sewing machine

Abstract

In a sewing machine equipped with a lifting device, the aim is to suppress unintended vibrations of the sewing machine caused by the sewing operation. [Solution] The sewing machine (1) comprises a sewing machine body (10), a lifting device (12) provided at the bottom of the sewing machine body (10) that operates to move the sewing machine body (10) up and down, allowing the sewing machine body (10) to switch between a contact state and a non-contact state with respect to the sewing machine mounting surface (2), an operation unit into which operations regarding sewing operations by the sewing machine body (10) are input, a control unit that controls the sewing operations based on the operations of the operation unit, and a detection unit that detects the operating status of the lifting device (12), and the control unit determines whether or not to perform a sewing operation based on the signal from the detection unit.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a composite sewing machine provided with working units (stitch forming mechanisms) that perform different sewing operations respectively on the front and back sides of the sewing machine, a configuration is known in which a lifting device that enables switching of the positions of the working units is provided at the lower part of the sewing machine (for example, Patent Document 1). In the lifting device of Patent Document 1, the sewing machine is lifted by a predetermined amount to be in a state of floating relative to the sewing machine placement surface, and in this state the sewing machine is rotated 180°, whereby the positions of the working units can be switched.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, during a sewing operation, a sewing machine vibrates under the influence of vertical movement of the needle, rotational movement of various elements and the like. For this reason, normally, to be firmly and stably supported, the sewing machine is placed on a sewing machine placement surface such as a work table via rubber support legs that can reduce vibration. However, if a sewing operation is performed in a state where the sewing machine is lifted from the sewing machine placement surface by a lifting device like that of Patent Document 1, the sewing machine vibrates unintentionally, which may cause unintended vibration in the work table or the like, or cause unintended rotation of the sewing machine.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to enable suppression of unintended vibration of a sewing machine caused by a sewing operation in a sewing machine provided with a lifting device.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The sewing machine comprises a sewing machine body and a lifting device provided at the bottom of the sewing machine body, which operates to move the sewing machine body up and down, allowing the sewing machine body to switch between a contact state and a non-contact state with respect to the sewing machine mounting surface. The sewing machine further comprises an operation unit into which operations for sewing by the sewing machine body are input, a control unit that controls the sewing operation based on the operation of the operation unit, and a detection unit that detects the operating status of the lifting device. The control unit determines whether or not to perform the sewing operation based on the signal from the detection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sewing machine that can suppress unintended vibrations of the sewing machine caused by the operation of the work section when the sewing machine is raised by the lifting device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a sewing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view illustrating the general operation of the lifting device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the lifting device. [Figure 4] This is a disassembled perspective view of the lifting device. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view illustrating the state changes of the stopper mechanism. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the configuration related to the control of a sewing machine. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the upward-moving section in the upward-moving position. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the state after the rotating part has rotated approximately 180° from the "non-contact state" in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the state in which the upward section is switched to the downward position at the second rotation angle shown, bringing the sewing machine body into "contact." [Figure 10] This flowchart shows the process for suppressing vibrations in the sewing machine body when using the lifting device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the sewing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience, the following description will refer to the right, left, front, back, top, bottom, and X, Y, and Z directions shown in the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a sewing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that in Figure 1, the sewing machine 1 shown on the left side of Figure 1 is shown on the right side of Figure 1 after being rotated 180°.

[0011] The sewing machine 1 comprises a sewing machine body 10, a plurality of support legs 11 provided on the lower surface of the sewing machine body 10, and a lifting device 12 provided at the lower part of the sewing machine body 10.

[0012] The sewing machine body 10 includes a first work unit 13 that performs sewing operations and a second work unit 14 that performs sewing operations different from those of the first work unit 13. The first working section 13 is a recess in the sewing machine body 10 that extends from one side (the left side) toward the center when viewed from the front. The second working section 14 is a recess in the sewing machine body 10 that extends from the other side (right side) of the sewing machine body 10 toward the center when viewed from the front.

[0013] The first working unit 13 includes a first needle 13a through which an upper thread (not shown) is inserted. The first working unit 13 performs a sewing operation, such as lockstitch, using the first needle 13a. The second work unit 14 includes a second needle 14a through which an upper thread (not shown) is inserted. The second work unit 14 performs a sewing operation, such as a chain stitch (overlock), using the second needle 14a.

[0014] Further, the sewing machine main body 10 includes a sewing machine motor 15 that drives the first needle 13a and the second needle 14a, a transmission switching mechanism (not shown) capable of selectively switching the transmission of driving force from the sewing machine motor 15 to the first working unit 13 or the second working unit 14, a switching dial 16 that switches the transmission switching mechanism, a sewing machine operation unit 17 (operation unit) to which operations related to the sewing operations of the first working unit 13 and the second working unit 14 are input, and a display unit 18 (notification unit) that displays the state of the sewing machine main body 10. An operator or the like can alternatively select a target to be driven by the sewing machine motor 15 from the first needle 13a and the second needle 14a by operating the switching dial 16.

[0015] The lifting device 12 is a device that enables the lifting and turning of the sewing machine main body 10. Normally, a sewing operation is performed with a working space secured on the left side of the operator. Therefore, when performing a sewing operation with the first needle 13a, the sewing machine main body 10 is arranged such that the first working unit 13 is positioned on the left side with respect to the operator, like the sewing machine main body 10 on the left side in FIG. 1. Further, when performing a sewing operation with the second needle 14a, the sewing machine main body 10 on the left side in FIG. 1 is lifted by the lifting device 12 and turned 180°, so that the sewing machine main body 10 is arranged such that the second working unit 14 is positioned on the left side with respect to the operator, like the sewing machine main body 10 on the right side in FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an outline of the operation of the lifting device 12. The lifting device 12 is attached to the center of gravity of the lower surface of the sewing machine main body 10 in a plan view from above. The support legs 11 are columnar members protruding downward from the lower surface of the sewing machine main body 10, and a plurality of the support legs 11 are provided around the lifting device 12 on the lower surface of the sewing machine main body 10. The support legs 11 are made of a material with high vibration absorption such as elastomer, for example. The sewing machine main body 10 is installed at a work place by placing the lower surface of the support legs 11 on the sewing machine placement surface 2. The sewing machine placement surface 2 is, for example, the upper surface of a work desk.

