JP2012239680A - Sewing machine controller and sewing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sewing machine controller advantageous for solving the problem of an operation part being mistakenly operated due to some cause (for example, body of a user or any other person, or the other object mistakenly touches the operation part etc.) and to provide a sewing machine.SOLUTION: A sewing machine controller 3, which is installed in a sewing machine, comprises: an operation part 15 capable of moving in a prescribed operation direction by a user operation to output signal relating to sewing; a lock part 12b for defining a lock position at which the movement of the operation part 15 in the operation direction is confined; a lock cancelling part which cancels the lock by the lock part 12b and allows for a user operation of causing the operation part to move in a lock cancelling direction, which is different from the operation direction; and a lock spring 8 having an energization force allowing the operation part 15 to automatically go back to the lock position when the user operation for the operation part 15 is cancelled.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sewing machine controller and a sewing machine including an operation unit that can be operated by a user.

  According to Patent Literature 1, a ring-shaped controller having an operation switch that can be operated by a user with a fingertip is disclosed. According to this apparatus, at the time of sewing, the user can operate / stop while feeding the cloth with both hands. The ring part is made of an elastic body in order to prevent the controller from spinning around or tightly fitting when the user fits the controller on the finger.

  According to Patent Document 2, a safety device that prevents malfunction and protects a user in a sewing machine equipped with a wireless controller is disclosed. According to this, the invalid / valid switching device capable of invalidating the command signal from the wireless controller is provided in the sewing machine body, and the user invalidates the invalid / valid switching device when the sewing machine is not desired to operate. Switch to the side.

  According to Patent Document 3, there is provided a safety control device for a sewing machine that suppresses driving of a motor and protects the user even if the power switch is turned on by the user when the operation / stop signal generating means is set to the motor operation position. It is disclosed.

JP 2002-28390 JP Japanese Patent No.4571832 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-275388

  According to Patent Document 1, some factors (for example, the user's or third person's body, other objects touch the operation unit of the sewing machine controller, even though the user does not intend to operate the sewing machine, such as during preparation for sewing work) Etc.), the operation unit may be operated by mistake. In this case, regardless of the user's intention, the sewing machine controller is erroneously operated and the sewing machine suddenly operates, which may be a factor that surprises the user.

  According to Patent Document 2, since the specification is such that the user operates the invalid / valid switching device, when the user forgets the operation, it is not a function as a safety device. Further, if the user leaves the invalid / valid switching device on the invalid side for a while, the user may misunderstand that the controller or sewing machine has failed during the next use.

  According to Patent Document 3, it is possible to obtain an effect of preventing malfunction when the power is turned on while the controller is operated. However, during preparation for sewing work, etc., although the user does not intend to operate the sewing machine, the operation unit may be caused by some factor (for example, the user's or third person's body or another object touches the operation unit). There is a risk of accidental operation. In this case, the sewing machine suddenly operates regardless of the user's intention, which may be a factor that surprises the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and some factor (for example, the body of a user or a third party or another object touches the operation unit even though the user does not intend to operate the sewing machine). It is an object of the present invention to provide a sewing machine controller and a sewing machine that are advantageous in solving the problem that the operation unit is erroneously operated.

  (1) A sewing machine controller according to aspect 1 of the present invention is a sewing machine controller that is operated by a user so as to output a signal related to sewing, so that (i) a base body and (ii) a user can operate the sewing machine controller. At least a portion is provided on the base so as to be exposed from the base, and is moved in a predetermined operation direction by a user operation so as to directly or indirectly output a signal related to sewing, and is not in the operation direction. An operation unit movable in the locking direction and the unlocking direction which are the same direction; (iii) a lock unit which is provided on the base and defines a lock position for restricting movement of the operation unit in the operation direction; and (iv) It is provided on the base body and allows a user operation to release the lock by the lock unit and move the operation unit in a lock release direction that is not the same direction as the operation direction. And (v) a lock spring that is provided on the base and that exerts a biasing force that automatically returns the operation unit to the lock position when a user operation on the operation unit is released. .

  The lock unit defines a lock position that restricts movement of the operation unit in the operation direction. For this reason, even when the operation unit is erroneously operated due to some factor (for example, the body of a user or a third party or another object touching the operation unit), the operation unit is locked at the lock position. Therefore, the operation unit cannot output a signal related to sewing to the sewing machine side. Therefore, unlike the prior art, the sewing machine can be prevented from suddenly operating regardless of the user's intention, and the user can be prevented from being surprised.

  However, when the user moves the operation unit in the unlocking direction, which is the same direction as the operation direction of the operation unit, based on the user's positive intention, the operation unit is unlocked. In a state where the operation unit is unlocked, when the operation unit is operated in the operation direction by the user, a signal related to sewing is directly or indirectly output to the sewing machine side.

  When the user operation on the operation unit is released, the lock spring automatically returns the operation unit to the lock position. At this time, the operation unit cannot move in the operation direction. In this case, even when the operation unit is erroneously operated due to some factor (for example, the body of a user or a third party, another object touching the operation unit, etc.), the operation unit returns to the locked position. Since it is locked, a signal related to sewing is not output. Therefore, unlike the prior art, the sewing machine can be prevented from suddenly operating regardless of the user's intention, and the user can be prevented from being surprised.

