Automatic thread changing device for embroidery machine, automatic origin finding structure and method

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic original point searching structure and method of an automatic thread changing device of an embroidery machine. After each automatic thread changing device is restarted, the horizontal guide mechanism is moved for a short distance to search for a working original point. If the working original point detection assembly detects a corresponding original point, the working original point is found. If the automatic thread changing device does not find the working original point, all the automatic thread changing devices run to the first side in the horizontal direction. The first automatic thread changing device runs to the corresponding original point first, and all the other automatic thread changing devices run to the first automatic thread changing device. When the other automatic thread changing devices are close to the set distance, the other automatic thread changing devices run to the set distance and stop at the corresponding thread changing tray position. Then, the other automatic thread changing devices except the first automatic thread changing device search for the working original point from the position as the reference to the respective original points.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of embroidery equipment technology, specifically relating to an automatic bobbin changing device for embroidery machines. [Background Technology]

[0002] Currently available automatic bobbin changing devices achieve automatic bobbin replacement by automatically changing the bobbin case and bobbin core. Referring to Chinese invention patent application CN110340628A, a multi-station robotic arm bobbin case changing device is disclosed, capable of handling bobbin case changing at several preset stations. It includes a horizontal guiding mechanism and a bobbin case changing device. The bobbin case changing device includes a translation base. The horizontal guiding mechanism includes a horizontal guide rail, which is positioned below the bobbin case of the embroidery machine and extends along the line connecting the bobbin cases. The translation base is slidably connected to the horizontal guide rail.

[0003] Generally, the number of bobbin changing devices varies depending on the number of machine heads. Currently, there is typically one bobbin changing device for every 10 machine heads. After the entire embroidery machine has finished changing the bobbin thread, all the bobbin changing devices will move along the horizontal guide mechanism to one end of the embroidery machine, waiting for the worker to replace the empty bobbin thread storage tray with the pre-wound bobbin thread storage tray. After the replacement is completed, the reset button is manually pressed to reset each bobbin changing device to its initial position for the next job, thus completing the automatic bobbin thread changing function of the embroidery machine.

[0004] When multiple bobbin case changing devices are installed, if an unexpected shutdown or power outage occurs before all devices are fully in position after moving along the transverse guide mechanism to one end of the embroidery machine, the machine will fail to find its origin upon restarting, resulting in erratic operation and collisions. Similarly, if all bobbin case changing devices are fully in position after moving along the guide rail, but the storage tray is not replaced in time due to worker busyness, and a power outage occurs, the machine will still experience erratic operation and collisions upon restarting. In these situations, to restore the automatic bobbin thread changer to normal operation, the machine needs to be powered off, and the automatic bobbin thread changer must be manually pushed back to its initial position for each device before power is restored and it can resume operation. This method is not intelligent, increases the workload for workers, and is prone to errors. [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide an automatic bobbin thread changing device for embroidery machines with an automatic origin-finding structure and method, so as to avoid the situation where the automatic bobbin thread changing device cannot find the origin after restarting the machine in the event of an unexpected shutdown, power outage, or other similar circumstances.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] First, an automatic origin-finding structure for an automatic bobbin thread changing device in an embroidery machine is provided. At least two automatic bobbin thread changing devices move along a transverse guide mechanism. The transverse guide mechanism has an origin position corresponding to each automatic bobbin thread changing device. A working origin detection component is provided between the automatic bobbin thread changing device and the corresponding origin position to detect whether the automatic bobbin thread changing device has moved to the corresponding origin position. A distance sensor is provided on the automatic bobbin thread changing device to measure the transverse distance between two adjacent automatic bobbin thread changing devices.

[0008] Preferably, the working origin detection component includes a working origin sensor disposed on the automatic bottom line changing device and an origin position addressing baffle disposed corresponding to the origin position of each automatic bottom line changing device. The working origin sensor and the origin position addressing baffle cooperate to detect whether the automatic bottom line changing device has run to the corresponding origin position.

