Embroidery module and method

Abstract

An embroidery module (250) for a sewing machine (200) is provided, comprising an embroidery unit (300) and an embroidery frame (400), the embroidery unit (300) comprising an embroidery arm (310), the embroidery arm (310) being arranged to be movable in a longitudinal direction of the embroidery unit (300), the embroidery arm (310) comprising an embroidery frame attachment interface (320), the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) comprising a locking device (350), the embroidery frame (400) comprising an embroidery arm attachment interface (420). The embroidery frame attachment interface (320) and the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) include mutually matching features (330, 430) that align the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) and the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) with each other during attachment of the embroidery frame (400) to the embroidery unit (300). The embroidery frame attachment interface (320) comprises a locking device (350) arranged to automatically lock the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) and the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) together when the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) is pushed down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface (320); and a pushing device (340) arranged to push the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) upward from the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) when the locking device (350) is released.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to embroidery modules and methods for attaching embroidery frames to embroidery units for sewing machines. Background Technology

[0002] Embroidery units can be attached to a sewing machine for embroidery. US2023 / 0062799 describes the attachment of embroidery units to a sewing machine.

[0003] To enable embroidery on tubular objects, an embroidery frame attached to the embroidery unit can be used. US2022 / 0290348 describes an embodiment of such an embroidery frame.

[0004] Problems with existing technology

[0005] The mechanism for attaching and detaching the embroidery frame and embroidery unit in US2022 / 0290348 is cumbersome. Furthermore, if the embroidery is performed on a tubular object, the attachment of the embroidery frame and embroidery unit may obstruct the fabric. Therefore, there is a need to improve the device and method for attaching the embroidery frame to the embroidery unit used in a sewing machine. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The aforementioned problem can be solved by the required embroidery module for a sewing machine. The embroidery module preferably includes an embroidery unit and an embroidery frame. The embroidery unit includes an embroidery arm configured to move longitudinally along the embroidery unit. The embroidery arm includes an embroidery frame attachment interface, which includes a locking device. The embroidery frame includes an embroidery arm attachment interface. The embroidery frame attachment interface and the embroidery arm attachment interface preferably include mutually mating features that align the embroidery frame attachment interface and the embroidery arm attachment interface with each other when the embroidery frame is attached to the embroidery unit. The embroidery frame attachment interface preferably includes a locking device configured to automatically lock the embroidery arm attachment interface and the embroidery frame attachment interface together when the embroidery arm attachment interface has been pushed down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface; and a pushing device configured to push the embroidery arm attachment interface upward from the embroidery frame attachment interface when the locking device is released.

[0007] The aforementioned problem can be further solved by the required method of attaching the embroidery frame to the embroidery unit for a sewing machine. This method preferably includes: lowering the embroidery arm attachment interface of the embroidery frame onto the embroidery frame attachment interface of the embroidery unit; allowing the embroidery frame attachment interface and the embroidery arm attachment interface to automatically align with each other by using mutually matching features included in the embroidery frame attachment interface and the embroidery arm attachment interface; pushing the embroidery arm attachment interface downwards onto the embroidery frame attachment interface to counteract the action of the pushing device in the embroidery frame attachment interface; and automatically locking the embroidery arm attachment interface and the embroidery frame attachment interface together by a locking device in the embroidery frame attachment interface.

[0008] This makes it easy to attach the embroidery frame to the embroidery unit for the sewing machine, and to remove it from the embroidery unit.

[0009] In one embodiment, the method further includes detaching the embroidery frame from the embroidery unit by releasing the locking device, thereby allowing the embroidery arm attachment interface to be pushed upward from the embroidery frame attachment interface by a pushing device. This enables the user to easily lift the embroidery frame from the embroidery unit to release the embroidery frame from the embroidery unit.

[0010] In one embodiment, the embroidery frame attachment interface is configured to move along the embroidery arm.

[0011] In one embodiment, the embroidery arm attachment interface includes matching features in the form of one or more slots or holes, configured to receive corresponding matching features contained in the embroidery frame attachment interface in the form of protrusions when the embroidery frame is attached to the embroidery unit. This mutual matching feature is a simple arrangement to align the embroidery frame attachment interface and the embroidery arm attachment interface with each other.