[0017] During normal operation, such as when sewing or pausing, the sewing machine body 10 is in a "contact state" where it contacts the sewing machine mounting surface 2 via the support legs 11, as shown on the left side of Figure 2. In the "contact state," the lifting device 12 is spaced upward from the sewing machine mounting surface 2, and the sewing machine body 10 is supported by the sewing machine mounting surface 2 via the support legs 11.

[0018] As shown on the right side of Figure 2, the lifting device 12 lifts the sewing machine body 10, creating a "non-contact state" where the support legs 11 are lifted off the sewing machine mounting surface 2, and enabling the sewing machine body 10 to rotate in this "non-contact state". In the "non-contact state", the lifting device 12 is taller than the support legs 11 and contacts the sewing machine mounting surface 2, causing the support legs 11 to float above the sewing machine mounting surface 2. In the "non-contact state", the sewing machine body 10 is supported on the sewing machine mounting surface 2 via the lifting device 12.

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the lifting device 12. In Figure 3, a portion of the lifting device 12 is cut out within a predetermined angle range in the rotational direction so that the internal structure can be seen. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lifting device 12. In Figure 3, the lifting device 12 is in a "contact state". Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the lifting device 12 comprises a base plate 20 that contacts the sewing machine mounting surface 2, a rotational central shaft 21 erected in the center of the base plate 20, a plurality of rotating balls 22 provided on the base plate 20, an operating member 23 that is rotated by an operator or the like, a cam member 24 that contacts the rotating balls 22, and a lift-up plate 25 attached to the lower surface of the sewing machine body 10. Furthermore, the lifting device 12 includes a lock guide 26 provided on the rotational axis 21, a lock plate 27 that engages with the lock guide 26, a compression spring 28 that biases the rotational axis 21 upward, a sensor cam 29 attached to the operating member 23, and a lift-up sensor 30 (detection unit) that detects the operating status of the lifting device 12 by detecting the sensor cam 29.

[0020] According to the lifting device 12, the sewing machine body 10 rotates around the rotational axis 21. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the radial direction refers to the radial direction of a circle centered on the rotational axis 21, and the circumferential direction refers to the circumferential direction of the rotational axis 21, which is the direction of rotation (rotation) when rotating around the rotational axis 21.

[0021] First, let's explain each component of the lifting device 12. The base plate 20 is disc-shaped. In the "non-contact state," the base plate 20 abuts against the sewing machine mounting surface 2. A plate-shaped stopper 20a extending upward is provided on the periphery of the base plate 20.

[0022] The central axis of rotation 21 comprises a cylindrical shaft portion 21a erected upward from the center of the base plate 20, and a pair of guide pins 21b projecting radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the lower part of the shaft portion 21a. The pair of guide pins 21b are positioned 180° apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 21a. An annular locking groove 21c is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the shaft portion 21a.

[0023] The operating member 23 is positioned above the base plate 20. The operating member 23 comprises a disc-shaped lever plate 23a that overlaps the base plate 20 from above in a plan view, a pair of extensions 23b extending radially outward from the lever plate 23a, and a pair of operating levers 23c1 and 23c2 extending upward from the ends of each extension 23b. The pair of extensions 23b are positioned approximately 180° apart from each other in the circumferential direction and extend radially outward beyond the base plate 20.

[0024] A circular hole 23d is provided in the center of the lever plate 23a, passing through the lever plate 23a. In the lever plate 23a, multiple circular ball-holding holes 23e are provided around the hole 23d, penetrating the lever plate 23a. Multiple ball-holding holes 23e are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (three in this embodiment).

[0025] Furthermore, around the hole 23d in the lever plate 23a, a cylindrical cam pin 23f and a sensor cam fixing part 23g are provided, which are erected upward from the lever plate 23a. The cam pin 23f and the sensor cam fixing portion 23g are positioned radially inward from the ball holding hole 23e. The cam pin 23f and the sensor cam fixing portion 23g are located approximately 180° apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the lever plate 23a.

[0026] Multiple rotating spheres 22 (three in this embodiment) are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the rotational axis 21. The rotating spheres 22 are held within the sphere holding holes 23e and are in contact with the upper surface of the base plate 20. In Figure 4, four rotating spheres 22 are shown, but the rotating spheres 22 shown in contact with the cam member 24 are shown to indicate the positional relationship between the cam member 24 and the rotating spheres 22, and the lifting device 12 in this embodiment is composed of three rotating spheres 22.

[0027] The cam member 24 is positioned above the operating member 23 and overlaps the lever plate 23a from above. When viewed from above in plan, the cam member 24 is formed in the shape of a C-ring. The cam member 24 is provided with multiple cam portions 24a that contact the rotating ball 22 from above. The cam portions 24a are positioned to overlap the ball holding hole 23e from above and are provided in multiple locations (three in this embodiment) at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0028] The lower surface of the cam portion 24a is a cam surface 24b that contacts the rotating ball 22 from above. The cam portion 24a is inclined such that the height of the cam surface 24b decreases as it moves along the cam member 24 toward the lift-up operation direction R1 in Figure 4. The lift-up operation direction R1 is the counterclockwise direction in Figure 4. Furthermore, the cam member 24 is provided with a fixing hole 24c in the portion between a pair of adjacent cam portions 24a. A cam member fixing device 24d, which fixes the cam member 24 to the lift-up plate 25, is inserted from below through the fixing hole 24c.

[0029] The lift-up plate 25 is positioned above the cam member 24 and overlaps the cam member 24 and the operating member 23 from above. The lift-up plate 25 comprises a plate body 31 attached to the lower surface of the sewing machine body 10, and a first stopper receiving portion 32 and a second stopper receiving portion 33 extending downward from the side edge of the plate body 31.

[0030] The plate body 31 is a rectangular plate member in plan view. The first stopper receiving portion 32 and the second stopper receiving portion 33 constitute the side wall portion of the lift-up plate 25. The first stopper receiving portion 32 and the second stopper receiving portion 33 are provided on one (right) side edge of the plate body 31 and on the other (left) side edge located opposite the first side edge. The first stopper receiving portion 32 is located behind the second stopper receiving portion 33 and extends downward more than the second stopper receiving portion 33. In other words, the first stopper receiving portion 32 is longer vertically than the second stopper receiving portion 33.

[0031] The first stopper receiving portion 32 and the second stopper receiving portion 33 are positioned apart front to back, so that a side recess 34 is formed between the first stopper receiving portion 32 and the second stopper receiving portion 33, in which the side wall portion of the lift-up plate 25 is cut out upward.

