JP6070255B2 - sewing machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sewing machine that performs sewing and embroidery, and more particularly to a sewing machine having a sound output function.

  In a sewing machine driven by a motor, it is a common practice to variably set the sewing speed at the setting section. Further, a sewing machine that performs embroidery sewing is provided with a needle bar swinging mechanism so that the sewing needle swings in the horizontal direction by the sewing width, and the sewing width is generally set variably in the setting section. It has become. As the setting unit, in addition to a setting push button or the like provided on the sewing machine body, a hand controller that is depressed by hand or a foot controller that is depressed by foot may be used in combination. The applicant of the present application discloses a technical example of a sewing machine having a controller separate from the sewing machine body in Patent Document 1.

  The sewing machine of Patent Document 1 includes a needle bar, a needle bar vertical movement mechanism, a needle bar swinging mechanism, and a control unit, and controls the swing width (sewing width) by which the needle bar swings laterally. I am trying to adjust with. In addition, a mode is disclosed in which a user has a foot controller that can be stepped on with a foot, and the swing amount (sewing width) is adjusted based on the operation. Thereby, it is possible to perform embroidery with good-looking satin stitches in the free motion sewing mode (embroidery operation mode). In this sewing machine, when the user wants to keep the sewing width of the embroidery constant, it is necessary to keep the stepping amount of the foot controller constant. Further, when it is desired to gradually change the sewing width of the embroidery, it is necessary to gradually change the stepping amount of the foot controller.

  However, since there is no means for directly knowing whether the stepping amount of the foot controller is constant or gradually changing, the user visually confirms the embroidery part and adjusts the stepping amount. Become. As a result, there is a concern that a time lag occurs in the adjustment of the depression amount and the appearance of the embroidery is deteriorated. Especially for beginner users, the amount of stepping on the foot controller tends to fluctuate, which is a difficult operation, increasing the above-mentioned concerns. Further, a configuration is also adopted in which a display unit is provided on the front surface of the sewing machine main body and the amount of depression of the foot controller is displayed. However, in this configuration, since the line of sight movement between the display unit and the sewing needle frequently occurs, the user's operation becomes complicated.

  In order to suppress the concern that the appearance of the embroidery is deteriorated and the problem that the user's operation becomes complicated, it is conceivable to apply the technique of Patent Document 2. The sewing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a detection unit that detects an operation state, a storage unit that stores sound data, and a generation unit that generates sound using the sound data, and a sound element corresponding to the operation state. It is characterized by changing. In addition, as specific examples of the operation state, a plurality of types of thread tension, thread density, needle swing width (sewing width), needle feed amount, cloth movement amount, and needle speed are illustrated. Furthermore, according to the description of the embodiment, the sound data is stored in the ROM in advance, and the sound generation is controlled by the CPU. The operation state is set by the setting means before the start of sewing, and a sound corresponding to the set operation state is output.

International Publication No. 2010/109773 JP 2000-202182 A

  By the way, in the sewing apparatus of patent document 2, a sound changes based on the setting of an operation state, and it is preferable that a user hears a sound and can grasp | ascertain an operation state and a setting amount. However, the sound is generated only when an operation state having a plurality of options is set before the start of sewing. Therefore, the sound cannot be variably changed in real time with respect to the set amount of the sewing width and the sewing speed that can be changed every moment during the sewing operation. Further, even if the technique of Patent Document 2 is applied to the sewing machine of Patent Document 1, it is impossible to inform the user of the duration time during which the amount of foot controller depression is constant. As a result, the concern that the appearance of the embroidery deteriorates is not necessarily solved.

  Furthermore, since the sewing device of Patent Document 2 uses electronic control hardware such as a ROM and a CPU mounted on the sewing device, it cannot be applied to a mechanical sewing machine. Further, a sound output function cannot be added later to a conventional sewing machine that does not have a sound output function.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems of the background art, and allows the user to easily grasp the set amount of the sewing width and the sewing speed that can be changed from moment to moment by listening to the sound pitch. Providing an easy sewing machine is a problem to be solved. In addition, the user can grasp the continuation time during which the sewing width and sewing speed set amount are constant, and it is possible to apply to mechanical sewing machines and retrofit sound output functions to sewing machines that do not have sound output functions. It is an issue to be solved to provide a sewing machine with a wide range of applications.

The sewing machine according to the present invention includes a sewing machine body that has an adjustment unit that variably adjusts at least one of a sewing width and a sewing speed and performs a sewing operation; and at least one of the sewing width and the sewing speed operated by a hand or a foot. A sewing machine comprising: a setting unit configured to variably set; and an electrical conversion unit that converts a set amount of the setting unit into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to the adjustment unit, and the sewing machine body and a separate controller The sewing machine main body or the controller includes a sound output unit that outputs sounds having different heights corresponding to the electrical signals , and a scale setting unit that sets a specific scale, and the sound output The unit discretely converts the change in the electrical signal into a sound of any pitch included in the specific scale and outputs the sound, and the duration of the electrical signal being constant is a predetermined time. After reaching Including chord output unit for outputting a combination of height sound chords.

