Sewing machine and template therefor

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2006-79480 filed on Mar. 22, 2006 and 2006-83241 filed on March 24, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a sewing machine provided with a display device which is capable of displaying a pattern comprised of various stitch patterns or embroidery patterns and changing displayed contents, and a template for the sewing machine.

2. Description of the Related Art

An electronically controlled sewing machine has conventionally been provided with a liquid crystal display (LCD) which is mounted on a surface thereof and is capable of changing displayed contents. The LCD is arranged to display various names of functions executed in a sewing work, various pieces of sewing-related information. For example, JP-A-2002-18164 discloses a sewing apparatus comprising a sewing machine body having a sewing arm and an LCD panel comprising two glass substrates and fixed to the arm. The LCD panel includes a horizontally long rectangular liquid crystal display area and a front on which a touch panel is disposed. However, since the LCD panel is composed of the two glass substrates in the sewing apparatus disclosed in JP-A-2002-18164, the LCD panel is planate and has a limitation that a thickness thereof cannot be reduced to a large extent. Accordingly, a large LCD panel can be mounted only on such a limited part that is wide to a certain degree and substantially planar. Furthermore, when the sewing machine body is powered off, the contents which have been displayed on the LCD panel before power-off are not displayed. Accordingly, information an operator wishes to view after power-off of the sewing machine body cannot be displayed.

Furthermore, a template comprising a plastic or other sheet on which patterns, scale and the like are printed is used when the operator confirms a sewing location of a stitch pattern or embroidery pattern on workpiece cloth before start of a sewing work or an image of stitch pattern or completed embroidery pattern. The template is placed on the workpiece cloth so that a sewing location of a stitch pattern or embroidery pattern on workpiece cloth and a completion image are confirmed. When a cloth piece with a desired shape is produced before execution of patchwork quilt using a sewing machine, cloth is cut into a desired shape using a template comprising a sheet on which various basic lines are printed.

For example, JP-Y-S61-13589 (pages 1 and 2, FIGS. 1 and 3) discloses an embroidery pattern outline sheet comprising a sheet of translucent thick tracing paper on which are previously printed a full-scale embroidery pattern of embroidery (a color photo of real embroidery) the operator wishes to sew, a white circle indicative of a sewing start point of the embroidery pattern and a reference line indicative of a direction of the pattern. Before start of the embroidery sewing, a sheet of chacopaper (transfer paper) is placed on the cloth, and the aforesaid sheet is placed on the chacopaper. The reference line of the embroidery pattern, sewing start point and outline of embroidery pattern printed on the sheet are traced so as to be drawn on the cloth. The cloth is attached to a frame so that the pattern drawn on the cloth is centered with respect to the frame. Then, embroidery sewing starts.

JP-Y-H04-7198 (page 2, FIG. 1) discloses an embroidery cloth setting ruler device including an inner embroidery frame and an outer embroidery frame and a cloth setting ruler made of a transparent thin plate. The cloth setting ruler is attached to an upper part of the inner frame, and the cloth on which an embroidery pattern is to be formed is abutted against a lower part of the inner frame. A part of the cloth on which part the embroidery is to be sewn is correctly disposed on a gauge of a gauge section provided on the bottom of the cloth setting ruler. The cloth on which the embroidery pattern is to be formed and inner frame are retained inside the outer frame thereby to be secured to the outer frame. The cloth on which the embroidery pattern is to be formed is attached via the cloth setting ruler between the inner and outer frames thereby to be set in an embroidery range of an opening defined in an opening of the inner frame.

JP-Y-S61-13589 discloses an embroidery pattern outline sheet, wherein a plurality of embroidery pattern outline sheets need to be prepared for a plurality of patterns respectively when sewing locations of the plurality of patterns and images of completed patterns are confirmed. Accordingly, the embroidery pattern outline sheet disclosed in this publication lacks in the convenience. Furthermore, when a sewing machine body is provided with a storage device on which embroidery pattern data is previously stored, the embroidery pattern is edited and embroidery sewing is then carried out. In this case, an embroidery pattern outline sheet on which an original embroidery pattern is displayed cannot be used for the edited embroidery pattern. As a result, an image of completed embroidery pattern after edit cannot visually be confirmed. Accordingly, there is a possibility that an embroidery pattern sewn on the workpiece cloth may differ from one intended by the operator. Furthermore, there is a possibility that an edited embroidery pattern may not be sewn within a sewable range of an embroidery frame or at a desired location.

On the other hand, when patchwork quilt is carried out, a template on which a plurality of sewing reference lines are displayed is used in order that a cloth piece having a desired shape may be produced. Since a number of different types of reference lines are displayed on the template, the operator sometimes has a great difficulty in using the template. Furthermore, such a template is suitable for only a case where a predetermined shape of cloth piece is produced.

In the above-described embroidery cloth setting ruler device disclosed in JP-Y-H04-7198, a plurality of cloth setting rulers need to be prepared for every one type of embroidery frame, thereby lacking in convenience.

SUMMARY

Therefore, an object of the disclosure is to provide a sewing machine which is provided with electronic paper on the surface of a sewing machine body so as to be capable of displaying useful information and can retain the contents displayed before power-off even after the control device has been powered off.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a template for a sewing machine, which has such a high convenience that sewing locations and completed images of a plurality of stitch patterns or embroidery patterns can visually be confirmed or a sewing machine which can cause a display device for the template thereof to display various stitch patterns or embroidery patterns, sewing reference lines or the like.

The present disclosure provides a sewing machine comprising a sewing machine body having a surface, a display device including electronic paper capable of changing contents to be displayed, and a control device controlling the display device. In the sewing machine, the display device is disposed on the surface of the sewing machine body and arranged to display contents displayed prior to power-off when power has been cut off from the control device.