[0032] A circular lock guide support hole 31a is provided in the center of the plate body 31, which penetrates the plate body 31. Furthermore, multiple relief holes 31b are provided around the lock guide support hole 31a in the plate body 31, penetrating the plate body 31. Multiple relief holes 31b are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (three in this embodiment). The relief holes 31b are elongated holes that extend in an arc shape in the circumferential direction along the cam portion 24a.

[0033] Furthermore, the plate body 31 is provided with a cam pin insertion hole 31c that penetrates the plate body 31 and a fixing part insertion hole 31d that penetrates the plate body 31 around the lock guide support hole 31a. The cam pin insertion hole 31c and the fixing part insertion hole 31d are located radially inward from the relief hole 31b. The cam pin insertion hole 31c and the fixing part insertion hole 31d are located approximately 180° apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The cam pin insertion hole 31c and the fixing part insertion hole 31d are elongated holes that extend in an arc shape in the circumferential direction.

[0034] Furthermore, the plate body 31 is provided with a fixing hole 31e into which the cam member fixing device 24d is fastened, and a pin fixing hole 31f into which the lock plate guide pin 35 is fixed. The lock plate guide pin 35 is fixed in the pin fixing hole 31f and protrudes downward from the plate body 31. Furthermore, lift-up plate fixing holes 31g are provided at each of the four corners of the plate body 31 in a plan view. The lift-up plate 25 is fastened to the lower surface of the sewing machine body 10 by a lift-up plate fixing device 36 that is inserted from below into the lift-up plate fixing holes 31g.

[0035] The lock guide 26 comprises a cylindrical guide shaft portion 26a inserted into the lock guide support hole 31a, an annular flange portion 26b extending radially outward from the upper end of the guide shaft portion 26a, and a shaft insertion hole 26c that penetrates vertically through the center of the guide shaft portion 26a. Furthermore, the lock guide 26 includes a pair of lock grooves 26d and 26e provided by cutting out radially inward the guide shaft portion 26a and flange portion 26b, and a guide groove 26f that penetrates radially through the guide shaft portion 26a.

[0036] The lock grooves 26d and 26e are provided at positions 180° apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the guide shaft portion 26a. The lock grooves 26d and 26e extend linearly along the rotational axis 21 from the upper surface of the flange portion 26b to the lower part of the guide shaft portion 26a. The guide groove 26f is an elongated hole that extends linearly vertically along the rotational axis 21 when viewed from the radially outer side, and is open downwards. The guide groove 26f is positioned 90° apart in the circumferential direction from the lock grooves 26d and 26e.

[0037] The lock plate 27 is a plate-shaped member positioned along the lower surface of the plate body 31. The lock plate 27 includes a hole 27a into which the guide shaft portion 26a of the lock guide 26 is inserted, a lock projection 27b that protrudes from the inner circumference of the hole 27a into the inside of the hole 27a, a cam hole 27c through which the cam pin 23f of the operating member 23 is inserted, and a slide hole 27d through which the lock plate guide pin 35 of the lift-up plate 25 is inserted.

[0038] The compression spring 28 is a coil spring that contacts the upper surface of the lock guide 26. The sensor cam 29 is fixed to the upper surface of the sensor cam fixing part 23g by a sensor cam fixing device 37 that is inserted into the sensor cam 29 from above.

[0039] The lift-up sensor 30 is fixed to the upper surface of the plate body 31. The lift-up sensor 30 is a contact-type sensor that detects contact between the sensor cam 29 and the lift-up sensor 30. The lift-up sensor 30 is positioned radially outward from the sensor cam 29.

[0040] Now, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the configuration of the lifting device 12 will be explained. The cam member 24 is fixed to the lower surface of the lift-up plate 25 by a cam member fixing device 24d. The cam portion 24a of the cam member 24 protrudes upward from the lift-up plate 25 through the relief hole 31b.

[0041] The cam pin 23f of the operating member 23 is inserted from below into the cam pin insertion hole 31c and protrudes above the lift-up plate 25. A locking ring 38, which has a larger diameter than the width of the cam pin insertion hole 31c, is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cam pin 23f. The cam pin 23f is prevented from coming out of the cam pin insertion hole 31c by the locking ring 38 located above the lift-up plate 25.

[0042] The sensor cam fixing portion 23g of the operating member 23 is inserted from below into the fixing portion insertion hole 31d and protrudes above the lift-up plate 25. A sensor cam 29, which has a larger diameter than the width of the fixing portion insertion hole 31d, is attached to the upper surface of the sensor cam fixing portion 23g. The sensor cam fixing portion 23g is prevented from coming out of the fixing portion insertion hole 31d by the sensor cam 29 located above the lift-up plate 25.

[0043] The operating member 23 and the lift-up plate 25 are connected in the vertical direction by the fact that the cam pin 23f is prevented from coming out by the locking ring 38, and the sensor cam fixing part 23g is prevented from coming out by the sensor cam 29. The operating member 23 is rotatable relative to the lift-up plate 25, the cam member 24, and the lock plate 27, with respect to the lock guide 26 supported on the rotational axis 21.

[0044] The lock plate 27 is sandwiched between the lower surface of the plate body 31 of the lift-up plate 25 and the upper surface of the lever plate 23a of the operating member 23, and is also housed inside the ring-shaped cam member 24. A cam pin 23f is inserted through the cam hole 27c of the lock plate 27. Additionally, a lock plate guide pin 35 is inserted through the slide hole 27d of the lock plate 27.

[0045] The guide shaft portion 26a of the lock guide 26 is inserted from above through the lock guide support hole 31a of the lift-up plate 25, the hole 27a of the lock plate 27, and the hole 23d of the operating member 23. The lock guide 26 is positioned vertically by the flange portion 26b contacting the upper surface of the lift-up plate 25.

[0046] The lock guide 26 is attached to the rotational central shaft 21 by inserting the shaft portion 21a of the rotational central shaft 21 into the shaft insertion hole 26c from below, and inserting the guide pin 21b into the guide groove 26f. The lock guide 26 has a shaft insertion hole 26c that fits onto the shaft portion 21a, and is capable of sliding up and down along the shaft portion 21a. Furthermore, the lock guide 26 is prevented from rotating about the rotational axis 21 by a guide pin 21b inserted into a guide groove 26f.

[0047] The lift-up plate 25, lock plate 27, cam member 24, and operating member 23 are supported on the rotational central axis 21 via the lock guide 26.

