Multifunctional embroidery machine soft limiting device and limiting method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of soft limiting device of multifunctional embroidery machine and its limiting method, the multifunctional embroidery machine is provided with first function machine head and second function machine head along transverse side by side, the interval of first function machine head and second function machine head is L, the soft limiting device includes the first soft limiting module being set corresponding first function machine head, the second soft limiting module being set corresponding second function machine head, the first soft limiting module is used to limit embroidery frame to move in first limiting range, the second soft limiting module is used to limit embroidery frame to move in second limiting range.When first function machine head and second function machine head are switched, embroidery frame corresponds to move distance L along X+ or X- direction, and is automatically switched to first soft limiting module or second soft limiting module by soft limiting switching module and is soft limited.The application avoids the pattern to be scrapped due to the fact that machine head and frame are not linked, or mechanical damage caused by machine needle and frame interference.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of embroidery equipment, specifically relating to embroidery machines. Background Technology

[0002] The existing 1+1 series single-head embroidery machines on the market have two heads, each with different functions: a primary function head and a secondary function head. An embroidery frame is also included to work with the two heads. Compared to ordinary single-head machines, the 1+1 model is more complex to operate. This is because, compared to single-head embroidery machines, the 1+1 model requires additional functions such as switching between different heads, coordinating the embroidery frame with each head, and setting soft limits for the embroidery frame.

[0003] In the existing technology, the head switching and embroidery frame switching of the 1+1 model are independent of each other. If the head is cut but the frame is not, it will cause the model to collide with the frame and the pattern to run out of position. In addition, the machine's soft limit cannot be effectively set, and it cannot automatically determine the embroidery range of the pattern in the frame before embroidery. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide a soft limiting device and limiting method for a multifunctional embroidery machine, ensuring that the embroidery frame and each machine head can effectively cooperate, preventing the pattern from exceeding the range of the embroidery frame and causing the pattern to run out of position.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: First, a soft limiting device for a multi-functional embroidery machine is provided. The multi-functional embroidery machine has a first functional head and a second functional head arranged side by side in a horizontal direction. The distance between the first functional head and the second functional head is L. The soft limiting device includes a first soft limiting module corresponding to the first functional head and a second soft limiting module corresponding to the second functional head. The first soft limiting module is used to limit the movement of the embroidery frame within a first limiting range, and the second soft limiting module is used to limit the movement of the embroidery frame within a second limiting range.

[0006] Preferably, the soft limiting device is further provided with a soft limiting switching module. When the first functional head and the second functional head are switched, the embroidery frame moves a distance L along the X+ or X- direction, and the soft limiting switching module automatically switches to the first soft limiting module or the second soft limiting module for soft limiting.

[0007] Preferably, the soft limiting device is further provided with an embroidery display module, which automatically displays the embroidery frame and the positional relationship between the pattern and the embroidery frame according to the soft limiting range set by the first soft limiting module and the second limiting module during the embroidery process.

[0008] Preferably, the soft limit device is further provided with an automatic limit judgment and alarm module. Under normal conditions, the pattern is within the embroidery frame range. When the automatic limit judgment and alarm module determines that the pattern exceeds the embroidery frame range, it will automatically trigger an alarm.

[0009] Preferably, the soft limit device is further provided with an automatic restoration module. Before the machine is powered off, the automatic restoration module saves the current machine head number and automatically restores it to the state before the machine was stopped after the machine is powered on.

[0010] Preferably, the first functional head is a flat embroidery head, and the second functional head is a tape reel head or a towel head.

[0011] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a soft limiting method for a multifunctional embroidery machine, wherein the soft limiting device is used for limiting. When the first functional machine head is working, the first soft limiting module restricts the movement of the embroidery frame within the first limiting range; when the second functional machine head is working, the second soft limiting module restricts the movement of the embroidery frame within the second limiting range. When the first functional head and the second functional head are switched, the embroidery frame moves a distance L along the X+ or X- direction and switches to the first soft limit module or the second soft limit module for limiting.

[0012] Preferably, the second functional head is positioned on the X- side of the first functional head, and the second functional head is set as the default reference head for limiting. The soft limit setting method for the first soft limit module and the second soft limit module includes the following steps: The machine returns to zero by moving the embroidery frame to the machine's origin. The embroidery frame is moved to the center point of the embroidery area, which is then moved directly below the current needle of the second function head. The current position is set as the limit center O2(a, b). The soft limit range of the second function head is: X(ax / 2, a+x / 2), Y(by / 2, b+y / 2). Based on the second functional head limit center and soft limit range, the position of the first functional head limit center is automatically generated: (a+L, b), and the soft limit range of the first functional head is: X(a+bx / 2, a+b+x / 2); Y(by / 2, b+y / 2). Where: x and y represent the embroidery frame's embroidery range dimensions in the X and Y directions, respectively.

