Single-head embroidery machine and automatic tabouret identification and limiting device thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a single-head embroidery machine as well as an automatic identification tabouret and a limiting device thereof, a plain embroidery limiting module is used for limiting the stitch embroidering range of a middle needle in a plain embroidery tabouret, and a first additional device is used for limiting the stitch embroidering range of a first needle in a first additional device tabouret; the second additional device limits the stitch embroidering range of the tail needle in the second additional device tabouret, and the automatic tabouret recognition module automatically recognizes the first additional device tabouret, the second additional device tabouret and the plain embroidery tabouret according to whether the first needle, the tail needle and the middle needle are in the working positions or not. And one of the first additional device limiting module, the second additional device limiting module and the plain embroidery limiting module is correspondingly selected for limiting. Before and in the process of pattern embroidery, limiting and alarming can be carried out, and the conditions of device damage and product scrapping caused by improper parameter setting of the tabouret are completely eradicated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of embroidery machines, and in particular relates to a single-head embroidery machine. Background Art

[0002] Single-head embroidery machines can embroider on any fabric and are suitable for hats, sportswear, jackets, and more. They are compact and lightweight, yet offer powerful functions, simple operation, unique design, and stable operation. With the advancement of technology and the increasing demand for personalized products, single-head embroidery machines are increasingly being integrated with various external devices. These include beading, laser, cording, sequin, towel, and tape embroidery devices, making single-head embroidery machines increasingly popular.

[0003] Because single-head embroidery machines can embroider products of varying sizes, including ready-made garments, various fabrics, scarves, socks, hats, and more, they require a wide range of embroidery frames and machines. Due to the varying spaces dedicated to each device, the embroidery area within the same frame can vary significantly. For example, the actual embroidery range for flat embroidery is 1200mm*500mm. However, with the addition of a beading device, the beading embroidery area is reduced to approximately 1100mm*400mm, due to the larger footprint required. To avoid interference between the device and the frame, the beading range is reduced to approximately 1200mm*500mm.

[0004] If an embroidery pattern contains both flat embroidery and beading, the existing technology limits the frame to 1100*400mm, and both flat embroidery and beading embroidery are processed according to the smaller stroke size. This makes it impossible to fully utilize the processing capacity of the machine.

[0005] In addition, under the existing solution, if pure flat embroidery is required, customers need to set up the flat embroidery frame and the device frame repair separately, and they need to manually select the frame according to the size of the pattern each time. If they forget to set the frame, the device may be damaged by the frame. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the defects of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a single-head embroidery machine and its automatic identification embroidery frame and limiting device, so as to solve the problem of unreasonable limitation of the embroidery range after adding external devices in the prior art.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] A single-head embroidery machine automatically identifies an embroidery frame and a limiting device, comprising a flat embroidery limiting module, a first external device limiting module, a second external device limiting module, and an automatic embroidery frame identification module, wherein the middle needle of the single-head embroidery machine performs flat embroidery, the first external device cooperates with the first needle of the single-head embroidery machine to perform embroidery, and the second external device cooperates with the last needle of the single-head embroidery machine to perform embroidery, the flat embroidery limiting module limits the embroidery range of the middle needle stitch in the flat embroidery frame, the first external device limits the embroidery range of the first needle stitch in the first external device embroidery frame, and the second external device limits the embroidery range of the last needle stitch in the second external device embroidery frame, and the automatic embroidery frame identification module automatically identifies the first external device embroidery frame, the second external device embroidery frame, and the flat embroidery frame according to whether the first needle, the last needle, and the middle needle are in a working position, and correspondingly selects one of the first external device limiting module, the second external device limiting module, and the flat embroidery limiting module for limiting.

[0009] Preferably, the flat embroidery limit module includes a flat embroidery frame range setting submodule, an intermediate needle stitch embroidery range setting submodule and a flat embroidery over-limit alarm submodule. The flat embroidery frame range setting submodule is used to set the flat embroidery frame range, the intermediate needle stitch embroidery range is used to set the intermediate needle stitch embroidery range, and the flat embroidery over-limit alarm submodule is used to compare the intermediate needle stitch embroidery range with the flat embroidery frame range, and to issue an alarm when the intermediate needle stitch embroidery range exceeds the flat embroidery frame range.

