Multi-thread embroidery machine

Abstract

The invention provides an advanced multi-thread embroidery machine which can process a plurality of embroidery threads at the same time and generate complex patterns with automatic color and luster gradually changing, and even if the embroidery threads are broken, the operation is not interrupted. The invention comprises an integrated speed change mechanism which allows the rotating speed of the spool column group to be quickly adjusted without stopping the machine; the adjustable tension system can maintain constant embroidery thread tension and ensure the optimal embroidery quality; in addition, the embroidery machine further comprises a machine needle and a cloth pressing foot rod swinging mechanism, and the precision of embroidery patterns can be improved. The embroidery machine provided by the invention provides higher productivity and use flexibility, and reduces the maintenance cost.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of textile machinery technology, and more particularly, to an industrial or hand embroidery machine for creating embroidery patterns on various textile materials. The present invention focuses on improving multi-thread management, continuous operation, and speed variation of the embroidery machine. The present invention belongs to the category of mechanical embroidery machines, which can handle multiple embroidery threads simultaneously, thus enabling the creation of intricate and multi-color gradient embroidery patterns without frequent human intervention. BACKGROUND

[0002] The main operating steps of a mechanical embroidery machine are as follows:

[0003] Mechanical needle action: Mechanical embroidery machines use gears and cams to control the action of the needles. The gears or slide bars are driven by a predetermined pattern engraved on a drum or cylinder, which drives the needles. This repetitive motion allows the needles to embroider on the fabric according to the pattern established by the operator.

[0004] Cam model or tracer: Embroidery patterns are often determined by a template or a series of cams fixed inside the machine. These cams are precisely cut metal or wood blocks that guide the movement of various parts inside the machine. In some cases, a tracer is used, which reproduces a larger hand-drawn pattern onto the fabric frame located below the needles. This mechanical action reproduces the pattern on the fabric at a smaller scale, allowing multiple identical copies to be made.

[0005] Thread tension: In these machines, the embroidery thread tension is adjusted mechanically using screws and springs. The tension system maintains the thread at a constant tension to ensure uniform and balanced embroidery stitches. Improper tension adjustment can result in too loose or too tight stitches, affecting the quality of the embroidery.

[0006] Manual operation using foot pedal: Some mechanical embroidery machines are operated manually using a foot pedal (similar to old-fashioned sewing machines). The action of the foot pedal transmits power to the flywheel of the machine, which in turn actuates the internal mechanism. The operator must be agile to maintain consistent rhythm to ensure regular and precise stitches.

[0007] Fabric frame: Like modern machines, mechanical embroidery machines use a frame to hold the fabric in place. However, the operator must manually adjust the position of the frame between different parts of the embroidery, which requires high precision to correctly align the pattern and avoid misalignment.

[0008] Single-thread use: Mechanical machines are usually limited to using one embroidery thread at a time. If a pattern requires multiple colors, the operator must manually replace the embroidery thread for each color, which slows down the embroidery process.

[0009] Hand moving of fabric: In some machines, the movement of the fabric under the needle is not fully automated and the operator has to manually adjust the position of the fabric to coincide with the embroidery pattern. This requires excellent skill and experience to achieve consistent and pleasing results.

[0010] For example, French patent FR 730 878 relates to a mechanical embroidery machine operated by a crank, designed to perform the flat stitch, the edge stitch and the zigzag stitch. This machine is equipped with special needles that can maintain their vertical position while performing lateral stitches. This feature allows complex embroideries to be performed in which the amplitude of the lateral needle jump is different.

[0011] A particular feature of this machine is that the needles used can be moved laterally by means of a control lever and a specific guide system. The amplitude of the lateral jump of the needle can be adjusted in use, allowing the needle to follow precise paths according to the requirements of the embroidery. The lateral movement of the needle is controlled by another needle holder mounted on a forked lever, which is guided through an arcuate slot to adjust the height of the needle relative to the circular trajectory of the feeders below. This ensures that the needle and the feeders work efficiently even at high speeds.

[0012] Therefore, this machine comprises an insert differential mechanism to control the simultaneous movement of the needle and the feeders. This mechanism adjusts the position of the feeders according to variations in the amplitude of the lateral jump of the needle, to ensure that the point of the feeders is always in the correct position relative to the needle.

[0013] This machine is operated by means of a crank, the rotational movement of which is transmitted to the different mechanical components by means of a series of gears and transmission shafts. This system controls not only the vertical and lateral movement of the needle, but also the rotation of the feeders located below the needle plate.

[0014] This machine is designed for a wide range of embroidery applications, including the flat stitch, the edge stitch and the zigzag stitch, making this new model particularly suitable for complex embroideries that require precise control of the movement of the needle and the feeders. This improvement increases speed and precision, while at the same time ensuring the robustness of the machine in industrial or handwork.