According to the above-described arrangement, the display device which is capable of changing the contents to be displayed is composed of the electronic paper having a thin sheet-like flexibility. Accordingly, the electronic paper can easily be disposed on a part of the sewing machine body formed into a curved face as well as a substantially flat part of the sewing machine body surface. Furthermore, the electronic paper is disposed on the part of the sewing machine body surface, which part necessitates information. Consequently, useful information can be displayed so as to be changeable sequentially.

The display device comprising the above-described electronic paper displays contents displayed prior to power-off when power has been cut off from the control device. Accordingly, the displayed contents can be retained irrespective of power-on and power-off of the control device. Consequently, since the operator can continue the work while viewing the information retained on the electronic paper even after power-off, useful information can be displayed using the surface of the sewing machine body.

Furthermore, the disclosure also provides a template for a sewing machine, comprising a display device capable of displaying a pattern comprised of various stitch patterns and embroidery patterns, the display device being capable of changing contents to be displayed.

According to the above-described arrangement, the template includes a display device capable of displaying a pattern comprised of various stitch patterns and embroidery patterns. Furthermore, the template serving as the display device is arranged to be capable of changing contents to be displayed. Thus, a single template can display a plurality of patterns or one or more of a plurality of desirable patterns. Accordingly, since the operator does not need to prepare a template for each of stitch patterns or embroidery patterns, convenience of the template can be improved. Furthermore, when the pattern displayed on the display is fitted with workpiece cloth, an actual size, color of the pattern, sewing position, an image of completed pattern and the like can visually be confirmed before sewing, whereupon the working efficiency can be improved.

The disclosure further provides a sewing machine comprising a display device capable of displaying a pattern comprised of various stitch patterns and embroidery patterns, a control device electrically connected to the display device to control the display device, a storage device which stores pattern data of stitch patterns and embroidery patterns and an input device which is capable of supplying the pattern data of the stitch patterns and embroidery patterns to the sewing machine from outside the sewing machine. In the sewing machine, the display device is capable of changing contents to be displayed, and the control device controls the display device so that the display device displays a pattern based on the pattern data stored on the storage device or the pattern data supplied from the input device.

According to the above-described arrangement, the control device controls the display device so that the display device displays the pattern based on the pattern data stored on the storage device or the pattern data supplied thereto from the input device. Accordingly, various patterns can be displayed on the display device of the template of the sewing machine. Furthermore, since the display device is connected to the sewing machine body only in the time of renewal of the pattern, the convenience of the template can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become clear upon reviewing the following description of the illustrative examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sewing machine in accordance with one illustrative example of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control system of the sewing machine;

FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged plan view of electronic paper with a first sewing reference line being displayed;

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged plan view of the electronic paper with a second sewing reference line being displayed;

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged plan view of the electronic paper with a warning mark, explanation and illustration of operating procedure being displayed;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control manner of display control for the electronic paper;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the sewing machine in a second illustrative example;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the sewing machine provided with the electronic paper of a modified form of the second example;

FIG. 9 is also a perspective view of the sewing machine provided with the electronic paper of a modified form of the second example;

FIG. 10 is further a perspective view of the sewing machine provided with the electronic paper of a modified form of the second example;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a sewing machine of a third example with an electronic paper being connected via a connector to the sewing machine, the electronic paper serving as a template for the sewing machine;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the control system of the sewing machine in the third example;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the electronic paper on which a stitch pattern in a full scale is displayed;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing display control for the template; and

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the electronic paper of a modified form of the third example, the electronic paper displaying a sewing reference line and information explaining the sewing procedure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

A first illustrative example of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. Referring to FIG. 1, a household electronic sewing machine M is shown. The sewing machine M includes a sewing bed 1, a sewing pillar 2 standing on a right end of the bed 1 and a sewing arm 3 which extends leftward from an upper end of the pillar 2 so as to be opposed to the bed 1. The bed 1 includes a needle plate 1a and electronic paper 4 provided on an upper surface of substantially a left half thereof. The electronic paper 4 serves to display information by characters, figures and the like and is capable of changing displayed contents. Below the needle plate 1a are provided a feed dog vertically moving mechanism moving a feed dog upward and downward and a feed dog horizontally moving mechanism moving the feed dog in a front-rear direction, neither mechanism being shown. A full rotary hook, a thread cutting mechanism and the like are also provided below the needle plate 1a although none of these are shown. The full rotary hook accommodates a bobbin 5 (see FIG. 5) on which a bobbin thread is wound and cooperates with a sewing needle 9.

In the arm 3 are provided a sewing machine main shaft (not shown; and hereinafter, “main shaft”), a needlebar driving mechanism, a needlebar swinging mechanism, a needle thread take-up driving mechanism, a lifting mechanism and the like although none of these are shown. A hand drive pulley 8 is also provided in the arm 3. The main shaft is rotated by a sewing machine motor 7 (see FIG. 2). The hand drive pulley 8 is operated to rotate the main shaft manually. The needlebar driving mechanism vertically moves a needlebar 38 (see FIG. 7) having a lower end to which the sewing needle 9 is attached.

The needlebar swinging mechanism swings the needlebar 38 in the direction perpendicular to a cloth feed direction. The needle thread take-up driving mechanism moves up and down a needle thread take-up (not shown) in synchronization with the vertical movement of the needlebar 38. A presser bar 10 is mounted on a sewing machine frame (not shown) so as to be moved up and down. The lifting mechanism moves up and down the presser bar 10 between upper and lower positions by a stepping motor (not shown) provided on the sewing machine frame. A presser foot 10a is mounted on a lower end of the presser bar 10. A start/stop switch 11 for instructing start and stop of a sewing operation and the like are provided on the front side of the arm 3. A large-sized color liquid-crystal display (LCD) 12 is provided on the front of the pillar 2. A menu screen is displayed on the liquid-crystal display 12. The liquid-crystal display 12 has a touch panel 13 mounted on the front thereof and including a plurality of touch keys.