[0013] Preferably, the soft limit function is turned off during the switching process between the first functional head and the second functional head.

[0014] Preferably, before embroidery, the soft limiting device automatically determines whether the current position will cause the pattern to exceed the embroidery range.

[0015] The technical solution adopted in this invention has the following beneficial effects: A first soft limit module is set for the first functional machine head, and a second soft limit module is set for the second functional machine head. The first soft limit module is used to limit the movement of the embroidery frame within the first limit range, and the second soft limit module is used to limit the movement of the embroidery frame within the second limit range. Therefore, it can be ensured that the embroidery frame and each machine head can cooperate effectively. Furthermore, the first limit range and the second limit range keep the pattern within the embroidery frame range, thereby preventing the pattern from exceeding the embroidery frame range.

[0016] Because the positions of the head and the frame are corresponding, the frame moves with the head when the head is switched, which avoids the pattern from being scrapped due to the lack of linkage between the head and the frame, or mechanical damage caused by interference between the needle and the frame.

[0017] The use of soft limit devices for limiting the machine greatly reduces the skill requirements for operators, improves the reliability of the machine, and eliminates machine failures caused by improper operation.

[0018] Thanks to the embroidery display module, during the embroidery process, the embroidery frame and the positional relationship between the pattern and the embroidery frame are automatically displayed according to the soft limit range set by the first soft limit module and the second soft limit module, thus realizing the visualization of the pattern and embroidery frame range.

[0019] Before embroidery begins, the soft limit device automatically judges whether the current position will cause the pattern to exceed the embroidery range, thus preventing the pattern from being scrapped due to the inability to embroider halfway through.

[0020] The second functional head acts as the reference head for limiting the position. Based on the positional relationship with the embroidery frame, a soft limit is first set. Then, according to the distance L between the first and second functional heads, the soft limit of the first functional head is automatically generated. The soft limit range is automatically switched according to the currently used head, realizing intelligent limit protection and automated limit switching. Regardless of which head is used, the pattern and frame range are automatically displayed. Operators can perform visual operations to check whether the pattern exceeds the embroidery frame range without having to repeatedly check the pattern border.

[0021] These features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the multifunctional embroidery machine of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the embroidery frame structure in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the headstock support structure; Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the multifunctional embroidery machine of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the machine parameters of a multifunctional embroidery machine according to the present invention; Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the normal state of the pattern within the embroidery frame. Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a pattern that extends beyond the embroidery frame. Reference numerals: Modular combined head assembly 1, base 11, shuttle bed mounting platform 111, drive mounting platform 112, support beam 12, cantilever beam 13, crossbeam 14, first mounting part 141, second mounting part 142, flat embroidery head 15, tape reel head 16, towel head 17, frame 2, embroidery frame assembly 3, embroidery frame 31, flower inspection device 32, flower inspection window 321, transparent support plate 322, flower inspection lighting lamp 323. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be explained and described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in the implementation methods without creative effort are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0024] Those skilled in the art will understand that, without conflict, the features in the following embodiments and implementations can be combined with each other.

[0025] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. For example, terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," and "rear" that indicate orientation or positional relationship are based solely on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device / element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.

[0026] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "fixation," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0028] Reference Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a multi-functional embroidery machine, including a frame 2, a modular combined head assembly 1 installed on the frame 2, and an embroidery frame assembly 3.

[0029] The modular assembly 1 includes a head support, which includes a base 11, a support beam 12, a cantilever beam 13 connected to the upper part of the support beam and extending forward, and a crossbeam 14 connected to the front end of the cantilever beam. The front side of the crossbeam 14 is provided with a first mounting part 141 and a second mounting part 142 arranged side by side. A first functional head is mounted on the first mounting part 141, and a second functional head is mounted on the second mounting part 142.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the first functional head is a flat embroidery head 15, and the second functional head is a tape reel head 16.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, in another embodiment, the first functional head is a flat embroidery head 15, and the second functional head is a towel head 17.

[0032] Of course, it is understandable that both the first and second functional heads can be replaced with other functional heads, such as a hat embroidery head.