[0015] British patent GB 212 1445 relates to an embroidery machine equipped with a special standby device for the machine, which allows several important components (including the needle, the needle guard, the presser bar) to be automatically retracted and repositioned when the sewing is powered off. The standby device comprises a lever and a cam mechanism, each component being raised by means of an individual lever connected to a specific cam, so that the vertical components can be moved out of the working area and returned to their operating position when the sewing is resumed.

[0016] Technically, this system uses multiple grooved cams and oscillating levers to synchronize the vertical movement of the needle, sleeve, and presser feet. These components are operated by rotating the cams 180 degrees to raise or lower them when work is paused or resumed. The levers are designed to raise these components, moving them away from the sewing area to clear space above the fabric, making it easier to change materials or correct stitches.

[0017] Furthermore, this new design incorporates a mechanism that allows adjustment of the needle height via a swing lever coupled to the main and auxiliary cams, thereby adjusting the length of the loops formed by the embroidery thread. This structure allows for precise adjustment of the embroidery loop length by correcting the center positions of the upper and lower needle stops, ensuring the continuity and consistency of the embroidery.

[0018] Other variations of the embodiments include an auxiliary locking mechanism that is synchronized with the main swing arm to enhance vertical needle movement control, providing more precise stitch management, and even for use in large-scale production environments.

[0019] Similarly, US Patent 1670978 relates to improvements in crank-operated embroidery machines, sewing machines, and openwork sewing machines. The presser foot is fixedly mounted on a rod and oscillates around two mutually perpendicular axes (XX axis and YY axis); guided by a hinge, it performs a vertical reciprocating motion. The hinge is mounted on a vertical tube (B) and has several protrusions with smooth drilled holes to allow smooth, backlash-free movement. A rigid component (E) is mounted on the tube in a backlash-free manner, serving as a main shaft to stabilize the overall system and prevent accidental lateral displacement. The oscillating component is positioned with screws (W1, W2, W3, W4) to ensure stable and precise alignment. This mechanism is based on the principle of a gimbal suspension, allowing the component to oscillate around the XX and YY axes while maintaining a fixed point on the ZZ vertical axis. This improves the system's durability and precision and reduces wear. Summary of the Invention

[0020] The main objective of this invention is to provide a multi-thread embroidery machine with an improved structural design, which allows the lid structure, lining structure, and zipper structure to be connected together without a sewing process, thereby reducing the assembly time for connecting the lid structure, lining structure, and zipper structure.

[0021] This invention relates to improvements in crank-operated embroidery machines, sewing machines, and openwork sewing machines, and particularly to improvements in a pivoting mechanism that allows the presser foot to move vertically and guides the fabric.

[0022] This invention addresses the technical challenges encountered in changing the speed of the bobbin assembly in sewing or embroidery machines without complex disassembly and gear replacement. Previously, to obtain different suitable speeds for specific sewing or embroidery needs, the machine had to be stopped, certain gears removed, and replaced with gears of different sizes, resulting in lengthy interruptions and increased costs.

[0023] To address this problem, the present invention provides a multi-thread embroidery machine, comprising at least one needle operably connected to the needle for forming embroidery stitches on a fabric; a presser foot guide arm with a U-shaped lower end, which, after installation, can move vertically parallel to the needle bar and slidably accommodate the needle bar; the presser foot guide arm can descend synchronously with the needle bar to press the fabric onto the position where the needle passes via a fabric presser foot; when the needle rises, the vertically moving presser foot guide arm can press the fabric against the circumference of the needle and move the fabric horizontally; characterized in that the multi-thread embroidery machine comprises:

[0024] A gearbox operated by a handle, which engages with a carriage and a keyway gear located on a main drive shaft; the gearbox allows a set of gears mounted on the main drive shaft to mesh with each other; the gearbox is equipped with a handle housing with perforations on its upper surface to indicate corresponding speeds; the handle can be locked at a selected speed and secured at the selected speed using a spring and a ball engaging with the perforations; and

[0025] At least one vertical spool assembly that rotates around a gear axis; the movable arm of the gear is equipped with a smoothing rod; the pressure applied to the spool can be adjusted by a spring pressing against the spool and an adjusting nut; the vertical spool assembly can be raised and lowered with the movable arm and can rotate around its axis with the movable arm to allow for the replacement or removal of the spool.

[0026] The multi-thread embroidery machine includes an L-shaped spool support mounted on the frame and equipped with at least one rotating spool holder with a horizontal axis perpendicular to the pivot of the spool flange. The L-shaped spool support allows for adjustment of the rotation of the embroidery thread around the hole according to different positions. A pin connected to a movable locking arm holds the carriage in the desired position while allowing the spool support to rotate along a longitudinal axis relative to the frame via gears.