[0009] Preferably, the origin position addressing baffle is mounted on the baffle mounting base, the lateral guide mechanism includes a lateral sliding groove extending laterally, and the baffle mounting base is mounted on the lateral sliding groove.

[0010] Preferably, the origin position addressing baffle has an L-shaped structure, including a horizontal side and a vertical side extending vertically upward from one end of the horizontal side. The rear end of the horizontal side is fixed to the baffle mounting base. The working origin sensor has a U-shaped groove with a downward opening. The vertical side passes through the U-shaped groove during operation.

[0011] Preferably, the ranging sensor is an infrared ranging sensor; or, the ranging sensor is a proximity switch.

[0012] Preferably, the lateral guide mechanism has a replacement tray position corresponding to the replacement storage tray position of each automatic bottom changing device, and a replacement tray position sensor is provided at the corresponding replacement tray position. The replacement tray position of the first automatic bottom changing device in the lateral direction coincides with the original position.

[0013] Preferably, the lateral guide mechanism is provided with an automatic positioning structure at the origin of the first lateral automatic bottom line changing device.

[0014] Preferably, the lateral guide mechanism is provided with a laterally extending power transmission circuit, and the automatic bottom changing device is provided with a drive motor and a contact conductive mechanism. The contact conductive mechanism makes slidable contact with the power transmission circuit and conducts electricity. The drive motor is connected to the contact conductive mechanism and is used to drive the automatic bottom changing device to move along the lateral guide mechanism.

[0015] On the other hand, an automatic method for finding the origin point of an automatic bobbin changing device for an embroidery machine is also provided, including the following steps:

[0016] After each automatic bottom line changing device is powered on and restarted, it moves a short distance along the lateral guide mechanism to find the working origin. If the working origin detection component detects the corresponding origin position, then the working origin is found.

[0017] Furthermore, if the automatic thread changing device fails to find its working origin, all automatic thread changing devices will move towards the first horizontal side. The first automatic thread changing device in the horizontal direction will move to its corresponding origin position first, and all other automatic thread changing devices will move towards the first automatic thread changing device in the horizontal direction. When each of the other automatic thread changing devices approaches the set distance, it will stop at the corresponding material changing tray position. Then, all automatic thread changing devices except the first automatic thread changing device in the horizontal direction will use this position as a reference to find their respective origin positions.

[0018] The present invention adopts the above technical solution and has the following technical effects: When the automatic bottom changing device is unexpectedly shut down or loses power, after restarting, it can first move a short distance along the lateral guide mechanism to find the working origin. If the working origin detection component detects the corresponding origin position, the working origin is found; if the working origin is not found, after the first automatic bottom changing device in the lateral direction runs to the corresponding origin position, the other automatic bottom changing devices can continue to run to their respective working origin positions according to the measurement results of the distance sensor, that is, the relative distance with the first automatic bottom changing device in the lateral direction and the two adjacent automatic bottom changing devices. In this way, the problems of chaotic device operation and collision caused by unexpected power failure during startup can be solved.

[0019] These features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. [Attached Image Description]

[0020] The invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of a multi-station automatic bottom line changing device;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a side view of a multi-station automatic bottom changing machine with the automatic bottom changing device located on the side of the storage tray;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive copper sheet and the insulating circuit support plate;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic bottom changing device operating along the lateral guide mechanism;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the contact conductive mechanism;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of two automatic bottom changing devices operating along a transverse guide mechanism;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the setup of the automatic bobbin changing device for an embroidery machine that automatically finds the origin.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the three automatic bottom changing devices moving towards the material changing tray position along the transverse guide mechanism.