  (2) According to the sewing machine controller according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in the above aspect, the lock spring includes a first urging force that automatically returns the operation unit to the lock position when a user operation on the operation unit is released. And a second urging force for automatically returning the operation unit to the initial position of the operation unit before being operated by the user by urging the operation unit in a direction opposite to the operation direction. In this case, when the user operation on the operation unit is released, the operation unit is automatically returned to the lock position by the first urging force of the lock spring. Further, the operation unit can be automatically returned to the initial position of the operation unit before being operated by the user by urging the operation unit in the direction opposite to the user operation direction by the second urging force of the lock spring. .

  (3) According to the sewing machine controller according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in the above aspect, the lock spring is formed by winding a coil wire around a coil shape, and a gap is formed between adjacent coil wires and compressed in the axial length direction. A coil spring portion, a first arm portion extending from one end portion of the coil spring portion, and a second arm portion extending from the other end portion of the coil spring portion, the coil spring portion having a first biasing force. And the first arm portion and the second arm portion exhibit a second urging force. According to this aspect, although the lock spring is a single component, the coil spring portion of the lock spring exhibits the first biasing force, and the first arm portion and the second arm portion of the lock spring exhibit the second biasing force. It is possible to reduce the number of parts, cost, and space.

  (4) According to the sewing machine controller according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in the above aspect, the operation is performed by detecting the movable lever pushed by the operation unit when the operation unit is operated in the operation direction, and the movable position of the movable lever. The base is provided with a switch base with a switch that outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of operation in the operation direction of the unit to the sewing machine side, and when the operation unit is released, the movable lever is returned to its initial position. A lever return spring is provided. According to this aspect, when the operation unit is operated in the operation direction, the movable lever is pushed in by the operation unit, and the movable lever moves according to the operation amount of the operation unit. The switch outputs a signal corresponding to the operation amount in the operation direction of the operation unit to the sewing machine side by detecting the movable position of the movable lever.

  The operation unit is movable not only in the operation direction but also in the unlocking direction and the locking direction, which are directions that are not identical to the operation direction. In returning the operating portion to its initial position, it is preferable to return the movable lever to its initial position. However, since the operation unit moves in a plurality of directions, if both the operation unit and the movable lever are returned by the same spring, when the operation unit is moved in the locking direction, the movable lever is also interlocked in the same direction. The relationship with the switch may be affected, and the signal output may be affected. Therefore, a lever return spring is provided separately from the lock spring for releasing the movable lever from the movement of the operation portion and returning the movable lever to its initial position when the operation portion is released.

  (5) According to the sewing machine controller according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in the above aspect, the first housing part and the second housing part that form a housing chamber for housing the base body having the operation part and are relatively movable are provided. A housing that can be stepped on by a user's foot, and a mover that is formed in the first housing portion or the second housing portion and moves the operation portion of the base body in the unlocking direction in a state where the base body is housed in the housing chamber. The operation portion is moved in the operation direction by relative movement of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and a signal related to sewing is output to the sewing machine side.

  According to this aspect, the mover formed in the first housing portion or the second housing portion moves the operation portion of the base body in the unlocking direction in a state where the base body is accommodated in the housing chamber of the housing. Release the lock. For this reason, if the 1st housing part and the 2nd housing part move relatively, the operation part can be moved in the operation direction, and the sewing machine controller can output the signal related to sewing. The relative movement of the first housing part and the second housing part may be that at least one of the first housing part and the second housing part moves. The relative movement of the first housing part and the second housing part may be performed by the user's hand or by the user's stepping. In the latter case, a foot controller that is operated by stepping on the user's foot is formed.

  (6) A sewing machine according to aspect 6 of the present invention is a sewing machine including a sewing machine body and a sewing machine controller operated by a user so as to cause the sewing machine body to output a signal related to sewing. (I) the base body, and (ii) at least a part of the base body is exposed so as to be operated by the user, and predetermined by user operation so as to directly or indirectly output a signal related to sewing. An operation unit that is moved in the operation direction and is movable in a lock direction and a lock release direction that are non-identical to the operation direction, and (iii) provided in the base body and moved in the operation direction of the operation unit And (iv) a lock portion that is provided on the base body to release the lock by the lock portion and is in a direction that is not the same as the operation direction. A lock release unit that enables a user operation to move the operation unit in the release direction; and (v) provided on the base body, and when the user operation on the operation unit is released, the operation unit is automatically returned to the lock position. And a lock spring that exerts an urging force. According to the sewing machine according to this aspect, the same function and effect as the sewing machine controller according to aspect 1 can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the present invention, although the user does not intend to operate the sewing machine, for some reason (for example, the body of the user or a third party, another object comes into contact with the operation unit, etc.) It is possible to provide a sewing machine controller that is advantageous in solving the problem that the operation unit is erroneously operated.

