Threader and threading mechanism

Abstract

To provide a threader suitable for improving usability.SOLUTION: A threader A1 includes: a needle support section 4; a threading member 2 which can be reciprocated between a retreat position separated from the needle support section 4 and an advance position where thread can be passed through a needle hole 91 in a loop form by advancing into the needle hole 91; an operation mechanism in which the threading member 2 takes a retreat position in a first state that an operation section is not operated and the threading member 2 is moved to an advance position in a second state that the operation section is operated; a thread pressing mechanism 5 for pressing a loop section TL of thread T passed through the needle hole 91 by the threading member 2. The thread pressing mechanism 5 has a pressure receiving section 51, a pressing member 52, and a biasing member 54. The pressing member 52 can press the loop section TL on the pressure receiving section 51 since the operation section transfers from the second state to the first state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to threaders and threading mechanisms used to thread the eye of needles such as sewing needles. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a conventional threader is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. The threader described in this document includes a needle support, a pusher (threading member), and an operating mechanism. When a needle is supported on the needle support and the operating lever of the operating mechanism is operated, the tip of the pusher enters the needle eye, and the thread is threaded through the needle eye in a loop (see Figure 12 of Patent Document 1). When the operating lever is then returned to its original position, the pusher retracts and returns to a position away from the needle eye. Next, when the needle is lifted from the needle support, the thread is threaded through the needle eye in a double loop. Then, by pulling one end of the looped thread through the needle eye, a single thread is threaded through the needle eye so that sewing can be performed.

[0003] The above-mentioned conventional looped double thread protrudes from the needle eye by several millimeters. In order to pull the thread end out of the needle eye in this state, it is necessary to pinch the thread with the fingertips and perform delicate work. Furthermore, if the looped double thread comes out of the needle eye, it is necessary to start the process over again from the beginning, starting with setting the needle in the needle support, which is troublesome. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3741673 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure has been made under these circumstances, and its main object is to provide a needle threader suitable for improving ease of use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure provides the following technical solutions.

[0007] A threader provided by a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a needle support part for supporting a needle having an eye, a threading member that is reciprocally movable between a retracted position spaced apart from the needle support part and an advanced position where it can enter the eye of the needle to thread a thread in a loop through the eye, an operating part, and an operating mechanism that moves the threading member to the retracted position in a first state where the operating part is not operated and moves the threading member to the advanced position in a second state where the operating part is operated, and a mechanism that moves the threading member forward by the threading member. and a thread pressing mechanism for pressing the loop portion of the thread passed through the marking hole, the thread pressing mechanism having a pressure receiving portion, a pressing member that can move back and forth between a first position in close proximity to or in contact with the pressure receiving portion and a second position away from the pressure receiving portion, and a biasing member that biases the pressing member toward the first position, wherein when the operating portion is in the second state, the pressing member moves to the second position, and when the operating portion transitions from the second state to the first state, the pressing member can press the loop portion against the pressure receiving portion.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the needle support portion extends in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the inserted needle and includes a needle insertion hole having a needle support bottom surface on one side of the first direction, the threading member advances into one side of the needle hole in a second direction intersecting with the first direction when the threading member is in the advanced position, and the pressing member has a tip pressing portion that can abut against the loop portion, and the tip pressing portion extends in a third direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure receiving portion faces the tip pressing portion when viewed in the second direction.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the pressing member has a first inclined portion that is connected to the center of the tip pressing portion in the third direction and that is positioned on one side in the first direction as it approaches one side in the second direction.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the operating mechanism is supported by a first housing and a second housing arranged on one side and the other side of the third direction, respectively, wherein the first housing has a first abutment surface facing the other side of the third direction, the second housing has a second abutment surface facing the one side of the third direction and abutting the first abutment surface, the first housing includes a first protruding wall protruding from the first abutment surface toward the other side of the third direction, and the first protruding wall includes the pressure-receiving portion.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the needle insertion hole has a first section located on one side in the first direction, a second section located spaced apart from the first section on the other side in the first direction, and a third section located between the first and second sections, the needle support portion includes a movable member for pushing the needle toward one side in the second direction, the third section being constituted by the movable member, the needle support portion having a first opening groove opening to the other side in the second direction in the first section, a second opening groove opening to the other side in the second direction in the second section, and a third opening groove opening to the other side in the second direction in the third section, the second opening groove extending in the first direction as viewed in the second direction, the third opening groove extending in the first direction as viewed in the second direction and communicating with the first opening groove and the second opening groove, and the first opening groove including a curved section that curves gently from the first direction toward the third direction as viewed in the second direction.

