Sewing machine

Abstract

The operability of a feeding rod is improved in a sewing machine using an actuator to adjust the feeding amount of an object to be sewn. The sewing machine comprises a feed adjusting mechanism which changes and adjusts the feed amount of a sewed object through an actuator; a setting input unit that sets a feed amount; and a control device for controlling the operation amount of an actuator of the feed adjustment mechanism according to the set value of the feed amount from the setting input unit, the sewing machine comprising: a feed lever for changing and adjusting the feed amount by a rotation operation from an initial position; a first return spring that returns the feed rod to an initial position; and a detection unit that detects the amount of operation of the feed rod from the initial position, the control device does not vary the amount of operation of the actuator when the amount of operation of the feed rod from the initial position detected by the detection unit is within a first amount of operation, and the control device does not vary the amount of operation of the actuator when the amount of operation exceeds the first amount of operation. The control device varies the operation amount of the actuator in accordance with the operation amount.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sewing machine capable of adjusting the feeding amount of a material to be sewn by an actuator. Background Art

[0002] Existing sewing machines that feed a material to be sewn by clamping it with a presser foot and feed teeth can adjust the sewing pitch (feeding amount per stitch) of the material to be sewn by an actuator such as a motor, and can feed the material to be sewn at an arbitrary sewing pitch set by an operation panel (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-055108 Summary of the Invention

[0006] (I) Technical Problems to be Solved

[0007] On the other hand, during sewing, it is required to temporarily change the sewing pitch according to the situation.

[0008] For example, as Figure 9 shown, when the target position E where sewing ends is approaching, and it is anticipated that if sewing is performed at the current sewing pitch, the final stitch will exceed the target position E, the operator of the sewing machine changes the set value only for the final stitch so that the sewing pitch becomes smaller, as Figure 10 shown, and makes an adjustment so that sewing is completed at the target position E.

[0009] In addition to this, there are also requirements for reverse sewing at the start and end of sewing, and a so-called fine sewing requirement for sewing at a very small sewing pitch at the end of sewing.

[0010] In order to easily perform these temporary adjustments of the sewing pitch, a feed lever for temporarily adjusting the sewing pitch and the feeding direction by manual operation has been provided in sewing machines in the past.

[0011] This feed lever is mounted on a sewing machine that adjusts the sewing pitch by a manual adjustment dial (hereinafter referred to as a mechanically adjusted sewing machine), which is older than a sewing machine that adjusts the sewing pitch by a motor (hereinafter referred to as a motor-adjusted sewing machine).

[0012] Regarding the feed lever, from the perspective of its convenience, it is also desired to be mounted on a motor-adjusted sewing machine.

[0013] In the case of a mechanically adjustable sewing machine, it can be assembled in such a way that the input torque of the feed rod is transmitted to the feed adjustment mechanism. However, in the case of a motor-adjustable sewing machine, since a motor is connected to the feed adjustment mechanism, if the input torque of the feed rod is directly input, interference with the motor will occur, and it is difficult to directly assemble the feed rod to the feed adjustment mechanism.

[0014] Therefore, in order to mount the feed rod on a motor-adjustable sewing machine, it is necessary to use a sensor to detect the rotational operation amount of the feed rod and control the motor in such a way that the sewing pitch of the workpiece to be sewn is changed according to the detected rotational operation amount.

[0015] Figure 11 It is a front view showing the operating state of the feed rod. For the feed rod, the position shown by the double-dashed line in the upper figure is the initial position P0 in the non-operated state. When it is pressed downward from this initial position P0, the sewing pitch is changed and adjusted.

[0016] In the case of the feed rod assembled to a mechanically adjustable sewing machine, a clearance is provided between the components that transmit the torque from the feed rod. The period from the initial position P0 shown by the double-dashed line in the upper figure to the first position P1 shown by the double-dashed line in the lower figure becomes the free travel period based on the clearance. Moreover, in the actual input range from the first position P1 to the second position P2 shown by the solid line, the components that transmit the torque from the feed rod are in contact with each other, and torque is input to the feed adjustment mechanism, enabling the sewing pitch to be changed and adjusted.

[0017] In addition, the feed rod can be operated with a lighter force in the free travel period of the feed rod. In the actual input range, since the components of the feed adjustment mechanism are moved manually, compared with the free travel period, it is necessary to operate the feed rod with more force.

[0018] On the other hand, in the case of mounting the feed rod on a motor-adjustable sewing machine, since there is no mechanical clearance, there is no free travel period of the feed rod. When the feed rod is pressed down from the initial position P0, a change in the sewing pitch immediately occurs.

[0019] In the case of adjusting the sewing pitch, which requires fine operation, since the free travel period based on the clearance of the feed rod of the existing mechanically adjustable sewing machine has a prediction effect before the change in the sewing pitch occurs, it is easy for the operator to operate and sometimes the adjustment operation can be performed well. In particular, when it is desired to change the sewing pitch operation in a timely manner, the effect is more significant.

[0020] In addition, the feed rod of the mechanically adjustable sewing machine switches the rebound force of the feed rod between the idle running section and the actual input section, so that it is possible to grasp by touch that the feed rod enters the actual input section, and thus, the adjustment operation can be further improved.

[0021] An object of the present invention is to improve the operability of a feed rod in a sewing machine capable of adjusting the feed amount of a workpiece to be sewn by an actuator.

