Sewing machine

Abstract

The invention provides a sewing machine which can properly press a sewing object even if the inclination angle of an upper feeding part changes. The sewing machine includes: a needle bar that holds a sewing machine needle and is driven in a vertical direction; and an upper feeding mechanism which is linked with the action of the needle rod, contacts with the sewing object from above and moves in the feeding direction. The upper feeding mechanism comprises an upper feeding rod which swings and a feeding foot which is arranged at the lower end part of the upper feeding rod. The feeding foot is provided with a main body part which is arranged on the lower end part of the upper feeding rod; a presser foot protrusion protruding downward from the main body portion; and an abutting member which is provided on the lower part of the main body part, has feed teeth on the lower surface thereof, which are in contact with the sewing object, and is provided so as to be capable of swinging up and down relative to the main body part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sewing machine. Background Art

[0002] A sewing machine having an upper feed mechanism is known. Patent document 1 discloses a sewing machine comprising: a sewing machine needle that is raised and lowered, and an upper feed unit. With regard to patent document 1, the upper feed unit has a feed tooth having two seats and a protrusion formed between the two seats. The two seats are L-shaped when viewed from the side, and teeth are formed on the lower surface, which are contact portions that press and move the sewing object. The protrusion extends downward from the feed tooth. The protrusion is located directly behind the stitch forming part of the sewing machine needle, and presses the stitch forming part on the lower end surface. By pressing the stitch forming part, the expansion and contraction (sewing shrinkage) of the sewing object caused by the stitch forming part being pulled by the tension of the needle and thread is suppressed.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 01-018156 Summary of the invention

[0006] 1. Technical issues to be resolved

[0007] Although not disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document 1, the upper feed portion performs a feeding action of pressing and moving the sewing object, and an action of separating from the sewing object and returning to the feeding start position, so it swings roughly in an elliptical trajectory. Therefore, the inclination angle of the upper feed portion changes at the feeding start position and the feeding end position. Due to the change in the inclination angle, it is possible that the protrusion separates from the sewing object during the feeding action and the pressing is insufficient. It is expected that the sewing object can be properly pressed even if the inclination angle of the upper feed portion changes.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a sewing machine capable of appropriately pressing a sewing object even if the inclination angle of an upper feed portion changes.

[0009] (II) Technical solution

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a sewing machine, comprising: a needle bar which holds a sewing machine needle and is driven in the up-and-down direction; and an upper feed mechanism which is linked with the movement of the needle bar, contacts an object to be sewn from above and moves in the feeding direction, the upper feed mechanism comprising: an upper feed rod which swings, and a feed foot which is arranged at the lower end of the upper feed rod, the feed foot comprising: a main body which is mounted on the lower end of the upper feed rod; a presser foot protrusion which protrudes downward from the main body; and an abutment component which is arranged at the lower part of the main body and has feed teeth on the lower surface which contact the object to be sewn, and is arranged to be able to swing up and down relative to the main body.

[0011] (III) Beneficial effects

[0012] According to the aspect of the present invention, even if the inclination angle of the upper feed portion changes, it is possible to appropriately press the sewing object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a side view schematically showing an example of the sewing machine according to the present embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a side view schematically showing an example of the internal structure of the sewing machine according to the present embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the upper feed mechanism and the lower feed mechanism of the embodiment, viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of a feed foot of the upper feed mechanism according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the feed foot of the embodiment alone.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the presser foot protrusion of the feed foot according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a side view of the feed foot of the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram showing a biasing member provided on a feed foot.

[0021] Fig. 9 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the movable range of the contact member according to the embodiment.

[0022] Fig.10 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the feed foot and the lower feed unit in the feed operation of the sewing machine according to the embodiment.

[0023] Fig.11 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the feeding operation of the comparative example.

[0024] Description of Reference Numerals

[0025] 1-sewing machine, 2-sewing machine body, 2A-first arm, 2B-base, 2C-second arm, 2D-head, 3-needle bar, 3A-sewing machine needle, 4-thread take-up lever, 5-upper feed mechanism, 6-lower feed mechanism, 7-needle hole, 8-needle plate, 8A-opening, 9-bending needle, 10-upper thread regulator, 11-lower thread regulator, 12-actuator, 13-transmission device, 13A-arm shaft, 13B-base shaft, 13C-bending needle shaft, 13C1-swing arm, 13D, 13E-pulley, 13F-timing belt, 13G-head transmission mechanism, 13H-transmission mechanism, 13J-upper feed transmission mechanism, 13J1-eccentric cam, 13J2-swing rod, 13K-lower feed transmission mechanism, 13K1, 13K2-lower shaft, 13K3, 13K4-swing arm, 13K5, 13K6-transmission part, 14-upper line guide rod, 15-upper line guide part, 16-lower line guide part, 17-cloth presser foot, 17A - presser foot, 18- force mechanism, 18A- compression coil spring, 31- upper feed rod, 32- feed foot, 33- support shaft, 41- main body, 41A- mounting portion, 41B, 41C- foot, 41D- holding hole, 42- presser foot protrusion, 43- abutment component, 43A- mounting portion, 43B- protrusion, 43C- feed tooth, 44- shaft component, 45- force component, 46A- first part, 46B- second part, 47A- first limit Working surface, 47B-second limiting surface, 51-bottom plate portion, 52-side wall portion, 61-lower feed portion, 62-feed table, AM-movable range, AX-rotation axis, CL-gap, D-interval, E1-one end, E2-other end, LT-lower line, MS-sewing object, P-needle drop position, RX (A), RX (B), RX (C)-center axis, SL-stitch, UT-upper line, α1, α2, α3-angle, φ-tilt angle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The constituent elements of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. In addition, there are also cases where some constituent elements are not used.

[0027] In the following description, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is set, and the positional relationship of each part is described with reference to the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. The direction parallel to the X-axis in the specified plane is set as the X-axis direction. The direction parallel to the Y-axis in the specified plane that is orthogonal to the X-axis is set as the Y-axis direction. The direction parallel to the Z-axis that is orthogonal to the specified plane is set as the Z-axis direction. In addition, the rotation direction or tilt direction centered on the X-axis is set as the θX direction. The rotation direction or tilt direction centered on the Y-axis is set as the θY direction. The rotation direction or tilt direction centered on the Z-axis is set as the θZ direction. In addition, the plane containing the X-axis and the Y-axis is appropriately referred to as the XY plane. The plane containing the X-axis and the Z-axis is appropriately referred to as the XZ plane. The plane containing the Y-axis and the Z-axis is appropriately referred to as the YZ plane. The XY plane is parallel to the specified plane. The XY plane, the XZ plane, and the YZ plane are orthogonal. In addition, in the following description, the XY plane is set to be parallel to the horizontal plane. The Z-axis direction is the up and down direction. The +Z direction is the upward direction, and the -Z direction is the downward direction. In addition, the XY plane may be inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0028] (Sewing Machine)

[0029] Figure 1 It is a side view schematically showing an example of the sewing machine 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 1 is a side view schematically showing an example of the internal structure of the sewing machine 1 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the sewing machine 1 is a double loop sewing machine that performs double loop sewing.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sewing machine 1 comprises: a sewing machine body 2; a needle bar 3, which holds a sewing machine needle 3A and drives it in the up-down direction; and an upper feeding mechanism 5, which is linked to the movement of the needle bar 3 and contacts the sewing object MS (see Figure 5 ) contacts and moves in the feed direction; and a lower feed mechanism 6, which contacts the sewing object MS from below and clamps the sewing object MS together with the upper feed mechanism 5 and moves in the feed direction.