[0013] A threading mechanism provided by a second aspect of the present disclosure includes a needle insertion hole extending in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the needle and having a needle support bottom surface on one side in the first direction, and a threading member capable of entering a needle hole of a needle inserted in the needle insertion hole, wherein the threading member enters the needle hole to thread a thread in a loop through the needle hole, and the needle insertion hole is formed with an open groove extending over substantially the entire length of the needle insertion hole in the first direction, and the open groove is formed with the first a guide mechanism for the needle to be inserted into the needle insertion hole, the guide mechanism having a curved portion that is gently curved from the direction of the needle insertion hole; a pressure receiving portion; and a pressing member that is reciprocable between a first position in close proximity to or in contact with the pressure receiving portion and a second position away from the pressure receiving portion, wherein the pressing member moves to the second position when the threading member enters the needle hole, and the threading member retracts from the needle hole, thereby allowing the pressing member to press the loop portion of the thread that has been passed through the needle hole against the pressure receiving portion.

[0014] Other features and advantages of the threader of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a threader according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view (with the second housing omitted) showing the internal structure of the threader shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of a first housing. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the first opening groove, the second opening groove, and the third opening groove, and is a schematic diagram viewed in a second direction. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 9]10 is a schematic view seen in a second direction, showing the positional relationship around the first protruding wall and the pressing member. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 3. [Figure 11] 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating an operating state of the threader shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 12, illustrating an operating state of the threader shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the operating state shown in FIG. 13, and is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the needle is being pulled up. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the needle is pulled up and the thread is threaded through. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the threader will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] 1 to 4 show a threader according to one embodiment. The illustrated threader A1 includes a housing 1, a threading member 2, an operating mechanism 3, a needle support 4, and a thread presser mechanism 5.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the threader A1. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the threader A1. For ease of explanation, the up and down directions will be determined based on Fig. 1.

[0019] The housing 1 supports the threading member 2, the operating mechanism 3, the needle support portion 4, and the thread presser mechanism 5, and is a resin molded part made of, for example, synthetic resin. The housing 1 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12. The first housing 11 is disposed on one side y1 in the third direction, and the second housing 12 is disposed on the other side y2 in the third direction. The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are combined to form the internal space of the housing 1. The threading member 2, the operating mechanism 3, the needle support portion 4, and the thread presser mechanism 5 are appropriately arranged in the internal space of the housing 1. The upper part of the housing 1 is provided with a recess 14 and a cutting blade 15 used to cut the thread T. When using this threader A1, a portion of the thread T is set so that it is hooked on the bottom of the recess 14. As will be described in detail later, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 (housing 1) form part of the needle support portion 4 and the thread presser mechanism 5.

[0020] The needle support part 4 is for supporting the needle 9 in an upright position, and includes a needle insertion hole 41 and a movable member 43. The needle insertion hole 41 is formed in the housing 1 so as to open to the top surface of the housing 1, and extends in the vertical direction (first direction z). The needle 9 is inserted into the needle insertion hole 41 with its head (the end on the side where the needle hole 91 is formed) facing downward. The longitudinal direction of the needle 9 inserted into the needle insertion hole 41 is along the vertical direction (first direction z). The needle insertion hole 41 has an inner diameter large enough to accommodate multiple types of needles commonly used in sewing.

[0021] The needle insertion hole 41 has a needle support bottom surface 411a formed at its bottom. The needle support bottom surface 411a is a portion for supporting the head of the needle 9, and is formed as a concave curved surface. Generally, the head of a needle having a needle hole for threading is formed in a flat shape. The needle support bottom surface 411a is formed as a curved surface that orients the needle 9 so that the needle hole 91 faces the threading member 2 when the flat head of such a needle comes into contact with the needle support bottom surface 411a. Details of the needle insertion hole 41 will be described later.

[0022] Movable member 43 is a member for positioning and fixing needle 9 by pressing needle 9 against a portion of the inner wall surface of needle insertion hole 41. This movable member 43 is made of, for example, synthetic resin, and forms a portion of needle insertion hole 41. Movable member 43 can be reciprocated in the horizontal direction (second direction x) by operating operating lever 31, which will be described later. Details of movable member 43 will be described later.

