Sewing machine control device

Abstract

A sewing machine control device comprises: a device body (50) that controls the body of a sewing machine (1); and a packing box (60) that houses the device body (50). The device body (50) comprises: a control board (52) provided with a storage unit (72) that stores, in a rewritable manner, a control program for the body of the sewing machine (1), and a calculation unit (71) that rewrites data in the storage unit (72); and an external connection terminal (57) to which an external connection cable (EC) can be connected and which can supply communication signals and power to the storage unit (72) and the calculation unit (71) through the external connection cable (EC). A connection opening (60A) for connecting the external connection terminal (57) and the external connection cable (EC) from the outside of the packing box (60) is formed in the packing box (60).

Description

Sewing machine control device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sewing machine control device.

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

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-225973

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

[0005] An aspect of the present disclosure aims to facilitate the rewriting of the control program of a sewing machine control device after packaging, thereby preventing the commercial value of the device itself from decreasing.

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

[0007] According to the aspects of the present disclosure, the work of rewriting the control program of the sewing machine control device after packaging is facilitated, and the commercial value of the device itself is less likely to decrease.

[0008] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a packaging configuration for a sewing machine control device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a device main body according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a sewing machine including a sewing machine control device and a sewing machine main body. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to control of the sewing machine. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing connection of an external terminal to the device main body when packaged in a packaging box. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the device main body and the sewing machine main body in a used state after unpacking. FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a control board. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a connection opening of a packaging box according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a connection configuration for an external connection cable via the connection opening. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a connection configuration for an external connection cable via the connection opening. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of rewriting the control program of the device main body from a program for a first model to a program for a second model.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0019] Interface unit 55 has various input / output terminals for connecting device main body 50 to sewing machine main body 10. Housing 51 may be formed with terminal openings through which cables for connecting to the input / output terminals of interface unit 55 can pass. Control board 52 and sub-board 54 are connected to sewing machine main body 10 via interface unit 55.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0040] In the embodiment, the device main body 50 includes an external connection terminal 57 to which an external connection cable EC can be connected. The external connection terminal 57 is connected to the control board 52. The external connection terminal 57 can supply communication signals and power to the memory unit 72 and the calculation unit 71 via the external connection cable EC. The communication signals include commands for the calculation unit 71. The power supplied from the external connection terminal 57 is power sufficient to operate at least the memory unit 72 and the calculation unit 71. In the example of FIG. 4 , the external connection terminal 57 is provided in the interface unit 55 along with various input / output terminals for connection with the actuators 16 and sensors 17. The external connection terminal 57 is exposed to the outside of the housing 51 through connection openings formed in the housing 51.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0049] The first voltage V1 is a voltage primarily used to drive the actuator 16. The power generation board 53 can generate multiple voltage values ​​as the first voltage V1. For example, the power generation board 53 generates power of DC 280 V, DC 85 V, and DC 24 V as the first voltage V1. DC 280 V is a voltage for driving the main shaft motor 16M, for example. DC 85 V is a voltage for driving the X-axis motor 16X and the Y-axis motor 16Y, for example. DC 24 V is a voltage for driving solenoids (electromagnetic valves) and motors with lower output than the X-axis motor 16X and the Y-axis motor 16Y. The power generation board 53 supplies power of the first voltage V1 to each destination of the sewing machine main body 10. Care must be taken when handling the first voltage V1 due to the possibility of electric shock.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the connection opening 60A includes a handle hole for gripping the packaging box 60. The handle hole is a hole formed in the packaging box 60 so that a worker can insert their fingers to hold the packaging box 60 when transporting the packaged item. Typically, one handle hole is provided on each of two opposite side surfaces of the packaging box 60. The connection opening 60A is one of these handle holes. In this case, the connection opening 60A functions both as an access passage for inserting the external connection cable EC and as a handle hole during transportation. The connection opening 60A shown in FIG. 8 is formed as a C-shaped slit, and the inner peripheral segment of the slit is connected to the packaging box 60 at its upper end. The segment is pushed into the inside of the packaging box 60 and bends, forming the connection opening 60A that penetrates the side surface of the packaging box 60. The connection opening 60A may be formed as a through-hole rather than a slit with a segment remaining.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0070] As a result, by connecting the external connection terminal 57 and the external connection cable EC through the connection opening 60A formed in the packaging box 60, the control board 52 and the external terminal ET can be connected to each other so as to enable communication and power supply. As a result, in order to rewrite the control program 74, it is not necessary to remove the device main body 50 from the packaging box 60, unwrap the power switch 62 and the power cable 61 from the packaging material, and connect them to the device main body 50. Furthermore, since the control program 74 can be rewritten without unpacking and repackaging, the product can be left in its original packaging state. As a result, the work of rewriting the control program 74 of the sewing machine control device 100 after packaging is facilitated, and the commercial value of the device main body 50 is less likely to decrease when it is unpacked.

