails (not shown) extending in the left and right directions. The shuttle unit 8 (see FIG. 1 ) in the housing 70A Figure 5 ) The pair of leg portions 70B move along the guide rails and can be moved in the left-right direction in synchronization with the head 24. The transport mechanism (not shown) moves the head 24 and the frame 7 in the left-right direction.

[0064] Support shafts 751 and 752 are provided at the front end of the upper surface of the protruding portion 702. The support shafts 751 and 752 are both cylindrical and protrude upward from the upper surface of the protruding portion 702.

[0065] <Shuttle unit 8>

[0066] Reference Figure 5 to Figure 7 , the shuttle unit 8 is described. The shuttle unit 8 includes a shuttle mechanism 8A, a shuttle shaft 8B, and a position adjustment mechanism 8C and a position adjustment mechanism 8D. The shuttle unit 8 is stored in Figure 4 The frame 7 is shown within the housing 70A.

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown, the shuttle shaft 8B has a shaft body 85, a shuttle shaft gear 86 and a terminal assembly 87.

[0068] The shaft body 85 is cylindrical and extends in the left-right direction. The shaft body 85 is supported in the housing 70A of the frame 7 in a rotatable manner. The axis extending in the left-right direction through the center of the shaft body 85 is called "axis C". A terminal assembly 87 is provided at the right end of the shaft body 85. The terminal assembly 87 is cylindrical with a radius larger than the radius of the shaft body 85. The terminal assembly 87 is supported by the housing 70A of the frame 7. Even if the shaft body 85 rotates, the terminal assembly 87 does not rotate. On the other hand, the terminal assembly 87 can move in the left-right direction relative to the frame 7. Corresponding to the movement of the terminal assembly 87 in the left-right direction relative to the frame 7, the shaft body 85 also moves in the left-right direction relative to the frame 7. A groove 87A extending in the up-down direction is provided on the front side of the terminal assembly 87. The bottom 870 of the groove 87A is orthogonal to the front-back direction.

[0069] The shuttle gear 86 is provided on the left side of the terminal assembly 87 in the shaft body 85. A belt (not shown) is provided between the rotating shaft of the main motor 131 and the shuttle gear 86. The shuttle gear 86 receives a rotational driving force from the belt that rotates in response to the drive of the main motor 131, and rotates the shaft body 85. Figure 3 ) also rotates in accordance with the driving of the main motor 131. Therefore, the main shaft 50 and the shaft body 85 rotate in conjunction with the driving of the main motor 131.

[0070] The shuttle mechanism 8A is a vertical shuttle in which the shuttle core is placed vertically. The shuttle mechanism 8A includes a shuttle bed body 81, a shuttle bed 82 (see Figure 6 , Figure 7 ) and movable body 80.

[0071] The shuttle bed body 81 has a first storage portion 81A and a second storage portion 81B. The first storage portion 81A is cylindrical and extends in the left-right direction. A groove 817 extending in the up-down direction is provided on the front side of the first storage portion 81A. The bottom 817A of the groove 817 is orthogonal to the front-back direction. The second storage portion 81B is provided at the left end of the first storage portion 81A. The second storage portion 81B is cylindrical and extends in the left-right direction. The second storage portion 81B has a first portion 811 and a second portion 812 having different diameters. The second portion 812 is arranged on the left side of the first portion 811. The outer diameter of the second portion 812 is larger than the outer diameter of the first portion 811. The outer diameters of the first portion 811 and the second portion 812 are larger than the outer diameter of the first storage portion 81A.

[0072] A through hole extending in the left-right direction is formed at the center of the first storage section 81A. The left end of the shaft body 85 of the shuttle shaft 8B passes through the through hole of the first storage section 81A from the right. A space 810 is formed in the second storage section 81B. The movable body 80 described later is stored in the space 810. A circular opening 813 is formed at the left end of the second part 812 in the second storage section 81B. The left end of the space 810 is open due to the opening 813. A hole 814 communicating with the space 810 is formed at the upper end of the second storage section 81B. The upper end of the opening 813 is connected to the left end of the hole 814. A hole 815 communicating with the space 810 is formed at the rear end of the first part 811 in the second storage section 81B. The hole 815 is a long hole that is long in the up-down direction. An internal thread is formed on the inner side of the upper end of the hole 815, and another internal thread is formed on the inner side of the lower end of the hole 815. A hole 816 communicating with the space 810 is formed at the front end portion of the first portion 811 of the second housing portion 81B. The hole 816 is a hole having a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0073] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the shuttle bed 82 is arranged at the left end of the shuttle bed body 81. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the shuttle bed 82 is in the shape of a circular plate. The outer diameter of the shuttle bed 82 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second portion 812 in the second storage portion 81B of the shuttle bed body 81. A circular hole 821 is formed in the center of the shuttle bed 82 and passes through in the left-right direction. The diameter of the hole 821 is larger than the opening 813 of the shuttle bed body 81 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 5 The shuttle bed 82 covers a portion of the opening 813 of the shuttle bed body 81 from the left.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, the second storage portion 81B of the shuttle bed body 81 protrudes to the left from the left surface of the protruding portion 702 in the housing 70A of the frame 7. A shuttle thread guide 90 is fixed to the upper side of the second storage portion 81B. The shuttle thread guide 90 is a plate and is perpendicular to the up-down direction. The shuttle thread guide 90 covers the shuttle thread guide 90 from above. Figure 5 The second storage portion 81B is shown with a hole 814. The shuttle thread guide 90 is located at the needle plate 74 (refer to Figure 2 ) below. The shuttle thread guide 90 has a notch 90A. The notch 90A extends from the left end of the shuttle thread guide 90 to the right.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, the movable body 80 includes a shuttle 83 and a driver 84. The shuttle 83 and the driver 84 are arranged in a space 810 of the shuttle bed main body 81.

[0076] The shuttle 83 is made of metal and has a base 83A, a peripheral edge 83B, a shuttle tip 83C, and a stud bolt 830 .

[0077] The base 83A is in the shape of a fan-shaped plate, which is orthogonal to the left and right directions. The axis C passes through the center of the fan in the base 83A. The peripheral portion 83B is provided at the arc portion of the base 83A. The end of the peripheral portion 83B on one side of the circumference with the axis C as the center is referred to as the "shuttle end 831". The end of the peripheral portion 83B on the other side of the circumference with the axis C as the center is referred to as the "shuttle end 832". The shuttle end 831 corresponds to the end of the peripheral portion 83B that is located on the counterclockwise side when viewed from the left. The shuttle end 832 corresponds to the end of the peripheral portion 83B that is located on the clockwise side when viewed from the left.

[0078] The shuttle tip 83C extends to the other side of the circumference centered on the axis C. The shuttle tip 83C is tapered at the top. The shuttle tip 83C catches the upper thread passing through the needle 31A during sewing by the sewing machine 1. The stud bolt 830 extends leftward from the base 83A along the axis C. A bobbin case (not shown) including a bobbin around which the bottom thread is wound is rotatably supported by the stud bolt 830.