[0023] The threading member 2 is used to pass the thread T through the eye 91 of the needle 9, and is formed, for example, by punching a thin metal plate into a predetermined shape. The tip side (one side x1 in the second direction) of the threading member 2 has an elongated shape extending in one direction because it needs to be inserted into the eye 91 of the needle 9. A thread locking portion 21 is formed at the tip portion of the threading member 2. The thread locking portion 21 has a concave recessed shape so that the thread T does not easily come off this thread locking portion 21 when the thread T is pushed.

[0024] The operating mechanism 3 is responsible for the overall operation of the interlocking parts, including the operation of reciprocating the threading member 2, and is configured, for example, with an operating lever 31, an operating plate 32, an elastic member 321, a shaft body 322, a swing arm 33, a cam plate 34, a guide body 35, an elastic member 36, an operating body 37, and an elastic member 38. The operating lever 31 functions as an operating part for operating the operating mechanism 3, and protrudes from the housing 1 on one side x1 in the second direction.

[0025] The operating plate 32 is fixed to the operating lever 31, and the operating plate 32 and operating lever 31 can rotate together around a shaft 71. The guide body 35 is a member for guiding the movement of the threading member 2 and has an elongated hole 351 and a slide portion 352 that extend linearly in the second direction x. The threading member 2 is attached to the guide body 35 so as to be able to move back and forth along the elongated hole 351. The swing arm 33 is for moving the threading member 2 back and forth and is able to swing around the shaft 71. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the upper end of the swing arm 33 can press the slide portion 352 of the guide body 35. When the slide portion 352 is pressed by the swing arm 33, the threading member 2 can move back and forth along the elongated hole 351. The elastic member 321 provides flexibility between the operation of the operating lever 31 and the swing action of the swing arm 33. The elastic member 321 is sandwiched between the swing arm 33 and the shaft 322 and is, for example, a compression coil spring. The shaft 322 is substantially cylindrical and moves in an arcuate trajectory centered on the shaft 71 when the operating lever 31 is operated. The guide body 35 is swingable about the shaft 72, and the swinging of the guide body 35 changes the moving direction of the threading member 2. The cam plate 34 is substantially fan-shaped and rotatable about the shaft 71. Although not shown in detail, a cam surface for swinging the guide body 35 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cam plate 34. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , when the operating lever 31 is operated, the position of the guide body 35 is changed so that the second direction side x1 of the elongated hole 351 is positioned slightly upward (the first direction side z2).

[0026] The elastic member 36 exerts an elastic restoring force that pushes the operating lever 31 upward (the other side z2 in the first direction). The elastic member 36 is interposed between the bottom wall of the housing 1 and the lower part of the operating lever 31 and is, for example, a compression coil spring. Figures 2 and 3 show a state (first state) in which the operating lever 31 is not operated. When the operating lever 31 is not operated, the threading member 2 is in a retracted position separated from the needle support part 4 toward the other side x2 in the second direction. Figures 11 and 12 show a state (second state) in which the operating lever 31 is operated by pushing down the operating lever 31 against the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 36. When the operating lever 31 is operated, the threading member 2 (thread locking part 21) is in an advanced position where it has advanced toward the one side x1 in the second direction relative to the needle eye 91. At this time, the threading member 2 (thread locking portion 21) enters the needle eye 91, so that the thread T can be passed through the needle eye 91 in a loop shape.

[0027] When the user releases the operating lever 31, the operating lever 31 moves upward due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 36, and the operating lever 31 transitions to a state where it is not being operated (first state). At this time, each part of the operating mechanism 3 returns to its original state (the state shown in Figures 2 and 3), and the threading member 2 returns to its retracted position.

[0028] The operating body 37 interlocks the operation lever 31 with the movable member 43 and the thread presser mechanism 5. The operating body 37 has arms 371 and 372 and is disposed rotatably about a shaft 73. The arm 372 is inserted into a through-hole at one end of the movable member 43. The arm 372 is constantly biased toward the other side x2 in the second direction by an elastic member 38 (e.g., a tension coil spring). As a result, a clockwise rotational force is generated in the operating body 37 in FIG. 2, and the arm 371 abuts against the upper surface of the operation lever 31. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the upper surface of the operation lever 31 is formed as a cam surface. As shown in FIG. 11, when the operation lever 31 is pressed down, the cam surface abuts against the arm 371. As a result, the arm 371 rises toward the other side z2 in the first direction. As a result, the arm 372 moves toward the one side x1 in the second direction, and the movable member 43 also moves toward the one side x1 in the second direction.