[0022] (2) Technical solution

[0023] The present invention relates to a sewing machine, comprising:

[0024] A feed adjustment mechanism that changes and adjusts the feed amount of a workpiece to be sewn by an actuator;

[0025] A setting input unit that sets the feed amount of a workpiece to be sewn;

[0026] A control device that controls the operation amount of the actuator of the feed adjustment mechanism according to the set value of the feed amount of the workpiece to be sewn from the setting input unit, wherein the sewing machine is characterized by having:

[0027] A feed rod that changes and adjusts the feed amount of a workpiece to be sewn by a rotational operation from an initial position;

[0028] A first return spring that returns the feed rod to the initial position;

[0029] A detection unit that detects the input operation amount of the feed rod from the initial position,

[0030] When the input operation amount of the feed rod detected by the detection unit from the initial position is within a first operation amount, the control device does not change the operation amount of the actuator,

[0031] When the input operation amount of the feed rod detected by the detection unit from the initial position exceeds the first operation amount, the control device changes the operation amount of the actuator according to the input operation amount.

[0032] (3) Beneficial effects

[0033] The present invention can improve the operability of the feed rod through the above structure. Description of the drawings

[0034] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the whole sewing machine according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the main structure inside the base part of the sewing machine.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the feed adjustment mechanism.

[0037] Figure 4 It is a side view of observing the periphery of the feed rod located at the initial position from one side in the Y-axis direction.

[0038] Figure 5 It is a side view of observing the periphery of the feed rod located at the position of the first operation amount from one side in the Y-axis direction.

[0039] Figure 6 It is a side view of observing the periphery of the feed rod at a position exceeding the third operation amount from one side in the Y-axis direction.

[0040] Figure 7 It is a block diagram showing the control system of the sewing machine.

[0041] Figure 8 It is a side view of observing another example of the peripheral structure of the feed rod from the right side.

[0042] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing the problem of the target position at the end of sewing and the set sewing pitch.

[0043] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the state where the problem of the target position at the end of sewing and the set sewing pitch is solved.

[0044] Figure 11 It is a front view showing the operation state of the feed rod.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0046] 10: Sewing machine frame; 11: Needle plate; 12: Bobbin case; 13: Base part; 14: Upright body part; 15: Arm part; 16: Sewing machine motor; 18: Sewing needle; 19: Needle bar; 20: Belt mechanism; 30: Feed mechanism; 31: Feed teeth; 40: Horizontal feed mechanism; 50: Feed adjustment mechanism; 55: Feed adjustment body; 57: Feed adjustment motor (actuator); 60: Vertical feed mechanism; 70: Feed rod; 71: Support shaft; 72: Bracket; 73: Rod detection part (detection part); 74: First return spring; 75: Second return spring; 90: Control device; 91: CPU; 95: Setting input part; 100: Sewing machine; 701: Central part; 702: Input part; 703: Detected part; 704: Compressed part; P0: Initial position; Q1: First operation amount; Q2: Second operation amount; Q3: Third operation amount; Q4: Fourth operation amount. Detailed implementation mode

[0047] [General structure of the implementation mode]

[0048] A sewing machine 100 having a feed adjustment mechanism as an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0049] Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the overall sewing machine 100. Figure 2 FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the main structure inside the base portion of the sewing machine 100.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the sewing machine 100 includes: a needle vertical movement mechanism (not shown) that moves a needle bar 19 holding a sewing needle 18 up and down by the rotation of an upper shaft; a sewing machine motor 16 (see Figure 7 ), which serves as a driving source for the rotation of the upper shaft; a bobbin case 12 that winds the upper thread around the lower thread; a feed mechanism 30 that conveys the workpiece on the needle plate 11 in synchronization with the vertical movement of the sewing needle; a belt mechanism 20 that transmits the rotational force from the upper shaft to the vertical feed shaft 33 of the feed mechanism 30; a sewing machine frame 10 that supports the above-described respective structures; and a control device 90 (see Figure 7 ), which controls the above-described respective structures.

[0051] In addition, the above-described sewing machine 100 is a so-called flat-seam sewing machine and includes various structures such as a thread take-up lever mechanism, a thread adjuster, and a presser foot that are provided in a normal flat-seam sewing machine. Since they are well-known, the description thereof is omitted.

[0052] The above-described sewing machine frame 10 includes: a base portion 13 that is located at the lower part in the overall sewing machine; an upright body portion 14 that is erected upward at one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 13; and an arm portion 15 (not shown) that extends from the upper end portion of the upright body portion 14 in the same direction as the base portion 13.

[0053] In addition, in the following description, the horizontal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base portion 13 is defined as the Y-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the horizontal and Y-axis directions is defined as the X-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis directions is defined as the Z-axis direction.

[0054] In addition, the X-axis direction coincides with the feed direction of the workpiece.

[0055] [Needle Vertical Movement Mechanism and Belt Mechanism]

[0056] The needle vertical movement mechanism includes: an upper shaft that is disposed inside the arm portion 15, is rotationally driven by the sewing machine motor 16, and is disposed along the Y-axis direction; a needle bar that holds the sewing needle at its lower end; and a crank mechanism that converts the rotational force of the upper shaft into a reciprocating driving force of vertical movement and transmits it to the needle bar (all are omitted from the illustration).

[0057] One end of the upper shaft in the Y-axis direction is connected to the needle bar 19 via a crank mechanism, and the other end in the Y-axis direction is connected to a pulley 23 for manual rotation outside the sewing machine frame 10. In the following description, the side of the needle bar 19 along the direction of the upper shaft (Y-axis direction) is referred to as the "left side", and the side of the pulley 23 is referred to as the "right side".

[0058] Moreover, the belt mechanism 20 includes: a driving pulley (not shown) fixedly installed on the upper shaft; a driven pulley 21 fixedly installed on the vertical feed shaft 33 of the feed mechanism 30; and a timing belt 22 stretched between the driving pulley and the driven pulley 21. And through the belt mechanism 20, the vertical feed shaft 33 rotates a full circle at the same speed as the upper shaft.

[0059] In addition, instead of the belt mechanism 20, a gear transmission mechanism composed of a longitudinal shaft along the Z-axis direction and bevel gears can be used to transmit the rotational force from the upper shaft to the vertical feed shaft 33.