The control system of the sewing machine M will now be described with reference to FIG. 2. A computer includes a central processing unit (CPU) 17, a read only memory (ROM) 18, a random access memory (RAM) 19 and a rewritable nonvolatile flash memory 20 as shown in FIG. 2. A control device 15 includes an input interface 16, an output interface 21, a bus 22 connecting the input and output interfaces 15 and 16, drive circuits 23 to 25 and the like as well as the computer. To the input interface 16 are connected the start/stop switch 11, the touch panel 13 with a plurality of touch keys, a rotational position sensor 26, a remaining bobbin thread amount sensor 27 and the like. The rotational position sensor 26 detects a rotational position of the main shaft. The remaining bobbin thread amount sensor 27 detects a remaining amount of bobbin thread wound on the bobbin 5.

To the output interface 21 are connected drive circuits 23, 24 and 25, a liquid-crystal display control (LCDC) 29 and the like. The sewing machine motor is connected to the drive circuit 23. A needlebar swinging stepping motor 30 is connected to the drive circuit 24. The liquid-crystal display 12 is connected to the LCDC 29. The electronic paper 4 is connected to the drive circuit 25.

The ROM 18 stores pattern data including a plurality of normal patterns (utility patterns) used in the normal sewing and display data, a control program provided for display control of the electronic paper which will be described later, and the like. The ROM 18 further stores warning display data, operation procedure display data, various display data to be displayed on the electronic paper 4. The warning display data is used to display a warning message or the like on the display 12 when the bobbin thread of the bobbin 5 has been consumed during use of the sewing machine. The operation procedure display data is used to display information about operation procedure concerning a manner of replacing the bobbin 5. The aforesaid various display data include warning mark display data, explanation display data, operation procedure display data for replacement of the bobbin 5, display data for displaying a plurality of types of sewing reference lines and the like.

The warning mark display data is used to display a warning mark 33 which informs a location of abnormal condition upon occurrence of the condition. The explanation display data is used to display explanation 35 which explains a manner of coping with the contents 34 of the warning. The operation procedure display data for replacement of the bobbin 5 is used to display an operation procedure (see FIG. 5) for explaining with the use of characters and figures an operation procedure for taking the bobbin 5 out of the full rotary hook and replacing a new bobbin 5. The sewing reference line display data are used to display sewing reference lines on the upper surface of the bed 1. The RAM 19 is suitably provided with various work memories and the like.

The electronic paper 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. The electronic paper 4 is of a microcapsule type electrocataphoresis system and has a structure that a display layer and a driver layer (electrode layer) are sandwiched between two plastic sheets. The display layer comprises a plurality of microcapsules arranged lengthwise and crosswise at the density of 400 dpi, for example into a matrix shape. The driver layer is disposed on the backside of the display layer and controls the microcapsules. Furthermore, the electronic paper 4 is of an active matrix display type and is controlled substantially in the same manner as the LCD so as to be capable of displaying patterns, figures, characters and the like.

The structure of the electronic paper 4 will be described in brief since electronic paper is well known. A blue insulating liquid and white positively charged microparticle (titanium oxide microparticle) are encapsulated in a transparent microcapsule. The driver layer controlled by the active matrix has a microscopic conductive scanning line, a number of microscopic conductive data lines, a number of active elements and a number of minute electrodes corresponding to the microcapsules. The scanning line extends in the direction of a number of rows of microcapsules (X-direction). The data lines extend in the direction of a number of lines of the microcapsules (Y-direction). The active elements comprise switching transistors disposed on cross-points of the scanning line and the data lines.

When a pattern or the like is to be displayed on the electronic paper 4, a control device 15 (see FIG. 2) provided on the sewing machine body controls the electronic paper 4 by supplying drive control signals to the scanning lines and data lines. More specifically, the control device 15 supplies “H” level signals to the scanning lines while changing a scanning characteristic at intervals of minute time. The control device 15 further supplies “H” or “L” level signals to the data lines at intervals of minute time in synchronization with the scanning lines while switching pulse signals. As a result, when the active element at each cross-point is selectively turned on, the minute electrode corresponding to each cross-point (each microcapsule) is instantaneously turned to the “H” level. The positively charged side of the microcapsule is reversed to the surface side, whereupon the microcapsule is displayed as white dot. Furthermore, the minute electrode in each cross-point where the active element is turned off remains at the “L” level. The active element attracts the positively charged side, whereupon the active element is displayed as blue dot. Consequently, the electronic paper 4 is capable of displaying patterns, figures, characters and the like at the resolution of 400 dpi, for example. Even when power has been cut off, the electronic paper 4 retains the displayed contents before power-off.

The following will describe a display control manner executed by the control device 15 so that sewing reference lines and the like are displayed on the electronic paper 4, with reference to FIG. 6. Symbol Si (where i=1, 2, 3 . . . ) in FIG. 6 designates each step. Upon power supply to the control device 15 of the sewing machine M, the display control starts. After necessary initialization has been carried out, a menu screen is displayed on the liquid-crystal display 12 at S1. The menu screen is switched to a sewing reference line selecting screen at S2. Either first sewing reference lines 14a and 14b or second sewing reference lines 14d and 14e (see display example in FIG. 4) are selected by a touch key on the screen thereby to be set. When the first or second sewing reference lines are selected and set, flag data indicative of the selected and set sewing reference lines is stored on a memory of the RAM 19. When neither sewing reference lines are selected, flag data indicating that no selection has been made is stored on the memory of the RAM 19.

The control device 15 reads various detection signals at S3. The control device 15 then advances to S4 to determine whether the bobbin 5 needs to be replaced, based on the detection signal detected by the remaining bobbin thread amount sensor 27. When the bobbin 5 need not be replaced (S4: No), the control device 15 advances to S5 to determine whether the first sewing reference lines have been selected. When the determination is affirmative (Yes) at S5, the control device 15 reads the first sewing reference line display data from the ROM 18, storing the data on the memory of the RAM 19. The control device 15 drives the electronic paper 4 via the drive circuit 25. As shown in FIG. 3, the first sewing reference lines 14a and 14b are displayed on the electronic paper 4 affixed on the upper surface of the bed 1 (S6). The first sewing reference lines 14a and 14b comprise lengthwise reference lines 14b extending in parallel to the front-rear direction of the bed 1 at regular intervals and crosswise reference lines 14a extending in parallel to the right-left direction of the bed 1 at regular intervals. Scales 14c are affixed to each of the first sewing reference lines 14a and 14b passing through the center of the needle hole 1b of the needle plate 1a, at predetermined intervals.