[0030] Reference numerals: Automatic bobbin changing device 1, Automatic bobbin changing device #101, Automatic bobbin changing device #2 102, Automatic bobbin changing device #3 103, Main body 11, Storage tray 12, Robotic arm assembly 13, Lateral slider 14, Contact conductive mechanism 15, Fixed base 151, Insulating swing arm 152, Conductive sheet 153, Lateral extension section 1531, Horizontal extension section 1532, Branch insulating swing arm 154, Pin 155, Torsion spring 156, Power drive assembly 16, Drive motor 161, Drive Gear 162, Distance sensor 17, Working origin sensor 18, U-shaped groove 181, Lateral guide mechanism 2, Bracket 20, Lateral slide 201, Lateral guide rail 21, Lateral rack 22, Insulating circuit support plate 23, Mounting groove 231, Conductive copper strip 232, 1# Origin position addressing baffle 24, 2# Origin position addressing baffle 25, Baffle mounting seat 251, 2# Replacement tray position sensor 26, 3# Replacement tray position sensor 27, Shuttle box 3, Rotary shuttle 31, Shuttle core 32, Shuttle shell 33.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0031] 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.

[0032] Those skilled in the art will understand that, without conflict, the features in the following embodiments and implementations can be combined with each other.

[0033] 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," "rear," "X-direction," and "Y-direction," which 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. They do not indicate or imply that the device / component referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

[0037] like Figure 1As shown, the multi-station automatic bobbin thread changing device includes a horizontal guide mechanism 2 and an automatic bobbin thread changing device 1. For multi-head embroidery machines, multiple sets of machine heads and shuttle boxes are arranged horizontally, with the machine head at the top and the shuttle box 3 at the bottom. The shuttle box 3 has a rotary hook 31 and bobbin thread installed on the rotary hook. Here, the bobbin thread refers to the combination kit of the bobbin core 32 and bobbin case 33 used to hold the bobbin thread. If the bobbin thread runs out, it needs to be replaced, and the automatic bobbin thread changing device 1 is used to replace the bobbin thread. The horizontal guide mechanism 2 is located below the shuttle box 3 and extends horizontally, with a length sufficient to cover the length of all shuttle boxes 3, thus ensuring that the automatic bobbin thread changing device 1 runs along the horizontal guide mechanism 2 and can run to the corresponding position of the shuttle box 3 to complete the bobbin thread changing work. The number of automatic bobbin thread changing devices 1 can be one or multiple. Because the number of heads in multi-head embroidery machines is increasing, multiple automatic bobbin thread changing devices 1 are usually set. Each automatic bobbin thread changing device 1 is responsible for changing the bobbin thread of a corresponding number of machine heads and shuttle boxes.

[0038] The automatic bobbin thread changing device 1 includes a storage tray 12 for holding multiple bobbin threads and a robotic arm assembly 13 for automatically changing bobbin threads. The storage tray 12 and the robotic arm assembly 13 are mounted on the main body 11. The storage tray 12 is rotatable and has multiple storage positions for placing bobbin threads along its circumference, with at least one empty position reserved. The robotic arm assembly 13 replaces the used bobbin threads from the rotary shuttle and places them into the empty position in the storage tray 12, and places the unused bobbin threads from the storage tray 12 onto the rotary shuttle. Of course, if there are no unused bobbin threads left in the storage tray, the entire storage tray needs to be replaced.

[0039] Therefore, the automatic bobbin thread changing device 1 in the prior art changes the bobbin thread in the following way: The storage tray is equipped with bobbins and bobbin cases with pre-wound bobbin thread (hereinafter referred to as bobbin thread). It typically stores 10 pre-wound bobbin threads, with one empty slot reserved for used bobbin threads. When bobbin thread needs to be changed, the robotic arm assembly 13 removes the empty bobbin thread from the embroidery machine's shuttle and places it in the reserved slot on the storage tray. Then, the robotic arm assembly 13 lifts up, and the storage tray 12 rotates, moving the pre-wound bobbin thread to a position that the robotic arm assembly 13 can grasp. At this point, the robotic arm assembly 13 grasps a pre-wound bobbin thread and places it inside the embroidery machine's shuttle, completing the bobbin thread change for one embroidery machine head. When the bobbin thread for the next embroidery machine head needs to be changed, the automatic bobbin thread changing device, carrying the storage tray 12, moves along the transverse guide mechanism 2 to the next embroidery machine head position. Then, the robotic arm assembly 13 repeats the cycle of changing bobbin thread for the first embroidery machine head, completing the bobbin thread change for the second embroidery machine head, and so on, completing the bobbin thread change for the entire embroidery machine head.