  Further, the chord output unit outputs a two chord that is a combination of two pitches after the duration has reached the first predetermined time, and the second duration is longer than the first predetermined time. After reaching the predetermined time, it is preferable to output a triad combining three sounds.

  In addition, the chord output unit outputs a root chord as the two chord and a second chord that is a combination of the third sound that is three times higher than the root note, and the root chord and the third tone as the trichord three times. You may make it output the 3rd chord which combined the 3rd upper sound and the 5th sound 5 degree | times higher than the said root sound.

  In addition, the controller includes the sound output unit, and by setting the sewing machine main body in a stopped state, it is possible to practice the operation of the setting unit of the controller and / or to use the controller as a musical instrument. May be.

  The setting unit may variably set the sewing speed in a sewing operation mode for performing sewing and variably set the sewing width in an embroidery operation mode for performing embroidery.

  In the sewing machine of the present invention, during the sewing operation, at least one of the sewing width and the sewing speed is variably adjusted by the operation of the setting unit of the controller, and the sound output unit corresponds to the electrical signal obtained by converting the set amount of the setting unit. Outputs sounds with different heights. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the set amount of the sewing width and the sewing speed that can change from moment to moment by distinguishing the pitch of the sound, and can suppress the time lag and fluctuation of the setting. Further, since the line-of-sight movement between the display unit and the sewing needle described in Patent Document 1 is not necessary, the user's operation is facilitated.

  Further, since the present invention does not require the installation of a computer for controlling the sewing operation, it can be applied to a mechanical sewing machine. Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented by retrofitting a controller having a sound output unit to a conventional sewing machine having no sound output function. Thus, the present invention has a wide range of applications.

Moreover, further comprising a scale setting part, since outputs one of the height sounds the sound output unit is included in a particular scale, the user can set the scale of preference. Therefore, the user can grasp the set amount of the sewing width and the sewing speed with reference to the familiar musical scale, and the sewing width and the sewing speed can be easily adjusted. In addition, since the setting operation of the setting unit of the controller is rich in change, there is a pleasure that a melody is accidentally born.

Further, since the sound output unit includes a chord output unit, the user, when you want slowly changing or when you want to sewing width and sewing speed constant, easily set amount setting unit as a guide the generation of chord Can be adjusted.

  Furthermore, in a mode in which the chord output unit outputs a dichond and a triad, the user can more easily adjust the setting amount of the setting unit when the sewing width or the sewing speed is desired to be constant or gently changed. It can be done finely.

  In addition, in the mode in which the chord output unit outputs a two chord that combines the root tone and the third sound, and a three chord that combines the root tone, the third tone, and the fifth tone, the sewing operation can be performed comfortably while listening to the comfortable chord. You can continue.

  Further, in a mode in which the sewing machine main body is stopped, the operation of the controller setting unit can be practiced, and / or the controller can be used as a musical instrument, value is added to the sewing machine. It is a great merit for the user that the operation of the setting unit can be practiced easily without operating the sewing machine main body, and that the mood can be changed by using the controller as a musical instrument.

  Further, in the aspect in which the sewing speed is variably set in the sewing operation mode and the sewing width is variably set in the embroidery operation mode, the sound output function can be effectively used according to the operation mode.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the sewing machine of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a foot controller. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of the base which removed the pedal of the foot controller. It is a disassembled perspective view of a foot controller. It is a functional block diagram of the sewing machine of the first embodiment. It is a side view of the foot controller explaining the relationship between the stepping amount (set amount) of the foot controller and the stepping position discretely converted by the microcomputer with built-in controller. It is the figure which displayed the relationship between the depression position of a foot controller, the resistance value of a variable resistance part, and the sewing width and the pitch of a sound. FIG. 8 is a diagram of a staff notation showing a correspondence relationship between the depression position and the pitch of the sound shown in FIG. 7. It is the figure of the staff which illustrated the correspondence of the depression position of a foot controller, and a pitch when setting C major. It is the figure of the staff which illustrated the corresponding | compatible relationship between the depression position of a foot controller, and a pitch when setting a second major. It is the figure of the staff which illustrated and demonstrated the function equivalent to the chord output part of a foot controller. It is a functional block diagram of the sewing machine of 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the sewing machine of 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the sewing machine of 4th Embodiment.

  A first embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the sewing machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The sewing machine 1 of the first embodiment is a computer sewing machine with a freehand embroidery function having a sewing operation mode for performing normal sewing and an embroidery operation mode for performing freehand embroidery. FIG. 1 illustrates a situation when performing freehand embroidery. The sewing machine 1 includes a sewing machine body 2 that performs a sewing operation and a separate foot controller 3. The sewing machine body 2 is used by being placed on a table 91, for example. For example, the foot controller 3 is placed on the floor surface 92 and operated by stepping with the user's foot. The sewing machine body 2 and the foot controller 3 are electrically connected by a harness 4. The foot controller 3 is used for the purpose of variably setting the sewing speed in the sewing operation mode, and for the purpose of variably setting the sewing width W in the embroidery operation mode.