[0027] The multi-thread embroidery machine, wherein a lifting assembly includes:

[0028] A needle bar that can move vertically through its upper and lower parts, and its upper end is provided with a gear with upper and lower flanges;

[0029] At least one needle is concentrically fixed at the lower end of the needle bar; a gear is mounted in the center of the needle bar; when the fabric to be embroidered is pushed forward parallel by the fabric feeding mechanism, the rotation of a drive motor or drive pulley is transmitted to the needle bar via the gear, driving the needle bar to rotate toward the fabric to be embroidered; and

[0030] A support body located at the rear of the upper end of the needle bar, and a lifting assembly capable of vertically moving at the front end of the support body; the lifting assembly includes a base, a first driving point extending laterally from the upper end, and a fork-shaped assembly protruding outward and providing a clamping effect.

[0031] The multi-thread embroidery machine, wherein the presser foot guide arm includes a four-way tube; the four-way tube allows the upper end of the presser foot guide arm to swing around two horizontal axes, the four-way tube has two flat surfaces, each with a through hole, the two through holes sharing an axis aligned with or parallel to the center side of the needle bar; the other two flat surfaces have smooth cylindrical holes, each of the smooth cylindrical holes being joined to a block with a trunnion.

[0032] The multi-thread embroidery machine further includes: a sleeve and several mating bevel gears; the bevel gears are capable of driving gears; the gears hold a needle plate, aligning it with the upper surface of the base plate and vertically aligning it with a curved needle that meshes with the machine needle; the curved needle is connected to a vertical shaft mounted in a fixed bearing sleeve, and the needle plate is rotated to mesh with each machine needle via gears and their associated mechanisms; the curved needle is driven by gears mounted on a shaft located in the bearing, wherein the shaft is keyed to a bevel gear and the bevel gear, and the associated mechanism is driven by a handle.

[0033] The multi-thread embroidery machine, wherein the guide wire mechanism includes: a rod of a brake assembly, which is slidably disposed within a drilled hole of a block; the block is embedded in the front end and has an arc-shaped extended support portion, the concave portion of the block and the support portion being shaped to fit around the outer periphery of a collar; a bolt penetrates the support portion and secures the block to the collar; a helical spring is installed in the drilled hole and positioned by an adjustable helical plug and engaged with the rear surface of the rod to elastically resist the retraction of the rod within the drilled hole; the rod has a groove to accommodate a stop screw for guiding the rod and preventing rotational movement; a stop member is provided at the end of the rod to resist the stop screw, so that the rod remains within the drilled hole; a relatively light helical spring is provided on the outer periphery of the rod and engaged between the brake and the front end of the block to apply an initial tension to the flange.

[0034] In the multi-thread embroidery machine, a presser foot guide arm is U-shaped, wherein the lateral dimension of the presser foot guide arm is larger than the longitudinal dimension of the vertical spool column assembly, so as to allow the spool column assembly to rotate around the axis of the presser foot guide arm.

[0035] In the aforementioned multi-thread embroidery machine, the belt drive system is replaced by a motorized drive system coupled to the main drive shaft.

[0036] This invention provides an integrated speed change device that allows for quick and easy adjustment of the speed of a bobbin assembly without disassembling or replacing gears. The device includes a carriage mounted on a machine spindle, which, by moving the carriage, engages different gears, each corresponding to a specific speed; and a locking arm with a spring pin, which engages with a predetermined hole on a fixed support frame to position the carriage, thus ensuring the stability and precision of speed adjustment.

[0037] This invention provides the possibility of quickly and efficiently changing the rotational speed of the bobbin assembly, reducing downtime and eliminating the need for most expensive gears. This solution is also adaptable to other machine architectures, offering greater flexibility for various sewing and embroidery operations.

[0038] Another technical problem that this invention seeks to solve is how to vary the pressure on the spool bearing according to the rotational speed. Indeed, as the speed of the spool assembly increases, centrifugal force pushes the spool away from its axis, thus interfering with the thread tension and affecting the quality of the embroidery stitches. This phenomenon is particularly troublesome for maintaining consistent work quality.

[0039] To address this problem, the first improvement provided by this invention is the integration of a spring-loaded tensioner within the system. This tensioner is designed to swing freely on its pivot screw. The tensioner is mounted on a support fixed to the frame. This configuration allows the tensioner to adjust the pressure acting on the spool according to the rotational speed of the spool assembly, thereby ensuring constant thread tension under all operating conditions.

[0040] The tensioner support, equipped with screws and springs, plays a crucial role in this device. The tensioner support allows the tensioner to automatically adjust according to speed changes, ensuring precise control of the pressure on the spool. This pressure can also be fine-tuned using an adjusting nut, providing flexibility to meet the specific needs of each sewing job.

[0041] Another key improvement of this invention is the management of centrifugal force. As the rotation speed increases, centrifugal force often pushes the spool away from its central axis. Fortunately, the oscillation of the tensioner slightly reduces the pressure on the spool, compensating for this centrifugal force, thereby maintaining stable embroidery thread tension and preventing spool vibration or uncontrolled movement.