[0040] Generally, the number of automatic bobbin thread changing devices varies depending on the number of machine heads. Currently, one automatic bobbin thread changing device is typically configured for every 10 machine heads. After the entire embroidery machine's bobbin thread has been replaced, all the automatic bobbin thread changing devices will move along the horizontal guide mechanism 2 to one end of the embroidery machine, waiting for the worker to replace the empty bobbin thread storage tray with a tray already wound with bobbin thread. After the replacement is completed, the reset button is manually pressed to reset each automatic bobbin thread changing device to its initial position for the next job, thus completing the automatic bobbin thread changing function of the embroidery machine.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the horizontal guide mechanism has an origin point for each automatic bobbin changing device. Taking one automatic bobbin changing device that can automatically change the bobbin for 10 embroidery machine heads as an example, an origin point is set for each automatic bobbin changing device every 10 head spacing. For example, if an embroidery machine has 30 heads, then a total of 3 automatic bobbin changing devices are installed, namely automatic bobbin changing device 1# 101, automatic bobbin changing device 1# 102, and automatic bobbin changing device 1# 103 along the horizontal direction, where automatic bobbin changing device 1# 101 is the first automatic bobbin changing device in the horizontal direction.

[0042] To prevent the automatic seam changing device from failing to find its origin point after power-off due to unexpected shutdowns or power outages, this invention includes an automatic origin-finding structure. This structure comprises a working origin detection component positioned between the automatic seam changing device and its corresponding origin point, used to detect whether the automatic seam changing device has reached the corresponding origin point. The automatic seam changing device 1 is equipped with a distance sensor 17 for measuring the lateral distance between two adjacent automatic seam changing devices.

[0043] The working origin detection component includes a working origin sensor 18 installed on the automatic seam changing device and an origin position addressing baffle corresponding to the origin position of each automatic seam changing device. The working origin sensor and the origin position addressing baffle work together to detect whether the automatic seam changing device has moved to the corresponding origin position. Taking three automatic seam changing devices as an example, three origin position addressing baffles are installed. Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the horizontal partial structure of the embroidery machine. A No. 1 origin position addressing baffle 24 is set for the No. 1 automatic bobbin changing device 101, a No. 2 origin position addressing baffle 25 is set for the No. 2 automatic bobbin changing device 102, and a No. 3 origin position addressing baffle is set for the No. 3 automatic bobbin changing device 103 (not shown due to length).

[0044] In addition, the lateral guide mechanism 2 is equipped with an automatic positioning structure corresponding to the origin position of the first automatic seam changing device. The automatic seam changing device and the automatic positioning structure are mechanically fixed, for example, by a snap-fit ​​structure. Therefore, after the first automatic seam changing device moves to the origin, it can automatically position itself based on the information from the working origin sensor, or in conjunction with the automatic positioning structure.

[0045] Specifically, the origin position addressing baffle is mounted on the baffle mounting base 251. The lateral guide mechanism includes a lateral sliding groove 201 extending laterally, and the baffle mounting base 251 is mounted on the lateral sliding groove 201. The lateral sliding groove 201 is a T-shaped groove, and the baffle mounting base 251 has a T-shaped portion that mates with the T-shaped groove, allowing for adjustment of the installation position. At the set installation position, it can be fixed by locking screws. The origin position addressing baffle has an L-shaped structure, including a horizontal side and a vertical side extending upwards from one end of the horizontal side. The rear end of the horizontal side is fixed to the baffle mounting base. The working origin sensor has a downward-opening U-shaped groove 181, through which the vertical side passes during operation. The working origin sensor can be an infrared sensor, which can be detected when the origin position addressing baffle enters the U-shaped groove.