  The sewing machine body 2 includes a bed portion 21, a pedestal column portion 22, an arm portion 23, a head portion 24, and the like. A pedestal 22 extends upward from the right end of the bed 21 in the figure. An arm portion 23 extends to the left in the figure in parallel to the bed portion 21 from the upper end of the pillar 22. A head portion 24 extends downward from the left end of the arm portion 23 in the drawing toward the bed portion 21. A needle bar 25 is erected in a vertically movable manner from the lower end of the head portion 24 toward the bed portion 21. In addition, in order to perform freehand embroidery, a needle bar swinging mechanism with a reference numeral that swings the sewing needle by a sewing width W in the lateral direction is provided.

  A main motor 27 (shown in FIG. 5) is mounted on the sewing machine body 2 in order to perform the sewing operation by driving the needle bar 25 up and down and other parts. The number of rotations of the main motor 27 is variably adjusted by control from the main body built-in microcomputer 2A (shown in FIG. 5), thereby adjusting the sewing speed. Further, the needle bar swing mechanism is provided with a needle bar drive actuator 28 (shown in FIG. 5). The needle bar drive actuator 28 operates in the embroidery operation mode, and variably adjusts the sewing width W under the control of the main body built-in microcomputer 2A. The function of the main body built-in microcomputer 2A to variably adjust the rotation speed of the main motor 27 and the function of the needle bar drive actuator 28 to variably adjust the sewing width W correspond to the adjusting unit of the present invention.

  A setting unit 231 for selecting a sewing pattern and adjusting a sewing speed and a display unit 232 for displaying the current setting of the setting unit 231 are provided on the lower front side of the arm unit 23. When the sewing operation mode is selected by the setting unit 231, the setting of the sewing width W becomes unnecessary, and the sewing speed is variably adjusted by the foot controller 3. When the embroidery operation mode is selected by the setting unit 231, the sewing speed is set to a constant value by the setting unit 231, and the sewing width W is variably adjusted by the foot controller 3.

  The embroidery presser 26, the extension table 93, and the embroidery frame 94 shown in FIG. 1 are mainly used in the embroidery operation mode. The embroidery presser 26 is provided adjacent to the needle bar 25 so as to be movable up and down, and intermittently presses the sewing cloth against the bed portion 21 in conjunction with the needle bar 25. The extension table 93 is mounted on the left side of the bed portion 21 in the figure so that the upper surfaces of the extension table 93 are continuous. The embroidery frame 94 is annular and is held in a state where a sewing cloth is stretched inside the annular. The user performs embroidery sewing while feeding the embroidery frame 94 little by little on the extension table 93, and moves the sewing cloth together with the embroidery frame 94 when it is desired to change the embroidery portion.

  The foot controller 3 includes a base 31 and a pedal 32. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the foot controller 3. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the base 31 with the pedal 32 of the foot controller 3 removed. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the foot controller 3. The foot controller 3 converts the depression amount (set amount) of the pedal 32 into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to the sewing machine body 2 side via the harness 4. The foot controller 3 has functions corresponding to a sound output unit, a scale setting unit, and a chord output unit of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base 31 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape with a shallow bottom opening upward. The box-shaped front side wall 311 of the base 31 is high, the rear side rear wall 312 is low, and the upper edges of the two side walls 313 and 314 are slightly inclined with the front side being high and the rear side being low. . A swing center shaft 315 is erected horizontally at a position close to the rear wall 312 of the two side walls 313 and 314 of the base 31. A return stopper 316 protrudes outward at a position near the front wall 311 at the upper edge of the two side walls 313 and 314. A harness fixing groove 317 is formed in the lower edge of the front wall 311. In addition, a harness fixing groove 318 is also formed in the lower edge of one side wall 313 (the side wall on the near side in FIGS. 3 and 4). The user can select a preferred one of the two harness fixing grooves 317 and 318 and pull the harness 4 into the foot controller 3 for connection.

  A battery holder 319 for storing the battery 95 is formed at the center inside the base 31 so as to open downward. Mounting holes 31A and 31B are formed at two spaced locations of the battery holder 319. Contact plates 31C and 31D that are in pressure contact with the anode and cathode of the battery 95 are assembled in the mounting holes 31A and 31B. The opening on the bottom side of the battery holder 319 is closed so as to be openable and closable using a battery cover 31E having a hook portion 31F and a fitting claw 31G. Thereby, the user can turn over the foot controller 3 and replace the battery 95 from the bottom side. An internal space between the battery holder 319 of the base 31 and the front wall 311 is an assembly space 31H.

  The pedal 32 is slightly larger than the base 31 and is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape with a shallow bottom opening downward. The box-shaped front front wall 321 of the pedal 32 is high, the rear rear wall is low, and the two side walls 323 (the side wall on the back side of the page is abbreviated) are inclined at the lower edge. An annular swing engagement portion 325 is erected horizontally inwardly at a position near the rear wall of the two side walls 323. A swing center shaft 315 of the base 31 is fitted in the center of the swing engaging portion 325. Accordingly, as indicated by an arrow M in FIG. 2, the pedal 32 can swing up and down around the swing center shaft 315 while covering the base 31.