[0010] Preferably, the first external device limit module includes a first external device embroidery frame range setting submodule, a first stitch embroidery range setting submodule and a first external device over-limit alarm submodule. The first external device embroidery frame range setting submodule is used to set the first external device embroidery frame range, the first stitch embroidery range setting submodule is used to set the first stitch embroidery range, and the first external device over-limit alarm submodule is used to compare the first stitch embroidery range with the first external device embroidery frame range, and to issue an alarm when the first stitch embroidery range exceeds the first external device embroidery frame range.

[0011] Preferably, the second external device limit module includes a second external device embroidery frame range setting submodule, a last needle stitch embroidery range setting submodule and a second external device over-limit alarm submodule, the second external device embroidery frame range setting submodule is used to set the second external device embroidery frame range, the last needle stitch embroidery range setting submodule is used to set the last needle stitch embroidery range, and the second external device over-limit alarm submodule is used to compare the last needle stitch embroidery range with the second external device embroidery frame range, and to issue an alarm when the last needle stitch embroidery range exceeds the second external device embroidery frame range.

[0012] Preferably, the automatic identification embroidery frame and the limiting device are further provided with a pattern analysis module, which analyzes the pattern and divides the pattern into a first external device pattern, a second external device pattern and a flat embroidery pattern. The first external device pattern is obtained by embroidering with the first external device and the first needle of the single-head embroidery machine, the second external device pattern is obtained by embroidering with the second external device and the last needle of the single-head embroidery machine, and the flat embroidery pattern is obtained by flat embroidery with the middle needle of the single-head embroidery machine.

[0013] Preferably, the size of the flat embroidery frame is equal to the size of the physical embroidery frame of a single-head embroidery machine, and the size of the first external device embroidery frame and the second external device embroidery frame are smaller than the size of the physical embroidery frame of a single-head embroidery machine.

[0014] In addition, the present invention also provides a single-head embroidery machine, including the single-head embroidery machine automatic identification embroidery frame and the limiting device.

[0015] The technical solution adopted by the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0016] 1. The flat embroidery limit module, the first external device limit module, and the second external device limit module respectively set limits for flat embroidery, embroidery with the first external device, and embroidery with the second external device. The first and last stitches can each have their own limit settings, while intermediate stitches can have their own limit settings for flat embroidery. Before embroidering a pattern, you can determine whether it exceeds the range. If so, the system will report an error and embroidery will not be possible. Limits are also set during the embroidery process. If the range is exceeded, the system will automatically stop and issue an alarm, preventing damage to the device and product scrapping due to improper embroidery frame parameter settings.

[0017] 2. The automatic embroidery frame recognition module automatically identifies the first external device embroidery frame, the second external device embroidery frame, and the flat embroidery frame according to whether the first needle, the last needle, and the middle needle are in the working position, and selects one of the first external device limit module, the second additional device limit module, and the flat embroidery limit module for position limiting, eliminating the need to manually switch between the flat embroidery frame and the device embroidery frame and the corresponding limit.

[0018] 3. For composite patterns that include both flat embroidery and external device patterns, the pattern analysis module analyzes the patterns and divides them into a first external device pattern, a second external device pattern, and a flat embroidery pattern. The first external device pattern is embroidered by combining the first external device with the first needle of a single-head embroidery machine, the second external device pattern is embroidered by combining the second external device with the last needle of a single-head embroidery machine, and the flat embroidery pattern is embroidered by the middle needle of a single-head embroidery machine. Correspondingly, during the embroidery process, the flat embroidery limiter module, the first external device limiter module, and the second external device limiter module respectively limit the embroidery pattern. Flat embroidery patterns can be embroidered to the maximum size of the machine, and external device patterns can be embroidered to the maximum size of the device, maximizing machine utilization.

[0019] These features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following specific embodiments and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0021] Figure 1 Set up a flow chart for parameters;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a manual frame shifting flowchart;

[0023] Figure 3 To determine whether to cross the frame flow chart;