[0042] To ensure optimized pressure adjustment, the screw and adjusting nut system is designed for high precision. This precision is crucial for the machine to adapt to different types of embroidery thread and various speeds, significantly increasing the equipment's versatility. This adaptability also ensures consistent work quality regardless of the usage environment.

[0043] Furthermore, this invention employs a novel type of tube and needle to address another problem related to the winding of the braiding thread around the needle. The tube is elongated and positioned to precisely guide the braiding thread to the sewing disc, eliminating the risk of interrupting the work or causing stitch defects during winding. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the embroidery machine of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 This invention presents an exploded perspective view of the embroidery machine frame assembly mechanism, with particular emphasis on the various components of the final assembly and their configuration;

[0046] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the embroidery thread tension mechanism of the embroidery machine of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the speed change mechanism of the embroidery machine of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 This shows an exploded perspective view of the needle bar mechanism of the embroidery machine of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the rotating spool column support body of the embroidery machine of the present invention;

[0050] Figures 7 to 9 This invention displays a three-dimensional exploded and assembled diagram of the fabric pressing foot bar of the embroidery machine;

[0051] Figure 10 This invention displays an exploded perspective view of the embroidery machine spindle and transmission assembly of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the double-spindle hook mechanism of the embroidery machine of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 12 This invention displays an exploded perspective view of the manual coupling mechanism for an embroidery machine.

[0054] Figure 13 This shows an exploded perspective view of the hook and loop mechanism of the embroidery machine of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 14 This invention displays an exploded perspective view of the lower arm mechanism below the worktable of the embroidery machine.

[0056] Figure 15 This invention displays an exploded perspective view of the speed change mechanism of the embroidery machine.

[0057] Figure 16 This image shows an example of a decorative embroidery piece made using the embroidery machine of this invention.

[0058] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Frame; 100-Main control console; 105-Vertical spool assembly; 109-Lifting assembly; 109a-Base; 109b-First driving point; 111-Gear; 114-Spring; 115-Smoothing rod; 13-Pressure foot guide arm; 130-Pressure foot guide rod; 131-Pressure cloth foot; 135-Support body; 136-Main shaft; 137-Front cam; 141-Ternary shaft; 14-Four-way tube gearbox; 15-Spool assembly; 17-Sleeve rod; 2-Base plate; 200-Fixed bearing sleeve; 201-Bearing; 301-Helical spring; 302-Adjustable helical plug; 303-Rod; 304-Stop; 305-Block; 3051-Arc-shaped extension support; 3052-Drill hole; 307-Lever; 310-Bolt; 311-Helical spring; 4-Transmission; 400-Housing; 4001-Ball; 4002-Spring; 4003-Perforation; 401-Handle; 402-Belt drive system; 403-Main drive shaft; 403a-Locking arm; 403b-Slide carriage; 406-Gear; 407-Gear; 408-Gear; 409-Gear; 414-Main cam; 419-Pin; 5-Lifting assembly; 501-Snap-fit ​​assembly; 502-Second gear; 504-Gear; 506-Vertical tube; 510-Needle bar; 511-Support body; 512-Clamping assembly; 513-Needle; 520-Fork assembly; 6-Feeding transmission mechanism; 7-Wire reel machine Structure; 700-Bowl support (column); 701-Rotating thread holder; 702-Bowl flange; 703-Shaft; 705-Gear; 707-Gear; 708-Pin; 8-Hand crank transmission mechanism; 806-Gear; 809-Bevel gear; 813-Handle; 818-Sleeve; 819-Shaft; 820-Gear; 821-Bevel gear; 900-Vertical shaft; 903-Gear; 905-Needle plate; 906-Curved needle; O-Center point; L-Transverse dimension. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, and the advantages and features of the present invention will become clearer with the description.

[0060] Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to aid in understanding the invention. However, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein; the invention can be practiced in many different ways, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below.

[0061] This invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this detailed description, for ease of explanation, a perspective view of the embroidery machine of this invention is presented. This invention can be implemented to general scale; the drawings are merely examples and are intended to illustrate the invention and not limit its scope of protection. Furthermore, the three-dimensional dimensions (length, width, and depth) shown in the drawings are only illustrative.

[0062] In the detailed description of this invention, the term "embroidery" refers to a decorative technique that includes using embroidery thread to add various decorative patterns to beautify textiles. These patterns are created using specific stitches performed mechanically to produce intricate designs.

[0063] Referring to the accompanying drawings, this invention relates to an embroidery machine designed to produce intricate decorative embroidery patterns on various textiles. The machine's operating center is a long, rectangular arm, which allows for work on the fabric surface while facilitating precise material handling. Adjustable pressure feet firmly position the fabric, ensuring appropriate tension for even embroidery.