  A stepped portion 329 that gently rises is provided at a position near the front wall 321 of the upper surface 324 of the pedal 32. The stepping unit 329 facilitates the user's stepping operation and stabilizes the stepping operation. A return locking portion 326 protrudes inwardly at a position near the front wall 321 at the lower edge of the two side walls 323 of the pedal 32. The position of the return locking portion 326 corresponds to the position of the return stopper 316 of the base 31. Accordingly, when the pedal 32 swings upward, the return locking portion 326 contacts the return stopper 316 from below. This height is an upper limit position where the pedal 32 swings, and this position is referred to as a return position of the pedal 32.

  Further, harness retracting grooves 327 and 328 are formed on the lower edge of the front wall 321 of the pedal 32 and the lower edge of the one side wall 323, respectively. The positions of the harness retracting grooves 327 and 328 correspond to the positions of the harness fixing grooves 317 and 318 of the base 31. Therefore, when the pedal 32 is strongly depressed and the lower edge contacts the floor surface 92, there is no possibility that the harness 4 is retracted into the harness retracting grooves 327 and 328 and damaged.

  Near the front wall 311 in the assembly space 31H of the base 31, the variable resistance unit 5 is assembled. The variable resistance unit 5 is fixed to the bottom surface of the base 31 by a feed fixing screw inserted through two mounting holes 51 provided in the lower part. The variable resistance unit 5 includes a vertical rack 52, a variable resistance portion 53 (shown in FIG. 5), and an output terminal pair having a reference numeral. The vertical rack 52 is disposed such that the upper end thereof is in contact with the back surface of the upper surface 324 of the pedal 32. The vertical rack 52 can be expanded and contracted in the vertical direction, and always urges the pedal 32 upward. Therefore, when the user is not stepping on the pedal 32, the pedal 32 is urged by the vertical rack 52 and positioned at the return position. When the pedal 32 is depressed and swings downward, the vertical rack 52 correspondingly decreases in length in the vertical direction.

  The resistance value R of the variable resistance portion 53 changes according to the vertical length of the vertical rack 52. Both ends of the variable resistor portion 53 are connected to the output terminal pair. A harness 4 connected to the sewing machine main body 2 side and a harness 41 connected to the electric board 6 are connected in parallel to the output terminal pair. Therefore, for example, the resistance value R can be obtained by detecting the magnitude of the current flowing by applying a known voltage to the variable resistance portion 53 from the sewing machine body 2 side or the electric substrate 6. The pedal 32 corresponds to the setting unit of the present invention, the variable resistance unit 5 corresponds to the electrical conversion unit of the present invention, and the resistance value R of the variable resistance unit 53 corresponds to the electrical signal of the present invention.

  The electric substrate 6 is assembled near the battery holder 319 in the assembly space 31H of the base 31. The electric substrate 6 is fitted and fixed to a claw portion (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the base 31. The electric board 6 is supplied with power from the battery 95 by connecting the power harnesses 61 and 62 to the contact plates 31 </ b> C and 31 </ b> D of the battery holder 319. On the electric board 6, a power switch 63 (shown in FIG. 5), a connector 64, a scale changeover switch 65 (shown in FIG. 5), a time adjusting unit 66 (shown in FIG. 5), a sound source 67 (shown in FIG. 5), a speaker 68, A controller built-in microcomputer 69 is mounted. Among these, the power switch 63, the scale changeover switch 65, and the time adjustment unit 66 are partially exposed downward from the holes provided on the bottom surface of the base 31. Therefore, the user can turn over the foot controller 3 to operate and adjust these three members 63, 65, 66 from the bottom surface side.

  The power switch 63 is a switch for turning on and off the power supply from the battery 95. The harness 41 from the output terminal pair of the variable resistance unit 5 is connected to the connector 64. Thereby, the information on the resistance value R of the variable resistance unit 53 is taken into the microcomputer 69 with a built-in controller. The scale changeover switch 65 is a switch for selectively setting a favorite scale by the user. The controller built-in microcomputer 69 grasps the information of the set scale.

  The time adjustment unit 66 is a part where the user adjusts the first predetermined time T1 and the second predetermined time T2 for determining the length of the duration T in which step positions P0 to P25 described later are constant. The controller built-in microcomputer 69 grasps information on the adjusted first predetermined time T1 and second predetermined time T2. The speaker 68 outputs a single root tone, a two chord that combines the root tone and the third tone, and a triad that combines the root tone, the third tone, and the fifth tone according to the signal of the sound source 67. The controller built-in microcomputer 69 controls the sound source 67 so as to output a sound of any height included in the scale set by the scale change switch 65 in accordance with the resistance value R of the variable resistance unit 53. Further, the microcomputer 69 with built-in controller, based on the adjusted first predetermined time T1 and second predetermined time T2, as the duration T during which the depression positions P0 to P25 are constant becomes longer, the chord from only the root tone. The sound source 67 is controlled so as to shift from the two chords to the three chords.