[0033] For mounting the shuttle, a shuttle mounting platform 111 is provided in the middle area of ​​the upper surface of the base 11. The shuttle mounting platform 111 has shuttle mounting holes, through which the shuttle is mounted using mounting bolts, facilitating installation and replacement. Referring to existing technology, conventional shuttles can be used with flat embroidery heads 15, tape reel heads 16, etc., for embroidery, but a towel shuttle must be used with a towel sewing head. Both conventional shuttles and towel shuttles can be mounted on the shuttle mounting platform 111.

[0034] Specifically, the first mounting part 141 and the second mounting part 142 include mounting bosses and head mounting holes provided on the mounting bosses. The first functional head and the second functional head are mounted through the head mounting holes and mounting bolts to facilitate the installation and replacement of the head.

[0035] The first and second functional heads can be selected and combined in various ways, and the corresponding heads and shuttles are matched. In this way, different combinations can quickly build multiple types of machines, such as plain embroidery, plain ribbon embroidery, plain towel embroidery, mixed ribbon embroidery, and mixed towel embroidery.

[0036] Additionally, referring to existing technology, the embroidery frame assembly 3 includes an embroidery frame 31, an X-drive for moving the embroidery frame along the X direction, and a Y-drive for moving the embroidery frame along the Y direction. The upper surface of the base 11 has drive mounting platforms 112 on both sides for mounting the embroidery frame drives.

[0037] Furthermore, a transmission beam is provided below the suspension beam 13, and a transmission assembly is provided inside the transmission beam. The transmission assembly is connected to the first functional machine head and the second functional machine head. A transmission shaft is provided between the first functional machine head and the second functional machine head, and the transmission shaft is connected to the main shaft of the first functional machine head and the second functional machine head through a coupling component.

[0038] Specifically, the base 11, support beam 12, cantilever beam 13, and crossbeam 14 are separately machined and connected as a whole by fasteners. The base, support beam, cantilever beam, and crossbeam have connecting surfaces machined on them for mutual connection and positioning. Furthermore, the fasteners are bolts, and the support beam, cantilever beam, and crossbeam are square steel. The base is constructed by welding multiple sections of steel together.

[0039] Because the headstock is designed as a modular structure, the individual components are easy to manufacture, significantly reducing the requirements for processing equipment. Combined with simple tooling fixtures, it is suitable for mass production while ensuring high machining accuracy. It also allows for the production of generic and semi-finished stock parts, greatly shortening the manufacturing cycle. Furthermore, it is suitable for both small-batch customization and large-scale production. After ensuring the machining accuracy of each modular component, they are assembled together using fasteners, making installation very convenient. This avoids the limitations on the frame structure layout that a one-piece frame structure would impose due to machining requirements. Additionally, during assembly, the relative positions of the individual components can be adjusted to ensure overall accuracy after assembly.

[0040] High-end custom-made embroidery has higher requirements, and timely adjustments and damage prevention during embroidery are essential. However, batch fabrics are often inspected and graded after completion, and the cost of discovering substandard embroidery is significant. To address this issue, a pattern inspection device 32 can be installed on the embroidery frame. This device 32 includes a pattern inspection window 321 on the embroidery frame, a transparent support plate 322 installed on the window, and a pattern inspection lighting lamp 323 installed under the embroidery frame. The light from the lamp 323 shines onto the transparent support plate 322.

[0041] Because the embroidery frame is equipped with a pattern inspection device, the pattern can be inspected at the inspection window 321 after the embroidery of a certain area is completed. If the embroidery is found to be substandard, it can be adjusted in time to avoid losses caused by the substandard product being found after it is finished.

[0042] Because a transparent support plate is installed at the flower inspection window, the light from the flower inspection lamp shines onto the transparent support plate and onto the embroidery, making it easy to observe whether the pattern on the embroidery is up to standard.

[0043] Preferably, the pattern inspection window 321 is located in the central area of ​​the embroidery frame, since the pattern on the fabric is also located in the central area. A limiting frame is provided around the perimeter of the pattern inspection window 321, and the transparent support plate 322 is supported on the limiting frame with its upper surface flush with the upper surface of the embroidery frame. Because the transparent support plate is supported on the limiting frame and its upper surface is flush with the upper surface of the embroidery frame, it is essentially integrated with the embroidery frame and does not affect the integrity of the embroidery frame. Therefore, it does not affect the flatness of the fabric and also facilitates moving the pattern to the pattern inspection window for fabric inspection.