[0031] In addition, the sewing machine 1 includes: a thread take-up lever 4, which supplies the upper thread to the sewing machine needle 3A; a needle plate 8, which has a needle hole 7 through which the sewing machine needle 3A can pass, and supports the sewing object MS; a looper 9, which swings around the rotation axis AX parallel to the Y axis as the center, picks up the upper thread from the sewing machine needle 3A that has passed through the sewing object MS and the needle hole 7, and winds it with the lower thread (looper thread); and a cloth presser foot 17 (refer to Figure 3 ), which presses the sewing object MS against the needle plate 8 from above.

[0032] In addition, the sewing machine 1 has: an upper thread regulator 10, which supplies the upper thread from the thread supply source; a lower thread regulator 11, which supplies the lower thread from the thread supply source; an actuator 12, which generates power; and a transmission device 13, which transmits the power generated by the actuator 12 to the needle bar 3 and the curved needle 9 respectively.

[0033] The sewing machine body 2 is a structure provided with various components including a needle bar 3, an upper feed mechanism 5, and a lower feed mechanism 6. The sewing machine body 2 includes: a first arm 2A provided with an actuator 12; a base 2B opposed to the first arm 2A; a second arm 2C connecting one end of the first arm 2A on the +X side to the base 2B; and a head 2D provided at the other end of the first arm 2A on the -X side and supporting the needle bar 3.

[0034] The first arm 2A extends in the X-axis direction. The base 2B is arranged at a position closer to the -Z direction than the first arm 2A and extends in the X-axis direction. The second arm 2C extends in the Z-axis direction and connects one end of the +X side of the first arm 2A to one end of the +X side of the base 2B. The head 2D protrudes in the -Z direction from the other end of the -X side of the first arm 2A.

[0035] The needle bar 3 holds a sewing machine needle 3A. The needle bar 3 holds one or more sewing machine needles 3A. In the embodiment, the sewing machine 1 has two sewing machine needles 3A mounted on the needle bar 3, and can form stitches in parallel with the sewing machine needles 3A.

[0036] The needle bar 3 holds the sewing machine needle 3A in such a manner that the sewing machine needle 3A is parallel to the Z axis. The needle bar 3 reciprocates in the Z axis direction. The needle bar 3 is supported by the head 2D. The sewing machine needle 3A has a threading hole for passing the upper thread UT. The sewing machine needle 3A holds the upper thread UT on the inner surface of the threading hole. Different upper threads UT are supplied to each sewing machine needle 3A. As the needle bar 3 reciprocates in the Z axis direction, the sewing machine needle 3A reciprocates in the Z axis direction while holding the upper thread UT.

[0037] The thread take-up lever 4 supplies the upper thread UT to the sewing machine needle 3A. The thread take-up lever 4 inserts the number of upper threads UT (2 threads) corresponding to each sewing machine needle 3A, and operates in conjunction with the needle bar 3. The thread take-up lever 4 reciprocates in the Z-axis direction. In the embodiment, the thread take-up lever 4 is a so-called needle bar thread take-up lever that is fixed to the needle bar 3 and reciprocates integrally with the needle bar 3. The thread take-up lever 4 reciprocates in the Z-axis direction while holding each upper thread UT. The thread take-up lever 4 reciprocates in the Z-axis direction to extract or lift the upper thread UT used in sewing the sewing object MS by reciprocating in the Z-axis direction.

[0038] The needle plate 8 supports the sewing object MS. The needle plate 8 is arranged at a position closer to the -Z direction than the needle bar 3. The sewing machine needle 3A held by the needle bar 3 faces the needle plate 8. The needle plate 8 has a needle hole 7 through which the sewing machine needle 3A can pass. The sewing machine needle 3A that penetrates the sewing object supported by the needle plate 8 passes through the needle hole 7.

[0039] The looper 9 picks up the upper thread UT from the sewing machine needle 3A that penetrates the sewing object MS supported by the needle plate 8 and passes through the needle hole 7 of the needle plate 8. The looper 9 is arranged at a position closer to the -Z direction than the needle plate 8. The looper 9 is arranged inside the base 2B. The looper 9 is supported by the base 2B in a manner that allows it to rotate in the θY direction. The looper 9 holds the lower thread LT that is entangled with the upper thread UT to form a stitch. The same number of loopers 9 is provided as the sewing machine needle 3A. For convenience, Figure 2 Only one looper 9 is shown in the figure, but in the embodiment, two loopers 9 are provided corresponding to the two sewing machine needles 3A.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the upper thread regulator 10 applies tension to the upper thread UT supplied to the sewing machine needle 3A. The upper thread regulator 10 is supported by the first arm 2A. The upper thread regulator 10 is provided for each upper thread UT. The upper thread regulator 10 is arranged between the upper thread guide rod 14 and the thread take-up lever 4. An upper thread guide portion 15 is arranged between the thread take-up lever 4 and the sewing machine needle 3A. The upper thread guide portion 15 is provided in the head 2D. The upper thread guide portion 15 has a plurality of holes for each upper thread UT to be inserted respectively. The upper thread guide portion 15 guides each upper thread UT to the corresponding sewing machine needle 3A.

[0041] The lower thread adjuster 11 applies tension to the lower thread LT supplied to the bending needle 9. The lower thread adjuster 11 is supported by the first arm 2A. The lower thread adjuster 11 is provided for each lower thread LT. A plurality of lower thread guides 16 are provided in the second arm 2C. Each lower thread guide 16 guides each lower thread LT along a path from the lower thread adjuster 11 to the bending needle 9. Each lower thread LT is guided from the lower thread adjuster 11 along the second arm 2C toward the -Z direction through the lower thread guide 16, and is introduced into the base 2B. Each lower thread LT is supplied to the corresponding bending needle 9 in the base 2B via a lower thread guide not shown in the figure.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the actuator 12 generates power to reciprocate the needle bar 3 in the Z-axis direction. In addition, the actuator 12 generates power to swing the looper 9 in the θY direction. The actuator 12 includes a pulse motor. The actuator 12 is supported by the first arm 2A.

