Sewing machine control device

Abstract

To facilitate rewriting operation of a control program of a sewing machine control device after packaging, and to prevent degradation of a commercial value accompanying opening of the package.SOLUTION: A sewing machine control device includes: a device body which performs control of a sewing machine body; and a packaging box for storing the device body. The device body includes: a control substrate provided with a storage unit for storing, in a rewritable manner, a control program of the sewing machine body and a calculation unit for rewriting data in the storage unit; and an external connection terminal to which an external connection cable can be connected and which can supply communication signals and power to the storage unit and the calculation unit via the external connection cable. The packaging box has a connection opening for connecting the external connection terminal and the external connection cable from the outside of the packaging box.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sewing machine control device. [Background technology]

[0002] A sewing machine control device that is connected to a sewing machine body and controls the sewing machine body is known. Patent Document 1 discloses an industrial sewing machine that includes a sewing machine control device attached to a sewing machine table and a sewing machine body having a sewing machine motor controlled by the sewing machine control device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-225973 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, after a sewing machine control device is packed and shipped, the latest version of the control program for the sewing machine body may be released while the sewing machine control device is stored as inventory. In order to update the control program for the stored sewing machine control device to the latest version, it is necessary to open the packaging box once, take out the device body, connect it to a power source, and then rewrite the control program. Therefore, rewriting the control program for the sewing machine control device after packaging is a heavy workload. In addition, since the sewing machine control device requires unpacking and repackaging, there is a possibility that the sewing machine control device may be mistaken for a used product, which may reduce the commercial value.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to facilitate the rewriting of the control program of a sewing machine control device after packaging, and to prevent a decrease in commercial value due to unpacking. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sewing machine control device comprising: a device main body that controls a sewing machine main body; and a packaging box that houses the device main body, wherein the device main body comprises a control board having a memory unit that rewritably stores a control program for the sewing machine main body and a calculation unit that rewrites data in the memory unit; and an external connection terminal to which an external connection cable can be connected and which can supply communication signals and power to the memory unit and the calculation unit via the external connection cable, and the packaging box has a connection opening for connecting the external connection terminal and the external connection cable from outside the packaging box. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the aspects of the present invention, the work of rewriting the control program of the sewing machine control device after packaging can be facilitated, and a decrease in commercial value due to unpacking can be prevented. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a packaging configuration of a sewing machine control device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an apparatus main body according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a sewing machine including a sewing machine control device and a sewing machine main body. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to control of the sewing machine. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the connection of an external terminal to the device main body packed in the packing box. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the device body and the sewing machine body in a ready-to-use state after unpacking. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the control board. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a connection opening of a packaging box according to the embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a connection configuration for an external connection cable via a connection opening. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a connection configuration for an external connection cable via a connection opening. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of rewriting the control program of the device main body from a program for a first model to a program for a second model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The components of the embodiments described below can be appropriately combined. In addition, some components may not be used.

[0010] (Outline of sewing machine control device) Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a packaging configuration of a sewing machine control device 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a device main body 50 according to an embodiment.

[0011] 1, the sewing machine control device 100 includes a device main body 50 that controls the sewing machine main body 10, and a packaging box 60 that houses the device main body 50. The sewing machine control device 100 is a device independent of the sewing machine main body 10, and is packaged separately from the sewing machine main body 10.

[0012] The device body 50 can control the sewing machine body 10 and supply power to the sewing machine body 10. The device body 50 includes a circuit section for implementing the control and power supply functions, and a box-shaped housing 51 that houses the circuit section. The housing 51 has, for example, a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0013] The sewing machine control device 100 includes a power cable 61 and a power switch 62 as accessories for the device main body 50. The power cable 61 is connected to a commercial power source to supply power from the commercial power source to the device main body 50. The power switch 62 is interposed between the power cable 61 and the device main body 50, and switches the electrical connection of the device main body 50 to the commercial power source on and off in response to an operation input. The device main body 50 is contained in a packaging box 60 together with the power cable 61, the power switch 62, and other accessories such as an instruction manual.

[0014] The device main body 50 is housed inside the packaging box 60 with its outer periphery surrounded by cushioning material 63. The cushioning material 63 is a molded product such as polystyrene foam. The packaging box 60 is a box made of packaging material such as cardboard. The packaging box 60 covers the entire device main body 50. The packaging box 60 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a top surface, a bottom surface, and four side surfaces. The top surface of the packaging box 60 is made up of multiple flaps, and packaging is completed by housing the device main body 50 and all included items inside and fixing the flaps together with adhesive tape or the like.

[0015] 2, the device main body 50 according to the embodiment includes a control board 52, a power generation board 53, a sub-board 54, and an interface unit 55. The control board 52, the power generation board 53, the sub-board 54, and the interface unit 55 are housed inside a housing 51.

[0016] The control board 52 has a control circuit for controlling the sewing machine body 10. The control board 52 controls the power supply to the sewing machine body 10 and the operation of the sewing machine body 10 in accordance with a control program 74, which will be described later.