[0046] Preferably, the ranging sensor 17 can be an infrared ranging sensor, a proximity switch, or other sensors with similar functions.

[0047] Furthermore, the transverse guide mechanism 2 is equipped with a material changing tray position corresponding to the material changing tray position of each automatic bobbin thread changing device 1, and a material changing tray position sensor is provided at the corresponding material changing tray position. The material changing tray position of the first automatic bobbin thread changing device in the transverse direction coincides with the origin position. This is because the embroidery machine has a large number of heads, resulting in a relatively long overall length. It would be quite tiring for workers to run to the working origin of each automatic bobbin thread changing device to change the material storage tray. Therefore, after each automatic bobbin thread changing device has finished working, they are concentrated at one end of the embroidery machine to wait for the worker to change the material storage tray, which can save the worker's physical strength. Therefore, all material changing tray positions and corresponding material changing tray position sensors are set close to the first transverse side. The origin position of the #1 automatic bobbin thread changing device itself corresponds to one end of the embroidery machine, and the material changing tray position and the working origin can share a single sensor. For example, only the #1 origin position addressing baffle 24 is set, and there is no need to set the #1 material changing tray position sensor. However, a #2 material changing tray position sensor 26 is set for the #2 automatic bobbin thread changing device 102, and a material changing tray position sensor 27 is set for the #3 automatic bobbin thread changing device 103. When a tray needs to be replaced, other automatic bottom changing devices will move to automatic bottom changing device 101 to find the corresponding tray replacement position.

[0048] Based on the above-described automatic origin-finding structure, when the automatic bobbin changing device unexpectedly shuts down or loses power, and then restarts, combined with some control logic, the automatic origin-finding method can be executed. The automatic origin-finding method of the embroidery machine's automatic bobbin changing device includes the following steps:

[0049] After each automatic bottom line changing device is powered on and restarted, it moves a short distance along the lateral guide mechanism to find the working origin. If the working origin detection component detects the corresponding origin position, the working origin is found.

[0050] If the automatic bobbin thread changing device fails to find its working origin, all automatic bobbin thread changing devices will move towards the first horizontal side. The first automatic bobbin thread changing device in the horizontal direction will first move to its corresponding origin position (the origin of the first group of devices is mechanically fixed; as long as it moves to the end in one direction, it will find its working origin). All other automatic bobbin thread changing devices will move towards the first automatic bobbin thread changing device in the horizontal direction. When all other automatic bobbin thread changing devices approach the set distance, the infrared distance sensor or proximity switch will send a signal to the control board. The control board will then control each device to move to the set distance and stop at the corresponding replacement tray position (if the tray needs to be replaced, it will be replaced; otherwise, it will not be replaced, and the worker will make the judgment).

[0051] Then, except for the first automatic bottom line changing device in the horizontal direction, the other automatic bottom line changing devices use this position as a reference to find their respective original positions.

[0052] By finding the working origin in this way, the system can operate based on the working origin, which can solve problems such as chaotic operation and collisions caused by unexpected power outages during startup.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the automatic seam changing device 1 is equipped with a power drive assembly 16. The power drive assembly 16 cooperates with the transverse guide mechanism 2 to enable the automatic seam changing device to move laterally along the transverse guide mechanism 2. The power drive assembly 16 includes a drive motor 161 and a power output component connected to the drive motor 161. The power output component cooperates with the transverse guide mechanism to drive the automatic seam changing device to move. A power supply structure is provided between the automatic seam changing device 1 and the transverse guide mechanism 2 to supply power to the power drive assembly 16.