[0043] The transmission device 13 transmits the power generated by the actuator 12 to the needle bar 3 and the curved needle 9, respectively. The power generated by the actuator 12 is transmitted to the needle bar 3 via the transmission device 13. Therefore, the needle bar 3, the thread take-up lever 4 fixed to the needle bar 3, and the sewing machine needle 3A held by the needle bar 3 reciprocate in the Z-axis direction. In addition, the power generated by the actuator 12 is transmitted to the curved needle 9 via the transmission device 13. Therefore, the curved needle 9 swings in the θY direction synchronously with the reciprocating movement of the needle bar 3 in the Z-axis direction. The sewing machine 1 sews the sewing object MS by the cooperation of the sewing machine needle 3A held by the needle bar 3 and the curved needle 9.

[0044] Figure 2 1 shows a schematic structure of the transmission device 13. Figure 2 As shown, the transmission device 13 includes an arm shaft 13A arranged inside the first arm 2A, a base shaft 13B arranged inside the base 2B, and a looper shaft 13C arranged inside the base 2B.

[0045] The transmission device 13 also includes a pulley 13D provided on the arm shaft 13A, a pulley 13E provided on the base shaft 13B, and a timing belt 13F provided on the pulley 13D and the pulley 13E.

[0046] The arm shaft 13A extends in the X-axis direction. The actuator 12 is connected to one end portion on the +X side of the arm shaft 13A. The arm shaft 13A rotates in the θX direction by the operation of the actuator 12.

[0047] The other end of the arm shaft 13A on the -X side is connected to the needle bar 3 via the head transmission mechanism 13G. The power generated by the actuator 12 is transmitted to the needle bar 3 via the arm shaft 13A and the head transmission mechanism 13G. As a result, the needle bar 3, the thread take-up lever 4 and the sewing machine needle 3A reciprocate in the Z-axis direction.

[0048] The base shaft 13B extends in the X-axis direction. The base shaft 13B is arranged parallel to the arm shaft 13A. The base shaft 13B can rotate in the θX direction. The power of the actuator 12 is transmitted to the base shaft 13B via a pulley 13D provided on the arm shaft 13A, a pulley 13E provided on the base shaft 13B, and a timing belt 13F provided on the pulley 13D and the pulley 13E.

[0049] The other end of the -X side of the base shaft 13B is connected to the bending needle shaft 13C via the transmission mechanism 13H. The power generated by the actuator 12 is transmitted to the bending needle shaft 13C via the arm shaft 13A, the base shaft 13B and the transmission mechanism 13H. The transmission mechanism 13H is an eccentric cam mechanism. The transmission mechanism 13H connects the swing arm 13C1 connected to the bending needle shaft 13C and the base shaft 13B. The transmission mechanism 13H uses the power generated by the actuator 12 to reciprocate the front end of the swing arm 13C1 up and down.

[0050] The bending needle shaft 13C is arranged at a position closer to the +Z direction than the base shaft 13B. The bending needle shaft 13C extends in the Y-axis direction. The bending needle shaft 13C can rotate in the θY direction. The bending needle shaft 13C is supported by the base 2B. The swing arm 13C1 extends from the bending needle shaft 13C in the radial direction. The bending needle shaft 13C swings back and forth within a specified angle range as the front end of the swing arm 13C1 moves back and forth in the upward and downward directions.

[0051] The bending needle 9 is fixed to the bending needle shaft 13C. Thus, the bending needle 9 and the bending needle shaft 13C reciprocate and swing integrally around the rotation axis AX (in the θY direction) within a specified angle range. The rotation axis AX is the central axis of the bending needle shaft 13C. The bending needle 9 reciprocates in a manner that the trajectory of the up and down reciprocating motion of the front end portion relative to the sewing machine needle 3A intersects in the X direction. The bending needle 9 has a hook-shaped front end portion. The bending needle 9 has a threading hole for the lower thread LT to pass through at the front end portion. The bending needle 9 holds the lower thread LT on the inner surface of the threading hole. Each lower thread LT is supplied to each bending needle 9.

[0052] (Upper feed mechanism and lower feed mechanism)

[0053] Figure 3 Schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the upper feed mechanism 5 and the lower feed mechanism 6 of the present embodiment, viewed from the X-axis direction. Figure 2 The mechanism for operating the needle bar 3 and the looper 9 is shown, and the mechanism for operating the upper feed mechanism 5 and the lower feed mechanism 6 is omitted. Figure 3 The mechanism for operating the upper feed mechanism 5 and the lower feed mechanism 6 is shown, and the mechanism for operating the needle bar 3 and the looper 9 is omitted.

[0054] The upper feed mechanism 5 is provided on the head 2D. The upper feed mechanism 5 includes: an upper feed rod 31 that swings, and a feed foot 32 provided on the lower end of the upper feed rod 31. The upper feed rod 31 holds the feed foot 32. The upper feed rod 31 is supported on the head 2D so that it can swing. The upper feed rod 31 extends in the Z-axis direction. The upper feed rod 31 is rotatably mounted on the support shaft 33 at the upper end. The support shaft 33 is connected to the upper feed transmission mechanism 13J to swing the upper feed rod 31. The feed foot 32 is a contact portion that contacts the sewing object MS from above and moves in the feed direction. The feed foot 32 is arranged in the +Z direction of the needle plate 8. The feed foot 32 is opposite to the lower feed mechanism 6 in the Z-axis direction via the opening 8A formed in the needle plate 8. The feed foot 32 moves in the YZ plane according to the prescribed upper feed trajectory as the upper feed rod 31 swings.

[0055] The lower feed mechanism 6 is provided on the base 2B. The lower feed mechanism 6 is arranged in the -Z direction of the needle plate 8. The lower feed mechanism 6 has: a lower feed portion 61, and a feed table 62 that supports the lower feed portion 61. The lower feed portion 61 is a contact portion that contacts the sewing object MS from below. The lower feed portion 61 clamps the sewing object MS together with the upper feed mechanism 5. The lower feed portion 61 moves along a prescribed lower feed trajectory as the feed table 62 swings. The lower feed portion 61 moves up and down from the opening 8A of the needle plate 8 during the movement along the lower feed trajectory. The feed table 62 holds the lower feed portion 61. The feed table 62 is swingably supported on the base 2B. The feed table 62 extends in the Y-axis direction. One end and the other end of the feed table 62 in the Y-axis direction are connected to the lower shaft 13K1 and the lower shaft 13K2, respectively. The feed table 62 and the lower shaft 13K1 are connected via a swing arm 13K3, and the feed table 62 and the lower shaft 13K2 are connected via a swing arm 13K4.

[0056] The transmission device 13 transmits the power generated by the actuator 12 to the upper feed mechanism 5 and the lower feed mechanism 6 respectively. The power generated by the actuator 12 is transmitted to the upper feed mechanism 5 and the lower feed mechanism 6 via the transmission device 13. Therefore, the upper feed mechanism 5 and the lower feed mechanism 6 swing along a predetermined feed trajectory. The sewing machine 1 moves the sewing object MS in the feed direction (Y-axis direction) by the cooperation of the upper feed mechanism 5 and the lower feed mechanism 6.

