Machine for sewing, embroidering or quilting
Magnetic areas on the needle plate and its receiving area facilitate easy and damage-free installation and removal, addressing the challenges of existing machines by eliminating mechanical locking and reducing plate bending.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BERNINA SEWING MACHINE
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
Smart Images
Figure IB2025062664_25062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] BERNINA International AG P268-CH
[0002] Machine for sewing, embroidery or quilting
[0003] The invention relates to a machine for sewing, embroidery or quilting.
[0004] Such well-known machines typically contain:
[0005] - a needle bar arranged above a stitch plate, which can be moved up and down and to which a needle is attached, which has an eye for receiving an upper thread;
[0006] - a gripper system arranged below the stitch plate, in particular movable and / or rotatable from side to side, to which a gripper is attached which has a gripper tip for taking the upper thread;
[0007] - a sewing foot positioned above the stitch plate, with which part of a textile structure can be printed against the stitch plate;
[0008] - wherein the needle plate has at least one opening or recess for the needle and eye to pass through the needle plate from top to bottom and back; and
[0009] - whereby the needle plate can be fixedly mounted on a needle plate mounting area of the machine.
[0010] Many well-known machines have a needle plate with two or more snap-in spring plates, which allow the needle plate to be attached to the machine in a removable manner.
[0011] Typically, the locking spring plates, and with them the needle plate, can be clamped or locked into place on the machine. This allows the needle plate to be installed in and removed from the machine without the need for any special tools.
[0012] When removing the needle plate, it often happens that the locking spring plates get caught on the machine, making removal more difficult. On some machines, this snagging can even cause the locking spring plates to bend during removal and ultimately require replacement.
[0013] The invention is based on the objective of enabling simple installation and removal of the needle plate in a machine of the type described above, and of significantly reducing the risk of bending of the needle plate spring plates, especially during removal.
[0014] To solve the problem, the invention provides a machine of the type described above, which is characterized in that either a) at least a partial area of the needle plate is magnetic and a partial area of the needle plate receiving area corresponding to the partial area of the needle plate is magnetic or magnetizable; or b) at least a partial area of the needle plate receiving area is magnetic and a partial area of the needle plate corresponding to the partial area of the needle plate receiving area is magnetic or magnetizable.
[0015] This causes the needle plate to be pressed against the needle plate mounting area by magnetic force. No mechanical locking mechanisms, which are prone to damage, are necessary on the needle plate or the machine.
[0016] During installation, you simply need to bring the needle plate into alignment with the needle plate mounting area so that the magnetic force pulls the needle plate towards or into the needle plate mounting area.
[0017] When removing the needle plate, you simply need to move it away from the needle plate mounting area by applying sufficient force and / or torque, i.e., pull it away and / or swivel it away.
[0018] Preferably, the needle plate receiving area has a receiving formation that is complementary to a needle plate formation of the needle plate. In particular, the needle plate receiving area has a recess or opening which is filled or covered by the needle plate mounted against it. It is especially advantageous if the needle plate covers the needle plate receiving area flush with the surrounding area.
[0019] Preferably, the sub-area of the needle plate receiving area contains at least one first permanent magnet.
[0020] This first permanent magnet provides a permanent magnetic force and can magnetize part of the needle plate. Preferably, the needle plate contains ferromagnetic material, at least in some areas, or consists of ferromagnetic material. This creates a magnetic attraction between the permanent magnet and the ferromagnetic material.
[0021] Material and thus an attraction between the recording area and the needle plate.
[0022] Preferably, the sub-area of the needle plate receiving area contains at least one electromagnet.
[0023] This electromagnet provides a permanent magnetic force as long as it is switched on and can magnetize part of the needle plate. Preferably, the needle plate contains ferromagnetic material, at least in some areas, or consists entirely of ferromagnetic material. This creates a magnetic attraction between the switched-on permanent magnet and the ferromagnetic material, and thus an attraction between the pickup area and the needle plate.
[0024] Preferably, the section of the needle plate contains at least one second permanent magnet.
[0025] This second permanent magnet provides an attractive or repulsive force between the first permanent magnet or electromagnet of the needle plate holding area and the second permanent magnet.
[0026] Preferably, the section of the needle plate contains a magnetizable area.
[0027] This creates a constant attraction between the needle plate and the needle plate mounting area, which has a permanent magnet and / or electromagnet.
[0028] Preferably, at least one first permanent magnet is rotatably mounted in the stitch plate receiving area and is adjustable or rotatable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position.
[0029] Depending on the rotational position of the first permanent magnet, this results in an attraction or repulsion between the needle plate and the needle plate receiving area.