[0012] For example, a slot or hole can be a steering hole, and a protrusion can be a steering pin. For example, a steering pin can be cylindrical. This allows the embroidery frame to be positioned precisely onto the embroidery unit.

[0013] In an embodiment, the locking device includes a spring-loaded or resilient button configured to automatically push away from the embroidery frame when mating features on the embroidery frame attachment interface and the embroidery arm attachment interface meet; and to automatically spring back to lock the embroidery arm attachment interface onto the embroidery frame attachment interface when the embroidery arm attachment interface is pushed down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface. The spring-loaded or resilient button is preferably configured to automatically release the embroidery arm attachment interface from the embroidery frame attachment interface when the spring-loaded or resilient button is manually pushed away from the embroidery frame. This allows the user to easily lift the embroidery frame from the embroidery unit after pressing the button, thereby releasing the embroidery frame from the embroidery unit.

[0014] In one embodiment, the embroidery frame attachment interface includes a guide device configured to prevent the locking device from pushing the embroidery frame away from the embroidery unit during attachment.

[0015] In one embodiment, the actuating device includes a spring-loaded or resilient surface. This is a simple method to ensure that the embroidery arm attachment interface is pushed upward from the embroidery frame attachment interface when the locking device is released. In another embodiment, the spring-loaded or resilient surface includes a plurality of active sub-components, each configured to interact with a corresponding sub-component contained in the embroidery arm attachment interface.

[0016] In one embodiment, at least one active sub-component of the spring-loaded or resilient surface is connected to an electrical switch. The electrical switch can be activated or deactivated via a corresponding sub-component (e.g., in the form of an actuator pin) on the embroidery arm attachment interface on the embroidery frame. When the embroidery frame is attached to the embroidery unit, one or more electrical switches can be activated in a predetermined sequence. In this way, the embroidery frame attachment interface can determine the type and size of the attached embroidery frame and transmit this information to the sewing machine when a new embroidery is set.

[0017] The scope of this invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated herein by reference. A more comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the invention and their additional advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art through the detailed description of one or more of the following embodiments. A brief description will first be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A sewing machine according to one or more embodiments described herein is illustrated schematically.

[0019] Figure 2 An embodiment of an embroidery module for a sewing machine according to one or more embodiments described herein is shown, the embroidery module including embroidery units and embroidery frames.

[0020] Figure 3a An embodiment of an embroidery frame attachment interface on an embroidery unit according to one or more embodiments described herein is shown, and Figure 3b An embodiment of an embroidery frame including an embroidery arm attachment interface is shown according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0021] Figures 4a-4b An example of the use of a locking device according to one or more embodiments described herein is shown.

[0022] Figures 5a-5b A method for attaching an embroidery frame to an embroidery unit according to one or more embodiments described herein is illustrated schematically.

[0023] Figure 6 The illustration schematically shows the detachment of the embroidery frame from the embroidery unit according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0024] Figure 7 The method of attaching an embroidery frame to an embroidery unit for a sewing machine is illustrated schematically according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0025] The embodiments and advantages of this disclosure can be better understood by referring to the following detailed description. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are used to identify the same elements shown in one or more figures. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To enable embroidery on tubular objects, an embroidery frame attached to the embroidery unit can be used. Existing embroidery frames, such as those described in US2022 / 0290348, are typically cumbersome for users to detach from the embroidery unit. For ease of use, the user should preferably be able to attach and detach the embroidery frame using only one hand, and preferably, in a single action. However, it is important that the attachment device has minimal or no clearance, as the position of the embroidery frame is controlled by positioning devices within the embroidery unit.

[0027] The greatest loads affecting the embroidery frame will be due to accelerations in the x and y directions. Positional accuracy is also paramount in these directions; otherwise, the embroidery will fail to achieve its intended position. Therefore, improvements are needed to the interface between the embroidery frame and the embroidery units.