[0017] The power generation board 53 has a power conversion circuit that converts power from a commercial power source supplied via a power cable 61. The device main body 50 includes a power port 56. The above-mentioned power cable 61 is connected to this power port 56 via a power switch 62. The power generation board 53 is connected to the power port 56 provided in the housing 51.

[0018] The sub-board 54 has various circuit sections that operate under the control of the control board 52. The sub-board 54 has, for example, a driver circuit that controls the power supply to various actuators of the sewing machine body 10.

[0019] The interface unit 55 has various input / output terminals for connecting the device main body 50 to the sewing machine main body 10. The housing 51 may be provided with a terminal opening for passing cables for connecting to the input / output terminals of the interface unit 55. The control board 52 and the sub-board 54 are connected to the sewing machine main body 10 via the interface unit 55.

[0020] (An example of a sewing machine) Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a sewing machine 1 including a sewing machine control device 100 and a sewing machine main body 10. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to the control of the sewing machine 1.

[0021] In this embodiment, a local coordinate system (hereinafter, referred to as "sewing machine coordinate system") is defined for the sewing machine 1. The sewing machine coordinate system is defined by an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. In this embodiment, the positional relationship of each part will be described based on the sewing machine coordinate system. The direction parallel to the X axis in a predetermined plane is defined as the X-axis direction. The direction parallel to the Y axis in a predetermined plane perpendicular to the X axis is defined as the Y-axis direction. The direction parallel to the Z axis perpendicular to the predetermined plane is defined as the Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, a plane including the X axis and the Y axis is referred to as the XY plane. A plane including the X axis and the Z axis is referred to as the XZ plane. A plane including the Y axis and the Z axis is referred to as the YZ plane. The XY plane is parallel to the predetermined plane. The XY plane, the XZ plane, and the YZ plane are perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, the XY plane and the horizontal plane are parallel to each other. The Z axis direction is the up-down direction. The +Z direction is the upward direction, and the -Z direction is the downward direction. The XY plane may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0022] The sewing machine 1 is roughly divided into a sewing machine main body 10, a sewing machine control device 100 (i.e., device main body 50), a top plate 2, legs 4, and various connecting cables (not shown). The sewing machine main body 10, the sewing machine control device 100 (device main body 50), the top plate 2, and legs 4 are each packaged separately. The sewing machine 1 shown in FIG. 3 is completed when each package is unpacked and assembled by an operator at the installation site. The sewing machine 1 shown in FIG. 3 is an electronic cycle sewing machine. The sewing machine 1 may be any type of sewing machine other than an electronic cycle sewing machine. In the example of FIG. 3, the sewing machine 1 is provided with an operation panel 21 and an operation pedal 22.

[0023] The sewing machine body 10 is a mechanical part that sews on a sewing object. The sewing machine body 10 is mounted on the upper surface of the top plate 2. The top plate 2 is attached to the upper end of the legs 4 and is supported by the legs 4. The sewing machine body 10 has a sewing machine frame 11, a needle bar 12 supported by the sewing machine frame 11, a needle plate 13 supported by the sewing machine frame 11, a holding member 15 supported by the sewing machine frame 11 via a support member, various actuators 16 (see FIG. 4) controlled by the device body 50, and sensors 17 (see FIG. 4).

[0024] The sewing machine frame 11 has a horizontal arm 11A extending in the Y-axis direction, a bed 11B arranged below the horizontal arm 11A, a vertical arm 11C connecting the +Y side end of the horizontal arm 11A to the bed 11B, and a head 11D arranged on the -Y side of the horizontal arm 11A.

[0025] Needle bar 12 holds sewing needle 3. Needle bar 12 holds sewing needle 3 so that sewing needle 3 is parallel to the Z-axis. Needle bar 12 is supported by head 11D so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction.

[0026] The needle plate 13 supports a sewing object S. The needle plate 13 supports a holding member 15. The needle plate 13 is supported by the bed 11B. The needle plate 13 is disposed below the holding member 15.

[0027] The holding member 15 holds the sewing object S. The holding member 15 is capable of moving while holding the sewing object S within an XY plane that includes the sewing position directly below the sewing needle 3. The holding member 15 moves within the XY plane based on the sewing data while holding the sewing object S, whereby stitches are formed on the sewing object S.

[0028] The holding member 15 has a presser member 15A and a lower plate 15B arranged facing each other. The presser member 15A is a frame-shaped member and is movable in the Z-axis direction. The lower plate 15B is arranged below the presser member 15A. The holding member 15 holds the sewing object S by sandwiching the sewing object S between the presser member 15A and the lower plate 15B.

[0029] When the presser member 15A moves in the +Z direction, the presser member 15A and the lower plate 15B move away from each other. This allows the operator to place or remove the sewing object S between the presser member 15A and the lower plate 15B. When the presser member 15A moves in the -Z direction with the sewing object S placed between the presser member 15A and the lower plate 15B, the sewing object S is sandwiched between the presser member 15A and the lower plate 15B. This allows the sewing object S to be held by the holding member 15.