[0079] The shuttle 83 is arranged in the space 810 of the shuttle bed main body 81. The shuttle 83 is rotatably supported by the shuttle bed main body 81 and the shuttle bed 82 in a state where the shuttle bed 82 is fixed to the shuttle bed main body 81.

[0080] The actuator 84 is made of metal and includes a fixing portion 84A, a base portion 84B, a needle guard 84C, an engaged body 84E, and a detected body 84F.

[0081] The fixing portion 84A is cylindrical and extends in the left-right direction. The through hole 840 of the fixing portion 84A extends in the left-right direction. The axis C passes through the center of the through hole 840. The fixing portion 84A is provided with a protrusion 841 extending in a radial direction centered on the axis C. Hereinafter, the radial direction centered on the axis C will be referred to as the "axial diameter direction". Slits are formed in the fixing portion 84A and the protrusion 841. The fixing screw 842 is threadedly engaged with the protrusion 841. The fixing screw 842 can be used to adjust the interval between the slits of the fixing portion 84A and the protrusion 841.

[0082] By tightening the fixing screw 842 in a state where the shaft body 85 of the shuttle shaft 8B passes through the through hole 840, the fixing portion 84A is connected to the shaft body 85. As a result, the rotational force of the shaft body 85 can be transmitted to the driver 84. On the other hand, by loosening the fixing screw 842, the fixing portion 84A is separated from the shaft body 85. As a result, the transmission of the rotational force of the shaft body 85 to the driver 84 is cut off.

[0083] The base portion 84B extends outward from the side surface of the fixing portion 84A in the axial radial direction. The tip of the base portion 84B is bent to the left.

[0084] The needle guard 84C is provided at the top end portion of the base 84B. The needle guard 84C extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis C. The needle guard 84C contacts the needle 31A during sewing by the sewing machine 1, and guides the needle 31A so that the needle 31A does not bend. The end of the needle guard 84C on one side of the circumferential direction centered on the axis C is referred to as the "needle guard end 843". The end of the peripheral portion 83B on the other side of the circumferential direction centered on the axis C is referred to as the "needle guard end 844". The needle guard end 843 corresponds to the end of the needle guard 84C located on the counterclockwise side when viewed from the left. The needle guard end 844 corresponds to the end of the needle guard 84C located on the clockwise side when viewed from the left.

[0085] The engaged body 84E is arranged on the side of the fixing portion 84A. The engaged body 84E has an engaging extension portion 845 and an engaged portion 846. The engaging extension portion 845 extends outward from the side of the fixing portion 84A along the axial diameter direction. The engaging extension portion 845 is in the shape of a quadrangular prism. The engaged portion 846 is a recessed portion formed at the top end of the engaging extension portion 845. The engaged portion 846 extends from the plane of the top end of the engaging extension portion 845 toward the axis C.

[0086] The detected body 84F is disposed on the side of the fixed portion 84A. The detected body 84F has a detection extension portion 847 and a detection surface 848. The detection extension portion 847 extends outward from the side of the fixed portion 84A along the axial direction. The extension direction of the detection extension portion 847 is different from the extension direction of the engagement extension portion 845 of the engaged body 84E. The angle between the engagement extension portion 845 and the detection extension portion 847 is about 120 degrees when viewed from the left (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.13 ). The detection extension portion 847 is arranged on the clockwise side relative to the engagement extension portion 845 when viewed from the left. The detection extension portion 847 is in the shape of a quadrangular prism. The detection surface 848 is provided at the top end of the detection extension portion 847. The detection surface 848 has a plane orthogonal to the axial diameter direction.

[0087] The detection extension portion 847 of the detected body 84F is longer in the axial direction than the engagement extension portion 845 of the engaged body 84E. The detection surface 848 of the detected body 84F is located radially outside the engaged portion 846 of the engaged body 84E of the actuator 84.

[0088] The driver 84 is arranged in the space 810 of the shuttle bed body 81 and on the right side of the shuttle 83. The needle guard end 843 of the needle guard 84C of the driver 84 contacts the shuttle end 832 of the shuttle 83. The needle guard end 844 of the needle guard 84C of the driver 84 contacts the shuttle end 831 of the shuttle 83. However, when one of the needle guard end 843 and the needle guard end 844 contacts the shuttle 83, the other is separated from the shuttle 83.

[0089] The driver 84 connected to the shaft 85 of the shuttle shaft 8B by tightening the fixing screw 842 rotates around the axis C in response to the rotation of the shaft 85. At this time, the rotational driving force is transmitted from the driver 84 to the shuttle 83 in which the shuttle end 831 contacts the needle guard end 844 of the needle guard 84C of the driver 84 or the shuttle end 832 contacts the needle guard end 843 of the needle guard 84C of the driver 84. As a result, the shuttle 83 rotates around the axis C in response to the rotation of the driver 84. That is, the movable body 80 including the shuttle 83 and the driver 84 is connected to the shaft 85 by the driver 84, and the movable body 80 rotates in response to the rotation of the shaft 85. Hereinafter, the state in which the movable body 80 is connected to the shaft 85 is referred to as the "connected state".

[0090] On the other hand, the driver 84 that has been separated from the shaft 85 of the shuttle shaft 8B by loosening the fixing screw 842 does not rotate even if the shaft 85 rotates. In addition, since the rotational driving force is not transmitted from the driver 84, the shuttle 83 does not rotate like the driver 84. That is, the state in which the movable body 80 including the shuttle 83 and the driver 84 is connected to the shaft 85 is released by the driver 84 being separated from the shaft 85. Hereinafter, the state in which the movable body 80 is disconnected from the shaft 85 is referred to as a "released state".

[0091] The position adjustment mechanism 8C and the position adjustment mechanism 8D are respectively fixed to the housing 70A of the frame 7. The position adjustment mechanism 8C and the position adjustment mechanism 8D have the same shape.

[0092] The position adjustment mechanism 8C has a main body 88A and a head 88B. The main body 88A is cylindrical and extends in the front-to-back direction. The main body 88A is an eccentric shaft. The radius of the main body 88A is uneven in the circumferential direction, and the radius of one part of the circumferential direction is larger than the radius of other parts. The rear end of the main body 88A is engaged with the groove 87A of the terminal assembly 87 provided on the shuttle shaft 8B. A groove extending in the circumferential direction is formed at the front end of the main body 88A. An O-ring not shown is engaged with the groove. The head 88B is arranged on the front side of the main body 88A. A groove (a straight groove) extending in a straight line is formed in the head 88B.

[0093] Due to the rotation of the position adjustment mechanism 8C, the shuttle shaft 8B moves in the left-right direction relative to the frame 7. The position adjustment mechanism 8C can adjust the left-right position of the driver 84 connected to the shaft body 85 of the shuttle shaft 8B.