[0028] According to this disclosure, the embroidery arm attachment interface of the embroidery frame and the embroidery frame attachment interface of the embroidery unit include mutually matching features to ensure that there is no horizontal movement between the embroidery frame and the embroidery unit. The embroidery frame can be attached and detached using only one hand, and no horizontal displacement occurs during attachment and detachment. This is a major advantage of free-arm embroidery, allowing users to attach the embroidery frame even when a tubular workpiece is tightly fitted onto the free arm of the sewing machine.

[0029] This disclosure generally relates to embroidery modules and methods for attaching embroidery frames to embroidery units for sewing machines. Embodiments of the disclosed technical solutions are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1A sewing machine 200 is schematically shown, comprising a base plate 210 having a first end 212 and a second end 215. A column 220 extends upward from the first end 212 of the base plate 210. A sewing head arm 230 and a sewing table arm 240 extend horizontally from the column 220 above the base plate 210 toward the second end 215 of the base plate 210. The sewing head arm 230 extends horizontally from the column 220 above the sewing table arm 240, and at its outer end, above the second end 215 of the base plate 210, is a sewing head 235. The sewing head 235 typically includes one or more needle bars 290 for moving one or more needles 295 up and down to sew a workpiece on the sewing table arm 240. For embroidery using this sewing machine 200, an embroidery unit 300 can be attached to the sewing machine 200.

[0031] Figure 2 An embodiment of an embroidery module 250 for a sewing machine 200 is shown. The embroidery module 250 includes an embroidery unit 300 and an embroidery frame 400. The embroidery frame 400 typically includes an upper frame section and a lower frame section, between which the material to be embroidered is held. Fastening screws 440 are typically provided on the embroidery frame 400 to ensure that the material to be embroidered is held in a predetermined position.

[0032] The embroidery unit 300 includes an embroidery arm 310, to which an embroidery frame 400 is attached. The embroidery arm 310 is movable in the x-direction, i.e., along the embroidery unit 300, and the embroidery frame 400 is movable in the y-direction along the embroidery arm 310. Therefore, the position of the embroidery frame 400 is controlled by a positioning device in the embroidery unit 300.

[0033] The embroidery unit 300 typically includes a motor as a drive device for positioning the embroidery frame 400. When the embroidery unit 300 is attached to the sewing machine 200, these motors are typically controlled by the sewing machine 200. To ensure that the embroidery is performed in a predetermined position, it is usually necessary to control the drive of the motors and one or more needle bars 290 in the sewing machine 200.

[0034] Figure 3a An embodiment of an embroidery frame attachment interface 320 is shown, which can be disposed on the embroidery arm 310 of the embroidery unit 300 and can move along the embroidery arm 310 in the y direction. Figure 3bAn embodiment of an embroidery frame 400 is shown, which includes an embroidery arm attachment interface 420. The embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 include mutually mating features 330, 430 that align the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 with each other during attachment of the embroidery frame 400 to the embroidery unit 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the mutually mating features are a protrusion 330 and a slot or hole 430. The protrusion 330 may be, for example, cylindrical. This allows the embroidery frame 400 to be precisely positioned onto the embroidery unit 300.

[0035] The mutually matching features are shown as a protrusion 330 on the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and a slot or hole 430 on the embroidery arm attachment interface 420. Of course, they can also be arranged in the opposite manner, i.e., a protrusion on the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 and a slot or hole on the embroidery frame attachment interface 320. Furthermore, any conceivable form of mutually matching feature can be used instead of the matching of the protrusion and the slot or hole, as long as the mutually matching features ensure that there is no horizontal movement between the embroidery frame 400 and the embroidery unit 300 during the attachment of the embroidery frame 400 to the embroidery unit 300.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, there are two sets of mutually matching features 330, 430, but there can be any number of sets of mutually matching features, as long as the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 can be aligned with each other during the attachment of the embroidery frame 400 to the embroidery unit 300. If the mutually matching features are elongated, such as an elongated ridge matching an elongated slot or hole, then there may even be only one set of mutually matching features.

[0037] The embroidery frame attachment interface 320 preferably also includes a pushing device, for example in the form of a spring-loaded or resilient surface 340, which is configured to push the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 upward from the embroidery frame attachment interface 320. For example, the spring-loaded or resilient surface 340 may include a plurality of active sub-components 345, each of which is configured to interact with a corresponding sub-component contained in the embroidery arm attachment interface 420. Figure 3a An example of this active sub-component 345 is shown in the figure.

