Grease supply structure for sewing machine hook

Abstract

To achieve a grease supply structure for a sewing machine hook which can suitably supply grease.SOLUTION: In a grease supply structure 100 for a sewing machine hook, an amount of grease G in a grease storage part 11 can be confirmed through a window part 13 of a shuttle race 1. When the amount of the grease G is confirmed to have become small in the grease storage part 11, the grease G can be appropriately replenished. Thereby, the amount of the grease G can be prevented from excessively decreasing in the grease storage part 11, so that the grease G can be suitably supplied to a sliding part (a race groove 1a, a race projection 2a) of a sewing machine hook 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a grease supply structure for a sewing machine hook that supplies grease to a sliding portion of the sewing machine hook.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a grease supply structure for a sewing machine hook is known in which grease is supplied to a sliding portion where an outer hook and an inner hook constituting the sewing machine hook slide relative to each other, thereby suppressing heat generation, seizure, and wear of the sewing machine hook (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This grease supply structure for a sewing machine hook has a grease storage portion provided in the outer hook, and the grease storage portion includes an inner storage portion filled with grease, an outer storage portion near the sliding portion, and a communication storage portion that communicates the inner storage portion and the outer storage portion. When the outer hook is rotated, the grease is sent from the inner storage portion to the outer storage portion through the communication storage portion by centrifugal force, and the grease is supplied to the sliding portion between the outer hook and the inner hook.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of Patent Document 1 described above, since the remaining amount of grease in the grease storage portion cannot be confirmed from the outside, the amount of grease in the grease storage portion may decrease too much without the user noticing, and the supply amount of grease may become too small.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a grease supply structure for a sewing machine hook that can suitably supply grease.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is A grease supply structure for a sewing machine kettle having an outer kettle connected to one end of a kettle shaft and rotated in a predetermined direction, and an inner kettle rotatably installed inside the outer kettle, the structure supplying grease to a sliding portion where the outer kettle and the inner kettle slide relative to each other, wherein the outer kettle is provided with a grease storage portion filled with the grease, a grease supply passage for guiding the grease from the grease storage portion to the sliding portion, and a window portion for making the inside of the grease storage portion visible.

[0007] The invention according to claim 2 is the grease supply structure for a sewing machine kettle according to claim 1, wherein the window portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the outer kettle.

[0008] The invention according to claim 3 is the grease supply structure for a sewing machine kettle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a grease amount detection unit for detecting the amount of the grease in the grease storage portion is provided through the window portion.

[0009] The invention according to claim 4 is the grease supply structure for a sewing machine kettle according to claim 3, characterized by comprising a notification unit for notifying that the amount of the grease in the grease storage portion detected by the grease amount detection unit is equal to or less than a predetermined amount.

[0010] The invention according to claim 5 is the grease supply structure for a sewing machine kettle according to claim 3, wherein the outer kettle is configured to stop in a predetermined direction as the kettle shaft stops rotating, and the grease amount detection unit is provided at a position facing the window portion in a state where the outer kettle has stopped.

[0011] The invention according to claim 6 is the grease supply structure of the sewing machine bobbin according to claim 5, wherein the grease amount detection unit is configured to detect the amount of grease in the grease storage unit after the bobbin shaft stops rotating and until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0012] The invention according to claim 7 is the grease supply structure of the sewing machine bobbin according to claim 1, wherein the window portion is provided at a position facing the bottom surface of the inner bobbin in the outer bobbin, at least one opening is provided on the bottom surface of the inner bobbin, and the window portion is configured to be visible through the opening of the inner bobbin.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, grease can be suitably supplied to the sewing machine bobbin.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. The grease supply structure of the sewing machine bobbin case is inside the sewing machine bed part, and in order to suppress heat generation and seizure of the sewing machine bobbin case arranged below the needle plate, grease is supplied to the sliding part where the outer bobbin case and the inner bobbin case constituting the sewing machine bobbin case slide relative to each other.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) The grease supply structure 100 of the sewing machine bobbin case in the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, in the sewing machine bobbin case 3 having an outer bobbin case 1 connected to one end of the bobbin shaft 10 and rotated in a predetermined direction and an inner bobbin case 2 rotatably installed in the outer bobbin case 1, grease G is supplied to the sliding part of the sewing machine bobbin case 3 where the outer bobbin case 1 and the inner bobbin case 2 slide relative to each other.