[0029] When the movable member 43 moves in the second direction x1, as shown in Figure 12, the movable member 43 presses the needle 9 against the inner wall surface of the needle insertion hole 41. The reciprocating movement of the movable member 43 in the second direction x is guided by the housing 1, and the reciprocating movement of the movable member 43 is prevented from occurring with a stroke larger than necessary.

[0030] In this embodiment, the needle insertion hole 41 is formed across the housing 1 and the movable member 43. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the needle insertion hole 41 has a first section 411, a second section 412, and a third section 413. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the housing 1 as viewed from the recess 14 toward one side x1 in the second direction. The first section 411 is located downward (one side z1 in the first direction) and includes a needle support bottom surface 411a. The second section 412 is located above and spaced apart from the first section 411 (the other side z2 in the first direction). The third section 413 is located between the first section 411 and the second section 412 and is formed by the movable member 43.

[0031] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , the needle support portion 4 has a first opening groove 421, a second opening groove 422, and a third opening groove 423. The first opening groove 421, the second opening groove 422, and the third opening groove 423 are formed to prevent the thread T from getting caught when the needle 9 is pulled up after threading it through the needle eye 91, thereby allowing the needle 9 to be pulled up smoothly. The second opening groove 422 opens to the other side x2 in the second direction in the second section 412 and extends in the first direction z as viewed in the second direction x. The third opening groove 423 opens to the other side x2 in the second direction in the third section 413 and communicates with both the first opening groove 421 and the second opening groove 422. The portion of the first opening groove 421 near the lower end is where the tip of the threading member 2 enters. The first opening groove 421, the second opening groove 422, and the third opening groove 423 extend over substantially the entire length in the first direction z of the needle insertion hole 41. When the needle 9 is pulled up after the thread T has been threaded through the needle eye 91, the thread T follows the first opening groove 421, the third opening groove 423, and the second opening groove 422, which are all interconnected, and is then smoothly extracted.

[0032] The movable member 43 is provided with a pair of convex portions 431 on either side of the third opening groove 423. When the movable member 43 moves to one side x1 in the second direction, the pair of convex portions 431 press the needle 9 against the inner wall surface of the needle insertion hole 41 (more specifically, the inner wall surfaces of the first section 411 and the second section 412 of the needle insertion hole 41).

[0033] In this embodiment, the first opening groove 421 includes a curved portion 421a. The curved portion 421a is a portion of the first opening groove 421 that is gently curved from the first direction z toward the third direction y when viewed in the second direction x. When inserting the needle 9 into the needle insertion hole 41, the flat head of the needle 9 may be pinched in the first opening groove 421, hindering the above-described function of pointing the needle 9. In this embodiment, by providing the first opening groove 421 with the curved portion 421a, the periphery of the curved portion 421a acts as a wall that prevents the head of the needle 9 from being pinched. This allows the function of pointing the needle 9 properly to be performed. Note that in the illustrated example, the curved portion 421a is formed in an arc shape, but the shape of the curved portion 421a is not limited thereto. For example, the curved portion 421a may be shaped such that a portion of the first opening groove 421 is bent at a gentle angle with respect to the first direction z. Furthermore, the curved portion 421a needs to be provided in the first opening groove 421 at a position close to the third opening groove 423 (on the other side z2 in the first direction).

[0034] The thread presser mechanism 5 shown in Figures 2 to 4 and 11 to 13 is for pressing the loop portion of the thread T passed through the needle eye 91. The thread presser mechanism 5 is configured to include a pressure receiving portion 51, a pressing member 52, a lever 53, and a biasing member 54.

[0035] The pressure receiving portion 51 is provided at an appropriate position in the housing 1 (at least one of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12). In this embodiment, the pressure receiving portion 51 is a portion that receives a pressing force from a pressing member 52 located below it (one side z1 in the first direction), and is a portion that faces one side z1 in the first direction. Details of the pressure receiving portion 51 will be described later.

[0036] The pressing member 52 is reciprocally movable up and down between an upper movement position (first position) where it is close to or in contact with the pressure receiving portion 51 and a lower movement position (second position) where it is separated from the pressure receiving portion 51.