[0048] A compression spring locking ring 39 is attached to the locking groove 21c at the upper end of the rotational central shaft 21. The coil-shaped compression spring 28 is provided with the rotational central shaft 21 inserted through the coil portion, and is positioned in a state of vertical compression between the lower surface of the compression spring locking ring 39 and the upper surface of the lock guide 26.

[0049] The compression spring 28 exerts a biasing force that pulls the base plate 20 upward toward the lift-up plate 25 through the compression spring locking ring 39 and the rotational axis 21 by the reaction force of compression. In other words, the compression spring 28 generates a biasing force that reduces the distance between the base plate 20 and the lift-up plate 25. The vertical position of the base plate 20 is restricted by the fact that the guide pin 21b of the rotational central axis 21 abuts against the upper end of the guide groove 26f of the lock guide 26 from below.

[0050] The rotating ball 22 is held within the ball-holding hole 23e of the operating member 23 and is sandwiched between the lower surface of the cam portion 24a and the upper surface of the base plate 20.

[0051] Components such as the rotating central shaft 21, which protrude upward from the upper surface of the lift-up plate 25, are housed in a recess (not shown) provided on the lower surface of the sewing machine body 10.

[0052] Referring to Figure 4, the components of the lifting device 12 will now be classified and explained based on their operation. The lifting device 12 includes a lifting section 41 that rises and lifts the sewing machine body 10 by the action of a rotating ball 22 and a cam member 24 caused by the rotational operation of the operating member 23, and a non-lifting section 42 that contacts the sewing machine mounting surface 2 and does not rise when lifting the sewing machine body 10.

[0053] Furthermore, the lifting device 12 includes a rotating section 43 that rotates integrally with the sewing machine body 10 when the sewing machine body 10 is rotated, and a non-rotating section 44 that contacts the sewing machine mounting surface 2 when the sewing machine body 10 is rotated and does not rotate integrally with the sewing machine body 10.

[0054] The non-elevating section 42 is composed of a base plate 20, a rotational axis 21, and a rotating ball 22. The lifting section 41 is composed of a lift-up plate 25, an operating member 23, a cam member 24, a lock plate 27, a lock guide 26, a compression spring 28, a locking ring 38, a sensor cam 29, and a lift-up sensor 30. In Figure 5, a rotating ball 22 is shown adjacent to the cam member 24, but this rotating ball 22 is a rotating ball 22 that functions as a pivoting section 43, and the rotating ball 22 is not included in the lifting section 41.

[0055] The non-swivel section 44 is composed of a base plate 20, a rotational axis 21, a lock guide 26, and a compression spring 28. In Figure 5, a rotating ball 22 is shown on the base plate 20, but this rotating ball 22 is a rotating ball 22 that functions as a non-rising section 42, and the rotating ball 22 is not included in the non-swivel section 44. The rotating section 43 is composed of a lift-up plate 25, an operating member 23, a cam member 24, a lock plate 27, a rotating ball 22, a locking ring 38, a sensor cam 29, and a lift-up sensor 30.

[0056] Referring to Figure 2, the lifting section 41 can be switched between a lowering state in which the sewing machine body 10 is in "contact" with the sewing machine mounting surface 2 and an upward state in which the sewing machine body 10 is in "non-contact" with the sewing machine mounting surface 2 by operating the operating member 23.

[0057] In the "contact state" shown on the left side of Figure 2 and in Figure 3, the lifting section 41 is switched to the lowered state, and the height H1 of the lifting device 12 is less than the height H3 of the support legs 11. Therefore, the lifting device 12 is spaced upward from the sewing machine mounting surface 2 and is not in contact with the sewing machine mounting surface 2. Here, the height H1 is the height from the lower surface of the base plate 20 to the upper surface 25a of the lift-up plate 25.

[0058] In the "non-contact state" shown on the right side of Figure 2, the lifting section 41 is switched to the raised state, and the height H2 of the lifting device 12 is greater than the height H3 of the support legs 11. As a result, the support legs 11 are lifted off the sewing machine mounting surface 2, and the sewing machine body 10 is supported on the sewing machine mounting surface 2 solely by the lifting device 12. As mentioned above, since the lifting device 12 is located on the underside of the sewing machine body 10, it may appear that the non-lifting section 42 of the lifting device 12 is "descending" when transitioning from the "contact state" to the "non-contact state," but for the sake of explanation, it will be described as the lifting section 41 "rising."

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the height of the upper surface 25a of the lift-up plate 25 from the sewing machine mounting surface 2 is greater in the "non-contact state" by the lift-up amount L than in the "contact state". In other words, when the lifting unit 41 is switched from the lowering state to the raising state, the upper surface 25a rises by the lift-up amount L, lifting up the sewing machine body 10.

[0060] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the state change of the stopper mechanism 50. The lock guide 26, lock plate 27, and cam pin 23f constitute a stopper mechanism 50 that prohibits the rotation of the swivel section 43 when in a "contact state," and prohibits movement from a "non-contact state" to a "contact state" when the rotation angle of the swivel section 43 is at a predetermined angle. In Figure 5, the states of the stopper mechanism 50 are illustrated from state 1 to state 5, starting from the top of the figure. Note that the lift-up plate 25 and the lock plate guide pin 35 are not shown in Figure 5.

[0061] In the "contact state" shown on the left side of Figure 2 and in Figure 3, the stopper mechanism 50 is in state 1 of Figure 5. The guide shaft portion 26a of the lock guide 26 is inserted into the hole 27a of the lock plate 27. The lock plate guide pin 35 (Figure 4) is inserted into the slide hole 27d. The hole 27a is an elongated hole that is longer in the direction of extension of the slide hole 27d. In state 1, the locking projection 27b is engaged with one of the locking grooves 26d.

[0062] The cam hole 27c into which the cam pin 23f of the operating member 23 is inserted is an arc-shaped elongated hole extending in the circumferential direction. More specifically, the cam hole 27c has one end 27c1 on the side farther from the slide hole 27d and the other end 27c2 on the side closer to the slide hole 27d, with the two ends 27c1 and 27c2 connected in an arc shape. The width of the slide hole 27d is formed to be slightly larger than the diameter of the cam pin 23f, and is approximately the same width from one end 27c1 to the other end 27c2.

[0063] The arc shape of the cam hole 27c is not formed like a perfect circle arc, but is formed so that it approaches the center of the rotation axis 21 as it moves from one end 27c1 to the other end 27c2. Therefore, the distance D2 from the center of the rotation axis 21 to the other end 27c2 is smaller than the distance D1 from the center of the rotation axis 21 to the one end 27c1.