1 is a perspective view of a sewing machine according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of a hand controller. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a hand controller. It is sectional drawing which shows the inside of the hand controller in which the operation part is locked. It is sectional drawing which shows the inside of the hand controller by which the operation part is unlocked. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of the hand controller by which the operation part is locked. It is a perspective view which shows the inside of the hand controller by which the operation part is unlocked. It is a perspective view which shows the state before accommodating a hand controller in a housing. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which accommodates a hand controller in a housing and uses it as a foot controller.

  The base is provided with an operation unit, a lock unit, a lock release unit, and a lock spring, and may be box-shaped or non-box-shaped. The operation unit is provided on the base so that at least a part thereof is exposed from the base so that the user can operate. The operation unit is moved in a predetermined operation direction by a user operation so as to directly or indirectly output a signal related to sewing. “Directly outputting a signal” refers to a form in which a signal is output by movement of an operation unit. “Indirectly outputting a signal” refers to a form in which another member is moved by the movement of the operation unit, and a signal is output from the switch. The lock unit defines a lock position that restricts movement of the operation unit in the operation direction. The lock release unit refers to a unit that allows a user operation to release the lock by the lock unit and move the operation unit in a lock release direction that is non-identical to the operation direction. The lock release unit has a structure having a rotation shaft that can be slid in a direction crossing the operation direction while rotating the operation unit in the operation direction, and a rotation hole that fits the rotation shaft. .

  The non-identical direction with respect to the operation direction means a direction different from the operation direction of the operation unit. For example, it means a direction inclined at an angle θ with respect to the operation direction of the operation unit. The angle θ can be an arbitrary value within the range of 20 to 330 °. Specifically, 30 to 180 °, 60 to 150 °, and 90 ° are exemplified. The lock spring refers to a biasing member that exerts a biasing force that automatically returns the operation unit to the lock position when a user operation on the operation unit is released. Known springs such as torsion coil springs, coil springs, and leaf springs can be exemplified.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows the concept of the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the state of use of the sewing machine of this embodiment. According to this embodiment, a hand controller 3 that functions as a sewing machine controller is provided in a sewing machine with a free hand embroidery function in which a user freely moves a ring-shaped embroidery frame 4 by hand. The hand controller 3 is a controller that is operated by a user's hand, and is used when adjusting a sewing machine variable mechanism by outputting a sewing signal such as a sewing speed and a sewing width to the control unit of the sewing machine body 1. In order to perform embroidery smoothly, it is desirable to attach an extension table 2 to the sewing machine body 1. The sewing machine body 1 includes a bed portion 1c, a vertical arm portion 1d, a horizontal arm portion 1e, a presser bar 1f that can be raised and lowered, and a needle 1h that can be raised and lowered.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the hand controller 3 is indirectly integrated with the embroidery frame 4 via the mount 6 with respect to the embroidery frame 4. Depending on the case, the hand controller 3 may be directly integrated with the embroidery frame 4. The embroidery frame 4 sandwiches a work cloth (sewn product) between an inner ring and an outer ring. The work cloth is sandwiched between the inner ring and the outer ring and is fixed by a fixing screw (not shown). Therefore, when the embroidery frame 4 is held and moved on the extension table 2 by hand to feed the work cloth during embroidery, the hand controller 3 connected to the embroidery frame 4 simultaneously moves in the same direction. In some cases, the hand controller 3 may be used while being separated from the embroidery frame 4.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the hand controller 3 and the controller jack 1 a of the sewing machine body 1 are electrically connected by a harness (connection line) 5. When the user manually pushes the operation unit 15 of the hand controller 3 in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction), the start / stop of sewing and the adjustment operation of the sewing speed and the sewing width are signaled according to the operation. Is output from the hand controller 3 to the control unit of the sewing machine main body 1 via the harness 5, and the sewing machine main body 1 is controlled by the microcomputer of the control unit. In this embodiment, the harness 5 which is a connection line for connecting the hand controller 3 and the sewing machine body 1 is used. However, a signal output from the hand controller 3 is transmitted to the sewing machine body 1 by wireless transmission means. Anyway.

  In a state where the operation unit 15 of the hand controller 3 is not pushed in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction), the operation unit 15 is automatically locked at the lock position as described later. When the operation unit 15 is locked as described above, the operation unit 15 is operated in the operation direction (arrow) due to some factor (for example, the user's or third person's body, another object touching the operation unit 15, etc.). Even when the push-in operation is mistakenly performed in the direction C1), the operation unit 15 is locked at the lock position, so the operation unit 15 cannot move in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction). The hand controller 3 cannot cause the sewing machine body 1 to output a signal related to sewing. Therefore, unlike the prior art, it is possible to prevent the sewing machine from suddenly operating regardless of the user's intention, and to suppress the user from being surprised.

  FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the casing 7 as a substrate. As shown in FIG. 2, the casing 7 includes a first casing 71 and a second casing 72. After various parts are assembled to the second casing 72, the first casing 71 and the second casing 72 are united together using the mounting screw 19, and the casing 7 is formed.