[0094] The position adjustment mechanism 8D has a main body 89A and a head 89B. The main body 89A and the head 89B correspond to the main body 88A and the head 88B of the position adjustment mechanism 8C. The rear end of the main body 89A is fitted into the groove 817 provided in the first storage portion 81A of the shuttle bed body 81.

[0095] The rotation of the position adjustment mechanism 8D causes the shuttle bed body 81 to move in the left-right direction relative to the frame 7. Therefore, the position adjustment mechanism 8D can adjust the left-right position of the shuttle 83 rotatably supported by the shuttle bed body 81.

[0096] Therefore, the position adjustment mechanism 8C can independently adjust the position of the driver 84 of the movable body 80 relative to the frame 7 in the left-right direction, and the position adjustment mechanism 8D can independently adjust the position of the shuttle 83 of the movable body 80 relative to the frame 7 in the left-right direction.

[0097] <Combination body 6A>

[0098] The engaging body 6A is provided in the second housing portion 81B of the shuttle bed main body 81 of the shuttle unit 8. The engaging body 6A has a base portion 61, a movable portion 62, an operating portion 63, and a fixing portion 64.

[0099] The base 61 is cylindrical and extends rearward along the axial direction. The fixing portion 64 is integrally provided with the base 61 on the inner side of the axial direction relative to the base 61. A screw groove for fixing is formed on the side surface of the fixing portion 64. The fixing portion 64 passes through the upper end of the hole 815 formed in the second housing portion 81B in the shuttle bed body 81. The engaging body 6A is fixed to the second housing portion 81B by screwing the screw groove of the fixing portion 64 and the internal thread of the hole 815. The base 61 and the fixing portion 64 have a through hole extending along the axial direction.

[0100] The movable portion 62 is cylindrical and passes through the through hole of the base portion 61 and the fixed portion 64. The movable portion 62 can move in the axial radial direction relative to the base portion 61 and the fixed portion 64. The end portion on the inner side in the axial radial direction of the movable portion 62 is called "engaging portion 62A". When the movable portion 62 moves to the inner side in the axial radial direction, the engaging portion 62A protrudes inwardly in the axial radial direction relative to the fixed portion 64. When the movable portion 62 moves to the outer side in the axial radial direction, the engaging portion 62A is arranged inside the fixed portion 64 and does not protrude inwardly in the axial radial direction relative to the fixed portion 64.

[0101] The operation portion 63 is provided on the outer side in the axial radial direction of the movable portion 62. The operation portion 63 is arranged on the outer side in the axial radial direction with respect to the base portion 61. The operation portion 63 is gripped by the operator when the operator moves the movable portion 62 in the axial radial direction.

[0102] When the movable portion 62 is moved to the outer side in the axial radial direction, the engaging portion 62A is arranged at a position on the outer side in the axial radial direction of the inner surface forming the space 810 in the shuttle bed body 81. At this time, the engaging portion 62A is arranged on the outer side in the axial radial direction of the region through which the engaged body 84E and the detected body 84F pass in accordance with the rotation of the driver 84. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as a "disengaged state".

[0103] On the other hand, when the movable portion 62 is moved to the inner side in the axial radial direction, the engaging portion 62A protrudes inward from the inner surface of the space 810 formed in the shuttle bed main body 81. At this time, the engaging portion 62A is arranged inward in the axial radial direction relative to the region through which the engaged body 84E and the detected body 84F pass in accordance with the rotation of the driver 84. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as an "engaged state".

[0104] <Second sensor 6B>

[0105] The second sensor 6B is a proximity sensor and is fixed to the lower end of a hole 815 formed in the second storage portion 81B in the shuttle bed body 81. The second sensor 6B includes a base 67, a holding portion 65, and a sensor head 66.

[0106] The base 67 is cylindrical and extends obliquely downward and rearward along the axial direction. A screw groove for fixing is formed on the side surface of the base 67. The screw groove is threadedly engaged with the internal thread of the hole 815. The holding portion 65 is provided at the end portion of the base 67 on the outer side in the axial direction. The holding portion 65 has a hexagonal shape. When the second sensor 6B is fixed to the shuttle bed body 81 by using the screw groove of the base 67, the holding portion 65 is hooked with a wrench or the like. The sensor head 66 is provided at the end portion of the base 61 on the inner side in the axial direction. The sensor head 66 can detect that the detected body 84F of the driver 84 has approached by generating a high-frequency magnetic field. The sensor head 66 is arranged at a position on the outer side of the region where the engaged body 84E and the detected body 84F pass in accordance with the rotation of the driver 84 in the axial direction.

[0107] The detected surface 848 of the detected body 84F and the second sensor 6B are both arranged at positions different from the shuttle 83 in the left-right direction, more specifically, at a position to the right of the shuttle 83. In addition, the left-right position of the detected surface 848 of the detected body 84F is the same as the left-right position of the second sensor 6B.

[0108] The second sensor 6B outputs a detection result indicating whether the detection surface 848 of the detection object 84F has approached the sensor head 66 .

[0109] <Sensor unit 4>

[0110] The sensor unit 4 is detachably mounted on the frame 7. The sensor unit 4 is mounted on the frame 7 for use when adjusting the left-right positional relationship between the needle 31A mounted on the needle bar 31 and the shuttle tip 83C or the needle guard 84C of the movable body 80. On the other hand, the sensor unit 4 is detached when the sewing machine 1 performs sewing operations. Figure 8 As shown, the sensor unit 4 has a first sensor 4A and an arm 4B.

[0111] The arm portion 4B supports the first sensor 4A described later, and fixes the first sensor 4A to the frame 7. The arm portion 4B is a bent prism. The arm portion 4B has an extension portion 451 and an extension portion 452. The extension portion 451 extends in the left-right direction. The extension portion 452 extends rearward from the left end portion of the extension portion 451. The extension portion 451 is formed with a hole 461, a hole 462, and a hole 463. The holes 461 to 463 penetrate the extension portion 451 in the up-down direction, respectively. The holes 461, 462, and 463 are arranged in the order of the holes 461, 462, and 463 toward the right.

[0112] The first sensor 4A is supported by the extension portion 452 of the arm portion 4B. The first sensor 4A includes a support portion 41 , a detection body 42 , and a detection element 43 .

[0113] The support portion 41 is fixed to the right side surface of the extension portion 452 of the arm portion 4B by a screw 411. The detection body 42 is supported by the support portion 41 on the arm portion 4B. The detection body 42 has a detection portion 42A and a detection portion 42B that are opposite to each other in the front-to-back direction. A gap is formed between the detection portion 42A and the detection portion 42B. The detection portion 42A has a light emitting portion on the surface opposite to the detection portion 42B. The detection portion 42B has a light receiving portion on the surface opposite to the detection portion 42A. The light emitting portion emits light toward the light receiving portion. The light receiving portion receives the light emitted from the light emitting portion. The detection body 42 also has a connector 42C on the front side surface of the detection portion 42A. A cable not shown in the figure is connected to the connector 42C.