[0017] As will be described later, a race groove 1a is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer bobbin case 1, and a race protrusion 2a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inner bobbin case 2. The part where the race protrusion 2a of the inner bobbin case 2 is in sliding contact with and rotatably fitted into the race groove 1a of the outer bobbin case 1 is the sliding part of the sewing machine bobbin case 3. That is, the race groove 1a of the outer bobbin case 1 and the race protrusion 2a of the inner bobbin case 2 are the sliding part of the sewing machine bobbin case 3, and grease G is supplied to the part where the race groove 1a and the race protrusion 2a are rotatably fitted.

[0018] The bobbin shaft 10 is a drive shaft that is rotated by a sewing machine motor (not shown) and rotates the outer bobbin case 1 connected to one end 10a thereof. The bobbin shaft 10 is rotatably supported by the shaft metal part 20 via a bearing 20a.

[0019] The outer pot 1 is a part that houses the inner pot 2, and a raceway groove 1a is provided on its inner peripheral surface. The inner pot 2 is a part that houses a bobbin and a bobbin case (not shown), and a raceway projection 2a is provided on its outer peripheral surface. Then, the raceway projection 2a of the inner pot 2 is in sliding contact with the raceway groove 1a of the outer pot 1 and is rotatably fitted, and the sewing machine pot 3 is assembled. Further, an opening 2b is provided on the bottom surface of the inner pot 2. In the present embodiment, two openings 2b are provided on the bottom surface of the inner pot 2, and the base portion of the outer pot 1 is visible through the openings 2b.

[0020] The outer pot 1 is provided with a grease storage portion 11 filled with grease G, a grease supply path 12 that guides the grease G from the grease storage portion 11 to the sliding portion of the sewing machine pot 3, and a window portion 13 that allows the inside of the grease storage portion 11 to be visible. The grease supply path 12 is provided outside the grease storage portion 11 in the outer pot 1.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the grease storage portion 11 is provided at a position outside the rotation center of the pot shaft 10 in the outer pot 1. Here, the grease storage portion 11 is provided at the base portion where the outer pot 1 is connected to the pot shaft 10. This grease storage portion 11 has a cylindrical space with an inner diameter of 5 mm. Since this grease storage portion 11 is outside the rotation center of the pot shaft 10 in the outer pot 1, the grease G is sent from the grease storage portion 11 to the grease supply path 12 by the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the outer pot 1.

[0022] Further, the grease storage portion 11 is provided with a replenishment port 11a for replenishing the grease G, and a lid screw 11b that functions as a lid for the grease storage portion 11 is screwed to the replenishment port 11a. Then, when replenishing the grease G in the grease storage portion 11, the lid screw 11b is temporarily removed from the replenishment port 11a. The replenishment port 11a of the grease storage portion 11 is provided on the outer peripheral surface side at the base of the outer pot 1. By doing so, it is possible to replenish the grease G to the grease storage portion 11 without removing the outer pot 1 from the pot shaft 10.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3(a), the grease supply passage 12 is an elongated passage communicating from the grease storage portion 11 to the race groove 1a. The grease supply passage 12 of the present embodiment is a passage bent in a substantially V shape when viewed from the side. At least a part of the grease supply passage 12 is provided with a core material 5 having a through hole 5a along the grease supply passage 12. Here, the core material 5 is provided at a position closer to the race groove 1a in the grease supply passage 12. The inner diameter of the grease supply passage 12 of the present embodiment is 1.0 mm, and a core material 5 having a diameter of 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm and a length of 4.0 mm is arranged in the grease supply passage 12 by adhesion or press-fitting.