[0064] This invention provides a multi-thread embroidery machine, including at least one needle 513, operably connected to the needle 513 to form embroidery stitches on a fabric; a presser foot guide arm 13 with a U-shaped lower end, which, after installation, can move vertically parallel to the needle bar 510 and slidably accommodate the needle bar therein; the presser foot guide arm 13 can descend synchronously with the needle bar 510 to press the fabric onto the position where the needle passes through via a fabric presser foot 131; when the needle 513 rises, the vertically movable presser foot guide arm 130 can press the fabric around the needle 513 and move the fabric horizontally; wherein: the multi-thread embroidery machine includes:

[0065] A gearbox 4 operated by a handle 401 engages with a carriage 403b and a keyway gear located on a main drive shaft 403; the gearbox allows a set of gears 407, 408, 406, and 409 mounted on the main drive shaft 403 to mesh with each other; the gearbox is equipped with a handle housing having a perforation 4003 located on the upper surface of the handle housing 400 to indicate a corresponding rotational speed; the handle 401 can be locked at a selected speed and is secured to the selected speed by a spring 4002 and a ball 4001 that engages with the perforation; and

[0066] At least one vertical spool assembly 105 rotates around a gear 111 axis; the movable arm of the gear 111 is equipped with a smoothing rod 115; the pressure applied to the spool can be adjusted by a spring 114 pressing against the spool and an adjusting nut; the vertical spool assembly can be raised and lowered with the movable arm and can rotate around its axis with the movable arm to allow for the replacement or removal of the spool.

[0067] The thread spool mechanism 7 includes an L-shaped thread spool support 700, which is mounted on the frame 1 and equipped with at least one rotating thread holder 701 with a horizontal axis perpendicular to the pivot 703 of the thread spool flange 702. This support allows the rotation of the embroidery thread around the hole to be adjusted according to different positions. A pin 708 connected to a movable locking arm holds the carriage in the desired position, while allowing the thread spool support to rotate along a longitudinal axis relative to the frame 1 via gears 705 and 707.

[0068] One of the lifting components 5 includes:

[0069] A needle bar 510, which can be vertically translated via upper and lower parts, and its upper end is characterized by a gear 504 with upper and lower flanges.

[0070] At least one needle 513 is concentrically fixed at the lower end of the needle bar 510; a gear 504 is installed at the center of the needle bar 510; when the fabric to be embroidered is pushed forward parallel by the fabric feeding mechanism, the rotation of a drive motor or drive pulley is transmitted to the needle bar 510 via the gear 504, driving the needle bar to rotate toward the fabric to be embroidered; and

[0071] A support body 135 located at the upper rear of the needle bar 510, and a lifting assembly that can move vertically at the front end of the support body 135; the lifting assembly includes a base 109a, a first driving point 109b extending laterally from the upper end, and a fork-shaped assembly 520 that protrudes outward and provides a clamping effect.

[0072] The presser foot guide arm 13 includes a four-way tube 145. The four-way tube 145 allows the upper end of the presser foot guide arm 13 to swing around two horizontal axes. Its unique feature is that the four-way tube 145 has two flat surfaces, each with a through hole. The two through holes share an axis that is aligned with or parallel to the central side of the needle bar 510. The other two flat surfaces are characterized by having smooth cylindrical holes. Each of the smooth cylindrical holes is joined with a block having an trunnion 141.

[0073] The device includes a tube 818 and several mating bevel gears 821; the bevel gears 821 drive gears 806 and 903; gear 903 holds a needle plate 905, aligning it with the upper surface of the base plate 2 and vertically aligning it with the bent needle 906 that mates with the needle 513; the bent needle 906 is connected to a vertical shaft 900 installed in a fixed bearing sleeve 200, and the needle plate 905 rotates in a conventional manner via gear 903 and its associated mechanism to mate with each needle; the bent needle 906 is also conventionally driven by gear 820 installed on shaft 819 provided in the bearing 201, wherein shaft 819 is keyed to bevel gears 809 and 821, and the associated mechanism is driven by handle 813.

[0074] The lead wire mechanism includes: a rod 303 of a brake assembly, which is slidably disposed within a drilled hole 3052 of a block 305; the block is embedded in the front end and has an arc-shaped extended support portion 3051, the concave portion of the block and the support portion being shaped to fit around the outer periphery of a collar; a bolt 310 penetrates the support portion 3051 to secure the block 305 to the collar; a helical spring 301 is installed in the drilled hole 3052 and is supported by an adjustable screw. The stopcock 302 is positioned and engaged with the rear surface of the rod 303 to elastically resist the retraction of the rod within the borehole; the rod 303 has a groove to accommodate a stop screw for guiding the rod and preventing it from rotating; the end of the rod has a stop 304 that abuts against the stop screw to keep the rod in the borehole 3052; a relatively light helical spring 311 is provided on the outer periphery of the rod 303 and engages between the brake and the front end of the block to apply an initial tension to the flange.

