Sewing machine control device and method, and sewing machine

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of speeding up processing when switching sewing operation modes when sewing with different sewing operation modes mixed. In the present invention, sewing data in which different sewing operation modes are mixed is provided from a sewing data provision means (101, 103, B1-B4). This sewing machine sews, on the basis of the sewing data, a string-shaped material (T1 or T2) into a workpiece (W), with different sewing operation modes mixed. A controlling device (100) of the sewing machine comprises a rapid processing means (101, B6-B11). The rapid processing means controls, at the boundary between different sewing operation modes, whether to perform processing (rapid processing) for shifting to a subsequent sewing operation mode while rotating a main shaft (1), or to perform processing (normal shift processing) for shifting to a subsequent sewing operation mode after stopping the main shaft (1) once, according to the difference between the sewing operation modes before and after the boundary. The processing when switching sewing operation modes can be speeded up as a whole thereby.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sewing machine capable of sewing string-like materials such as tapes and cords onto a sewn object such as fabric, and in particular to a control device and method for the sewing machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to rapid processing for speeding up processing when switching sewing operation modes in a sewing machine capable of executing a combination of different sewing operation modes. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an embroidery sewing machine (lock stitch handle embroidery machine) capable of supplying a string-like material such as a tape or a cord to the needle base and sewing it to the sewing object (base fabric). The sewing machine is equipped with a needle bar with a sewing needle at the lower end that is driven up and down, a cloth presser body (nipple) that moves up and down at a predetermined timing in response to the up and down movement of the needle bar, and a rotating body that is assembled concentrically with the needle bar and can freely rotate around its axis, and can be adapted to various materials and sewing methods by replacing the attachments attached to the rotating body. In addition, the up and down movement of the cloth presser body (nipple) is controlled by a motor, and the stroke amount and bottom dead point can be changed according to the thickness of the sewing object and the type of string-like material.

[0003] As an example, the sewing machine described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a zigzag stitch attachment (guide unit) that can supply a string-like material such as a tape or cord in a zigzag manner and sew it to a sewing object. The sewing machine is provided with a guide lever that guides the string-like material to the base position of the sewing needle, and is attached to the rotating body so that it can swing by a lever pin. When embroidering, the embroidery frame is moved based on embroidery data corresponding to a desired embroidery pattern, and the sewing direction for the sewing object is calculated, and the direction of the rotating body is controlled so that the lever pin is always located forward in the sewing direction, thereby controlling the direction of the string-like material according to the embroidery pattern. At the same time, the guide lever is swung back and forth around the lever pin in synchronization with the operation of the needle bar and nipple, thereby zigzagging the string-like material (swinging it left and right with respect to the sewing direction). As a result, the string-like material is supplied to the base of the sewing needle in a zigzag manner along a predetermined sewing pattern (embroidery pattern), and is sewn to the sewing object by a zigzag stitch generally called a "zigzag stitch."

[0004] The sewing machine described in Patent Document 2 is equipped with a tape sewing guide section for guiding a flat, wide tape (string-like material) to the base of the sewing needle, and the tape (string-like material) wound on a bobbin is fed to the base of the needle through the guide section and sewn to the item being sewn with a straight stitch generally called "tape stitching." It is also possible to attach both a zigzag stitch attachment (guide section) and a tape sewing guide section to one sewing machine, in which case it is possible to form a decorative pattern that combines zigzag stitching and tape stitching.

[0005] Generally, an embroidery machine automatically performs embroidery sewing operations based on embroidery data stored in an internal storage device, and can variably set the sewing method (sewing operation mode) for the embroidery sewing operations based on program control data (process control data) stored in association with the embroidery data (for example, Patent Document 3 below). The embroidery data includes frame movement data (X, Y data) that indicates the amount of movement of the embroidery frame for each stitch, and control codes that serve as control signals for the sewing operations. The control codes include various control codes related to the sewing operations, such as color change codes, jump codes, thread cutting codes, and stop codes.

[0006] The process control data is data that sets and controls the sewing method (i.e., sewing operation mode) in a series of sewing operations consisting of multiple stitches. The sewing method (sewing operation mode) can be set and controlled by factors such as the sewing method, zigzag pattern, nipple height and bottom dead point (nipple stroke), and main shaft rotation speed. The sewing method factor is a factor that determines the specific stitching method, such as flat stitching, tape stitching, zigzag stitching, roll stitching, pleat stitching, and frill stitching. The zigzag pattern factor is a factor that determines the zigzag pattern when zigzag stitching (for example, selecting one of multiple patterns) and the swing width when zigzag stitching. The nipple stroke factor is a factor that variably determines the amount of vertical stroke of the nipple (cloth presser body), and the "height" is the height of the top dead point of the nipple stroke, and the "bottom dead point" is the height of the bottom dead point of the nipple stroke.

[0007] The control code includes a predetermined control code (step switching code or mode switching control code) that indicates the timing to switch the sewing method (i.e., sewing operation mode). Conventionally, the rotation of the main shaft of the sewing machine is temporarily stopped at the timing when the predetermined control code (step switching code or mode switching control code) is given, and movement control and initial setting of related mechanisms (attachments, guide units, etc.) are automatically or manually performed to match the next sewing method (sewing operation mode). For example, when switching the sewing method of a string-like material from tape stitching to zigzag stitching, or vice versa, it is necessary to change the attachment (guide unit) for guiding the string-like material to the needle base to one suitable for the respective sewing methods, set the string-like material in the guide unit, etc., so it is necessary to temporarily stop the rotation of the main shaft. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-302070 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2007-222484 A [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 6-93943 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a sewing machine control device and method that makes it possible to speed up the process of switching sewing operation modes when sewing a string-like material onto a workpiece by mixing different sewing operation modes, and further aims to provide a sewing machine equipped with this control device.

[0010] The sewing machine control device according to the present invention is applied to a sewing machine configured to sew a string-like material onto a sewing object based on preprogrammed sewing data, and is configured to control the sewing operation of the sewing machine based on the sewing data. In particular, the sewing machine control device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a sewing data providing means for providing the sewing data in which different sewing operation modes are mixed; and a rapid processing means for controlling, at a boundary between the different sewing operation modes, whether to perform a process for transitioning to the next sewing operation mode while rotating a main shaft of the sewing machine, or to perform a process for transitioning to the next sewing operation mode after temporarily stopping the main shaft, depending on the difference between the sewing operation modes before and after the boundary. The present invention can also be understood as a sewing machine equipped with the above-mentioned control device.