[0024] The core material 5 is a member made of plastic, and at least one narrow through hole 5a is provided in the core material 5 along the axial direction of the core material 5. One through hole 5a is provided in the core material 5 of the present embodiment, and the axial perpendicular cross-sectional shape of the through hole 5a exhibits a branched shape in a mode of being branched into a plurality of branches as shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 3(c). Here, the branched shape is a mode in which it is branched into a plurality of branches so as to exhibit a substantially F shape as shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 3(c), and six substantially F-shaped portions are arranged radially. With such a narrow through hole 5a having a branched shape, the grease G passes little by little, and it becomes possible to supply an appropriate amount of the grease G to the sliding portions (race groove 1a, race protrusion 2a) of the sewing machine bobbin 3. For example, if the width of the narrow through hole 5a is about 0.1 mm (about 100 μm), the grease G passes little by little without the thickener component of the grease G being clogged. The width of the through hole 5a here corresponds to the width of each branch whose axial perpendicular cross-sectional shape exhibits a substantially F shape.

[0025] Further, since the plastic core material 5 has a certain degree of rigidity and is difficult to deform, the shape of the through hole 5a of the core material 5 does not narrow, so the supply amount of the grease G to the sliding portions (race groove 1a, race protrusion 2a) of the sewing machine bobbin case 3 does not vary, and the supply of the grease G can be stably performed. Note that the branched shape of the through hole 5a of the core material 5 is not limited to the illustrated shape, and any other branched shape may be used as long as it can allow the grease G to pass through little by little. Also, the shape of the through hole 5a of the core material 5 is not limited to a branched shape as long as it can allow the grease G to pass through little by little, and any other shape may be used.

[0026] The window portion 13 is formed of a light-transmissive material (for example, a transparent plastic material or a glass material), and is disposed on the outer bobbin case 1 such that the inner surface side thereof forms a part of the inner wall surface of the grease storage portion 11. That is, the window portion 13 forms a part of the grease storage portion 11, and the grease G in the grease storage portion 11 can be visually recognized through the light-transmissive window portion 13.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the window portion 13 is provided at a position of the outer bobbin case 1 that faces the bottom surface of the inner bobbin case 2 and at a position where the outer bobbin case 1 faces the inner bobbin case 2 in the axial direction of the bobbin shaft 10. This window portion 13 can be visually recognized through the opening 2b of the inner bobbin case 2. Note that, with the bobbin case (not shown) removed from the inner bobbin case 2, the window portion 13 may be hidden by the bottom surface of the inner bobbin case 2. However, if the pulley (not shown) of the sewing machine connected to the rotation of the outer bobbin case 1 is rotated and the angle is adjusted so that the window portion 13 comes to the position of the opening 2b, the window portion 13 can be visually recognized through the opening 2b of the inner bobbin case 2. And it becomes possible to confirm the amount of the grease G in the grease storage portion 11 through the light-transmissive window portion 13.

[0028] The timing for checking the amount of the grease G in the grease storage portion 11 through the window portion 13 is preferably the timing after the use of the sewing machine is stopped, and more preferably immediately after the rotation of the sewing machine bobbin case 3 (bobbin shaft 10) stops. As described above, since the grease storage portion 11 is provided at a position outside the rotation center of the bobbin shaft 10 in the outer bobbin case 1, the centrifugal force F1 associated with the rotation of the outer bobbin case 1 also acts on the grease G in the grease storage portion 11, and the grease G moves within the grease storage portion 11 due to the centrifugal force F1. Further, the grease G is a semi-solid in which the base oil is dispersed by a thickener and does not flow unless a stress of a certain level or more (here, the centrifugal force F1) is applied. Therefore, if it is immediately after the rotation of the sewing machine bobbin case 3 (bobbin shaft 10) stops, the grease G in the grease storage portion 11 is in a state of being gathered in one direction within the grease storage portion 11 by the centrifugal force F1, and this state is maintained for a while (for example, about 1 hour to 1 day). In this way, if the grease G is in a state of being gathered in one direction within the grease storage portion 11 by the centrifugal force F1, as will be described later, it is easy to check the amount of the grease G in the grease storage portion 11.