[0024] Figure 4 Flowchart for pattern embroidery;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of a single-head embroidery machine;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the relative positions of the embroidery frame of the first additional device;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the relative positions of the second external device embroidery frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following is an explanation and description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. However, the following embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not exhaustive. Based on the embodiments in the implementation manner, other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] Reference to existing technologies and combined Figure 5As shown, the single-head embroidery machine is provided with only one head 1, and a physical embroidery frame 2 is provided correspondingly below the head. The head includes a head housing and a needle bar rack provided on the front side of the head housing. A transverse slide mechanism is provided between the needle bar rack and the head housing. A needle bar driver is installed in the head housing. Multiple needle bars are installed on the needle bar rack. The first needle bar on the left side can be set as the first needle, the first needle bar on the right side can be set as the last needle, and the middle needle bar or needle bars can be set as the middle needle. A first external device can be installed on the left side of the needle bar rack, and a second external device can be installed on the right side of the needle bar rack. The first external device cooperates with the first needle of the single-head embroidery machine to perform embroidery, which can also be referred to as the first needle device. The second external device cooperates with the last needle of the single-head embroidery machine to perform embroidery, which can also be referred to as the last needle device. The middle needle of the single-head embroidery machine performs flat embroidery. When switching between flat embroidery, embroidery with the first additional device, and embroidery with the second additional device to change colors, the needle bar frame slides a set distance along the transverse slide mechanism so that the needle bar driver can cooperate with the corresponding needle bar. If the first needle position cooperates with the needle bar driver, the first needle is in the working position. If the last needle position cooperates with the needle bar driver, the last needle is in the working position. If the middle needle position cooperates with the needle bar driver, the middle needle is in the working position. The first additional device and the second additional device can be a bead embroidery device, a laser embroidery device, a rope embroidery device, a sequin embroidery device, a towel embroidery device, a tape embroidery device, etc. in the prior art.

[0030] In this embodiment, the relative direction between the needle bar frame and the machine head housing is defined as the Y direction (or the front-to-back direction), and the movable direction of the needle bar frame is defined as the X direction (or the left-to-right direction). The machine head is fixed in position, and the fabric is placed on the embroidery frame. The embroidery frame moves relative to the machine head, including movement in the X and Y directions, to cooperate with the machine head to embroider on the fabric.

[0031] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, here, the flat embroidery frame, the first external device embroidery frame, and the second external device embroidery frame are all virtual embroidery frames. Usually, the size of the flat embroidery frame is equal to the size of the physical embroidery frame of a single-head embroidery machine, while the first external device embroidery frame and the second external device embroidery frame are smaller than the size of the physical embroidery frame of a single-head embroidery machine, that is, they are both within the size range of the physical embroidery frame.

[0032] refer to Figures 1 to 7As shown, this embodiment provides a single-head embroidery machine and its automatic embroidery frame identification and limiting device, wherein the automatic embroidery frame identification and limiting device includes a flat embroidery limiting module, a first external device limiting module, a second external device limiting module, and an automatic embroidery frame identification module. The single-head embroidery machine's middle needle performs flat embroidery, the first external device cooperates with the single-head embroidery machine's first needle to perform embroidery, and the second external device cooperates with the single-head embroidery machine's last needle to perform embroidery. The flat embroidery limiting module limits the embroidery range of the middle needle stitch within the flat embroidery frame, i.e., the middle needle stitch must always be within the flat embroidery frame; otherwise, it will exceed the limit. The first external device limits the embroidery range of the first needle stitch within the first external device embroidery frame, i.e., the first needle stitch must always be within the first external device embroidery frame; otherwise, it will exceed the limit. The second external device limits the embroidery range of the last needle stitch within the second external device embroidery frame, i.e., the last needle stitch must always be within the second external device embroidery frame; otherwise, it will exceed the limit. Therefore, the automatic identification of the embroidery frame and the limit device can calculate and limit the relative position between the needle bar and the embroidery frame in real time to avoid exceeding the limit.

[0033] Since the external device will change, such as Figure 1 As shown, for the first and second external devices, the limit parameters need to be set in advance, that is, the limit coordinates of the embroidery frames of the first and second external devices need to be set, including X left, X right, Y front, and Y back, to form a rectangular limit embroidery frame. The corresponding stitches must always be located within the limit embroidery frame.

[0034] According to the change of working needle position, such as Figure 2 As shown, the frame moving process needs to be executed. First, the current needle position is read and the needle position is determined, that is, whether it is the first needle, the last needle or the middle needle; then, for the first needle, the first external device limit is read, for the last needle, the second external device limit is read, and for the middle needle, the flat embroidery limit is read; then, the frame is moved, that is, the physical embroidery frame is moved to the corresponding flat embroidery frame, the first external device embroidery frame and the second external device embroidery frame working position.