[0057] The transmission device 13 includes: an upper feed transmission mechanism 13J that transmits power to the upper feed mechanism 5, and a lower feed transmission mechanism 13K that transmits power to the lower feed mechanism 6. The swing lever 13J2 is installed on the arm shaft 13A via the eccentric cam 13J1. The arm shaft 13A is connected to the upper feed transmission mechanism 13J via the swing lever 13J2. The upper feed transmission mechanism 13J is set in the head 2D and is connected to the support shaft 33 of the upper feed mechanism 5. The power generated by the actuator 12 is transmitted to the support shaft 33 of the upper feed mechanism 5 via the arm shaft 13A and the upper feed transmission mechanism 13J. Therefore, the upper feed mechanism 5 performs a feeding action in conjunction with the action of the needle bar 3 (sewing machine needle 3A).

[0058] The upper feed transmission mechanism 13J uses a cam mechanism to move the support shaft 33 up and down in the Z-axis direction, while reciprocating the upper feed rod 31 in the Y-axis direction like a pendulum with the support shaft 33 as a fulcrum. The feed foot 32 provided at the lower end of the upper feed rod 31 performs a circular motion according to the upper feed trajectory by synthesizing the up and down motion and the pendulum motion in the Y-axis direction. The upper feed trajectory is an elliptical (or rectangular) rotational motion in the θX direction in the YZ plane. The upper feed trajectory is composed of an outward path for feeding the sewing object MS in the feed direction (+Y direction) and a return path for separating from the sewing object MS and returning to the feed start position. In the outward path, the feed foot 32 moves from the feed start position to the feed end position in the feed direction (+Y direction) in a state of contact with the sewing object MS (a state of descending in the -Z direction). In the return path, the feed foot 32 returns from the feed end position to the feed start position along the -Y direction in a state of being away from the sewing object MS along the +Z direction. The feed start position is the position at the -Y direction end or near the end of the upper feed trajectory of the feed foot 32. The feed end position is the position at the +Y direction end or near the end of the upper feed trajectory of the feed foot 32.

[0059] In addition, the upper feed transmission mechanism 13J is also connected to the cloth presser foot 17. The power generated by the actuator 12 is transmitted to the cloth presser foot 17 via the upper feed transmission mechanism 13J. The upper feed transmission mechanism 13J causes the cloth presser foot 17 to move up and down in conjunction with the upper feed mechanism 5 through the cam mechanism. Regarding the cloth presser foot 17, the difference from the feeding action of the upper feed mechanism 5 is that the cloth presser foot 17 is reciprocated along the Z-axis direction. The upper feed rod 31 and the cloth presser foot 17 are alternately moved up and down by the upper feed transmission mechanism 13J. That is, when the upper feed mechanism 5 feeds the sewing object MS along the outward path of the upper feed trajectory, the presser foot portion 17A of the cloth presser foot 17 rises and moves away from the sewing object MS. When the upper feed mechanism 5 moves upward away from the sewing object MS on the return path of the upper feed trajectory, the presser foot portion 17A of the cloth presser foot 17 descends and presses the sewing object MS. As described above, the sewing machine 1 of the embodiment includes the alternating up-and-down movement mechanism in which the upper feed mechanism 5 and the cloth presser foot 17 alternately move up and down.

[0060] In addition, the sewing machine 1 includes a force applying mechanism 18 for applying force to the upper feed mechanism 5 in the -Z direction. The force applying mechanism 18 includes a compression coil spring 18A. The force applying mechanism 18 applies force to the support shaft 33 in the -Z direction through the compression coil spring 18A. The force applying mechanism 18 applies force to the support shaft 33 via the upper feed transmission mechanism 13J. In the return path of the upper feed trajectory, the upper feed transmission mechanism 13J overcomes the force of the force applying mechanism 18 and raises the upper feed rod 31 and the feed foot 32 in the +Z direction. The force applying mechanism 18 is compressed when raising the upper feed rod 31 and the feed foot 32 in the +Z direction. In the outward path of the upper feed trajectory, the force applying mechanism 18 applies force to the feed foot 32 relative to the lower feed part 61 via the upper feed rod 31. In the outward path of the upper feed trajectory, even if the feed foot 32 and the lower feed part 61 are relatively displaced in the Z-axis direction according to their respective feed trajectories, the contact state (clamping state) between the feed foot 32 and the lower feed part 61 via the sewing object MS is maintained by the force of the force applying mechanism 18. In addition, the force applying mechanism 18 applies force to the cloth presser foot 17 in the -Z direction by means of the compression coil spring 18A. Therefore, when the cloth presser foot 17 is lowered, the contact state between the presser foot part 17A and the sewing object MS can be maintained.

[0061] The lower feeding transmission mechanism 13K includes a swing arm 13K3 and a swing arm 13K4 respectively arranged on the lower shaft 13K1 and the lower shaft 13K2. Figure 2 As shown, the lower shaft 13K1 is connected to the arm shaft 13A through a transmission part 13K5. The transmission part 13K5 includes: an eccentric cam provided on the arm shaft 13A, an arm provided on the lower shaft 13K1, and a connecting rod connected to the eccentric cam and the arm. The lower shaft 13K1 reciprocates within a prescribed angle range by using the power generated by the actuator 12. The lower shaft 13K2 is connected to the base shaft 13B through a transmission part 13K6. The transmission part 13K6 includes: an eccentric cam provided on the base shaft 13B and an arm provided on the lower shaft 13K2. The lower shaft 13K2 reciprocates within a prescribed angle range via the base shaft 13B by using the power generated by the actuator 12.

[0062] like Figure 3As shown, the swing arm 13K3 and the lower shaft 13K1 integrally reciprocate within a prescribed angle range, thereby swinging one end of the feed table 62. The swing arm 13K4 and the lower shaft 13K2 integrally reciprocate within a prescribed angle range, thereby swinging the other end of the feed table 62. The feed table 62 swings the lower feed portion 61 along a substantially elliptical lower feed trajectory by swinging one end and the other end. The lower feed trajectory is an elliptical rotational motion in the θX direction in the YZ plane. The lower feed trajectory consists of an outward path for feeding the sewing object MS in the feed direction (+Y direction) and a return path for separating from the sewing object MS and returning to the feed start position. In the outward path, the lower feed portion 61 moves from the feed start position to the feed end position along the feed direction (+Y direction) in a state of contact with the sewing object MS (a state of rising in the +Z direction). In the outward path, the lower feed portion 61 protrudes upward from the opening 8A of the needle plate 8 and rises to a position in contact with the lower surface of the feed foot 32 of the upper feed mechanism 5. Therefore, the sewing object MS on the needle plate 8 is clamped by the feed foot 32 and the lower feed portion 61. In the return path, the lower feed portion 61 returns from the feed end position to the feed start position in the -Y direction in a state of being away from the sewing object MS in the -Z direction. In the return path, the lower feed portion 61 is arranged below the opening 8A of the needle plate 8.

