Independent presser foot control method for an embroidery machine

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of independent presser foot control method of embroidery machine, comprising the following steps: cloth installation, embroidery area selection, presser foot reset, presser foot selection, needle bar selection, presser foot zero finding, presser foot adjustment and embroidery etc.Step, by setting the thickness of the fabric that needs to be embroidered, after finding the highest point of the presser foot in the foot shaft, continue to rotate a certain angle by the numerical value calculated by computer, so that the presser foot can automatically adjust the lowest point of the presser foot according to the instruction of the computer.Compared with manual adjustment of fabric height, the above-mentioned presser foot control method can be automatically adjusted, accurate and fast, and can save a lot of time and energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of embroidery machinery, specifically to a method for controlling the independent presser foot of an embroidery machine. Background Technology

[0002] The main function of an embroidery machine is to embroider patterns on the surface of fabric. Since different fabrics have varying thicknesses during processing, and the position of the embroidery machine is relatively fixed, the lowest position the presser foot can reach (i.e., the position where the presser foot presses against the fabric surface) is also fixed. If the fabric height is not adjusted, the embroidery quality will be uncontrollable. If the fabric is too thick, it will easily leave indentations on the surface; if it is too thin, the presser foot may not be able to hold the fabric down, causing the needle bar to lift the fabric during embroidery.

[0003] Therefore, when changing fabrics, the height of the presser foot needs to be manually adjusted, which is inefficient. Secondly, the foot travel is relatively long, which means that when embroidering at high speeds, the presser foot's movement speed needs to be increased while keeping the presser foot travel constant. This will lead to increased vibration and noise in the embroidery machine.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, the applicant filed a patent application on December 14, 2022, with publication number CN116103851A. This application discloses a presser foot needle bar control device for an embroidery machine, comprising a machine housing, a limiting post, a presser foot, a needle bar, a presser foot lifting structure, and an embroidery linkage mechanism. The limiting post is fixed to the machine housing. By adding a height adjustment rod with an eccentric end, the presser foot is moved up and down synchronously by the presser foot lifting structure, allowing for more precise height adjustment. The up-and-down movement of the eccentric end is synchronized with the up-and-down movement of the presser foot.

[0005] Based on the above-mentioned disclosure, the applicant improved the control system so that the presser foot needle rod control device can be applied to most current scenarios.

[0006] In particular, how to quickly adjust the presser foot stroke after changing the fabric is one of the technical problems that this patent aims to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an independent presser foot control method for an embroidery machine. This method includes the following steps: fabric installation, embroidery area selection, presser foot reset, presser foot selection, needle bar selection, presser foot zero point search, presser foot adjustment, and embroidery. By setting the thickness of the fabric to be embroidered, and after finding the highest point of the presser foot on the foot axle, the presser foot is rotated a certain angle based on computer-calculated values. This allows the presser foot to automatically adjust to its lowest pressing position according to computer instructions. Compared to manually adjusting the fabric height, this presser foot control method is automatic, precise, and fast, saving significant time and effort.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An independent presser foot control method for an embroidery machine includes a presser foot needle bar control device, which is based on the presser foot needle bar control device described in the specification with publication number CN116103851A; the method includes the following steps: Step 1) Fabric installation: Place the fabric on the area to be embroidered and secure the outer edge of the fabric. Step 2) Selecting the embroidery area: Connect the presser foot and needle bar within the embroidery area to the main shaft; Step 2.1) Presser foot reset: The foot locking lever retracts inward, the foot axle rotates to move the foot rotating block upward, so that the foot rotating block engages with all foot drive blocks, and the foot axle can control the movement of all presser feet; Step 2.2) Presser foot selection: Control the presser foot lock for areas that do not need embroidery, so that the foot top rod of the presser foot lock pops out, rotates the foot shaft to move the foot rotating block upward, so that the foot rotating block separates from the foot drive block, and the rotation of the main shaft and foot shaft no longer drives the presser foot movement in the non-embroidery area; Step 2.3) Needle bar selection: Control the needle lock for areas that do not need embroidery, and separate the needle reset slope from the needle drive block. The rotation of the main shaft can only drive the needle slider to move up and down, but cannot drive the needle bar to move. Step 3) Zero point search for the presser foot: Rotate the foot shaft to make the protrusion touch the micro switch, and find the highest / lowest point corresponding to the current presser foot; Step 4) Presser foot adjustment: Based on the thickness of the embroidery fabric, input the thickness value, and after conversion, rotate the foot axle to the corresponding angle until the presser foot height matches the fabric thickness. Step 5) Needle drive disk adjustment: Check the fixation between the needle drive disk and the spindle; Step 6) Foot drive plate adjustment: Check the fixation between the foot drive plate and the spindle; Step 7) Embroidery: The main shaft rotates, which drives the needle drive plate and foot drive plate to move. The needle bar and presser foot move up and down following the rotation of the main shaft.

