Sewing machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a sewing machine capable of adjusting the relative position of a second member with respect to a first member, comprising: an operation dial capable of rotating in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member can be adjusted according to the rotation amount and the rotation direction of the operation dial; a detector capable of detecting at least a rotation direction of the operation dial; and a display control unit that displays, on the display unit, an image indicating a relative position of the second member with respect to the first member, the image including: a target position mark indicating a target position of the second member with respect to the first member; the movable range of the second component relative to the first component comprises an initial position and a target position of the second component relative to the first component; and a current position mark indicating whether or not the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member approaches the target position in accordance with the rotation direction detected by the detector in the movable range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sewing machine. Background Art

[0002] The sewing machine of Patent Document 1 comprises a sewing machine frame, a main shaft, a needle bar, a loop catcher fixed shaft, a loop catcher, a loop catcher position adjustment member, and a loop catcher position detection unit. The loop catcher fixed shaft is supported on the sewing machine frame so as to be rotatable or swingable, and is connected to the main shaft via a transmission mechanism. The loop catcher has a loop catching portion, which is fixed to the loop catcher fixed shaft and catches the needle thread loop formed as the needle bar moves up and down. The loop catcher position adjustment member can be mounted on the lower end of the needle bar. The loop catcher position detection unit can detect the contact state between the loop catcher position adjustment member and the loop catching portion of the loop catcher. The operator confirms the contact state between the loop catcher and the loop catcher fixed shaft by the loop catcher position detection unit, thereby aligning the loop catcher.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-25594 Summary of the Invention In the above-mentioned sewing machine, it is difficult to know whether the operation of bringing the loop catcher and the loop catcher fixing shaft relatively close to each other and into contact with each other has been performed appropriately.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a sewing machine capable of adjusting the relative position of a first member and a second member of the sewing machine by operating an operating dial, thereby facilitating determination of whether the operating dial has been properly operated.

[0005] The sewing machine involved in technical solution 1 of the present invention is capable of adjusting the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member, and is provided with: an operating dial, which can be rotated in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, respectively, and can adjust the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member corresponding to the rotation amount and rotation direction of the operating dial; a detector, which can detect at least the rotation direction of the operating dial; and a display control unit, which displays an image on the display unit, wherein the image represents the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member, and includes: a target position mark indicating the target position of the second member with respect to the first member; a movable range of the second member with respect to the first member, including an initial position and the target position of the second member with respect to the first member; and a current position mark on the movable range indicating whether the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member is close to the target position corresponding to the rotation direction detected by the detector. The sewing machine displays an image on the display unit, thereby helping the operator who is performing the adjustment operation of the relative position of the second component with respect to the first component to easily confirm whether the operating dial has been operated in the following direction, which is a direction suitable for making the relative position of the second component with respect to the first component a desired position.

[0006] In the sewing machine according to claim 2 of the present invention, the movable range is represented by a plurality of blocks (mas), and the target position mark is represented by any one of the plurality of blocks. The sewing machine facilitates an operator to easily grasp the target position within the movable range based on an image displayed on the display unit.

[0007] In the sewing machine according to claim 3 of the present invention, the detector is capable of detecting the rotational direction and amount of the operating dial, and the display control unit changes the display position of the current position mark relative to the movable range in accordance with the rotational direction and amount detected by the detector, so that the amount of rotation of the operating dial detected by the detector when the current position mark is relatively moved from an initial block, the initial block, to a first adjacent block adjacent to the initial block, among the plurality of blocks, is smaller than the amount of rotation of the operating dial detected by the detector when the current position mark is relatively moved from the first adjacent block to a second adjacent block, different from the initial block and adjacent to the first adjacent block. By making the amount of rotation of the operating dial detected by the detector when the current position mark is moved from the initial block to the first adjacent block smaller than the amount of rotation of the operating dial detected by the detector when the current position mark is moved from the first adjacent block to the second adjacent block, the sewing machine facilitates easy confirmation of whether the operation of the operating dial has been performed in the appropriate direction at the start of operation of the operating dial.

[0008] In the sewing machine according to claim 4 of the present invention, the width of the first adjacent block is shorter than the width of the second adjacent block. The sewing machine helps achieve both the following: an operator can easily confirm whether the operation has been performed in the appropriate direction when starting to operate the operating dial; and a change in the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member relative to the amount of rotation of the operating dial can be grasped based on an image.

[0009] In the sewing machine according to claim 5 of the present invention, the detector is capable of detecting the rotational direction and amount of the operating dial, and the display control unit changes the display position of the current position mark relative to the movable range in accordance with the rotational direction and amount detected by the detector, so that the amount of rotation of the operating dial detected by the detector when the current position mark moves relative to each other between a target block (i.e., a block where the target position mark is located) and a first target adjacent block adjacent to the target block is smaller than the amount of rotation of the operating dial detected by the detector when the current position mark moves relative to each other between the first target adjacent block and a second target adjacent block different from the target block and adjacent to the first target adjacent block. The sewing machine makes the amount of movement of the current position mark corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operating dial more sensitive when the current position mark is near the target block than when the current position mark is farther from the target block, thereby facilitating the operator to easily align the current position mark displayed on the display unit with the target block.

[0010] In the sewing machine according to claim 6 of the present invention, the width of the first target adjacent block is shorter than the width of the second target adjacent block. The sewing machine facilitates both confirming whether the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member has been adjusted to the target position and understanding, based on an image, a change in the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member relative to the amount of rotation of the operating dial.

[0011] In the image of the sewing machine according to claim 7 of the present invention, the color of the target block representing the target position mark is different from the colors of the other blocks. This facilitates easier visual recognition of the target block in the image of the sewing machine, compared to a case where the target block is the same color as the other blocks.

[0012] In the image of the sewing machine according to claim 8 of the present invention, the color of the end block indicating the end of the movable range among the plurality of blocks is different from the colors of the other blocks. Compared to a case where the end block is the same color as the other blocks, the sewing machine helps the operator to easily recognize that the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member is at the end of the movable range, thereby preventing the operating dial from being further operated in the same direction.

[0013] In the sewing machine according to claim 9 of the present invention, the display control unit causes the display unit to display the image in which the current position mark flashes when the amount of rotation of the operating dial detected by the detector is less than a predetermined amount. This helps the operator to be informed that, when the current position mark in the image has not moved due to a relatively small amount of rotation of the operating dial, the current position mark has not moved because the detector is not operating correctly, or that, although the detector is operating correctly, the current position mark has not moved because the detected amount of rotation is less than the amount required to move the current position mark.

[0014] The sewing machine according to claim 10 of the present invention further includes a strain detector that detects an amount of strain of the first member, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display the image showing relative movement from a target adjacent block adjacent to the target block representing the target position mark toward the target block based on the amount of strain detected by the strain detector. This facilitates displaying whether the second member has been brought into contact with the first member and pressed by the predetermined amount, based on whether the current position mark has been moved from the target adjacent block to the target block based on the amount detected by the strain detector, when the second member is intended to be brought into contact with the first member and adjusted to a position where the second member is pressed by a predetermined amount.

[0015] The sewing machine according to technical solution 11 of the present invention further comprises: a needle bar, a needle of which can be mounted at its lower end; and a shuttle mechanism having a movable body, wherein the first member is the needle, the second member is the movable body, and the operating dial moves the movable body relative to the needle in accordance with the rotation amount and the rotation direction of the operating dial. Generally, in order to properly perform sewing operations in a sewing machine, it is necessary to adjust the positional relationship between the needle mounted on the needle bar and the movable body. The display control unit of the sewing machine helps to display whether the operator has rotated the operating dial in the appropriate direction when moving the movable body of the shuttle mechanism relative to the needle.

[0016] The display control unit of the sewing machine according to claim 12 of the present invention displays the image including the initial position mark indicating the initial position on the display unit. This facilitates the sewing machine to confirm whether the operating dial has been operated in the appropriate direction by simply checking the position of the current position mark relative to the initial block when the current position mark has moved from the initial block. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the sewing machine 1 .

[0018] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of frame 7.

[0019] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the shuttle unit 8 .

[0020] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the sensor unit 4 detached from the holder 7 .

[0021] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the sensor unit 4 mounted on the frame 7 .

[0022] Figure 6 It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sewing machine 1.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the zero point detection process.

[0024] Figure 8 is Figure 7 Flowchart of the configuration block determination process performed in the zero point detection process.

[0025] Figure 9 is Figure 8 Flowchart of the sensor reference processing executed in the configuration block determination processing.

[0026] Figure 10 (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of images displayed on the display unit 29. Figure 10 (C) to (G) are diagrams illustrating the shift of the current position marker relative to the movable range included in the image.

[0027] Figure 11 (A) to (F) are explanatory diagrams of the shift of the current position mark relative to the movable range displayed in the image when the widths of the plurality of blocks representing the movable range are uneven.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the needle guard needle gap detection process.

[0029] Figure 13 is Figure 12 Flowchart of the configuration block determination process executed in the needle guard needle gap detection process.

[0030] Figure 14 (A) is an explanatory diagram of an image displayed on the display unit 29. Figure 14 (B) to (G) are diagrams illustrating the shift of the current position marker relative to the movable range included in the image.

[0031] Figure 15 (A) is an explanatory diagram of a plurality of blocks 57 in a case where the widths are non-uniform. Figure 15 (B) is an explanatory diagram in which a plurality of blocks 89 are arranged in the vertical direction. Figure 15 (C) is an explanatory diagram of a plurality of blocks 59 arranged in a ring shape. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] A sewing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, left and right, front and back, and up and down are indicated by arrows in the drawings. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sewing machine 1 is a gate-type sewing machine capable of sewing a workpiece. The sewing machine 1 includes a base 21 , a feed mechanism 25 , support columns 221 and 222 , a beam 23 , an operating unit 27 , a head 24 , and a frame 7 .

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the base portion 21 has a base 211 and a frame 212. The base 211 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The base 211 includes a first retaining plate 213, a second retaining plate 214, and pleated portions 215 and 216. Openings 217 and 218 are formed in the base 211. The base 211 also includes a pair of first rails and a pair of second rails, not shown. The first retaining plate 213 constitutes the upper surface of the base 211 and is a flat surface extending in the horizontal direction. The second retaining plate 214 is a rectangular plate arranged flush with the first retaining plate 213 in front of the first retaining plate 213. The opening 217 extends in the front-to-back direction near the left end of the first retaining plate 213. One of the pair of first rails extending in the front-to-back direction is arranged in the opening 217. The opening 218 extends in the front-to-back direction near the right end of the first retaining plate 213. The other of the pair of first rails is arranged in the opening 218. The pleated portion 215 covers the opening 217. The pleated portion 216 covers the opening 218. The pleated portions 215 and 216 expand and contract in response to the reciprocating movement of the feed mechanism 25 (described later) along the pair of first rails. The frame 212 is a lattice-shaped structure that supports the base 211 from below. A pair of second rails extends horizontally below the first retaining plate 213 and between the openings 217 and 218.