[0030] 4, the actuator 16 includes various motors such as a main shaft motor 16M, an X-axis motor 16X, and a Y-axis motor 16Y, and various actuators such as a solenoid. The main shaft motor 16M is the main drive source of the sewing machine 1 for driving the needle bar 12 to reciprocate, etc.

[0031] The main shaft motor 16M is connected to the needle bar 12 via a power transmission mechanism provided inside the sewing machine frame 11. Operation of the main shaft motor 16M causes the sewing machine needle 3 held by the needle bar 12 to move back and forth in the Z-axis direction. A shuttle is also disposed inside the bed 11B. A bobbin placed in a bobbin case is housed in the shuttle. Power generated by the main shaft motor 16M is transmitted to the shuttle via the power transmission mechanism. Operation of the main shaft motor 16M causes the shuttle to rotate in synchronization with the reciprocating movement of the needle bar 12 in the Z-axis direction.

[0032] The X-axis motor 16X and the Y-axis motor 16Y generate power to move the holding member 15 within the XY plane. The X-axis motor 16X generates power to move the holding member 15 in the X-axis direction. The Y-axis motor 16Y generates power to move the holding member 15 in the Y-axis direction. By operating the X-axis motor 16X and the Y-axis motor 16Y, the holding member 15 can move while holding the sewing object S within the XY plane that includes the sewing position directly below the sewing needle 3.

[0033] In addition, actuator 16 includes various motors such as a motor that generates power to move presser member 15A of holding member 15 in the Z-axis direction, and an intermediate presser motor that generates power to move the intermediate presser member in the Z-axis direction.

[0034] The operation panel 21 has a display device including a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence display (OLED), and a touch panel type input device that generates input data when operated by an operator. The input device of the operation panel 21 is capable of accepting operations related to sewing processing. The operation panel 21 is mounted on the upper surface of the top plate 2. The operation pedal 22 is disposed below the top plate 2. The operator operates the operation pedal 22 with his / her foot. The sewing machine 1 is operated when the operator operates at least one of the operation panel 21 and the operation pedal 22.

[0035] The sewing machine 1 also includes various sensors 17. The sensors 17 may include, for example, a drive amount sensor that detects the drive amount of the main shaft motor 16M, an X-axis sensor that detects the rotation amount of the X-axis motor 16X, a Y-axis sensor that detects the rotation amount of the Y-axis motor 16Y, and other sensors that detect the operation of movable parts. The sensors include an encoder that detects the rotation amount of the motor, a position sensor that detects the displacement of a movable member, and the like. Detection data from these sensors 17 is output to the device body 50.

[0036] (Configuration of sewing machine control device) The device main body 50 of the sewing machine control device 100 outputs a control signal for controlling the sewing machine 1. A computer system is provided on a control board 52 of the device main body 50. That is, the control board 52 has an arithmetic unit 71 including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a storage unit 72 including storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 72 also includes a rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The control board 52 further includes control elements such as a drive control IC 73 that controls a driver circuit provided on the sub-board 54.

[0037] The storage unit 72 rewritably stores the control program 74. The calculation unit 71 executes the control program 74 stored in the storage unit 72 to function as a control unit of the sewing machine body 10. That is, the calculation unit 71 controls the operation of the actuator 16 of the sewing machine body 10 according to the control program 74. The calculation unit 71 collects detection data from the sensors 17 of the sewing machine body 10 according to the control program 74. The calculation unit 71 performs feedback control of the actuator 16 based on the collected detection data. In the example of the sewing machine 1 shown in FIG. 3, the calculation unit 71 controls the rotation of the main shaft motor 16M and also controls the rotation of the X-axis motor 16X and the Y-axis motor 16Y based on the sewing data so as to move the holding member 15 holding the sewing object S in the XY plane. The calculation unit 71 controls the operation of each motor to realize the sewing pattern defined in the sewing data via the drive control IC 73. The drive control IC 73 controls a driver circuit provided on the sub-substrate 54 in response to a control signal from the calculation unit 71. The driver circuit controls the driving of the actuator 16 (the supply of current to each motor).

[0038] The storage unit 72 can store log data 75 of the device main body 50. The log data 75 can include various data collected as the calculation unit 71 executes the control program 74, and history information on the control execution results (successful completion, error, etc.). When the calculation unit 71 starts executing the control program 74, it periodically generates log data 75 and writes it to the storage unit 72.

[0039] The actuator 16, the sensors 17, the operation panel 21 and the operation pedal 22 of the sewing machine main body 10 are connected to the interface unit 55 via cables.

[0040] In the embodiment, the device main body 50 includes an external connection terminal 57 to which an external connection cable EC can be connected. The external connection terminal 57 is connected to the control board 52. The external connection terminal 57 can supply a communication signal and power to the storage unit 72 and the calculation unit 71 via the external connection cable EC. The communication signal includes a command for the calculation unit 71. The power supplied from the external connection terminal 57 is power capable of operating at least the storage unit 72 and the calculation unit 71. In the example of FIG. 4, the external connection terminal 57 is provided in the interface unit 55 together with various input / output terminals for connection with the actuator 16 and the sensors 17. The external connection terminal 57 is exposed to the outside of the housing 51 via a connection opening provided in the housing 51.