  As can be understood from FIG. 2, the switch base 12, the resistance substrate 16, and the movable lever 14 are mounted in the casing 7 in addition to the operation unit 15. The operation unit 15 includes a rotation shaft 15c having a rotation hole 15a that forms a rotation fulcrum, a base 15e, and an operation protrusion 15h that is integrally formed with the base 15e and has an operation surface 15f that is operated by a user with a fingertip. It has. The switch base 12 is fixed in the casing 7 and causes the control unit of the sewing machine body 1 to output a signal corresponding to the operation amount of the operation unit 15. The switch base 12 includes a base 12c having a rotating shaft 12a and a lock pin 12b (lock portion).

  The movable lever 14 is provided in the casing 7 so as to be rotatable in conjunction with an operation in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction) of the operation unit 15. The rotation shaft 12a of the switch base 12 is rotatably assembled to the rotation hole 14b serving as the rotation fulcrum 14a of the movable lever 14. Thereby, the movable lever 14 can be rotated in the directions of arrows C1 and C2 with respect to the rotation shaft 12a of the switch base 12. In addition, the resistance substrate 16 is fixed to the switch base 12 by mounting screws 25. The movable lever 14 is constantly urged upward (in the direction of arrow U) by the urging force of the lever return spring 17 with respect to the switch base 12, and is held at a stop position where the stopper (not shown) of the switch base 12 functions. The When the movable lever 14 is constantly urged upward (in the direction of the arrow U shown in FIG. 2) by the urging force of the lever return spring 17 in this way, the operation unit 15 located above the movable lever 14 is in the same direction. Be energized. In this case, when a pressing force larger than the urging force by the lever return spring 17 is applied downward (in the direction of arrow D shown in FIG. 2) to the movable lever 14, the movable lever 14 moves downward (arrow D) about the rotation fulcrum 14a. Direction). However, when the force is removed, the movable lever 14 and the operation unit 15 are rotated upward (in the direction of the arrow U) by the urging force of the lever return spring 17 to return to the original positions.

  As can be understood from FIG. 2, the switch base 12 assembled with the above components (the movable lever 14 and the like) is fixed to the second casing 72 by the mounting screw 18. The connector 10 is also fixed to the second casing 72 by a plurality of set screws 11. At this time, the connector 10 and the resistance substrate 16 are electrically connected by a harness 24 (see FIG. 4).

  As can be understood from FIG. 2, the rotation shaft 15 c (engaged portion) of the second casing 72 assembled with the above parts is provided with a rotation hole 15 a (engaged portion) that forms the rotation center of the operation unit 15. ) Is pivotally supported. Thereby, the operation part 15 can be rotated with respect to the casing 7 in the direction of arrow C1 (operation direction, downward direction) and in the direction of arrow C2 (direction opposite to the operation direction, upward direction). Further, the operation unit 15 is arranged along the lateral direction (axial length direction of the rotation shaft 7c) with respect to the casing 7, that is, in the arrow B1 direction (unlock direction) and the arrow B2 direction (lock direction) shown in FIG. It is possible to slide along. Therefore, the rotation shaft 7c of the second casing 72 and the rotation hole 15a of the operation unit 15 rotate the operation unit 15 in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction) and with respect to the operation direction (arrow C1 direction). An unlocking portion that can be slid in the intersecting direction (non-identical direction, arrow B1 direction (unlock direction), B2 direction (lock direction)) is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the lock spring 8 includes a coil spring portion 80, a first arm portion 81 extending from one end portion of the coil spring portion 80, and a second arm portion extending from the other end portion of the coil spring portion 80. 82. As shown in FIG. 3, the first arm portion 81 is in contact with the portion 15 r of the operation portion 15, and the second arm portion 82 is in contact with the portion 7 r of the casing 7. Thereby, the operation part 15 is always urged | biased by the arrow C2 direction (direction opposite to the arrow C1 direction which is an operation direction). As described above, the operating portion 15 is biased toward the initial position F1 (see FIG. 3) along the direction of the arrow C2 by the first arm portion 81 and the second arm portion 82 of the lock spring 8. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the engaging portion 15w of the base 15e of the operating portion 15 contacts the stopper 7s of the casing 7, so that the operating portion 15 is at the initial position F1 (the operating portion 15 protrudes most in the direction of the arrow C2). (See FIG. 3). At this time, since the movable lever 14 is constantly urged upward (in the direction of the arrow U) by the urging force of the lever return spring 17 as described above, the upper surface portion 14u of the movable lever 14 is the base 15e of the operation portion 15. It contacts the convex contact portion 15i on the lower surface (see FIG. 3). Thus, the operating portion 15 is reliably maintained at the initial position F1 (the operation amount in the direction of the arrow C1 = 0) by the upward biasing force of the lock spring 8 and the upward biasing force of the lever return spring 17.