[0034] The feeding mechanism 25 has a holding mechanism 26 and connecting parts 251 and 252. The holding mechanism 26 holds the sewn material. The holding mechanism 26 has an upper frame 260, a lower frame 261, and cylinders 262 and 263. The upper frame 260 and the lower frame 261 are rectangular frames when viewed from above, and clamp the sewn material. The upper frame 260 moves up and down under the action of the cylinders 262 and 263. One end of the connecting part 251 is connected to the first rail arranged in the opening part 217 of the machine base part 21, and the other end of the connecting part 251 is connected to the left end part of the holding mechanism 26. One end of the connecting part 252 is connected to the first rail arranged in the opening part 218 of the machine base part 21, and the other end of the connecting part 252 is connected to the right end part of the holding mechanism 26.

[0035] The support portions 221 and 222 are each roughly in the shape of a quadrangular prism. The support portion 221 extends upward from the left end portion of the base portion 211 of the machine base portion 21 and a position forward of the center in the front-to-back direction. The support portion 221 is located to the left of the pleated portion 215 in the left-right direction. The support portion 221 internally supports a synchronization mechanism (not shown) that synchronously drives the needle bar mechanism 6 and the shuttle mechanism 12. The support portion 222 extends upward from the right end portion of the base portion 211 of the machine base portion 21 and a position forward of the center in the front-to-back direction. The support portion 222 is located to the right of the pleated portion 216 in the left-to-right direction. The support portion 221 internally supports the X motor 132 (see Figure 6 ), the X motor 132 moves the shuttle mechanism 12 and the needle bar mechanism 6 in the left-right direction parallel to the horizontal direction relative to the sewn material. The support columns 221 and 222 are separated in the left-right direction.

[0036] The beam 23 is mounted between the pillars 221 and 222. The beam 23 includes a frame 231, a third rail (not shown), and a pleated portion 232. The frame 231 extends between the upper and rear ends of the pillar 221 and the upper and rear ends of the pillar 222. The third rail is disposed in a space enclosed by the pillars 221, 222, the frame 231, and the pleated portion 232. The third rail is rod-shaped and mounted between the pillars 221 and 222. The third rail supports the head 24, which will be described later, so that it can move in the left-right direction. The pleated portion 232 is disposed across the front ends of the pillars 221, 222, the frame 231, and the left and right ends of the head 24, which will be described later. The pleated portion 232 covers the third rail supporting the head 24 from the front. The pleated portion 232 expands and contracts accordingly as the head 24 reciprocates in the left-right direction along the third rail.

[0037] The operation unit 27 is fixed to the front surface of the left end portion of the beam 23. The operation unit 27 includes a switch group 28 and a display unit 29. Various instructions are input to the switch group 28 in response to the operator's operation. The display unit 29 is a liquid crystal display that can display various images.

[0038] The head 24 is provided on the front side relative to the beam 23. The head 24 includes a needle bar 31, a drive unit 50, a presser foot 32, a thread take-up lever 33, a thread clamp 34, a sub-thread clamp 35, and thread guides 36 and 37. The needle bar 31 extends in the vertical direction, and the needle 30 can be mounted on the lower end. The drive unit 50 is driven by a main motor 131 (see Figure 6 ) is used to reciprocate the needle bar 31 in the vertical direction. The drive unit 50 has a main shaft 52 and a rotary knob 51. When the operator moves the needle bar 31 in the vertical direction or rotates the movable body 80 described later, the rotary knob 51 is manually rotated. The presser foot 32 has a through hole for the needle 30 to pass through in accordance with the movement of the needle bar 31, pressing the sewn object from above. The thread take-up lever 33 moves in accordance with the vertical movement of the needle bar 31 to lift the upper thread. The thread clamping device 34 adjusts the tension of the upper thread. The auxiliary thread clamp 35 winds the upper thread extending from the bobbin (not shown) and guides the upper thread toward the thread clamping device 34 below. The thread guides 36 and 37 respectively contact the upper thread extending from the thread clamping device 34 and guide the upper thread toward the thread take-up lever 33. The head 24 can move in the left and right direction along the front end of the beam 23.

[0039] Figure 2 The frame 7 shown is provided below the head 24 and inside the base 211. The frame 7 includes a frame 70, a needle plate 74, legs 71, 72, support shafts 751, 752, a shuttle unit 8, and an adjustment unit 78. The frame 70 accommodates the shuttle unit 8 therein. The frame 70 includes a main portion 701 and a protruding portion 702. The main portion 701 is box-shaped. The protruding portion 702 protrudes to the left from near the front end portion of the left surface of the main portion 701. The needle plate 74 is fixed to the upper side of the protruding portion 702 in a detachable manner. A needle hole 73 is formed in the needle plate 74, through which the needle 30 can be inserted. The needle hole 73 is located below the needle bar 31. Figure 2 The needle hole 73 and the needle plate 74 are indicated by imaginary lines.

[0040] The legs 71 are provided at the rear end of the main portion 701 and supported by a second rail 75 extending in the horizontal direction. The legs 72 are provided at the front end of the main portion 701 and supported by a second rail 76 extending in the horizontal direction. The movement of the legs 71 and 72 along the second rails 75 and 76 allows the shuttle unit 8 to move horizontally in synchronization with the head 24. The head 24 and the frame 7 are moved horizontally by the power of the X motor 132. Support shafts 751 and 752 are provided at the front end of the upper surface of the protruding portion 702. Each support shaft 751 and 752 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the protruding portion 702 in a cylindrical shape.

[0041] like Figure 3As shown, the shuttle unit 8 includes a shuttle shaft 11 and a shuttle mechanism 12. The shuttle unit 8 is housed within the frame 70 of the frame 7. The shuttle shaft 11 includes a shaft 85, a terminal assembly 87, and a shuttle shaft gear 86. The shaft 85 extends in a cylindrical shape in the horizontal direction. The shaft 85 is rotatably supported within the frame 70 of the frame 7. The axis extending in the horizontal direction through the center of the shaft 85 is referred to as "axis C."

[0042] The terminal assembly 87 is provided at the right end portion of the shaft body 85. The terminal assembly 87 is cylindrical in shape, the radius of which is larger than the radius of the shaft body 85. The terminal assembly 87 is supported by the frame body 70 of the rack 7. Even if the shaft body 85 rotates, the terminal assembly 87 does not rotate. On the other hand, the terminal assembly 87 can move in the left-right direction relative to the rack 7. Corresponding to the left-right movement of the terminal assembly 87 relative to the rack 7, the shaft body 85 also moves in the left-right direction relative to the rack 7. A groove 871 extending in the up-down direction is provided on the front side surface of the terminal assembly 87. The groove 871 has a wall portion 870 perpendicular to the front-back direction.

[0043] The shuttle gear 86 is arranged on the left side of the terminal assembly 87 in the shaft body 85. Figure 6 A belt (not shown) is provided between the rotating shaft of the main motor 131 and the shuttle gear 86. The shuttle gear 86 receives a rotational driving force from the belt that rotates in response to the drive of the main motor 131, thereby rotating the shaft 85. Figure 1 The main shaft 52 of the driving unit 50 also rotates in accordance with the driving of the main motor 131. Therefore, the main shaft 52 and the shaft body 85 rotate in conjunction with the driving of the main motor 131.

[0044] The shuttle mechanism 12 is a vertical shuttle with the bobbin's rotational axis positioned perpendicular to the direction of movement of the needle bar 31. The shuttle mechanism 12 includes a shuttle body 81, a shuttle 82, and a movable body 80. The shuttle body 81 includes a first receiving portion 801 and a second receiving portion 802. The first receiving portion 801 is cylindrical and extends in the horizontal direction. A groove 817 extending in the vertical direction is provided on the front side of the first receiving portion 801. The groove 817 includes a planar wall portion 818 perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. The second receiving portion 802 is provided at the left end of the first receiving portion 801. The second receiving portion 802 is cylindrical and extends in the horizontal direction. It includes a first portion 811 and a second portion 812. The second portion 812 is positioned to the left of the first portion 811. The outer diameter of the first portion 811 is smaller than that of the second portion 812. The outer diameters of the first portion 811 and the second portion 812 are larger than the outer diameter of the first receiving portion 801.

[0045] A through hole 803 extending in the left-right direction is formed at the center of the first receiving portion 801 of the shuttle body 81. The left end of the shaft 85 of the shuttle shaft 11 is inserted from the right into the through hole 803 of the first receiving portion 801. A recessed portion 813 is formed on the left surface of the second portion 812 of the second receiving portion 802, which is recessed to the right. The movable body 80, described later, is accommodated within the space 810 surrounded by the recess 813. A hole 814 is formed at the upper end of the second receiving portion 802, communicating with the recess 813. The upper end of the recess 813 is connected to the left end of the hole 814. A hole 815 is formed at the rear end of the first portion 811 of the second receiving portion 802, communicating with the recess 813. Hole 815 is a vertically elongated hole. An internal thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface 805 at the upper end of hole 815, and an internal thread different from that of inner circumferential surface 805 is also formed on the inner circumferential surface 806 at the lower end of hole 815. A hole 816 is formed at the front end of first portion 811 in second housing portion 802, communicating with recess 813. Hole 816 has a circular cross-section.

[0046] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the shuttle 82 is disposed at the left end of the shuttle body 81. The shuttle 82 is annular and plate-shaped. The outer diameter of the shuttle 82 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the second portion 812 in the second receiving portion 802 of the shuttle body 81. A circular hole 821 is formed in the center of the shuttle 82, extending horizontally therethrough. The diameter of the hole 821 is smaller than the diameter of the recess 813 of the shuttle body 81 when viewed from the side. The shuttle 82 covers a portion of the recess 813 of the shuttle body 81 from the left.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the second receiving portion 802 of the shuttle body 81 protrudes to the left from the left surface of the protruding portion 702 in the frame 70 of the frame 7. A shuttle thread guide 90 is fixed to the upper side of the second receiving portion 802. The shuttle thread guide 90 is a plate that is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The shuttle thread guide 90 covers the hole 814 of the second receiving portion 802 from above. The shuttle thread guide 90 is located below the needle plate 74. The shuttle thread guide 90 has a notch 901. The notch 901 extends to the right from the left end of the shuttle thread guide 90.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the movable body 80 includes an inner shuttle 83 and a driver 84. The inner shuttle 83 and the driver 84 are disposed in a space 810 of the shuttle body 81. The inner shuttle 83 is made of metal and is disposed in the space 810 of the shuttle body 81. When the shuttle 82 is fixed to the shuttle body 81, the inner shuttle 83 is rotatably supported by the shuttle body 81 and the shuttle 82. The inner shuttle 83 includes a base 835, a peripheral edge 836, a shuttle tip 837, and a stud 830.

