Multi-needle sewing machine thread holding mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing multi-needle sewing machines struggle to stably hold the end portion of a cut upper thread, leading to potential entanglement during subsequent sewing operations when the needle bar case moves in the direction of the needle bar array, resulting in horizontal shifting of the thread.
Innovation Solution
The multi-needle sewing machine incorporates a holding member with a fixed member, movable members, and elastic members that rotate between open and clamping positions to securely hold the cut upper thread, using a guide member to position the thread between the presser foot and the needle bar, preventing horizontal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the needle bar case moves in the direction in which the plurality of needle bars are arrayed, then the sewing machine can change needle bars for multi-color embroidery, but the end portion of the upper thread may shift horizontally and become entangled
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the needle bar case and the upper thread. This guide member includes a guide portion that specifically guides the end portion of the upper thread, preventing it from shifting horizontally during needle bar movement. The guide member acts as a mediator that decouples the needle bar movement from the thread position, solving the contradiction between needle bar switching capability and thread holding stability.
2Reliability
If a group of projections is used to hold the end portion of the upper thread, then the thread can be held during needle bar movement, but the holding may be unstable and allow horizontal shifting
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a generic group of projections, the invention provides a specific guide portion with a tailored structure that locally addresses the threading issue. The guide portion has a specific geometry and positioning that provides precise control over the end portion of the upper thread, preventing horizontal shifting while maintaining stability during needle bar movement. This local quality approach improves both holding capability and position control.
3Reliability
If the guide member is extended to catch the upper thread, then the thread can be guided to the holding member, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to move between extended and retracted positions. When extended, it effectively guides the upper thread to the holding member with high accuracy. When retracted, it minimizes interference with other components. This dynamic design achieves reliable thread guiding while managing structural complexity through controlled movement rather than a permanently complex structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively prevents the horizontal shifting of the upper thread end portion even when the needle bar case moves, ensuring stable operation and preventing thread entanglement during color changes in embroidery patterns.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic members each of which is provided for one of the movable members and configured to elastically energize the one of the movable members toward the fixed member
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-needle sewing machine includes needle bars, presser feet, a support member configured to support the needle bars such that the needle bars can move up and down, a cutting member, a guide member configured to move between an extended position and a stand-by position, and a holding member configured to hold an end portion of a upper thread, the holding member including a fixed member that is mounted to the support member, movable members each of which is provided for one of the needle bars, and includes a guide portion formed by cutting a notch in an outer end portion on the needle bar side of the movable member, and elastic members each of which is provided for one of the movable members and configured to elastically energize the one of the movable members toward the fixed member.