[0075] One of the presser foot guide rod arms 13 is U-shaped, wherein the lateral dimension “L” of component 130 (different from the 130 presser foot guide rod in the component symbol) is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the vertical spool column assembly 15, so as to allow the spool column assembly to rotate around the axis of the presser foot guide rod arm 13.

[0076] The belt drive system 402 can be replaced by a motorized drive system coupled to the main drive shaft 403.

[0077] The present invention provides a solution that integrates several mechanisms to improve existing embroidery machines. For example, the first improvement relates to an integrated speed change device (see [reference needed]). Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 Appendix Figure 15As shown, this device allows for quick and easy adjustment of the spindle assembly speed without disassembling or replacing gears. The device includes a carriage 403b mounted on the main drive shaft 403 of the embroidery machine. Movement of the carriage 403b engages different gears 407, 408, 406, and 409, each corresponding to a specific speed. A locking arm 403a with a spring pin engages with a predetermined hole on a fixed support frame, keeping the carriage in position and thus ensuring the stability and accuracy of speed adjustment. The gearbox is equipped with a handle housing 400 having a perforation 4003 located on the upper surface of the handle housing 400 to indicate the corresponding rotational speed; the handle 401 can be locked at a selected speed and is fixed at the selected speed by a spring 4002 and a ball 4001 that engages with the perforation, and at least one vertical spool assembly 105 that rotates around the axis of the gear 111; the movable arm of the gear 111 is equipped with a smoothing rod 115; the pressure applied to the spool can be adjusted by a spring 114 pressing against the spool and an adjusting nut; the vertical spool assembly can be raised and lowered with the movable arm and can rotate around its axis with the movable arm to allow for the replacement or removal of the spool.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown: According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the machine includes a hinge or four-way tube 145 for a crank-operated and feed transmission mechanism 6 of an embroidery machine and a sewing machine. When this hinge or four-way tube 145 slides on a vertical tube 506 to perform its upward, downward, and guiding movements, it allows a presser foot 130 driven by alternating linear motion to oscillate around two orthogonal axes and two other intermediate axes. The aforementioned hinge or four-way tube 145 is provided with a housing, wherein two sides are cylindrical or spherical or have a section of flat spherical surface, while the other two sides are flat and have smooth cylindrical holes; a piece is joined within the smooth cylindrical holes, which has two cylindrical surfaces and two flat surfaces and is provided with trunnions 141, constituting a unique feature.

[0079] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the four-way tube 145 is drilled with two smooth holes; the screw supporting the pressure foot 130 has a smooth cylindrical end that engages with the smooth holes, allowing the pressure foot 130 to pivot around the X-X' axis. The four-way tube 145 is further supported by a bearing, allowing the cylindrical axis of the pivot block to rotate within the bearing. The bearing is securely fixed to the vertically moving sliding pressure foot.

[0080] A component is installed inside the four-way tube 145. As can be seen from its elevation and perspective views, this component has two cylindrical surfaces, while the other two flat surfaces are used to support the cylindrical trunnions. The four-way tube 145 has a corresponding recess, which has two symmetrically arranged partial cylindrical surfaces and two flat surfaces.

[0081] Please refer to Figure 9: As can be seen from this structure, when the four-way tube swings around the XX axis and other intermediate axes, it cannot move along the YY axis or XX axis. Moreover, when the pivot block moves vertically back and forth due to machine operation, the center point O will often remain on the ZZ axis.

[0082] Please refer to Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention. It includes a support console 100. The support console is rectangular and has multiple slots for fixing mechanical components. The support console includes upper and lower portions. The upper and lower portions support a vertically movable needle bar 510. The upper end of the needle bar has a gear 504 with upper and lower flanges. At least one needle 513 is concentrically fixed to the lower end of the needle bar 510. The gear 504 is mounted in the center of the needle bar 510. When the fabric to be embroidered is pushed horizontally forward by a fabric feeding mechanism, the rotation of a drive motor or drive pulley is transmitted to the needle bar 510 via the gear 504, causing the needle bar to rotate toward the fabric to be embroidered.