[0011] According to the present invention, when the sewing operation mode is switched, the main shaft is not necessarily stopped temporarily, but the sewing operation mode can be controlled to be switched to the next sewing operation mode while rotating, depending on the difference between the sewing operation modes before and after the switching. Therefore, depending on the difference between the sewing operation modes before and after the switching, it is possible to efficiently use either a process for switching to the next sewing operation mode while the main shaft is rotating (rapid process) or a process for switching to the next sewing operation mode after stopping the main shaft (normal transition process), and as a whole, the process when switching the sewing operation mode can be speeded up. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing one embodiment of a sewing machine to which a control device according to the present invention is applied, with respect to one sewing machine head. [Diagram 2] 2 is a side view showing the sewing machine head shown in FIG. 1 with a part cut away. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic control device applied to the sewing machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is executed by a CPU of the control device. [Diagram 5]11 is a table showing an example of settings of process control data. [Figure 6] 11 is a table showing an example of determining whether rapid processing is possible or not depending on the difference between the sewing operation modes (particularly, the sewing method) before and after switching. [Figure 7] 5 is a timing chart showing an example of a rotation state of a main shaft before and after switching of a sewing operation mode. [Figure 8] 10 is a timing chart showing another example of the rotation state of the main shaft before and after switching of the sewing operation mode. [Figure 9] 10 is a timing chart showing still another example of the rotation state of the main shaft before and after switching of the sewing operation mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view showing one embodiment of a sewing machine to which a control device according to the present invention is applied, with respect to one sewing machine head H, and FIG. 2 is a side view showing the sewing machine head H shown in FIG. 1 with a part cut away. In the sewing machine according to the present invention, the sewing machine is not limited to one such sewing machine head H, and may be provided with a plurality of such sewing machine heads H. The sewing machine head H is provided with a needle bar 2 arranged so that its axial direction extends in the up-down direction (vertical direction). The needle bar 2 is driven to reciprocate in the up-down direction by the rotation of the sewing machine main shaft 1. A sewing needle 3 is attached to the lower end of the needle bar 2. A support tube 4 is attached to the outer periphery of the needle bar 2. The support tube 4 is guided by the inner circumferential surface of a fixed sleeve 5 fixed to the lower part of the sewing machine head H, and is capable of moving up and down relative to the needle bar 2 and rotating around the axis of the needle bar 2. An engagement ring 6 is fixed to the outer periphery of the upper end of the support tube 4, and a drive arm 8 that moves up and down by the drive of a motor 7 is engaged with the engagement ring 6.

[0014] A cloth presser support 9 is fixed to the lower end of the support tube 4. The cloth presser support 9 has a bifurcated lower end, and a key groove 9a is formed on the outer surface of one of the legs, the longitudinal direction of which extends in the vertical direction. A cloth presser body (nipple) 10 is fixed to the other leg of the cloth presser support 9. As shown in FIG. 2, a guide 12 is fixed to the cloth presser body 10, which guides the string-like material T1 unwound from the bobbin 11 to the base of the sewing needle 3. A rotating tube 13 is attached to the outer periphery of the fixed sleeve 5. The rotating tube 13 is attached concentrically with the needle bar 2, and can only rotate around the axis of the needle bar 2. A timing pulley portion 14 is formed on the outer periphery of the upper end of the rotating tube 13, and a timing belt 17 is stretched between the timing pulley portion 14 and a drive pulley 16 fixed to a rotating shaft 15a of a direction control motor 15. As a result, when the direction control motor 15 is driven to rotate the drive pulley 16, the rotating cylinder 13 rotates via the timing belt 17 and the timing pulley unit 14. Meanwhile, a key member 18 that engages with the key groove 9a of the cloth presser support 9 is fixed to the lower end of the rotating cylinder 13. Therefore, the cloth presser support 9 moves up and down with the up and down movement of the support cylinder 4, and rotates around the axis of the needle bar 2 with the rotation of the rotating cylinder 13. The combination of the bobbin 11 that stores the string-like material T1, the guide 12 that leads the string-like material T1 to the base of the sewing needle 3, the direction control motor 15, the rotating cylinder 13, etc., related thereto, functions as a guide unit that guides the string-like material T1 to a sewing position for so-called "tape sewing."

[0015] An interlocking member 19 is fitted to the outer periphery of the rotating cylinder 13 so as to be movable up and down and rotatable. That is, the interlocking member 19 can move up and down and rotate independently of the rotating cylinder 13. A connecting piece 20 is fixed to the interlocking member 19, and the connecting piece 20 is engaged with an engagement groove 13a formed on the outer periphery of the rotating cylinder 13. As a result, the interlocking member 19 rotates together with the rotating cylinder 13 as the rotating cylinder 13 rotates. A guide lever 22 is attached to the rotating cylinder 13 via a bracket 21. The guide lever 22 is attached to the rotating cylinder 13 so as to be able to swing left and right in the axial direction of the needle bar 2 with respect to the rotating cylinder 13, with a lever pin 23 attached to the outer surface of the bracket 21 as a fulcrum. The guide lever 22 has one arm 22a extending laterally from the position of the lever pin 23 and an arm 22b extending downward. A guide member 25 is connected to the lower end of the arm 22b via a connecting member 24. A guide tube 26 for supplying another string-like material T2 to the base of the sewing needle 3 is attached to the lower end of the guide member 25. A roller 27 is attached to the tip of the arm 22a extending laterally, and the roller 27 engages with the connecting groove 20a of the connecting piece 20. As shown in Fig. 2, a bobbin bracket 28 is fixed to the outer periphery of the rotating tube 13, and another bobbin 29 around which the string-like material T2 is wound is rotatably supported by the bobbin bracket 28. For convenience, the bobbins 11 and 29 are not shown in Fig. 1.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, a guide shaft 30 is disposed adjacent to the needle bar 2 so that its axial direction extends vertically. A lifting member 31 is attached to the guide shaft 30. The lifting member 31 moves vertically along its axial direction while being guided by the guide shaft 30 by a driving force generated by the rotation of a zigzag motor 32 being transmitted to the lifting member 31 via a drive transmission mechanism (not shown). The lifting member 31 is formed with a fork portion 31a that protrudes substantially horizontally toward the needle bar 2, and the fork portion 31a engages with a groove portion 19a formed on the outer periphery of the interlocking member 19. Therefore, when the interlocking member 19 and the connecting piece 20 move vertically due to the vertical movement of the lifting member 31, the vertical movement of the connecting piece 20 is converted into a swing of the guide lever 22 via the interlocking groove 20a and the roller 27. In this way, the guide tube 26 fixed to the lower end of the guide lever 22 is caused to reciprocate left and right with respect to the sewing direction with the lever pin 23 (swing shaft) as a fulcrum by the action of the swing mechanism from the zigzag motor 32 to the guide member 25 (i.e., zigzag). The combination of the bobbin 29 storing the string-like material T2, the guide member 25 and guide tube 26 that guide the string-like material T2 to the base of the sewing needle 3, and the associated direction control motor 15, rotating tube 13, etc., functions as a guide section that guides the string-like material T2 to the sewing position (needle base) for so-called "zigzag stitching". The combination of the associated zigzag motor 32 and guide lever 22, etc., functions as a zigzag mechanism that zigzags the string-like material T2 guided by the guide section (guide member 25, guide tube 26, etc.) left and right.