When the determination is negative (No) at S5, the control device 15 advances to S7 to determine whether the second sewing reference lines have been selected. When the determination is affirmative (Yes) at S7, the control device 15 reads the second sewing reference line display data from the ROM 18, storing the data on the memory of the RAM 19. The control device 15 drives the electronic paper 4 via the drive circuit 25. As shown in FIG. 4, the second sewing reference lines 14d and 14e are displayed on the electronic paper 4 (S8).

The second sewing reference lines 14d and 14e comprise upwardly rightward inclined reference lines 14d and upwardly leftward inclined reference lines 14e both of which are inclined at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the front-rear direction of the bed 1. Scales 14f are affixed to each of the second sewing reference lines 14d and 14e passing through the center of the needle hole 1b of the needle plate 1a, at predetermined intervals. When the determination is negative (No) at S5 and the second sewing reference lines 14d and 14e are not selected (S7: No), the control device 15 does not drive the electronic paper 4. Accordingly, neither first sewing reference lines 14a and 14b nor second sewing reference lines 14d and 14e are displayed (S9).

On the other hand, when determining that the bobbin 5 needs to be replaced by a new one, based on the detection signal from the remaining bobbin thread amount sensor 27 (S4: Yes), the control device 15 advances to S12 to read the warning display data, warning mark display data and explanation display data from the ROM 18, storing the read data on the memory of the RAM 19. Furthermore, a warning urging replacement of the bobbin 5 is displayed on the screen of the display 12. With this, the control device 15 controls the electronic paper 4 via the drive circuit 25. The warning mark 33, the warning contents 34 and explanation of a coping process are displayed on a part of the electronic paper 4 near the bobbin 5 as shown in FIG. 5.

When a bobbin replacement operation displaying touch key displayed on the screen of the display 12 is operated by the operator, an easy operation manner for replacing the bobbin 5 is displayed on the screen of the display 12. With this, the control device 15 reads the bobbin replacement operating procedure display data from the ROM 18, storing the read data on the memory of the RAM 19. When the electronic paper 4 is driven via the drive circuit 25 by the control device 15, an explanation figure is displayed on a part of the electronic paper 4 near the full rotary hook in which the bobbin 5 located at the front of the bed 1 is accommodated. The explanation figure shows by arrows an operation procedure for replacing the bobbin 5 by a new one and setting the bobbin thread.

Subsequently, the control device 15 determines whether power has been cut off (S10). When determining in the negative (No), the control device 15 returns. When power has been cut off, the contents displayed on the electronic paper 4 before power-off is retained (S11). Subsequently, the display control is terminated.

The displayed contents may not be retained depending upon setting of the control device 15. In this case, when determining that power has been cut off (S10: Yes), the control device 15 determines whether display retaining setting is ON or OFF. When the display retaining setting is ON, the displayed contents are retained (S11). When the display retaining setting is OFF, the control device 15 resets (erases) the displayed contents and thereafter terminates the display control.

As obvious from the foregoing, even when power has been cut off from the control device 15, the contents displayed on the electronic paper 4 before the power-off are retained. Accordingly, the operator can replace the bobbin 5 by a new one while referring to the displayed contents. As a result, even a beginner can carry out the replacement of the bobbin 5 easily and efficiently.

The operation and effect of the sewing machine M will now be described. The sewing machine M is provided with the electronic paper 4 which is formed into the shape of a thin sheet and has high flexibility. The electronic paper 4 is capable of changing contents to be displayed. Accordingly, the electronic paper 4 can easily be disposed on a part of the sewing machine body formed into a curved face as well as a substantially flat part of the sewing machine body surface. Furthermore, the electronic paper 4 is disposed on the part of the sewing machine body surface, which part necessitates information. Consequently, useful information can be displayed so as to be changeable sequentially.

The electronic paper 4 is disposed substantially on a left half of the upper surface of the bed 1 including the needle plate 1a, which part of the bed 1 is located near the part of the sewing machine to be operated. The control device 15 controls the electronic paper 4 so that information about operating procedure for explaining operation is displayed on the electronic paper 4. Accordingly, the operating procedure and the explanation contents can be displayed more clearly on the location near the part of the sewing machine to be operated.

The electronic paper 4 is disposed on the upper surface of the bed 1 including the needle plate 1a. The control device 15 controls the electronic paper 4 so that at least one of the sewing reference lines, sewing reference marks, characters, numerals, and marks are displayed on the electronic paper 4. Consequently, the operator can change display of the sewing reference lines, sewing reference marks and the like as the occasion demands.

The electronic paper 4 disposed on the upper surface of the bed 1 can display the first sewing reference lines 14a and 14b or second sewing reference lines 14d and 14e. Accordingly, when the sewing operation is carried out while an end of the workpiece cloth overlapping the first sewing reference lines 14a and 14b or second sewing reference lines 14d and 14e, stitches can be formed so as to be arranged with a predetermined space from the cloth end accurately. Consequently, the quality of the sewn products can be improved. Moreover, since the scales 14c and 14f are displayed on the first sewing reference lines 14a and 14b and second sewing reference lines 14d and 14e, the scales 14c and 14f can be utilized as baselines for the sewing. Furthermore, since either first sewing reference lines 14a and 14b or second sewing reference lines 14d and 14e are selected, the sewing reference lines can suitably be used according to the contents of the sewing as the condition demands.