[0009] Preferably, the foot drive disc and / or needle drive disc of the presser foot needle bar control device are provided with an eccentric adjustment mechanism; In step 5) or step 6), loosen the sleeve locking hole by unscrewing the through groove to loosen the fixing groove from the main shaft. Manually adjust the adjusting knob to rotate the threaded rod to control the eccentric distance between the fixing sleeve and the eccentric outer sleeve. The larger the eccentric distance, the greater the range of motion of the needle bar / pressor foot, and the thicker the fabric that can be embroidered.

[0010] Preferably, the presser foot needle control device further includes a pressure sensor, which is disposed on the presser foot, and in step 4), it also includes... Step 4.1) Presser foot pressure detection: When the presser foot is pressed down to contact the embroidery fabric, if the pressure sensor reading is greater than 0.2 Newtons, it is determined that the presser foot is in contact with and pressing down on the fabric; if the pressure sensor reading is 0, it is determined that the presser foot is not in contact with the fabric. Step 4.2) Fabric thickness check: When the pressure sensor reading is 0 or greater than 0.2 Newtons, an error is reported and an alarm is issued, informing the operator to check the fabric thickness and the tightness of the fabric clamping.

[0011] Preferably, the presser foot includes a foot and a rod, which are connected by a pivot, and the pressure sensor is located between the foot and the rod at the pivot.

[0012] Preferably, the pivot is located on the outer wall of the presser foot on the side facing the bending direction.

[0013] Preferably, the flip connection between the foot and the rod is further provided with a magnetic chuck, which is located on the outer side opposite to the pivot.

[0014] Preferably, the thickness of the magnetic suction element is less than the thickness of the pressure sensor.

[0015] Preferably, the presser foot includes a foot portion, and a pressure sensor is located below the foot portion.

[0016] Compared with existing technologies, the independent presser foot control method of the embroidery machine using the above-mentioned technical solution has the following advantages: 1. Connect the presser foot to the computer via the foot axle. The computer controls the rotation angle of the foot axle to control the minimum height of the presser foot. When the fabric is thicker, the lowest point of the presser foot is raised. If the fabric is thinner, the lowest point of the presser foot is lowered to ensure that the presser foot can press just on the surface of the fabric, without pressing too deeply or not making contact.

[0017] Secondly, the lowest point height of the presser foot is fed back through the angle of the foot pivot. When changing the embroidery fabric, you only need to input the specific thickness of the fabric into the computer, and all presser feet will be adjusted to the appropriate height. This is much more efficient than manually adjusting the cross-section height. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the presser foot needle rod control device in the independent presser foot control method of the embroidery machine of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the presser foot linkage structure in Example 1.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the presser foot linkage structure in Example 1.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the presser foot linkage structure in Example 1.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the needle bar linkage structure in Example 1.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the foot lock device in Example 1.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the foot lock device in Example 1.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the foot lock device in Example 1.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the needle lock device in Example 1.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the needle lock device in Example 1.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the eccentric adjustment mechanism in Example 1.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the eccentric adjustment mechanism in Example 1.

[0030] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the eccentric adjustment mechanism in Example 1.

[0031] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the fixed sleeve in Example 1.

[0032] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the use of the pressure sensor in Example 1.

[0033] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the use of the pressure sensor in Example 2.

[0034] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the use of the pressure sensor in Example 2.

[0035] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the use of the pressure sensor in Example 2.

[0036] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating the independent presser foot control method for the embroidery machine in this invention.