[0030] Preferably, in the first rotational position of the at least one first permanent magnet, a magnetic north pole of the first permanent magnet is directed towards the magnetic section of the needle plate, and in the second rotational position of the at least one first permanent magnet, a magnetic south pole of the at least one first permanent magnet is directed towards the magnetic section of the needle plate. If the magnetic section of the needle plate has a permanent magnet, an attraction or repulsion occurs between the needle plate and the needle plate receiving area, depending on the rotational position.
[0031] Preferably, at least one electromagnet in the needle plate receiving area is electrically switchable or reversible between a first polarity and a second polarity.
[0032] Depending on the polarity of the electromagnet, this results in an attraction or repulsion between the needle plate and the needle plate receiving area.
[0033] Preferably, in the first polarization of the at least one electromagnet, a magnetic north pole of the electromagnet is directed towards the magnetic part of the needle plate, and in the second polarization of the at least one electromagnet, a magnetic south pole of the at least one electromagnet is directed towards the magnetic part of the needle plate.
[0034] If the magnetic part of the needle plate has a permanent magnet, depending on the polarity, there is an attraction or repulsion between the needle plate and the needle plate receiving area.
[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment, the needle plate is supported at least three bearing points in the needle plate receiving area.
[0036] This defines a support plane (xy-plane) for the needle plate. The needle plate, supported in the support plane, is preferably arranged and aligned such that the needle plate covers the needle plate receiving area flush with the surrounding area.
[0037] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, two of the at least three bearing points define a bearing axis and pivot axis on which the needle plate is mounted and around which the needle plate can be pivoted such that a first needle plate area located on this side of the pivot axis moves upwards away from at least one further bearing point, in particular the third bearing point, located on this side of the pivot axis of the needle plate receiving area. Such pivoting of the needle plate enables a user of the machine to grasp this upwardly pivoted first needle plate area around an edge region of the needle plate adjacent to this needle plate area with the fingers of their first hand and to conveniently remove the needle plate from the needle plate receiving area by overcoming magnetic attraction forces.
[0038] Preferably, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, a free space or cavity is located below a second stitch plate area beyond the pivot axis of the stitch plate, into which the second stitch plate area can be printed downwards in order to move the first stitch plate area upwards.
[0039] This allows the machine user to pivot the aforementioned first needle plate section upwards by pressing this second needle plate section downwards into the cavity with the fingers of their second hand. The user can then grasp the pivoted first needle plate section with the fingers of their first hand. This allows for particularly convenient removal of the needle plate from the needle plate holder.
[0040] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that at at least one of the at least three bearing points either a) the needle plate is magnetic and a corresponding part of the needle plate receiving area is magnetic or magnetizable; or b) the needle plate receiving area is magnetic and a corresponding part of the needle plate is magnetic or magnetizable.
[0041] In the machine's standard operating configuration, the needle plate is pressed against the needle plate mounting area by gravity and magnetic force. This promotes stable mounting of the needle plate within the mounting area.
[0042] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that at all three of the bearing points either a) the needle plate is magnetic and a corresponding part of the needle plate mounting area is magnetic or magnetizable; or b) the needle plate mounting area is magnetic and a corresponding part of the needle plate is magnetic or magnetizable. In the machine's typical configuration, this causes the needle plate to be pressed against the needle plate mounting area by gravity and an even stronger magnetic force. This further promotes stable mounting of the needle plate within the mounting area.
[0043] Advantageously, the engraving plate has a first group of markings, in particular labels and scales, on its first large surface, and a second group of markings, in particular labels and scales, on its second large surface.
[0044] Depending on whether the first large surface or the second large surface of the installed stitch plate is facing upwards or outwards when installing or inserting the stitch plate, the first group of markings or the second group of markings will come into play, which is better suited for a first type or a second type of use of the machine.
[0045] Preferably, the needle plate, in particular its outline in the needle plate plane, is symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry running in the needle plate plane.
[0046] This allows the needle plate to be reversed, i.e., rotated 180° around its axis of symmetry, enabling two different mounting options within the needle plate holder. In the first position, the needle plate is positioned so that the first large surface of the needle plate is visible on the top or outside. In the second position, the needle plate is positioned so that the second large surface is visible on the top or outside.
[0047] Preferably, the needle plate, in particular its outline in the needle plate plane, has a shape complementary to the depression or opening of the needle plate receiving area.
[0048] This allows for complete coverage of the recess or opening of the needle plate mounting area, both with the first type of needle plate attachment, where the first large surface faces upwards or outwards, and with the second type of needle plate attachment, where the second large surface faces upwards or outwards. This prevents small objects such as buttons, needles, etc., from entering the machine through the opening of the needle plate mounting area and "disappearing" inside. As mentioned above, it is particularly advantageous if the needle plate, due to its complementary shape within the needle plate plane (needle plate outline in the xy-plane), not only covers the needle plate mounting area perfectly but also...not only does it close off, but due to its complementary shape perpendicular to the needle plate plane (needle plate thickness perpendicular to the xy plane) it also covers the surroundings of the needle plate recording area flush with the surroundings.