[0063] At the moment when the sewing machine needle 3A rises and separates from the sewing object MS, the upper feed mechanism 5 and the lower feed mechanism 6 perform a forward feeding action. The feed foot 32 and the lower feed unit 61 clamp the sewing object MS at the feed start position and move in the feed direction (+Y direction) in the clamped state. At the moment when the sewing machine needle 3A descends and penetrates the sewing object MS, the upper feed mechanism 5 and the lower feed mechanism 6 perform a return action. The feed foot 32 and the lower feed unit 61 separate from the sewing object MS at the feed end position and move to the -Y direction to the feed start position. By repeatedly performing the feeding action of the upper feed mechanism 5 and the lower feed mechanism 6 in conjunction with the up and down movement of the sewing machine needle 3A, stitches are formed one by one.

[0064] (Feed foot)

[0065] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the feed leg 32 of the upper feed mechanism 5 according to the embodiment. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the feed foot 32 of the embodiment alone.

[0066] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the feed foot 32 includes a main body 41 , a presser protrusion 42 , and a contact member 43 .

[0067] The main body 41 is a component mounted on the lower end of the upper feed rod 31. The main body 41 has a mounting portion 41A connected to the upper feed rod 31 at the +Z direction end. The main body 41 has a pair of legs 41B and 41C branched into two parts from the -Z direction end of the mounting portion 41A. The pair of legs 41B and 41C extend downward at a position offset in the -X direction and the +X direction with the mounting portion 41A as the center. The leg 41B extends from the mounting portion 41A in the -X direction and then bends in the -Z direction. The leg 41C extends from the mounting portion 41A in the +X direction and then bends in the -Z direction. The pair of legs 41B and 41C respectively support the abutment components 43.

[0068] The presser foot protrusion 42 is a columnar portion protruding downward from the main body 41. The presser foot protrusion 42 is fixed to the main body 41. The presser foot protrusion 42 is formed integrally with the main body 41. The presser foot protrusion 42 is arranged at a position between a pair of foot portions 41B and 41C. The presser foot protrusion 42 extends linearly from the -Z direction end of the mounting portion 41A in the -Z direction. The presser foot protrusion 42 has a flat lower end surface. The presser foot protrusion 42 can contact a part of the lower feed portion 61 of the lower feed mechanism 6 at the lower end surface. In the outward path (feeding action) of the feed foot 32, the presser foot protrusion 42 clamps the sewing object MS together with a part of the lower feed portion 61.

[0069] The abutment member 43 is a portion that contacts the sewing object MS during the feeding action of the sewing object MS. The abutment member 43 is provided at the lower portion of the main body 41. The abutment member 43 is provided at a pair of legs 41B and 41C of the main body 41, respectively. The abutment member 43 is a member different from the main body 41, and is mounted on a pair of legs 41B and 41C. In the embodiment, the abutment member 43 is provided so as to be able to swing up and down relative to the main body 41. The abutment member 43 extends in the Y-axis direction. The abutment member 43 has: a mounting portion 43A mounted on the main body 41 (leg 41B or leg 41C), and a protruding portion 43B protruding from the mounting portion 43A.

[0070] The mounting portion 43A is provided at the +Y direction end of the abutment member 43. The mounting portion 43A has: a bottom plate portion 51 which is vertically opposed to the lower surface of the main body portion 41 (leg 41B or leg 41C), and a pair of side wall portions 52 which stand up from both ends of the bottom plate portion 51 in the X-axis direction. The pair of side wall portions 52 are arranged on both sides of the leg (41B or 41C) in the X-axis direction. The pair of side wall portions 52 and the leg (41B or 41C) are connected by the shaft member 44. The shaft member 44 penetrates the pair of side wall portions 52 and the leg (41B or 41C) located therebetween in the X-axis direction. Therefore, each abutment member 43 is mounted relative to the main body 41 so as to be rotatable around the shaft member 44. The abutment member 43 can swing in the θX direction around the shaft member 44 within a specified movable range described later.

[0071] The protrusion 43B protrudes from the end of the mounting portion 43A in the -Y direction toward the -Y direction. The protrusion 43B has an elongated plate shape. The front end of the protrusion 43B is bent in the +Z direction to prevent the sewing object MS from being caught on the return path.

[0072] The contact member 43 has feed teeth 43C on the lower surface thereof for contacting the sewing object MS. The feed teeth 43C are provided from one end to the other end in the Y-axis direction of the contact member 43. The feed teeth 43C are formed on the lower surface of the mounting portion 43A and the lower surface of the protruding portion 43B.

[0073] A gap D in the X-axis direction is provided between each contact member 43 provided on a pair of leg portions 41B and 41C. The presser foot protrusion 42 is arranged in the region of the gap D. Figure 4 As shown, the feed foot 32 is mounted on the upper feed rod 31 in the following manner: in the X-axis direction, the sewing machine needle 3A is arranged between a pair of abutment members 43. The sewing machine needle 3A is arranged in the area of ​​the interval D between the pair of abutment members 43 and is arranged at the position of the presser foot protrusion 42 in the -Y direction. Figure 5 , the needle drop position P of the sewing machine needle 3A is shown. The sewing machine needle 3A passes through the needle drop position P in the vertical direction. The presser foot protrusion 42 is arranged on a straight line in the Y-axis direction with respect to the needle drop position P (ie, the sewing machine needle 3A).

[0074] like Figure 5 As shown, when the sewing machine needle 3A performs sewing while feeding the sewing object MS in the +Y direction, a stitch SL extending from the needle drop position P in the +Y direction is formed on the sewing object MS. The presser foot protrusion 42 presses and clamps the part of the stitch SL that has been formed together with the lower feed portion 61 of the lower feed mechanism 6. Therefore, the presser foot protrusion 42 has the following function, namely: presses with the up and down movement of the sewing machine needle 3A at the needle drop position P and the feeding movement of the sewing object MS to prevent the upper thread UT of the part of the stitch SL that has been formed from being pulled back. That is, with respect to the upper thread UT, by the tension acting on the upper thread UT, a new part of the upper thread UT is pulled out from the thread take-up lever 4 side (the thread supply source provided on the upper thread seat not shown) and supplied to the sewing machine needle 3A for the formation of the stitch SL. At this time, tension also acts on the part of the stitch SL that has been formed in the upper thread UT. If the upper thread UT of the part of the stitch SL is pulled out, it will cause the seam shrinkage, etc. Therefore, the presser foot protrusion 42 presses the formed stitch SL to prevent the upper thread UT from being pulled out from the stitch SL side. In addition, in the embodiment, the abutment member 43 is swingably mounted on the main body 41, thereby preventing the presser foot protrusion 42 from being separated from the sewing object MS (stitch SL) during the feeding operation.

[0075] In addition, Figure 4 In the region of the interval D between the pair of abutting members 43 (refer to Figure 5 ) is provided with a presser foot portion 17A of a cloth presser foot 17. The presser foot portion 17A of the cloth presser foot 17 is provided with: a through hole for the sewing machine needle 3A to pass through, and a through hole for the presser foot protrusion 42 to pass through, which are omitted in the figure. Therefore, the sewing machine needle 3A and the feed foot 32 operate without interfering with the cloth presser foot 17.