[0041] An external terminal ET can be connected to the external connection terminal 57 via an external connection cable EC. The external terminal ET is not a device constituting the sewing machine 1, but is a terminal used by a service staff member who maintains the sewing machine 1 or a user of the sewing machine 1. The device body 50 can write data to the storage unit 72 and read data from the storage unit 72 by communicating with the external terminal ET via the external connection terminal 57. The device body 50 can rewrite the control program 74 of the storage unit 72 by the external terminal ET. The device body 50 can transmit log data 75 of the storage unit 72 to the external terminal ET. The external terminal ET is an information processing terminal that can update the control program 74 and read the log data 75. The information processing terminal is a mobile device such as a PC (personal computer) or a tablet terminal, a dedicated terminal used to rewrite the control program 74, or the like.

[0042] The external connection terminal 57 is capable of at least two-way data communication between the device main body 50 and the external terminal ET, and power supply from the external terminal ET to the device main body 50. Such an external connection terminal 57 is, for example, a terminal that complies with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard. The external connection terminal 57 may be a terminal that complies with a standard other than a USB terminal. The external connection terminal 57 may be a terminal that complies with the PoE (Power over Ethernet (registered trademark)) standard that uses a so-called LAN cable.

[0043] With this configuration, the device body 50 according to the embodiment can connect the calculation unit 71 and the storage unit 72 to the external terminal ET via the external connection terminal 57 and rewrite the control program 74 by power supply from the external terminal ET without being connected to a commercial power source via the power switch 62 and the power cable 61. Furthermore, the storage unit 72 can store log data 75 of the sewing machine body 10 in addition to the control program 74, and the log data 75 can be read out from the external connection terminal 57.

[0044] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the connection of the external terminal ET to the device main body 50 in a state where it is packed in a packaging box 60. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the device main body 50 and the sewing machine main body 10 in a used state after unpacking.

[0045] 5, the packaging box 60 has a connection opening 60A for connecting the external connection terminal 57 and the external connection cable EC from outside the packaging box 60. The external connection terminal 57 can be connected to the external connection cable EC via the connection opening 60A in a state in which the device main body 50 is accommodated in the packaging box 60.

[0046] The calculation unit 71 and the storage unit 72 of the control board 52 can be connected to an external terminal ET via the external connection terminal 57 and the external connection cable EC. By being connected to the external terminal ET, power is supplied to the calculation unit 71 and the storage unit 72 from the external terminal ET. This allows the calculation unit 71 and the storage unit 72 to operate while the device main body 50 is still in the packaged state. The calculation unit 71 can execute an update process of the control program 74 by communicating with the external terminal ET. That is, the calculation unit 71 operates using power supplied from the external terminal ET, and writes the updated version of the control program 74 acquired from the external terminal ET to the storage unit 72 (rewrites the control program 74).

[0047] In this manner, in the sewing machine control device 100 according to the embodiment, the control program 74 can be updated while the device body 50 is still packed in the packaging box 60. Since the calculation unit 71 and the storage unit 72 are powered by the external terminal ET, there is no need to connect the power switch 62 and the power cable 61 to the device body 50.

[0048] 6, when the packaging box 60 is opened and the device body 50 is combined with the sewing machine body 10, the table, and the legs 4 to construct the sewing machine 1, the device body 50 is connected to a commercial power source via a power cable 61 and a power switch 62. The power generation board 53 generates a first voltage V1 for driving the sewing machine body 10 and a second voltage V2 that is lower than the first voltage V1.

[0049] The first voltage V1 is a voltage for mainly driving the actuator 16. The power supply generating board 53 can generate a plurality of voltage values ​​as the first voltage V1. For example, the power supply generating board 53 generates power supplies of DC280[V], DC85[V], and DC24[V] as the first voltage V1. DC280[V] is a voltage for driving the main shaft motor 16M, for example. DC85[V] is a voltage for driving the X-axis motor 16X and the Y-axis motor 16Y, for example. DC24[V] is a voltage for driving a solenoid (electromagnetic valve) and a motor with a smaller output than the X-axis motor 16X and the Y-axis motor 16Y. The power supply generating board 53 supplies the power of the first voltage V1 to each supply destination of the sewing machine body 10. The first voltage V1 needs to be handled with care in consideration of the possibility of electric shock.