[0029] For example, when the sewing machine is not used for a long time and the sewing machine bobbin case 3 (outer bobbin case 1) has stopped for a long period, the grease G will drip downward toward the lower side of the grease storage portion 11 due to gravity, but the highly viscous grease G will stick to the inner wall surface of the grease storage portion 11. In a state where the grease G is scattered on the inner wall surface of the grease storage portion 11 or the like, it is difficult to check the amount of the grease G in the grease storage portion 11. Therefore, it is preferable to check the amount of the grease G in the grease storage portion 11 through the window portion 13 having light transmissivity before much time has passed after the rotation of the sewing machine bobbin case 3 (outer bobbin case 1) stops.

[0030] For example, when the grease G is pushed outward within the grease housing portion 11 due to the centrifugal force F1 accompanying the rotation of the outer pot 1 with the grease housing portion 11 filled with the grease G, the grease G visible through the window portion 13 will cover the entire range of the window portion 13 as shown in, for example, FIG. 4(a). Also, when the amount of the grease G in the grease housing portion 11 is less than or equal to half and the grease G is pushed outward within the grease housing portion 11 due to the centrifugal force F1 accompanying the rotation of the outer pot 1, the grease G visible through the window portion 13 will be within a range of less than or equal to half of the window portion 13 as shown in, for example, FIG. 4(b). In this way, if the timing is such that not much time has passed after the rotation of the sewing machine pot 3 (outer pot 1) has stopped (for example, immediately after the rotation has stopped), the grease G within the grease housing portion 11 will be in a state of being pushed outward, and the amount of the grease G within the grease housing portion 11 can be visually recognized through the window portion 13 to confirm the amount of the grease. Thus, when the user confirms that the amount of the grease G within the grease housing portion 11 has become less than or equal to a predetermined amount, it becomes possible to appropriately replenish the grease G.

[0031] Note that the direction for visually recognizing the amount of the grease G within the grease housing portion 11 through the window portion 13 is preferably a direction orthogonal to the direction of the centrifugal force F1 acting on the grease housing portion 11. By doing so, the interface between the space within the grease housing portion 11 and the grease G can be preferably detected. The direction of the centrifugal force F1 acting on the grease housing portion 11 referred to here is a direction orthogonal to the pot axis 10 and along the line connecting the axis center of the pot axis 10 and the center of the grease housing portion 11.

[0032] With the grease supply structure 100 of the sewing machine pot of the present embodiment having such a configuration, the amount of the grease G within the grease housing portion 11 can be confirmed through the window portion 13. When it is confirmed that the amount of the grease G in the grease storage portion 11 has decreased, the grease G can be appropriately replenished, and it is possible to prevent the amount of the grease in the grease storage portion 11 from decreasing too much. Therefore, the stable supply of the grease G can be performed without delaying the supply of the grease G to the sliding portions (race groove 1a, race protrusion 2a) of the sewing machine bobbin 3.

[0033] That is, in the grease supply structure 100 of the sewing machine bobbin provided with the window portion 13 for checking the amount of the grease G in the grease storage portion 11, the grease G in the grease storage portion 11 will not run out, and the grease G can be stably supplied from the grease storage portion 11 to the sliding portions (race groove 1a, race protrusion 2a) of the sewing machine bobbin 3.

[0034] Further, since the through hole 5a of the core material 5 disposed in the grease supply passage 12 has a branched shape in which the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to its axis is branched into a plurality of branches, the grease G passes through the narrow through hole 5a little by little, and an appropriate amount of the grease G can be supplied to the sliding portions (race groove 1a, race protrusion 2a) of the sewing machine bobbin 3. In particular, by using the core material 5 made of plastic, it is easy to maintain the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 5a of the core material 5. Therefore, the supply amount of the grease G to the sliding portions (race groove 1a, race protrusion 2a) of the sewing machine bobbin 3 does not vary, and the supply of the grease G can be stably performed.