[0064] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration related to the control of sewing machine 1. Referring to Figure 6, the sewing machine 1 (Figure 1) includes a control unit 45 that electrically controls the sewing machine 1. The control unit 45 is located in the sewing machine body 10. The control unit 45 is electrically connected to the sewing machine operation unit 17, the sewing machine motor 15, the display unit 18, and the lift-up sensor 30, etc.

[0065] The control unit 45 has the function of executing sewing operations by the first work unit 13 and the second work unit 14 by controlling the operation of the sewing machine motor 15 and the like. The control unit 45 is connected to a storage unit (not shown) that stores programs and various information for causing the control unit 45 to perform various controls.

[0066] Next, the operation of the lifting device 12 will be explained. In the "contact state" shown on the left side of Figure 2 and in Figure 3, the rotating ball 22 is in contact with the highest point of the cam surface 24b from below, the base plate 20 is pulled upward toward the lift-up plate 25 by the compression spring 28, and the rising section 41 is in a downward position.

[0067] Furthermore, in the "contact state," the stopper 20a of the base plate 20 engages with the side recess 34 of the lift-up plate 25, thereby preventing the pivoting of the pivoting part 43 relative to the non-pivoting part 44. The first stopper receiving portion 32 and the second stopper receiving portion 33, which constitute the side recess 34, and the stopper 20a constitute a rotation restricting portion 52 that positions the rotation portion 43 at a predetermined rotation angle by having the rotation portion 43 abut against the non-rotating portion 44 in the rotation direction. In the "contact state" of Figure 2, the rotation restricting portion 52 positions the rotation portion 43 at a first rotation angle (predetermined rotation angle) that positions the first working portion 13 to the left, as in the sewing machine 1 on the left side of Figure 1.

[0068] Furthermore, in the "contact state," the stopper mechanism 50 is in state 1 of Figure 5, and the locking projection 27b of the lock plate 27 engages with one of the locking grooves 26d of the lock guide 26, thereby preventing the rotation of the swivel section 43 from the first swivel angle. In other words, in state 1 of Figure 5, the stopper mechanism 50 positions the swivel section 43 at the first swivel angle.

[0069] Also, referring to Figure 3, in the "contact state," the contact detection unit 30a of the lift-up sensor 30 contacts the sensor cam 29 and detects the sensor cam 29. The lift-up sensor 30 outputs an ON signal to the control unit 45 when it detects the sensor cam 29, and outputs an OFF signal to the control unit 45 when it does not detect the sensor cam 29.

[0070] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the state in which the lifting section 41 has been switched to the raised position. When the operating member 23 is rotated approximately 90° in the lift-up operating direction R1 from the "contact state" shown on the left side of Figure 2 and in Figure 3, the lifting section 41 is switched to the raised state, and the sewing machine body 10 enters the "non-contact state" shown on the right side of Figure 2 and in Figure 7.

[0071] As shown in Figure 7, when the operating member 23 is rotated in the lift-up operating direction R1, the operating member 23 rotates in the lift-up operating direction R1 relative to the lift-up plate 25 and the cam member 24, etc. The operating member 23 is restricted to approximately 90° in the lift-up operation direction R1 when the cam pin 23f, which was located at one end of the cam pin insertion hole 31c, moves to the other end of the cam pin insertion hole 31c, and the sensor cam fixing part 23g, which was located at one end of the fixing part insertion hole 31d, moves to the other end of the fixing part insertion hole 31d.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7, when the operating member 23 is rotated approximately 90° in the lift-up operating direction R1, the rotating ball 22 held in the ball holding hole 23e moves together with the operating member 23 in the lift-up operating direction R1, and the rotating ball 22, which was in contact with the highest position of the cam surface 24b from below, now comes into contact with the lowest position of the cam surface 24b from below. As a result, the height of the lifting device 12 increases by the difference in height of the cam surface 24b, from height H1 (Figures 2 and 3) to height H2 (Figures 2 and 7), and the lifting section 41 is in the raised position.

[0073] Refer to Figure 2 for details. When the operating member 23 is rotated in the lift-up operating direction R1, the non-rising portion 42 (base plate 20) descends relative to the rising portion 41 due to the cam action between the rotating ball 22 and the cam surface 24b and comes into contact with the sewing machine mounting surface 2. When the operating member 23 is rotated further in the lift-up operating direction R1, the rising portion 41 rises relative to the non-rising portion 42 that is in contact with the sewing machine mounting surface 2 due to the cam action between the rotating ball 22 and the cam surface 24b, and the rising portion 41 is lifted up by a lift-up amount L.

[0074] When the lifting section 41 is in the raised position, the lock guide 26 rises against the compression spring 28. Furthermore, when the lifting section 41 is in the raised position, the restriction on the rotation of the rotation section 43 by the rotation restricting section 52 is released. For details, refer to Figure 7. When the lifting section 41 is in the raised position, the second stopper receiving section 33 moves upward relative to the stopper 20a, while the first stopper receiving section 32 overlaps with the stopper 20a in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the lifting section 41 is in the raised position, the swivel section 43 is prohibited from swiveling in the direction in which the first stopper receiving section 32 passes the stopper 20a, but it can swivel in the direction in which the second stopper receiving section 33 passes the stopper 20a.

[0075] Furthermore, when the lifting section 41 is in the raised position, the stopper mechanism 50 is in state 2 of Figure 5. In detail, when the operating member 23 is rotated in the lift-up operating direction R1, the cam pin 23f moves together with the operating member 23 in the lift-up operating direction R1 and moves within the cam hole 27c of the lock plate 27 from one end 27c1 to the other end 27c2. Consequently, the lock plate 27 is pushed by the cam pin 23f through the cam hole 27c and slides radially outward along the slide hole 27d. The slide hole 27d is guided by the lock plate guide pin 35. The lock plate 27 slides radially outward by a sliding amount D3, which is the difference between distance D1 and distance D2.

[0076] When the lock plate 27 slides radially outward by a sliding amount D3, the lock projection 27b moves radially outward, and the engagement between the lock projection 27b and the lock groove 26d is released. In this state, the lock plate 27 becomes pivotable relative to the lock guide 26, and the pivotable part 43 becomes pivotable relative to the non-pivoting part 44.