When the bobbin thread of the bobbin 5 has been used up during use of the sewing machine, a warning urging replacement of the bobbin 5 is displayed on the liquid-crystal display 12. The warning displayed on the electronic paper 4 is the warning against the consumption of the bobbin thread of the bobbin 5. Accordingly, the operator can easily recognize the cause for an abnormal condition by the displayed warning.

The warning urging replacement of the bobbin 5 is displayed on the display 12. With this, the warning mark 33 and explanation 35 explaining the warning contents 34 and the coping process are displayed on a part of the electronic paper 4 located near the full-rotary hook accommodating the bobbin-thread bobbin 5. Consequently, the operator can easily recognize and specify a defective part of the sewing machine by the displayed warning. Furthermore, the explanation figure explaining the replacement operation procedure for replacing the bobbin 5 is also displayed. Even when power has been cut off from the sewing machine such that power has been cut off from the control device, the contents displayed before power-off is still retained on the electronic paper 4. Consequently, the operator can replace the bobbin 5 with a new one easily but efficiently.

Modified forms will now be described. The manner of controlling displaying by the electronic paper 4 will partially changed in the modified forms.

(1) The following displaying manner may be added to the foregoing sewing machine. When a defective thread cutting sensor has detected defective in the thread cutting, the warning mark and explanation explaining the warning contents and the coping process are displayed on a part of the electronic paper 4 so as to correspond in position to the thread cutting mechanism in which the defect has occurred. Furthermore, an explanation figure is also displayed which explains the operating procedure for maintenance of the thread cutting mechanism. Even when power has been cut off from the sewing machine, the electronic paper 4 still retains the contents displayed before power-off. Accordingly, the operator can easily carry out the maintenance work while viewing the explanation figure.

(2) The electronic paper 4 may be provided on the front surface of the arm 3, instead of the bed 1. In this case, the electronic paper 4 may display in the following manner. When the sewing needle 9 mounted on the lower end of the needlebar 38 is replaced, an explanation figure is displayed which explains an operating procedure for change of the sewing needle 9. In this case, too, even when power has been cut off from the sewing machine, the electronic paper 4 still retains the contents displayed before power-off. Accordingly, the operator can easily carry out the replacing work while viewing the explanation figure.

(3) The electronic paper 4 may be arranged to display reference lines and reference mark serving as positional indexes indicative of a sewing start point, a sewing end point and the like in the case where a normal sewing or embroidery sewing is carried out.

(4) A plurality of types of sewing reference line display data are stored on the ROM 18. The data differ from one another in intervals between the first sewing reference lines 14a and 14b and the second sewing reference lines 14d and 14e. The sewing reference line display data with desired intervals may be selected and displayed on the electronic paper 4.

(5) The sewing reference lines may not be intersecting straight lines but may be a straight line and a curved line intersecting with each other. Furthermore, the sewing reference lines may be unidirectional straight line and curved line. Additionally, a line thickness and line type or the sewing reference line or line length of the sewing reference line may suitably be changed.

(6) A full-color electronic paper may be employed as the electronic paper 4. In order that the visibility of each sewing reference line may be improved, the color or contrast of each sewing reference line may suitably be changed according to the color or pattern of the workpiece cloth.

FIG. 7 illustrates the sewing machine MA of a second example. Identical or similar parts in the sewing machine MA of the second example are labeled by the same reference symbols as those in the sewing machine M of the first example, and the description of these parts are eliminated. Only the differences between the first and second examples will be described.

Referring to FIG. 7, a thread spool 36 serving as a thread supply is rotatably mounted on a spool pin (not shown) which is provided on the right end of the upper surface of the arm 3A of the sewing machine MA. A liquid crystal display 12A is provided on the right end of the front of the arm 3A. A display electronic paper 4A is provided so as to extend from the upper surface of the arm 3A to the front of a head 37.

When a needle thread hooking touch key on the screen of the liquid crystal display 12A is operated in order that the needle thread may be set on the sewing machine body, an operating manner easily explaining how to hook the needle thread is displayed. With this, operating procedure display data of how to hook the needle thread is read from the ROM 18 thereby to be stored on the RAM 19. The control device 15 controls the electronic paper 4A via the drive circuit 25.

The explanation figure is displayed on the electronic paper 4A so as to correspond in position to the operating member for needle thread hooking. The explanation figure shows the needle thread hooking procedure in which the needle thread is hooked by a plurality of thread hooking members from the thread spool 36 to the sewing needle 39 attached to the lower end of the needlebar 38.

The operator carries out the thread hooking work according to the displayed arrows. As a result, the thread hooking work can be carried out easily but efficiently. Furthermore, when the needle thread has been cut during sewing, a warning concerning thread cutting is displayed on the electronic paper 4A so as to correspond in position to the portion where the thread has been cut.

According to the foregoing example, the information about the operating procedure is the thread hooking information in which the needle thread is hooked by a plurality of thread hooking members from the thread spool 36 serving as a thread supply to the sewing needle 39 attached to the lower end of the needlebar 38. The operator (particularly, a beginner) who does not know how to hook the needle thread can carry out the thread hooking work according to the displayed operating procedure information. Accordingly, the operator can easily carry out the needle thread hooking work.

Furthermore, the warning displayed on the electronic paper 4A is a warning displayed on the occurrence of the needle thread cutting. Accordingly, the operator can easily recognize a cause for occurrence of the defect from the displayed warning.

The following will describe modified forms of the sewing machine MA of the second example.

(1) The liquid crystal display 12A and the electronic paper 4B are provided on the front of the pillar 2A of the sewing machine as shown in FIG. 8. When the electronic paper 4B is controlled via the drive circuit 25 by the control device 15, the information which is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 12A is displayed on the electronic paper 4B. In this case, the information about the sewing is displayed on the liquid crystal display 12A, whereas the information other than the information about the sewing and peculiar to the user is displayed on the electronic paper 4B. As an example of the information peculiar to the user, the control device 15 selects and registers frequently-used patterns from among a plurality of patterns. Furthermore, the control device 15 edits or combines desired patterns by enlarging, reducing, rotating and reversing, thereby registering the edited or combined pattern. Furthermore, the control device 15 controls the electronic paper 4B so that the electronic paper 4B displays a user storage data folder used to set and register a zigzag width of the needlebar 38, an amount of cloth feed of the feed dog and a needle thread tension to respective desired values with respect to a desired pattern. Furthermore, the contents of pattern data stored on the folder are displayed in detail.