[0049] The base portion 835 is a plate-shaped, fan-shaped structure perpendicular to the left-right direction when viewed from the left. Axis C extends through the center of the fan-shaped portion of the base portion 835. The peripheral edge portion 836 is provided in the arc portion of the base portion 835. The end of the peripheral edge portion 836 on one side of the circumference, centered on axis C, is referred to as the "inner shuttle end portion 831." The end of the peripheral edge portion 836 on the other side of the circumference, centered on axis C, is referred to as the "inner shuttle end portion 832." The inner shuttle end portion 831 corresponds to the end of the peripheral edge portion 836 in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left. The inner shuttle end portion 832 corresponds to the end of the peripheral edge portion 836 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the left.

[0050] The shuttle tip 837 extends toward the other side of the circumference centered on the axis C. The tip of the shuttle tip 837 is sharp. During sewing by the sewing machine 1, the shuttle tip 837 catches the upper thread inserted through the needle 30. The stud 830 extends leftward from the base 835 along the axis C. A bobbin case (not shown) containing a bobbin around which the lower thread is wound is rotatably supported by the stud 830.

[0051] The driver 84 is made of metal. The driver 84 has a fixing portion 851, a base 852, a needle guard 853, an engaged body 854, and a detected body 855. The fixing portion 851 has a cylindrical shape and extends in the left-right direction. The through hole 840 of the fixing portion 851 extends in the left-right direction. The axis C passes through the center of the through hole 840. A protrusion 841 extending in a radial direction centered on the axis C is provided on the fixing portion 851. Hereinafter, the radial direction centered on the axis C will be referred to as the "axial radial direction". A slit 850 is formed in the fixing portion 851 and the protrusion 841. The slit 850 extends in the axial radial direction. A fixing screw 842 is threadedly engaged with the protrusion 841. The spacing of the slit 850 can be adjusted by the fixing screw 842.

[0052] By tightening the fixing screw 842 while the shaft 85 of the shuttle shaft 11 is inserted into the through hole 840, the fixing portion 851 is connected to the shaft 85, thereby enabling transmission of the rotational force of the shaft 85. On the other hand, by loosening the fixing screw 842, the fixing portion 851 is separated from the shaft 85, thereby preventing transmission of the rotational force of the shaft 85.

[0053] The base portion 852 extends outward along the axial radial direction from the side surface of the fixing portion 851. The distal end of the base portion 852 is bent to the left.

[0054] The needle guard (Japanese: hariuke) 853 is provided at the end of the base 852. The needle guard 853 extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis C. The needle guard 853 contacts the sewing needle 30 during the sewing process of the sewing machine 1 and guides it so that the sewing needle 30 does not bend. One end of the needle guard 853 in the circumferential direction centered on the axis C is referred to as the "needle guard end 843". The other end of the peripheral edge portion 836 in the circumferential direction centered on the axis C is referred to as the "needle guard end 844". The needle guard end 843 corresponds to the end on the counterclockwise side when viewed from the left in the needle guard 853. The needle guard end 844 corresponds to the end on the clockwise side when viewed from the left in the needle guard 853.

[0055] The engaged body 854 is provided on the side surface of the fixing portion 851. The engaged body 854 has an engaging extension portion 845 and an engaged portion 846. The engaging extension portion 845 extends outward from the side surface of the fixing portion 851 in the axial diameter direction. The shape of the engaging extension portion 845 is a quadrangular prism. The engaged portion 846 is a recess formed at the end of the engaging extension portion 845. The engaged portion 846 extends from the plane at the end of the engaging extension portion 845 toward the axis C.

[0056] The detected body 855 is provided on the side surface of the fixing portion 851. The detected body 855 has a detection extension portion 847 and a detected surface 848. The detection extension portion 847 extends outward from the side surface of the fixing portion 851 in the axial diameter direction. The extension direction of the detection extension portion 847 is different from the extension direction of the engaging extension portion 845 of the engaged body 854. The angle formed between the engaging extension portion 845 and the detection extension portion 847 is approximately 120 degrees when viewed from the left. The detection extension portion 847 is arranged on the clockwise side with respect to the engaging extension portion 845 when viewed from the left. The shape of the detection extension portion 847 is a quadrangular prism. The detected surface 848 is a plane orthogonal to the axial diameter direction provided at the front end of the detection extension portion 847.

[0057] The driver 84 is arranged inside the space 810 of the bobbin case body 81 and on the right side of the inner bobbin 83. The needle guard end 843 in the needle guard 853 of the driver 84 contacts the inner bobbin end 832 of the inner bobbin 83. The needle guard end 844 in the needle guard 853 of the driver 84 contacts the inner bobbin end 831 of the inner bobbin 83. However, when one of the needle guard ends 843 and 844 contacts the inner bobbin 83, the other is in a relationship of being separated from the inner bobbin 83.

[0058] The driver 84, which is coupled to the shaft 85 of the shuttle shaft 11 by tightening the fixing screw 842, rotates about the axis C in response to the rotation of the shaft 85. At this time, the driver 84 transmits a rotational driving force to the inner shuttle 83, whose inner shuttle ends 831 and 832 are in contact with the needle guard ends 843 and 844 of the needle guard 853 of the driver 84. As a result, the inner shuttle 83 rotates about the axis C in response to the rotation of the driver 84. Specifically, the driver 84 is coupled to the shaft 85, and the movable body 80, including the inner shuttle 83 and the driver 84, is coupled to the shaft 85, so that the movable body 80 rotates in response to the rotation of the shaft 85.

[0059] On the other hand, by loosening the fixing screw 842 and disengaging the driver 84 from the shaft 85 of the shuttle shaft 11, even if the shaft 85 rotates, the driver 84, having been disengaged from the shaft 85 of the shuttle shaft 11, does not rotate. Furthermore, since the inner shuttle 83 receives no rotational driving force from the driver 84, it does not rotate, similarly to the driver 84. Specifically, by disengaging the driver 84 from the shaft 85, the movable body 80, including the inner shuttle 83 and the driver 84, is disconnected from the shaft 85.

[0060] The engaging body 60 is provided in the second receiving portion 802 of the shuttle body 81 of the shuttle unit 8. The engaging body 60 includes a base 61, a movable portion 62, an operating portion 63, and a fixing portion 64. The base 61 has a cylindrical shape and extends rearward along the axial direction. The fixing portion 64 is integrally provided with the base 61 on the inner side of the base 61 in the axial direction. A threaded groove for fixing is formed on the side surface of the fixing portion 64. The base 61 is inserted into the upper end of the hole 815 formed in the second receiving portion 802 of the shuttle body 81 and is fixed to the second receiving portion 802 by threading the threaded groove of the fixing portion 64 into the internal thread of the hole 815. The base 61 and the fixing portion 64 have through holes extending along the axial direction.

[0061] The movable portion 62 has a cylindrical shape and is inserted through the through-holes of the base portion 61 and the fixed portion 64. The movable portion 62 is movable in the axial radial direction relative to the base portion 61 and the fixed portion 64. The end portion of the movable portion 62 on the inner side in the axial radial direction is referred to as the "engaging portion 68." When the movable portion 62 moves inward in the axial radial direction, the engaging portion 68 protrudes inward in the axial radial direction relative to the fixed portion 64. When the movable portion 62 moves outward in the axial radial direction, the engaging portion 68 is arranged inside the fixed portion 64 and does not protrude inward in the axial radial direction relative to the fixed portion 64.

[0062] The operating portion 63 is provided on the outer side in the axial radial direction of the movable portion 62. The operating portion 63 is arranged on the outer side in the axial radial direction relative to the base portion 61. The operating portion 63 is gripped when the operator moves the movable portion 62 in the axial radial direction.

[0063] When the movable portion 62 is moved outward in the axial radial direction, the engaging portion 68 is arranged in the shuttle body 81 at a position on the axial radial side of the inner surface forming the space 810. At this time, the engaging portion 68 is arranged on the axial radial side of the region through which the engaged body 854 and the detected body 855 pass in response to the rotation of the driver 84.

[0064] On the other hand, when the movable portion 62 is moved inward in the axial radial direction, the engaging portion 68 protrudes inward from the inner surface of the space 810 formed in the shuttle body 81. At this time, the engaging portion 68 is arranged in the axial radial direction at a position closer to the inside of the area through which the engaged body 854 and the detected body 855 pass in response to the rotation of the driver 84.

[0065] Figure 2 The proximity sensor 69 shown is a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor 69 is fixed to the lower end of the hole 815 formed in the second receiving portion 802 of the shuttle body 81. The proximity sensor 69 includes a base 67, a holding portion 65 and a sensor head 66.

[0066] The base 67 is cylindrical and extends obliquely downward and rearward along the axial direction. A threaded groove for fixing is formed on the side of the base 67. The threaded groove is threadedly engaged with the internal thread of the hole 815. The retaining portion 65 is provided at the end portion of the base 67 on the outside in the axial direction. The retaining portion 65 has a hexagonal shape. The retaining portion 65 is clamped by a wrench or the like when the proximity sensor 69 is fixed to the shuttle body 81 using the threaded groove of the base 67. The sensor head 66 is provided at the end portion of the base 61 on the inside in the axial direction. The sensor head 66 can detect the proximity of the detected object 855 of the driver 84 by generating a high-frequency magnetic field. The sensor head 66 is arranged at a position on the outside of the area through which the engaged body 854 and the detected object 855 pass in response to the rotation of the driver 84 in the axial direction.

[0067] The detected surface 848 of the detected object 855 and the proximity sensor 69 are both located at different positions in the left-right direction relative to the inner shuttle 83, more specifically, to the right of the inner shuttle 83. The detected surface 848 of the detected object 855 and the proximity sensor 69 are located at the same left-right position. The proximity sensor 69 outputs a detection result indicating whether the detected surface 848 of the detected object 855 is close to the sensor head 66.

[0068] The adjustment unit 78 is fixed to the frame 70 of the frame 7. The adjustment unit 78 includes the operation dials 2 and 3, the position adjustment mechanisms 13 and 14, and Figure 6The detector 79 is shown. The operating dial 2 can be rotated in a first rotational direction R1 and a second rotational direction R2 opposite to the first rotational direction R1. The position adjustment mechanism 13 adjusts the left-right position of the actuator 84 connected to the shaft 85 of the shuttle shaft 11 according to the rotational direction and amount of the operating dial 2. The position adjustment mechanism 13 comprises a main body 135 and a head 136. The main body 135 is cylindrical and extends in the front-to-back direction. The main body 135 is an eccentric shaft. The radius of the main body 135 is uneven along the circumference, with one portion having a larger radius than another. The rear end of the main body 135 fits into the groove 871 of the terminal assembly 87 of the shuttle shaft 11. A circumferentially extending groove is formed at the front end of the main body 135. An O-ring (not shown) fits into this groove. The head 136 is provided on the front side of the main body 135. A linear groove (minus) is formed in the head 136. The rotation of the position adjustment mechanism 13 causes the shuttle shaft 11 to move left and right relative to the frame 7. The detector 79 can detect at least the rotation direction of the operation dial 2. The detector 79 of this embodiment can detect the rotation direction and amount of the operation dial 2.