[0071] In this embodiment, device main body 50 includes power supply port 56 and power supply generation board 53 connected to power supply port 56 and generating a first voltage V1 for driving sewing machine main body 10 and a second voltage V2 lower than first voltage V1, and memory unit 72 and calculation unit 71 operate on power from second voltage V2 supplied from power supply generation board 53 or external connection terminal 57. This allows control program 74 to be rewritten using only low second voltage V2 without generating first voltage V1, which is a high voltage for driving sewing machine main body 10. Even when rewriting control program 74 while device main body 50 is connected to sewing machine main body 10 and in use, the second voltage V2 is not generated, making the update easy and safe.

[0072] In this embodiment, the control board 52 includes a first circuit area 76A including the arithmetic unit 71 and the memory unit 72, a second circuit area 76B including other control elements not involved in rewriting the control program 74, and a supply limiting unit 77 that limits power supplied via the external connection terminal 57 to the first circuit area 76A but not to the second circuit area 76B. This allows power to be supplied only to the first circuit area 76A required for rewriting the control program 74, thereby reducing power consumption. This allows the control program 74 to be easily and simply rewritten without connecting the external terminal ET to a commercial power source, even in a battery-powered mobile external terminal ET. Furthermore, if power is also supplied to the second circuit area 76B when rewriting the control program 74, a dedicated processing mode must be set in the control program 74, such as disabling startup processing (e.g., initialization of each component of the sewing machine main body 10) initiated by the control elements of the second circuit area 76B. This complicates the processing of the arithmetic unit 71 and the control program 74. In this embodiment, since power is not supplied from the external terminal ET to the second circuit area 76B, there is no need to provide a dedicated processing mode.

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

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

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connection opening 60A includes a handle hole for gripping the packaging box 60. This eliminates the need to form a dedicated connection opening 60A for connecting to the external connection terminal 57. The same package design can be adopted for the packaging box 60 with the connection opening 60A and the packaging box without the connection opening 60A, and an increase in the opening area of ​​the packaging box 60 in the packaged state can be suppressed.

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

[0077] [Other Embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, the supply limiting unit 77 is provided to supply the power supplied via the external connection terminal 57 to the first circuit area 76A but not to the second circuit area 76B, but the supply limiting unit 77 does not have to be provided. In other words, the power supplied via the external connection terminal 57 may be supplied to both the first circuit area 76A and the second circuit area 76B.

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

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

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

[0081] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-184447 filed on October 27, 2023, and incorporates all of the contents of the above application by reference.

[0082] 1, 1A, 1B...sewing machine, 2...top plate, 3...sewing machine needle, 4...legs, 10, 10A, 10B...sewing machine body, 11...sewing machine frame, 11A...horizontal arm, 11B...bed, 11C...vertical arm, 11D...head, 12...needle bar, 13...throat plate, 15...holding member, 15A...presser member, 15B...lower plate, 16...actuator, 16M...main shaft motor, 16X...X-axis motor, 16Y...Y-axis motor, 17...sensors, 21...operation panel, 22...operation pedal, 50...device body, 51...casing, 52...control board, 53...power generation board, 54...sub-board, 55...interface section, 56...power port, 57...external connection terminal, 60...packaging box, 60A...connection opening, 61...power cable , 62...power switch, 63...buffer member, 64...extension cable, 64A...other terminal, 65...buffer member, 71...calculation unit, 72...memory unit, 73...drive control IC, 74, 74A, 74B...control program, 75...log data, 76A...first circuit area, 76B...second circuit area, 77...supply limiting unit, 77A...rectifying element, 80...power supply line, 80A...first power supply line, 80B...second power supply line, 80C, 80D...supply line, 81...first port, 82...second port, 83...communication line, 84...voltage regulator, 100...sewing machine control device, CP...junction, EC...external connection cable, ET...external terminal, S...sewing object, V1...first voltage, V2...second voltage, V3...operating voltage.

Claims

1. A sewing machine control device comprising: a device main body for controlling a sewing machine main body; and a packaging box for housing the device main body, wherein the device main body comprises: a control board having a memory unit for rewritably storing a control program for the sewing machine main body and a calculation unit for rewriting data in the memory unit; and an external connection terminal to which an external connection cable can be connected and which can supply communication signals and power to the memory unit and the calculation unit via the external connection cable, wherein a connection opening is formed in the packaging box for connecting the external connection terminal and the external connection cable from outside the packaging box.

2. The sewing machine control device as described in claim 1, wherein the device main body includes a power supply port and a power generation board connected to the power supply port and generating a first voltage for driving the sewing machine main body and a second voltage lower than the first voltage, and the memory unit and the calculation unit operate using power of the second voltage supplied from the power generation board or the external connection terminal.

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

4. A sewing machine control device as described in claim 3, wherein the control board includes a power supply line that supplies power to the first circuit area and the second circuit area, and the supply limiting unit has a rectifying element that passes a forward current on the power supply line to the first circuit area and limits a reverse current from the external connection terminal to the second circuit area.

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

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

7. A sewing machine control device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an interface unit for connecting to the sewing machine body via a cable, wherein the device body functions as a control unit for the first type of sewing machine body when the first type of control program is stored in the memory unit, and functions as a control unit for the second type of sewing machine body which is a different model from the first type of sewing machine body when the second type of control program is stored in the memory unit.

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