[0050] The second voltage V2 is a voltage for operating the control board 52. Each part of the control board 52, including the memory unit 72, the calculation unit 71, and the drive control IC 73, operates with the power of the second voltage V2. For example, the power supply generation board 53 generates a power supply of DC5 [V] as the second voltage V2. The power supply generation board 53 supplies the power of the second voltage V2 to the control board 52. The second voltage V2 is a low voltage that does not require consideration of the possibility of electric shock. As shown in FIG. 5, the voltage supplied from the external terminal ET to the external connection terminal 57 is also the second voltage V2. A general USB standard allows the supply of power of DC5 [V]. As a result, the memory unit 72 and the calculation unit 71 operate with the power of the second voltage V2 supplied from the power supply generation board 53 or the external connection terminal 57.

[0051] In Figure 6, when an external terminal ET is connected to the external connection terminal 57 while power is being supplied from the power supply generating board 53, the memory unit 72 and the calculation unit 71 operate using the power of the second voltage V2 supplied from the power supply generating board 53, and are not supplied with power from the external terminal ET.

[0052] 6, when the power switch 62 is turned off and no power is being supplied from the power generation board 53, and the external connection terminal 57 is connected to the external connection terminal 57, the storage unit 72 and the calculation unit 71 operate using the power of the second voltage V2 supplied from the external terminal ET. Therefore, after starting operation of the sewing machine 1, the storage unit 72 and the calculation unit 71 can be accessed by the external terminal ET with the main power supply (power switch 62) turned off, and log data 75 can be retrieved.

[0053] For example, consider a case where the sewing machine 1 breaks down and the cause of the breakdown needs to be identified. If it is necessary to turn on the main power supply to retrieve the log data 75, measures must be taken that take into consideration the risk of electric shock due to the generation of the first voltage V1 and abnormal operation of the sewing machine body 10 due to an abnormality in the drive circuit. In contrast, in the embodiment, by simply supplying the second voltage V2 from the external terminal ET to the control board 52, it is possible to easily retrieve the log data 75 without considering the possibility of electric shock or abnormal operation.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the control board 52. The control board 52 according to the embodiment includes a first circuit area 76A in which the arithmetic unit 71 and the storage unit 72 are provided, and a second circuit area 76B in which other control elements not involved in rewriting the control program 74 are provided. An example of the other control elements is the drive control IC 73 shown in FIG. 4. In the second circuit area 76B, various control elements other than the drive control IC 73 are provided as other control elements. The other control elements are elements related to the control of the sewing machine main body 10 or the sewing machine control device 100. Here, the first circuit area 76A includes only circuit components necessary for rewriting the control program 74 by communication with the external terminal ET. The second circuit area 76B refers to a circuit area of ​​the control board 52 other than the first circuit area 76A.

[0055] In the embodiment, control board 52 is configured so that, when power is supplied from external terminal ET to control board 52, power is supplied to first circuit area 76A and not to second circuit area 76B. That is, control board 52 includes a supply limiting unit 77 that causes power supplied via external connection terminal 57 to be supplied to first circuit area 76A but not to second circuit area 76B.

[0056] The supply limiting unit 77 has a rectifying element 77A that passes a forward current through the power supply line 80 to the first circuit area 76A and limits a reverse current from the external connection terminal 57 to the second circuit area 76B. The rectifying element 77A is a diode.

[0057] Specifically, the control board 52 includes a power supply line 80 that supplies power to the first circuit area 76A and the second circuit area 76B. The power supply line 80 includes a first power supply line 80A that connects to a first port 81 that connects to the power supply generation board 53, and a second power supply line 80B that connects to a second port 82 that connects to the external connection terminal 57. In addition to the second power supply line 80B, a communication line 83 for communication signals that connects to the calculation unit 71 is connected to the second port 82. The first power supply line 80A and the second power supply line 80B join at a joining point CP and connect to a voltage regulator 84. The power supply line 80 includes a supply line 80C that connects the voltage regulator 84 and the first circuit area 76A (the calculation unit 71, the storage unit 72). The voltage regulator 84 converts a second voltage V2 supplied from the power supply generation board 53 or the external connection terminal 57 into an operating voltage V3 for the calculation unit 71 and the storage unit 72. The operating voltage V3 is determined by the specifications of the calculation unit 71 and the storage unit 72, and is, for example, DC 3.3 [V]. When the calculation unit 71 and the storage unit 72 operate at the second voltage V2 (DC 5 [V]), the voltage regulator 84 does not need to be provided. The power supply line 80 includes a supply line 80D that connects to each control element of the second circuit area 76B. The supply line 80D is connected to the first power supply line 80A between the first port 81 and the junction CP.

[0058] The rectifier element 77A is provided in the first power supply line 80A between the supply line 80D and the junction point CP. The rectifier element 77A passes a forward current from the first port 81 (power generation board 53) toward the junction point CP and blocks a reverse current from the junction point CP toward the supply line 80D. As a result, the current P2 supplied from the second port 82 (external connection terminal 57) by the external terminal ET is supplied from the junction point CP to the first circuit area 76A (the calculation unit 71, the storage unit 72) via the voltage regulator 84 and the supply line 80C, but is not supplied to the second circuit area 76B because it is blocked by the rectifier element 77A. In contrast, the current P1 supplied from the first port 81 by the power supply generating substrate 53 is supplied to the second circuit area 76B via the supply line 80D, and is also supplied to the first circuit area 76A (the calculation unit 71, the memory unit 72) via the rectifier element 77A, the voltage regulator 84 and the supply line 80C.