[0114] The detection member 43 has an elongated plate-shaped base 43A. The base 43A is orthogonal to the front-to-back direction. The rotation axis 431 extends forward from the front surface of the base 43A. The top end of the rotation axis 431 is supported by a support plate 421 extending forward from the detection portion 42A so as to be rotatable. The rotation axis 432 extends backward from the rear surface of the base 43A. The top end of the rotation axis 432 is supported by a support plate 422 extending forward from the detection portion 42B so as to be rotatable. The rotation axes 431 and 432 are arranged in a straight line along the front-to-back direction. The base 43A can rotate around the rotation axes 431 and 432. The base 43A extends obliquely downward toward the right end from the portion where the rotation axes 431 and 432 are provided.

[0115] A contact surface 433 is provided at a portion of the peripheral end of the base 43A. The contact surface 433 has a plane shape perpendicular to the base 43A and extends across the front and rear of the base 43A. The contact surface 433 extends obliquely downward to the right from a position above the rotation axis 431 and the rotation axis 432 in the peripheral end of the base 43A, bends at the front end of the base 43A, and further extends obliquely downward to the left.

[0116] A limiting portion 434 is provided at a position above the contact surface 433 in the peripheral end portion of the base 43A. The limiting portion 434 has a plane shape that is orthogonal to the base 43A and extends across the front and rear of the base 43A. The limiting portion 434 is located above the upper surface of each of the detection portion 42A and the detection portion 42B. The limiting portion 434 limits the rotation of the base 43A in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front by contacting the upper surface of each of the detection portion 42A and the detection portion 42B. The base 43A can rotate in the clockwise direction from the state where the counterclockwise rotation is limited by the limiting portion 434.

[0117] A shielding plate (not shown) is provided in the portion of the base 43A sandwiched between the detection section 42A and the detection section 42B. A plurality of slits are formed in the shielding plate. When the base 43A rotates around the rotation axis 431 and the rotation axis 432, the light emitted from the light emitting section of the detection section 42A passes through the slits or is shielded by the shielding plate. The light receiving section of the detection section 42B detects the rotation position of the base 43A based on the light receiving state of the light emitted from the light emitting section of the detection section 42A. The detection body 42 outputs the detection result indicating the detected rotation position via a cable connected to the connector 42C.

[0118] like Fig. 9 As shown, the arm 4B is fixed to the frame 7 by the support shaft 751 and the support shaft 752 of the frame 7 passing through the hole 462 and the hole 463 from below respectively. The magnet is inserted into the hole 461. When the arm 4B is fixed to the frame 7, the magnet is attracted to the iron plate 753 connected to the frame 7 by magnetic force. When the arm 4B is fixed, the magnet assists the support shaft 751 and the support shaft 752 to be inserted into the hole 462 and the hole 463 by magnetic attraction. In addition, the magnet is attracted to the iron plate 753 in a manner that does not cause shaking when the sensor unit 4 is used, thereby holding the arm 4B on the frame 7. As shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown, the arm 4B fixed to the frame 7 is in the movable body 80 of the shuttle unit 8 (see Figure 5 ) The first sensor 4A is supported at a position close to the left and above. The detection member 43 of the first sensor 4A enters the notch 90A of the shuttle wire guide 90 from the left. The contact surface 433 of the detection member 43 is arranged inside the notch 90A.

[0119] <Electrical structure>

[0120] Reference Fig.11 , the electrical structure of the sewing machine 1 is described. The control unit 110 of the sewing machine 1 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a storage device 114, an input / output interface (I / O) 115, a drive circuit 121 to a drive circuit 125, etc. The CPU 111 comprehensively controls the operation of the sewing machine 1. The ROM 112 stores programs for executing various processes in advance. The RAM 113 temporarily stores various information generated during the execution of various processes. The storage device 114 is non-volatile and stores various set values.

[0121] The drive circuits 121 to 125, the encoders 141 to 143, the switch group 27A, the first sensor 4A, the second sensor 6B, the third sensor 9A, and the fourth sensor 9B are connected to the I / O 115. The drive circuit 121 is connected to the main motor 131, and drives the main motor 131 by the control command of the CPU 111. The drive circuit 122 is connected to the X motor 132 of the conveying mechanism (not shown), and drives the X motor 132 by the control command of the CPU 111. The drive circuit 123 is connected to the Y motor 133 of the conveying mechanism 25, and drives the Y motor 133 by the control command of the CPU 111. The drive circuit 124 is connected to the cylinder 262L and the cylinder 262R, and drives the cylinder 262L and the cylinder 262R by the control command of the CPU 111. The drive circuit 125 is connected to the display unit 27B, and displays various information on the display unit 27B by the control command of the CPU 111. The third sensor 9A directly detects the left-right position of the actuator 84 of the movable body 80. The fourth sensor 9B directly detects the left-right position of the shuttle 83. The position detection method of the third sensor 9A and the fourth sensor 9B is not particularly limited, and well-known sensors such as optical and magnetic sensors can be used.

[0122] The encoder 141 detects the rotation direction, rotation position, and rotation speed of the output shaft of the main motor 131, and outputs the detection result to the I / O 115. The detection result of the encoder 141 indicates the rotation direction, rotation position, and rotation speed of the main shaft 50 and the shaft body 85 of the shuttle shaft 8B driven by the main motor 131. The encoder 142 detects the rotation position of the output shaft of the X motor 132, and outputs the detection result to the I / O 115. The detection result of the encoder 142 indicates the moving direction, left-right position, and moving speed of the needle bar 31 and the shuttle unit 8. The encoder 143 detects the rotation direction, rotation position, and rotation speed of the output shaft of the Y motor 133, and outputs the detection result to the I / O 115. The detection result of the encoder 143 indicates the moving direction, front-back position, and moving speed of the holding mechanism 26. The switch group 27A detects various instructions and outputs the detection result to the I / O 115. The first sensor 4A and the second sensor 6B output the detection result to the I / O 115. The detection result of the first sensor 4A indicates the rotation position of the detection member 43. The detection result of the second sensor 6B indicates whether the detection surface 848 of the detection object 84F has approached the sensor head 66 .

[0123] <First adjustment method>

[0124] Reference Figures 12 to 18 , the first adjustment method is described. The first adjustment method is implemented to synchronize the up and down movement of the needle 31A mounted on the needle bar 31 with the rotational movement of the movable body 80 by adjusting the rotational position of the movable body 80. In addition, the operator sets the engaging body 6A to the disengaged state (refer to Fig.13 , arrow Y11).

[0125] like Fig.12 As shown, the operator uses a wrench T (see Fig.13 ) The fixing screw 842 of the driver 84 is loosened to set the release state (S51). The movable body 80 is in a state where it can rotate relative to the shuttle shaft 8B.