[0037] The pressing member 52 has, for example, a tip pressing portion 521, a first inclined portion 522, a slide shaft portion 523, a locking portion 524, and a protrusion 525. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 8, the tip pressing portion 521 is located at the end of the pressing member 52 on the other side z2 in the first direction and can come into contact with the loop portion of the yarn T. As can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, the tip pressing portion 521 extends in the third direction y. In this embodiment, the portion of the pressing member 52 on the other side z2 in the first direction is wide in the third direction y, and the tip pressing portion 521 is provided at the tip of this wide portion. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, the wide portion of the pressing member 52 is guided along grooves 115 and 125 formed in the housing 1 (the first housing 11 and the second housing 12). This allows the pressing member 52 to reciprocate up and down.

[0038] 7, the first inclined portion 522 is connected to the center in the third direction y of the tip pressing portion 521. The first inclined portion 522 is inclined so as to be positioned on one side z1 in the first direction as it approaches one side x1 in the second direction.

[0039] The slide shaft portion 523 is located at the middle of the pressing member 52 in the first direction z, and extends in the first direction z. The locking portion 524 is disposed at one end of the pressing member 52 on one side z1 in the first direction. The locking portion 524 has a locking hole 524a formed therein that penetrates in the second direction x and that locks the lever 53.

[0040] The protrusion 525 protrudes from a wide portion of the pressing member 52 on the other side z2 in the first direction toward the other side x2 in the second direction. The protrusion 525 is inclined so that its upper surface is located on the one side z1 in the first direction as it protrudes toward the other side x2 in the second direction. As will be described later, when the thread T is sandwiched between the tip pressing portion 521 and the pressure receiving portion 51, for example, if the thread T is relatively thick, the thread T tends to sag due to its own weight. The protrusion 525 has the function of preventing the thread T from sagging due to its own weight, as described above. The wide portion of the protrusion 525 is disposed between the grooves 116 and 126 formed in the housing 1 (the first housing 11 and the second housing 12).

[0041] 9 and 10, the length (first dimension L1) in the third direction y of the tip pressing portion 521 is relatively large. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, the first dimension L1 of the tip pressing portion 521 (wide portion of the pressing member 52) is larger than the length (second dimension L2) of the protrusion 525 in the third direction y and the sum of the gaps G1, G2 between the protrusion 525 and the grooves 116, 126 on both sides.

[0042] Lever 53 has a first arm 531 and a second arm 532, and is arranged to be rotatable around shaft 74. Second arm 532 is inserted into locking hole 524a of pressing member 52. First arm 531 abuts against the upper surface of arm 371 of operating body 37.

[0043] The biasing member 54 is interposed between the first arm 531 and the wall surface of the housing 1 above the first arm 531 (the other side z2 in the first direction), and is, for example, a compression coil spring. The first arm 531 is constantly biased toward the one side z1 in the first direction by the biasing member 54. As a result, a counterclockwise rotational force is generated in the lever 53 in FIGS. 2 and 3, and the pressing member 52 is biased upward (the other side z2 in the first direction) via the second arm 532. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the operating lever 31 is not operated (first state), the pressing member 52 is in the upper movement position (first position).

[0044] When the operating lever 31 of the operating mechanism 3 is pressed down, the arm 371 rises to one side z1 in the first direction, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. This causes the first arm 531 to rise, the biasing member 54 to be compressed against the biasing force, and the lever 53 to rotate clockwise. As a result, the pressing member 52 moves to the lowered position (second position). When the pressing member 52 is in the lowered position (second position), the biasing member 54 is compressed against the biasing force.

[0045] 5, 8 and 9, the details of the pressure receiving portion 51 and the relationship between the pressure receiving portion 51 and the pressing member 52 (tip pressing portion 521) will be described.

[0046] In this embodiment, the pressure receiving portion 51 faces the tip pressing portion 521 of the pressing member 52 when viewed in the second direction x. The pressure receiving portion 51 includes a first portion 511 and a second portion 512. The first portion 511 is provided on the first housing 11. The first housing 11 has a first abutment surface 111 facing the other side y2 in the third direction and a first protruding wall 112 protruding from the first abutment surface 111 toward the other side y2 in the third direction. The second housing 12 has a second protruding wall 122. The second protruding wall 122 is disposed adjacent to the first protruding wall 112 on the other side x2 in the second direction and protrudes toward the one side y1 in the third direction. An end surface of the second protruding wall 122 facing the one side y1 in the third direction serves as a second abutment surface 121, which faces and abuts against the first abutment surface 111 of the first housing 11.