  The function in which the speaker 68 outputs sound when the controller built-in microcomputer 69 controls the sound source 67 corresponding to the resistance value R corresponds to the sound output unit of the foot controller 3. The function of the controller built-in microcomputer 69 to control the sound source 67 to a specific scale based on the setting of the scale changeover switch 65 corresponds to the scale setting unit of the foot controller 3. Further, the function in which the controller built-in microcomputer 69 sets a chord in the sound source 67 based on the adjustment of the time adjustment unit 66 and the speaker 68 outputs the chord corresponds to the chord output unit of the foot controller 3.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the sewing machine 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the sewing machine main body 2 is equipped with a main body built-in microcomputer 2A. The harness 4 drawn out from the foot controller 3 is connected to the main body built-in microcomputer 2 </ b> A via an input / output interface 2 </ b> B provided in the sewing machine main body 2. Thereby, the information of the resistance value R of the variable resistance unit 53 is taken into the main body built-in microcomputer 2A. Furthermore, the main body built-in microcomputer 2A controls the main motor 27 and the needle bar drive actuator 28 via the input / output interface 2B.

  On the other hand, in the foot controller 3, the information on the resistance value R of the variable resistor 53 is taken into the controller built-in microcomputer 69 via the input / output interface 6A. Further, setting operation information of the power switch 63 and the scale changeover switch 65 and adjustment operation information of the time adjustment unit 66 are also taken into the controller built-in microcomputer 69 via the input / output interface 6A. The controller built-in microcomputer 69 controls the sound source 67 and the speaker 68 through the input / output interface 6A.

  Next, the function of the sewing machine 1 of the first embodiment will be specifically described. FIG. 6 is a side view of the foot controller 3 for explaining the relationship between the depression amount (set amount) of the foot controller 3 and the depression positions P0 to P25 discretely converted by the microcomputer 69 with built-in controller. As shown in the drawing, the pedal 32 of the foot controller 3 is inclined upward by about 20 ° with respect to the base 31 at the return position (depression position P0). At this time, the resistance value R of the variable resistance portion 53 is a large value of 10 kΩ or more.

Further, the pedal 32 is substantially horizontal with respect to the base 31 at the maximum setting position (depression position P25) where the user depresses the pedal 32 to the maximum extent. At this time, the resistance value R of the variable resistance portion 53 is a small value less than 0.4 kΩ. The depression amount (set amount) of the pedal 32 continuously changes within the depression stroke angle As (= 20 °), and the resistance value R of the variable resistance portion 53 also changes continuously. The controller built-in microcomputer 69 and the main body built-in microcomputer 2A discretely convert this continuous change. That is, the acquired resistance value R is divided into 26 steps in units of 0.4 kΩ, and the depression positions P0 to P25 of the pedal 32 are defined. The 26-step depression positions P0 to P25 correspond to 26-positions obtained by dividing the depression stroke angle As (= 20 °) into 25 equal parts by the discrete unit angle Ad (= 0.8 °) and adding both ends.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a list of relationships between the stepping positions P0 to P25 (position) of the foot controller 3 and the resistance value R of the variable resistance portion 53, the sewing width W, and the pitch of sound Sh. As shown in FIG. 7, the depression position P0 corresponds to the case where the resistance value R of the variable resistance portion 53 is 10 kΩ or more. At the depression position P0, the sewing width W to be set is 0, and there is no setting of the pitch of sound Sh. That is, no sound is produced from the speaker 68 unless the pedal 32 is depressed at all. The depression position P1 corresponds to the case where the resistance value R of the variable resistance portion 53 is 9.6 kΩ or more and less than 10 kΩ. At the depression position P1, the set sewing width W is 0.2 mm, and the set sound pitch Sh is “C” (corresponding to C major).

Similarly, the sewing width W is increased by 0.2 mm corresponding to the increase of the step positions P0 to P25 by 1, and the sewing width W set at the depression position P25 is 5.0 mm. In the embroidery operation mode, the main body built-in microcomputer 2A adjusts the sewing width W by controlling the needle bar drive actuator 28 based on FIG. For example, if the resistance value R of the variable resistance portion 53 is 8.2 kΩ, the main body built-in microcomputer 2A grasps the depression position P5 and adjusts the sewing width W to 1.0 mm.

Further, the pitch Sh of the sound is increased by a semitone corresponding to the increase of the step positions P1 to P25 by one. For example, if the resistance value R of the variable resistance portion 53 is 8.2 kΩ, the controller built-in microcomputer 69 recognizes the stepping position P5 and sets the pitch Sh to “E”. The sound pitch Sh at the depression position P13 is “C” which is one octave higher than the depression position P1, and the sound pitch Sh at the depression position P25 is “C” which is two octaves higher than the depression position P1.

  The sound output unit of the foot controller 3 outputs a sound based on FIG. 7 in the initial setting state where the scale selection switch 65 does not perform the scale selection setting. FIG. 8 is a diagram of a staff notation showing the correspondence between the depression positions P0 to P25 shown in FIG. 7 and the pitches Sh. In FIG. 8, the quarter note represents the pitch of the sound Sh, and there is no special meaning in the tone value (the time length of the sound). As shown in the figure, the sound output section of the foot controller 3 has a range of 2 octaves in semitone steps. In the initial setting state, the controller built-in microcomputer 69 performs control so that 26 types of pitch sounds shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 can be output.