[0060] [Feed mechanism]

[0061] As Figure 2 shown, the feed mechanism 30 includes: a feed tooth 31 that protrudes from and retracts into the opening of the needle plate 11 to convey the workpiece to be sewn in a specified direction; a feed table 32 that holds the feed tooth 31; a horizontal feed mechanism 40 that obtains power from the sewing machine motor 16 and transmits a reciprocating motion in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) to the feed table 32; and a vertical feed mechanism 60 that imparts a reciprocating motion in the vertical direction to the feed table 32.

[0062] [Horizontal feed mechanism]

[0063] The horizontal feed mechanism 40 includes: a feed adjustment mechanism 50 that adjusts the stroke of the reciprocating motion of the feed table 32 in the X-axis direction; a connecting rod 41 that extracts a reciprocating motion in the X-axis direction from the vertical feed shaft 33; a horizontal feed shaft 42 that is imparted a reciprocating rotation from the connecting rod 41 via the feed adjustment mechanism 50; and a horizontal feed arm 43 that converts the reciprocating rotation driving force of the horizontal feed shaft 42 into a reciprocating driving force in the feed direction (X-axis direction) and transmits it to the feed table 32.

[0064] One end of the connecting rod 41 rotatably holds an eccentric cam 44 fixedly installed on the vertical feed shaft 33, and the other end is connected to the feed adjustment mechanism 50. The connecting rod 41 is arranged such that its length direction is substantially along the X-axis direction. If the vertical feed shaft 33 is driven to rotate a full circle, the other end of the connecting rod 41 reciprocates along its length direction with a stroke twice the eccentricity of the eccentric cam 44. The reciprocating motion of the connecting rod 41 is transmitted as a reciprocating rotational force to the horizontal feed shaft 42 via the feed adjustment mechanism 50.

[0065] [Feed adjustment mechanism]

[0066] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the feed adjustment mechanism 50.

[0067] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the feed adjustment mechanism 50 includes: a swing arm 51 fixedly installed on the horizontal feed shaft 42 and extending radially outward from the center of the horizontal feed shaft 42; a pair of first link bodies 53 connecting the other end of the connecting rod 41 and the swing arm 51; a pair of second link bodies 54 guiding the reciprocating movement direction of the other end of the connecting rod 41 in any direction along the X-Z plane; a feed adjustment body 55 determining the guiding direction based on the second link bodies 54; a support shaft 52 rotatably integrated with the feed adjustment body 55; an input arm 56 fixedly installed on the support shaft 52 and extending radially outward from the center of the support shaft 52; a feed adjustment motor 57 as an actuator that rotates the feed adjustment body 55 to adjust the reciprocating movement amount in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) transmitted from the vertical feed shaft 33 to the feed table 32; an output arm 58 fixedly installed on the output shaft of the feed adjustment motor 57; and a transmission link 59 connecting the input arm 56 and the output arm 58.

[0068] In addition, the positions of the horizontal feed shaft 42 and the vertical feed shaft 33 can also be interchangeably arranged.

[0069] One end of the first link body 53 is connected to the other end of the connecting rod 41, and the other end is connected to the swing end of the swing arm 51, and these two ends are connected in a manner that can rotate around the Y axis.

[0070] One end of the second link body 54 is connected to the other end of the connecting rod 41 together with one end of the first link body 53, and the other end is connected to the feed adjustment body 55. The two ends of the second link body 54 are connected in a manner that can rotate around the Y axis.

[0071] A support shaft 52 in the Y-axis direction is fixedly connected to the feed adjustment body 55, and the support shaft 52 and the feed adjustment body 55 are supported in the sewing machine frame in a manner that can rotate around the Y axis.

[0072] Relative to the connection positions of the pair of second link bodies 54 in the feed adjustment body 55, the support shaft 52 is eccentric at the same distance as the axial distance between the rotation axes of the two ends of the second link body 54 and is connected to the feed adjustment body 55.

[0073] In the feed adjustment mechanism 50, if the feed adjustment body 55 is rotated so that the longitudinal directions of the first link body 53 and the second link body 54 are aligned, that is, in a state where the link bodies 53 and 54 exactly overlap when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the reciprocating motion of the other end of the connecting rod 41 is not transmitted to the swing arm 51.

[0074] That is, in this state, the first link body 53 rotates reciprocally with the other end side connected to the swing arm 51 as the rotation center and the one end side connected to the connecting rod 41, and the rotational motion is not transmitted to the swing arm 51 side.

[0075] Therefore, since the reciprocating rotational motion is not transmitted to the horizontal feed shaft 42 either, the reciprocating stroke of the feed table 32 in the X-axis direction is 0, that is, the sewing pitch is 0. Thus, the rotation angle of the feed adjustment body 55 in a state where the link bodies 53 and 54 overlap is defined as the "neutral angle of the feed adjustment body 55".

[0076] Moreover, if the feed adjustment body 55 is rotated from the neutral angle to one side, a reciprocating swing motion is imparted to the swing arm 51 side according to the amount of its rotation angle, whereby the sewing pitch in the positive feed direction can be increased.

[0077] In addition, if the feed adjustment body 55 is rotated from the neutral angle in the opposite direction, a reciprocating swing motion can still be imparted to the swing arm 51 side according to the amount of its rotation angle, but in this case, the phase is reversed and transmitted, whereby the sewing pitch in the reverse feed direction can be increased.

[0078] The feed adjustment motor 57 is disposed with its output shaft facing the Y-axis direction at one end side in the Y-axis direction within the base portion. The aforementioned output arm 58 has its longitudinal direction facing substantially the X-axis direction and one end thereof is fixedly attached to the output shaft of the feed adjustment motor 57. Therefore, by driving the feed adjustment motor 57, the other end of the output arm 58 rotates up and down.