[0017] As described above, in the illustrated embodiment, two different types of guide sections (a guide section for "tape stitching" and a guide section for "zigzag stitching") are provided side by side. However, this is not limited to this, and only one type of guide section may be provided, or other appropriate types of guide sections may be provided. Note that these different types of guide sections do not operate simultaneously, but one of them operates selectively. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 2, the string-like material T2 is guided to the base of the sewing needle 3, and the string-like material T1 is cut before the base of the sewing needle 3 without reaching it. Note that, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example, the guide member 25 for the "zigzag stitching" is moved to a predetermined retracted position when sewing of the string-like material T2 is not performed. Then, when sewing of the string-like material T2 is started, the guide member 25 placed in the retracted position is moved to the operating position. Such movement of the guide member 25 between the retracted position and the operating position may be performed manually as shown in Patent Document 1, but may be configured to be automatically switchable as necessary.

[0018] A needle plate 40 is disposed on the upper surface of a hook base (not shown), and a bobbin thread hook (not shown) is provided below the needle plate 40. As is known, in an embroidery machine, an embroidery frame (not shown) holding an object to be sewn (base fabric) W is driven two-dimensionally in synchronization with the sewing operation according to an arbitrary sewing pattern, whereby the object to be sewn (base fabric) W moves relatively to the sewing machine head H. In order to sew string-like material T1 or T2 to the object to be sewn (base fabric) W according to the sewing pattern, a motor 15 is driven and controlled according to the sewing direction, and the rotary cylinder 13 is rotated according to the drive of the motor 15, and the guide portion 12 or the guide member 25 is rotated around the needle bar 2 so that the tip of the guide portion 12 or the tip of the guide member 25 (guide cylinder 26) always points toward the needle bar 2.

[0019] The needle bar jump function, which temporarily stops the reciprocating movement of the needle bar 2 while rotating the main shaft 1, is well known, and the sewing machine head H according to this embodiment is also provided with a needle bar jump mechanism for executing this needle bar jump function. As shown in FIG. 1, the needle bar holder 41 is connected to the needle bar 2, and the rotational movement of the main shaft 1 is transmitted as an up-down movement of the needle bar holder 41 via a motion transmission mechanism (not shown), so that the needle bar 2 reciprocates up and down in synchronization with the rotation of the main shaft 1. The needle bar jump mechanism includes a needle bar jump motor (not shown), and the needle bar jump motor is normally in an inoperative state, and the motion transmission mechanism and the needle bar holder 41 are engaged, so that the rotational movement of the main shaft 1 is transmitted to the needle bar holder 41 as an up-down movement via the motion transmission mechanism. When the needle bar jump motor is in an operational state, the motion transmission mechanism and the needle bar holder 41 are disengaged, and the main shaft 1 rotates, but the needle bar holder 41 is configured to remain in a predetermined position, so that the reciprocating movement of the needle bar 2 is temporarily stopped, and the needle bar jump state is established.

[0020] The material and shape of the string-like materials T1 and T2 are appropriately determined according to the purpose of the sewn product to be finished using the sewing machine. For example, when a decorative string-like material is sewn to a sewing object, a tape, string, or cord having a color, size, and shape (flat or rounded shape) that matches the decorative purpose can be used as the string-like material. Alternatively, when a tow (long fiber bundle) that will be the reinforcing fiber for preform molding using a fiber-reinforced composite material is sewn to a sewing object, the tow that will be the reinforcing fiber can be used as the string-like material.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic control device 100 applied to the sewing machine according to the present embodiment. The control device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 for controlling various processes and driving of the sewing machine, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 which is a working area for the CPU 101, and a storage device (ROM = read only memory and / or a readable / writable memory such as a flash memory or a hard disk) 103 which stores preprogrammed embroidery data (sewing data) of one or more patterns and associated program control data (process control data) and various processing programs in a non-volatile manner. The control device 100 further includes a driver 104 for a main shaft motor which rotates the sewing machine main shaft 1, drivers 105 and 106 for an X-axis motor and a Y-axis motor which move the embroidery frame in the X-direction and the Y-direction, respectively, and a driver 107 for the needle bar jump motor, and each driver is connected to the corresponding motor. The control device 100 also includes an operation panel 108 as a user input / output interface. For example, the operation panel 108 is configured with a touch panel that serves both as an image display and a user input operation reception, and various setting and control screens are displayed on the touch panel. The user can perform various operations and settings by touching operation images and the like displayed on the screen of the touch panel.

[0022] The embroidery data (sewing data) stored in the memory device 103 includes frame movement data (X, Y data) that indicates the movement amount of the embroidery frame for each stitch, and a control code that serves as a control signal for the sewing operation. The control code includes various control codes related to the sewing operation, such as a color change code (step switching code), a jump code, a thread cutting code, and a stop code. The color change code is originally a code that instructs a change of thread color, but in this embodiment, it is also used as a step switching code that instructs switching of a sewing step. This step switching code (color change code) is inserted in the embroidery data (sewing data) at a point where the sewing method (i.e., sewing operation mode) in a series of sewing operations consisting of multiple stitches is switched, that is, at the boundary between different sewing operation modes. This "step switching code" is a control code that instructs switching of the sewing operation mode, so in other words, it can be called a "mode switching control code." When the embroidery data (sewing data) of one embroidery pattern contains a plurality of different sewing operation modes, the step switching code (i.e., mode switching control code) is inserted into the embroidery data (sewing data) at the boundary between the different sewing operation modes. In this embodiment, the memory device 103 functions as a sewing data providing means for providing embroidery data (sewing data) containing a mixture of different sewing operation modes.