[0049] Preferably, a bearing axis and pivot axis (P1-P2) defined by at least two bearing points (Pl, P2), on which the needle plate (SP) is mounted and around which the needle plate (SP) can be pivoted, runs along an axis of symmetry of the needle plate (SP).
[0050] This allows for convenient removal of the needle plate by following these steps:
[0051] 1) Swiveling the needle plate by pressing down on the second needle plate area beyond the needle plate swivel axis with the fingers;
[0052] 2) Grasping the needle plate by grasping the upwardly pivoted first needle plate area on this side of the needle plate pivot axis with the fingers;
[0053] 3) Remove the grasped needle plate.
[0054] Due to the congruence of the needle plate pivot axis and needle plate symmetry axis, the pivoting (1) and the grasping of the needle plate are carried out by one and the same movement sequence in both the first type of needle plate attachment and the second type of needle plate attachment.
[0055] Due to the congruence of the needle plate pivot axis and the needle plate symmetry axis, the needle plate is attached using the same movement sequence in both the first and second needle plate attachment methods. Further advantages, features, and application possibilities of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is not to be considered limiting, with reference to the drawing, wherein:
[0056] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a machine for sewing, embroidery or quilting according to the state of the art;
[0057] Fig. 2A is a first perspective view of a stitch plate according to the state of the art;
[0058] Fig. 2B is a second perspective view of the stitch plate according to the prior art;
[0059] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a stitch plate of the machine according to the invention;
[0060] Fig. 4 is a side view of the stitch plate of Fig. 1 for the viewing direction X in Fig. 1;
[0061] Fig. 5 is a side view of the stitch plate of Fig. 1 for the viewing direction Y in Fig. 1;
[0062] Fig. 6 is a top view of the stitch plate of Fig. 1 for the viewing direction Z in Fig. 1;
[0063] Fig. 7A is a first perspective view of a stitch plate according to the invention of a machine according to the invention for sewing, embroidery or quilting; and
[0064] Fig. 7B is a second perspective view of the stitch plate according to the invention of the machine according to the invention for sewing, embroidery or quilting.
[0065] Fig. 1 shows a well-known machine M for sewing, embroidery or quilting.
[0066] The machine M contains a needle bar (not shown, inside the housing) arranged above a stitch plate SP, which can be moved up and down, and to which a needle N is attached, which has a loop for receiving an upper thread.
[0067] Machine M also includes a reciprocating hook system (not shown, inside the housing) located below the needle plate SP. A hook is attached to this system, which has a hook point for taking the upper thread. The reciprocating hook system can be sliding and / or rotatable, or translational and / or rotary.
[0068] The machine M also includes a sewing foot NF arranged above the stitch plate SP, with which a part of a textile structure (not shown) can be printed against the stitch plate SP.
[0069] The needle plate SP has at least one opening or recess AO for the needle N and its eyelet to pass through the needle plate SP from top to bottom and back.
[0070] The SP stitch plate is permanently mounted and attached to a stitch plate mounting area of the M machine.
[0071] Figure 2A shows a first perspective view of a stitch plate SP according to the prior art. It shows a first large surface GF1 facing outwards and a second large surface GF2 facing inwards. The stitch plate SP can be installed in a known machine M and has an opening / recess AO through which the needle N of the machine M passes when the needle N moves up and down. On one side of the opening / recess AO, the stitch plate SP has a further first elongated opening A1 in which a feed dog (not shown) can move for fabric transport. On the other side of the opening / recess AO, the stitch plate SP has a second elongated opening A2 in which a feed dog (not shown) can also move for fabric transport.The feeder can perform a cyclical movement, during which the teeth of the respective feeder protrude outwards through the respective further opening and move along the respective elongated opening Al, A2, thereby allowing a textile structure lying on the stitch plate SP to be moved along the stitch plate SP.
[0072] Figure 2B shows a second perspective view of the stitch plate SP according to the prior art. A second large surface of the stitch plate SP, facing inwards when installed, can be seen. On one side of the opening / recess AO of the stitch plate SP, the first further elongated opening A1, in which the feed dog (not shown) can move for fabric transport, can again be seen. On the other side of the opening / recess AO of the stitch plate SP, a second further elongated opening A2, in which the feed dog (not shown) can also move for fabric transport, can be seen.
[0073] On its second, inwardly facing large surface, the needle plate SP has a first locking spring plate FBI, which is attached to the second large surface between the first further elongated opening Al and a first edge of the needle plate SP that is parallel to it. The first locking spring plate FBI projects away from the second large surface. When the needle plate SP is installed, the first locking spring plate FBI therefore projects into the interior of the machine M (in the area of the hook system). When the needle plate SP is inserted into the machine M, the first locking spring plate FBI can engage with a first formation (e.g., a protrusion, not shown) inside the machine M.