  Further explanation will be added. According to the present embodiment, as described above, due to the torsion coil spring effect (second urging force) caused by the first arm portion 81 and the second arm portion 82 of the lock spring 8, the operation portion 15 is directed upward (in the direction of arrow C2). , Arrow U direction). Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the coil spring portion 80 of the lock spring 8 is formed by winding a coil wire in a coil shape, and a gap 84 (see FIG. 4) is provided between adjacent coil wires. Is formed. The coil spring 80 can be compressed in the axial length direction (arrow E1, E2 direction) so that the gap width of the gap 84 can be adjusted. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, due to the compression spring effect (first urging force) of the coil spring portion 80 of the lock spring 8, the seating portion 15 y of the operation portion 15 moves in the direction of the arrow E <b> 2 (lock direction) toward the second casing 72 side. ) Is always energized. However, as can be understood from FIG. 5, if the user manually moves the operation unit 15 in the direction of the arrow B1 (unlock direction), the seating unit 15y of the operation unit 15 causes the coil spring unit 80 to move in the axial direction. Can be moved in the direction of arrow E1 (unlock direction) while being compressed and deformed. In this case, the gap width of the gap 84 of the coil spring portion 80 becomes narrow, and the coil spring portion 80 accumulates a compressive load (an urging force in the direction of arrow E2). This is one of the differences from the prior art.

  In other words, the lock spring 8 is physically single, but based on the compression spring effect in the axial length direction (arrow E2 direction) based on the coil spring portion 80, and on the first arm portion 81 and the second arm portion 82. Combined with torsion coil spring effect. Because of such a compression spring effect, the gap width of the gap 84 of the coil spring portion 80 of the lock spring 8 can be changed, so that the operation portion 15 can slide along the arrow E1 direction (unlock direction) and the arrow E2 direction (lock direction). And can be moved to the locked position and the unlocked position, respectively. This is one of the differences from the prior art. The directions of arrows E1 and E2 mean the thickness direction of the casing 7.

  That is, according to this embodiment, when the pushing operation by the user in the direction of arrow C1 with respect to the operation portion 15 is released, the first arm portion 81 and the second arm portion 82 of the lock spring 8 The operation unit 15 is automatically moved to the initial position F1 of the operation unit 15 before the user operates the operation unit 15 by biasing the operation unit 15 in the direction opposite to the operation direction (arrow C1 direction) (arrow C2 direction). The second urging force to return to can be exhibited. Further, the coil spring portion 80 of the lock spring 8 exerts a first urging force that automatically moves the operation portion 15 in the direction of arrow E2 (lock direction) to automatically return to the lock position. As described above, the second urging force based on the first arm portion 81 and the second arm portion 82 of the lock spring 8 urges the operation portion 15 in the direction opposite to the user's operation direction (arrow C2 direction). The operating unit 15 can be automatically and easily returned to the initial position F1 of the operating unit 15 before being operated.

  Thus, although the lock spring 8 is a single part, the first arm portion 81 and the second arm portion 82 of the lock spring 8 exert a second urging force for returning the operation portion 15 to its initial position F1, Further, the coil spring portion 80 of the lock spring 8 can exert a first urging force that moves the operation portion 15 in the lock direction (arrow E2 direction, arrow B2 direction). As described above, although the lock spring 8 is a single one, it can be used as two types of springs, and the number of parts, cost, and space can be reduced. In FIG. 2, the mounting base hole 7 a and the mounting base hole 7 b provided in the second casing 72 are for fixing the mounting base 6 for the hand controller 3.

  According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the resistor 23 that can function as a switch for sensing the amount of operation in the pushing operation direction (arrow C <b> 1 direction) of the user operation unit 15 is used. The resistor 23 is provided on the resistor substrate 16. The resistor 23 includes a resistor pattern 16a and a resistor pattern 16b in which a plurality of resistors are arranged in series. A contact 13a of a contact fitting 13 provided on the movable lever 14 short-circuits the resistance patterns 16a and 16b. Here, when the user pushes the operation unit 15 in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction), the operation operation of the operation unit 15 is performed through the contact portion 15i of the operation unit 15 and the upper surface 14u (see FIG. 3). Is transmitted to. As a result, the movable lever 14 is operated to be pushed downward (arrow D direction) with the rotation shaft 12a of the switch base 12 as a rotation center. In this case, the movable lever 14 in contact with the operation unit 15 also rotates in the same direction (arrow D direction) in accordance with the amount of pushing operation of the operation unit 15. As a result, the short-circuit position of the contact 13a of the contact fitting 13 on the resistance patterns 16a and 16b changes. For this reason, the internal resistance value in the resistance 23 of the resistance substrate 16 is changed. As a result, when the user pushes the operation unit 15 in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction), the start / stop of the sewing and the adjustment operation of the sewing speed and the sewing width are performed based on the push operation amount of the operation unit 15. And output to the control unit of the sewing machine body 1 via the harness 5 (see FIG. 1), and control is executed by a microcomputer built in the sewing machine. It should be noted that the push amount of the operation unit 15 in the operation direction of the user in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction) may be sensed by using another sensor, not limited to the embodiment using the resistor 23.