[0023] The process control data is data for setting and controlling the sewing method (sewing operation mode) for each sewing section (i.e., each step) separated by the step switching code. The sewing method (sewing operation mode) can be set and controlled by various factors such as the sewing method, zigzag pattern, nipple height and bottom dead point (nipple stroke), and main shaft rotation speed. The sewing method factor is a factor that determines the specific stitching method, such as flat stitching, tape stitching, zigzag stitching, roll stitching, pleat stitching, and frill stitching. The zigzag pattern factor is a factor that determines the zigzag pattern when zigzag stitching (for example, selecting one of multiple patterns) and the swing width when zigzag stitching. The nipple stroke factor is a factor that variably determines the amount of vertical stroke of the nipple (cloth presser body), and the "height" is the height of the top dead point of the nipple stroke, and the "bottom dead point" is the height of the bottom dead point of the nipple stroke. The main shaft rotation speed factor is a factor that variably determines the rotation speed of the main shaft. The process control data may be associated with embroidery data (sewing data) corresponding to each embroidery pattern and may be stored in advance in the storage device 103. Alternatively, the user may set the desired process control data in association with the embroidery data (sewing data) of the desired embroidery pattern using the operation panel 108 or the like, and store this in the storage device 103 (or RAM 102).

[0024] As is conventionally known, the control device 100 controls the sewing operation based on embroidery data (sewing data) for realizing an embroidery pattern desired by a user stored in the storage device 103 and the associated process control data by causing the CPU 101 to execute a processing program stored in the storage device 103. What is noteworthy in this embodiment is that the processing program executed by the control device 100 includes a program module for executing a function as rapid processing means. The rapid processing is a function that sets whether to switch to the next sewing operation mode while rotating the main shaft or to stop the main shaft and then switch to the next sewing operation mode depending on the difference between the sewing operation modes before and after the step (the boundary between different sewing operation modes) in the process control data, and controls the sewing according to the setting, thereby preventing the main shaft from stopping between steps due to the step switching code in the embroidery data, thereby improving the efficiency of production. In order to realize such rapid processing, the rapid processing means is configured to control whether to perform a process (rapid processing) for switching to the next sewing operation mode while rotating the main shaft or to perform a process (normal switching process) for switching to the next sewing operation mode after temporarily stopping the main shaft, depending on the difference between the sewing operation modes before and after the boundary between the different sewing operation modes. When a process (rapid processing) for switching to the next sewing operation mode while rotating the main shaft is performed without temporarily stopping the main shaft, the processing speed can be relatively increased, so that the sewing operation can be speeded up overall.

[0025] 4 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing program executed by the CPU 101. First, the user is prompted to select a desired embroidery pattern for which embroidery stitching is to be performed, and embroidery data (sewing data) corresponding to the selected embroidery pattern is read from the storage device 103 and loaded into the working area of ​​the RAM 102 (block B1). Next, process control data related to the embroidery data (sewing data) is set and loaded into the working area of ​​the RAM 102 (block B2). As described above, the process control data may be set manually by the user using the operation panel 108 or the like, or process control data that has been previously set in association with the embroidery data (sewing data) and stored in the storage device 103 may be read out.

[0026] For reference, an example of the settings of the process control data is shown in Fig. 5. Here, an example is shown in which embroidery data (sewing data) corresponding to one (series) embroidery pattern consists of five different sewing operation modes. The types of factors that define the sewing operation mode of each step are exemplified as "sewing method," "nipple height," "nipple bottom dead point," and "rapid processing," and the specific contents of each factor type are exemplified in the row corresponding to each step. The symbol "N" in the "sewing method" column means "flat stitching," "Z1" means "zigzag stitch pattern 1," "Z4" means "zigzag stitch pattern 4," and "T" means "tape stitching." The value in the "nipple height" column indicates the height of the top dead point of the nipple stroke. The value in the "nipple bottom dead point" column indicates the height of the bottom dead point of the nipple stroke. The "rapid processing" column indicates the presence or absence of information R that instructs rapid processing to be performed at the boundary between the step (previous step) and the next step (next step). In the step where the information R is set, rapid processing is performed at the boundary between the step (previous step) and the next step (next step). "-" indicates that the information R is not set, i.e., rapid processing is not performed at the boundary between the step (previous step) and the next step (next step). "Rapid processing" is processing controlled by the rapid processing means, and performing rapid processing corresponds to performing necessary processing for transitioning to the next sewing operation mode while rotating the main shaft, and not performing rapid processing corresponds to stopping the main shaft once and then performing necessary processing for transitioning to the next sewing operation mode and / or performing manual work (changeover work).

[0027] Whether or not rapid processing is possible at the boundary between the steps (i.e., the boundary between different sewing operation modes) can be determined depending on the difference between the sewing operation modes (particularly the "sewing technique") in the previous and next steps. FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of determining whether or not rapid processing is possible depending on the difference between the sewing operation modes (particularly the "sewing technique") in the previous and next steps. In FIG. 6, the vertical column indicates the type of "sewing technique" in the previous step, and the horizontal row indicates the type of "sewing technique" in the subsequent step. The symbols "N", "T", "Z1", and "Z4" indicating the types of "sewing technique" are as described above, and "Z2" means "zigzag stitch pattern 2", "Z3" means "zigzag stitch pattern 3", "Z5" means "zigzag stitch pattern 5", "Z6" means "zigzag stitch pattern 6", "C" means "roll stitch", "H" means "pleat stitch", and "F" means "ruffle stitch". The circles and crosses at the intersections of each type in the vertical columns and each type in the horizontal rows indicate whether rapid processing is possible or not, with the circle symbol indicating that rapid processing is possible and the cross symbol indicating that rapid processing is not possible.

[0028] Generally speaking, rapid processing is possible when there is no need to replace an attachment (such as a guide portion for tape stitching or a guide portion for zigzag stitching) required for performing a special sewing technique or to change the position of the attachment, whereas rapid processing is not possible when there is a need to replace an attachment or to change its position. In this embodiment, a case where the position of an attachment needs to be changed is, for example, a case where an attachment (guide portion) for zigzag stitching needs to be switched between being used and not being used. As described above, in order to switch an attachment (guide portion) for zigzag stitching between being used and not being used, the position of the guide member 25 needs to be moved to the operating position or the retracted position.