[0079] The transmission link 59 is connected to the other end of the output arm 58 in a state where its longitudinal direction is substantially along the Z-axis direction so as to be rotatable about the Y-axis. Therefore, by driving the feed adjustment motor 57, the entire transmission link 59 moves up and down.

[0080] The input arm 56 is fixedly attached to the support shaft 52 and extends substantially along the X-axis direction from the support shaft 52, and its extended end is connected to the upper end of the transmission link 59 so as to be rotatable about the Y-axis.

[0081] With the above structure, if the feed adjustment motor 57 is driven, the support shaft 52 and the feed adjustment body 55 can be rotated via the output arm 58, the transmission link 59, and the input arm 56.

[0082] The horizontal feed shaft 42 is rotatably supported within the base portion in a state along the Y-axis direction, and is disposed on the downstream side in the feeding direction of the workpiece to be sewn ( Figure 1 the left side in ). A reciprocating rotational force is imparted to one end portion on the upright body portion side of the horizontal feed shaft 42 from the vertical feed shaft 33 via the aforementioned feed adjustment mechanism 50, and a reciprocating motion along the X-axis direction is transmitted from the other end portion of the horizontal feed shaft 42 to the feed table 32 via the horizontal feed arm 43.

[0083] The base end portion of the horizontal feed arm 43 is fixedly connected to the end portion on the presser foot plate 11 side of the horizontal feed shaft 42, and the swing end portion of the horizontal feed arm 43 is connected to the feed table 32 so as to be rotatable about the Y-axis in a state substantially facing upward.

[0084] Therefore, the horizontal feed arm 43 can drive the feed table 32 to reciprocate along the X-axis direction by driving the sewing machine motor 16. In addition, the stroke of the reciprocating motion of the feed table 32 along the X-axis direction can be arbitrarily adjusted by controlling the feed adjustment motor 57 of the feed adjustment mechanism 50.

[0085] [Vertical Feed Mechanism]

[0086] As Figure 1 shown, the vertical feed mechanism 60 includes: a vertical feed shaft 33 that performs the aforementioned full rotation; a circular eccentric cam 61 that is fixedly installed at the end portion on the presser foot plate 11 side of the vertical feed shaft 33; and a connecting rod 62 that rotatably holds the eccentric cam 61 at one end portion.

[0087] As described above, one end portion of the connecting rod 62 holds the eccentric cam 61, and the other end portion is connected to one end portion of the feed table 32 in the X-axis direction so as to be rotatable about the Y-axis. In addition, the other end portion of the connecting rod 62 extends upward.

[0088] Therefore, if a full rotation is imparted to the vertical feed shaft 33, the connecting rod 62 reciprocates in its vertical direction with a stroke twice the eccentricity of the eccentric cam 61, and a reciprocating vertical movement can be imparted to the feed table 32.

[0089] [Feed Table]

[0090] The feed table 32 is disposed below the presser foot plate 11. One end portion in the feeding direction (X-axis direction) of the workpiece to be sewn is connected to the connecting rod 62, and the other end portion is connected to the horizontal feed arm 43. In addition, a feed tooth 31 is fixedly installed at the upper portion at the middle position in the length direction of the feed table 32.

[0091] Accordingly, the feed table 32 is given a reciprocating driving force in the vertical direction from one end thereof, and a reciprocating driving force in the feed direction is given from the other end thereof with the same period. Moreover, by synthesizing these reciprocating driving forces, a circular motion is performed along an elliptical locus in the X-Z plane. Along with the feed table 32, the feed teeth 31 also perform an elliptical circular motion. When moving in the upper region of the locus of the elliptical circular motion, the front end portion of the feed teeth 31 protrudes upward from the opening of the needle plate 11, and the material to be sewn can be conveyed.

[0092] [Feed rod]

[0093] If the target value of the sewing pitch as the feed amount of the material to be sewn is set from the setting input unit 95 described later, the feed adjustment mechanism 50 is controlled by the control device 90 so that the shaft angle of the output shaft of the feed adjustment motor 57 becomes the target value of the sewing pitch. Therefore, the sewing machine 100 can feed the material to be sewn at the target value of the sewing pitch.

[0094] In contrast, the feed rod 70 can increase or decrease the sewing pitch if a rotational operation is manually applied thereto, regardless of the target value of the sewing pitch from the setting input unit 95.

[0095] As Figure 1 shown, the feed rod 70 is provided on the surface on one side in the X-axis direction (the upstream side in the feed direction of the material to be sewn, hereinafter referred to as the "front side") of the upright body portion 14 of the sewing machine frame 10. The surface of the upright body portion 14 where the feed rod 70 is provided faces the operator who performs sewing on the sewing machine 100.

[0096] Figures 4 - 6 is a side view showing the periphery of the feed rod 70 as viewed from the right side.

[0097] Around the feed rod 70, there are provided: a support shaft 71 that rotatably supports the feed rod 70; a bracket 72 that is rotatably supported by the support shaft 71 separately from the feed rod 70; a rod detection unit 73 that is constituted by a sensor for detecting the input operation amount of the feed rod 70; a first return spring 74 that returns the feed rod 70 to the initial position P0 (refer to Figure 4 ); and a second return spring 75 that applies an elastic force toward the initial position P0 side to the feed rod 70 when the input operation amount of the feed rod 70 from the initial position P0 exceeds a first operation amount Q1 (refer to Figure 5 ) described later.

[0098] The support shaft 71 is constituted by, for example, a stepped screw and is fastened and fixed to the outer wall of the upright body portion 14 in a state along the Y-axis direction.