  The procedure for operating the operation unit 15 from the locked position will be further described. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, in the normal state, that is, in a state where the operation unit 15 is not pushed in in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction), as shown in FIGS. A pin contact portion 15 u on the base 15 e side of 15 is in contact with the lock pin 12 b (lock portion) of the switch base 12 at a distance A. The lock pin 12b is fixed to the switch base 12. In this case, the lock pin 12b functions as a lock unit that restricts movement of the operation unit 15 in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction). Therefore, when the operation unit 15 is locked by the lock pin 12b, even if the user pushes the operation unit 15 in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction) by hand or another object hits the operation unit 15. However, the operation unit 15 is not further rotated in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction). Therefore, the hand controller 3 does not output a sewing-related signal to the sewing machine body 1 and the sewing machine does not operate. That is, the operation unit 15 is locked at the lock position.

  However, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, if the user slides the operation unit 15 by hand more than the distance A in the direction of the arrow B1 (unlock direction, axial direction of the lock pin 12b), The contact (lock) between the pin contact portion 15u on the lower surface of the base 15e of the operation portion 15 and the lock pin 12b of the switch base 12 is released. That is, the operation unit 15 is unlocked from the lock position. Thus, from the state where the operation unit 15 is unlocked, the user can further push the operation unit 15 in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction) by hand. Therefore, the user further pushes the operation portion 15 in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction) to push the movable lever 14 in the same direction, and as described above, the contact point of the contact fitting 13 on the resistance patterns 16a and 16b. The short-circuit position of 13a is changed. For this reason, as described above, the internal resistance value of the resistor 23 of the resistor substrate 16 is changed. When the user pushes the operation unit 15 thus unlocked in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction), the start / stop of sewing and the sewing speed and width of the sewing are determined based on the push operation amount of the operation unit 15. The adjustment operation is converted into a signal and output to the control unit of the sewing machine body 1 via the harness 5 (see FIG. 1), and the sewing machine can be operated by a microcomputer built in the sewing machine. This is one of the differences from the prior art.

  In addition, after the user pushes the operation unit 15 in the arrow C1 direction, when the user releases the finger from the operation unit 15, the biasing force of the first arm unit 81 and the second arm unit 82 of the lock spring 8 The operation unit 15 is raised in the direction opposite to the operation direction (arrow C2 direction), and then the operation unit 15 is locked in the lock direction (arrow B2 direction) by the urging force of the lock spring 8 in the lock direction (arrow E2 direction). ), The operation unit 15 automatically returns to the locked position, and the operation unit 15 is maintained in the locked state (see FIG. 4). Thus, in a state where the operation unit 15 is locked at the lock position, the operation unit 15 cannot move in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction). In this case, when the operation unit 15 is erroneously operated in the operation direction (the direction of the arrow C1) due to some factor (for example, the body of the user or a third party, or another object touching the operation unit 15). Even so, since the operation unit 15 is locked at the lock position, the operation unit 15 cannot move, and therefore the hand controller 3 cannot cause the sewing machine body 1 to output a signal related to sewing. Therefore, unlike the prior art, the sewing machine can be prevented from suddenly operating regardless of the user's intention, and the user can be prevented from being surprised.

  According to this embodiment, as described above, when the operation unit 15 is operated in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction), the movable lever 14 that is pushed in by the operation unit 15 and the movable position of the movable lever 14 are detected. The hand controller 3 is provided with a switch base 12 having a resistor 23 (switch) that outputs a signal corresponding to an operation amount in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction) of the operation unit 15 to the sewing machine side. Further, a lever return spring 17 is provided for returning the movable lever 14 to its initial position F2 when the operation of the operation unit 15 is released. According to the present embodiment, when the operation unit 15 is operated in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction), the movable lever 14 is pushed in by the operation unit 15, and the movable lever 14 is movable according to the operation amount of the operation unit 15. To do. The resistor 23 (switch) outputs a signal corresponding to the operation amount in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction) of the operation unit 15 to the control unit side of the sewing machine body 1 by detecting the movable position of the movable lever 14.

  According to the present embodiment, the operation unit 15 has not only the operation direction (arrow C1 direction) but also the unlocking direction (arrow B1 direction, arrow E1 direction) and the lock direction (arrow B2) which are non-identical to the operation direction. Direction, arrow E2 direction). For this reason, when returning the operation part 15 to the initial position F1 (refer FIG. 4), it is preferable to also return the movable lever 14 to the initial position F2 (refer FIG. 4). However, as described above, the operation unit 15 slides in a direction intersecting the operation direction. For this reason, if both the operation part 15 and the movable lever 14 are returned by the same spring, when the operation part 15 is moved in the locking direction (arrow B2 direction, arrow E2 direction), the movable lever 14 is also interlocked in the same direction. There is a bug that ends up. In this case, there is a risk of affecting the strength of sliding between the contact 13a of the movable lever 14 and the resistor 23. Therefore, a lever return spring 17 for returning the movable lever 14 to its initial position F2 when the operation in the operation direction of the operation unit 15 is released is provided separately from the lock spring 8. The lever return spring 17 is a spring dedicated to the movable lever 14. The lock spring 8 is a spring dedicated to the operation unit 15.