[0029] The flat stitch N refers to normal embroidery stitching in which the string-like material T2 is not sewn. In the flat stitching, the guide member 25 is usually moved from the operating position to the retreated position, but depending on the sewing direction, it is also possible to perform sewing with the guide member 25 in the operating position. For example, if the sewing direction in the flat stitching is a direction that does not cross the guide member 25, flat stitch embroidery is possible with the guide member 25 in the operating position. In such a case, rapid processing is applicable. And, rapid processing is also applicable when returning to zigzag stitching after performing flat stitch embroidery with the guide member 25 in the operating position. Therefore, rapid processing is possible when switching from the flat stitch N to any one of the zigzag stitch patterns Z1 to Z6, or vice versa. Rapid processing is also possible when switching from any one of the zigzag stitch patterns Z1 to Z6 to another zigzag stitch pattern Z1 to Z6.

[0030] However, when switching from tape stitching T to any one of the zigzag stitching patterns Z1 to Z6, or when switching from any one of the zigzag stitching patterns Z1 to Z6 to tape stitching T, it is necessary to change the attachment used for sewing or perform a changeover operation, so rapid processing is not possible, and the main shaft is temporarily stopped so that the attachment can be changed or the changeover operation can be performed. For example, in the case where a guide section for tape stitching and a guide section for zigzag stitching are provided side by side as in the illustrated example, when switching from any one of the zigzag stitching patterns Z1 to Z6 to tape stitching T, it is necessary to perform a changeover operation such as moving the guide member 25 to the retracted position to put the zigzag stitching attachment (guide section) in an unused state, and pulling out the tip of the string-like material T1 in the guide section 12 for tape stitching and positioning it at the needle drop position. Therefore, in such a case, rapid processing is not possible. In addition, rapid processing is not possible when switching between tape stitching and zigzag stitching, not only in sewing machines equipped with two types of guide sections as in the illustrated example, but also in sewing machines that switch between a guide section for tape stitching and a guide section for zigzag stitching by replacing the attachment.

[0031] Returning to FIG. 5, at the changeover (boundary) from step 1 to step 2, the sewing method changes from the flat stitch N to the zigzag stitch pattern Z1, so it is possible to set the rapid processing, and therefore the information R instructing to perform the rapid processing is set. Also, at the changeover (boundary) from step 2 to step 3, the sewing method changes from the zigzag stitch pattern Z1 to the zigzag stitch pattern Z4, so it is possible to set the rapid processing, and therefore the information R instructing to perform the rapid processing is set. However, at the changeover (boundary) from step 3 to step 4, although the same zigzag stitch pattern Z4 is changed (i.e., the zigzag stitch pattern Z4 does not change), the information R instructing to perform the rapid processing is not set, and the rapid processing is not performed. This shows an example in which the user has set the rapid processing not to be performed as desired. That is, such a setting is possible when it is intended to stop the spindle and perform some switching operation at the time of changeover from step 3 to step 4. In other words, even if rapid processing is theoretically possible according to the table in Fig. 6, it is possible for a user to set the process control data so that rapid processing is not performed due to individual circumstances. At the switch (boundary) from step 4 to 5, the sewing method changes from the zigzag stitch pattern Z4 to the tape stitch T, so rapid processing is not possible as shown in Fig. 6, and the information R instructing to perform rapid processing is not set.

[0032] In addition, in the processing of block B2 in FIG. 4, when the user operates the operation panel 108 or the like to set the process control data, the user may visually refer to a list showing an example of determining whether rapid processing is possible as shown in FIG. 6, and may appropriately set the information R instructing to perform rapid processing. In addition, the list showing an example of determining whether rapid processing is possible as shown in FIG. 6 may be converted into electronic data and stored in a memory (storage device 103 or the like), and this electronic data (table) may be automatically referred to when the user operates the operation panel 108 or the like to set the process control data in the processing of block B2 in FIG. 4. For example, in the processing of block B2 in FIG. 4, when the user operates the operation panel 108 or the like to set the process control data, when an operation is performed to set information R instructing to perform rapid processing at a location where rapid processing is theoretically impossible (the boundary marked with an X symbol in FIG. 6), it is preferable to refer to the table and determine that such a setting is invalid, and to configure so that the information R instructing to perform the rapid processing is not set (stored). Therefore, in the example of FIG. 5, even if the user performs a setting operation to perform rapid processing at the switch (boundary) from step 4 to 5, the information R instructing to perform rapid processing is not set (stored).

[0033] Continuing the explanation of FIG. 4. In block B3, the step number n of the sewing operation mode is set to an initial value 1. Next, the process control data for the first step 1 (i.e., n=1) is read from the working area of ​​the RAM 102, and the sewing operation mode of the sewing machine is set to a state corresponding to the process control data (block B4). For example, in the case of the example of FIG. 5, in step 1, the "sewing method" is set to flat stitching (N), the "nipple height" is set to a value of "6", the "nipple bottom dead point" is set to a value of "0.5", and information R is set to instruct the "rapid processing" to be performed when switching to the next step. Note that at an appropriate timing between blocks B1 and B4 (for example, after block B4), the user may turn on the rotation start switch of the main shaft 1 to start the sewing operation.

[0034] Next, the embroidery data (sewing data) for step n (initially n=1) is read out from the working area of ​​RAM 102 one stitch at a time, and in synchronization with the rotation of main shaft 1, the embroidery frame is driven in the XY directions and needle bar 2 is moved up and down to perform sewing (Block B5). Note that in the example of Figure 5, since the "sewing method" in this step 1 is flat stitching (N), the zigzag motor 32 is not driven and normal embroidery stitching is performed.

[0035] During the sewing operation of step n (initially n=1), the CPU 101 reads ahead the step change code (color change code) in the control code of that step n, and checks whether the step change timing (i.e., the end of that step n) will arrive after a predetermined number of stitches (block B6). If the step change timing (i.e., the end of that step n) has not yet arrived (NO in block B6), the process returns to block B5 and continues the sewing operation of that step n. If it is determined that the step change timing (i.e., the end of that step n) will arrive after a predetermined number of stitches (YES in block B6), the process checks whether information R instructing to perform the rapid processing is set in the process control data (block B7).