[0037] Reference numerals: 1. Foot axle; 10. Foot actuator; 100. Housing; 101. Limiting post; 11. Synchronous belt; 12. Height adjustment rod; 120. Eccentric end; 13. Micro switch; 2. Spindle; 3. Foot slider; 30. Presser foot; 300. Foot part; 301. Rod part; 302. Rotating shaft; 303. Magnetic suction component; 31. Foot drive block; 32. Pressure sensor; 4. Needle slider; 40. Needle bar; 41. Needle drive block; 5. Foot drive disc; 50. Foot outer disc; 51. Foot disc rod; 6. Needle drive disc; 60. Needle outer disc; 61. Needle disc rod; 7. Foot swing rod; 70. Foot swing limiting end; 71. Foot swing drive end; 72. Foot swing passive end; 73. Foot swing connecting rod; 8. Needle swing. 80. Needle swing limit end; 81. Needle swing drive end; 82. Needle swing passive end; 83. Needle swing connecting rod; 93. Foot lock; 930. Foot rotating block; 931. Foot ramp; 932. Foot fixing groove; 933. Reset slope; 934. Foot top rod; 94. Needle lock; 940. Needle rotating block; 941. Needle rotating end; 942. Needle fixing groove; 943. Needle reset slope; 0. Eccentric adjustment mechanism; 01. Fixing sleeve; 010. Fixing groove; 011. Internal thread; 012. Guide groove; 013. Sleeve locking hole; 02. Eccentric outer sleeve; 021. Threaded rod; 022. Guide rod; 023. Guide locking hole; 024. Adjustment knob; 025. Concentric positioning plate; 026. Through groove. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, is provided below.

[0039] Example 1:

[0040] This embodiment is based on the presser foot needle bar control device described in the specification with publication number CN116103851A; the presser foot needle bar control device has a foot drive disk 5 and / or a needle drive disk 6 equipped with an eccentric adjustment mechanism 0. See also Figure 15 The presser foot needle control device also includes a pressure sensor 32, which is disposed on the presser foot 30; the presser foot 30 includes a foot 300, and the pressure sensor 32 is located below the foot 300.

[0041] This embodiment discloses an independent presser foot control method for an embroidery machine, comprising the following steps: Step 1) Fabric installation: Place the fabric on the area to be embroidered and secure the outer edge of the fabric.

[0042] Step 2) Selecting the embroidery area: Connect the presser foot 30 and needle bar 40 within the embroidery area to the main shaft 2.

[0043] Step 2.1) Presser foot reset: The foot locking device 93's foot top rod 934 retracts inward, and the foot shaft 1 rotates to move the foot rotating block 930 upward, so that the foot rotating block 930 engages with all foot drive blocks 31, and the foot shaft 1 can control the movement of all presser feet 30.

[0044] Step 2.2) Presser foot selection: Control the foot lock device 93 for the area that does not need to be embroidered, so that the foot top rod 934 of the foot lock device 93 pops out, rotate the foot shaft 1 to make the foot rotating block 930 move upward, so that the foot rotating block 930 separates from the foot drive block 31, and the rotation of the main shaft 2 and the foot shaft 1 no longer drives the presser foot 30 in the non-embroidered area to move.

[0045] Step 2.3) Needle bar selection: Control the needle lock 94 for areas that do not need embroidery, and offset the needle reset slope 943 from the needle drive block 41. The rotation of the main shaft 2 can only drive the needle slider 4 to move up and down, but cannot drive the needle bar 40 to move.

[0046] Step 3) Presser foot zero point search: Rotate foot shaft 1 to make protrusion 130 touch micro switch 13, find the highest point corresponding to the current presser foot 30 (that is, the farthest distance between the presser foot and the surface of the embroidery fabric).

[0047] Step 4) Presser foot height adjustment: Based on the thickness of the embroidery fabric, input the thickness value, and after conversion, rotate foot axis 1 to the corresponding angle until the presser foot height 30 is consistent with the fabric thickness.

[0048] Step 4.1) Presser foot 30 pressure detection: When presser foot 30 is pressed down to a preset distance and comes into contact with the embroidery fabric, the pressure sensing value is detected.

[0049] Step 4.2) Fabric Thickness Check: When the pressure sensor 32 registers a value of 0, it indicates that the presser foot 30 is not in contact with the fabric surface, or the fabric is too loose and not taut. In this case, there is no contact between the fabric and the pressure sensor 32, resulting in an error and an alarm. If the register value is greater than 0.2 Newtons, it indicates that the presser foot 30 has pressed too far after the fabric has been processed. The presser foot 30 stops pressing down and simultaneously registers an error and an alarm, informing the operator to check the fabric thickness.

[0050] The above operation is performed by the worker first setting the value according to the fabric thickness, and then the foot axle 1 rotates to a fixed angle according to the fabric thickness to control the presser foot 30 to press down until it contacts the fabric. When the presser foot 30 reaches the preset distance, the accuracy is judged by the magnitude of the pressure sensor value.