[0044] Specifically, the limiting frame and the transparent support plate are connected by fixing screws. The fixing screws are hex socket screws, the limiting frame has threaded holes, and the transparent support plate has countersunk holes for connecting with the screw heads. In this way, the transparent support plate is placed from above, and then the fixing screws are tightened from above. After the screws are tightened, the screw heads are submerged in the countersunk holes, which does not affect the flatness of the fabric.

[0045] In this embodiment, the transparent support plate 322 is made of transparent plastic. It resembles plexiglass in appearance, has a certain degree of hardness and good light transmittance, but is not easily broken and has good wear resistance, thus having a long service life. It is understood that transparent glass can also be used instead.

[0046] Furthermore, both the flower inspection window 321 and the transparent support plate 322 are rectangular structures with chamfered corners. The flower inspection lighting 323 is a long strip light located on the front side of the flower inspection window. The flower inspection lighting 323 has a lampshade that guides the light towards the transparent support plate.

[0047] Understandably, different types of lighting can be selected for different fabrics to facilitate fabric inspection during the subsequent embroidery process.

[0048] The aforementioned multi-functional embroidery machine has a first functional head and a second functional head. However, in existing 1+1 models, the head switching and embroidery frame switching are independent. If the head is cut but the frame is not, it will cause the machine to collide with the frame and the pattern to malfunction. Furthermore, the machine's soft limit cannot be effectively set, and it cannot automatically determine the embroidery range of the pattern within the frame before embroidery begins. Therefore, a soft limit device for a multi-functional embroidery machine was designed, such as… Figures 5 to 7 As shown, referring to the above description, the modular embroidery head assembly includes a first functional head and a second functional head. The machine parameters are set as follows: number of heads: 2; distance between the two heads: L; size of the embroidery area: X*Y. That is, the distance between the first and second functional heads is L. The multi-functional embroidery machine's soft limiting device has a first soft limiting module corresponding to the first functional head, used to limit the movement of the embroidery frame within a first limiting range. A second soft limiting module is provided corresponding to the second functional head, used to limit the movement of the embroidery frame within a second limiting range. Furthermore, the first and second limiting ranges keep the pattern within the embroidery frame area.

[0049] The multi-functional embroidery machine soft limit device is equipped with a soft limit switching module. When the first functional head and the second functional head are switched, the embroidery frame moves a distance L along the X+ or X- direction, and the soft limit switching module automatically switches to the first soft limit module or the second soft limit module for soft limit.

[0050] Understandably, the switching between the first and second function heads can be achieved automatically or manually.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second functional head is positioned on the -X side of the first functional head, and the second functional head is defaulted as the reference head for the limit. Furthermore, the coordinates of both the first and second limit ranges are set to 0 from the machine origin.

[0052] Specifically, when manually / automatically switching the embroidery head from #2 (second function head) to #1 (first function head), the embroidery frame needs to move to the right by a distance L, and the soft limit switch switches to the first soft limit module for soft limiting; when manually / automatically switching the embroidery head from #1 to #2, the embroidery frame needs to move to the left by a distance L, and the soft limit switch switches to the second soft limit module for soft limiting.

[0053] Therefore, it can be ensured that the embroidery frame and each machine head can work together effectively. Furthermore, the first and second limit ranges keep the pattern within the embroidery frame range, thereby preventing the pattern from exceeding the embroidery frame range.

[0054] Because the positions of the head and the frame are corresponding, the frame moves with the head when the head is switched, which avoids the pattern from being scrapped due to the lack of linkage between the head and the frame, or mechanical damage caused by interference between the needle and the frame.

[0055] The use of soft limit devices for limiting the machine greatly reduces the skill requirements for operators, improves the reliability of the machine, and eliminates machine failures caused by improper operation.

[0056] The soft limit setting method for the first soft limit module and the second soft limit module includes the following steps: The machine returns to zero by moving the embroidery frame to the machine's origin. The embroidery frame is moved to the center point of the embroidery area, which is then moved directly below the current needle of the second function head. The current position is set as the limit center O2(a, b). The soft limit range of the second function head is: X(ax / 2, a+x / 2), Y(by / 2, b+y / 2). Based on the second functional head limit center and the soft limit range, the position of the first functional head limit center is automatically generated: (a+L, b), and the soft limit range of the first functional head is: X (a+bx / 2, a+b+x / 2); Y (by / 2, b+y / 2).

[0057] Furthermore, the multi-functional embroidery machine's soft limit device is also equipped with an embroidery display module, used to display the embroidery frame and the positional relationship between the pattern and the frame. The soft limit range automatically switches according to the currently used machine head, realizing intelligent limit protection and automated limit switching. Regardless of the machine head, the range of the pattern and frame is automatically displayed, allowing operators to visually check whether the pattern exceeds the embroidery frame range without having to repeatedly check the pattern border.