[0126] like Fig.13 As shown, the operator rotates the movable body 80 about the axis C until the engaging extension portion 845 of the engaged body 84E of the actuator 84 extends rearward. The engaging body 6A and the engaged body 84E extend in a straight line along the axial direction.

[0127] like Fig.12 As shown, the operator then switches the engagement body 6A from the disengaged state to the engaged state by operating the operating portion 63 of the engagement body 6A (S53). Fig.14 As shown, when the engaging body 6A is in the engaged state (arrow Y12), the engaging portion 62A of the engaging body 6A enters from the outside and engages with the engaged portion 846 of the engaged body 84E. The movable body 80 is in a non-rotatable state.

[0128] Hereinafter, the rotation position of the movable body 80 in the state where the engaging portion 62A of the engaging body 6A is engaged with the engaged portion 846 of the engaged body 84E is referred to as the "engaged rotation position". In addition, when the movable body 80 is arranged at the engaged rotation position, the shuttle tip 83C of the shuttle 83 can capture the loop formed on the upper thread. In other words, the engaged rotation position corresponds to the rotation position of the movable body 80 at the moment when the shuttle tip 83C of the shuttle 83 captures the loop formed on the upper thread.

[0129] Next, the operator operates the rotary knob 51 of the driving unit 5 to rotate the main shaft 50 and the shuttle shaft 8B, so that the needle 31A is arranged at the convergence position (S55). In addition, the movable body 80 is not connected to the shaft body 85 of the shuttle shaft 8B, so even if the shaft body 85 rotates, the movable body 80 does not rotate. Fig.15 As shown, when the needle 31A is configured at the merged position (arrow Y13), the tip of the needle 31A enters the notch 90A of the shuttle thread guide 90 from above (refer to Figure 4 ) is arranged in the space 810 of the shuttle bed body 81.

[0130] like Fig.12 As shown, the operator then uses a wrench T (see Fig.13 ) Tighten the fixing screw 842 of the driver 84 to set the connection state (S57). The movable body 80 is connected to the shaft body 85 of the shuttle shaft 8B (refer to Fig.16 ). In addition, the engaging body 6A is maintained in the engaged state, and the engaging portion 62A is engaged with the engaged portion 846 of the engaged body 84E. Therefore, the movable body 80 can be maintained in a state where it cannot rotate.

[0131] Next, the operator switches the engaging body 6A from the engaged state to the disengaged state by operating the operating portion 63 of the engaging body 6A (S59). Fig.17 As shown, when the engaging body 6A is in the released state (arrow Y14), the engaging portion 62A is disengaged from the engaged portion 846 of the engaged body 84E. The movable body 80 is now in a rotatable state.

[0132] The operator operates the rotary knob 51 of the driving unit 5 to rotate the main motor 131, the main shaft 50, and the shuttle shaft 8B (S61). In accordance with the rotation of the shuttle shaft 8B, the movable body 80 connected to the shaft body 85 rotates.

[0133] The CPU 111 obtains the detection result output from the second sensor 6B. Based on the obtained detection result, the CPU 111 displays the notification information indicating whether the detection surface 848 of the detection object 84F is close to the sensor head 66 on the display unit 27B. The operator continues to operate the rotary knob 51 to rotate the movable body 80 until the notification information indicating that the detection surface 848 of the detection object 84F is close to the sensor head 66 is displayed on the display unit 27B (S63: No).

[0134] When the operator stops operating the rotary knob 51 when the notification information indicating that the detection surface 848 of the detection object 84F is close to the sensor head 66 is displayed on the display unit 27B (S63: Yes), the rotation of the main motor 131, the main shaft 50 and the shuttle shaft 8B stops, and the rotation of the movable body 80 also stops. Fig.18 As shown, in this state, the detection extension portion 847 of the detected body 84F is in a state of extending from the axis C toward the sensor head 66 of the second sensor 6B. Hereinafter, the rotation position of the movable body 80 in a state where the proximity of the detection surface 848 of the detected body 84F is detected by the sensor head 66 of the second sensor 6B is referred to as the "sensor rotation position". The engagement rotation position is different from the sensor rotation position.

[0135] The CPU 111 obtains the detection result output from the encoder 141 of the main motor 131 when the movable body 80 is arranged at the sensor rotation position (S65). The CPU 111 determines the rotation position of the main shaft 50 based on the obtained detection result (S65). The CPU 111 stores the determined rotation position as the needle bar reference position in the storage device 114 (S67).

[0136] In addition, the CPU 111 obtains the detection result of the encoder 141 at the time when the detected body 84F of the movable body 80 is detected by the second sensor 6B during sewing (that is, the time when the movable body 80 is arranged at the sensor rotation position). The CPU 111 calculates the difference between the rotation position of the main shaft 50 determined by the detection result and the needle bar reference position stored in the storage device 114. When the calculated difference is larger than a predetermined threshold value, the CPU 111 displays a notification image indicating that a synchronization deviation has occurred on the display unit 27B.

[0137] <Second adjustment method>

[0138] Reference Figure 19 to Figure 22 , the second adjustment method is described. The first adjustment method is implemented to adjust the positional relationship between the needle 31A mounted on the needle bar 31 and the shuttle tip 83C or the needle guard 84C of the movable body 80 in the left-right direction. In addition, the operator performs the first adjustment method before starting the second adjustment method, and then tightens the fixing screw 842 of the driver 84 to set the movable body 80 to a connection state in which the shaft 85 of the shuttle shaft 8B is connected. In addition, the operator detaches the sensor unit 4 from the frame 7.

[0139] like Fig.19 As shown, the operator operates the rotary knob 51 of the drive unit 5 for driving the needle bar 31 to place the needle 31A at the merge position (S11). The merge position refers to the position of the needle 31A at the moment when the shuttle tip 83C of the shuttle 83 captures the loop formed on the upper thread. Fig.10 As shown, the tip of the needle 31A disposed at the merged position enters from above the notch 90A of the shuttle thread guide 90. The shuttle tip 83C of the shuttle 83 and the needle guard 84C of the driver 84 are disposed to the right of the needle 31A disposed at the merged position.

[0140] like Fig.19 As shown, the operator then mounts and fixes the sensor unit 4 to the frame 7 of the sewing machine 1 (S13). The operator connects the cable to the connector 42C of the sensor unit 4. The detection member 43 of the first sensor 4A enters the notch 90A of the shuttle thread guide 90 from the left. The contact surface 433 of the detection member 43 contacts the needle 31A from the left. The detection member 43 contacts the needle 31A and rotates in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front with the rotating shaft 431 and the rotating shaft 432 as the center. The first sensor 4A uses the detection body 42 to detect the rotation position of the detection member 43 and outputs it to the cable via the connector 42C.