[0083] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown: A support body 135 is located at the rear of the upper end of the needle bar 510. A vertically movable lifting assembly 109 is located at the front end of the support body 135. The lifting assembly 109 includes a base 109a, a first driving point 109b extending laterally from the upper end, and a fork-shaped assembly 520 for protruding clamping. A main cam 414 is rotatably mounted on the support body. A protruding pin 419 is provided at the rear end of the lever 307 to contact the upper surface of the main cam 414.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown: According to this configuration, when the main drive shaft 403 of the embroidery machine rotates continuously, it drives the main cam 414 to rotate. The pin 419 converts this rotational motion into the vertical movement of the lifting assembly 5, while the needle assembly 2 is driven to move vertically by the lifting assembly 5. The upper and lower parts of the support console 100 support a vertically movable sleeve 17, with the needle bar 510 parallel to the right side of the sleeve 17. A second gear 502 is fixed to the upper end of the needle bar 510. A front cam 137 is fixed to the front end of the main shaft 136. When the front cam 137 rotates, it causes a swing arm to swing.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14As shown: The mechanism also includes a sleeve 818 and several bevel gears 821 that engage with it; the bevel gears 821 drive gears 806 and 903. Gear 903 engages a needle plate 905, which is aligned with the upper surface of the base plate 2 and vertically corresponds to the bent needle 906 that engages with the needle 513. The bent needle 906 is connected to a vertical shaft 900 mounted in a fixed bearing sleeve 200. In the two examples shown, the needle plate 905 is typically rotatable to engage with the needle. A gear 820 is mounted on a shaft 819 axially mounted in the bearing 201. The bent needle 906 is typically operated via the gear 820. The shaft 819, bevel gears 809 and 821 are keyed together and driven by a handle 813 of a hand crank mechanism 8.

[0086] With the aforementioned configuration, rotating the shaft via handle 813 rotates the rotatable sleeve 506, resulting in the fastening assembly 501 rotating around its axis, adjusting the needle 513 as needed, and thus changing the direction of the embroidery stitch. The support ring and looper 906 work synchronously with the needle 513. The reciprocating motion of the shaft 819 via the main drive shaft 403 using the mechanisms shown in the figure allows the looper's action during embroidery to be appropriately related to the needle 513. The two types of machines shown above also include a presser foot 131 or a conventional type of linkage mechanism, which can be operated in a conventional manner to cooperate with the remaining machine mechanisms.

[0087] In the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the pressing foot 130 is mounted on the machine via a ball joint, through which the pressing foot 130 can be appropriately synchronized with the associated mechanism to raise and lower the pressing foot 131.

[0088] As previously noted, the needle 513 extends downward through the fastening assembly and has a considerable length due to the presence of a support. The support 511 of the needle is fastened only at its upper end by a clamping assembly 512. The needle 513 is illustrated in the figures as a sewing machine needle, its lower end slidably passing through a guide, which is part of or supported on an adjustable support. This sliding joint can be an open dovetail joint, secured in its adjusted position with screws. The screws can be used to clamp the joint within the dovetail groove. This joint is flat and secured in its adjusted position with one or more adjusting screws.

[0089] Please refer to Figure 11As shown: an L-shaped spool bracket 700 is mounted on the frame 1 and equipped with at least one rotating spool holder 701 with a horizontal axis perpendicular to the pivot 703 of the spool flange 702; this bracket allows adjustment of the rotation of the embroidery thread around the hole according to different positions; a pin 708 connected to a movable locking arm holds the carriage in the desired position, while allowing the spool column bracket to rotate along a longitudinal axis relative to the frame 1 fixed by gears 705, 707.

[0090] Please refer to Figure 3 As shown: A brake assembly rod 303 is slidably disposed within a drilled hole 3052 of a block 305; the block is embedded in the front end and has an arc-shaped extended support portion 3051, the concave portion of the block and the support portion being shaped to fit around the outer periphery of a collar; a bolt 310 penetrates the support portion and secures the block 305 to the collar; a helical spring 301 is installed in the drilled hole 3052 and positioned by an adjustable helical plug 302 and engaged with the rear surface of the rod 303 to elastically resist the rod retraction within the drilled hole; the rod 303 has a groove to accommodate a stop screw for guiding the rod and preventing rotational movement; a stop 304 is provided at the end of the rod to resist the stop screw, so that the rod remains within the drilled hole 3052; a relatively light helical spring 311 is provided on the outer periphery of the rod 303 and engaged between the brake and the front end of the block to apply an initial tension to the flange.

[0091] Please refer to Figure 4 As shown: The above description is based on the belt drive system 402, which can also be replaced by a motorized drive system coupled to the main drive shaft 403.

[0092] The above description is illustrative only and not restrictive to the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications, variations or equivalents can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical concept, and all such modifications, variations or equivalents will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-thread embroidery machine comprising at least one machine needle (513) operatively connected to a needle bar (510) to form an embroidery stitch on a fabric; a presser bar guide arm (13) having a U-shaped lower end, which is installed to be vertically movable in parallel with the needle bar (510) and to slidably accommodate the needle bar (510); the presser bar guide arm (13) is capable of descending in synchronization with the needle bar (510) to press the fabric at a position where the machine needle passes through via a presser bar (131); and the vertically movable presser bar guide (130) is capable of pressing the fabric around the machine needle (513) and moving the fabric horizontally when the machine needle (513) is raised; characterized in that, The multi-thread embroidery machine comprises: a gear shift (4) operated via a handle (401) which cooperates with a slide (403b) and a keyway gear located on the main drive shaft (403); the gear shift (4) allows a set of gears (407, 408, 406, 409) mounted on the main drive shaft (403) to engage with each other; the gear shift (4) is equipped with a handle housing (400) provided with perforations (4003) on the upper surface of the handle housing (400) to indicate the corresponding speed; the handle (401) can be locked at a selected speed and fixed at the selected speed using a spring (4002) and a ball (4001) cooperating with the perforations (4003); and at least one vertical thread shaft group (105) rotating around the axis of a gear (111); the movable arm of the gear (111) is equipped with a smoothing rod (115); the pressure applied to the thread shaft can be adjusted via a spring (114) pressing against the thread shaft and an adjusting nut; the vertical thread shaft group can be raised and lowered with the movable arm and can rotate around its axis with the movable arm to allow the replacement or removal of the thread shaft.