[0035] Before pattern embroidery, the flat embroidery limit module, the first additional device limit module, and the second additional device limit module can determine in advance whether they are out of range. If they are out of range, the system will report an error and embroidery cannot be performed. During the pattern embroidery process, the limit is also performed. If it is out of range, it can automatically stop and alarm, eliminating the situation where the device is damaged and the product is scrapped due to improper embroidery frame parameter settings. Figure 3As shown, the process of judging whether the frame is crossed is as follows: judging whether the first needle is crossed out of the boundary (limit) according to the embroidery range of the first needle and the embroidery frame range of the first external device; judging whether the last needle is crossed out of the boundary (limit) according to the embroidery range of the last needle and the embroidery frame range of the second external device; judging whether the middle needle is crossed out of the boundary (limit) according to the embroidery range of the middle needle and the embroidery frame range of the flat embroidery; that is, judging whether the boundary is crossed in sequence, and the order can also be changed. If the boundary is crossed, a corresponding crossing (limit) prompt is given; if the boundary is not crossed (limit), the judgment is made in sequence until the judgment is completed.

[0036] The automatic embroidery frame recognition module automatically identifies the first, second, and flat embroidery frames based on whether the first, last, and middle needles are in their working positions. This means the first, second, and flat embroidery frames are identified as working frames, corresponding to the first, last, and middle needles, and the corresponding position limiting module is selected. This eliminates the need for manual switching between flat embroidery frames and device embroidery frames and the corresponding position limiting.

[0037] Preferably, the flat embroidery frame is equal to the physical frame of a single-head embroidery machine, while the first and second external device embroidery frames are smaller than the physical frame of a single-head embroidery machine and are as large as possible without conflicting with the physical frame. This way, flat embroidery patterns can be made to the maximum size of the machine, and patterns made with the external devices can be made to the maximum size possible, maximizing machine utilization.

[0038] Specifically, the flat embroidery limit module includes a flat embroidery frame range setting submodule, an intermediate needle stitch embroidery range setting submodule and a flat embroidery over-limit alarm submodule. The flat embroidery frame range setting submodule is used to set the flat embroidery frame range, the intermediate needle stitch embroidery range is used to set the intermediate needle stitch embroidery range, and the flat embroidery over-limit alarm submodule is used to compare the intermediate needle stitch embroidery range with the flat embroidery frame range, and to issue an alarm when the intermediate needle stitch embroidery range exceeds the flat embroidery frame range.

[0039] Specifically, the first external device limit module includes a first external device embroidery frame range setting submodule, a first stitch embroidery range setting submodule and a first external device over-limit alarm submodule. The first external device embroidery frame range setting submodule is used to set the first external device embroidery frame range, the first stitch embroidery range setting submodule is used to set the first stitch embroidery range, and the first external device over-limit alarm submodule is used to compare the first stitch embroidery range with the first external device embroidery frame range, and to issue an alarm when the first stitch embroidery range exceeds the first external device embroidery frame range.

[0040] Specifically, the second external device limit module includes a second external device embroidery frame range setting submodule, a last needle stitch embroidery range setting submodule and a second external device over-limit alarm submodule. The second external device embroidery frame range setting submodule is used to set the second external device embroidery frame range, the last needle stitch embroidery range setting submodule is used to set the last needle stitch embroidery range, and the second external device over-limit alarm submodule is used to compare the last needle stitch embroidery range with the second external device embroidery frame range, and to issue an alarm when the last needle stitch embroidery range exceeds the second external device embroidery frame range.

[0041] Furthermore, the automatic identification embroidery frame and limiting device are also provided with a pattern analysis module, which analyzes the pattern and divides the pattern into a first external device pattern, a second external device pattern and a flat embroidery pattern. The first external device pattern is obtained by embroidering with the first external device and the first needle of the single-head embroidery machine, the second external device pattern is obtained by embroidering with the second external device and the last needle of the single-head embroidery machine, and the flat embroidery pattern is obtained by flat embroidery with the middle needle of the single-head embroidery machine.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown in the figure, after the normal embroidery process starts, perform the following steps to embroider the pattern:

[0043] Set the device limit parameters according to the device (i.e. external device) specifications;

[0044] Select the embroidery frame specifications (size) according to your needs;

[0045] Select an embroidery pattern;

[0046] Select color sequence;

[0047] Select the embroidery position and determine whether it is offside. If it is not offside, the embroidery is confirmed and you can proceed with the embroidery normally.