[0074] On its second, inwardly facing large surface, the needle plate SP also has a second locking spring plate FB2, which is attached to the second large surface between the second, further elongated opening A2 and a parallel second edge of the needle plate SP. The second locking spring plate FB2 also projects away from the second large surface. When the needle plate SP is installed, the second locking spring plate FB2 therefore also projects into the interior of the machine M (in the area of the hook system). When the needle plate SP is inserted into the machine M, the second locking spring plate FB2 can engage with a second feature (e.g., a projection, not shown) inside the machine M.
[0075] When the SP stitch plate, equipped as described above, is installed or inserted into the M machine, the first locking spring plate FBI engages on the first formation and the second locking spring plate FB2 engages on the second formation inside the M machine, thus clamping or clipping the SP stitch plate in place at the designated location on the machine. This creates two locking connections between the SP stitch plate and the M machine. The SP stitch plate can be installed in and removed from the M machine without the use of any special tools.
[0076] When the SP stitch plate, equipped in this way, is removed from the M machine, the first locking spring plate (FBI) from the first formation and the second locking spring plate (FB2) from the second formation inside the M machine must disengage. This reverse movement of the SP stitch plate during removal is somewhat more difficult than its installation. It cannot be ruled out that, when pulling the SP stitch plate out against the resistance of the two locking connections, the two locking spring plates (FBI and FB2) may become entangled with the M machine. This not only makes removal more difficult, but this entanglement can also cause the spring plates (FBI and / or FB2) to bend during removal, ultimately requiring their replacement.
[0077] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a stitch plate SP of the machine M according to the invention. The opening / recess AO, through which the needle N of the machine M can pass, is visible. The stitch plate SP has a first large surface GF1 pointing upwards and a large surface GF2 pointing downwards. A stitch plate receiving area AB of the machine M, arranged below the schematically depicted stitch plate SP, is only indicated. The stitch plate SP is fixedly mounted on the stitch plate receiving area AB. For this purpose, the stitch plate receiving area AB has a first bearing point or bearing area Pl, a second bearing point or bearing area P2, and a third bearing point or bearing area P3. The first bearing point Pl is located below a first end of the stitch plate SP. The second bearing point P2 is located below a second end of the stitch plate SP opposite the first end.The third bearing point P3 is located below a third end of the needle plate SP. The two bearing points Pl and P2 define a bearing axis or pivot axis P1-P2, around which the needle plate SP, mounted on it, can pivot. The bearing point P3 below the third end of the needle plate SP lies outside the bearing axis or pivot axis P1-P2. The bearing axis Pl-P2 divides the needle plate SP into a first needle plate area SP1 on this side of the bearing axis P1-P2 and a second needle plate area SP2 on the other side of the bearing axis P1-P2.
[0078] The first bearing point or bearing area Pl, the second bearing point or bearing area P2, and the third bearing point or bearing area P3, in addition to their function of supporting the needle plate, each also represent a magnetic sub-area TAB of the needle plate receiving area AB. The needle plate SP has a magnetizable sub-area TSP. When the needle plate SP is supported on the needle plate receiving area AB, each magnetizable sub-area TSP of the needle plate SP is located above a corresponding magnetic sub-area TAB of the needle plate receiving area AB. The magnetizable sub-areas TSP of the needle plate SP are thereby magnetized, resulting in a magnetic attraction between each sub-area TAB of the needle plate receiving area AB and each sub-area TSP of the needle plate SP.The stitch plate SP is therefore pressed against the stitch plate receiving area AB by both gravity and magnetic attraction.
[0079] The two bearing points Pl and P2 define the bearing axis P1-P2 on which the needle plate SP is mounted. The needle plate SP can be pivoted such that the first needle plate area SP1 of the needle plate SP, located on this side of the pivot axis P1-P2, moves upwards away from the third bearing point P3 of the needle plate receiving area AB, also located on this side of the pivot axis P1-P2. Beneath the second needle plate area SP2, beyond the pivot axis P1-P2 of the needle plate SP, there is a free space or cavity into which the second needle plate area SP2 can be pressed downwards to move the first needle plate area SP1 upwards.
[0080] A user of machine M can pivot the first stitch plate section SP1 upwards by pressing the second stitch plate section SP2 downwards into the recess with the fingers of their other hand. The user can then grasp the pivoted first stitch plate section SP1 with the fingers of their first hand. These two actions allow the user to easily remove the stitch plate SP from the stitch plate mounting area AB.
[0081] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the needle plate SP from Fig. 1 for the viewing direction X in Fig. 1. The opening / recess AO, the first bearing point or bearing area Pl, the opposite second bearing point or bearing area P2, and the third bearing point or bearing area P3 are visible. The first large surface GF1 and the second large surface GF2 of the needle plate SP are also visible.