[0069] The operating dial 3 can be rotated in a third rotational direction R3 and a fourth rotational direction R4 opposite to the third rotational direction R3. The position adjustment mechanism 14 can adjust the left-right position of the inner shuttle 83, which is rotatably supported on the shuttle body 81, according to the rotational direction and amount of the operating dial 3. The position adjustment mechanism 14 includes a main body 145 and a head 146. The main body 145 and the head 146 correspond to the main body 135 and the head 136 of the position adjustment mechanism 13. The rear end of the main body 145 is inserted into the groove 817 provided in the first receiving portion 801 of the shuttle body 81. Rotation of the position adjustment mechanism 14 causes the shuttle body 81 to move left-right relative to the frame 7.

[0070] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The sensor unit 4 is described. The sensor unit 4 is detachably mounted on the frame 7. The sensor unit 4 is mounted on the frame 7 and used when adjusting the positional relationship between the needle 30 mounted on the needle bar 31 and the shuttle tip 837 or the needle guard 853 of the movable body 80 in the left-right direction. On the other hand, the sensor unit 4 is detached when the sewing machine 1 is performing sewing operations. Figure 8 As shown, the sensor unit 4 has a strain detector 40 and an arm 39 .

[0071] Arm 39 supports strain detector 40, described later, and secures strain detector 40 to frame 7. Arm 39 is a bent prism. Arm 39 includes extensions 451 and 452. Extension 451 extends leftward and rightward. Extension 452 extends rearward from the left end of extension 451. Extension 451 has holes 461, 462, and 463 formed therein. Holes 461 to 463 extend vertically through extension 451, respectively. Holes 461, 462, and 463 are arranged in this order toward the right.

[0072] The strain detector 40 is supported by the extension portion 452 of the arm portion 39. The strain detector 40 includes a support portion 41, a detection body 42, and a detection member 43.

[0073] The support portion 41 is fixed to the right side of the extension portion 452 of the arm portion 39 by a screw 411. The detection body 42 is supported by the arm portion 39 by the support portion 41. The detection body 42 has detection portions 425 and 426 that are opposed to each other in the front-to-back direction. A gap is formed between the detection portions 425 and 426. The detection portion 425 has a light-emitting portion on the surface opposite to the detection portion 426. The detection portion 426 has a light-receiving portion on the surface opposite to the detection portion 425. The light-emitting portion emits light toward the light-receiving portion. The light-receiving portion receives the light emitted from the light-emitting portion. The detection body 42 also has a connector 427 on the front side surface of the detection portion 425. A cable not shown in the figure is connected to the connector 427.

[0074] The detection member 43 has a slender plate-shaped base 435. The base 435 is orthogonal to the front-to-back direction. The rotation axis 431 extends forward from the front surface of the base 435. The distal end of the rotation axis 431 is rotatably supported by a support plate 421 extending forward from the detection portion 425. The rotation axis 432 extends rearward from the rear surface of the base 435. The distal end of the rotation axis 432 is rotatably supported by a support plate 422 extending forward from the detection portion 426. The rotation axes 431 and 432 are arranged in a straight line in the front-to-back direction. The base 435 can rotate around the rotation axes 431 and 432. The base 435 extends obliquely downward toward the right end from the portion where the rotation axes 431 and 432 are provided.

[0075] A contact surface 433 is provided at a portion of the peripheral end of the base 435. The contact surface 433 is a plane perpendicular to the base 435 and extends across the front and rear of the base 435. The contact surface 433 extends obliquely downward to the right from a position above the rotation shafts 431 and 432 at the peripheral end of the base 435, bends at the front end of the base 435, and further extends obliquely downward to the left.

[0076] A restricting portion 434 is provided at a position above the contact surface 433 on the peripheral end portion of the base 435. The restricting portion 434 is a plane perpendicular to the base 435 and extends across the front and rear of the base 435. The restricting portion 434 is located above the upper surface of each of the detection portions 425 and 426. The restricting portion 434 contacts the upper surface of each of the detection portions 425 and 426 to restrict counterclockwise rotation of the base 435 when viewed from the front. The base 435 can rotate clockwise from a state where counterclockwise rotation is restricted by the restricting portion 434.

[0077] A shielding plate (not shown) is provided in the portion of the base 435 sandwiched between the detection units 425 and 426. A plurality of slits are formed in the shielding plate. When the base 435 rotates about the rotational axes 431 and 432, light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the detection unit 425 passes through the slits or is shielded by the shielding plate. The light-receiving portion of the detection unit 426 detects the rotational position of the base 435 based on the light-receiving state of the light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the detection unit 425. The detection body 42 outputs a detection result indicating the detected rotational position via a cable connected to the connector 427.

[0078] The arm 39 is fixed to the frame 7 by inserting the support shafts 751 and 752 of the frame 7 into the holes 462 and 463 from below, respectively. A magnet is inserted into the hole 461. When the arm 39 is fixed to the frame 7, the magnet is attracted to the iron plate 753 connected to the frame 7 by magnetic force. The magnet uses magnetic attraction to assist in inserting the support shafts 751 and 752 into the holes 462 and 463 to a deep depth when the arm 39 is fixed. In addition, the magnet is attracted to the iron plate 753 to hold the arm 39 so that it does not shake when the sensor unit 4 is used. The arm 39 fixed to the frame 7 is Figure 3 The movable body 80 of the shuttle unit 8 shown supports the strain detector 40 at the upper left side. The detection member 43 of the strain detector 40 enters the notch 901 of the shuttle thread guide 90 from the left. The contact surface 433 of the detection member 43 is arranged inside the notch 901.

[0079] Reference Figure 6 The electrical structure of the sewing machine 1 will be described. The control unit 110 of the sewing machine 1 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a storage device 114, an input / output interface (I / O) 115, and drive circuits 121 to 125. The CPU 111 comprehensively controls the operation of the sewing machine 1. The ROM 112 stores programs for executing various processes. The RAM 113 temporarily stores various information generated during the execution of various processes. The storage device 114 is non-volatile and stores various set values.

[0080] The drive circuits 121-125, encoders 141-143, switch group 28, strain detector 40, proximity sensor 69, and detector 79 are connected to the I / O 115. The drive circuit 121 is connected to the main motor 131 and is driven by control commands from the CPU 111. The drive circuit 122 is connected to the X motor 132 of the conveying mechanism (not shown) and is driven by control commands from the CPU 111. The drive circuit 123 is connected to the Y motor 133 of the feed mechanism 25 and is driven by control commands from the CPU 111. The drive circuit 124 is connected to the air cylinders 262 and 263 and is driven by control commands from the CPU 111. The drive circuit 125 is connected to the display unit 29 and displays various information on the display unit 29 in response to control commands from the CPU 111.

[0081] Encoder 141 detects the rotational direction, rotational position, and rotational speed of the output shaft of main motor 131 and outputs the detection results to I / O 115. The detection results of encoder 141 indicate the rotational direction, rotational position, and rotational speed of main shaft 52 and shaft 85 of shuttle shaft 11, both driven by main motor 131. Encoder 142 detects the rotational position of the output shaft of X motor 132 and outputs the detection results to I / O 115. The detection results of encoder 142 indicate the movement direction, left-right position, and movement speed of needle bar 31 and shuttle unit 8. Encoder 143 detects the rotational direction, rotational position, and rotational speed of the output shaft of Y motor 133 and outputs the detection results to I / O 115. The detection results of encoder 143 indicate the movement direction, front-back position, and movement speed of holding mechanism 26. Switch group 28 detects various instructions and outputs the detection results to I / O 115. Strain detector 40 and proximity sensor 69 also output their detection results to I / O 115. The detection result of the strain detector 40 indicates the rotational position of the detection member 43. The strain detector 40 functions as a strain detector that detects the strain amount of the needle 30. The detection result of the proximity sensor 69 indicates whether the detection surface 848 of the detection object 855 is close to the sensor head 66. The detector 79 detects the rotation direction and rotation amount of the operating dial 2 and outputs the detection result to the I / O 115. The detector 79 is an optical or mechanical encoder.

[0082] Reference Figures 7 to 10 The zero point detection process is described below. The zero point detection process is performed to detect the zero point, which is the reference position in the left-right direction of the needle 30 attached to the needle bar 31 and the shuttle tip 837 of the movable body 80 or the needle guard 853 when the sensor unit 4 is attached to the frame 7.

[0083] As a preliminary preparation, the operator installs and fixes the sensor unit 4 to the frame 7 of the sewing machine 1. The operator connects the cable to the connector 427 of the sensor unit 4. Then, the operator operates the rotary knob 51 of the drive unit 50 that drives the needle bar 31 to place the needle 30 at the convergence position. The convergence position refers to the position of the needle 30 at the moment when the shuttle tip 837 of the inner shuttle 83 captures the thread loop formed on the upper thread. Figure 5 As shown, the tip of the needle 30 arranged at the meeting position enters the notch 901 of the shuttle thread guide 90 from above. The shuttle tip 837 of the inner shuttle 83 and the needle guard 853 of the driver 84 are arranged to the right of the needle 30 arranged at the meeting position. The detection member 43 of the strain detector 40 enters the notch 901 of the shuttle thread guide 90 from the left. The contact surface 433 of the detection member 43 contacts the needle 30 from the left. The detection member 43 rotates clockwise around the rotating shafts 431 and 432 when viewed from the front by contacting the lower end portion 300 of the needle 30. The strain detector 40 detects the rotation position of the detection member 43 by the detection body 42 and outputs it to the cable via the connector 427.

[0084] like Figure 7 As shown, CPU111 will Figure 10 The operation explanation image 91 shown in (A) is displayed on the display unit 29 (S1). Figure 10 As shown in (A), operation instruction image 91 includes columns 92 to 94, a CANCEL button 95, and an OK button 96. Column 92 displays a text outlining the operation. Column 93 displays an illustration showing the portion where zero point detection is performed. Column 94 displays an illustration showing the direction in which the operation dial 3 is operated. To terminate the zero point detection process, select CANCEL button 95. To display the next image, select OK button 96. After confirming columns 92 to 94, the operator selects OK button 96.