[0036] If the information R instructing to perform rapid processing is not set, the result is determined as NO in block B7, and the process flow branches to perform a process (block B8) for stopping the main shaft 1 once and preparing for the next step. Specifically, in block B8, the remaining sewing operation for the predetermined number of stitches is executed until the actual timing of the step change code (color change code) arrives, and when the actual timing of the step change code (color change code) arrives (i.e., when the sewing operation of the step n is completed), the rotation of the main shaft 1 is stopped once, and then preparation for the next step (n+1) is performed. The preparation for the next step (n+1) performed here includes reading out process control data for the next step (n+1) from the working area of ​​RAM 102 and setting the sewing operation mode of the sewing machine to a state corresponding to the process control data (processing similar to that of block B4 described above), and further includes automatically and / or manually replacing attachments (such as a guide portion for tape sewing or a guide portion for zigzag stitching) required to perform the sewing technique set for the next step (n+1) and changing the position of any sewing machine component including the attachments (returning any sewing machine component to a standby position or setting it to an operating position).

[0037] When information R instructing to perform rapid processing is set, block B7 judges YES, and the process flow branches to proceed to processing for the rapid processing (blocks B9, B10, B11). In this embodiment, there are two variations of rapid processing that can be performed (one is a case where some sewing machine components need to be replaced or rearranged for the next step (n+1), and the other is a case where it is not necessary), and block B9 judges which variation to perform rapid processing. Note that the information R included in the process control data may include data instructing which variation to perform rapid processing with, and block B9 may determine which variation to perform rapid processing with based on this data. Alternatively, block B9 may compare the process control data of the current step (preceding step) and the next step (subsequent step), and determine which variation to perform rapid processing with based on the relationship between the two.

[0038] If there is no need to replace or change the arrangement of the sewing machine components (NO in block B9), the process flow branches to perform a process (block B10) for preparing for the next step while the main shaft 1 is rotating. Specifically, in block B10, the remaining sewing operation for the predetermined number of stitches is executed until the actual timing of the step switching code (color change code) arrives, and when the actual timing of the step switching code (color change code) arrives (i.e., when the sewing operation of the step n is completed), preparation for the next step (n+1) is performed while continuing the rotation of the main shaft 1. The preparation for the next step (n+1) here includes reading out process control data related to the next step (n+1) from the working area of ​​the RAM 102 and setting the sewing operation mode of the sewing machine to a state corresponding to the process control data (similar process to that in block B4).

[0039] An example of a case where it is not necessary to replace or rearrange the sewing machine components is a case where the difference in the sewing method (sewing operation mode) between the previous and next steps is that the stroke height and / or bottom dead point of the cloth presser body (nipple) 10 is different without changing the sewing technique. FIG. 7 shows an example of the rotation state of the main shaft 1 before and after the step change in such a case. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time, and the vertical axis indicates the states of three control elements, namely, "main shaft," "nipple stroke," and "control code." In the "main shaft" column, the rotation state of the main shaft 1 is shown as a waveform. In the "nipple stroke" column, the stroke movement of the cloth presser body (nipple) 10 is shown as a waveform. In the example of FIG. 7, an example is shown where the nipple height in the preceding step is 8 mm and the bottom dead point is 1 mm, and the nipple height in the preceding step is 4 mm and the bottom dead point is 2 mm. The symbol C in the "control code" column indicates the timing when the step change code (color change code) actually arrives. As is clear from the drawing, in the example of FIG. 7, the rotation of the main shaft 1 is maintained when the step is switched.

[0040] As another example, a case where it is not necessary to replace or change the arrangement of sewing machine components is, for example, a case where the sewing method for a string-like material is switched from flat stitching to zigzag stitching while the guide member 25 is placed in the operating position. FIG. 8 shows an example of the rotation state of the main shaft 1 before and after the step switching in such a case. In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time, and the vertical axis indicates the states of three control elements, namely, "main shaft," "zigzag," and "control code." The "zigzag" column shows the state of the zigzag operation by the zigzag mechanism. That is, in the example of FIG. 8, zigzag is not performed in the preceding step, and the zigzag operation starts from the sewing timing next to the timing C when the step switching code (color change code) actually arrives. In the example of FIG. 8, the rotation of the main shaft 1 is also maintained at the time of the step switching.

[0041] Returning to FIG. 4, if it is necessary to replace or change the arrangement of the sewing machine components, the process branches from YES in block B9 to block B11. In block B11, while the main shaft 1 is rotating, a needle jump is performed and / or the rotation speed of the main shaft 1 is decelerated, and a process for preparing for the next step is performed. Specifically, the remaining sewing operation for the predetermined number of stitches is performed until the actual timing of the step change code (color change code) arrives, and when the actual timing of the step change code (color change code) arrives (i.e., when the sewing operation of the step n is completed), a preparation process for the next step (n+1) including a needle jump and / or a main shaft rotation speed deceleration control is performed while continuing the rotation of the main shaft 1. The preparatory processing for the next step (n+1) performed here includes performing either of the following depending on the sewing operation mode of the next step (n+1): (1) performing a needle bar jump, or (2) performing control to decelerate the rotation speed of the main shaft 1, or (3) performing a needle bar jump and control to decelerate the rotation speed of the main shaft 1, and during that time, automatically and / or manually replacing or rearranging the sewing machine components, and reading out process control data related to the next step (n+1) from the working area of ​​RAM 102 and setting the sewing operation mode of the sewing machine to a state corresponding to the process control data (processing similar to that in block B4 described above).

[0042] An example of a case where it is necessary to replace or rearrange sewing machine components is a case where the sewing method of the string-like material does not change between previous and next steps, but the orientation of the string-like material bobbins 11, 29 (the angle of the rotating body 13) changes by 90 degrees between previous and next steps. In such a case, since the normal rotation speed (e.g., 1000 rpm) of the main shaft 1 is not capable of rotating the bobbins 11, 29 by 90 degrees within one stitch operation time, the rotation of the main shaft 1 is automatically decelerated to a rotation speed that can rotate the bobbins 11, 29 by 90 degrees within one stitch operation time. That is, the deceleration control of the main shaft 1 is started from a timing preceding the actual timing C of the step change code (color change code) by the predetermined number of stitches, and the necessary deceleration is achieved at the actual timing C of the step change code (color change code), and the bobbins 11, 29 are rotated by 90 degrees within one stitch operation time at the timing C. The sewing operation of the next step (n+1) starts from the next sewing timing after timing C when the step change code (color change code) actually arrives. At this time, the rotation of the main shaft 1 is accelerated for the first appropriate number of stitches, and when the normal rotation speed (for example, 1000 rpm) is reached, the rotation speed is automatically controlled so that the shaft rotates at a constant speed.