[0051] Of course, pressure sensor 32 can be used to automatically press down presser foot 30. By detecting the sensing value, the fabric thickness can be automatically determined, and the presser foot can automatically select the height. However, this operation is not suitable for elastic fabrics, especially thin and elastic fabrics. For thick and tough fabrics, if the sensing value of sensor 32 is delayed, it is easy for the outer periphery of the fabric to come off, requiring the worker to re-tighten it, and it may even cause the fabric to break. Therefore, in this embodiment, the fabric thickness is set manually to avoid the above risks.

[0052] Step 5) Needle drive disc 6 adjustment: Check the fixation between the needle drive disc 6 and the main shaft 2; loosen the sleeve locking hole 013 through the through slot 026 to release the fixing slot 010 from the main shaft 2, and manually adjust the adjusting knob 024 to rotate the threaded rod 021 to control the eccentric distance between the fixing sleeve 01 and the eccentric outer sleeve 02. This step is mainly used to adjust the amplitude of the up and down movement of the needle bar 40. By reducing the eccentric distance, the stroke of a single embroidery can be reduced, increasing the number of embroidery operations per unit time, while reducing noise. If the fabric being embroidered is thick, the eccentric distance needs to be appropriately increased to increase the stroke of the needle bar 40.

[0053] Step 6) Adjusting the foot drive plate 5: Check the fixation between the foot drive plate 5 and the main shaft 2; loosen the sleeve locking hole 013 through the through groove 026 to release the fixing groove 010 from the main shaft 2, and manually adjust the adjusting knob 024 to rotate the threaded rod 021 to control the eccentric distance between the fixing sleeve 01 and the eccentric outer sleeve 02. The adjustment of the foot drive plate 5 is mainly used to adjust the downward stroke of the presser foot 30, shortening the stroke and reducing noise while pressing the fabric.

[0054] Step 7) Embroidery: The main shaft 2 rotates, which drives the needle drive plate 6 and foot drive plate 5 to move. The needle bar 40 and presser foot 30 move up and down with the rotation of the main shaft 2.

[0055] Example 2:

[0056] See Figure 16 The main difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that in this embodiment, the pressure sensor is located in the middle of the pressure foot 30, and the pressure foot 30 can be bent at the bottom.

[0057] See Figure 18 In this embodiment, the presser foot 30 includes a foot 300 and a rod 301, which are connected by a pivot 302. A pressure sensor 32 is located between the foot 300 and the rod 301 at the pivot 302. When the lower foot 300 contacts the fabric, it presses against the pressure sensor 32, generating a reading. A magnetic 303 is also provided at the pivot connection between the foot 300 and the rod 301, located on the opposite outer side of the pivot 302.

[0058] Furthermore, the pivot 302 is located on the outer wall of the foot 300 of the presser foot 30 in the bending direction, see [reference]. Figure 16 When an operator inputs an error, causing the presser foot to have an excessive downward stroke (30mm): After the presser foot 30 contacts the fabric, since the foot 300 is actually in inclined contact with the fabric, it will have a certain flipping force. When the pressure is greater than 0.3 Newtons, the magnetic part 303 will disengage, and the foot 300 will fold along its arc to fit the fabric, preventing the pressing rod 301 from continuing to press the fabric downward with the foot 300.

[0059] The main advantages of the above structure are as follows: The presser foot 30 can prevent excessive pressure from pressing down on the fabric, which could cause it to tear, deform, or snag.

[0060] If the fabric is thick and tough, it can prevent the fabric edges from coming undone and becoming unable to be clamped due to excessive pressure from the presser foot 30.

[0061] The position of the pivot 302 serves two purposes: firstly, it functions as a folding mechanism with the arc of the foot 300; secondly, since the foot 300 has an L-shaped structure and its center of gravity is biased towards the folded position, when the rod 301 is lifted, the leftward shift of the center of gravity can assist and guide the foot 300 to return to the position aligned with the rod 301.

[0062] However, in actual implementation, a reset component is usually added at the pivot 302 to ensure that the foot 300 and the rod 301 can be correctly reset. The two magnetic components 303 can automatically hold the rod 301 after it is lifted. However, the pressure required for folding will also increase further after the reset component is added.

[0063] In this embodiment, the magnetic force generated by the magnetic suction component 303 is about 0.1 Newtons. The thickness of the magnetic suction component 303 is less than the thickness of the pressure sensor 32, which can ensure that the pressure generated by the foot 300 during the pressing of the fabric can be fully transmitted to the pressure sensor 32.