  By the way, in the initial setting state, the pitch of the sound Sh slightly changes by a semitone and frequently changes. In addition, as is well known, in the western scale, the whole pitch and the semitone are mixed in the change in the pitch Sh, and the user is not accustomed to the state of the silent scale in which the pitch Sh changes in increments of a semitone. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the scale selection switch 65 can selectively set the user's favorite scale. For example, FIG. 9 is a diagram of a staff notation illustrating the correspondence between the depression positions P0 to P25 of the foot controller 3 and the pitch of the sound Sh when C major (C major scale) is set. FIG. 10 is a diagram of a staff notation illustrating the correspondence between the depression positions P0 to P25 of the foot controller 3 and the pitch Sh when the second major (D-major scale) is set. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the quarter note represents the pitch of the sound Sh, and the tone value (the time length of the sound) has no meaning.

  When the scale is set as exemplified in FIGS. 9 and 10, the sound output unit of the foot controller 3 does not output a sound having a height not included in the scale. Therefore, the case where the sound of the same height is made common in two adjacent stepping positions increases. For example, in FIG. 9, the pitch “C” is common at the depression positions P1 and P2, the pitch “D” is common at the depression positions P3 and P4, and the depression position P5 is the sound level of the sole. The height is “E” (hereinafter abbreviated). As a result, in the C major of FIG. 9, the pitch Sh of the output sound is reduced to 16 steps with the law. Further, in the D major of FIG. 10, the high Sh level of the output sound is reduced to 15 steps having the law.

  Note that the scale setting by the scale changeover switch 65 is not limited to the above two examples, and all scales in the fifth degree of the western scale can be set. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the scale changeover switch 65 may be used to set an old Japanese scale or a scale unique to another ethnic group. Moreover, since the foot controller 3 does not have a display function, the user cannot visually check the setting state of the scale. For this reason, it is preferable that the microcomputer 69 with built-in controller controls the sound source 67 so as to continuously output all the sounds of the scale at a time when a specific scale is set. Thereby, the user can confirm the setting of the scale by listening to the output sound.

  Next, functions corresponding to the chord output unit of the foot controller 3 will be described. When the user maintains the same depression position of the pedal 32, the chord output unit of the foot controller 3 outputs a chord after the duration T reaches a predetermined time. For example, the user selects and sets C major in advance with the scale changeover switch 65, adjusts the first predetermined time T1 = 1 second and the second predetermined time T2 = 2 seconds with the time adjustment unit 66, and sets the pedal 32 to the return position (depression) Assume that the vehicle is gradually depressed from position P0) and the intermediate depression position is maintained. In this case, the sound output unit of the foot controller 3 outputs a sound as illustrated in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram of a staff notation illustrating the function corresponding to the chord output unit of the foot controller 3. In FIG. 11, the note value of the quarter note (sound duration) corresponds to 0.5 seconds, the note value of the half note corresponds to 1 second, and the note value of all notes corresponds to 2 seconds. ing.

  Before time t1 in FIG. 11, the user has not depressed the pedal 32 at all, and the pedal 32 is located at the return position (depressed position P0). Therefore, the sound output unit of the foot controller 3 does not output sound. Further, the needle bar drive actuator 28 of the sewing machine body 2 adjusts the sewing width W to 0 mm. When the user gradually depresses the pedal 32 in 2 seconds from the time t1 to the time t2, the pedal 32 swings from the return position (depression position P0) to the depressing position P7. At this time, the duration T of the same stepping position does not reach the first predetermined time T1, and therefore the chord output unit of the foot controller 3 does not operate, and the sound output unit operates and the heights “C” to “C”. Sounds up to “F” are output in order (corresponding to the four quarter notes in FIG. 11).

  Next, at time t2, the user steps on the pedal 32 to the depressed position P8, and thereafter maintains the same depressed position P8. Then, immediately after time t2, the sound output unit operates to output a sound having a height “G” (corresponding to a half note in FIG. 11). Then, at time t3 when one second has elapsed from time t2, the controller built-in microcomputer 69 grasps that the duration T of the same stepping position P8 has reached the first predetermined time T1, and the chord output unit of the foot controller 3 starts. To do. In the example of FIG. 11, the chord output unit outputs a two-chord combined with a third sound “B” that is three times higher than the root note “G”, which is the pitch immediately before time t3.

  Further, at time t4 when two seconds have elapsed from time t2, the microcomputer 69 with a built-in controller grasps that the duration T of the same stepping position P8 has reached the second predetermined time T2, and the chord output unit outputs the output from the two chords. Move to the triad. In the example of FIG. 11, the chord output unit combines a root tone “G”, a third tone “B” that is 3 degrees higher than the root tone, and a fifth tone “D” that is 5 degrees higher than the root tone. Output triads. The chord output unit continuously outputs this triad until the depression position P8 is changed. In the example of FIG. 11, the triad is output until the pedal 32 returns to the return position (depressed position P0) at time t5. Note that the heights of the two chords and the three chords change according to the position of the depressed position that is maintained.