[0099] The feed rod 70 has: an input portion 702 that extends forward from the central portion 701 through which the support shaft 71 is inserted, and the extended end portion bends toward the left side and extends along the Y-axis direction with a certain length; a detected portion 703 that extends from the central portion 701 toward the side opposite to the operator (the downstream side in the feeding direction of the workpiece to be sewn, hereinafter referred to as the "inner side"); and a pressed portion 704 that abuts against the bracket 72 with the aforementioned first operation amount Q1.

[0100] Regarding the feed rod 70, Figure 4 the position shown is the initial position P0, and a stopper (not shown) is provided in a manner that it cannot rotate in the clockwise direction from this initial position P0. That is to say, the feed rod 70 is configured to be operable only in the direction of being pressed downward from the initial position P0. Figure 4

[0101] The first return spring 74 is a tension spring composed of a helical spring, and imparts an upward tension to the feed rod 70 that can pull the input portion 702 back to the initial position P0.

[0102] The detected portion 703 is a portion that performs position detection with respect to the rod detection portion 73 in order to detect the operation amount of the feed rod 70. The detected portion 703 extends from the central portion 701 toward the inner side and slightly obliquely upward, and its extended end portion bends downward.

[0103] The rod detection portion 73 detects the height of the lower end portion of the downward extended portion of the detected portion 703. For example, the rod detection portion 73 has a light source and a light receiving element for detecting light of a specific wavelength such as infrared rays that are arranged opposite to each other in a manner that sandwiches the lower end portion of the detected portion 703 from both sides in the Y-axis direction.

[0104] The light receiving element has countless light receiving portions arranged in a matrix. By determining the light receiving portion that becomes the lowest position within the light receiving portions where the light receiving amount of the detected light decreases due to the shielding by the detected portion 703, the height of the lower end portion of the detected portion 703 can be detected. There is an integral correlation between the height of the lower end portion of the detected portion 703 and the input operation amount (rotation angle) of the feed rod 70 from the initial position P0. Therefore, table data recording these correlations is prepared, and the control device 90 can determine the input operation amount of the feed rod 70 from the initial position P0 by referring to this table data.

[0105] In addition, it is also possible to regard the height of the lower end portion of the detected portion 703 detected itself as the input operation amount of the feed rod 70 from the initial position, and perform processing and control accompanying the input operation of the feed rod 70.

[0106] ​In addition, the rod detection unit 73 is not limited to a light source and a light receiving element, and any sensor capable of detecting the input operation amount of the feed rod 70 starting from the initial position P0 can be used. For example, sensors capable of measuring the rotation amount, such as an encoder, a rotary potentiometer, and a resolver, can be provided on the feed rod 70 at the same time, or a sensor capable of detecting the position of the lower end of the detected portion 703 by magnetism can be provided near the detected portion 703.

[0107] The pressed portion 704 extends from the central portion 701 downward and slightly forward.

[0108] As described above, a bracket 72 capable of rotating about the support shaft 71 is arranged on the left side of the feed rod 70. A rod-shaped protrusion 721 protruding rightward along the Y-axis direction is provided at the lower part of the bracket 72. Moreover, the bracket 72 maintains its orientation about the support shaft 71 constant by a second return spring 75 composed of a torsion coil spring.

[0109] In addition, the second return spring 75 is inserted into the support shaft 71 at the spiral part and rotatably supported. One end of the second return spring 75 is bent into a hook shape and inserted into a locking hole 722 provided on the bracket 72, and the other end is fixed by a stopper 141 provided on the upright body portion 14 so as not to rotate about the support shaft 71.

[0110] If the input portion 702 of the feed rod 70 is pressed downward and rotated from the initial position P0, then as Figure 5 shown, the pressed portion 704 abuts against the outer periphery of the protrusion 721 of the bracket 72. The input operation amount (rotation angle amount) of the feed rod 70 from the initial position P0 at the time of this abutment is set as the first operation amount Q1.

[0111] In contrast, the bracket 72 is held by the second return spring 75. Therefore, as Figure 6 shown, if the feed rod 70 rotates further beyond the first operation amount Q1, in addition to the return force of the first return spring 74 toward the initial position P0, a new return force toward the initial position P0 of the second return spring 75 is received from the pressed portion 704.

[0112] That is to say, when the operator applies a rotational movement to the feed rod 70 that exceeds the first operation amount Q1, an increase in the return force can be clearly felt when exceeding the first operation amount Q1.

[0113] In addition, if the feed rod 70 rotates from the Figure 5 position to the Figure 6If it is in the position where, halfway, the lower end of the detected portion 703 is in a state of being disengaged upward from the upper end of the detection range of the rod detection portion 73. At this time, the lower end of the detected portion 703 at the moment of disengagement from the detection range is detected to be at the upper limit value of the detection range of the rod detection portion 73.

[0114] Define the input operation amount of the feed rod 70 from the initial position P0 at this time as the third operation amount (the second operation amount will be described later).

[0115] After detecting the third operation amount as the input operation amount of the feed rod 70 from the initial position P0, if the lower end of the detected portion 703 disengages from the upper end of the detection range of the rod detection portion 73 and cannot be detected, the control device 90 regards the input of the third operation amount as being maintained and performs processing and control accompanying the input operation of the feed rod 70. That is, the control device 90 recognizes that the input of the detectable third operation amount continues during the period when an input operation exceeding the third operation amount is performed from the feed rod 70.

[0116] [Control System of Sewing Machine]

[0117] Show the control system of the above sewing machine 100 in Figure 7 the block diagram. As shown in this Figure 7 As shown, the control device 90 of the sewing machine 100 includes: a ROM (Read Only Memory), 92, which stores a program for controlling the operations of each structure; a RAM (Random Access Memory) 93, which serves as an operation processing work area; an erasable and rewritable non-volatile data memory 94 as a storage unit, which stores various setting data, etc.; and a CPU 91 (Central Processing Unit), which executes the program in the ROM 92.