[0035] As described above, in the grease supply structure 100 of the sewing machine bobbin according to the present embodiment, the grease G can be suitably supplied to the sliding portions (race groove 1a, race protrusion 2a) of the sewing machine bobbin 3. And, in the grease supply structure 100 of the sewing machine bobbin capable of suitably supplying the grease G to the sliding portions (race groove 1a, race protrusion 2a) of the sewing machine bobbin 3, heat generation and seizure of the sewing machine bobbin 3 can be suppressed, and the occurrence of defects in the sewing machine bobbin 3 can be reduced.

[0036] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 of the grease supply structure of the sewing machine bobbin according to the present invention will be described. The same parts as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the different parts will be described.

[0037] In the outer bobbin 1 of the grease supply structure 100 of the sewing machine bobbin shown in FIG. 5, there are provided a grease storage portion 11 filled with grease G, a grease supply passage 12 for guiding the grease G from the grease storage portion 11 to the sliding portion of the sewing machine bobbin 3, and a window portion 13 for making the inside of the grease storage portion 11 visible. The window portion 13 is formed of a material having light transmissibility (for example, a transparent plastic material or a glass material), and is disposed on the outer bobbin 1 so that the inner surface side thereof forms a part of the inner wall surface of the grease storage portion 11. That is, the window portion 13 is a part of the grease storage portion 11. In FIG. 5, the illustration of the replenishment port 11a and the lid screw 11b is omitted.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, this window portion 13 is provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the outer bobbin 1. Since the window portion 13 is provided at such a position (the outer peripheral surface side of the outer bobbin 1), the grease G in the grease storage portion 11 can be visually recognized through the light-transmissive window portion 13 without removing the parts of the sewing machine, such as removing the bobbin case (not shown) from the inner bobbin 2.

[0039] Even in the grease supply structure 100 of the sewing machine bobbin having such a configuration, the amount of the grease G in the grease storage portion 11 can be confirmed through the light-transmissive window portion 13. Therefore, if the grease G is replenished to the grease storage portion 11 according to the degree of reduction of the grease G, the grease G in the grease storage portion 11 will not run out, and the supply of the grease G from the grease storage portion 11 to the sliding portion (race groove 1a, race protrusion 2a) of the sewing machine bobbin 3 can be stably performed.

[0040] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 of the grease supply structure of the sewing machine bobbin according to the present invention will be described. The same parts as those in Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the different parts will be described.

[0041] In the outer bobbin 1 of the grease supply structure 100 of the sewing machine bobbin shown in FIG. 6, there are provided a grease storage portion 11 filled with grease G, a grease supply path 12 for guiding the grease G from the grease storage portion 11 to the sliding portion of the sewing machine bobbin 3, and a window portion 13 for making the inside of the grease storage portion 11 visible. This window portion 13 is formed of a light-transmissive material (for example, a transparent plastic material or a glass material) and is provided on the outer peripheral side surface of the outer bobbin 1. And at a position facing the window portion 13 provided on the outer peripheral side surface of the outer bobbin 1, a sensor 50 as a grease amount detection portion for detecting the amount of the grease G in the grease storage portion 11 through the window portion 13 is provided. When the use of the sewing machine is stopped, the outer bobbin 1 is configured to stop in a predetermined direction as the bobbin shaft 10 stops rotating together with the upper shaft of the sewing machine. For example, when the upper shaft of the sewing machine stops at a predetermined needle-up stop position and the bobbin shaft 10 stops rotating, the outer bobbin 1 stops in a predetermined direction. The sensor 50 is provided at a position facing the window portion 13 in a state where the outer bobbin 1 stops in a predetermined direction (see FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b)). In FIGS. 6, 7(a), and 7(b), the illustration of the replenishment port 11a and the lid screw 11b is omitted.