  The configuration of the chord is not limited to a dichord or a trichord that combines the root tone, the third tone, and the fifth tone. For example, a four chord combining four types of pitches can be used. Further, since the foot controller 3 does not have a display function, the user cannot visually confirm the adjusted first predetermined time T1 and second predetermined time T2. Therefore, in order to confirm the first predetermined time T1 and the second predetermined time T2, the user turns off the power of the sewing machine body 2 and stops the operation, maintains the pedal 32 at a certain depression position, and outputs sound. What is necessary is just to listen to the timing of transition to a chord.

  When the user steps on the pedal 32 quickly and greatly, a plurality of depression positions are switched in a very short time. Correspondingly, even if a plurality of high-pitched sounds are instantaneously switched, the user may be confused or the comfort may be impaired. In order to eliminate this fear, it is preferable to add a noise canceling function to the sound output unit of the foot controller 3. The noise canceling function can be realized by the function of the controller built-in microcomputer 69 that omits the output of a sound having a corresponding pitch when the duration T of a specific depression position is less than a predetermined determination time, for example.

  In the sewing machine according to the first embodiment, when the sewing operation mode is selected, the foot controller 3 sets the sewing speed to be variable. At this time, the functions of the sound output unit, the scale setting unit, and the chord output unit of the foot controller 3 are the same as those in the embroidery operation mode except that the setting target is changed from the sewing width W to the sewing speed. The detailed explanation is omitted.

  In the first embodiment, since the foot controller 3 is driven by the battery 95, the sound output unit and the chord output unit operate even when the power source of the sewing machine body 2 is stopped. Therefore, the user can practice the depression operation (setting operation) of the pedal 32 of the foot controller 3 by listening to the sound with the sewing machine body 2 in the stopped state. Further, the user can leave the sewing machine body 2 in the stopped state and use the foot controller 3 as a musical instrument. The user can perform various music with rich sounds of chords by performing appropriate settings with the scale changeover switch 65 and the time adjustment unit 66 and changing the depression position and depression time of the pedal 32.

  According to the sewing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the user can easily grasp the sewing width W and the set amount of the sewing speed that can be changed from moment to moment by listening to the pitch of the sound. Can be suppressed. Further, since the line-of-sight movement between the display unit and the sewing needle described in Patent Document 1 is not necessary, the user's operation is facilitated.

  Further, the user can set a favorite scale with the scale changeover switch 65, and the time adjustment unit 66 can adjust the first predetermined time T1 and the second predetermined time T2 at which chords are generated. Therefore, the user can grasp the set amount of the sewing width W and the sewing speed with reference to a familiar musical scale, and the sewing width W and the sewing speed can be easily adjusted. In addition, the user can easily adjust the setting amount of the setting section using the comfortable generation of chords and triads as a guideline when the sewing width W and the sewing speed are to be constant or to change gently. Continue sewing work. Further, since the sewing speed is variably set in the sewing operation mode and the sewing width W is variably set in the embroidery operation mode, the sound output function can be effectively used according to the operation mode.

  Furthermore, the sewing machine body 2 can be put into a stopped state to practice the stepping operation (setting operation) of the pedal 32 of the foot controller 3. In addition, the sewing machine main body is stopped, and various musical pieces can be played using the foot controller 3 as a musical instrument. Further, since the stepping operation (setting operation) of the foot controller 3 is rich in change, there is a pleasure that a melody is accidentally born.

  Next, regarding the sewing machine 1a according to the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the sewing machine 1a according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the foot controller 3 used in the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and is different from the first embodiment in that it is a mechanical sewing machine body 7. The mechanical sewing machine main body 7 used in the second embodiment does not have the main body built-in microcomputer 2A, the needle bar swinging mechanism, and the needle bar drive actuator 28, and performs only a normal sewing operation without performing an embroidery operation.

  The foot controller 3 is used for the purpose of variably setting the sewing speed. A harness 42 from the variable resistance portion 53 of the foot controller 3 is connected to the power supply circuit of the main motor 27 of the mechanical sewing machine body 7. The power supply circuit is configured so that the number of revolutions of the main motor 27 can be adjusted in accordance with a change in the resistance value R of the variable resistance unit 53. The function in which the foot controller 3 outputs a sound and a chord according to the depression amount (set amount) of the pedal 32 is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The present invention does not require the installation of the main body built-in microcomputer 2A for controlling the sewing operation. That is, as shown in the second embodiment, the mechanical type mechanical sewing machine main body 7 can be combined with the foot controller 3 having the sound output unit. Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented by retrofitting a foot controller 3 having a sound output unit to a sewing machine body that does not have a sound output function even if control by a microcomputer is employed. Thus, the present invention has a wide range of applications.