[0141] The CPU 111 acquires the detection result output from the first sensor 4A and stores the rotation position of the detection element 43 indicated by the acquired detection result in the storage device 114 as the first initial reference position (S15).

[0142] The operator rotates the head 88B of the position adjustment mechanism 8C using a screwdriver or the like. As a result, the main body 88A of the position adjustment mechanism 8C also rotates, and the shuttle shaft 8B moves to the left relative to the frame 7. At this time, the driver 84 connected to the shaft 85 of the shuttle shaft 8B also moves to the left (S17). In addition, the position adjustment mechanism 8D does not rotate, so the shuttle 83 does not move. The needle guard 84C of the driver 84 approaches the needle 31A from the right.

[0143] The first sensor 4A detects the rotational position of the detection member 43 using the detection body 42 periodically or according to the operator's operation of the position adjustment mechanism 8C, and outputs the detection result. The CPU 111 obtains the detection result output from the first sensor 4A. The CPU 111 calculates the rotation angle of the detection member 43 based on the difference between the rotational position represented by the obtained detection result and the first initial reference position. Moreover, the CPU 111 calculates the displacement amount of the needle 31A in the left and right directions based on the calculated rotation angle (S19). The CPU 111 displays the calculated displacement amount on the display unit 27B.

[0144] During the period until the needle guard 84C of the driver 84 contacts the needle 31A, the detection member 43 of the first sensor 4A does not rotate. Therefore, the rotation position represented by the detection result output from the first sensor 4A maintains the first initial reference position unchanged. In this case, the calculated displacement of the needle 31A is "0".

[0145] On the other hand, Fig.21 As shown, when the needle guard 84C of the driver 84 contacts the needle 31A, the needle 31A is bent by the force to the left from the needle guard 84C. The detection member 43 of the first sensor 4A rotates due to the bending displacement of the needle 31A. The rotational position detected by the detection body 42 of the first sensor 4A changes. The CPU 111 calculates the displacement of the needle 31A based on the difference between the rotational position represented by the detection result output from the first sensor 4A and the first initial reference position (S19). The CPU 111 displays the calculated displacement on the display unit 27B.

[0146] The operator determines whether the displacement amount displayed on the display unit 27B is 0.01 mm (S21). When the displacement amount displayed on the display unit 27B is less than 0.01 mm (S21: No), the operator continues to operate the position adjustment mechanism 8C to move the driver 84 to the left. When the displacement amount displayed on the display unit 27B is 0.01 mm (S21: Yes), the operator stops the operation of the position adjustment mechanism 8C. As a result, the movement of the driver 84 to the left is also stopped.

[0147] In order to notify the sewing machine 1 to stop the movement of the driver 84, the operator performs an input operation with the help of the switch group 27A. The CPU 111 accepts the input operation. The CPU 111 determines the rotation position of the detection member 43 in this state as the first zero point position (S23). The CPU 111 stores the determined first zero point position in the storage device 114 (S23). The CPU 111 calculates the displacement of the driver 84 relative to the first zero point position based on the difference between the rotation position represented by the detection result obtained from the first sensor 4A and the first zero point position. The displacement calculated by the CPU 111 is displayed on the display unit 27B. In addition, the CPU 111 displays the detection result of the third sensor 9A as the position of the driver 84 in the left and right direction on the display unit 27B.

[0148] The sewing machine 1 determines the detection result of the third sensor 9A at the first zero point position detected by the first sensor 4A as the reference position of the left and right direction of the driver 84 (hereinafter referred to as the "first reference position"), and stores it in the storage device 114 (S24). In other words, the first sensor 4A is used as a sensor for determining the reference position of the third sensor 9A. The CPU 111 displays the difference between the detection result of the third sensor 9A and the first reference position on the display unit 27B.

[0149] The operator rotates the position adjustment mechanism 8C using a screwdriver or the like to move the driver 84 in the left-right direction. The operator moves the driver 84 in the left-right direction until the action setting value of the driver 84 recommended in the sewing machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "first action setting value") matches the difference displayed on the display unit 27B (S25). When the first action setting value matches the difference displayed on the display unit 27B, the operator ends the operation of the position adjustment mechanism 8C and stops the movement of the driver 84. The CPU 111 stores the rotational position represented by the detection result obtained from the third sensor 9A at this time point as the needle guard reference position in the storage device 114 (S25). Through the above steps, the adjustment of the left-right position relationship between the needle guard 84C of the driver 84 and the needle 31A is completed.

[0150] like Fig. 20 As shown, the CPU 111 stores the rotational position indicated by the detection result currently obtained from the first sensor 4A in the storage device 114 as the second initial reference position (S27).

[0151] The operator rotates the head 89B of the position adjustment mechanism 8D using a screwdriver or the like. As a result, the main body 89A of the position adjustment mechanism 8D also rotates, and the shuttle 83 moves to the left relative to the frame 7. At this time, the shuttle 83 also moves to the left (S29). The shuttle tip 83C of the shuttle 83 approaches the notch 30 of the needle 31A from the right (see Figure 3).

[0152] The first sensor 4A continues to detect the rotation angle of the detection member 43 using the detection body 42 and outputs the detection result. The CPU 111 obtains the detection result output from the first sensor 4A. The CPU 111 calculates the displacement amount of the needle 31A in the left-right direction based on the difference between the rotation position represented by the obtained detection result and the second initial reference position (S31). The CPU 111 displays the calculated displacement amount on the display unit 27B.

[0153] During the period until the shuttle tip 83C of the shuttle 83 contacts the needle 31A, the detection member 43 of the first sensor 4A does not rotate. Therefore, the rotation position represented by the detection result output from the first sensor 4A remains unchanged at the second initial reference position. In this case, the calculated displacement of the needle 31A is "0".

[0154] On the other hand, Fig. 22 As shown, when the shuttle tip 83C of the shuttle 83 contacts the needle 31A, the needle 31A is bent by the left force from the shuttle tip 83C. The detection member 43 of the first sensor 4A rotates due to the bending displacement of the needle 31A. The rotational position detected by the detection body 42 of the first sensor 4A changes. The CPU 111 calculates the displacement of the needle 31A based on the difference between the rotational position represented by the detection result output from the first sensor 4A and the second initial reference position (S31). The CPU 111 displays the calculated displacement on the display unit 27B.

[0155] The operator determines whether the displacement amount displayed on the display unit 27B is 0.01 mm (S33). When the displacement amount displayed on the display unit 27B is less than 0.01 mm (S33: No), the operator continues to operate the position adjustment mechanism 8D to move the shuttle 83 to the left. When the displacement amount displayed on the display unit 27B is 0.01 mm (S33: Yes), the operator stops the operation of the position adjustment mechanism 8D. As a result, the movement of the shuttle 83 to the left also stops.