[0077] Also, referring to Figure 7, when the operating member 23 is rotated approximately 90° in the lift-up operating direction R1, the sensor cam 29 moves together with the operating member 23 in the lift-up operating direction R1 and moves away from the lift-up sensor 30. Therefore, when the lifting section 41 is in the raised state, that is, when the sewing machine body 10 is in a "non-contact state", the lift-up sensor 30 does not detect the sensor cam 29.

[0078] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the state after the swivel section 43 has rotated approximately 180° from the "non-contact state" in Figure 7. In the "non-contact state" shown in Figure 7, the restriction on the rotation of the swivel section 43 by the swivel restrictor 52 and the stopper mechanism 50 (Figure 5) is released, allowing the swivel section 43 to rotate. In the "non-contact state," the operator grasps the sewing machine body 10, etc., and rotates the sewing machine body 10 and the swivel section 43 in the rotation direction T. Here, the rotation direction T is the clockwise direction in Figure 8, which is the opposite direction to the lift-up operation direction R1. Furthermore, in Figure 7, rotation of the swivel section 43 in the opposite direction to the swivel direction T (Figure 8) is prohibited by contact between the first stopper receiving section 32 and the stopper 20a.

[0079] As shown in Figure 8, when the swivel section 43 is rotated in the rotation direction T, the support legs 11 are lifted off the ground and the rotating ball 22 rolls on the base plate 20 while the swivel section 43 rotates. Therefore, the operator can rotate the swivel section 43 and the sewing machine body 10 with little force. When the swivel section 43 is swiveled in the swivel direction T, the lift-up plate 25, lock plate 27, cam member 24, rotating ball 22, operating member 23, sensor cam 29, and lift-up sensor 30 swivel together with respect to the non-swivel section 44, which includes the lock guide 26.

[0080] As shown in Figure 8, when the swivel section 43 is rotated approximately 180° in the rotation direction T, the first stopper receiving section 32, which was located on the opposite side (approximately 180° different position) from the stopper 20a in Figure 7, comes into contact with the stopper 20a in the circumferential direction, and the swivel section 43 is positioned at a second rotation angle (a predetermined rotation angle). This second rotation angle is a predetermined rotation angle that positions the second work section 14 to the left side, as in the sewing machine 1 on the right side of Figure 1, and is approximately 180° different from the first rotation angle.

[0081] Furthermore, when the swivel section 43 is rotated approximately 180° in the swivel direction T as shown in Figure 8, the stopper mechanism 50 enters state 4 as shown in Figure 5. In state 4, the locking projection 27b moves to a position rotated approximately 180° relative to one locking groove 26d and is positioned to overlap the other locking groove 26e from the radially outer side. Furthermore, in state 4 of Figure 5, where the swivel section 43 is rotated approximately 180° in the swivel direction T, the relative positional relationship between the operating member 23 and the lock plate 27 remains unchanged from state 2 of Figure 5 in the "non-contact state," and the cam pin 23f is located at the other end 27c2 of the cam hole 27c.

[0082] Furthermore, when the swivel section 43 is rotated approximately 180° in the rotation direction T, as shown in Figure 8, the relative position between the sensor cam 29 and the lift-up sensor 30 remains unchanged from the "non-contact state" in Figure 7. Therefore, in the state shown in Figure 8, where the swivel section 43 is rotated approximately 180° in the rotation direction T, the lift-up sensor 30 does not detect the sensor cam 29.

[0083] State 3 in Figure 5 shows the state of the stopper mechanism 50 during the intermediate stage of rotating the swivel section 43 approximately 180° in the swivel direction T from the state in Figure 7 to the state in Figure 8. In detail, state 3 is the state in which the swivel section 43 is rotated approximately 90° in the swivel direction T from the state in Figure 7. As the swivel section 43 is rotated in the swivel direction T from state 2, the locking projection 27b, which has detached from the locking groove 26d, rotates in the swivel direction T along the outer circumferential surface of the guide shaft section 26a.

[0084] By the way, if the operating member 23 is rotated in the lift-down operating direction R2, which is opposite to the lift-up operating direction R1, during the intermediate stage of rotating the swivel section 43 by approximately 180° in the swivel direction T, there is a risk that the lifting section 41 will descend.

[0085] In this embodiment, when a force is applied to rotate the operating member 23 in the lift-down operating direction R2 during the rotation of the swivel section 43, the cam pin 23f of the operating member 23 attempts to move from the other end 27c2 of the cam hole 27c towards the one end 27c1. In this case, the lock plate 27 of the stopper mechanism 50 needs to move radially inward of the guide shaft section 26a by the depth of the lock grooves 26d and 26e. However, there is no lock groove between the lock grooves 26d and 26e in the circumferential direction of the guide shaft section 26a, and as in state 3, the lock protrusion 27b only contacts the outer circumferential surface of the guide shaft section 26a, and the lock protrusion 27b cannot enter the lock grooves 26d and 26e. As a result, even if a force is applied to rotate the operating member 23 in the lift-down operating direction R2 during the intermediate stage of rotating the swivel section 43 by approximately 180° in the swivel direction T, the cam pin 23f cannot move toward the end 27c1, and the operating member 23 cannot rotate in the lift-down operating direction R2. Therefore, the lifting section 41 is prevented from descending during the intermediate stage of the swivel section 43's rotation. In other words, when the rotation angle of the swivel section 43 is a predetermined angle (an angular range between the first and second swivel angles), the stopper mechanism 50 prohibits the rotation of the operating member 23 in the lift-down operation direction R2, thereby preventing the lifting section 41 from switching from the raised state to the lowered state. This prevents the operation from moving from a "non-contact state" to a "contact state".

[0086] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the state in which the lifting section 41 is switched to the lowering position at the second rotation angle shown in Figure 8, bringing the sewing machine body 10 into "contact." When the operating member 23 is rotated approximately 90° in the lift-down operating direction R2 in the state shown in Figure 8, the lifting section 41 is switched to the lowered state, and the sewing machine body 10 enters the "contact state".

[0087] In detail, at the second rotation angle in Figure 8, as shown in state 4 of Figure 5, the positioning action of the rotation restricting unit 52 (Figure 8) causes the locking projection 27b to overlap the other locking groove 26e from the radially outer side, allowing the operating member 23 to be rotated in the lift-down operating direction R2. In other words, when the rotation unit 43 is positioned at the second rotation angle by the rotation restricting unit 52, the lifting device 12 allows operation from a "non-contact state" to a "contact state".