[0042] The sensor 50 is, for example, a reflection type sensor, and is configured to receive the reflected light of the light irradiated toward the window portion 13 (grease storage portion 11) to detect the amount of the grease G in the grease storage portion 11. This sensor 50 is attached to a predetermined location in the sewing machine bed portion (not shown). Further, the sensor 50 is connected to a control portion of the sewing machine (not shown) and is configured to operate in synchronization with the operation of a sewing machine motor (not shown). Then, after the use of the sewing machine is stopped and the bobbin shaft 10 stops rotating together with the upper shaft of the sewing machine (not shown), the sensor 50 is configured to detect the amount of the grease G in the grease housing portion 11 through the window portion 13 until a predetermined time elapses. For example, after the bobbin shaft 10 stops rotating together with the upper shaft of the sewing machine (not shown), the sensor 50 detects the amount of the grease G in the grease housing portion 11 until one minute has elapsed, preferably at the timing when the bobbin shaft 10 stops rotating. At this timing, the amount of the grease G in the grease housing portion 11 can be suitably detected.

[0043] As described above in the first embodiment, due to the centrifugal force F1 accompanying the rotation of the outer bobbin 1, the grease G is drawn outward in the grease housing portion 11. Immediately after the rotation of the bobbin shaft 10 stops, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), since it is easy to detect the boundary surface between the space in the grease housing portion 11 and the grease G, the amount of the grease G in the grease housing portion 11 can be suitably detected. That is, when the use of the sewing machine is stopped, the bobbin shaft 10 stops rotating, and the sensor 50 operates at the timing when the outer bobbin 1 stops in a predetermined direction. The sensor 50 detects the amount of the grease G in the grease housing portion 11 through the window portion 13, so that the remaining amount of the grease G in the grease housing portion 11 can be suitably detected.

[0044] The sensor 50 is directed toward the window portion 13 in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the centrifugal force F1 acting on the grease housing portion 11 in a state where the outer bobbin 1 has stopped in a predetermined direction. By doing so, the boundary surface between the space in the grease housing portion 11 and the grease G can be suitably detected. The direction of the centrifugal force F1 acting on the grease housing portion 11 referred to here is a direction orthogonal to the bobbin shaft 10 and along the line connecting the axis of the bobbin shaft 10 and the center of the grease housing portion 11.

[0045] Also, when the amount of the grease G in the grease storage part 11 detected by the sensor 50 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, an LED lamp 60 is provided as a notification part for notifying that the remaining amount of the grease G is equal to or less than the predetermined amount. This LED lamp 60 is connected to a control part of a sewing machine (not shown), and is configured to operate according to the remaining amount of the grease G in the grease storage part 11 detected by the sensor 50. For example, if the LED lamp 60 is provided on the upper surface of a sewing machine bed part (not shown), and when the sensor 50 detects that the remaining amount of the grease G in the grease storage part 11 has become equal to or less than the predetermined amount, the LED lamp 60 is lit, the user can grasp that the amount of the grease G in the grease storage part 11 has decreased, and thus it becomes possible to promptly replenish the grease G to the grease storage part 11.

[0046] If the user can grasp the remaining amount of the grease G in the grease storage part 11 and replenish the grease G to the grease storage part 11 when the remaining amount of the grease G becomes equal to or less than the predetermined amount, the grease G in the grease storage part 11 will not run out, and the supply of the grease G from the grease storage part 11 to the sliding part (race groove 1a, race projection 2a) of the sewing machine bobbin case 3 can be stably performed.

[0047] Even in the grease supply structure 100 of the sewing machine bobbin case having such a configuration, it is possible to replenish the grease G to the grease storage part 11 according to the degree of reduction of the grease G, the grease G in the grease storage part 11 will not run out, and the supply of the grease G from the grease storage part 11 to the sliding part (race groove 1a, race projection 2a) of the sewing machine bobbin case 3 can be stably performed. And if it is the grease supply structure 100 of the sewing machine bobbin case that can suitably supply the grease G to the sliding part (race groove 1a, race projection 2a) of the sewing machine bobbin case 3, heat generation and seizure of the sewing machine bobbin case 3 can be suppressed, and the occurrence of defects in the sewing machine bobbin case 3 can be reduced.