[0082] Figure 5 shows a side view of the stitch plate SP from Figure 1 for the viewing direction Y in Figure 1. The opening / recess AO and the third bearing point or bearing area P3 are again visible. The bearing axis or pivot axis P1-P2, which extends perpendicular to the plane of Figure 5, is also visible. To the left of, or on this side of, the bearing axis P1-P2, extends the first stitch plate area SP1 of the stitch plate SP. To the right of, or beyond, the bearing axis P1-P2 extends the second stitch plate area SP2 of the stitch plate SP. The stitch plate SP is mounted in / on the stitch plate receiving area AB at the three bearing points P1, P2 (see Figure 4), and P3.
[0083] At the left end of the needle plate SP, one can recognize at the third bearing point or bearing area P3 one of the three sub-areas TAB of the needle plate mounting area AB and the corresponding sub-area TSP of the needle plate SP.
[0084] The sub-area TAB (TAB3 in Fig. 6) of the needle plate receiving area AB is here an integrated permanent magnet PM or electromagnet EM (drifter permanent magnet PM3 or drifter electromagnet EM3 in Fig. 6).
[0085] The sub-area TSP (TSP3 in Fig. 6) of the needle plate SP is here an integrated permanent magnet PM or magnetizable area MB (sixth permanent magnet PM6 or drifter magnetizable area MB3 in Fig. 6).
[0086] Therefore, at the bearing point or bearing area P3, a magnetic attraction force acts between the sub-area TAB of the needle plate mounting area AB and the sub-area TSP of the needle plate SP.
[0087] A user of machine M can apply a force F directed downwards along the arrow to the second stitch plate area SP2, i.e., press it downwards. This causes the first stitch plate area SP1 of the stitch plate SP to pivot upwards. The user can then grasp the pivoted first stitch plate area SP1 and remove it from the stitch plate mounting area AB, overcoming the force of gravity on the stitch plate SP and the magnetic attraction forces acting between the mounting area AB and the stitch plate SP.
[0088] Fig. 6 shows a top view of the needle plate SP from Fig. 1 for the viewing direction Z in Fig. 1. The opening / recess AO, through which the needle N of the machine M can pass, is again visible. The first bearing point Pl is located below a first end, or left end, of the needle plate SP. The second bearing point P2 is located below a second end, or right end, of the needle plate SP opposite the first end. The third bearing point P3 is located below a third end, or front end, of the needle plate SP. The two bearing points Pl and P2 define the bearing axis, or pivot axis P1-P2, around which the needle plate SP mounted on it can pivot. The bearing point P3 below the third end of the needle plate SP lies outside, or in front of, the bearing axis, or pivot axis P1-P2. The bearing axis P1-P2 divides the needle plate SP into the first needle plate area SP1 on this side of the bearing axis.Swivel axis P1-P2 and the second needle plate area SP2 beyond the bearing axis or swivel axis P1-P2.
[0089] At the first bearing point or bearing area Pl there is a first magnetic sub-area TAB1 of the needle plate receiving area AB as well as a first magnetizable (or magnetic) sub-area TSP1 of the needle plate SP.
[0090] At the second bearing point or bearing area P2 there is a second magnetic sub-area TAB2 of the needle plate receiving area AB as well as a second magnetizable (or magnetic) sub-area TSP2 of the needle plate SP.
[0091] At the third bearing point or bearing area P3 there is a drifter magnetic sub-area TAB3 of the needle plate receiving area AB as well as a drifter magnetizable (or magnetic) sub-area TSP3 of the needle plate SP.
[0092] The stitch plate mounting area AB and the stitch plate SP are equipped with magnetic functions in certain areas.
[0093] The needle plate receiving area AB has in its first sub-area TAB1, i.e. in the first bearing area Pl, a first permanent magnet PM1 or a first electromagnet EMI (see AB: PM1 / EM1 in Fig. 6).
[0094] The needle plate receiving area AB has in its second sub-area TAB2, i.e. in the second bearing area P2, a second permanent magnet PM2 or a second electromagnet EM2 (see AB: PM2 / EM2 in Fig. 6).
[0095] The needle plate receiving area AB has in its third sub-area TAB3, i.e. in the third bearing area P3, a third permanent magnet PM3 or a third electromagnet EM3 (see AB: PM2 / EM2 in Fig. 6).
[0096] The needle plate SP has in its first sub-area TSP1, i.e. in the first bearing area Pl, a fourth permanent magnet PM4 or a first magnetizable area MB1 (see SP: PM4 / MB1 in Fig. 6).
[0097] The needle plate SP has in its second sub-area TSP2, i.e. in the second bearing area P2, a fifth permanent magnet PM5 or a second magnetizable area MB2 (see SP: PM5 / MB2 in Fig. 6).