[0076] Figure 6 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the presser foot protrusion 42 of the feed foot 32 according to the embodiment. Figure 7 It is a side view of the feed foot 32 of embodiment. Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram showing the urging member 45 provided on the feed foot 32 . Fig. 9 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the movable range of the contact member 43 according to the embodiment.

[0077] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the abutment component 43 extends along the feeding direction and has one end E1 close to the presser foot protrusion 42 and the other end E2 away from the presser foot protrusion 42. The one end E1 is the end in the +Y direction, and the other end E2 is the end in the -Y direction. The one end E1 is the +Y direction end of the mounting portion 43A, and the other end E2 is the front end of the protrusion 43B in the -Y direction. The shaft component 44 is located between the one end E1 and the other end E2 of the abutment component 43, and supports the abutment component 43 rotatably. The abutment component 43 is configured so that the other end E2 can swing up and down by rotating around the shaft component 44. The presser foot protrusion 42 is arranged between the one end E1 of the abutment component 43 and the shaft component 44 in the Y-axis direction. As shown Figure 8 As shown, when the abutting member 43 moves in the R1 direction ( Figure 8 When the contact member 43 rotates in the R2 direction (in the counterclockwise direction), the first portion 46A from the shaft member 44 to the other end E2 rotates in the +Z direction, and the second portion 46B from the shaft member 44 to the one end E1 rotates in the -Z direction. Figure 8 When the first part 46A rotates in the -Z direction, the second part 46B rotates in the +Z direction.

[0078] The contact member 43 is capable of swinging within a predetermined angle range. A first restriction surface 47A and a second restriction surface 47B are formed on the lower surfaces of the leg portions 41B and 41C of the main body portion 41 . Figure 8Only the foot 41B is shown, and the lower surface of the foot 41C is also the same as the foot 41B. The first limiting surface 47A and the second limiting surface 47B are opposed to the upper surface of the bottom plate 51 of the mounting portion 43A up and down (along the Z-axis direction). The first limiting surface 47A is a surface formed within the range of the -Y direction from the shaft member 44. The first limiting surface 47A contacts the bottom plate 51 of the contact member 43 that rotates in the R1 direction and limits the rotation. The first limiting surface 47A defines the movable limit of the contact member 43 in the R1 direction.

[0079] The second limiting surface 47B is a surface formed in the range of the +Y direction from the shaft member 44. The second limiting surface 47B contacts the bottom plate portion 51 of the contact member 43 rotating in the R2 direction and limits the rotation. The second limiting surface 47B defines the movable limit of the contact member 43 in the R2 direction. Fig. 9 As shown, the contact member 43 is able to swing within the movable range AM by the first restriction surface 47A and the second restriction surface 47B.

[0080] In an embodiment, if Figure 8 As shown, the feed foot 32 includes a force-applying member 45, which applies force in a direction that causes the other end E2 of the contact member 43 to rotate upward with the shaft member 44 as the center. The force-applying member 45 is arranged between the foot portions 41B and 41C of the main body 41 and the contact members 43 respectively mounted on the foot portions 41B and 41C. Specifically, the force-applying member 45 is accommodated in a retaining hole 41D formed on the lower surface (second limiting surface 47B) of the foot portions 41B and 41C. The force-applying member 45 is a compression coil spring. The upper end of the force-applying member 45 is supported on the inner surface of the retaining hole 41D. The lower end of the force-applying member 45 is supported on the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 51 of the contact member 43. The force-applying member 45 is arranged in a compressed state. Therefore, the force-applying member 45 applies force downward to the bottom plate portion 51 of the contact member 43. The force-applying member 45 is arranged at a position closer to the +Y direction than the shaft member 44. That is, the urging member 45 urges the contact member 43 at a position closer to the one end E1 side than the shaft member 44. Therefore, the urging member 45 urges the contact member 43 to rotate in the R1 direction.

[0081] The contact member 43 is maintained at the position of the movable limit in the R1 direction in contact with the first limiting surface 47A by the force of the force applying member 45 when the contact member 43 is not in contact with the lower feed portion 61 of the lower feed mechanism 6 through the sewing object MS. That is, the contact member 43 maintains the state in which the front end of the protrusion 43B, i.e., the other end E2, rises in the +Z direction. The contact member 43 is compressed by the reaction force from the lower feed portion 61 when the contact member 43 is in contact with the lower feed portion 61 through the sewing object MS, i.e., when the contact member 43 clamps the sewing object MS. The contact member 43 is at an angle within the movable range at which the force acting on the second portion 46B is balanced with the force acting on the first portion 46A. That is, the contact member 43 is in a surface contact state in which both the first portion 46A and the second portion 46B (via the sewing object MS) are in contact with the lower feed portion 61.

[0082] The contact member 43 maintains a surface contact state with the lower feed section 61 during the feeding operation. The feed foot 32 changes its inclination angle (inclination angle relative to the Z axis in the YZ plane) during the movement along the upper feed trajectory due to the swing of the upper feed rod 31. Similarly, the lower feed section 61 changes its inclination angle during the movement along the lower feed trajectory due to the swing of the feed table 62. The swing angle of the contact member 43 changes according to the difference in the inclination angles of the feed foot 32 and the lower feed section 61. The contact member 43 swings in a manner that maintains the clamping state of the presser foot protrusion 42 and the lower feed section 61 according to the inclination angle φ of the swinging upper feed rod 31. That is, the contact member 43 changes its swing angle so that the contact member 43 and the lower feed section 61 maintain a surface contact state via the sewing object MS during the feeding operation of the outward path of the upper feed trajectory. Since the contact member 43 and the lower feed portion 61 are in surface contact via the sewing object MS, the friction resistance between the contact member 43 and the lower feed portion 61 and the sewing object MS is increased, so that a large feed force can be applied to the sewing object MS.

[0083] By maintaining the surface contact state between the abutment member 43 and the lower feed portion 61, the contact state between the presser foot protrusion 42 of the main body 41 and the lower feed portion 61 is also maintained. By maintaining the contact state between the presser foot protrusion 42 and the lower feed portion 61, the formed stitch SL can be appropriately pressed to prevent the upper thread UT from being pulled out due to tension.

[0084] Fig.10 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the feed foot 32 and the lower feed unit 61 in the feed operation of the sewing machine 1 according to the embodiment. Fig.11 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the feeding action of the comparative example. In order to understand the feeding action, Fig.10 and Fig.11The amount of movement in the Y-axis direction is shown in an enlarged manner. Therefore, the size ratio (size) of the feed foot 32 and the lower feed unit 61 shown in the figure is inconsistent with the amount of movement in the Y-axis direction. In addition, the positional relationship between the feed foot 32 and the lower feed unit 61 when the sewing object MS is not configured is shown here.