[0118] Moreover, a sewing machine motor 16 and a feed adjustment motor 57 are connected to the control device 90 via respective motor drive circuits 16a, 57a.

[0119] In addition, an encoder 161 for detecting the rotational speed of the sewing machine motor 16 is attached to the sewing machine motor 16, and this encoder 161 is also connected to the control device 90 via the motor drive circuit 16a.

[0120] In addition, a rod detection portion 73 for detecting the input operation amount of the aforementioned feed rod 70 is connected to the control device 90 via an interface 73a.

[0121] Furthermore, a setting input portion 95 for inputting the execution and setting of various operation controls for the sewing machine 100 is connected to the control device 90 via an interface 95a.

[0122] The setting input unit 95 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) with a touch panel, and functions as a display unit and an input unit. The display unit displays various setting screens, the operation state of the sewing machine, etc. according to the display control signal input from the CPU 91. The input unit is constituted by a touch sensor that detects touch operations and is pasted on the display surface of the display unit, and can accept various inputs in cooperation with the input screen displayed on the display unit.

[0123] For example, the setting input unit 95 performs setting of the sewing pitch, setting of the first to third operation amounts Q1 to Q3 of the feed bar 70 described later, etc.

[0124] [Setting of various operation amounts]

[0125] Here, the setting of the first to third operation amounts Q1 to Q3 of the feed bar 70 will be described.

[0126] As described above, the first operation amount Q1 in the feed bar 70 is the input operation amount (rotation angle amount) from the initial position P0 when the feed bar 70 is rotated and the pressing portion 704 abuts against the protrusion 721 of the bracket 72. The first operation amount Q1 can be obtained based on the design values of the feed bar 70 and its periphery, but there may be individual differences from the design values due to machining errors, assembly errors, etc. of the parts.

[0127] Therefore, the output of the rod detection unit 73 when the pressing portion 704 first abuts against the protrusion 721 of the bracket 72 by actually operating the feed bar 70 or the rotation angle of the feed bar 70 from the initial position P0 obtained based on this output can be set as the first operation amount Q1.

[0128] When the CPU 91 of the control device 90 detects an operation reaching the first operation amount Q1 of the feed bar 70 through the rod detection unit 73, it executes control of the feed adjustment motor 57 to increase or decrease the set value of the sewing pitch according to the input operation amount exceeding the first operation amount Q1.

[0129] Specifically, as Figure 6 shown, if the detection value of the rod detection unit 73 exceeds the first operation amount Q1, the CPU 91 executes control of the feed adjustment motor 57 to gradually decrease the set value of the sewing pitch from the initial set value (for example, the sewing pitch set by the setting input unit 95) according to the increase in the operation amount (rotation of the feed adjustment body 55 in the reverse direction).

[0130] Furthermore, if the detection value of the lever detection unit 73 reaches the second operation amount Q2 which is larger than the first operation amount Q1, the CPU 91 controls the feed adjustment motor 57 so that the sewing pitch is 0 (the feed adjustment body 55 is at a neutral angle). That is, the CPU 91 gradually decreases the set value of the sewing pitch at a ratio from the initial set value to 0 during the operation of the feed lever 70 from the first operation amount Q1 to the second operation amount Q2.

[0131] Moreover, if the detection value of the rod detection unit 73 exceeds the second operation amount Q2, the CPU 91 switches the setting value of the sewing spacing from 0 to reverse feed according to the increase in the operation amount, and performs control of the feed adjustment motor 57 in a manner that gradually increases the sewing spacing of the reverse feed (the aforementioned neutral angle of the feed adjustment body 55 is then rotated in the opposite direction).

[0132] Furthermore, if the detection value of the lever detection unit 73 reaches the third operation amount Q3 which is larger than the second operation amount Q2, the CPU 91 controls the feed adjustment motor 57 so that the sewing pitch becomes the maximum value of the sewing pitch of the reverse feed which is set in advance. That is, the CPU 91 gradually increases the set value of the sewing pitch at a ratio from 0 to the maximum value of the sewing pitch of the reverse feed during the operation of the feed lever 70 from the second operation amount Q2 to the third operation amount Q3.

[0133] Furthermore, as described above, the third operation amount Q3 is the operation amount immediately before the lower end of the detected portion 703 of the feed lever 70 is out of the detection range of the lever detection portion 73. Therefore, when the lower end of the detected portion 703 is out of the detection range of the lever detection portion 73 and is not detected, the CPU 91 maintains the maximum value of the sewing pitch of the reverse feed again until the lower end of the detected portion 703 is detected.

[0134] In addition, the maximum value of the sewing pitch of the reverse feed can also be set from the setting input unit 95. In addition, the CPU 91 can also be configured to automatically recognize the maximum value of the sewing pitch of the reverse feed as the sewing pitch of the reverse feed of the same size as the setting value of the sewing pitch of the forward feed set from the setting input unit 95.

[0135] The first to third operation amounts Q1 to Q3 may be set to arbitrary operation amounts through the setting input unit 95. However, they are limited to Q1<Q2<Q3.

[0136] [Technical Effects of Embodiments of the Invention]

[0137] Regarding the above sewing machine 100, when the input operation amount of the feed bar 70 detected by the bar detection unit 73 from the initial position P0 is within the first operation amount Q1, the CPU 91 of the control device 90 does not change the operation amount of the feed adjustment motor 57. When the input operation amount of the feed bar 70 detected by the bar detection unit 73 from the initial position P0 exceeds the first operation amount Q1, the CPU 91 of the control device 90 performs control to change the operation amount of the feed adjustment motor 57 according to the input operation amount.