[0098] The needle plate SP has in its third sub-area TSP3, i.e. in the third bearing area P3, a sixth permanent magnet PM6 or a third magnetizable area (see SP: PM6 / MB3 in Fig. 6).
[0099] As already described with reference to Fig. 5, a user of the machine M can apply a downward force F (see Fig. 5) to the stitch plate SP in the second stitch plate area SP2, i.e., press it downwards, thereby pivoting the first stitch plate area SP1 of the stitch plate SP upwards. The user can then grasp the pivoted first stitch plate area SP1 and remove it from the stitch plate receiving area AB, overcoming the force of gravity on the stitch plate SP and the magnetic attraction forces acting between the receiving area AB and the stitch plate SP in the three sub-areas TAB1 / TSP1, TAB2 / TSP2, and TAB3 / TSP3. Particularly advantageous embodiments
[0100] Variant 1 (special case of Fig. 6)
[0101] Variant 1 is a first special case of the embodiment shown schematically in Fig. 6.
[0102] The sub-areas TAB1, TSP1 at the first bearing area Pl of the needle plate mounting area AB or the needle plate SP each have a permanent magnet PM1 or PM4.
[0103] The sub-areas TAB2, TSP2 in the second bearing area P2 of the needle plate receiving area AB or the needle plate SP each have a permanent magnet PM2 or PM5 respectively.
[0104] The sub-areas TAB3, TSP3 in the third bearing area P3 of the needle plate mounting area AB or the needle plate SP each have a permanent magnet PM3 or a magnetizable area MB3.
[0105] On the one hand, relatively strong magnetic attraction forces can be generated between the needle plate mounting area AB and the needle plate SP in the first bearing area Pl and in the second bearing area P2 through the interaction of two permanent magnets (PM1 / PM3 or PM2 / PM5).
[0106] On the other hand, in the third bearing area P3, a relatively weak magnetic attraction force can be generated between the needle plate mounting area AB and the needle plate SP through the interaction of a permanent magnet and a magnetizable area (PM3 or MB3).
[0107] As already described with reference to Fig. 5, a user of the machine M can apply a relatively small downward force F (see Fig. 5) to the second stitch plate area SP2, i.e., press it downwards, thereby pivoting the first stitch plate area SP1 of the stitch plate SP upwards at P3 / TAB3 / TSP3 with relatively little effort. The user can then grasp the pivoted first stitch plate area SP1 and remove it from the stitch plate mounting area AB, overcoming the force of gravity on the stitch plate SP and the relatively large magnetic attraction forces acting between the mounting area AB and the stitch plate SP at P1 / TAB1 / TSP1 and P2 / TAB2 / TSP2 in the two sub-areas TAB1 / TSP1 and TAB2 / TSP2. Variant 2 (special case of Fig. 6)
[0108] Variant 2 is a second special case of the embodiment shown schematically in Fig. 6.
[0109] All sub-areas TAB1, TAB2, TAB3 of the needle plate mounting area AB each have a permanent magnet PM1, PM2, PM3.
[0110] All sub-areas TSP1, TSP2, TSP3 of the needle plate SP each have a magnetizable area MB1, MB2, MB3.
[0111] This has the advantage that relatively simple stitch plates SP made of a homogeneous magnetizable material can be used.
[0112] Variant 3 (special case of Fig. 6)
[0113] Variant 3 is a second special case of the embodiment shown schematically in Fig. 6.
[0114] All sub-areas TAB1, TAB2, TAB3 of the needle plate mounting area AB each have an electromagnet EMI, EM2, EM3.
[0115] All sub-areas TSP1, TSP2, TSP3 of the needle plate SP each have a magnetizable area MB1, MB2, MB3.
[0116] This has the advantage that relatively simple stitch plates SP made of a homogeneous magnetizable material can be used and that all electromagnets can be activated or deactivated as needed.
[0117] Figure 7A shows a first perspective view of a stitch plate SP according to the invention for a machine M according to the invention for sewing, embroidery, or quilting. The stitch plate SP has an opening / recess AO through which the needle N of the machine M passes when the needle N is moved up and down. On one side of the opening / recess AO, the stitch plate SP has a first further elongated opening Al in which a feed dog (not shown) for fabric transport can move. On the other side of the opening / recess AO, the stitch plate SP has a second further elongated opening A2 in which a feed dog (not shown) for fabric transport can also move.
[0118] The needle plate SP is made of a magnetizable material; that is, all its sub-areas TSP1, TSP2, and TSP3 are magnetizable. Like the needle plates SP shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, the needle plate in Figure 7 also has a first large surface GF1 facing outwards and a second large surface GF2 facing inwards when the needle plate SP is installed. The needle plate SP can be installed in an inventive machine M, where it can be stably mounted in a needle plate receiving area AB (see Figures 3 and 5), which contains permanent magnets PM or electromagnets EM, by gravity and magnetic attraction.