[0085] (Present Implementation Method)

[0086] Fig.10 (A) shows a state where the feed foot 32 and the lower feed unit 61 are located at the feed start position. Fig.10 (B) shows a state where the feed foot 32 and the lower feed unit 61 are halfway from the feed start position toward the feed end position. Fig.10 (C) shows a state where the feed foot 32 and the lower feed unit 61 are located at the feed end position.

[0087] As described above, in the process of moving along the feeding track, the upper feeding rod 31 and the feeding foot 32 do not move in translation, but swing, so the inclination angle of the upper feeding rod 31 relative to the Z axis changes. Fig.10 , set the feed start position ( Fig.10 The center axis of the upper feed rod 31 at the position of (A) is RX (A), and the center axis of the upper feed rod 31 at the feeding midway and feeding end positions is RX (B) and RX (C), respectively. The inclination angle of RX (B) and RX (C) relative to the reference line parallel to the center axis RX (A) is φ.

[0088] like Fig.10 As shown in (A), at the feed start position, the lower surface of the contact member 43 of the feed foot 32 contacts the upper surface of the lower feed portion 61. During the rise of the feed foot 32, as shown in Figure 8 As shown, the contact member 43 is maintained by the force applying member 45 in a posture where the other end E2 is located above the one end E1. Therefore, the second portion 46B on the one end E1 side of the contact member 43 first contacts the lower feed portion 61. The lower surface of the presser foot protrusion 42 contacts the corresponding portion of the upper surface of the lower feed portion 61.

[0089] Since the force-applying member 45 is compressed by the reaction force applied to the second portion 46B from the lower feed portion 61, the contact member 43 rotates in the R2 direction until the first portion 46A on the other end E2 side contacts the lower feed portion 61. As a result, the contact member 43 and the lower feed portion 61 are in surface contact. Fig.10 In (A), the angle α1 formed by the central axis of the upper feed rod 31 and the upper surface of the abutment member 43 is approximately 90 degrees. Fig.10 (A) to Fig.10 In the process of (C), the upper feed rod 31 and the feed foot 32 are integrally driven by the force applying mechanism 18 (refer to Figure 3 ) is in a state where force is applied in the -Z direction, so that even if the relative position of the feed foot 32 and the lower feed part 61 in the up-down direction changes, the abutment state is maintained.

[0090] like Fig.10 As shown in (B), between the feed start position and the feed end position, the abutment component 43 of the feed foot 32 and the lower feed portion 61 maintain a contact state. As the feed moves in the +Y direction, the center axis of the upper feed rod 31 tilts toward the -Y direction. As the upper feed rod 31 tilts, the presser foot protrusion 42 maintains the abutment state with the lower feed portion 61, and the main body 41 of the feed foot 32 also tilts. The abutment component 43 swings in the R1 direction by the amount of the inclination angle φ. The abutment component 43 maintains a surface contact state with the lower feed portion 61 by swinging. Fig.10 In (B), the angle α2 formed between the central axis of the upper feed rod 31 and the upper surface of the contact member 43 is reduced by the inclination angle φ (α2<α1).

[0091] like Fig.10 As shown in (C), if the feed foot 32 reaches the feeding end position, the central axis of the upper feed rod 31 further tilts toward the -Y direction, and the tilt angle φ increases. The main body 41 of the feed foot 32 also tilts further while maintaining the abutment between the presser foot protrusion 42 and the lower feed portion 61. The abutment component 43 tilts further toward the R1 direction with an increased amount of the tilt angle φ. Therefore, the abutment component 43 maintains a surface contact state with the lower feed portion 61 by swinging. Fig.10 In (C), the angle α3 formed between the central axis of the upper feed rod 31 and the upper surface of the abutment member 43 is reduced by the increase in the inclination angle φ (α3<α2).

[0092] Thus, when the sewing object MS is being sewn between the feed foot 32 and the lower feed section 61, the upper feed mechanism 5 maintains the state of the sewing object MS being clamped by both the contact member 43 and the presser foot protrusion 42 from the feed start position in which the sewing object MS is clamped with the lower feed mechanism 6 until the feed end position is reached. As a result, the stitches SL can be pressed by the presser foot protrusion 42 while performing an appropriate feeding operation.

[0093] (Comparative Example)

[0094] exist Fig.11 In the comparative example shown, both the presser protrusion C42 and the abutment member C43 are fixed to the main body C41. Both the presser protrusion C42 and the abutment member C43 are formed integrally with the main body C41. Therefore, the abutment member C43 cannot swing. The angle β between the central axis of the upper feed rod 31 and the upper surface of the abutment member C43 is constant and does not change. Fig.11 Middle, lower feed part 61 and Fig.10 same.

[0095] Fig.11 (A) shows a state where the feed foot C32 and the lower feed unit 61 are located at the feed start position. Fig.11 (B) shows a state where the feed foot C32 and the lower feed unit 61 are halfway from the feed start position toward the feed end position. Fig.11 (C) shows a state where the feed foot C32 and the lower feed unit 61 are located at the feed end position.

[0096] like Fig.11 As shown in (A) of FIG. 1 , in the comparative example, at the feed start position, the contact member C43 of the feed foot C32 and the upper surface of the lower feed portion 61 are also in surface contact. The lower surface of the presser foot protrusion C42 contacts the corresponding portion of the upper surface of the lower feed portion 61 .

[0097] like Fig.11 As shown in (B), between the feed start position and the feed end position, as the feed moves in the +Y direction, the center axis of the upper feed rod 31 tilts toward the -Y direction. As the upper feed rod 31 tilts, the feed foot C32 (main body C41, presser foot protrusion C42, and abutment component C43) tilts. Therefore, the abutment component C43 contacts the lower feed portion 61 on the other end E2 side (corresponding to the portion of the first portion 46A), but due to the tilt, the one end E1 side is lifted from the lower feed portion 61. Similarly, the lower surface of the presser foot protrusion C42 is lifted from the upper surface of the lower feed portion 61, forming a gap CL.

[0098] like Fig.11 As shown in (C), if the feed foot 32 reaches the feeding end position, the central axis of the upper feed rod 31 is further inclined toward the -Y direction, and the inclination angle φ increases. The entire feed foot C32 is further inclined by the increased amount of the inclination angle φ. The abutment component C43 is in a state of approximately point contact with the lower feed portion 61 on the other end E2 side, and the entire end E1 side is lifted from the lower feed portion 61. Similarly, the gap CL between the presser foot protrusion C42 and the lower feed portion 61 is enlarged. In the comparative example, the upper feed rod 31 and the feed foot C32 are integrally pressed by the force applying mechanism 18 (refer to Figure 3 ) applies force in the -Z direction, so although the contact between the feed foot C32 and the lower feed section 61 is maintained, since the contact member C43 is fixed, when the feed foot C32 is tilted, only a part of the contact member C43 is in point contact with the lower feed section 61. As a result, when sewing is performed with the sewing object MS between the feed foot C32 and the lower feed section 61, the presser foot protrusion C42 does not press the stitch SL sufficiently. In addition, since there is a moment when the contact area between the contact member C43 and the lower feed section 61 decreases, it is difficult to stably apply a large feed force.