[0064] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the independent presser foot of an embroidery machine, the embroidery machine comprising a foot shaft (1), a micro switch (13), a protrusion (130), a main shaft (2), a presser foot (30), a needle slider (4), a needle bar (40), a needle drive block (41), a foot lock (93), a foot rotating block (930), a needle reset slope (943), a foot push rod (934), a needle lock (94), a foot drive block (31), a needle drive disc (6), and a foot drive disc (5); characterized in that: It also includes a presser foot needle bar control device, which includes a pressure sensor (32); the presser foot (30) includes a foot (300) and a rod (301), which are connected by a pivot (302) for flipping, and the pressure sensor (32) is located between the foot (300) and the rod (301) at the pivot (302); the independent presser foot control method includes the following steps: Step 1) Fabric installation: Place the fabric on the area to be embroidered and secure the outer edge of the fabric. Step 2) Selecting the embroidery area: Connect the presser foot (30) and needle bar (40) within the embroidery area to the main shaft (2); Step 2.1) Presser foot (30) reset: The foot top rod (934) of the foot lock (93) retracts inward, and the foot shaft (1) rotates to move the foot rotating block (930) upward, so that the foot rotating block (930) engages with all the foot drive blocks (31), and the foot shaft (1) can control the movement of all presser feet (30); Step 2.2) Presser foot (30) selection: Control the foot lock (93) of the area that does not need to be embroidered, so that the foot top rod (934) of the foot lock (93) pops out, rotate the foot shaft (1) to make the foot rotating block (930) move up, so that the foot rotating block (930) separates from the foot drive block (31), and the rotation of the main shaft (2) and the foot shaft (1) no longer drives the presser foot (30) in the non-embroidered area to move; Step 2.3) Needle bar (40) selection: Control the needle lock (94) of the area that does not need to be embroidered, and separate the needle reset slope (943) from the needle drive block (41). The rotation of the main shaft (2) can only drive the needle slider (4) to move up and down, but cannot drive the needle bar (40) to move. Step 3) Zero point search of presser foot (30): Rotate the foot shaft (1) to make the protrusion (130) touch the micro switch (13) to find the highest / lowest point corresponding to the current presser foot (30); Step 4) Presser foot (30) adjustment: According to the thickness of the embroidery fabric, input the thickness value, and after conversion, rotate the foot shaft (1) at the corresponding angle until the height of the presser foot (30) is consistent with the fabric thickness; Step 4.1) Presser foot (30) pressure detection: When the presser foot (30) presses down to contact the embroidery fabric, if the sensing value of the pressure sensor (32) is greater than 0.2 Newtons, it is determined that the presser foot (30) is in contact with and pressing down on the fabric; when the sensing value of the pressure sensor (32) is 0, it is determined that the presser foot (30) is not in contact with the fabric. Step 4.2) Fabric thickness check: When the sensing value of the pressure sensor (32) is 0 or greater than 0.2 Newtons, an error is reported and an alarm is issued to inform the operator to check the fabric thickness and the tightness of the fabric clamping. Step 5) Needle drive disk (6) adjustment: Check the fixation between the needle drive disk (6) and the spindle (2); Step 6) Adjustment of foot drive plate (5): Check the fixation between foot drive plate (5) and spindle (2); Step 7) Embroidery: The main shaft (2) rotates, which drives the needle drive plate (6) and foot drive plate (5) to move. The needle bar (40) and presser foot (30) follow the rotation of the main shaft (2) and move up and down.

2. The independent presser foot control method for an embroidery machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The foot drive disc (5) and / or needle drive disc (6) of the presser foot (30), needle bar (40) control device are provided with an eccentric adjustment mechanism (0); In step 5) or step 6), loosen the sleeve locking hole (013) through the through groove (026) to loosen the fixing groove (010) from the main shaft (2). Manually adjust the adjustment knob (024) to rotate the threaded rod (021) to control the eccentric distance between the fixing sleeve (01) and the eccentric outer sleeve (02). The larger the eccentric distance, the greater the range of motion of the needle bar (40) / presser foot (30) and the thicker the fabric that can be embroidered.

3. The independent presser foot control method for an embroidery machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pivot (302) is located on the outer wall of the foot (300) of the presser foot (30) in the bending direction.

4. The independent presser foot control method for an embroidery machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The foot (300) and rod (301) are connected by a magnetic chuck (303), which is located on the opposite side of the pivot (302).

5. The independent presser foot control method for an embroidery machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The thickness of the magnetic suction component (303) is less than the thickness of the pressure sensor (32).

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