Accordingly, the electronic paper 4B displays the information which cannot be displayed by the liquid crystal display 12A and is other than the data relating to the sewing. Consequently, a large amount of information can be displayed once using the surface of the sewing machine body. Furthermore, necessary information can continuously be displayed since the electronic paper 4B retains the displayed contents before power-off even when power has been cut off from the sewing machine MA.

(2) The electronic paper 4C is provided on the upper surface of the left side of the bed 1A of the sewing machine as shown in FIG. 9. The ROM 18 of the control device 15 previously stores display data of sewing reference lines with millimeter scales and sewing reference lines with inch scales. The control device 15 may select either display data of the sewing reference lines with millimeter scales or display data of the sewing reference lines with inch scales, thereby displaying the selected data on the electronic paper 4C. Accordingly, the operator can select the sewing reference line affixed with the desired scale as occasion demands. Furthermore, the electronic paper 4C may be arranged so as to display a sewing reference mark which serves as a marker of a sewing position in sewing, numerals or alphabetic letters and figures and marks such as a circle or triangle.

(3) The electronic paper 4D is provided the whole surface of the pillar 2A and arm 3A of the sewing machine body. The ROM 18 of the control device 15 previously stores display data (image data) of an image (design pattern) displayed on the whole electronic paper 4 as a design. When a desired image is selected by the operator via an image selecting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 12A, the control device 15 can display the selected image on the whole electronic paper 4D. Consequently, the operator can suitably display a desired image according to his or her inclination or purpose. Furthermore, even when power has been cut off from the sewing machine, the electronic paper 4D retains the image displayed before power-off.

FIG. 10 exemplifies an image of woodgrain pattern. As for the rest, images of flower patterns, pet patterns, landscape patterns and the like can be displayed. Accordingly, the operator can freely change an image displayed on the outer surface of the sewing machine according to his or her inclination.

(4) The electronic papers 4, 4A to 4D of the microcapsule type electrocataphoresis system are used in the first and second examples. The electronic paper should not be limited to them. The electronic paper may be of liquid crystal display type, magnetophoretic type or twist-ball type or may have another structure. Furthermore, a full-color electronic paper may be employed.

(5) A plurality of electronic papers 4, 4A to 4D may be provided on the surface of the sewing machine body of the sewing machine M or MA. Consequently, a number of pieces of effective information can be displayed.

FIGS. 11 to 15 illustrate a third example of the disclosure. Referring to FIG. 11, a household electronic sewing machine MB is shown. The sewing machine MB includes a sewing bed 101, a sewing pillar 102 standing on a right end of the bed 101 and a sewing arm 103 which extends leftward from an upper end of the pillar 102 so as to be opposed to the bed 101. Below the needle plate 101a of the bed 101 are provided a feed dog vertically moving mechanism moving a feed dog upward and downward and a feed dog horizontally moving mechanism moving the feed dog in a front-rear direction, neither mechanism being shown. Below the needle plate 101a of the bed 101 are further provided a full rotary hook (not shown) which accommodates a bobbin-thread bobbin (not shown) and forms stitches in cooperation with the sewing needle 104, and a thread cutting mechanism (not shown) and the like.

In the arm 103 are provided a sewing machine main shaft (not shown; and hereinafter, “main shaft”), a needlebar driving mechanism, a needlebar swinging mechanism, a needle thread take-up driving mechanism, a lifting mechanism and the like although none of these are shown. A hand drive pulley 106 is also provided in the arm 103. The main shaft is rotated by a sewing machine motor 105 (see FIG. 12). The hand drive pulley 106 is operated to rotate the main shaft manually. The needlebar driving mechanism vertically moves a needlebar (not shown) having a lower end to which the sewing needle 104 is attached. The needlebar swinging mechanism swings the needlebar in the direction perpendicular to a cloth feed direction. The needle thread take-up driving mechanism moves up and down a needle thread take-up (not shown) in synchronization with the vertical movement of the needlebar. A presser bar 107 is mounted on a sewing machine frame (not shown) so as to be moved up and down. The lifting mechanism moves up and down the presser bar 107 between upper and lower positions by a stepping motor (not shown) provided on the sewing machine frame. A presser foot 108 is fixed to a lower end of the presser bar 107 by screws. The presser foot 108 intermittently presses the workpiece cloth in synchronization with the vertical movement of the needlebar.

A start/stop switch 109 for instructing start and stop of a sewing operation and the like are provided on the front side of the arm 103. A large-sized color liquid-crystal display (LCD) 110 is provided on the front of the pillar 102. On the liquid crystal display 110 are displayed various patterns including a plurality of stitch patterns and embroidery patterns, function names performing various functions necessary for the sewing operation and various pieces of information about sewing. A touch panel 111 is mounted on the front of the liquid crystal display 110. The touch panel 111 is located so as to correspond to pattern names of a plurality of stitch patterns and embroidery patterns, function names of various functions, set numeric values of various sewing parameters (amount of feed, amount of zigzag motion of the needle and the like). The touch panel 111 is provided with a plurality of touch keys through which selection of a pattern to be used in sewing and indication of a function and numeric setting can be carried out.

A card slot (not shown) is formed in the side of the pillar 102. A ROM card 112 on which is recorded pattern data of a plurality of stitch patterns and embroidery patterns is insertable into the card slot so as to be connected to a card connector 113 (see FIG. 12) provided in the card slot. A flexible disc drive (FDD) 114 (see FIG. 12) is provided in the lower interior of the card slot. The FDD 114 is formed with a disc slot (not shown) through which a flexible disc (FD) 115 on which is recorded pattern data of a plurality of stitch patterns and embroidery patterns is attached thereto. A template connector 120 (see FIG. 12) is connected via a sewing machine template 116 and a connecting cord 117 to the lower side of the disc slot.