[0088] Then, when the operating member 23 is rotated approximately 90° in the lift-down operating direction R2 from state 4 in Figure 5, the locking projection 27b engages with the other locking groove 26e, as shown in state 5 in Figure 5, and the cam pin 23f moves to one end 27c1. In this state, the engagement of the locking projection 27b with the other locking groove 26e prevents the rotation of the swivel section 43 relative to the non-swivel section 44. In this way, the swivel section 43 is positioned by the engagement of the locking projection 27b of the stopper mechanism 50 with the other locking groove 26e, so the swivel section 43 can be accurately positioned at the second swivel angle.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, when the operating member 23 is rotated approximately 90° in the lift-down operating direction R2, the rotating ball 22 moves together with the operating member 23 in the lift-down operating direction R2, and the rotating ball 22, which was contacting the lowest position of the cam surface 24b from below, now contacts the highest position of the cam surface 24b from below. As a result, the lifting section 41 is in a lowered state, and as shown on the left side of Figure 2, the sewing machine body 10 is in a "contact state" where it is supported on the sewing machine mounting surface 2 only by the support legs 11.

[0090] The operating member 23 is restricted to approximately 90° in the lift-down operation direction R2 when the cam pin 23f, which was located at the other end of the cam pin insertion hole 31c (Figure 9), moves to one end of the cam pin insertion hole 31c, and the sensor cam fixing part 23g, which was located at the other end of the fixing part insertion hole 31d (Figure 9), moves to one end of the fixing part insertion hole 31d.

[0091] Furthermore, when the lifting section 41 is switched to the lowering state, the side recess 34 (Figure 9) of the swivel section 43 engages with the stopper 20a of the non-swivel section 44, and the swivel section 43 is prevented from swiveling relative to the non-swivel section 44 by the action of the swivel restricting section 52.

[0092] Furthermore, when the operating member 23 is rotated approximately 90° in the lift-down operating direction R2 to the "contact state" shown in Figure 9, the sensor cam 29 moves together with the operating member 23 in the lift-down operating direction R2 and comes into contact with the lift-up sensor 30. In other words, in the "contact state," the lift-up sensor 30 detects the sensor cam 29.

[0093] Furthermore, to change the rotation angle of the swivel section 43 from the second rotation angle shown in Figure 9 to the first rotation angle shown in Figure 3, the change can be made by performing the reverse operation described above. That is, in Figure 9, the operating member 23 is rotated approximately 90° in the lift-up operation direction R1 to lift up the lifting section 41, then the swivel section 43 is rotated approximately 180° in the opposite direction to the rotation direction T to change from the second rotation angle to the first rotation angle, and the operating member 23 is rotated approximately 90° in the lift-down operation direction R2. In this operation, when the swivel section 43 is rotated approximately 180° in the opposite direction to the rotation direction T, the first stopper receiving section 32 contacts the stopper 20a in the circumferential direction, as shown in Figure 7, and the swivel section 43 is positioned at the first rotation angle.

[0094] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process for suppressing vibration of the sewing machine body 10 when the lifting device 12 is in use. Referring to Figures 6 and 10, when the control unit 45 receives an instruction to operate the sewing machine operation unit 17 and start sewing operations by the first work unit 13 or the second work unit 14 (step S1), it determines whether the lift-up sensor 30 is ON or OFF (step S2).

[0095] If the lift-up sensor 30 is OFF (step S2: OFF), the control unit 45 does not drive the sewing machine motor 15 and notifies the error via the display unit 18 (step S3). When the lift-up sensor 30 is OFF in step S2, the sewing machine body 10 is in a "non-contact state" as shown in Figures 7 and 8. In this embodiment, when the sewing machine operation unit 17 is operated, the sewing machine motor 15 is not driven when the sewing machine body 10 is in a "non-contact state," thus preventing the sewing machine body 10 from vibrating due to the sewing machine motor 15 being driven while the sewing machine body 10 is lifted up. In addition, the determination that sewing operation by the sewing machine motor 15 will not be performed is notified as an error on the display unit 18, so the operator can recognize the abnormality.

[0096] When the lift-up sensor 30 is ON (step S2: ON), the control unit 45 drives the sewing machine motor 15 and starts the sewing operation (step S4). When the lift-up sensor 30 is ON in step S2, the sewing machine body 10 is in a "contact state" as shown in Figures 3 and 9, and vibrations of the sewing machine body 10 are suppressed by the support legs 11 placed on the sewing machine mounting surface 2, so the sewing machine motor 15 can be driven to perform sewing.

[0097] After the sewing operation starts in step S4, the control unit 45 determines whether the lift-up sensor 30 is ON or OFF (step S5). If the lift-up sensor 30 is OFF (step S5: OFF), the control unit 45 stops the sewing machine motor 15 (step S6), notifies the error via the display unit 18 (step S3), and terminates the process. According to the processing in steps S5 and S6, the lift-up sensor 30 detects that the sewing machine body 10 has been lifted up due to incorrect operation of the operating member 23 or the like after the sewing operation by the sewing machine motor 15 has started, and the sewing machine motor 15 can be stopped. Then, the abnormality can be notified to the operator or others through the processing in step S3. In this way, the lift-up sensor 30 monitors the sewing operation by the sewing machine motor 15 even while it is in operation, and stops the sewing machine motor 15 if it is lifted up, so vibration of the sewing machine body 10 can be effectively suppressed.

[0098] If the lift-up sensor 30 is ON in step S5 (step S5: ON), the control unit 45 determines whether or not the sewing operation has been stopped by the sewing machine operation unit 17 (step S7). If the sewing operation is not stopped by the sewing machine operation unit 17 (step S7: No), the control unit 45 returns to the process of step S5. Since it is normal for the lift-up sensor 30 to be ON during the sewing operation in step S5, the sewing operation continues until the sewing operation is stopped in step S7.

[0099] If the sewing operation is stopped by the sewing machine operation unit 17 (step S7: Yes), the control unit 45 stops the sewing machine motor 15 (step S8) and terminates the process.

[0100] If an error is to be reported in step S3, for example, a message such as "The sewing machine cannot be started while it is raised by the lifting device. Please lower the sewing machine by operating the control parts." may be displayed on the display unit 18, or the same information may be reported by voice from a speaker (not shown). Alternatively, for a simpler approach, the system may simply indicate that some kind of error has occurred by changing the color of an indicator such as an LED, or by using a buzzer or beep sound. Furthermore, the notification may not only indicate errors, but also indicate that the sewing operation has started normally based on the signal from the lift-up sensor 30. Specifically, the operator may be notified that the sewing machine has started sewing based on the signal from the lift-up sensor 30 by displaying a different message than that used for error notifications, by changing the color of an indicator such as an LED, by a buzzer, or by a beeping sound, thereby ensuring that the machine has started normally.