[0043] As another example, a case where it is necessary to replace or change the arrangement of sewing machine components is a case where, for example, the sewing method of the previous and next steps is the same zigzag stitch, but the zigzag stroke phases of the previous and next steps do not match. The zigzag stroke start phase includes a right swing start and a left swing start. The right swing start swings from the left side to the right side, then returns to the left side, and this is repeated thereafter. The left swing start swings from the right side to the left side, then returns to the right side, and this is repeated thereafter. There are cases where the zigzag stroke phase of the preceding step does not match the zigzag stroke start phase of the following step. In such a case, when the step is switched, a needle bar jump is performed while the main shaft 1 is rotating, and the guide lever 22 is idled during the jump, so that the sewing operation of the next step (n+1) starts with the set right swing start or left swing start. Figure 9 shows an example of the rotation state of the main shaft 1 before and after the step is switched in such a case. In FIG. 9, the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time, and the vertical axis indicates the states of three control elements: "main shaft," "zigzag," and "control code." The "zigzag" column indicates the state of the zigzag motion by the zigzag motion mechanism. In the example of FIG. 9, zigzag motion is performed with a swing width of 16 mm in the preceding step, and the step change code (color change code) actually arrives at the final sewing timing C of the preceding step, at which time the zigzag stroke phase in the preceding step ends with a right swing. In contrast, the stroke start phase of the following step (n+1) is set to start with a right swing, so it does not match the stroke phase that ends with a right swing in the preceding step. Therefore, by performing a needle bar jump at the timing next to the timing C at which the step change code (color change code) actually arrives while maintaining the rotation of the main shaft 1, no sewing operation is performed, and the guide lever 22 is swung left to make an idle swing. As a result, at the next timing, the guide lever 22 is swung to the right, so that the sewing operation of the following step (n+1) can be started from the set right swing.

[0044] As another example, a case where it is necessary to replace or rearrange sewing machine components is when, for example, the difference in the sewing method (sewing operation mode) between the previous and next steps does not change the sewing technique, but the stroke height or bottom dead point of the cloth presser body (nipple) 10 is extremely different. In such a case, while maintaining the rotation of the main shaft 1, a needle bar jump is performed at the timing next to the timing C when the step change code (color change code) actually arrives, so that the height position of the cloth presser body (nipple) 10 is adjusted to the stroke height or stroke bottom dead point set for the next step (n+1) without performing sewing operation.

[0045] Returning to FIG. 4, in block B12, the step order n is incremented by 1. In the next block B13, it is checked whether the sewing operations for all steps of the embroidery pattern currently being sewn have been completed. If not, the process flow returns to block B5, and the sewing operation for step n is performed in the same manner as described above.

[0046] The process flow of FIG. 4 when switching from step 1 to 2 in the example of FIG. 5 will be described. When performing the sewing operation for step 1, if it is determined that the step switching timing (i.e., the end of step 1) comes after a predetermined number of stitches, the process branches from YES in block B6 to block B7. In the example of FIG. 5, information R instructing to perform rapid processing when switching from step 1 to 2 is set, so the process branches from YES in block B7 to block B9. In the example of FIG. 5, in the transition from step 1 to 2, the sewing method is switched from flat stitch N to zigzag stitch pattern Z1, so it is determined that there is no need to replace or change the arrangement of the sewing machine components, and the process branches from NO in block B9 to block B10. In block B10, preparations for the next step 2 are made while the main shaft 1 is rotating. As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 8, while maintaining the main shaft 1, the drive of the zigzag motor 32 is started immediately after the actual timing C of the step change code (color change code) (i.e., the timing at which the sewing operation of the step 1 ends), and the zigzag movement of the guide lever 22 is started.

[0047] Further, the process flow of FIG. 4 when switching from step 2 to 3 in the example of FIG. 5 will be described. When performing the sewing operation for step 2, if it is determined that the step switching timing (i.e., the end of step 2) comes after a predetermined number of stitches, the process branches from YES in block B6 to block B7. In the example of FIG. 5, information R instructing to perform rapid processing when switching from step 2 to 3 is set, so the process branches from YES in block B7 to block B9. In the example of FIG. 5, in the transition from step 2 to 3, the sewing method switches from zigzag stitch pattern Z1 to zigzag stitch pattern Z4, so it is determined that there is no need to replace or change the arrangement of the sewing machine components, and the process branches from NO in block B9 to block B10. In block B10, preparations for the next step 3 are made while the main shaft 1 is rotating. As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 7, while maintaining the main shaft 1, the nipple stroke is switched to the state set for the next step 3 from the timing immediately after the actual timing C of the step change code (color change code) (i.e., the timing at which the sewing operation of the step 2 ends).

[0048] Further, the process flow of FIG. 4 when switching from step 4 to 5 in the example of FIG. 5 will be described. When performing the sewing operation for step 4, if it is determined that the step switching timing (i.e., the end of step 4) comes after a predetermined number of stitches, the process branches from YES in block B6 to block B7. In the example of FIG. 5, since information R instructing to perform rapid processing when switching from step 4 to 5 is not set, the process branches from NO in block B7 to block B8. That is, in the example of FIG. 5, since the sewing method switches from the zigzag stitch pattern Z4 to the tape stitch T in the transition from step 4 to 5, it is necessary to replace or change the arrangement of the sewing machine components, and rapid processing is set to be impossible. In block B8, the rotation of the main shaft 1 is temporarily stopped to prepare for the next step 5. Specifically, the remaining sewing operation for the predetermined number of stitches is performed according to the zigzag stitch pattern Z4 until the actual timing C of the step change code (color change code) arrives, and when the actual timing C of the step change code (color change code) arrives (i.e., when the sewing operation of the step n is completed), the rotation of the main shaft 1 is stopped once, and then preparation for the next step 5 is performed. The preparation for the next step 5 is as described above. In particular, in this specific example, the operator moves the guide member 25 for zigzag stitching to the retreat position, and pulls out the string-like material T1 from the guide portion 12 for tape stitching and positions it at the needle drop position. Thereafter, the rotation of the main shaft 1 is resumed, and the sewing operation of the next step 5 (i.e., sewing the string-like material T1 according to the tape stitching T) is started.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the information R instructing to perform rapid processing is set as process control data. However, this is not limiting, and the rapid processing means may have a table such as that shown in Fig. 6, and when it is to be determined whether to perform rapid processing (for example, in block B7 in Fig. 4), the table may be referred to to determine whether to perform rapid processing.