The sewing machine template 116 will now be described. The template 116 comprises a piece of electronic paper 118 which is capable of displaying a pattern comprising various stitch patterns and embroidery patterns in two colors of black and white. The electronic paper 118 is formed into a thin sheet and has high flexibility. The electronic paper 118 retains contents displayed before power-off even after power has been cut off from the sewing machine.

The electronic paper 118 has substantially the same arrangement as the electronic paper 4 described in the first example. In the display layer of the electronic paper 118, a black insulating liquid and white positively charged microparticle (titanium oxide microparticle) are encapsulated in microcapsules. Nothing is encapsulated in transparent microcapsules. These microcapsules are arranged at predetermined intervals into a matrix. As a result, an optically transparent electronic paper is made.

A frame moving apparatus 121 is detachably attached to the free-arm type bed 101 of the sewing machine body from the left end side. In embroidery sewing, an embroidery frame (not shown) holding workpiece cloth on which embroidery is to be sewn is detachably attached to a carriage (not shown). The frame moving apparatus 121 moves the carriage in two mutually-perpendicular directions (in the X- and Y-directions) on a horizontal plane as shown in FIG. 9. The frame moving apparatus 121 includes an X-direction driving mechanism (not shown) driven by an X-direction drive motor 122 (a stepping motor) and a Y-direction driving mechanism (not shown) driven by a Y-direction drive motor 123 (a stepping motor). When the frame moving apparatus 121 is attached to the bed 1, the control device of the sewing machine MB is switched from a normal sewing mode to an embroidery sewing mode. The aforesaid X- and Y-direction drive motors 122 and 123 are electrically connected via connectors (not shown) to the control device 119. The control device 119 drives the drive motors 122 and 123 independently based on pattern data of the embroidery pattern to be sewn, so that the embroidery frame is moved in the X- and Y-directions independently.

The control system of the sewing machine MB will now be described with reference to FIG. 12. A computer includes a central processing unit (CPU) 125, a read only memory (ROM) 126, a random access memory (RAM) 127 and a rewritable nonvolatile flash memory 128 as shown in FIG. 12. The control device 119 includes an input interface 124, an output interface 129, an FD controller (FDC) 130, a data bus 131 connecting the input and output interfaces 15 and 16 and the FD controller 130, drive circuits 132 to 133 and the like. The FD controller 130 controls the FD drive 114 to which the FD 115 is attached.

To the input interface 124 are connected the start/stop switch 109, the touch panel 111 with a plurality of touch keys and a rotational position sensor 134 detecting a rotational position of the sewing machine main shaft. To the input interface 124 are also connected a carriage origin sensor 135 detecting X- and Y-direction origin locations of the carriage (not shown) of the frame moving apparatus 121, and the like.

To the output interface 129 are connected drive circuits 132 and 133, a liquid-crystal display control (LCDC) 136 and the like. The sewing machine motor 105 is connected to the drive circuit 132. The liquid-crystal display 110 is connected to the LCDC 136. The X- and Y-direction drive motors 122 and 123 of the frame moving apparatus 121 are connected to the drive circuit 133. The ROM card 112 is connected via the card connector 113 to the bus 131. The electronic paper 118 serving as the sewing machine template 116 is electrically connected via the template connector 120 to the output interface 129.

The ROM 126 stores pattern data including a plurality of stitch patterns and a plurality of embroidery patterns (embroidery patterns with high frequency of use). The ROM 126 also stores pattern display data for displaying the aforesaid stitch patterns and embroidery patterns on the LCD 110 and the electronic paper 118. The ROM 126 further stores a stitch pattern sewing control program, an embroidery pattern sewing control program, a stitch pattern selecting control program, an embroidery pattern selecting control program and an embroidery pattern edit process control program. The ROM 126 still further stores an electronic paper display control program for displaying the stitch patterns, embroidery patterns and the like on the electronic paper 118 serving as the sewing machine template 116, and the like.

The FD 115 stores pattern data of a plurality of embroidery patterns and pattern display data. The ROM card 112 stores pattern data of a plurality of embroidery patterns and pattern display data, too. The embroidery patterns are classified into a plurality of pattern groups depending upon the types of the patterns. The pattern data of the embroidery patterns are also classified in the same manner.

The following will describe a display control manner executed by the control device 119 so that a pattern is displayed on the electronic paper 118 serving as the sewing machine template 116, with reference to FIG. 14. Symbol Si (where i=101, 102, 103 . . . ) in FIG. 14 designates each step. Upon power supply to the control device 119 of the sewing machine MB, the display control starts. After necessary initialization has been carried out, a pattern selecting screen is displayed on the LCD 110 at S101. A desired pattern is selected by the operator. Subsequently, at S102, the pattern data of the embroider pattern selected from the ROM 126 and the pattern display data are read and then stored on the memory of the RAM 127. On the other hand, at S101, a desired one of the embroidery patterns stored on the FD 115 or the ROM card 112 both connected to the sewing machine may be selected, instead of the ROM 126 incorporated in the sewing machine body. Subsequently, at S103, the selected embroidery pattern is displayed on the LCD 110.

Whether a pattern edit mode has been set is determined at S104. When the embroidery edit mode has been set (S104: Yes), the LCD 110 is switched to an embroidery edit screen, so that an embroidery pattern edit process is carried out (S105). In the embroidery pattern edit process, the edit process (enlargement/contraction, rearrangement, inversion, color change, etc.) is carried out while the selected embroidery pattern is on display. The pattern data and display data therefor are stored on the RAM 127 every time the edit process is carried out. The control device 119 advances to S106 when the pattern edit mode has not been selected at S104.