[0085] CPU 111 determines whether selection of confirmation button 96 has been detected (S2). If selection of confirmation button 96 has not been detected (S2: No), CPU 111 waits in S2 until selection of confirmation button 96 is detected. If selection of confirmation button 96 has been detected (S2: Yes), CPU 111 stores the detection result of detector 79 as dial initial value Di in storage device 114 (S3). CPU 111 obtains strain initial value Ei and stores the rotational position of detection element 43 indicated by the detection result of strain detector 40 in storage device 114 (S4).

[0086] CPU111 will Figure 10 The initial block image 97 shown in (B) is displayed on the display unit 29 (S5). Figure 10 As shown in (B), the initial block image 97 includes a bar 92, a plurality of blocks 98, a current position mark 99, a cancel button 95, and a confirmation button 96. The plurality of blocks 98 represent the movable range of the second member relative to the first member, and the movable range includes the initial position and the target position of the second member relative to the first member. In this embodiment, the first member is the needle 30, and the second member is the movable body 80 of the shuttle mechanism 12. The plurality of blocks 98 include blocks 980 to 988. The direction D in which the plurality of blocks 98 are arranged is Figure 10 The left-right direction is consistent with the longitudinal direction of the display unit 29. The value of one bit of the reference symbol of each block 980 to 988 is used for each of the multiple blocks 98, and is also expressed as block [N]. For example, block 981 is expressed as block [1], and block 982 is expressed as block [2]. Blocks 980 to 988 are square shapes with the same shape as each other. Blocks 980 to 988 are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction from right to left in the order of reference symbols from small to large. The current position mark 99 indicates the current relative position of the second component relative to the first component. The current position mark 99 of this embodiment is a solid circle arranged in any block among the multiple blocks 98. The current position mark 99 indicates whether the relative position of the second component relative to the first component is close to the target position in the movable range corresponding to the rotation direction detected by the detector 79.

[0087] The target position of the second member relative to the first member is indicated by a target position mark. In this embodiment, the target position mark is represented by any one of the multiple blocks 98. The target block representing the target position mark in this example is block 986. The color of block 986 is different from the other blocks in the multiple blocks. Target block 986 is green. The initial position of the second member relative to the first member is indicated by an initial position mark. In this embodiment, the initial position mark is represented by any one of the multiple blocks. The initial block representing the initial position mark in this example is block 981. The color of block 981 is different from the other blocks in the multiple blocks 98. The color of initial block 981 is blue. The color of end block 988, which indicates the end of the movable range among the multiple blocks 98, is different from the colors of the other blocks, namely red. Blocks 980, 982-985, and 987 are each white. The colors of each block can be changed as appropriate or arbitrarily according to the operator's instructions.

[0088] The operator refers to the initial block image 97 and rotates the operating dial 2 counterclockwise when viewed from above, as shown in the illustration in column 94. When the operator rotates the operating dial 2 counterclockwise when viewed from above, the main body 135 of the position adjustment mechanism 13 also rotates, and the shuttle shaft 11 moves to the left relative to the frame 7. At this time, the driver 84 connected to the shaft 85 of the shuttle shaft 11 also moves to the left. Because the position adjustment mechanism 14 does not rotate, the inner shuttle 83 does not move. The needle guard 853 of the driver 84 approaches the needle 30 from the right relative to the needle 30. When the operator rotates the operating dial 2 clockwise when viewed from above, the main body 135 of the position adjustment mechanism 13 also rotates, and the shuttle shaft 11 moves to the right relative to the frame 7. At this time, the driver 84 connected to the shaft 85 of the shuttle shaft 11 also moves to the right. The needle guard 853 of the driver 84 moves away from the needle 30.

[0089] CPU 111 disables confirmation button 96 (S6). Disabling confirmation button 96 simply prevents the execution of the process that would occur if confirmation button 96 was selected. For example, this can be accomplished by not displaying confirmation button 96, displaying confirmation button 96 but preventing selection, or displaying confirmation button 96 but preventing selection. CPU 111 obtains the current dial value Dc from detector 79 (S7). CPU 111 obtains the current strain value Ec from strain detector 40 (S8). CPU 111 determines whether the current dial value Dc obtained in S7 differs from the initial dial value Di obtained in S3 (S9). If the current dial value Dc is the same as the initial dial value Di (S9: No), CPU 111 returns the process to S7. At this time, CPU 111 may also cause current position mark 99 to flash.

[0090] If the dial current value Dc is different from the dial initial value Di ( S9 : YES), the CPU 111 performs a placement block determination process ( S10 ) in which a placement block is determined from among the plurality of blocks 98 .

[0091] like Figure 8As shown, during the configuration block determination process, the CPU 111 determines whether the current strain value Ec is equal to the value obtained by adding the initial strain value Ei to Z0 (S21). If the current strain value Ec is not equal to the value obtained by adding the initial strain value Ei to Z0 (S21: No), the CPU 111 executes the process of S24 described below. If the current strain value Ec is equal to the value obtained by adding the initial strain value Ei to Z0 (S21: Yes), the CPU 111 determines whether the dial reference position Db has been stored (S22). If the dial reference position Db has not been stored (S22: No), the CPU 111 sets the current dial value Dc to the dial reference position Db and stores it (S23). In other words, the CPU 111 determines the rotational position of the detection element 43 indicated by the current dial value Dc as the zero position and stores the zero position in the storage device 114 (S23). When the dial reference position Db has already been stored ( S22 : YES), or after S23 , the CPU 111 determines whether the dial current value Dc is larger than the dial initial value Di ( S24 ).

[0092] When the current dial value Dc is less than the initial dial value Di (S24: No), the CPU 111 determines whether the current dial value Dc is less than the value obtained by subtracting R1 from the initial dial value Di (S31). This R1 is a first threshold value of the rotation amount of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the operating dial 2 is rotated clockwise. When the current dial value Dc is less than the value obtained by subtracting R1 from the initial dial value Di (S31: Yes), the CPU 111 sets the block [0] as the configuration block (S26). When the current dial value Dc is greater than the value obtained by subtracting R1 from the initial dial value Di (S31: No), the CPU 111 sets the block [1] as the configuration block (S27). In this case, the CPU 111 can display the image 97 of the current position mark 99 on the display unit 29 as the rotation amount of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 is less than a predetermined amount. After S27 or S32 , the CPU 111 ends the arrangement block determination process through the above steps and returns the process to the zero point detection process.

[0093] If the current dial value Dc is greater than the initial dial value Di (S24: YES), CPU 111 determines whether the current dial value Dc is greater than the value obtained by adding the initial dial value Di to L1 (S25). L1 is a first threshold value of the amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by detector 79 when the operating dial 2 is rotated counterclockwise. If the current dial value Dc is greater than the value obtained by adding the initial dial value Di to L1 (S25: YES), CPU 111 sets block [2] as the configuration block (S26).

[0094] If the dial current value Dc is less than the value obtained by adding the dial initial value Di to L1 (S25: No), CPU 111 sets block [1] as the placement block (S27). In this case, CPU 111 can cause display unit 29 to display image 97 that flashes current position mark 99, assuming that the rotation amount of operation dial 2 detected by detector 79 is less than a predetermined amount. CPU 111 completes the placement block determination process through the above steps and returns the process to zero point detection.

[0095] CPU111 determines whether the current dial value Dc is greater than the value obtained by adding the initial dial value Di to L2 (S28). L2 is the second threshold value of the rotation amount of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the operating dial 2 is rotated counterclockwise. L2 is greater than L1. When the current dial value Dc is less than the value obtained by adding the initial dial value Di to L2 (S28: No), CPU111 ends the configuration block determination processing through the above steps and returns the processing to the zero point detection processing. When the current dial value Dc is greater than the value obtained by adding the initial dial value Di to L2 (S28: Yes), CPU111 sets block [3] as the configuration block (S29). In the arrangement block determination process of this embodiment, the amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 is relatively moved from the initial block 981, which is the initial position block among the multiple blocks 98, to the first adjacent blocks 980 and 982 adjacent to the initial block 981 is smaller than the amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 is relatively moved from the first adjacent block 982 to the second adjacent block 983, which is different from the initial block 981 and adjacent to the first adjacent block 982. Therefore, L1 is smaller than the value obtained by subtracting L1 from L2. R1 is smaller than the value obtained by subtracting L1 from L2.

[0096] CPU111 performs sensor reference processing. Before the needle guard 853 of the driver 84 contacts the needle 30, the detection member 43 of the strain detector 40 does not rotate. Therefore, the CPU111 of this embodiment determines whether to configure the current position mark 99 in any of the blocks 980 to 983 based on the strain amount detected by the detector 79. On the other hand, if Figure 3 As shown, when the needle guard 853 of the driver 84 contacts the needle 30, the needle 30 is subjected to a force to the left from the needle guard 853 and bends. As the needle 30 is bent and displaced, the detection member 43 of the strain detector 40 rotates. The rotational position detected by the detection body 42 of the strain detector 40 changes. Therefore, the CPU 111 of this embodiment determines whether to configure the current position mark 99 in any one of the blocks 984 to 988 based on the strain amount detected by the strain detector 40.

[0097] During sensor reference processing, CPU 111 determines the block in which to place current position marker 99 based on the detection results of strain detector 40. Strain detector 40 periodically or in response to an operator's operation of position adjustment mechanism 13, detects the rotational position of detection member 43 using detection body 42 and outputs the detection results. CPU 111 obtains the detection results output from strain detector 40. CPU 111 calculates the rotation angle of detection member 43 based on the difference between the rotational position represented by the acquired strain current value Ec and the strain initial value Ei. Based on this calculated rotation angle, CPU 111 calculates the horizontal displacement of needle 30.

[0098] like Figure 9 As shown, in the sensor reference processing, CPU111 determines whether the strain current value Ec is greater than the strain initial value Ei (S41). When the strain current value Ec is less than the strain initial value Ei (S41: No), CPU111 ends the sensor reference processing through the above steps and returns the processing to the configuration block determination processing. When the strain current value Ec is greater than the strain initial value Ei (S41: Yes), CPU111 sets block [4] as the configuration block (S42). CPU111 determines whether the strain current value Ec is greater than the value obtained by adding the strain initial value Ei to Z1 (S43). When the strain current value Ec is greater than the value obtained by adding the strain initial value Ei to Z1 (S43: Yes), CPU111 sets block [5] as the configuration block (S44). When the strain current value Ec is equal to or smaller than the value obtained by adding the strain initial value Ei to Z1 ( S43 : NO), the CPU 111 ends the sensor reference process through the above steps and returns the process to the arrangement block determination process.

[0099] CPU 111 determines whether the current strain value Ec is greater than the value obtained by adding the initial strain value Ei and Z2 (S45). If the current strain value Ec is greater than the value obtained by adding the initial strain value Ei and Z2 (S45: Yes), CPU 111 sets block [6] as the configuration block (S46). If the current strain value Ec is less than the value obtained by adding the initial strain value Ei and Z2 (S45: No), CPU 111 ends the sensor reference processing through the above steps and returns the processing to the configuration block determination processing.