[0059] As a result, in the control board 52, when power is supplied from the external terminal ET, only the first circuit area 76A (the calculation unit 71, the memory unit 72) is supplied with power, and when power is supplied from the power generation board 53, both the first circuit area 76A and the second circuit area 76B (the entire control board 52) are supplied with power. Therefore, power consumption is reduced when power is supplied from the external terminal ET compared to when power is supplied from the power generation board 53. Reducing power consumption is particularly effective when the external terminal ET supplies power using a built-in battery or an external auxiliary battery.

[0060] (Example of connection opening) Next, an example of a connection opening 60A of the packaging box 60 for connecting the device main body 50 and the external terminal ET in the packaged state shown in Fig. 5 will be described. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the connection opening 60A of the packaging box 60 according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a connection configuration of an external connection cable EC via the connection opening 60A. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a connection configuration of an external connection cable EC via the connection opening 60A.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the connection opening 60A includes a handle hole for gripping the packaging box 60. The handle hole is a hole formed in the packaging box 60 so that a worker can insert his / her fingers to hold the packaging box 60 during transportation of the package. Usually, one handle hole is provided on each of two side surfaces of the packaging box 60 that are located opposite each other. The connection opening 60A is formed by one of the handle holes. In this case, the connection opening 60A has both a function as an access passage for inserting the external connection cable EC and a function as a handle hole during transportation. The connection opening 60A shown in FIG. 8 is formed as a C-shaped slit, and a segment on the inner periphery side of the slit is connected to the packaging box 60 at the upper end. The segment is pushed inside the packaging box 60 and bent to form the connection opening 60A that penetrates the side surface of the packaging box 60. The connection opening 60A may be a through hole instead of a slit with a segment remaining.

[0062] 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams of the sewing machine control device 100 in the packaged state shown in FIG. 8, showing a horizontal cross section at the position of the connection opening 60A as viewed from above. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the device main body 50 is housed in the packaging box 60 so that the external connection terminal 57 is located in the vicinity of the connection opening 60A and directly opposite the connection opening 60A. In this case, when viewed from outside the packaging box 60, the external connection terminal 57 is located on the back side of the connection opening 60A. The position and orientation of the device main body 50 in the packaging box 60 are adjusted by the shape of the buffer member 63. As shown in FIG. 9, when connecting the external connection cable EC to the external connection terminal 57 of the device main body 50 in the packaging box 60, the terminal portion of the external connection cable EC is inserted into the inside of the connection opening 60A and connected to the external connection terminal 57 located at the back of the connection opening 60A.

[0063] The external connection terminal 57 does not have to be disposed at a position directly opposite the connection opening 60A. FIG. 10 shows an example in which the external connection terminal 57 and the external connection cable EC can be connected using an extension cable 64. In this example, the relative positions of the connection opening 60A and the external connection terminal 57 are arbitrary. In FIG. 10, the external connection terminal 57 is located at a position facing a side surface of the packaging box 60 other than the side surface on which the connection opening 60A is provided. The device main body 50 is accommodated in the packaging box 60 with the extension cable 64 connected to the external connection terminal 57 in advance. One terminal of the extension cable 64 is connected to the external connection terminal 57 of the device main body 50, and the other terminal 64A is not connected. The other terminal 64A of the extension cable 64 can be connected to a terminal portion of the external connection cable EC. The extension cable 64 is drawn out from the external connection terminal 57 through a passage provided in the buffer member 63 to a position directly opposite the connection opening 60A. The other terminal 64A of the extension cable 64 is held in a position directly facing the connection opening 60A in the packaging box 60 by the buffer member 65. In this example, the buffer member 65 is a dedicated member for fixing the other terminal 64A, but the buffer member 65 may be a part of the buffer member 63 for protecting the device main body 50. When connecting the external connection cable EC to the external connection terminal 57 of the device main body 50 in the packaging box 60, the terminal portion of the external connection cable EC is inserted into the connection opening 60A and connected to the other terminal 64A of the extension cable 64. The external connection cable EC is connected to the external connection terminal 57 of the device main body 50 via the extension cable 64.

[0064] (Rewrite to another control program) As described above, the sewing machine control device 100 (device body 50) according to the embodiment is shipped as a single packaged item and is used as a component of the sewing machine 1 by combining it with the sewing machine body 10, the top plate 2, and the legs 4. Therefore, the sewing machine control device 100 (device body 50) can be combined not only with a specific model of sewing machine body 10, but also with other models of sewing machine body 10.

[0065] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of rewriting the control program 74 of the device main body 50 from a program for a first model to a program for a second model.

[0066] 11, when a first type control program 74A is stored in the storage unit 72, the device body 50 functions as a control unit of the first type sewing machine body 10A. The first type control program 74A is a program for controlling the operation of the first type sewing machine body 10A. Therefore, the first type sewing machine 1A is configured by combining the device body 50 in which the first type control program 74A is written in the storage unit 72 with the first type sewing machine body 10A.