[0054] To avoid the risk of jamming and non-conductivity in existing power supply methods, the power supply method between the automatic bottom-changing device 1 and the transverse guide mechanism 2 can be improved, for example, by adopting a slingshot-type power-connection method.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the power supply structure includes a power transmission circuit located in front of the lateral guide mechanism 1 and extending laterally, and a contact conductive mechanism 15 located in the automatic bottom changing device 1. The contact conductive mechanism 15 is connected to the drive motor 161.

[0056] The plane where the power transmission circuit is located is vertically arranged. The contact conductive mechanism includes a fixed base 151, an insulating swing arm 152 hinged to the fixed base by a pin 155, a first spring disposed between the insulating swing arm and the fixed base, and a conductive plate 153 installed on the insulating swing arm. The first spring drives the insulating swing arm to swing horizontally relative to the plane where the power transmission circuit is located with the pin as the fulcrum, and makes the conductive plate elastically fit against the power transmission circuit.

[0057] Furthermore, the insulating swing arm 152 is hinged to a branch insulating swing arm 154 via a pin. A second spring is provided between the branch insulating swing arm 154 and the insulating swing arm 152, and a conductive plate 153 is mounted on the branch insulating swing arm 154. The second spring drives the branch insulating swing arm to swing horizontally relative to the plane where the power transmission circuit is located, with the pin as the fulcrum, and causes the conductive plate to elastically adhere to the power transmission circuit.

[0058] Preferably, the first and second springs are torsion springs 156, which are mounted on the pin 155 and drive the insulating swing arm 152 and the branch insulating swing arm 154 to twist. Therefore, under the action of the torsion springs, both the insulating swing arm and the branch insulating swing arm swing in the direction of the lateral guide mechanism 2, and make the conductive sheet 153 contact the power transmission circuit to conduct electricity.

[0059] Furthermore, the conductive sheet 153 is provided with a lateral extension section 1531, the head of which is in contact with the power transmission circuit. The conductive sheet 153 is provided with a horizontal extension section 1532, and the insulating swing arm 152 and the branch insulating swing arm 154 are provided with horizontal fixing surfaces that are in contact with the horizontal extension section 1532 and fixed by screws, thereby fixing the conductive sheet 153 to the insulating swing arm 152 and the branch insulating swing arm 154.

[0060] The above-mentioned power-taking structure adopts a slingshot-type power-connection method. The first spring drives the insulating swing arm to swing horizontally relative to the plane where the power transmission circuit is located, with the pin as the fulcrum, and makes the conductive sheet elastically fit into the power transmission circuit. During operation, the reaction force of the power transmission circuit on the conductive sheet is opposite to the swing direction, which makes it less likely to deform the conductive sheet. This overcomes the risk of jamming and non-conductivity that exists in the prior art when the brush contacts the conductive sheet for conduction.

[0061] Moreover, the slingshot-style jump-start method has been used in trams and high-speed trains for many years, and its efficient and stable performance has been fully verified. Applying it to automatic bottom line replacement devices can greatly improve the stability and service life of the automatic bottom line replacement devices, and at the same time, it can further increase the operating speed of the automatic bottom line replacement devices, thereby improving their efficiency.

[0062] Furthermore, existing automatic bottom-changing devices and host signal transmissions utilize wireless communication. While wireless communication is widely used, interference can occur in certain situations, frequently leading to communication breakdowns. If the equipment is installed near an interference source, it will malfunction, forcing the manufacturer to relocate and increasing operating costs. To address this issue, this invention combines a slingshot-style jump-start method with communication functionality. Specifically, the lateral guide mechanism 2 includes a communication circuit extending laterally, and the contact conductive mechanism 15 has a conductive sheet that contacts and conducts through the communication circuit.