  Next, regarding the sewing machine 1b of the third embodiment, differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of the sewing machine 1b according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the computer sewing machine body 8 has functions corresponding to the sound output unit, scale setting unit, and chord output unit of the present invention. As in the first embodiment, the computer sewing machine body 8 includes a main motor 27, a needle bar drive actuator 28, a microcomputer 2A with a built-in body, and an input / output interface 2B. Further, the computer sewing machine body 8 includes a scale switch 65, a time adjustment unit 66, a sound source 67, and a speaker 68 provided in the foot controller 3 in the first embodiment.

  On the other hand, the foot controller 3b of the third embodiment has the variable resistance unit 5 and does not have the electric board 6. Further, the battery 95 is not necessary for the foot controller 3b. The harness 43 from the variable resistance portion 53 of the foot controller 3b is connected to the main body built-in microcomputer 2A via the input / output interface 2B provided in the computer sewing machine main body 8. The foot controller 3b is used for the purpose of variably setting the sewing speed in the sewing operation mode, and for the purpose of variably setting the sewing width W in the embroidery operation mode.

  In the third embodiment, the computer sewing machine body 8 outputs sounds and chords that inform the user of the sewing speed and the set amount of the sewing width W. In the third embodiment, the scale selected by the scale switch 65 and the first predetermined time T1 and the second predetermined time T2 adjusted by the time adjustment unit 66 are displayed on the display unit of the computer sewing machine body 8. Communicated to the user.

  Next, regarding the sewing machine 1c according to the fourth embodiment, differences from the first to third embodiments will be mainly described. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a sewing machine 1c according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, a hand controller 37 is used instead of the foot controllers 3 and 3b. The hand controller 37 is detachably mounted on the embroidery frame 94 of the sewing machine body 2 via a mounting base 38. A sewing width adjustment switch 39 that is used by being pushed in is provided near the front of the upper surface of the hand controller 37. The pressing amount of the sewing width adjustment switch 39 is converted into a variable resistance value R (electric signal) by the variable resistance unit 5 similar to that of the first embodiment. The magnitude of the resistance value R is transmitted to the sewing machine body 2 using the harness 44.

  In the fourth embodiment, the functions of the sound output unit, scale setting unit, and chord output unit of the present invention can be provided in either the hand controller 37 or the sewing machine body 2. That is, either the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 13 can be adopted. In the fourth embodiment, the same operations and effects as those in the first embodiment or the third embodiment occur.

Note that the scale used in each embodiment, the type of chords, the range (pitch range), and the like can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, you may make it use the electrical conversion part of a system different from the variable resistance unit 5. FIG. Further, by mounting a transmitter on the foot controllers 3 and 3b and the hand controller 37 and mounting a receiver on the sewing machine main body 2, it is possible to easily imagine a wireless structure without using a harness. In addition, the present invention can be variously applied and modified.

1, 1a, 1b, 1c: Sewing machine 2: Sewing machine body 25: Needle bar 27: Main motor 28: Needle bar drive actuator 2A: Main body built-in microcomputer 3, 3b: Foot controller 31: Base 32: Pedal 37: Hand controller 39: Sewing width adjustment switch 4, 41, 42, 43, 44: Harness 5: Variable resistance unit 52: Vertical rack 53: Variable resistance section 6: Electric board 63: Power switch 64: Connector 65: Scale changeover switch 66: Time adjustment section 67: Sound source 68: Speaker 69: Controller built-in microcomputer 7: Mechanical sewing machine body 8: Computer sewing machine body

Claims (5)

A sewing machine main body having an adjustment portion that variably adjusts at least one of a sewing width and a sewing speed and performing a sewing operation;
A setting unit that is operated by a hand or a foot to variably set at least one of the sewing width and the sewing speed, and an electrical conversion unit that converts a set amount of the setting unit into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to the adjustment unit. A sewing machine comprising the sewing machine main body and a separate controller;
The sewing machine body or the controller has a sound output unit that outputs sounds having different heights corresponding to the electrical signals , and a scale setting unit that sets a specific scale.
The sound output unit discretely converts a change in the electrical signal into a sound of any height included in the specific scale and outputs the sound, and a duration time during which the electrical signal is constant A sewing machine including a chord output unit that outputs a chord combining a plurality of pitches after reaching a predetermined time . The chord output unit outputs a two chord that is a combination of two pitches after the duration reaches a first predetermined time, and a second predetermined time that is longer than the first predetermined time. The sewing machine according to claim 1 , wherein a triad that combines three pitch sounds is output after reaching the point. The chord output unit outputs a root chord as the two chords and a second chord that is a combination of the third sound three times higher than the root tones, and the root chord and the root sounds three times higher than the three chords. The sewing machine according to claim 2 , which outputs a triad that combines a third sound and a fifth sound that is five degrees above the root sound. The controller includes the sound output unit, and by putting the sewing machine main body in a stopped state, the controller can practice operating the setting unit, and / or the controller can be used as a musical instrument . 4. The sewing machine according to any one of 3 . The sewing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the setting unit variably sets the sewing speed in a sewing operation mode for performing sewing and variably sets the sewing width in an embroidery operation mode for performing embroidery. .

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