[0138] Therefore, when the feed bar 70 is pressed in from the standby position, i.e., the initial position P0, in the non-operated state, before reaching the first operation amount Q1, it is a free-running interval where the sewing pitch is maintained at the set value, and an effect similar to mechanical play can be obtained. Through this free-running interval, a prediction effect before the change in the sewing pitch occurs can be obtained, and for the operator, the adjustment operation can be performed well. In particular, when it is desired to change the sewing pitch in a timely manner, it is easy to obtain the timing for changing the feed pitch, and the operability can be improved.

[0139] In addition, for an operator who is accustomed to using the feed bar of a mechanically adjusted sewing machine, an operation feeling similar to that of the feed bar of a mechanically adjusted sewing machine can be obtained, so that good operation can be performed.

[0140] In addition, the sewing machine 100 is provided with a second return spring 75. When the input operation amount of the feed bar 70 from the initial position P0 exceeds the first operation amount Q1, the second return spring 75, together with the first return spring 74, imparts an elastic force to the feed bar 70 toward the initial position P0 side.

[0141] Therefore, when the feed bar 70 exceeds the first operation amount Q1, the operator can feel a sharp increase in the reaction force from the feed bar 70, and can recognize the start of the actual input interval where the change in the sewing pitch begins based on the change in the operation feeling.

[0142] In addition, the CPU 91 of the control device 90 controls the feed adjustment motor 57. When the detected value of the input operation amount of the feed bar 70 based on the bar detection unit 73 from the initial position P0 exceeds the first operation amount Q1, the feed amount of the workpiece to be sewn is reduced as the input operation amount increases. Therefore, control can be performed to meet the requirement of reducing the sewing pitch at any time during sewing.

[0143] In addition, the CPU 91 of the control device 90 controls the feed adjustment motor 57. If the detected value of the input operation amount of the feed lever 70 from the initial position P0 based on the lever detection unit 73 reaches a second operation amount Q2 greater than the first operation amount Q1, the feed amount of the workpiece to be sewn is reduced to 0. Moreover, when exceeding the second operation amount Q2, as the rotation angle amount increases, the feed amount of the workpiece to be sewn is increased by reverse feeding. Therefore, it is possible to perform control that can adapt to the requirement of extremely reducing the sewing pitch at any time during sewing or performing reverse feeding.

[0144] In addition, the CPU 91 of the control device 90 controls the feed adjustment motor 57. If the detected value of the input operation amount of the feed lever 70 from the initial position P0 based on the lever detection unit 73 is the same as or greater than a third operation amount Q3 greater than the second operation amount Q2, the feed amount of the workpiece to be sewn is maintained at a predetermined maximum value of reverse feeding. Therefore, in the case of performing reverse feeding at the maximum sewing pitch at any time during sewing, it is only necessary to press down the feed lever 70 to the maximum extent, and there is no need to adjust the pressing amount of the feed lever to achieve the target sewing pitch, and the switching of the sewing pitch can be easily performed.

[0145] In addition, through the input from the setting input unit 95, the first operation amount Q1 can be arbitrarily set. Therefore, the idle running interval of the feed lever 70 can be set to an appropriate width felt by each operator.

[0146] In addition, by being able to arbitrarily set the first operation amount Q1, the position where the restoring force based on the second return spring 75 starts to be generated on the feed lever 70 and the position where the adjustment of the sewing pitch based on the feed adjustment motor 57 starts can be adjusted to be more precisely consistent.

[0147] In addition, through the input from the setting input unit 95, the second operation amount Q2 can be arbitrarily set. Therefore, the position on the feed lever 70 where the sewing pitch is set to 0 and the position where the reverse feeding is switched can be set to an appropriate position felt by each operator.

[0148] In addition, through the input from the setting input unit 95, the third operation amount Q3 can be arbitrarily set. Therefore, the position on the feed lever 70 where the sewing pitch is switched to the maximum sewing pitch of reverse feeding can be set to an appropriate position felt by each operator.

[0149] [Another example of the peripheral structure of the feed lever]

[0150] Another example of the peripheral structure of the feed lever 70 will be described. Figure 8 It is a side view of another example of the peripheral structure of the feed lever 70 observed from the right side.

[0151] In the foregoingFigures 4 - 6 In the structure, a structure is illustrated in which a return force of a second return spring 75 is imparted to a feed rod 70 via a bracket 72. However, any other structure may be used as long as the return force significantly changes when the operation amount of the feed rod 70 exceeds a first operation amount Q1.

[0152] In Figure 8 the example of, a structure is shown in which the bracket 72 arranged on the left side of the feed rod 70 is omitted, and the pressed portion 704 of the feed rod 70 directly presses the second return spring 75.

[0153] In this case, in Figure 4 the example of, one end portion of the second return spring 75 that is connected to the bracket 72 is inserted into a locking hole 142 provided in the upright body portion 14, and is locked so that the second return spring 75 does not rotate about the support shaft 71.

[0154] On the other hand, the other end portion of the second return spring 75 is arranged so as to be able to abut against the pressed portion 704, and is set to abut against the pressed portion 704 when an operation is applied until the feed rod 70 reaches the first operation amount Q1 from the initial position P0.

[0155] In addition, when the operation amount of the feed rod 70 exceeds the first operation amount Q1, the other end portion of the second return spring 75 rotates about the support shaft 71 together with the pressed portion 704. Therefore, a stopper 141 having a structure that restricts both sides in the circumferential direction about the support shaft 71 as shown in Figure 4 the example of is not used. A stopper 143 at the other end portion of the second return spring 75 is configured to abut against the other end portion of the second return spring 75 from the upstream side in the operation direction of the feed rod 70 by being arranged to abut against the pressed portion 704 when the operation amount of the feed rod 70 is the first operation amount Q1 on the side surface of the upright body portion 14.

[0156] In this way, Figure 8 in the case of the structure of, it also functions in the same manner as Figure 4 the case of the structure of. In addition, regarding Figure 8 the feed rod 70 of, the drawing of the detected portion 703 and the rod detection portion 73 is omitted.