[0063] The communication circuit and the power transmission circuit have the same structure, both using conductive copper strips 232. Specifically, the transverse guide mechanism 2 includes a bracket 20, a transverse guide rail 2 mounted on the bracket, and an insulating circuit support plate 23. The power transmission circuit and the communication circuit are mounted on the insulating circuit support plate 23. In this embodiment, the power transmission circuit includes at least two sets of conductive copper strips 232 arranged side by side, the communication circuit includes at least one row of conductive copper strips 232, and the insulating circuit support plate 23 is provided with mounting grooves 231 for mounting the conductive copper strips.

[0064] Thus, the transverse guide mechanism 2 not only has power transmission circuits but also communication circuits, forming a "power transmission plus signal communication type electric shock rail". As shown in the figure, the "power transmission plus signal communication type electric shock rail" uses four rows of wires: two power lines and two signal lines. For example, the upper two rows of wires are power lines, corresponding to the conductive plates 153 connected to the upper insulating swing arm 152 and branch insulating swing arm 154. The lower two rows of wires are communication signal lines, corresponding to the conductive plates 153 connected to the lower insulating swing arm 152 and branch insulating swing arm 154. However, using three rows of wires (two power lines and one signal line), or five or more rows of wires, can also accomplish the functions required by this device. Of course, if the communication function is not considered, two power lines are sufficient; however, if the communication function is considered, at least three rows of wires are required.

[0065] The above technical solution, because the contact conductive mechanism 15 adopts a slingshot contact conductive method with the power transmission circuit and the communication circuit, not only ensures power supply stability, but also avoids signal interference problems to the greatest extent, ensuring stable operation of the equipment under various complex conditions.

[0066] To completely avoid the risk of jamming and non-conductivity that exists in existing technologies where the brush and conductive sheet make contact for conductivity, as an alternative implementation, a contact power-taking structure can be omitted, or a power drive component 16 can be provided on each automatic line-changing device 1 while incorporating a traditional power-taking structure. For example... Figure 7As shown, the power drive assembly 16 also includes a power battery 163, where the power output component is the drive gear 162. The power battery 163 supplies power to the drive motor 161. No contact power is required; during operation, the power-connected part of the automatic bottom-changing device does not contact the lateral guide mechanism, avoiding problems caused by power connection during the automatic bottom-changing device's operation on the lateral guide mechanism.

[0067] Additionally, the lateral guide mechanism 2 includes a contact charging base, which is fixedly mounted on one side of the lateral guide rail. The automatic bottom-changing device 1 is equipped with a charging interface, and the charging connector is inserted into the charging interface to charge the power battery 163. Alternatively, either the contact charging base or the automatic bottom-changing device can have a charging interface, while the other has a charging connector. Wireless charging technology can also be used, with the lateral guide mechanism 2 equipped with a wireless charging base, and the automatic bottom-changing device 1 equipped with a wireless charging circuit that connects wirelessly to the wireless charging base to charge the power battery 163. In this way, the automatic bottom-changing device 1 charges in standby mode.

[0068] Of course, referring to existing technology, in order to achieve self-propelled operation of the automatic bobbin changing device 1, the power drive component 16 cooperates with the components on the transverse guide mechanism to form a self-propelled mechanism. Specifically, the transverse guide mechanism also has a transverse rack 22 arranged parallel to the transverse guide rail 21. The power output component is a drive gear 162 that meshes with the transverse rack, and the drive motor 161 is connected to the drive gear 162. The drive motor 161 drives the drive gear 162, thereby driving the entire automatic bobbin changing device 1 to move horizontally on the transverse guide rail 21 and accurately position itself.

[0069] Furthermore, the transverse rack 22 is located below the transverse guide rail 21, with its teeth facing downwards. The drive gear is a spur helical gear. The automatic thread changing device 1 is equipped with a transverse slider 14 that slides in cooperation with the transverse guide rail 21.

[0070] It is understandable that the transmission structure between the drive gear 162 and the transverse rack 22 can be replaced by other transmission structures. For example, the transverse guide mechanism may be equipped with a synchronous belt instead of the transverse rack, the power output component being a synchronous pulley meshing with the synchronous belt, and the drive motor driving the synchronous pulley to rotate. As another example, the transverse guide mechanism may be equipped with a chain instead of the transverse rack, the power output component being a sprocket meshing with the chain, and the drive motor driving the sprocket to rotate.