[0156] In order to notify the sewing machine 1 to stop the movement of the shuttle 83, the operator performs an input operation with the help of the switch group 27A. The CPU 111 accepts the input operation. The CPU 111 determines the rotational position of the detection member 43 in this state as the second zero point position (S35). The CPU 111 stores the determined second zero point position in the storage device 114 (S35). The CPU 111 calculates the displacement of the shuttle 83 relative to the second zero point position based on the difference between the rotational position represented by the detection result obtained from the first sensor 4A and the second zero point position. The CPU 111 displays the calculated displacement on the display unit 27B. In addition, the CPU 111 displays the detection result detected by the fourth sensor 9B as the position of the shuttle 83 in the left and right direction on the display unit 27B.

[0157] The sewing machine 1 determines the detection result of the fourth sensor 9B at the second zero point position detected by the first sensor 4A as the reference position of the left and right direction of the shuttle 83 (hereinafter referred to as the "second reference position".), and stores it in the storage device 114 (S36). In other words, the first sensor 4A is used as a sensor for determining the reference position of the fourth sensor 9B. The CPU 111 displays the difference between the detection result of the fourth sensor 9B and the second reference position on the display unit 27B.

[0158] The operator rotates the position adjustment mechanism 8D using a screwdriver or the like to move the shuttle 83 in the left-right direction. The operator moves the shuttle 83 in the left-right direction until the action setting value (hereinafter referred to as the "second action setting value") recommended for the shuttle 83 in the sewing machine 1 is consistent with the difference displayed on the display unit 27B (S37). When the second action setting value is consistent with the difference displayed on the display unit 27B, the operator ends the operation of the position adjustment mechanism 8D and stops the movement of the shuttle 83. The CPU 111 stores the rotational position represented by the detection result obtained from the fourth sensor 9B at this time point as the shuttle tip reference position in the storage device 114 (S37). Through the above steps, the adjustment of the left-right position relationship between the shuttle tip 83C of the shuttle 83 and the needle 31A is completed.

[0159] <Functions and Effects of the Present Embodiment>

[0160] The sewing machine 1 can mount the sensor unit 4 including the first sensor 4A on the frame 7. When the needle 31A is displaced due to the contact between the shuttle tip 83C or the needle guard 84C of the movable body 80 and the needle 31A, the sewing machine 1 can detect the displacement amount using the first sensor 4A. The operator of the sewing machine 1 can confirm the left-right positional relationship between the shuttle tip 83C or the needle guard 84C of the movable body 80 and the needle 31A based on the displacement amount of the needle 31A detected by the first sensor 4A. Therefore, the operator can adjust the left-right positional relationship between the needle 31A and the movable body 80 with good accuracy based on the confirmed positional relationship.

[0161] Specifically, for example, the operator can easily adjust the left-right position of the shuttle 83 using the position adjustment mechanism 8D based on the displacement of the needle 31A detected by the first sensor 4A, so as to achieve the positional relationship between the needle 31A and the shuttle tip 83C recommended in the sewing machine 1. In addition, for example, the operator can easily adjust the left-right position of the driver 84 using the position adjustment mechanism 8C based on the displacement of the needle 31A detected by the first sensor 4A, so as to achieve the positional relationship between the needle 31A and the needle guard 84C recommended in the sewing machine 1.

[0162] The displacement of the needle 31A detected by the first sensor 4A is displayed on the display unit 27B of the sewing machine 1. In addition, the displacement of the needle 31A changes in accordance with the positional relationship between the shuttle tip 83C or the needle guard 84C of the movable body 80 and the needle 31A in the left-right direction. Therefore, the operator can confirm the positional relationship between the shuttle tip 83C and the needle guard 84C and the needle 31A in the left-right direction by visually recognizing the display unit 27B. Therefore, the operator can easily adjust the positional relationship between the needle 31A and the movable body 80 in the left-right direction while confirming the display unit 27B.

[0163] The first sensor 4A has a detection body 42 and a detection member 43, and the detection member 43 has a contact surface 433. The first sensor 4A detects the rotational position of the detection member 43 when the needle 31A contacts the contact surface 433 and the detection member 43 rotates. In this case, the first sensor 4A can detect the displacement of the needle 31A with good accuracy regardless of the size and shape of the needle 31A, compared with the case of directly detecting the displacement of the needle 31A using a position sensor or the like.

[0164] When determining the positional relationship between the needle 31A and the movable body 80 in the left-right direction based on the displacement of the needle 31A, it is preferred to detect the displacement near the portion of the needle 31A that contacts the shuttle tip 83C or the needle guard 84C of the movable body 80. In contrast, the detection member 43 of the first sensor 4A extends obliquely downward toward the right side from the rotating shaft 431 and the rotating shaft 432. Thus, the first sensor 4A can make the contact surface 433 of the detection member 43 contact the portion of the needle 31A that contacts the shuttle tip 83C and the needle guard 84C of the movable body 80. Therefore, the first sensor 4A can detect the displacement of the needle 31A with good accuracy, and therefore can detect the positional relationship between the needle 31A and the movable body 80 in the left-right direction with better accuracy.

[0165] The shuttle thread guide 90 covering the upper part of the movable body 80 has a notch 90A extending from the left end to the right. The detection member 43 of the first sensor 4A enters the notch 90A from the left. In this case, the detection member 43 of the first sensor 4A can be prevented from contacting the shuttle thread guide 90, and the contact surface 433 is brought into contact with the vicinity of the part of the needle 31A that contacts the movable body 80.

[0166] The shuttle tip 83C and the needle guard 84C can contact the needle 31A from the right. On the other hand, the contact surface 433 of the detection member 43 of the first sensor 4A contacts the needle 31A from the left. Therefore, when the movable body 80 contacts the needle 31A from the right and causes the needle 31A to bend to the left, the first sensor 4A can detect the amount of bending as a displacement with good accuracy.

[0167] <Modification>

[0168] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various changes can be made. The shuttle mechanism 8A of the sewing machine 1 can also be a horizontal shuttle with the shuttle core placed horizontally. It can also be a full-rotating shuttle in which the shuttle 83 and the driver 84 are integrally connected. The first sensor 4A can also be arranged on the sewing machine 1 in a manner that cannot be disassembled. In this case, the first sensor 4A can also be supported by a movable arm that can move to an approach position where the detection member 43 approaches the needle 31A and a separation position where the detection member 43 is separated from the needle 31A.

[0169] The sewing machine 1 may include a speaker. When the displacement amount of the needle 31A is 0.01 mm, the sewing machine 1 may output a notification sound from the speaker to notify the operator (S21, S33).

[0170] The operator may also move the shuttle 83 or the driver 84 in the process of S21 and S33 without stopping the movement of the shuttle 83 or the driver 84 when the displacement of the needle 31A just reaches 0.01 mm. For example, the operator may always monitor the displacement displayed on the display unit 27B while the shuttle 83 or the driver 84 is moving. Alternatively, the operator moves the shuttle 83 or the driver 84 from a state where the needle 31A is not in contact with the shuttle 83 or the driver 84 until the needle 31A is bent by more than 0.01 mm. During this period, at the time when the displacement is 0.01 mm, the CPU 111 automatically sets the rotation position of the detection member 43 to the first zero position or the second zero position, and stores it in the storage device 114.