[0050] According to the above-mentioned embodiment, it can be understood that the invention related to the control device 100 applied to the sewing machine is disclosed. Here, the sewing machine is configured to sew a string-like material (T1 or T2) to a sewing object (W) based on preprogrammed sewing data, and the control device 100 is configured to control the sewing operation of the sewing machine based on the sewing data, and is particularly equipped with a sewing data providing means (memory device 103, CPU 101, processing blocks B1 to B4, etc.) that provides the sewing data in which different sewing operation modes are mixed, and a rapid processing means (CPU 101, processing blocks B6 to B11, etc.) that controls whether to perform a process to switch to the next sewing operation mode while rotating the main shaft of the sewing machine or to stop the main shaft and then switch to the next sewing operation mode, depending on the difference between the sewing operation modes before and after the boundary between the different sewing operation modes.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned embodiment, it can be understood that a sewing machine equipped with the above-mentioned control device 100 is disclosed, and this sewing machine comprises a needle bar 2 to which a sewing needle 3 is attached and which is driven back and forth in response to the rotation of a main shaft 1, a rotating cylinder 13 (i.e., a rotating body) which is installed on the outer periphery of the needle bar 2 so as to be rotatable around the axis of the needle bar, a guide 12 or guide member 25 (i.e., a guide section) which moves along with the rotating cylinder 13 and guides a string-like material T1 or T2 to a sewing position, and the above-mentioned control device 100, and sews the string-like material T1 or T2 guided by the guide section (12, 25) to the sewn object W in response to the reciprocating drive of the needle bar 2 in accordance with the sewing data, and continues to rotate or temporarily stops the rotation of the main shaft 1 in accordance with the control of the rapid processing means (CPU 101, processing blocks B6 to B11, etc.).

[0052] As is clear from the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention can also be embodied as a control method for a sewing machine as follows. That is, the sewing machine is configured to be able to sew a string-like material onto a sewing object based on preprogrammed sewing data, and the control method for the sewing machine includes a first step of executing a sewing operation of the string-like material T1 or T2 onto the sewing object W in a first sewing operation mode based on the sewing data, a second step of executing a sewing operation of the string-like material T1 or T2 onto the sewing object W in a second sewing operation mode after the first step based on the sewing data, and a step of controlling whether to perform a process for shifting to the second sewing operation mode while rotating the main shaft 1 of the sewing machine or to perform a process for shifting to the second sewing operation mode after stopping the main shaft 1, depending on the difference between the first and second sewing operation modes, at the boundary between the first and second steps. Furthermore, the present invention can also be embodied as a program for causing a computer or a processor to execute such a control method for a sewing machine, or as a non-transitory storage medium having the program stored therein.

Claims

1. A control device for a sewing machine, the sewing machine being configured to sew a string-like material onto a workpiece based on preprogrammed sewing data, the control device being configured to control a sewing operation of the sewing machine based on the sewing data, a sewing data providing means for providing the sewing data in which different sewing operation modes are mixed; a rapid processing means for controlling whether to perform a process for transitioning to the next sewing operation mode while rotating a main shaft of the sewing machine or to perform a process for transitioning to the next sewing operation mode after temporarily stopping the main shaft at the boundary between the different sewing operation modes, depending on the difference between the sewing operation modes before and after the boundary; A sewing machine control device comprising:

2. The sewing data provided by the sewing data providing means includes a mode switching control code indicating a boundary between different sewing operation modes, 2. The sewing machine control device according to claim 1, wherein the rapid processing means controls whether to perform a process for switching to the next sewing operation mode while rotating the main shaft at the boundary between the sewing operation modes, or to perform a process for switching to the next sewing operation mode after temporarily stopping the main shaft, depending on the difference between the sewing operation modes before and after the mode switching control code.

3. 3. The sewing machine control device according to claim 1, wherein the rapid processing means includes means for setting information instructing whether or not to switch to the next sewing operation mode while rotating the main shaft at the boundary between different sewing operation modes, and controls whether to perform processing for switching to the next sewing operation mode while rotating the main shaft based on the information, or to temporarily stop the main shaft and then switch to the next sewing operation mode.

4. 4. The sewing machine control device according to claim 3, wherein said rapid processing means includes means for allowing a user to set said information, and means for storing the set information.

5. The sewing machine includes a needle bar jump mechanism that performs a needle bar jump by temporarily stopping the reciprocating movement of the needle bar while rotating the main shaft, 5. The control device for a sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the rapid processing means, when performing processing for transitioning to a next sewing operation mode while rotating the main shaft, controls the needle bar jump to be performed while the main shaft is rotating.

6. 6. The control device for a sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the rapid processing means controls whether the main shaft is operated without decelerating or is operated with decelerating when performing processing for transitioning to a next sewing operation mode while rotating the main shaft.

7. 7. The control device for a sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the different sewing operation modes are modes in which the sewing method for the string-like material is different, such as zigzag stitching or tape stitching.

8. 8. The control device for a sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the different sewing operation modes are modes in which different stitch patterns are used when stitching the string-like material in a zigzag pattern.

9. A method for controlling a sewing machine, the sewing machine being configured to sew a string-like material onto a sewing object based on preprogrammed sewing data, the control method comprising the steps of: a first step of sewing the string-like material on the workpiece in a first sewing operation mode based on the sewing data; a second step of executing a sewing operation of the string-like material on the sewing object in a second sewing operation mode, subsequent to the first step, based on the sewing data; a step of controlling, at a boundary between the first step and the second step, whether to perform a process for transitioning to the second sewing operation mode while rotating a main shaft of the sewing machine, or to perform a process for transitioning to the second sewing operation mode after temporarily stopping the main shaft, depending on a difference between the first and second sewing operation modes; A method for controlling a sewing machine comprising the steps of:

10. A program for causing a processor included in a control device of a sewing machine to execute the control method according to claim 9.

11. a needle bar to which a sewing needle is attached and which is driven to reciprocate in response to the rotation of the main shaft; a rotor disposed on the outer periphery of the needle bar so as to be rotatable about the axis of the needle bar; a guide portion that moves with the rotating body and guides the string-like material to a sewing position; A sewing machine control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the string-like material guided by the guide portion is sewn to the workpiece in response to the reciprocating drive of the needle bar in accordance with the sewing data, and the rotation of the main shaft is continued or temporarily stopped in accordance with the control of the rapid processing means.

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