[0101] The above describes a sewing machine 1, an embodiment of the present invention, but the embodiment can be modified as appropriate. In the above embodiment, a contact-type lift-up sensor 30 was used as an example of the detection unit, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the detection unit may be a non-contact type sensor such as a photosensor. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lift-up sensor 30 detects the operating status of the lifting device by detecting the sensor cam 29 which moves in the circumferential direction by the operation of the operating member 23, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the change in height of the lifting device 12 due to the operation of the operating member 23 may be detected by the detection unit, and the operating status of the lifting device 12 may be detected based on this detection result. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first needle 13a and the second needle 14a were selectively driven by the sewing machine motor 15 via a transmission switching mechanism. However, a sewing machine may also be equipped with multiple (two) sewing machine motors, each driving the first needle 13a and the second needle 14a, respectively.

[0102] (Note) This specification discloses the following technologies in one aspect. The reference numerals listed below correspond to those used in the accompanying drawings, but are provided as examples only and are not intended to limit the inventions of this application.

[0103] (Technology 1) A sewing machine (1) comprising a sewing machine body (10) and a lifting device (12) provided at the lower part of the sewing machine body (10) that operates to move the sewing machine body (10) up and down, thereby switching the sewing machine body (10) between a contact state and a non-contact state with respect to the sewing machine mounting surface (2), The machine comprises an operation unit (17) into which operations for sewing by the sewing machine body (10) are input, a control unit (45) that controls the sewing operation based on the operations of the operation unit (17), and a detection unit (30) that detects the operating status of the lifting device (12), The control unit (45) determines whether or not to perform the sewing operation based on the signal from the detection unit (30) of the sewing machine (1).

[0104] This technology allows for the suppression of unintended vibrations of the sewing machine caused by the sewing operation, as the detection unit determines whether or not to perform a sewing operation based on the operating status of the lifting device.

[0105] (Technology 2) A sewing machine (1) according to Technology 1, comprising a notification unit (18) that notifies the result of a determination of whether or not to perform the aforementioned sewing operation.

[0106] This technology allows a notification unit to inform workers of the decision on whether or not to perform sewing operations based on the operating status of the lifting device.

[0107] (Technology 3) The aforementioned lifting device (12) It includes a rotating part (43) that rotates the sewing machine body (10) relative to the sewing machine mounting surface (2), A sewing machine (1) according to Technology 1, comprising a stopper mechanism (50) that prohibits the rotation of the swivel part (43) when it is in the aforementioned contact state, and prohibits the operation to the aforementioned contact state when the swivel angle of the swivel part (43) is at a predetermined angle.

[0108] In this technology, when a contact state is maintained, the rotation of the swivel part can be prohibited by a stopper mechanism. Furthermore, when the swivel angle of the swivel part is at a predetermined angle, the movement from a non-contact state to a contact state can be prohibited by the stopper mechanism, thereby preventing unintentional changes from a non-contact state to a contact state.

[0109] (Technology 4) The aforementioned lifting device (12) In the aforementioned non-contact state, the non-rotating part (44) contacts the sewing machine mounting surface (2), It includes a rotating part (43) that rotates relative to the non-rotating part (44) in the non-contact state to rotate the sewing machine body (10), In the non-contact state, the rotating part (43) comes into contact with the non-rotating part (44) in the rotational direction, thereby positioning the rotating part (43) at a predetermined rotational angle, as described in Technology 1 (1).

[0110] According to this technology, in a non-contact state, the rotating part can be positioned at a predetermined rotation angle by contacting the non-rotating part that contacts the sewing machine mounting surface in the rotational direction, thus allowing the rotating part to be positioned at a predetermined rotation angle with a simple structure.

[0111] (Technology 5) The sewing machine (1) according to Technology 4, wherein the rotating part (43) is positioned at the predetermined rotation angle and is allowed to move to the contact state.

[0112] This technology allows the swivel mechanism to move into contact with the object while positioned at a predetermined swivel angle, thus enabling the sewing machine body to be in contact with the object while positioned at a precise swivel angle.

[0113] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and unless otherwise specifically limited in the above description, various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention as described in the claims. For example, the configuration of the above-described embodiment can be added or deleted as appropriate, and the configuration of one embodiment can be provided in other embodiments. Furthermore, the effects in the above-described embodiment are merely illustrative of the effects that may result from the present invention. In other words, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and additional effects may also be produced in addition to the above-described effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1: Sewing machine 2: Sewing machine mounting surface 10: Sewing machine body 12: Lifting device 17: Sewing machine operation unit (operation unit) 18: Display unit (notification unit) 30: Lift-up sensor (detection unit) 43: Swivel unit 44: Non-swivel unit 45: Control unit 50: Stopper mechanism

Claims

1. A sewing machine comprising a sewing machine body and a lifting device provided at the lower part of the sewing machine body, which operates to move the sewing machine body up and down, thereby switching the sewing machine body between a state of contact with the sewing machine mounting surface and a state of non-contact, The machine comprises an operation unit into which operations for sewing by the sewing machine body are input, a control unit that controls the sewing operation based on the operations of the operation unit, and a detection unit that detects the operating status of the lifting device. The control unit determines whether or not to perform the sewing operation based on the signal from the detection unit.

2. The sewing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the result of a determination of whether or not to perform the aforementioned sewing operation.

3. The lifting device is It includes a rotating part that rotates the sewing machine body relative to the sewing machine mounting surface, The sewing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a stopper mechanism that prohibits the rotation of the swivel part when it is in the aforementioned contact state, and prohibits the movement to the aforementioned contact state when the rotation angle of the swivel part is at a predetermined angle.

4. The lifting device is In the non-contact state, a non-rotating part that contacts the sewing machine mounting surface, It includes a rotating part that rotates relative to the non-rotating part in the non-contact state to rotate the sewing machine body, The sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein in the non-contact state, the rotating part comes into contact with the non-rotating part in the rotational direction, thereby positioning the rotating part at a predetermined rotational angle.

5. The sewing machine according to claim 4, wherein the rotating part is positioned at the predetermined rotation angle and is permitted to move to the contact state.

Images