[0099] In contrast, according to Fig.10 In the embodiment shown, as described above, the gap CL is prevented from being formed on the one end E1 side by the swinging of the contact member 43. As a result, both the pressing of the stitch SL and the stabilization of the feeding force are achieved.

[0100] (Effect)

[0101] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the sewing machine 1 comprises: a needle bar 3, which holds the sewing machine needle 3A and is driven in the up-down direction; and an upper feed mechanism 5, which is linked with the movement of the needle bar 3, contacts the sewing object MS from above and moves in the feeding direction, and the upper feed mechanism 5 includes: an upper feed bar 31 that swings, and a feed foot 32 arranged at the lower end of the upper feed bar 31, the feed foot 32 comprises: a main body 41, which is mounted on the lower end of the upper feed bar 31; a presser foot protrusion 42, which protrudes downward from the main body 41; and a contact part 43, which is arranged at the lower part of the main body 41 and has a feed tooth 43C on the lower surface that contacts the sewing object MS, and is arranged to be able to swing up and down relative to the main body 41.

[0102] Thus, during the feeding operation, when the presser foot protrusion 42 is pressing the sewing object MS from above, even if the inclination angle φ of the upper feed rod 31 increases, the pressing state of the presser foot protrusion 42 can be maintained by the inclination (swing) of the abutment member 43. Fig.11 As shown, in the case of the abutment member C43 that cannot swing, when the inclination angle φ of the upper feed rod 31 increases, the abutment member C43 cannot tilt, so the presser foot protrusion C42 is lifted, but Fig.10 In the embodiment shown, the angle (α1 to α3) of the contact member 43 is changed so that the presser protrusion 42 does not rise and can maintain the pressing state. Thus, even if the inclination angle of the upper feed portion changes, the sewing object MS can be appropriately pressed.

[0103] In addition, in the present embodiment, the contact member 43 extends in the feeding direction and has one end E1 close to the presser foot protrusion 42 and the other end E2 away from the presser foot protrusion 42, and is configured to enable the other end E2 to rotate up and down. Thus, even if the inclination angle φ of the upper feed rod 31 changes, the other end E2 of the contact member 43 can be rotated up and down to maintain the surface contact state. As a result, while maintaining the pressing state of the sewing object MS achieved by the presser foot protrusion 42, the contact area between the contact member 43 and the sewing object MS can be increased to exert a larger feeding force.

[0104] In addition, in the present embodiment, the upper feeding mechanism 5 further includes: an axis member 44, which connects the contact member 43 to the main body 41 in a rotatable manner at a position between the one end E1 and the other end E2 of the contact member 43; and a force applying member 45, which applies force in a direction to rotate the other end E2 upward around the axis member 44. Thus, when the feed foot 32 separates from the sewing object MS and rises, the other end E2 of the contact member 43 can be maintained in a state of being raised upward. As a result, when the feed foot 32 moves from the feed end position toward the feed start position above the sewing object MS, it is possible to prevent the other end E2 side of the contact member 43 from accidentally contacting the sewing object MS (hooking on the sewing object MS).

[0105] In addition, in the present embodiment, the sewing machine 1 further includes a lower feed mechanism 6, which has a lower feed portion 61 that contacts the sewing object MS from below and clamps the sewing object MS together with the upper feed mechanism 5 and moves in the feeding direction, and the abutment member 43 swings in a manner to maintain the clamping state of the presser foot protrusion 42 and the lower feed portion 61 according to the inclination angle φ of the swinging upper feed rod 31. Thus, during the feeding operation, even if the inclination angle φ of the upper feed rod 31 changes, the stitch SL can be continuously clamped by the presser foot protrusion 42 and the lower feed portion 61. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress the upper thread UT from being pulled out from the stitch SL side due to the tension of the upper thread UT.

[0106] In addition, in the present embodiment, the upper feed mechanism 5 maintains the state of clamping the sewing object MS by both the abutment member 43 and the presser foot protrusion 42 from the feed start position in which the upper feed mechanism 5 clamps the sewing object MS with the lower feed mechanism 6 until the upper feed mechanism 5 reaches the feed end position. Thus, during the entire feeding operation (outward path of the upper feed trajectory), it is possible to effectively suppress the upper thread UT from being pulled out from the stitch SL side due to the tension of the upper thread UT.

[0107] The technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate changes can be made within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0108] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is shown in which the surface contact state between the abutment part 43 and the lower feed part 61 is maintained by swinging the abutment part 43, but as long as the presser foot protrusion 42 can press the stitch SL even when the upper feed rod 31 is tilted, the abutment part 43 does not have to maintain the surface contact state.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the compression coil spring is used as the urging member 45 , but the urging member 45 may be, for example, a torsion spring or a tension spring that pulls the other end E2 of the contact member 43 in the R1 direction.

[0110] In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is shown in which the state in which the sewing object MS is clamped by both the abutment member 43 and the presser foot protrusion 42 is maintained from the feed start position in which the sewing object MS is clamped with the lower feed mechanism 6 until the feed end position is reached, but it is also possible that during a portion of the period from the feed start position to the feed end position, one or both of the abutment member 43 and the presser foot protrusion 42 temporarily does not clamp the sewing object MS.

Claims

1. A sewing machine comprising: A needle bar, which holds a sewing machine needle, is driven in an up-and-down direction; and The upper feeding mechanism is linked with the movement of the needle bar, contacts the sewing object from above and moves in the feeding direction. The upper feed mechanism includes: an upper feed rod that swings, and a feed foot disposed at the lower end of the upper feed rod. The feed foot has: A main body portion, which is mounted on the lower end portion of the upper feed rod; a presser foot protrusion protruding downward from the main body; as well as The contact member is provided at the lower part of the main body, has feed teeth on the lower surface thereof for contacting the sewing object, and is provided to be able to swing up and down relative to the main body.

2. The sewing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The abutment member extends in the feeding direction and has one end close to the presser foot protrusion and the other end away from the presser foot protrusion, and is provided so that the other end can be rotated up and down.

3. The sewing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper feeding mechanism further comprises: a shaft member that rotatably connects the abutment member to the main body at a position between the one end and the other end of the abutment member; as well as A biasing member biases the other end portion in a direction to rotate upward about the shaft member.

4. The sewing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The device further comprises a lower feeding mechanism, wherein the lower feeding mechanism has a lower feeding portion that contacts the sewing object from below and clamps the sewing object together with the upper feeding mechanism and moves it in the feeding direction. The abutment member is swung in accordance with the inclination angle of the swung upper feed rod so as to maintain the clamped state between the presser foot protrusion and the lower feed portion.

5. The sewing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that The upper feed mechanism maintains the state where the sewing object is sandwiched between the contact member and the presser foot protrusion from the feed start position where the upper feed mechanism sandwiches the sewing object with the lower feed mechanism until reaching the feed end position.

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