[0067] The device main body 50 can rewrite the control program 74A with another program by connecting to the external terminal ET in the manner shown in Fig. 5. Here, the control program 74A is not rewritten with an updated version of the same control program 74A, but with a control program 74B that is different from the control program 74A.

[0068] When the second type control program 74B is stored in the memory unit 72, the device body 50 functions as a control unit for the second type sewing machine body 10B, which is a model different from the first type sewing machine body 10A. The second type control program 74B is a program for controlling the operation of the second type sewing machine body 10B. The second type control program 74B is at least partially different from the first type control program 74A. The second type sewing machine 1B is configured by combining the device body 50 in which the second type control program 74B is written in the memory unit 72 with the second type sewing machine body 10B.

[0069] (effect) As described above, the sewing machine control device 100 according to this embodiment includes a device main body 50 that controls the sewing machine main body 10, and a packaging box 60 that houses the device main body 50. The device main body 50 includes a control board 52 that is provided with a memory unit 72 that rewritably stores a control program 74 for the sewing machine main body 10 and a calculation unit 71 that rewrites data in the memory unit 72, and an external connection terminal 57 to which an external connection cable EC can be connected and that can supply communication signals and power to the memory unit 72 and the calculation unit 71 via the external connection cable EC. The packaging box 60 has a connection opening 60A for connecting the external connection terminal 57 and the external connection cable EC from outside the packaging box 60.

[0070] Thus, by connecting the external connection terminal 57 and the external connection cable EC through the connection opening 60A of the packaging box 60, the control board 52 and the external terminal ET can be connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other and supply power. As a result, in order to rewrite the control program 74, it is not necessary to take out the device main body 50 from the packaging box 60, unpack the power switch 62 and the power cable 61 from the packaging material, and connect them to the device main body 50. In addition, since the control program 74 can be rewritten without unpacking and repackaging, the product can be left in its initial packaging state. As a result, the rewriting of the control program 74 of the sewing machine control device 100 after packaging can be facilitated, and a decrease in the product value due to unpacking can be prevented.

[0071] In this embodiment, the device body 50 includes a power supply port 56 and a power supply generation board 53 that is connected to the power supply port 56 and generates a first voltage V1 for driving the sewing machine body 10 and a second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1, and the storage unit 72 and the calculation unit 71 operate on the power of the second voltage V2 supplied from the power supply generation board 53 or the external connection terminal 57. This allows the control program 74 to be rewritten only by the low second voltage V2 without generating the first voltage V1, which is a high voltage for driving the sewing machine body 10. Even when rewriting the control program 74 in a usage state in which the device body 50 is connected to the sewing machine body 10, the second voltage V2 is not generated in the first place, so that the update can be performed easily and safely.

[0072] In this embodiment, the control board 52 includes a first circuit area 76A in which the calculation unit 71 and the storage unit 72 are provided, a second circuit area 76B in which other control elements not involved in rewriting the control program 74 are provided, and a supply limiting unit 77 that causes the power supplied via the external connection terminal 57 to be supplied to the first circuit area 76A without being supplied to the second circuit area 76B. This allows power to be supplied only to the first circuit area 76A required for rewriting the control program 74, thereby reducing power consumption. This allows the control program 74 to be easily and simply rewritten even in a battery-powered mobile external terminal ET without connecting the external terminal ET to a commercial power source. In addition, if power is also supplied to the second circuit area 76B when rewriting the control program 74, it is necessary to provide a dedicated processing mode in the control program 74, such as disabling the startup processing (initialization of each part of the sewing machine main body 10, etc.) started by the control elements of the second circuit area 76B, which complicates the processing of the calculation unit 71 and the control program 74. In this embodiment, since power is not supplied from the external terminal ET to the second circuit area 76B, there is no need to provide a dedicated processing mode.

[0073] Moreover, in this embodiment, the supply limiting unit 77 has a rectifying element 77A that passes a forward current through the power supply line 80 to the first circuit area 76A and limits a reverse current from the external connection terminal 57 to the second circuit area 76B. This makes it possible to limit the power supply from the external terminal ET to the second circuit area 76B with a simple configuration.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to the control program 74, the storage unit 72 can store log data 75 of the sewing machine body 10, and the log data 75 can be read from the external connection terminal 57. This allows the log data 75 to be collected by power supply from the external connection terminal 57, without causing the power generation board 53 to generate the high first voltage V1. Therefore, in the event of a breakdown or the like, the log data 75 can be safely and easily collected and used to identify the cause of the breakdown, without causing the risk of electric shock or abnormal operation of the sewing machine body 10.