[0119] To remove the stitch plate SP from the machine M, a user can pivot the stitch plate SP around its bearing axis or pivot axis (P1-P2 in Fig. 3, 5) by simply pressing down on one section of the stitch plate (SP2 in Fig. 5). This moves another section of the stitch plate (SP1 in Fig. 5) upwards, allowing the user to easily grasp and remove it.
[0120] Figure 7B shows a second perspective view of the inventive stitch plate SP of the inventive machine M for sewing, embroidery, or quilting. A second large surface GF2 of the stitch plate SP, facing inwards when installed, can be seen. On one side of the opening / recess AO of the stitch plate SP, the first further elongated opening Al, in which the feed dog (not shown) can move for fabric transport, can again be seen, and on the other side of the opening / recess AO of the stitch plate SP, the second further elongated opening A2, in which the feed dog (not shown) can also move for fabric transport, can be seen.
[0121] In contrast to the known stitch plate of Fig. 2A and 2B, the stitch plate SP according to the invention has no snap-in spring plates (FBI, FB2) on its second large surface GF2 which points inwards in the installed state.
[0122] The inventive stitch plate SP of Figs. 7A, 7B corresponds to variants 2 and 3 described above. Such inventive stitch plates SP can be easily manufactured from prior art stitch plates SP (Figs. 2A, 2B) if these are made of a magnetizable material (e.g., ferromagnetic, steel), which is usually the case. For this purpose, only the locking spring plates FBI, FB2 (see Fig. 2B) of the known stitch plates SP need to be unscrewed. Thus, known stitch plates SP can be retrofitted by removing their locking spring plates FBI, FB2.
[0123] Particularly easy retrofitting by removing components. Reference list.
[0124] M machine (sewing, embroidery, quilting)
[0125] SP Stitch plate
[0126] BE1 first control element (for stitch length)
[0127] BE2 second control element (for stitch width)
[0128] AO opening / recess (for needle)
[0129] Al first further opening / recess (for transporter)
[0130] A2 second further opening / recess (for carrier)
[0131] FBI's first snap-in spring plate
[0132] FB2 second snap-in spring plate
[0133] FBS spring plate screw
[0134] FBS spring plate screw
[0135] SL screw hole
[0136] SL screw hole
[0137] ■RSi missing locking spring plate missing locking spring plate
[0138] GF1 first large surface of the stitch plate
[0139] GF2 second large surface of the stitch plate
[0140] SP1 first stitch plate area (this side of P1-P2)
[0141] SP2 second stitch plate area (beyond P1-P2)
[0142] N needle
[0143] NF Nearfoot
[0144] AB Stitch plate holding area
[0145] TSP sub-area of the stitch plate
[0146] TSP1 first section of the stitch plate (at Pl)
[0147] TSP2 second section of the stitch plate (at P2)
[0148] TSP3 drifter section of the stitch plate (at P3)
[0149] TAB Sub-area of the needle plate pickup area
[0150] TAB1 first sub-area of the needle plate recording area (at Pl)
[0151] TAB2 second sub-area of the needle plate pickup area (at P2)
[0152] TAB3 drifter sub-area of the needle plate pickup area (at P3)
[0153] PM1 first permanent magnet PM3 first permanent magnet
[0154] PM5 first permanent magnet
[0155] EMI electromagnet
[0156] EM2 electromagnet
[0157] EM3 electromagnet
[0158] PM2 second permanent magnet
[0159] PM4 second permanent magnet
[0160] PM6 second permanent magnet
[0161] MB magnetizable area of the stitch plate
[0162] MB1 first magnetizable area of the needle plate (at Pl)
[0163] MB2 second magnetizable area of the needle plate (at P2)
[0164] MB3 third magnetizable area of the needle plate (in P3)
[0165] Pl first bearing point
[0166] P2 second bearing point
[0167] P3 third bearing point
[0168] P1-P2 bearing axis and swivel axis
[0169] K pressure force
Claims
BERNINA International AG P268-CH Claims 1. Sewing, embroidery or quilting machine (M) which has: - a needle bar arranged above a stitch plate (SP), which can be moved up and down and to which a needle (N) is attached, which has a loop for receiving an upper thread; - a gripper system arranged below the stitch plate (SP), which can be moved back and forth (slidable and / or rotatable or translational and / or rotary), to which a gripper (G) is attached, which has a gripper tip for taking the upper thread; - a sewing foot (NF) arranged above the stitch plate (SP), with which a part of a textile structure (T) can be printed against the stitch plate (SP); - wherein the needle plate (SP) has at least one opening or recess (AO) for the needle (N) and its eyelet to pass through the needle plate (SP) from top to bottom and back; and - wherein the needle plate (SP) can be fixedly mounted on a needle plate receiving area (AB) of the machine (M), characterized in that a) at least one sub-area (TSP) of the needle plate (SP) is magnetic and a sub-area (TAB) of the needle plate receiving area (AB) corresponding to the sub-area (TSP) of the needle plate (SP) is magnetic or magnetizable; and / or b) at least one sub-area (TAB) of the needle plate receiving area (AB) is magnetic and a sub-area (TSP) of the needle plate (SP) corresponding to the sub-area (TAB) of the needle plate receiving area (AB) is magnetic or magnetizable.