[0100] CPU 111 determines whether the current strain value Ec is greater than the value obtained by adding the initial strain value Ei and Z3 (S47). If the current strain value Ec is greater than the value obtained by adding the initial strain value Ei and Z3 (S47: Yes), CPU 111 sets block [7] as the configuration block (S48). If the current strain value Ec is less than the value obtained by adding the initial strain value Ei and Z3 (S47: No), CPU 111 ends the sensor reference processing through the above steps and returns the processing to the configuration block determination processing.

[0101] CPU111 determines whether the strain current value Ec is greater than the value obtained by adding the strain initial value Ei and Z4 (S49). When the strain current value Ec is greater than the value obtained by adding the strain initial value Ei and Z4 (S49: Yes), CPU111 sets block [8] as the configuration block (S50). When the strain current value Ec is less than the value obtained by adding the strain initial value Ei and Z4 (S49: No), or after S50, CPU111 ends the sensor reference processing through the above steps and returns the processing to the configuration block determination processing. Figure 8 In the arrangement block determination process, after S30, the CPU 111 ends the arrangement block determination process through the above steps and returns the process to the zero point detection process.

[0102] exist Figure 7 In the zero point detection process, after S10, CPU111 determines whether the configuration block determined in S10 is block [8] (S11). In the case where the configuration block is block [8] (S11: Yes), CPU111 displays a warning image (S16). The warning image urges the operator: the current position mark is located at the end block, do not rotate further clockwise. The warning image includes, for example, an error message "Please do not rotate further clockwise". In the warning image, regarding the display position of the current position mark 99 relative to the plurality of blocks 98, the current position mark 99 is configured at the end block 988. CPU111 returns the process to S7.

[0103] When the configuration block is not block [8] (S11: No), CPU111 changes the display position of the current position mark 99 relative to the movable range represented by the plurality of blocks 98 according to the rotation direction and rotation amount detected by the detector 79, and updates the image displayed on the display unit 29 (S12).

[0104] When the configuration block is block [0], Figure 10 As shown in (H), the current position mark 99 is configured in the block 980 adjacent to the right of the initial block 981. When the configured block is block [2], as shown in Figure 10As shown in (C), the current position mark 99 is configured at the first adjacent block 982 to the left of the initial block 981. When the configured block is block [3], as shown in Figure 10 As shown in (D), the current position mark 99 is arranged in a second adjacent block 983 to the left of a first adjacent block 982 different from the initial block 981 .

[0105] In the case where the configuration block is block[4], such as Figure 10 As shown in (E), the current position mark 99 is configured in block 984. When the configuration block is block [5], as shown in Figure 10 As shown in (F), the current position mark 99 is configured in block 985. When the configuration block is block [6], as shown in Figure 10 As shown in (G), the current position mark 99 is configured in block 986. The display unit 29 displays an image of the target block 986 relative to the target block 986 from the target adjacent block 985 adjacent to the target block 986 representing the target position mark based on the strain amount detected by the strain detector 40. Although not shown in the figure, when the configuration block is block [7], the current position mark 99 is configured in block 987.

[0106] CPU 111 determines whether the configuration block is set to block [6] or block [7] (S13). If the configuration block is not set to block [6] or block [7] (S13: No), CPU 111 returns the process to S7. If the configuration block is set to block [6] or block [7] (S13: Yes), CPU 111 enables confirmation button 96 (S14). Confirmation button 96 can be enabled by enabling the process when confirmation button 96 is selected. For example, it can be executed by displaying confirmation button 96 and accepting the selection of confirmation button 96.

[0107] CPU 111 determines whether selection of confirmation button 96 is detected ( S15 ). If selection of confirmation button 96 is not detected ( S15 : No), CPU 111 returns the process to S7 . If selection of confirmation button 96 is detected ( S15 : Yes), CPU 111 ends the zero point detection process through the above steps.

[0108] In the zero-point detection process of the above embodiment, the method of expressing the movable range can be modified as appropriate. For example, when representing the range using multiple blocks, the width of the first adjacent block can be shorter than the width of the second adjacent block, and the width of the first target adjacent block can be shorter than the width of the second target adjacent block. Here, the width of a block is defined as the length in the direction in which the multiple blocks are arranged. Figure 11The plurality of blocks 88 of the modified examples shown in (A) to (F) include blocks 880 to 888 corresponding to the blocks 980 to 988 of the plurality of blocks 98. The direction D in which the plurality of blocks 88 are arranged is Figure 11 The left and right directions of the image are shown. Blocks 880 to 888 correspond to blocks 980 to 988, respectively. Block 881 is the initial block. Block 886 is the target block. Block 888 is the end block. Blocks 880 and 882 are first adjacent blocks. Block 883 is the second adjacent block. The length of first adjacent blocks 880 and 882 in direction D is shorter than the length of second adjacent block 883 in direction D. Blocks 885 and 887 are first target adjacent blocks. Blocks 884 and 888 are second target adjacent blocks. The length of first target adjacent blocks 885 and 887 in direction D is shorter than the length of second target adjacent blocks 884 and 888 in direction D.

[0109] Reference Figures 12 to 14 The needle guard needle gap detection process is described below. The needle guard needle gap detection process is performed to adjust the positional relationship between the needle guard 853 of the movable body 80 and the needle 30 in the left-right direction.

[0110] like Figure 12 As shown, CPU111 will Figure 14 The operation explanation image 101 shown in (A) is displayed on the display unit 29 (S61). Figure 14 As shown in (A), the operation instruction image 101 includes columns 102 to 104, multiple blocks 89, a current position mark 99, a cancel button 95, and a confirmation button 96. The multiple blocks 89 include blocks 890 to 896. The value of one bit of the reference symbol of blocks 980 to 988 is used for each of the multiple blocks 89, and is also expressed as block [N]. The target block 893 is a block located in the center of the direction D in which the blocks 980 to 988 are arranged among the multiple blocks 89. The color of the target block 893 is a different color from the other blocks. The colors of the end blocks 890 and 896 are different colors from the other blocks. The color of the target block 893 is green. The colors of the end blocks 890 and 896 are red. The colors of blocks 891, 892, 894, and 895 are white. The initial position of the current position mark 99 is set to any one of the multiple blocks 89 based on the current value of the detector 79. In Figure 14 In (A), a current position mark 99 is placed in a block 892 adjacent to the right of the target block 893. The color of the block 892 is the same as that of the blocks 891, 894, and 895. A text explaining the outline of the operation is displayed in the column 92.

[0111] An illustration showing the portion where the needle guard needle gap is detected is displayed in column 102. An illustration showing the operating direction of the operating dial 2 is displayed in column 103. A text explaining the outline of the operation and precautions is displayed in column 104. To input an instruction to terminate the zero-point detection process, select Cancel button 95. To input an instruction to display the next image, select Confirm button 96. The operator confirms columns 102 to 104 and the current position mark 99 in the plurality of blocks 89 and then selects Confirm button 96.

[0112] The operator rotates the operating dial 2 in the directions indicated by columns 103 and 104 to move the actuator 84 leftward and rightward. The operator moves the actuator 84 leftward and rightward until the current position mark 99 displayed on the display unit 29 reaches the target block 893. When the current position mark 99 displayed on the display unit 29 reaches the target block 893, the operator stops the movement of the actuator 84.

[0113] CPU 111 determines whether selection of confirmation button 96 has been detected (S62). If selection of confirmation button 96 has not been detected (S62: No), CPU 111 waits in S2 until selection of confirmation button 96 is detected. If selection of confirmation button 96 has been detected (S62: Yes), CPU 111 obtains the detection result of detector 79 as dial current value Dc (S63). CPU 111 disables confirmation button 96 (S64). CPU 111 executes placement block determination processing (S64). In the placement block determination processing, a placement block is determined from among the plurality of blocks 89 in which the current position mark 99 is to be placed.

[0114] like Figure 13 As shown, in the arrangement block determination process, the CPU 111 determines whether the dial current value Dc is greater than the dial reference position Db ( S81 ).

[0115] If the current dial value Dc is greater than the dial reference position Db (S81: YES), CPU 111 determines whether the current dial value Dc is greater than the value obtained by adding the dial reference position Db to L1 (S82). If the current dial value Dc is greater than the value obtained by adding the dial reference position Db to L1 (S82: YES), CPU 111 sets block [4] as the configuration block (S83).

[0116] When the dial current value Dc is less than the value obtained by adding the dial reference position Db and L1 (S82: No), the CPU 111 sets the block [3] as the configuration block (S88). The CPU 111 ends the configuration block determination process through the above steps and returns the process to Figure 12 Needle guard needle gap detection processing.

[0117] After S83, CPU111 determines whether the dial current value Dc is greater than the value obtained by adding the dial base position Db to L2 (S84). If the dial current value Dc is greater than the value obtained by adding the dial base position Db to L2 (S84: Yes), CPU111 sets block [5] as the configuration block (S85). In the configuration block determination process of this embodiment, the rotation amount of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 is relatively moved between the target block 893, which is the block where the target position mark is located, and the first target adjacent block 894 adjacent to the target block 893 is set to be smaller than the rotation amount of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 is relatively moved between the first target adjacent block 894 and the second target adjacent block 895 adjacent to the first target adjacent block 894, which is different from the target block 893. Therefore, L1 is smaller than the value obtained by subtracting L1 from L2. If the dial current value Dc is equal to or smaller than the value obtained by adding the dial reference position Db to L2 (S84: No), the CPU 111 ends the placement block determination process through the above steps and returns the process to Figure 12 Needle guard needle gap detection processing.

[0118] After S85, CPU111 determines whether the dial current value Dc is greater than the value obtained by adding the dial reference position Db and L3 (S86). This L3 is the third threshold value of the rotation amount of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the operating dial 2 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction. When the dial current value Dc is greater than the value obtained by adding the dial reference position Db and L3 (S86: Yes), CPU111 sets block [6] as the configuration block (S87). When the dial current value Dc is less than the value obtained by adding the dial reference position Db and L3 (S86: No), CPU111 ends the configuration block determination processing through the above steps and returns the processing to Figure 12 Needle guard needle gap detection processing.

[0119] When the current dial value Dc is less than the dial reference position Db (S81: No), CPU111 determines whether the current dial value Dc is less than the value obtained by subtracting R1 from the dial reference position Db (S89). When the current dial value Dc is less than the value obtained by subtracting R1 from the dial reference position Db (S89: Yes), CPU111 sets block [2] as the configuration block (S90). When the current dial value Dc is greater than the value obtained by subtracting R1 from the dial reference position Db (S89: No), CPU111 sets block [3] as the configuration block (S88). CPU111 ends the configuration block determination process through the above steps and returns the process to Figure 12 Needle guard needle gap detection processing.