[0047] 9 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the first protruding wall 112 and the pressing member 52, viewed from the other side x2 in the second direction toward the one side x1 in the second direction. In FIG. 9, the second protruding wall 122 of the second housing 12 is located on the front side of the page, and the first protruding wall 112 of the first housing 11 is located on the back side of the page. The first protruding wall 112 is close to the tip pressing portion 521, and the thread T can be sandwiched between the lower end of the first protruding wall 112 and the tip pressing portion 521. In this embodiment, the vicinity of the lower end (end on the one side z1 in the first direction) of the first protruding wall 112 is the first portion 511, which constitutes a part of the pressure receiving portion 51 and is included in the first protruding wall 112.

[0048] The lower end (end on one side z1 in the first direction) of the second protruding wall 122 is located above (on the other side z2 in the first direction) the lower end (first portion 511) of the first protruding wall 112. As shown in FIG. 8 , the second protruding wall 122 is located on the other side x2 in the second direction with respect to the first protruding wall 112, and is located farther from the tip pressing portion 521 of the pressing member 52 than the first protruding wall 112. Therefore, the yarn T is not sandwiched between the second protruding wall 122 and the tip pressing portion 521, and the second protruding wall 122 is not included in the pressure receiving portion 51.

[0049] 8 , the second portion 512 is a surface adjacent to the first protruding wall 112 on one side x1 in the second direction and facing one side z1 in the first direction. The second portion 512 is located near the first protruding wall 112 and faces the tip pressing portion 521. The thread T can be sandwiched between the second portion 512 and the tip pressing portion 521. For example, a portion of the second portion 512 is included in both the first housing 11 and the second housing 12.

[0050] Next, the method of use and the effects of the threader A1 will be described.

[0051] First, as shown in Figure 2, with the needle 9 supported by the needle support part 4 and the thread T placed at the bottom of the recess 14, the operating lever 31 is pushed down against the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 36. Here, the operating body 37 rotates as described above, and the movable member 43 moves to one side x1 in the second direction in conjunction with the rotation of the operating body 37. As a result, the needle 9 is pressed against the inner wall surface of the needle insertion hole 41 (first section 411 and second section 412), and the needle 9 is positioned so that its center line is positioned directly in front of the threading member 2.

[0052] When the operating lever 31 is further pressed down, the operation of each part of the operating mechanism 3 causes the threading member 2 to advance toward one side x1 in the second direction, resulting in the state shown in Figures 11 and 12. At this time, the operating lever 31 is in the operated state (second state), and the threading member 2 (thread locking portion 21) is in an advanced position where it has entered toward one side x1 in the second direction with respect to the needle eye 91. As the threading member 2 (thread locking portion 21) enters the needle eye 91, the thread T is passed through the needle eye 91 in a double loop shape. At this time, the pressure receiving portion 51 overlaps with the looped thread T when viewed in the first direction z.

[0053] As described above, the thread presser mechanism 5 is linked to the operation of the operating lever 31, and as shown in Figures 11 and 12, when the operating lever 31 is in the operated state (second state), the pressing member 52 moves to the lowered position (second position) due to the operation of each part of the thread presser mechanism 5. By linking the thread presser mechanism 5 with the operating lever 31 (operating mechanism 3), when the threading member 2 is in the forward position where it presses the thread T, the pressing member 52 is in the lowered position (second position) where it is retracted from the movement path of the threading member 2. Therefore, the pressing member 52 is prevented from interfering with the movement of the threading member 2.

[0054] Next, when the user releases the operating lever 31, the operating lever 31 returns upward due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 36, and transitions to an unoperated state (first state). The threading member 2 moves to the other side x2 in the second direction and returns to its original position (retracted position) spaced away from the needle support part 4 on the other side x2 in the second direction.

[0055] When the operating lever 31 of the yarn presser mechanism 5 transitions to a non-operated state (first state), as shown in FIG. 13, the pressing member 52 is pushed upward (the other side z2 in the first direction) in conjunction with the rotation of the operating body 37. The pressing member 52 (tip pressing portion 521) is then moved upward and presses the loop-shaped yarn T located directly below the pressure receiving portion 51 toward the pressure receiving portion 51. At this time, due to cooperation of the various parts of the yarn presser mechanism 5 as described above, the pressing member 52 is urged by the urging force of the urging member 54 to return to the upper position (first position), and the loop portion TL of the yarn T is sandwiched between the pressure receiving portion 51 and the pressing member 52 (tip pressing portion 521). FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 9, showing a state in which the loop portion TL is sandwiched between the pressure receiving portion 51 and the pressing member 52 (tip pressing portion 521).