[0048] Therefore, for complex patterns that include both flat embroidery and external device patterns, the pattern analysis module analyzes the patterns and divides them into first external device patterns, second external device patterns, and flat embroidery patterns. Flat embroidery patterns can be made to the maximum size of the machine, while external device patterns can be made to the maximum size of the device, maximizing machine utilization.

[0049] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention includes, but is not limited to, the contents described in the drawings and the above specific embodiments. Any modifications that do not deviate from the functional and structural principles of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A single-head embroidery machine with automatic identification of embroidery frames and limit devices, characterized by: It includes a flat embroidery limiting module, a first external device limiting module, a second external device limiting module and an automatic embroidery frame identification module, wherein the middle needle of the single-head embroidery machine performs flat embroidery, the first external device cooperates with the first needle of the single-head embroidery machine to perform embroidery, and the second external device cooperates with the last needle of the single-head embroidery machine to perform embroidery. The flat embroidery limiting module limits the embroidery range of the middle needle stitch in the flat embroidery frame, the first external device limits the embroidery range of the first needle stitch in the first external device embroidery frame, and the second external device limits the embroidery range of the last needle stitch in the second external device embroidery frame. The automatic embroidery frame identification module automatically identifies the first external device embroidery frame, the second external device embroidery frame and the flat embroidery frame according to whether the first needle, the last needle and the middle needle are in the working position, and correspondingly selects one of the first external device limiting module, the second external device limiting module and the flat embroidery limiting module for limiting.

2. The single-head embroidery machine automatic identification embroidery frame and limit device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flat embroidery limit module includes a flat embroidery frame range setting submodule, an intermediate needle stitch embroidery range setting submodule and a flat embroidery over-limit alarm submodule. The flat embroidery frame range setting submodule is used to set the flat embroidery frame range, the intermediate needle stitch embroidery range is used to set the intermediate needle stitch embroidery range, and the flat embroidery over-limit alarm submodule is used to compare the intermediate needle stitch embroidery range with the flat embroidery frame range, and to issue an alarm when the intermediate needle stitch embroidery range exceeds the flat embroidery frame range.

3. The single-head embroidery machine automatic identification embroidery frame and limit device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first external device limit module includes a first external device embroidery frame range setting submodule, a first stitch embroidery range setting submodule and a first external device over-limit alarm submodule. The first external device embroidery frame range setting submodule is used to set the first external device embroidery frame range, the first stitch embroidery range setting submodule is used to set the first stitch embroidery range, and the first external device over-limit alarm submodule is used to compare the first stitch embroidery range with the first external device embroidery frame range and to issue an alarm when the first stitch embroidery range exceeds the first external device embroidery frame range.

4. The single-head embroidery machine automatic identification embroidery frame and limit device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second external device limit module includes a second external device embroidery frame range setting submodule, a last needle stitch embroidery range setting submodule and a second external device over-limit alarm submodule. The second external device embroidery frame range setting submodule is used to set the second external device embroidery frame range, the last needle stitch embroidery range setting submodule is used to set the last needle stitch embroidery range, and the second external device over-limit alarm submodule is used to compare the last needle stitch embroidery range with the second external device embroidery frame range, and to issue an alarm when the last needle stitch embroidery range exceeds the second external device embroidery frame range.

5. The single-head embroidery machine automatic identification embroidery frame and limit device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The automatic identification embroidery frame and the limiting device are further provided with a pattern analysis module, which analyzes the pattern and divides the pattern into a first external device pattern, a second external device pattern and a flat embroidery pattern. The first external device pattern is obtained by embroidering with the first external device and the first needle of the single-head embroidery machine, the second external device pattern is obtained by embroidering with the second external device and the last needle of the single-head embroidery machine, and the flat embroidery pattern is obtained by flat embroidery with the middle needle of the single-head embroidery machine.

6. The single-head embroidery machine automatic identification embroidery frame and limit device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The size of the flat embroidery frame is equal to the size of the physical embroidery frame of a single-head embroidery machine, and the size of the first external device embroidery frame and the second external device embroidery frame are smaller than the size of the physical embroidery frame of a single-head embroidery machine.

7. A single-head embroidery machine, characterized by: The single-head embroidery machine comprises the automatic identification embroidery frame and the limiting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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