2. Machine (M) according to claim 1, characterized in that the partial area (TAB) of the needle plate receiving area (AB) has at least one first permanent magnet (PM1, PM3, PM5).
3. Machine (M) according to claim 1, characterized in that the partial area (TAB) of the needle plate receiving area (AB) has at least one electromagnet (EMI, EM2, EM3).
4. Machine (M) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the partial area (TSP) of the stitch plate (SP) has at least one second permanent magnet (PM2, PM4, PM6).
5. Machine (M) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the partial area (TSP) of the needle plate (SP) has a magnetizable area (MB).
6. Machine (M) according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one first permanent magnet (PM1, PM3, PM5) is rotatably mounted in the stitch plate receiving area (AB) and is adjustable or rotatable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position.
7. Machine (M) according to claim 6, characterized in that in the first rotational position of the at least one first permanent magnet (PM1) a magnetic north pole of the first permanent magnet (PM1) is directed towards the magnetic partial area (TSB) of the stitch plate (SP) and in the second rotational position of the at least one first permanent magnet (PM1, PM3, PM5) a magnetic south pole of the at least one first permanent magnet (PM1, PM3, PM5) is directed towards the magnetic partial area (TSP) of the stitch plate (SP).
8. Machine (M) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one electromagnet (EMI, EM2, EM3) in the stitch plate receiving area (AB) is electrically switchable or reversible between a first polarity and a second polarity.
9. Machine (M) according to claim 8, characterized in that, in the first polarization of the at least one electromagnet (EMI, EM2, EM3), a magnetic north pole of the electromagnet (EM) is directed towards the magnetic part (TSB) of the stitch plate (SP), and in the second polarization of the at least one electromagnet (EMI, EM2, EM3), a magnetic south pole of the at least one electromagnet (EMI, EM2, EM3) is directed towards the magnetic part (TSP) of the stitch plate (SP).
10. Machine (M) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the needle plate (SP) is mounted at at least three bearing points (Pl, P2, P3) in the needle plate receiving area (AB).
11. Machine (M) according to claim 10, characterized in that two (Pl, P2) of the at least three bearing points (Pl, P2, P3) form a bearing axis and pivot axis (P1-P2) define on which the needle plate (SP) is mounted and about which the needle plate (SP) can be pivoted such that a first needle plate area (SP1) of the needle plate (SP) arranged on this side of the pivot axis (P1-P2) moves upwards away from at least one further, in particular the third, bearing point (P3) of the needle plate receiving area (AB) arranged on this side of the pivot axis (P1-P2).
12. Machine (M) according to claim 11, characterized in that a free space area or cavity is located under a second stitch plate area (SP2) beyond the pivot axis (P1-P2) of the stitch plate (SP), in which the second stitch plate area (SP2) can be printed downwards in order to move the first stitch plate area (SP1) upwards.
13. Machine (M) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that at at least one of the at least three bearing points (Pl, P2, P3) either a) the needle plate (SP) is magnetic and a corresponding part of the needle plate receiving area (AB) is magnetic or magnetizable; or b) the needle plate receiving area (AB) is magnetic and a corresponding part of the needle plate (SP) is magnetic or magnetizable.
14. Machine (M) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that at all of the at least three bearing points (Pl, P2, P3) either a) the needle plate (SP) is magnetic and a corresponding part of the needle plate receiving area (AB) is magnetic or magnetizable; or b) the needle plate receiving area (AB) is magnetic and a corresponding part of the needle plate (SP) is magnetic or magnetizable.
15. Machine (M) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the stitch plate (SP) has a first group of markings, in particular lettering and scales, on its first large surface (GF1) and a second group of markings, in particular lettering and scales, on its second large surface (GF2).
16. Machine (M) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the needle plate (SP), in particular its outline in the needle plate plane, is symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry running in the needle plate plane.
17. Machine (M) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the needle plate (SP), in particular its outline in the needle plate plane, has a shape complementary to the depression or opening of the needle plate receiving area (AB).
18. Machine (M) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that a bearing axis and pivot axis (P1-P2) defined by at least two bearing points (Pl, P2), on which the stitch plate (SP) is mounted and about which the stitch plate (SP) can be pivoted, runs along an axis of symmetry of the stitch plate (SP).