[0171] Alternatively, the first sensor 4A uses the state in which the needle 31A is not in contact with the detector 43 and is not rotating, i.e., the state in which the limiting portion 434 is in contact with the upper surface of the detector 42, as a reference, and uses the detector 42 to detect the amount of rotation from this state as the displacement.

[0172] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the first sensor 4A of the sensor unit 4 optically detects the rotation position of the detection member 43 that rotates corresponding to the displacement of the needle 31A, and outputs the detection result. The first sensor 4A may also detect the displacement of the needle 31A using different methods and output the detection result. For example, the first sensor 4A may also detect the displacement of the needle 31A by detecting the rotation position of the detection member 43 that rotates corresponding to the displacement of the needle 31A as a change in electrostatic capacitance, magnetic flux, or resistance value. In addition, a detection member that slides axially corresponding to the displacement of the needle 31A may be used to detect the sliding amount of the detection member as a change in any one of optical, electrostatic capacitance, magnetic flux, and resistance value, thereby detecting the displacement of the needle 31A.

[0173] Regarding the detection member 43, a shape in which the contact surface 433 that contacts the needle 31A extends obliquely downward to the right is cited as an example, but the base 43A of the detection member 43 itself may have a shape different from the above shape. For example, the detection member 43 may be fan-shaped when viewed from the front. In addition, the detection member 43 may have a shape that extends obliquely upward to the right by configuring the above structure upside down. The arm 4B is not limited to a curved prism. As long as the arm 4B can support the first sensor 4A and fix the first sensor 4A to the frame 7, it may have a shape different from the above shape. For example, the arm 4B may not have the extension portion 451, but only have the extension portion 452 extending in the front-to-back direction. In this case, the arm 4B may also have a hole for the support shaft provided on the frame 7 to pass through, and a hole for the magnet adsorbed on the frame 7 to be inserted.

[0174] The shuttle thread guide 90 may also be removed from the shuttle mechanism 8A when the second adjustment method is performed. In this case, the shuttle thread guide 90 may not be provided with a notch 90A.

[0175] The second adjustment method may also perform only the steps S11 to S25 without performing the steps S27 to S37. Alternatively, the second adjustment method may also perform only the steps S27 to S37 without performing the steps S11 to S25. The first zero point position and the second zero point position may also be determined by calculating the detection member 43 of the first sensor 4A when the displacement of the needle 31A is 0 mm.

[0176] The value "0.01 mm" used as the reference value for determination in S21 and S33 is an example, and other values ​​may be used. For example, in S21, the displacement amount may be compared with the first action setting value. For example, in S33, the displacement amount may be compared with the second action setting value.

[0177] <Others>

[0178] The shaft 85 is an example of an "axis" of the present invention. The first sensor 4A is an example of a "sensor" of the present invention. The left-right direction is an example of an "axial direction" of the present invention. The right side is an example of "one side of the axial direction" of the present invention. The left side is an example of "the other side of the axial direction" of the present invention. The shuttle thread guide 90 is an example of a "plate" of the present invention. S11 is an example of a "first process" of the present invention. S13 is an example of a "second process" of the present invention. S17 and S29 are an example of a "third process" of the present invention. S19 and S31 are an example of a "fourth process" of the present invention. S23, S24, S35, and S36 are an example of a "fifth process" of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sewing machine, It is characterized in that The sewing machine comprises: The needle bar can move in the up and down direction and can be equipped with a needle at the top; A shuttle mechanism includes a movable body, wherein the movable body has: a shuttle tip for catching the upper thread passing through the needle mounted on the needle bar; and a needle guard for contacting with the needle to guide the needle; a shuttle shaft having an axis extending in a direction intersecting the up-down direction and configured to rotationally drive the movable body in a rotation direction centered on the axis; a position adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the position of the movable body in the axial direction of the shuttle shaft; a frame that accommodates the shuttle mechanism, the shuttle shaft, and the position adjustment mechanism; A sensor having a contact surface that contacts the needle configured at a merging position from one side of the axial direction, the sensor being used to detect the displacement of the needle in the axial direction, the merging position being the position of the needle at the moment when the shuttle tip captures the coil formed by the surface thread; as well as An arm supports the sensor and is fixed to the frame.

2. The sewing machine according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The sewing machine includes a display unit that displays an amount of displacement of the needle detected by the sensor.

3. The sewing machine according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The sensor has: a detection member rotatable about a rotation axis intersecting the axial direction and having the contact surface; and A detection unit detects a rotational position of the detection member that rotates around the rotation axis due to the contact between the needle and the contact surface.

4. The sewing machine according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The sewing machine includes a plate covering the upper side of the movable body. The plate has a notch extending from an end portion on one side in the axial direction toward the other side and allowing the detection member to enter from one side in the axial direction.

5. The sewing machine according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The shuttle tip and the needle guard can contact the machine needle from the other side of the axial direction.

6. An adjustment method, which is a method for adjusting the position of the movable body relative to the needle in the sewing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It is characterized in that The adjustment method comprises the following steps: A first step, in which the needle is arranged at the merging position; a second step of fixing a sensor unit including the sensor and the arm to the frame; A third step, which is performed after the needle is arranged at the confluence position by the first step and the sensor unit is fixed to the frame by the second step, and in which the movable body is moved relative to the needle from the other side of the axial direction toward the needle; a fourth step, in which, when the movable body moved in the third step contacts the needle and bends, the displacement amount of the needle is detected by the sensor; as well as and a fifth step of determining a reference position for adjusting the position of the movable body in the axial direction by the position adjustment mechanism based on the displacement amount of the needle detected in the fourth step.

7. A sensor unit, which is a sensor unit for a sewing machine, the sewing machine comprising: a needle bar, which can move in the up-down direction and can be equipped with a machine needle at the top; a shuttle mechanism, which has a movable body, the movable body having: a shuttle tip, which catches the surface thread of the machine needle that has been installed on the needle bar; and a needle guard, which contacts with the machine needle to guide it; a shuttle shaft, which has an axis extending in a direction intersecting the up-down direction, and rotates and drives the movable body in a rotation direction centered on the axis; a position adjustment mechanism, which can adjust the position of the movable body in the axial direction of the shuttle shaft; and a frame, which accommodates the shuttle mechanism, the shuttle shaft and the position adjustment mechanism. The sensor unit is characterized in that The sensor unit comprises: A sensor having a contact surface that contacts the needle from one side of the axial direction, wherein the sensor is capable of detecting the displacement of the needle in the axial direction; and An arm supports the sensor and is fixable to the frame.

Images