[0056] Next, the needle 9 supported by the needle support 4 is pulled upward (to the other side z2 in the first direction). At this time, the loop portion TL passed through the needle eye 91 remains sandwiched between the pressure receiving portion 51 and the pressing member 52 by the thread presser mechanism 5. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, one end of the thread TE connected to the loop portion TL approaches the needle eye 91 as the needle 9 is pulled up. When the needle 9 is further pulled up, the end of the thread TE comes out of the needle eye 91 as shown in FIG. 16, and one thread T passes through the needle eye 91. Thereafter, the head of the needle 9 (near the needle eye 91) is pinched with the fingers, and the thread T passed through the needle eye 91 and the head of the needle 9 are gently pulled up. This allows the thread T sandwiched between the thread presser mechanism 5 (between the pressure receiving portion 51 and the pressing member 52) to be removed.

[0057] The threader A1 is equipped with a thread presser mechanism 5. The thread presser mechanism 5 has a pressure receiving portion 51, a pressing member 52, and a biasing member 54. In response to operation of the operating lever 31, the pressing member 52 can press the loop portion TL (thread T) threaded through the needle eye 91 against the pressure receiving portion 51. With this configuration, by lifting the needle 9 from the needle support portion 4 after completing operation of the operating lever 31, the thread end TE connected to the loop portion TL can be removed from the needle eye 91, leaving one thread T threaded through the needle eye 91. This eliminates the need for the conventional procedure of pulling the thread end TE of the loop-shaped thread T out of the needle eye 91 after lifting the needle 9, thereby improving usability. Furthermore, with the threader A1, the loop portion TL threaded through the needle eye 91 is clamped by the thread presser mechanism 5, thereby avoiding the inconvenience of the loop portion TL slipping out of the needle eye 91.

[0058] The pressing member 52 has a tip pressing portion 521 that can come into contact with the loop portion TL. The tip pressing portion 521 extends in a third direction y that is perpendicular to both a first direction z that is along the longitudinal direction of the inserted needle 9 and a second direction x in which the threading member 2 moves forward or backward. With this configuration, as can be understood with reference to Figures 13 and 14, it is possible to properly clamp the doubled portion of the thread that constitutes the loop portion TL.

[0059] The pressure-receiving portion 51 faces the tip pressing portion 521 when viewed in the second direction x in which the threading member 2 moves forward and backward (see FIG. 14). This allows the loop portion TL of the thread T to be more accurately clamped by the tip pressing portion 521 extending in the third direction y.

[0060] The pressing member 52 has a first inclined portion 522 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The first inclined portion 522 is connected to the center of the tip pressing portion 521 in the third direction y, and is inclined toward one side z1 in the first direction as it approaches one side x1 in the second direction. With this configuration, the length in the second direction x of the portion of the loop portion TL that is pressed against the pressure receiving portion 51 by the pressing member 52 can be made relatively short. This allows the loop portion TL to be pressed with an appropriate pressing force by the thread presser mechanism 5 (pressure receiving portion 51 and pressing member 52) regardless of the thickness of the thread T, making the threader A1 easier to use.

[0061] The first housing 11 has a first protruding wall 112 that protrudes toward the other side y2 in the third direction from a first contact surface 111 that faces the second contact surface 121 of the second housing 12. The first protruding wall 112 includes a pressure-receiving portion 51 (first portion 511). With this configuration, as can be understood with reference to FIG. 14 , the loop portion TL can be pinched at a position away from the first contact surface 111 and the second contact surface 121, which are the mating surfaces of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. This prevents the thread T from being caught in the gap between the mating surfaces of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 when the thread T is being pulled out.