[0071] Preferably, the drive motor is a stepper motor. The power battery is a lithium battery. The drive motor is mounted on the bottom of the automatic line-changing device.

[0072] Furthermore, based on the signal from the ranging sensor 17, if the distance is detected to be too close, the device can stop operating to avoid collision. The automatic line-changing device is equipped with a wireless communication module, which receives wireless control signals to achieve self-propelled operation.

[0073] 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. An automatic bobbin thread changing device for embroidery machines and an automatic origin point finding method, characterized in that: The method is based on an automatic origin-finding structure, which includes: at least two automatic bottom-line changing devices moving along a lateral guide mechanism, with an origin position corresponding to each automatic bottom-line changing device; a working origin detection component between the automatic bottom-line changing device and its corresponding origin position for detecting whether the automatic bottom-line changing device has moved to the corresponding origin position; and a distance sensor on the automatic bottom-line changing device for measuring the lateral distance between two adjacent automatic bottom-line changing devices. The working origin detection component includes a working origin sensor installed on the automatic bottom line changing device and an origin position addressing baffle set for the origin position of each automatic bottom line changing device. The working origin sensor and the origin position addressing baffle work together to detect whether the automatic bottom line changing device has run to the corresponding origin position. The lateral guide mechanism has a replacement tray position corresponding to the replacement storage tray position of each automatic bottom changing device, and a replacement tray position sensor is provided for the corresponding replacement tray position. The replacement tray position of the first automatic bottom changing device in the lateral direction coincides with the original position. The method further includes the following steps: After each automatic bottom line changing device is powered on and restarted, it moves a short distance along the lateral guide mechanism to find the working origin. If the working origin detection component detects the corresponding origin position, the working origin is found. If the automatic thread changing device fails to find its working origin, all automatic thread changing devices will move towards the first horizontal side. The first automatic thread changing device in the horizontal direction will move to its corresponding origin position first, and all other automatic thread changing devices will move towards the first automatic thread changing device in the horizontal direction. When each of the other automatic thread changing devices approaches the set distance, it will stop at the corresponding material changing tray position. Then, all automatic thread changing devices except the first automatic thread changing device in the horizontal direction will use this position as a reference to find their respective origin positions.

2. The automatic origin-finding method of the automatic bobbin changing device for an embroidery machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The origin position addressing baffle is installed on the baffle mounting base, and the transverse guide mechanism includes a transverse sliding groove extending laterally, with the baffle mounting base installed on the transverse sliding groove.

3. The automatic origin-finding method of the automatic bobbin changing device for an embroidery machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The origin position addressing baffle has an L-shaped structure, including a horizontal side and a vertical side that extends vertically upward from one end of the horizontal side. The rear end of the horizontal side is fixed to the baffle mounting base. The working origin sensor has a U-shaped groove with a downward opening. The vertical side passes through the U-shaped groove during operation.

4. The automatic origin-finding method of the automatic bobbin changing device for an embroidery machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ranging sensor is an infrared ranging sensor; or, the ranging sensor is a proximity switch.

5. The automatic origin-finding method of the automatic bobbin changing device for an embroidery machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lateral guide mechanism is equipped with an automatic positioning structure at the origin of the first automatic bottom line changing device in the lateral direction.

6. The method for automatically finding the origin point of the automatic bobbin changing device for an embroidery machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lateral guide mechanism is provided with a laterally extending power transmission circuit, and the automatic bottom changing device is provided with a drive motor and a contact conductive mechanism. The contact conductive mechanism makes slidable contact with the power transmission circuit and conducts electricity. The drive motor is connected to the contact conductive mechanism and is used to drive the automatic bottom changing device to move along the lateral guide mechanism.

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