[0157] [Another example of processing of the feed rod based on the control device]

[0158] Refer to Figure 6 to describe another example of the processing of the feed rod 70 based on the control device 90.

[0159] When using Figures 4 - 6In the above-described processing example, if the operation amount of the feed rod 70 from the initial position P0 exceeds the first operation amount Q1, then the control of the feed adjustment motor 57 is performed thereafter, so that the sewing pitch varies during the process in which the sewing pitch gradually decreases, the sewing pitch becomes 0, and the sewing pitch of the reverse feed gradually increases.

[0160] However, the processing regarding the feed rod 70 is not limited to this, and the following processing may also be performed.

[0161] That is, when the operation amount of the feed rod 70 from the initial position P0 is the same as or greater than the fourth operation amount Q4 that is larger than the first operation amount Q1, the CPU 91 of the control device 90 may also control the feed adjustment motor 57 so that the sewing pitch of the object to be sewn is maintained at a predetermined target value.

[0162] In this case, it is not necessary to set the second operation amount Q2 and the third operation amount Q3.

[0163] The above fourth operation amount only needs to be larger than the first operation amount Q1 and equal to or less than the above-described third operation amount Q3.

[0164] Moreover, during the period when the detected operation amount is from the first operation amount Q1 to the fourth operation amount Q4, the sewing pitch of the object to be sewn may or may not vary. When the fourth operation amount Q4 is reached, the feed adjustment motor 57 is controlled so that the sewing pitch becomes a predetermined target value.

[0165] In addition, when the operation amount exceeds the fourth operation amount Q4, the predetermined target value is maintained.

[0166] This example of the processing is applicable to the case of sewing with the following two sewing pitches, that is, during normal sewing, sewing is performed with the standard sewing pitch set by the setting input unit 95, and in a specific case, it is desired to change to another predetermined sewing pitch.

[0167] In this case, when sewing with the standard sewing pitch, it is not possible to increase or decrease the sewing pitch midway to cope with unforeseen situations. However, when the sizes of the two sewing pitches required are known in advance, as long as the feed rod 70 is pressed in to the maximum extent during the switching of the sewing pitch, there is no need to press the feed rod 70 while searching for an appropriate position, and the operation can be performed simply and quickly.

[0168] In addition, regarding the above-described first operation amount Q1, fourth operation amount Q4, and the predetermined target value of the sewing pitch, it is preferably possible to arbitrarily set them from the setting input unit 95.

[0169] However, it is restricted that Q1 < Q4.

[0170] [Other]

[0171] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, in the embodiments, the structural elements integrally formed by a single component may be replaced with structural elements that are divided into multiple components and connected or fixed to each other. In addition, the structural elements constituted by connecting multiple components may be replaced with structural elements integrally formed by a single component. In addition, the details shown in the embodiments may be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0172] For example, by making the reciprocating movement amount of the horizontal feed mechanism based on the feed mechanism constant and being able to change the reciprocating movement amount based on the vertical feed mechanism by controlling a motor as an actuator, it is also possible to control the feed amount of the sewing material for each stitch.

[0173] Moreover, even in the case of a sewing machine equipped with such a feed mechanism, the above-described structure of the feed rod 70 and the motion control of the operation for the feed rod 70 can be applied.

Claims

1. A sewing machine comprising: A feed adjustment mechanism, which adjusts the feed amount of the sewn article by changing the actuator; A setting input section for setting a feed amount of a sewn article; a control device for controlling the movement amount of the actuator of the feed adjustment mechanism according to the set value of the feed amount of the sewn article from the setting input portion, The sewing machine is characterized in that it has: A feed lever for adjusting the feed amount of the sewn article by rotating the lever from an initial position; a first return spring, which returns the feed rod to the initial position; a detection unit that detects an input operation amount of the feed rod from the initial position, When the input operation amount of the feed lever from the initial position detected by the detection unit is within a first operation amount, the control device does not change the operation amount of the actuator. When the input operation amount of the feed lever from the initial position detected by the detection unit exceeds a first operation amount, the control device changes the operation amount of the actuator according to the input operation amount.

2. The sewing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second return spring is provided, and when the input operation amount of the feed lever from the initial position exceeds the first operation amount, the second return spring, together with the first return spring, applies elastic force to the feed lever toward the initial position side.

3. The sewing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The control device controls the actuator to reduce the feed amount of the sewn article as the input operation amount increases when a detection value of the input operation amount of the feed lever from the initial position based on the detection unit exceeds the first operation amount.

4. The sewing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control device controls the actuator, and if the detection value of the input operation amount of the feed rod from the initial position based on the detection unit reaches a second operation amount larger than the first operation amount, the feed amount of the sewn object is reduced to 0, and when it exceeds the second operation amount, the feed amount of the sewn object is increased by reverse feeding as the input operation amount increases.

5. The sewing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that The control device controls the actuator so that if the detection value of the input operation amount of the feed rod from the initial position based on the detection unit is the same as or becomes greater than a third operation amount that is larger than the second operation amount, the feed amount of the sewn object is maintained at a predetermined maximum value for reverse feeding.

6. The sewing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first operation amount can be arbitrarily set by input from the setting input unit.

7. The sewing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that The second operation amount can be arbitrarily set by input from the setting input unit.

8. The sewing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that The third operation amount can be arbitrarily set by input from the setting input unit.

9. The sewing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The control device controls the actuator to maintain the feed amount of the sewn article at a predetermined target value if a detection value of an input operation amount of the feed rod from the initial position based on the detection unit is equal to or greater than a fourth operation amount that is larger than the first operation amount.

10. The sewing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that The fourth operation amount can be arbitrarily set by input from the setting input unit.

11. The sewing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that The predetermined target value can be arbitrarily set by input from the setting input unit.

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