(Embodiment 2)
8 and 9 show the second embodiment. Since this embodiment basically has the same configuration and the same function and effect as the above-described embodiment, FIGS. 1 to 7 are applied mutatis mutandis. A box-shaped housing 100 that houses the hand controller 3 is provided. The housing 100 has a first housing part 101 and a second housing part 102. The first housing part 101 has a bottom wall 101a, a side wall 101b, and a side wall 101c. The second housing part 102 has a ceiling wall 102a, a side wall 102b, and a side wall 102c. The housing 100 has a box shape and forms an accommodation chamber 104 in which the hand controller 3 is detachably accommodated. At one end portions 101e and 102e of the first housing portion 101 and the second housing portion 102, a pivotal support portion 105 that rotates them is formed. The other end portions 101 f and 102 f of the first housing portion 101 and the second housing portion 102 are relatively rotated via the pivotal support portion 105 so as to be openable (movable). The first housing part 101 forms a lower case. The second housing part 102 forms a lid. As shown in FIG. 9, a mover 110 is formed on the ceiling wall 102 a of the second housing portion 102 toward the bottom wall 101 a of the first housing portion 101. The mover 110 has a cam surface 111 inclined with respect to a vertical line in a state where the housing 100 is closed, a first surface 112 extending in the vertical direction, and a second surface 113 extending in the horizontal direction.

  As can be understood from FIG. 8, in use, the hand controller 3 is detachably accommodated in the accommodation chamber 104 of the housing 100. In this case, the hand controller 3 is accommodated in the state in which the hand controller 3 is positioned in the accommodation chamber 104 of the housing 100 by the positioning portion 107 of the first housing portion 101. In this state, as shown in FIG. 9, the positioning surface 107 c of the positioning unit 107 hits the side surface 7 s of the hand controller 3 and regulates the position thereof. The operation unit 15 of the hand controller 3 projects upward from the upper surface 107 u of the positioning unit 107. However, it is not limited to this. Furthermore, the operation surface 15 f of the operation unit 15 faces the ceiling wall 102 a of the second housing unit 102.

  When the first housing part 101 and the second housing part 102 are closed to make the accommodating chamber 104 a closed space, as can be understood from FIG. 9, the moving element 110 of the second housing part 102 is lowered in the direction of the arrow D5, The mover 110 slides the operation unit 15 of the hand controller 3 in the arrow B1 direction (unlock direction), and then moves the operation unit 15 of the hand controller 3 in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction). In this case, since the mover 110 has the inclined cam surface 111, when the cam surface 111 pushes the operation unit 15, the operation unit 15 can be automatically moved in the arrow B1 direction (unlock direction). For this reason, in the hand controller 3, the operation unit 15 automatically moves in the unlocking direction (arrow B1 direction) from the lock position. Thus, in a state where the operation unit 15 is unlocked, the side surface 15s of the operation unit 15 faces the first surface 112 of the movable element 110, and therefore the operation unit 15 cannot move in the arrow B2 direction (locking direction). Further, since the operation surface 15f on the upper surface of the operation unit 15 faces the second surface 113 of the movable element 111, the operation unit 15 can be pushed in the direction of the arrow C1 (operation direction) by the second housing unit 102. In this state, if the user pushes the second housing part 102 in the operation direction (arrow C1 direction) with a hand or a foot, the operation part 15 of the hand controller 3 operates in conjunction with it. For this reason, as described in the first embodiment, the start / stop of sewing and the adjustment operation of the sewing speed and the sewing width are signaled from the hand controller 3 and output to the sewing machine body 1 by harness or wirelessly. Is done. Therefore, the control is executed by the microcomputer built in the sewing machine.

  If the second housing part 102 is moved away from the first housing part 101, that is, if the first housing part 101 and the second housing part 102 are opened, the cam surface 111 of the moving element 110. And the operation surface 15f of the operation unit 15 are separated from each other, the operation unit 15 moves in the arrow B2 direction (lock direction), automatically returns to the lock position, and is locked. Note that the relative movement of the first housing part 101 and the second housing part 102 only requires that at least one of the first housing part 101 and the second housing part 102 moves.

  When the hand controller 3 is used, the relative movement of the first housing part 101 and the second housing part 102 may be performed by the user's hand. Or you may carry out using a user's foot like stepping. In the latter case, a foot controller 3F that is depressed by the user's foot is formed.

  When the foot controller 3F having such a structure is used, the operation unit 15 is always unlocked by the mover 110 of the second housing portion 102, and can be used as a stepping type foot controller. For this reason, if the user owns an inexpensive box-shaped housing 100 as compared with the case where the user owns two types of controllers, an advantage that each function can be obtained at a low cost can be obtained.

  Also in the present embodiment, when the user does not intend to move the sewing machine during preparation for sewing work or the like, force is applied to the operation unit 15 due to some factor (for example, contact of the body of the user or a third party or another object). Even so, since the operation unit 15 is locked and does not output a signal for operating the sewing machine, it is safe for the user. When the user removes his / her hand from the operation unit 15, the operation unit 15 automatically returns to the locked state, so that a special operation is not required for the user, and the safety function can be operated reliably.

