Rotary Shuttle Thread-Cutting Mechanism for Compact Embroidery Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embroidery machines require a large space for the movable knife mechanism due to its planar design, leading to increased volume and complexity in the needle plate seat, and the thread-cutting drive structure is cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A thread-cutting mechanism with a movable knife frame coaxially mounted with the rotary shuttle, using arc-shaped knives and a simplified drive structure that rotates around the rotary shuttle, reducing the occupied space and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a planar movable knife is used to cut threads, then the thread-cutting function is achieved, but the needle plate seat volume increases and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional planar movable knife with an arc-shaped movable knife that rotates around the rotary shuttle. The arc-shaped knife edge is concentric with the rotary shuttle, allowing it to follow the rotational motion and achieve thread cutting without requiring a large planar space. This curved geometry enables the cutting mechanism to adapt to the circular motion path, significantly reducing the needle plate seat volume while maintaining reliable thread-cutting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a planar two-dimensional cutting mechanism to a three-dimensional rotational mechanism. The movable knife rotates around the rotary shuttle in a circular path, utilizing the third dimension (rotation around the central axis) to achieve thread cutting. This dimensional change allows the cutting function to be performed within a compact space, reducing the overall volume of the needle plate seat while maintaining effective thread severing.
2Reliability
If a planar movable knife with complex drive structure is used, then thread cutting is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the movable knife rotation with the existing rotary shuttle rotation. The movable knife is mounted on a movable knife frame that rotates together with the rotary shuttle around the same central axis. This merging of rotational motions eliminates the need for separate complex drive mechanisms for the movable knife, as it is driven by the same rotational motion that drives the rotary shuttle, thereby simplifying the overall drive structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable knife frame serves multiple functions: it holds the movable knife, rotates with the rotary shuttle to position the knife edge for cutting, and provides a mounting structure for the arc-shaped knife. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed in the drive structure, simplifying assembly and reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable thread-cutting operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A thread-cutting mechanism of an embroidery machine, and a tube embroidery machine applying the same are provided. A movable knife frame provided at a periphery of a rotary shuttle can drive a movable knife to rotate around the rotary shuttle and coordinate with a stationary knife to cut a thread. The movable knife frame is rotatably provided at a periphery or one side of a driving shaft of the rotary shuttle. The movable knife frame is rotatably mounted on a needle plate seat, or on an embroidery machine body, at a corresponding location for cooperation with the rotary shuttle. The stationary knife is mounted on the needle plate seat, or on the embroidery machine body, at a corresponding location for cooperation with the rotary shuttle. This substantially reduces the space occupied by the movable knife. The thread-cutting mechanism is more compact, simple, compatible, and easy to use.