[0120] After S90, CPU 111 determines whether the current dial value Dc is smaller than the value obtained by subtracting R2 from the dial reference position Db (S91). R2 is a second threshold value for the amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by detector 79 when the operating dial 2 is rotated clockwise. If the current dial value Dc is smaller than the value obtained by subtracting R2 from the dial reference position Db (S91: YES), CPU 111 sets block [1] as the configuration block (S92). In the configuration block determination processing of the present embodiment, the amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 is relatively moved between the target block 893, which is the block where the target position mark is located, and the first target adjacent block 892 adjacent to the target block 893, is set to be smaller than the amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 is relatively moved between the first target adjacent block 892 and the second target adjacent block 891, which is different from the target block 893 and adjacent to the first target adjacent block 892. Therefore, R1 is smaller than the value obtained by subtracting R1 from R2. When the dial current value Dc is greater than or equal to the value obtained by subtracting R2 from the dial base position Db (S91: No), the CPU 111 ends the configuration block determination processing through the above steps and returns the processing to Figure 12 Needle guard needle gap detection processing.

[0121] After S92, CPU111 determines whether the dial current value Dc is smaller than the value obtained by subtracting R3 from the dial reference position Db (S93). This R3 is the third threshold value of the rotation amount of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the operating dial 2 is rotated in the clockwise direction. When the dial current value Dc is smaller than the value obtained by subtracting R3 from the dial reference position Db (S93: Yes), CPU111 sets block [0] as the configuration block (S94). When the dial current value Dc is greater than the value obtained by subtracting R2 from the dial reference position Db (S93: No), CPU111 ends the configuration block determination processing through the above steps and returns the processing to Figure 12 Needle guard needle gap detection processing.

[0122] After S65, CPU 111 determines whether the configuration block determined in S65 is block [0] or block [6] (S66). If the configuration block is block [0] or block [6] (S66: Yes), CPU 111 displays a warning image (S71). The warning image urges the operator to rotate the operating dial 2 toward the target block since the current position mark is located at the end block. If the configuration block is block [0], the warning image shows the display position of the current position mark 99 relative to the plurality of blocks 89, as shown in FIG. Figure 14As shown in (G), the current position mark 99 is arranged at the end block 890. When the arrangement block is block [6], in the warning image, the display position of the current position mark 99 relative to the plurality of blocks 89 is as follows: Figure 14 As shown in (E) of FIG. 8 , the current position mark 99 is placed in the end block 896 . The CPU 111 returns the process to S63 .

[0123] When the configuration block is not block [0] or block [6] (S66: No), CPU 111 changes the display position of the current position mark 99 relative to the movable range represented by the plurality of blocks 98 in accordance with the rotation direction and rotation amount detected by the detector 79, and updates the image displayed on the display unit 29 (S67).

[0124] In the case where the configuration block is block[3], such as Figure 14 As shown in (B), the current position mark 99 is configured in the target block 893. When the configuration block is block [4], as shown in Figure 14 As shown in (C), the current position mark 99 is configured in the first target adjacent block 894. In the case where the configured block is block [5], as shown in Figure 14 As shown in (D), the current position mark 99 is configured in the second target adjacent block 895. In the case where the configured block is block [1], as shown in Figure 14 As shown in (F) of FIG. 8 , a current position mark 99 is arranged in block 891. When the operation dial 2 is not rotated in the directions indicated by columns 103 and 104, CPU 111 displays current position mark 99 in a different display mode than when the operation dial 2 is rotated in the directions indicated by columns 103 and 104. Specifically, when the operation dial 2 is not rotated in the directions indicated by columns 103 and 104, CPU 111 displays current position mark 99 in a blinking manner.

[0125] CPU 111 determines whether the configuration block is set to block [3] (S68). If the configuration block is not set to block [3] (S68: No), CPU 111 returns the process to S63. If the configuration block is set to block [3] (S68: Yes), CPU 111 enables confirmation button 96 (S69). CPU 111 determines whether selection of confirmation button 96 is detected (S70). If selection of confirmation button 96 is not detected (S70: No), CPU 111 returns the process to S7. If selection of confirmation button 96 is detected (S70: Yes), CPU 111 ends the needle guard needle gap detection process through the above steps.

[0126] In the needle guard needle gap detection process of the above embodiment, the method of expressing the movable range can be changed appropriately. For example, when represented by multiple blocks, the width of the first target adjacent block can be shorter than the width of the second target adjacent block. Figure 15 The plurality of blocks 57 of the modified example shown in (A) include blocks 570 to 576 corresponding to the blocks 890 to 896 of the plurality of blocks 89. The direction D in which the plurality of blocks 57 are arranged is Figure 15 (A) in the left-right direction. Block 573 is the target block. Blocks 570 and 576 are end blocks. Blocks 572 and 574 are the first target adjacent blocks. Blocks 571 and 575 are the second target adjacent blocks. The length of the first target adjacent blocks 572 and 574 in direction D is shorter than the length of the second target adjacent blocks 571 and 575 in direction D.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the sewing machine 1 is an example of a sewing machine according to the present invention. The operating dial 2 is an example of an operating dial according to the present invention. The shuttle mechanism 12 is an example of a shuttle mechanism according to the present invention. The display unit 29 is an example of a display unit according to the present invention. The needle 30 is an example of a needle according to the present invention. The needle bar 31 is an example of a needle bar according to the present invention. The strain detector 40 is an example of a strain detector according to the present invention. The detector 79 is an example of a detector according to the present invention. The movable body 80 is an example of a movable body according to the present invention. The plurality of blocks 98, the plurality of blocks 88, and the plurality of blocks 89 are examples of the plurality of blocks according to the present invention. The current position mark 99 is an example of the current position mark according to the present invention. The CPU 111 is an example of a display control unit according to the present invention. The first adjacent blocks 880, 882, 980, and 982 are examples of first adjacent blocks according to the present invention. The second adjacent blocks 883 and 983 are examples of second adjacent blocks according to the present invention. Second target adjacent blocks 571, 575, 884, 891, 895, and 984 are examples of second target adjacent blocks of the present invention. First target adjacent blocks 572, 574, 885, 892, 894, and 985 are examples of first target adjacent blocks and target adjacent blocks of the present invention. Target blocks 573, 886, 893, and 986 are examples of target blocks of the present invention. Initial blocks 881 and 981 are examples of initial blocks and initial position markers of the present invention. End blocks 888, 890, 896, and 988 are examples of end blocks of the present invention. First rotation direction R1 is an example of the first rotation direction of the present invention. Second rotation direction R2 is an example of the second rotation direction of the present invention.

[0128] The effects of the above-mentioned embodiment and modified example will be described mainly by taking the case where the sewing machine 1 performs the zero-point detection process as an example. The description of the case where the sewing machine 1 performs the needle guard needle gap detection process is omitted. The sewing machine 1 can adjust the relative position of the second component with respect to the first component during the zero-point detection process. The sewing machine 1 has an operating dial 2, a detector 79 and a CPU 111. The operating dial 2 can be rotated in a first rotation direction R1 and a second rotation direction R2 opposite to the first rotation direction R1. The operating dial 2 can adjust the relative position of the second component with respect to the first component according to the rotation amount and rotation direction of the operating dial 2. The detector 79 can detect at least the rotation direction of the operating dial 2. The CPU 111 functions as a display control unit that displays an image 97 on the display unit 29. This image 97 is an image indicating the relative position of the second member relative to the first member and includes: a target position mark indicating the target position of the second member relative to the first member; a movable range of the second member relative to the first member, including the initial position and the target position of the second member relative to the first member; and a current position mark 99 indicating, within the movable range, whether the relative position of the second member relative to the first member has approached the target position in accordance with the rotational direction detected by the detector 79. By displaying the image 97 on the display unit 29, the sewing machine 1 helps an operator who is adjusting the relative position of the second member relative to the first member to easily confirm whether the operating dial 2 has been operated in the direction suitable for achieving a desired relative position of the second member relative to the first member.

[0129] In the zero point detection process of the sewing machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, the movable range is represented by a plurality of blocks 98. The target position mark is represented by any one of the plurality of blocks 98. The sewing machine 1 facilitates the operator to easily grasp the initial position and target position within the movable range based on the image 97 displayed on the display unit 29. Similarly, in the needle guard needle gap detection process of the sewing machine 1, the movable range is represented by a plurality of blocks 89.

[0130] In the zero point detection process of the sewing machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the detector 79 can detect the rotation direction and amount of the operating dial 2. The CPU 111, functioning as a display control unit, changes the display position of the current position mark 99 relative to the movable range in accordance with the rotation direction and amount detected by the detector 79. The amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 is relatively moved from the initial block 981, which is the initial position block among the multiple blocks 98, to the first adjacent block 982 or the first adjacent block 980 adjacent to the initial block 981, is smaller than the amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 is relatively moved from the first adjacent block 982 to the second adjacent block 983, which is different from the initial block 981 and adjacent to the first adjacent block 982. This allows the operator to easily confirm whether the operating dial 2 has been operated in the appropriate direction at the beginning of operation of the operating dial 2.

[0131] exist Figure 11 In the modified examples (A) to (F) of the display of an image including multiple segments 88, the width of the first adjacent segment 882 is shorter than the width of the second adjacent segment 883. The sewing machine 1 helps the operator easily confirm whether the operation dial 2 has been performed in the appropriate direction when starting to operate it, and helps the operator understand the change in the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member relative to the amount of rotation of the operation dial 2 based on the image 97. Similarly, in the image displayed during the needle guard needle gap detection process of the sewing machine 1, the width of the first adjacent segment can be shorter than the width of the second adjacent segment.

[0132] In the needle guard needle gap detection process of the sewing machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the detector 79 is capable of detecting the rotation direction and amount of the operating dial 2. The CPU 111, functioning as a display control unit, changes the display position of the current position mark 99 relative to the movable range in accordance with the rotation direction and amount detected by the detector 79. The amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 is relatively moved between the target block 893 (the block where the target position mark is located) and the first target adjacent block 894 adjacent to the target block 893 is smaller than the amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 is relatively moved between the first target adjacent block 894 and the second target adjacent block 895 (a different block from the target block 893 and adjacent to the first target adjacent block 894). The amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 is relatively moved between the target block 893 and a first target adjacent block 894 adjacent to the target block 893 is smaller than the amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 is relatively moved between the first target adjacent block 892 and a second target adjacent block 891 different from the target block 893 and adjacent to the first target adjacent block 892. The sewing machine 1 makes the amount of movement of the current position mark 99 corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 more sensitive when the current position mark 99 is near the target block 893 than when the current position mark 99 is farther away from the target block 893. This helps the operator easily align the current position mark 99 displayed on the display unit 29 with the target block 893.