The edit process is continued at S106 until a pattern determination key on the pattern edit screen is depressed. When the pattern determination key has been depressed (S106: Yes), the control device 119 advances to S107 where the control device 119 determines whether the sewing machine template 116 is electrically connected via the connecting cord 117 to the pillar 102 of the sewing machine body. When the sewing machine template 116 is not connected to the pillar 102, the control device 119 is on standby for the sewing operation. (S107; No). When the sewing machine template 116 is connected to the pillar 102 (S107: Yes), display data of the edited embroidery patter is read out from the RAM 127. Subsequently, at S109, the control device 119 controls the electronic paper 118 based on the aforesaid display data, so that the edited embroidery pattern is displayed on the electronic paper 118 serving as the sewing machine template 116 in full scale (S109) as shown in FIG. 13. Thereafter, the control device 119 is on standby for the sewing operation.

The operator places the electronic paper 118 on the workpiece cloth with the electronic paper 118 displaying the full-scale embroidery pattern which is to be sewn on the workpiece cloth, thereby being capable of confirming the size, color and sewing position visually. When a stitch pattern has been selected at S101, the similar edit process is carried out as occasion demands and the edited stitch pattern is displayed in full scale on the electronic paper 118.

The flowchart of FIG. 14 exemplifies an embroidery pattern is displayed on the electronic paper 118 serving as the sewing machine template 116. In this case, one or a plurality of stitch patterns or embroidery patterns may be displayed. Alternatively, a pattern may be displayed which is a combination of a plurality of stitch patterns or embroidery patterns both of which differ in type. The electronic paper 118 retains the contents on display even after power has been cut off from the control device 119 of the sewing machine.

The following will describe the operation and effect of the sewing machine template 116 and sewing machine MB. Before the sewing work is carried out by the sewing machine MB, the control device 119 can display a pattern on the electronic paper 118, based on pattern data stored on the ROM 126 or pattern data supplied from the card connector 113 or FDD 114. Various stitch patterns or embroidery patterns are displayed on the electronic paper 118. Accordingly, since a desired pattern can be displayed on a single template 116, the convenience of the template can be improved. Furthermore, since the pattern displayed on the electronic paper 118 can be adapted to the workpiece cloth, an actual size, color, sewing position, completion image of the pattern and the like can be confirmed visually. As a result, the working efficiency can be improved.

The electronic paper 118 has a characteristic of transmitting visible light. Consequently, reference lines and reference points previously drawn on the workpiece cloth by a chaco pen or the like can reliably be viewed through the sewing machine template 116. Accordingly, a sewing position of the pattern can accurately be confirmed.

The control device 119 can edit pattern data. Based on the edited pattern data, the control device 119 controls the electronic paper 118 so that the edited pattern is displayed on the electronic paper 118. Accordingly, the operator can visually confirm an actual size, color, sewing position, completion image, etc. of the edited pattern relative to the workpiece cloth.

The electronic paper 118 displays the contents displayed before power-off even when power has been cut off therefrom. Accordingly, a desired pattern can constantly be displayed. Since the electronic paper 118 is thin like paper and has high flexibility, the operability of the template can be improved. Since the electronic paper 118 is capable of performing color display, colors of the pattern can be displayed vividly. Furthermore, since the electronic paper 118 is connected to the sewing machine body only in rewrite of the pattern, the convenience of the electronic paper 118 can be improved as the template.

Modified forms of the foregoing example will now be described.

(1) When a patchwork quilt or the like is carried out, the operator forms workpiece cloth into cloth of a desired shape (triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, etc.). In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, the electronic paper 118 may be arranged to display sewing reference lines 138 for cutting the workpiece cloth into cloth of a desired shape, sewing procedure explaining information 139 according to sewing reference lines 138, a cut length 140 and the like. In this case, the ROM 126 of the control device 119 stores display data of a plurality of types of sewing reference lines, sewing procedure explaining information, cut length and the like. When desired sewing reference lines have been selected on a sewing reference line selecting screen of the LCD 110 by the operator, the control device 119 selects sewing reference lines to be displayed on the electronic paper 118 and controls so that the selected sewing reference lines are displayed on the electronic paper 118. Thus, the sewing reference lines 138, sewing procedure explaining information 139 and cut length 140 are displayed on the electronic paper 118.

Consequently, the sewing reference lines, sewing reference mark and any one of characters, numerals and marks can be displayed on a single template depending on the operator's needs, whereupon the working efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, since the sewing procedure explaining information is displayed on the electronic paper 118, the operator need not view a sewing procedure such as the instruction manual showing the sewing procedure during working. As a result, the sewing efficiency can be improved. Additionally, sewing reference marks and other marks may be displayed, instead of the sewing reference lines.

(2) The electronic paper 118 of the microcapsule type electrocataphoresis system is used. The electronic paper should not be limited to them. The electronic paper may be of horizontal type electrocataphoresis system or liquid crystal display type or may have another structure. Furthermore, a full-color electronic paper may be employed.

(3) Although the electronic paper 118 is employed as the sewing machine template 116 in the foregoing embodiment, a light-transmissible liquid crystal display (LCD) with visible rear side or organic EL display may be employed, instead.

(4) The electronic paper 118 serving as the sewing machine template 116 is electrically connected via the connecting cord to the sewing machine body in the foregoing embodiment. However, for example, a thin battery, controlling member, drive circuit and the like may be provided at the sewing machine template 116 side so that the template is capable of communicating with the control device 119 of the sewing machine body side by radio signals such as infrared signals.

(5) A display color or display contrast of the electronic paper 118 may be changed suitably. Consequently, when the workpiece cloth is placed on the electronic paper 118, the displayed contents can be rendered more visible relative to the color and pattern of the workpiece cloth or the color and pattern of the workpiece cloth can be rendered more visible.

The foregoing description and drawings are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention and are not to be construed in a limiting sense. Various changes and modifications will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. All such changes and modifications are seen to fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
2006-079480	Mar 2006	JP	national
2006-083241	Mar 2006	JP	national

Sewing machine and template therefor

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CPC

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Priority Claims (2)