[0062] The threader of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The specific configuration of each part of the threader can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] A1: threader, 1: housing, 11: first housing, 111: first contact surface, 112: first protruding wall, 115, 116, 125, 126: groove, 12: second housing, 121: second contact surface, 122: second protruding wall, 14: recess, 15: cutting blade, 2: threading member, 21: thread retaining portion, 3: operating mechanism, 31: operating lever, 32: operating plate, 321: elastic member, 322: shaft body, 33: swing arm, 34: cam plate, 35: guide body, 351: long hole, 352: slide portion, 36: elastic member, 37: operating body, 371, 372: arm, 38: elastic member, 4: needle support portion, 41: needle insertion hole, 411: first section, 411a: needle support bottom surface, 412: second section, 413: third section, 421: first opening groove, 421a: curved portion, 422: second Opening groove, 423: third opening groove, 43: movable member, 431: convex portion, 5: thread pressing mechanism, 51: pressure receiving portion, 511: first portion, 512: second portion, 52: pressing member, 521: tip pressing portion, 522: first inclined portion, 523: slide shaft portion, 524: locking portion, 524a: locking hole, 525: protrusion portion, 53: lever, 531: first arm, 532: second arm, 54: attachment Force member, 71, 72, 73, 74: shaft, 9: needle, 91: needle hole, x: second direction, x1: one side of the second direction, x2: other side of the second direction, y: third direction, y1: one side of the third direction, y2: other side of the third direction, z: first direction, z1: ​​one side of the first direction, z2: other side of the first direction, L1: first dimension, L2: second dimension, G1, G2: gap, T: thread, TE: thread end, TL: loop portion

Claims

1. a needle support portion for supporting a needle having a needle hole; a threading member that is reciprocally movable between a retreated position where the threading member is separated from the needle support portion and an advanced position where the threading member can enter the needle hole to thread a thread into the needle hole in a loop shape; an operating mechanism having an operating unit, the operating unit being in a first state in which the threading member is not operated, and being configured to move the threading member to the retreated position, and the operating unit being in a second state in which the operating unit is operated, and being configured to move the threading member to the advance position; a thread presser mechanism for pressing a loop portion of the thread passed through the needle eye by the threading member, the thread pressing mechanism includes a pressure receiving portion, a pressing member reciprocating between a first position in proximity to or in contact with the pressure receiving portion and a second position spaced apart from the pressure receiving portion, and a biasing member biasing the pressing member toward the first position, wherein the pressing member moves to the second position when the operation portion is in the second state, and the pressing member can press the loop portion against the pressure receiving portion by transitioning the operation portion from the second state to the first state; the needle support portion includes a needle insertion hole extending in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the inserted needle and having a needle support bottom surface on one side in the first direction; When the threading member is in the forward position, the threading member advances into one side of the needle eye in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, the pressing member has a tip pressing portion that can come into contact with the loop portion, The tip pressing portion extends in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

2. The threader according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure receiving portion faces the tip pressing portion when viewed in the second direction.

3. The threader according to claim 2 , wherein the pressing member has a first inclined portion that is connected to a center of the tip pressing portion in the third direction and that is positioned toward one side in the first direction as it approaches one side in the second direction.

4. a first housing and a second housing supporting the operating mechanism and disposed on one side and the other side of the third direction, respectively; the first housing has a first contact surface facing the other side in the third direction, the second housing has a second contact surface that faces one side in the third direction and contacts the first contact surface; the first housing includes a first protruding wall protruding from the first contact surface to the other side in the third direction, The threader according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first protruding wall includes the pressure-receiving portion.

5. the needle insertion hole has a first section located on one side in the first direction, a second section located on the other side in the first direction and spaced apart from the first section, and a third section located between the first section and the second section, the needle support portion includes a movable member for pushing the needle to one side in the second direction; The third section is formed by the movable member, the needle support portion has a first open groove that opens to the other side in the second direction in the first section, a second open groove that opens to the other side in the second direction in the second section, and a third open groove that opens to the other side in the second direction in the third section, the second opening groove extends in the first direction when viewed in the second direction, the third opening groove extends in the first direction when viewed in the second direction and communicates with the first opening groove and the second opening groove; The threader according to claim 1 , wherein the first open groove includes a curved portion that curves gently from the first direction toward the third direction when viewed in the second direction.

6. A threading mechanism comprising: a needle insertion hole extending in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the needle and having a needle support bottom surface on one side in the first direction; and a threading member capable of entering a needle hole of a needle inserted in the needle insertion hole, wherein the threading member enters the needle hole to thread a thread in a loop through the needle hole, a guide mechanism for the needle inserted into the needle insertion hole, the guide mechanism having an open groove formed in the needle insertion hole that extends over substantially the entire length of the needle insertion hole in the first direction, and the open groove having a curved portion that is gently curved from the first direction; a thread presser mechanism having a pressure receiving portion and a pressing member that is reciprocally movable between a first position in proximity to or in contact with the pressure receiving portion and a second position away from the pressure receiving portion, wherein the pressing member moves to the second position when the threading member enters the needle hole, and the threading member retracts from the needle hole, thereby enabling the pressing member to press a loop portion of the thread that has been threaded into the needle hole against the pressure receiving portion.

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