[0133] exist Figure 15 In the modified example of (A) displaying an image including a plurality of blocks 57, the widths of the first target adjacent blocks 572 and 574 are shorter than the widths of the second target adjacent blocks 571 and 575. The sewing machine 1 facilitates both confirming whether the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member has been adjusted to the target position and understanding, based on the image, changes in the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member in relation to the amount of rotation of the operation dial 2.

[0134] In the image 97 displayed during the zero-point detection process of the sewing machine 1 according to the above embodiment, the color of the target block 986 representing the target position mark is different from the color of the other blocks 98. This facilitates easier visual recognition of the target block 986 in the image 97 by the sewing machine 1, compared to a case where the target block 986 is the same color as the other blocks.

[0135] In the image 97 displayed during the zero-point detection process of the sewing machine 1 according to the embodiment described above, the color of the end block 988 indicating the end of the movable range among the plurality of blocks 98 is different from the colors of the other blocks. Compared to a case where the end block 988 is the same color as the other blocks, the sewing machine 1 helps the operator more easily understand that the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member is at the end of the movable range, thereby preventing the operating dial 2 from being further operated in the same direction.

[0136] When the amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the CPU 111, functioning as a display control unit, causes the display unit 29 to display an image 97 in which the current position mark 99 is blinking. In a case where the current position mark 99 in the image 97 has not moved due to a relatively small amount of rotation of the operating dial 2, the sewing machine 1 helps inform the operator that the current position mark 99 has not moved because the detector 79 has not operated correctly, or that the current position mark 99 has not moved because the detector 79 has operated correctly but the detected amount of rotation is smaller than the amount required to move the current position mark 99.

[0137] The sewing machine 1 includes a strain detector 40 for detecting the strain amount of the first member. The CPU 111, functioning as a display control unit, causes the display unit 29 to display an image 97 showing a relative movement from a target adjacent block 985 adjacent to a target block 986 representing a target position marker toward the target block 986 based on the strain amount detected by the strain detector 40 during zero-point detection processing. When the second member is to be brought into contact with the first member and adjusted to a position where it is pressed a certain amount, the sewing machine 1 displays whether the second member has been brought into contact with the first member and pressed a certain amount, based on whether the current position marker 99 has been moved from the target adjacent block 985 to the target block 986 based on the amount detected by the strain detector 40.

[0138] The sewing machine 1 includes: a needle bar 31, at the lower end of which a needle 30 can be mounted; and a shuttle mechanism 12, which has a movable body 80. The first component is the needle 30, and the second component is the movable body 80. The operating dial 2 moves the movable body 80 relative to the needle 30 in accordance with the amount of rotation and the direction of rotation of the operating dial 2. Generally, in order to properly perform sewing operations in the sewing machine 1, it is necessary to adjust the positional relationship between the needle 30 mounted on the needle bar 31 and the movable body 80. The CPU 111 of the sewing machine 1 helps to display whether the operator has rotated the operating dial 2 in the appropriate direction when moving the movable body 80 of the shuttle mechanism 12 relative to the needle 30.

[0139] During the zero point detection process, the CPU 111, functioning as a display control unit, displays an image 97 on the display unit 29. This image 97 includes an initial position mark indicating the initial position. The initial position mark is, for example, an initial block 981. The color of the initial block 981 is different from the colors of the other blocks 98. The sewing machine 1 facilitates confirmation that the operating dial 2 has been moved in the appropriate direction simply by confirming the position of the current position mark relative to the initial block 981, even if the current position mark has moved from the initial block 981.

[0140] The sewing machine of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various changes can be made. It is described that the first component is the needle 30, the second component is the movable body 80, and the operating dial 2 is used to adjust the relative position of the movable body 80 with respect to the needle 30, but the first component, the second component, and the operating dial can also be changed appropriately. For example, the first component can be the needle 30, the second component can be the inner shuttle 83, and the operating dial can be the operating dial 3. The movable range does not need to be represented by multiple blocks, for example, it can be represented by line segments, memories, etc. The shape and arrangement of multiple blocks can be changed appropriately, for example, multiple blocks 89 can also be as shown. Figure 15 In the case where the first member is the needle 30, the second member is the needle plate 74, and the operating dial is the rotary knob 51, as shown in (B) of FIG. Figure 15 As shown in (C), the movable range can also be represented by multiple blocks 59 arranged in a ring. Multiple blocks 59 include blocks 590 to 609. Blocks 590 to 594 and 601 to 605 are fan-shaped. Current position mark 99 is not limited to a solid circle and can also be any shape, such as a star, like current position mark 58. The current position mark can also be represented by any of the multiple blocks.

[0141] The target position mark and the initial position mark may not be represented by any of the multiple blocks respectively. The colors of the target block, the initial block and the end block can be changed appropriately. The multiple blocks including the target block, the initial block and the end block can be the same color as each other, or some or all of them can be different colors from each other. The initial position mark can also be omitted in the multiple blocks 98. In this case, it is also possible to indicate whether the operation dial 2 has been operated in the appropriate direction to bring the current position mark close to the target position mark by displaying the current position mark in the same way as the process of S67. In the process of S67, the CPU 111 may also change the display mode of the current position mark regardless of the operation direction of the operation dial 2. The correspondence between the rotation amount of the operation dial 2 and the movement amount of the current position mark 99 can be changed appropriately. The rotation amount of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 moves relative to the first adjacent block 982 or the first adjacent block 980 can also be greater than the rotation amount of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 moves relative to the first adjacent block 982 to the second adjacent block 983.

[0142] The amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 is relatively moved between the target block 893 and the first target adjacent block 894 may be equal to or greater than the amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 is relatively moved between the first target adjacent block 894 and the second target adjacent block 895. The amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 is relatively moved between the target block 893 and the first target adjacent block 894 may be equal to or greater than the amount of rotation of the operating dial 2 detected by the detector 79 when the current position mark 99 is relatively moved between the first target adjacent block 892 and the second target adjacent block 891.

[0143] The sewing machine 1 may omit the strain detector 40. The sewing machine 1 may also relatively move from the target adjacent block 985 adjacent to the target block 986 indicating the target position mark toward the target block 986 based only on the amount of rotation of the operation dial 2 detected by the detector 79, not based on the amount of strain detected by the strain detector 40 in the zero point detection process.

[0144] Contains for execution Figure 7 Zero point detection processing and Figure 12The program for the needle guard needle gap detection process may be stored in a storage device before CPU 111 executes the corresponding program. Therefore, the method and path for acquiring the program, as well as the device storing the program, may be modified as appropriate. The program may also be received from another device via a cable or wireless communication and stored in a storage device such as a memory unit. Examples of such other devices include a PC and a server connected via a network.

[0145] Figure 7 Zero point detection processing and Figure 12 The steps of the needle guard needle gap detection process are not limited to being executed by the CPU 111 , and may be partially or entirely executed by other electronic devices (eg, an ASIC). Figure 7 Zero point detection processing and Figure 12 Each step of the needle guard needle gap detection process may be processed in a distributed manner by multiple electronic devices (eg, multiple CPUs). Figure 7 Zero point detection processing and Figure 12 Each step of the needle guard needle gap detection process can be changed in order, omitted or added as needed. Figure 7 Zero point detection processing and Figure 12 The following changes are appropriately applied to the needle guard needle gap detection process.

[0146] The current position mark 99 may not flash when the rotation amount of the operation dial 2 detected by the detector 79 is less than a given amount, or the current position mark 99 may not flash regardless of whether the rotation amount of the operation dial 2 detected by the detector 79 is a given amount. The CPU 111 may also be able to execute only Figure 7 Zero point detection processing and Figure 12 One side of the needle guard needle gap detection process.

Claims

1. A sewing machine capable of adjusting the relative position of a second member relative to a first member, characterized in that: The sewing machine comprises: an operating dial capable of being rotated in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, and capable of adjusting the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member in accordance with the rotation amount and rotational direction of the operating dial; a detector capable of detecting at least the rotational direction of the operating dial; as well as a display control unit that displays an image indicating the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member on a display unit, The image contains: a target position mark indicating a target position of the second member relative to the first member; a movable range of the second member relative to the first member, which includes an initial position and a target position of the second member relative to the first member; as well as A current position flag indicates, within the movable range, whether the relative position of the second member with respect to the first member has approached the target position in accordance with the rotation direction detected by the detector.

2. The sewing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The movable range is represented by a plurality of blocks. The target position mark is represented by any one of the plurality of blocks.

3. The sewing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that The detector is capable of detecting the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the operation dial, The display control unit changes the display position of the current position mark relative to the movable range according to the rotation direction and the rotation amount detected by the detector. The amount of rotation of the operating dial detected by the detector when the current position mark is relatively moved from an initial block to a first adjacent block adjacent to the initial block is smaller than the amount of rotation of the operating dial detected by the detector when the current position mark is relatively moved from the first adjacent block to a second adjacent block adjacent to the first adjacent block that is different from the initial block and is adjacent to the first adjacent block. The initial block is the block at the initial position among the multiple blocks.

4. The sewing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that The width of the first adjacent block is shorter than the width of the second adjacent block.

5. The sewing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that The detector is capable of detecting the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the operation dial, The display control unit changes the display position of the current position mark relative to the movable range according to the rotation direction and the rotation amount detected by the detector. The amount of rotation of the operating dial detected by the detector when the current position mark is relatively moved between a target block and a first target adjacent block adjacent to the target block is smaller than the amount of rotation of the operating dial detected by the detector when the current position mark is relatively moved between the first target adjacent block and a second target adjacent block different from the target block and adjacent to the first target adjacent block, the target block being the block where the target position mark is located.

6. The sewing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that A width of the first target neighboring block is shorter than a width of the second target neighboring block.

7. The sewing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that In the image, a target block representing the target position mark has a color different from other blocks of the plurality of blocks.

8. The sewing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that In the image, the color of the end blocks indicating the ends of the movable range among the plurality of blocks is a color different from the colors of the other blocks.

9. The sewing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The display control unit causes the display unit to display the image in which the current position mark is blinked when the rotation amount of the operation dial detected by the detector is equal to or less than a predetermined amount.

10. The sewing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The sewing machine further includes a strain detector configured to detect a strain amount of the first member. The display control unit causes the display unit to display the image that has been relatively moved from a target adjacent block adjacent to a target block indicating the target position mark to the target block based on the strain amount detected by the strain detector.

11. The sewing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The sewing machine also has: a needle bar, on the lower end of which a needle can be mounted; and A shuttle mechanism having a movable body, The first member is the needle, and the second member is the movable body. The operation dial moves the movable body relative to the needle in accordance with the rotation amount and the rotation direction of the operation dial.

12. The sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein The display control unit displays the image including an initial position mark indicating the initial position on the display unit.

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