[0058] Furthermore, the multi-functional embroidery machine's soft limit device is also equipped with an automatic over-limit alarm module, such as... Figure 6 As shown, under normal conditions, the pattern is within the embroidery frame area; as Figure 7 As shown, the automatic alarm module will sound an alarm when the pattern exceeds the embroidery range. Furthermore, before embroidery begins, the automatic alarm module can also automatically determine whether the current position will cause the pattern to exceed the embroidery range. Because the soft limit device's automatic limit judgment and alarm module automatically determine whether the current position will cause the pattern to exceed the embroidery range before embroidery begins, it prevents the pattern from being half-finished and rendered unusable.

[0059] Understandably, the soft limit function must be turned off before switching machine heads. Furthermore, the soft limit device of the multi-functional embroidery machine is equipped with an automatic restoration module. Before the machine is powered off, the automatic restoration module saves the current machine head number and automatically restores it to the state before shutdown upon power-on.

[0060] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the invention, but the scope of protection of the invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that the invention includes, but is not limited to, the contents described in the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments above. Any modifications that do not depart from the functional and structural principles of the invention will be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A soft limiting device for a multi-functional embroidery machine, wherein the multi-functional embroidery machine has a first functional head and a second functional head arranged side by side in a transverse direction, the distance between the first functional head and the second functional head being L, characterized in that... The soft limiting device includes a first soft limiting module corresponding to the first functional head and a second soft limiting module corresponding to the second functional head. The first soft limiting module is used to limit the movement of the embroidery frame within a first limiting range, and the second soft limiting module is used to limit the movement of the embroidery frame within a second limiting range. The first and second limiting ranges keep the pattern within the embroidery frame range. The soft limiting device also includes a soft limiting switching module. When the first and second functional heads are switched, the embroidery frame moves a distance L along the X+ or X- direction, and the soft limiting switching module automatically switches to either the first or second soft limiting module for soft limiting. When the first functional head is working, the first soft limiting module limits the movement of the embroidery frame within the first limiting range; when the second functional head is working, the second soft limiting module limits the movement of the embroidery frame within the second limiting range. When switching between the first functional head and the second functional head, the embroidery frame moves a distance L along the X+ or X- direction, and switches to the first soft limit module or the second soft limit module for limiting. The second functional head is set to be located on the X- side of the first functional head, and the second functional head is set as the default reference head for limiting. The soft limit setting method of the first soft limit module and the second soft limit module includes the following steps: The machine returns to zero by moving the embroidery frame to the machine's origin. The embroidery frame is moved to the center point of the embroidery area, which is then moved directly below the current needle of the second function head. The current position is set as the limit center O2(a, b). The soft limit range of the second function head is: X(ax / 2, a+x / 2), Y(by / 2, b+y / 2). Based on the second functional head limit center and the soft limit range, the position of the first functional head limit center is automatically generated: (a+L, b), and the soft limit range of the first functional head is: X (a+bx / 2, a+b+x / 2); Y (by / 2, b+y / 2). Where: x and y represent the embroidery area dimensions of the embroidery frame in the X and Y directions, respectively; The soft limit device is also equipped with an automatic limit judgment and alarm module. Under normal conditions, the pattern is within the embroidery frame range. When the automatic limit judgment and alarm module determines that the pattern exceeds the embroidery frame range, it will automatically trigger an alarm.

2. The multifunctional embroidery machine soft limiting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The soft limiting device is also equipped with an embroidery display module. During the embroidery process, the embroidery frame and the positional relationship between the pattern and the embroidery frame are automatically displayed according to the soft limiting range set by the first soft limiting module and the second limiting module.

3. The multifunctional embroidery machine soft limiting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The soft limit device is also equipped with an automatic restoration module. Before the machine is powered off, the automatic restoration module saves the current machine head number and automatically restores it to the state before the machine was stopped after the machine is powered on.

4. The multifunctional embroidery machine soft limiting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first functional head is a flat embroidery head, and the second functional head is a tape reel head or a towel head.

5. The multifunctional embroidery machine soft limiting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the switching between the first and second function heads, the soft limit function is turned off.

6. The multifunctional embroidery machine soft limiting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before embroidery begins, the soft limiting device automatically determines whether the current position will cause the pattern to exceed the embroidery range.

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