[0048] As described above, in the grease supply structure 100 of the sewing machine bobbin case according to the present embodiment (Embodiments 1 to 3), it is difficult to run out of the grease G in the grease storage portion 11, and the supply of the grease G to the sliding portions (race groove 1a, race protrusion 2a) of the sewing machine bobbin case 3 can be stably performed without causing a delay.

[0049] In addition, in the above embodiment, in the grease supply structure 100 of the sewing machine bobbin case having the core material 5 provided with the narrow through hole 5a, the example in which the window portion 13 for making the inside of the grease storage portion 11 visible is provided has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a window portion for making the inside of the grease storage portion of the above-described prior art (Patent Document 1) visible may be provided. By doing so, it becomes possible to confirm the remaining amount of the grease filled in the grease storage portion (inner storage portion) of the grease supply structure of the prior art (Patent Document 1). Therefore, if the grease storage portion (inner storage portion) is appropriately replenished with grease, it becomes possible to preferably supply the grease to the sliding portion of the sewing machine bobbin case.

[0050] In addition, in the above embodiment, the sewing machine bobbin case 3 which is a so-called vertical bobbin case is illustrated, and the grease supply structure 100 for supplying the grease G to the sewing machine bobbin case 3 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a grease supply structure for supplying the grease G to a so-called horizontal bobbin case may be used.

[0051] In addition, of course, other specific detailed structures and the like can be appropriately changed.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0052] 1 Outer bobbin case 1a Race groove (sliding portion) 2 Inner bobbin case 2a Race protrusion (sliding portion) 2b Opening 3 Sewing machine bobbin case 5 Core material 5a Through hole 11 Grease storage portion 11a Supplementary port 11b Cover screw 12 Grease supply path 13 Window part 50 Sensor (grease amount detection part) 60 LED lamp (notification part) 100 Grease supply structure for sewing machine bobbin G Grease F1 Centrifugal force

Claims

1. A grease supply structure for a sewing machine pan having an outer pan connected to one end of a pan shaft and rotated in a predetermined direction, and an inner pan rotatably installed inside the outer pan, the structure supplying grease to a sliding portion where the outer pan and the inner pan slide relative to each other, wherein the outer pan is provided with a grease storage portion filled with the grease, a grease supply passage for guiding the grease from the grease storage portion to the sliding portion, and a window portion for making the inside of the grease storage portion visible. The grease supply structure for a sewing machine pan is characterized by this.

2. The grease supply structure for a sewing machine pan according to claim 1, wherein the window portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the outer pan.

3. The grease supply structure for a sewing machine pan according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a grease amount detection portion for detecting the amount of the grease in the grease storage portion is provided via the window portion.

4. The grease supply structure for a sewing machine pan according to claim 3, characterized by comprising a notification portion for notifying that the amount of the grease in the grease storage portion detected by the grease amount detection portion is below a predetermined amount.

5. The outer pan is configured to stop in a predetermined direction as the pan shaft stops rotating, The grease supply structure for a sewing machine pan according to claim 3, characterized in that the grease amount detection portion is provided at a position facing the window portion in a state where the outer pan has stopped.

6. The grease supply structure for a sewing machine pan according to claim 5, wherein the grease amount detection portion is configured to detect the amount of the grease in the grease storage portion after the pan shaft has stopped rotating and until a predetermined time has elapsed.

7. The window portion is provided at a position facing the bottom surface of the inner pan in the outer pan, At least one opening is provided in the bottom surface of the inner pan, The grease supply structure for a sewing machine pan according to claim 1, characterized in that the window portion is configured to be visible through the opening of the inner pan.

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