[0075] Moreover, in this embodiment, the connection opening 60A includes a handle hole for gripping the packaging box 60. This eliminates the need to provide a dedicated connection opening 60A for connecting to the external connection terminal 57. Even when the connection opening 60A is provided, the same package design can be adopted as when the connection opening 60A is not provided, and an increase in the opening area of ​​the packaging box 60 in the packaged state can be suppressed.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a first type of control program 74 is stored in the storage unit 72, the device body 50 functions as a control unit for the first type of sewing machine body 10, and when a second type of control program 74 is stored in the storage unit 72, the device body 50 functions as a control unit for the second type of sewing machine body 10, which is a model different from the first type of sewing machine body 10. This allows a product shipped as a sewing machine control device 100 for a first type of sewing machine 1A to be changed to a sewing machine control device 100 for a second type of sewing machine 1B without unpacking, depending on the supply and demand situation, etc.

[0077] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the supply limiting unit 77 is provided to supply the power supplied via the external connection terminal 57 to the first circuit area 76A without supplying it to the second circuit area 76B, but it is not necessary to provide the supply limiting unit 77. In other words, the power supplied via the external connection terminal 57 may be supplied to both the first circuit area 76A and the second circuit area 76B.

[0078] Further, although an example has been given in which rectifying element 77A is provided as supply limiting section 77, the circuit configuration that realizes the function of supply limiting section 77 is not limited to this, and supply limiting section 77 may be constructed using any circuit configuration.

[0079] Furthermore, the storage unit 72 does not necessarily have to be capable of reading out the log data 75 from the external connection terminal 57. The storage unit 72 that stores the control program 74 and the storage unit that stores the log data 75 may be provided separately.

[0080] Further, although an example has been shown in which the connection opening 60A is a handle hole for gripping the packaging box 60, the connection opening 60A may be a dedicated opening for the external connection cable EC, separate from the handle hole. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1, 1A, 1B... sewing machine, 2... top plate, 3... sewing machine needle, 4... legs, 10, 10A, 10B... sewing machine body, 11... sewing machine frame, 11A... horizontal arm, 11B... bed, 11C... vertical arm, 11D... head, 12... needle bar, 13... needle plate, 15... holding member, 15A... presser member, 15B... lower plate, 16... actuator, 16M... main shaft motor, 16X... X-axis motor, 16Y... Y-axis motor, 17... sensors, 21... operation panel, 22... operation pedal, 50... device body, 51... housing, 52... control board, 53... power generation board, 54... sub-board, 55... interface section, 56... power port, 57... external connection terminal, 60... packaging box, 60A... connection opening, 61... power cable , 62...power switch, 63...buffer member, 64...extension cable, 64A...other terminal, 65...buffer member, 71...calculation unit, 72...memory unit, 73...drive control IC, 74, 74A, 74B...control program, 75...log data, 76A...first circuit area, 76B...second circuit area, 77...supply limiting unit, 77A...rectifier element, 80...power line, 80A...first power line, 80B...second power line, 80C, 80D...supply line, 81...first port, 82...second port, 83...communication line, 84...voltage regulator, 100...sewing machine control device, CP...junction, EC...external connection cable, ET...external terminal, S...sewing object, V1...first voltage, V2...second voltage, V3...operating voltage.

Claims

1. The sewing machine includes a device body that controls the sewing machine body, and a packaging box that contains the device body. The device body includes: a control board provided with a storage unit that rewritably stores a control program for the sewing machine body and a calculation unit that rewrites data in the storage unit; an external connection terminal to which an external connection cable can be connected and which can supply communication signals and power to the storage unit and the calculation unit via the external connection cable; the packaging box has a connection opening for connecting the external connection terminal and the external connection cable from outside the packaging box; Sewing machine control device.

2. The device body includes: A power port; a power generation board connected to the power port and configured to generate a first voltage for driving the sewing machine body and a second voltage lower than the first voltage; the storage unit and the calculation unit are operated by power of the second voltage supplied from the power supply generation board or the external connection terminal. The sewing machine control device according to claim 1.

3. The control board includes: a first circuit area in which the arithmetic unit and the memory unit are provided; a second circuit area in which other control elements not involved in rewriting the control program are provided; a supply limiting unit that causes the power supplied via the external connection terminal to be supplied to the first circuit area without being supplied to the second circuit area, The sewing machine control device according to claim 2.

4. the control board includes a power supply line for supplying power to the first circuit area and the second circuit area, the supply limiting unit has a rectifying element that causes a forward current to flow in the power supply line to the first circuit area and limits a reverse current from the external connection terminal to the second circuit area. The sewing machine control device according to claim 3.

5. the storage unit is capable of storing log data of the sewing machine body in addition to the control program, and is capable of reading out the log data from the external connection terminal; The sewing machine control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The connection opening includes a handle hole for gripping the packaging box. The sewing machine control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. An interface unit that connects to the sewing machine body via a cable is further provided. The device body includes: When the first type of control program is stored in the storage unit, the storage unit functions as a first type of control unit for the sewing machine body, When the second type of control program is stored in the storage unit, the storage unit functions as a control unit of the second type of sewing machine body, which is a model different from the first type of sewing machine body. The sewing machine control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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