  (Others) In the above-described embodiment, the operation unit 15 and the movable lever 14 are separated, but depending on the structure of the switch for detecting the movable position of the movable lever 14, the operation unit 15 and the movable lever 14 may be They may be integrated with each other. In this case, since the urging force of the lock spring 8 is used, the lever return spring 17 can be eliminated. The user moves the operation unit 15 in the arrow B1 direction with his / her finger to release the lock and then moves the operation unit 15 in the arrow C1 direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and after the operation unit 15 is slightly moved in the arrow C1 direction. Alternatively, it may be moved in the direction of arrow B1 to release the lock, and then moved in the direction of arrow C1. The user may operate the operation unit 15 with the fingers in the combined direction of the arrow B1 direction and the arrow C1 direction. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope not departing from the gist.

  In the figure, 7 is a casing (base), 7c is a rotation shaft (unlocking portion), 71 is a first casing, 72 is a second casing, 12 is a switch base, 12a is a rotation shaft, and 12b is a lock pin (lock). Part), 12c is a base, 14 is a movable lever, 14a is a rotation fulcrum, 14b is a rotation hole, 15 is an operation part, 15a is a rotation hole (lock release part), 15f is an operation surface, and 15c is a rotation shaft. , 17 is a lever return spring, 23 is a resistance (switch), 3 is a hand controller, 8 is a lock spring, 80 is a coil spring, 81 is a first arm, 82 is a second arm, 84 is a gap, 100 is a housing, Reference numeral 101 denotes a first housing part, 102 denotes a second housing part, 104 denotes a storage chamber, 107 denotes a positioning part, 110 denotes a moving element, and 111 denotes a cam surface.

Claims (6)

A sewing machine controller operated by a user to output a signal related to sewing,
A substrate;
It is provided in the base so that at least a part is exposed from the base so that a user can operate, and is moved in a predetermined operation direction by a user operation so as to directly or indirectly output a signal related to sewing, And an operation unit movable in a lock direction and a lock release direction which are non-identical directions with respect to the operation direction;
A lock portion provided on the base body for defining a lock position for restricting movement of the operation portion in the operation direction;
An unlocking portion provided on the base body, enabling unlocking by the locking portion and enabling a user operation to move the operation portion in a unlocking direction that is non-identical to the operation direction;
A sewing machine controller comprising: a lock spring that is provided on the base body and that exerts a biasing force that automatically returns the operation unit to a locked position when a user operation on the operation unit is released.   The lock spring according to claim 1, wherein the lock spring includes a first biasing force that automatically returns the operation unit to the lock position when a user operation on the operation unit is released, and the operation unit in a direction opposite to the operation direction. A sewing machine controller, comprising: a second urging force that automatically returns the operation unit to an initial position of the operation unit before being operated by a user. 3. The lock spring according to claim 2, wherein the lock spring is formed by winding a coil wire in a coil shape, and a gap is formed between adjacent coil wires, and the coil spring is compressible in the axial length direction, and extends from one end of the coil spring. A first arm portion provided, and a second arm portion extending from the other end portion of the coil spring portion,
The sewing machine controller according to claim 1, wherein the coil spring portion exhibits the first urging force, and the first arm portion and the second arm portion exhibit the second urging force. The movable lever that is pushed in by the operation unit when the operation unit is operated in the operation direction, and the movable position of the movable lever by detecting the movable position of the operation unit. A switch base having a switch for outputting a signal corresponding to an operation amount in an operation direction to the sewing machine side is provided on the base body.
A sewing machine controller comprising a lever return spring for returning the movable lever to its initial position when the operation of the operation unit is released. In one of Claims 1-4, it has a 1st housing part and 2nd housing part which can be relatively moved while forming the storage chamber which accommodates the said base | substrate which has the said operation part, and it is a user's foot | leg. A housing that can be stepped on, and the operation portion of the base body that resists the urging force of the lock spring in a state where the base body is housed in the housing chamber of the housing formed in the first housing portion or the second housing portion And a mover that moves in the unlocking direction.
A sewing machine controller characterized in that the operation section is moved in the operation direction by relative movement of the first housing section and the second housing section, and a signal related to sewing is output to a sewing machine side. A sewing machine comprising a sewing machine body and a sewing machine controller operated by a user so as to cause the sewing machine body to output a signal related to sewing,
The sewing machine controller includes a base,
It is provided in the base so that at least a part is exposed from the base so that a user can operate, and is moved in a predetermined operation direction by a user operation so as to directly or indirectly output a signal related to sewing, And an operation unit movable in a lock direction and a lock release direction which are non-identical directions with respect to the operation direction;
A lock portion provided on the base body for defining a lock position for restricting movement of the operation portion in the operation direction;
An unlocking portion provided on the base body, enabling unlocking by the locking portion and enabling a user operation to move the operation portion in a unlocking direction that is non-identical to the operation direction;
A sewing machine comprising: a lock spring that is provided on the base body and that exerts a biasing force that automatically returns the operation unit to a locked position when a user operation on the operation unit is released.

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