2. The multi-thread embroidery machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thread disc mechanism (7) comprises an L-shaped thread shaft support (700) mounted on the frame (1) and equipped with at least one rotating thread seat (701) with a horizontal axis perpendicular to the rotation axis (703) of the thread shaft flange (702); the L-shaped thread shaft support (700) allows the rotation of the embroidery thread around the hole to be adjusted according to different positions; the pin (708) connected to the movable locking arm maintains the slide (403b) at the desired position while allowing the thread shaft group support to rotate along a longitudinal axis relative to the fixed frame (1) via gears (705, 707).

3. The multi-thread embroidery machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, A lifting assembly (5) comprises: a needle bar (510) capable of vertical translational movement via upper and lower parts, and provided with a gear (504) with upper and lower flanges at the upper end; at least one needle (513) concentrically fixed at the lower end of the needle bar (510); the gear (504) is installed at the central part of the needle bar (510); when the fabric to be embroidered is pushed forward in parallel by the fabric feeding mechanism, the rotation of a drive motor or drive pulley is transmitted to the needle bar (510) via the gear (504), driving the needle bar (510) to rotate towards the fabric to be embroidered; and a support body (135) located behind the upper end of the needle bar (510), and a lifting assembly (5) capable of vertical movement at the front end of the support body (135); the lifting assembly (5) comprises a base (109a), a first driving point (109b) extending laterally from the upper end, and a fork-shaped assembly (520) protruding outwardly and providing a clamping effect.

4. The multi-thread embroidery machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The presser bar guide arm (13) comprises a four-way tube (145); the four-way tube (145) allows the upper end of the presser bar guide arm (13) to swing around two horizontal axes, the four-way tube (145) is provided with two flat surfaces, each of which is provided with a through hole, the two through holes share an axis aligned with or parallel to the center side of the needle bar (510); the other two flat surfaces have smooth cylindrical holes, each of which is connected with a block having a trunnion (141).

5. The multi-thread embroidery machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also included are: A sleeve (818) and a plurality of matching bevel gears (821); the bevel gears (821) can drive the gears (806, 903); the gear (903) holds a needle plate (905) in alignment with the upper surface of the base plate (2) and vertically aligns with the curved needle (906) matched with the needle (513); the curved needle (906) is connected with a vertical shaft (900) installed in a fixed bearing sleeve (200), and the needle plate (905) is rotated to match each needle via the gear (903) and its associated mechanism; the curved needle (906) is driven by the gear (820) installed on the shaft (819) in the bearing (201), wherein the shaft (819) is keyed with a bevel gear (809) and a bevel gear (821), and the associated mechanism is driven by the handle (813).

6. The multi-thread embroidery machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The wire guide mechanism includes: a rod (303) of a brake assembly, which is slidably arranged in a bore (3052) of a block (305); the block (305) is embedded in the front end and has an arc-shaped extension support portion (3051), the inner recess of the block (305) and the support portion (3051) are shaped to be capable of being sleeved on the outer periphery of a collar; a bolt (310) penetrates the support portion (3051) to fasten the block (305) to the collar; a coil spring (301) is installed in the bore (3052) and is positioned by an adjustable screw plug (302) to engage the rear surface of the rod (303) to elastically resist the retraction of the rod (303) in the bore; the rod (303) is provided with a groove to accommodate a stop screw for guiding the rod (303) and preventing the rod (303) from rotating; the end of the rod (303) is provided with a stopper (304) to resist the stop screw, so that the rod (303) remains in the bore (3052); the outer periphery of the rod (303) is provided with a relatively light coil spring (311) engaged between the brake and the front end of the block (305) to apply an initial tension to the flange.

7. The multi-thread embroidery machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A presser bar guide arm (13) is U-shaped, wherein the transverse dimension of the presser bar guide arm (13) is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the vertical spool column group (15) to allow the spool column group (15) to rotate around the axis of the presser bar guide arm (13).

8. The multi-thread embroidery machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The belt drive system (402) is replaced by a motorized drive system coupled to the main drive shaft (403).

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