[0038] At least one active sub-component 345 of the spring-loaded or elastic surface 340 can be connected to an electric switch. The electric switch can be activated or deactivated via a corresponding sub-component (e.g., in the form of an actuator pin) on the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 on the embroidery frame 400. When the embroidery frame 400 is attached to the embroidery unit 300, one or more electric switches can be activated in a predetermined sequence. In this way, the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 can determine the type and size of the attached embroidery frame 400 and transmit this information to the sewing machine 200 when a new embroidery is set. Figure 3a In the illustrated embodiment, there are seven electrical switches, each of which can generate a spring action on the interface. Similarly, each electrical switch can be activated or deactivated by fully pressing or releasing the pins on the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 on the embroidery frame 400 in a predetermined sequence. Therefore, when disassembling, the bias can be released and bounce back to aid in disassembly.

[0039] The matching features 330 and 430 ensure horizontal alignment between the embroidery frame 400 and the embroidery unit 300. However, in order to lock the embroidery frame 400 onto the embroidery unit 300, the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 should also include a locking device 350. Figures 4a-4b The use of this locking device 350 is illustrated. The locking device 350 preferably includes a locking tool 360, which automatically locks the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 and the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 together when the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 is pushed down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface 320. Due to the pushing device 340 in the embroidery frame attachment interface 320, when the locking tool 360 in the locking device 350 is released, it automatically pushes the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 upward from the embroidery frame attachment interface 320.

[0040] In this embodiment, the locking tool is in the form of a spring-loaded or resilient button 360, which is configured to be automatically pushed away from the embroidery frame 400 when matching features 330, 430 on the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 meet, i.e., when the protrusion 330 on the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 enters the slot or hole 430 in the embroidery arm attachment interface 420. A small downward force is required due to the pushing device 340 to push the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface 320. When the slot or hole 430 in the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 is positioned above the protrusion 330 on the embroidery frame attachment interface 320, an angled surface 450 may exist on the outer edge of the embroidery arm attachment interface 420, which contacts an angled surface 365 on the spring-loaded or resilient button 360. Angled surfaces 365 and 450 redirect some of the downward force to the horizontal plane, thereby pushing button 360 away from embroidery frame 400. For example, a guide device (in the form of wall 380) on embroidery frame attachment interface 320 may be configured to prevent spring-loaded or elastic button 360 from pushing embroidery frame 400 away from embroidery unit 300 during attachment.

[0041] When the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 has been pushed down to the correct position on the embroidery frame attachment interface 320, the spring-loaded or resilient button 360 will automatically spring back above the embroidery arm attachment interface 420, locking the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 onto the embroidery frame attachment interface 320. The bottom of the spring-loaded or resilient button 360 may include a sloped surface 370 that interacts with the sloped surface 460 on top of the embroidery arm attachment interface 420. In this case, the sloped surfaces 370 and 460 can be used to ensure contact between the spring-loaded or resilient button 360 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420, even if there may be tolerance variations in the vertical direction.

[0042] To detach the embroidery frame 400, the user simply pushes the spring-loaded or resilient button 360 away from the embroidery frame 400. The spring-loaded or resilient button 360 is configured to automatically release the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 from the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 when it is manually pushed away from the embroidery frame 400. Then, the pushing device 340 pushes the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 upwards from the embroidery frame attachment interface 320, releasing the embroidery frame 400 from the spring-loaded or resilient button 360. When the user pushes the spring-loaded or resilient button 360, it no longer locks the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 and the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 together. The user can then easily lift the embroidery frame 400 from the embroidery unit 300, thus releasing the embroidery frame 400 from the embroidery unit 300.

[0043] Figures 5a-5b The diagram schematically illustrates attaching the embroidery frame 400 to the embroidery arm 310 of the embroidery unit 300 by placing the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 above the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and then pushing the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface 320.

[0044] Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates the detachment of the embroidery frame 400 from the embroidery arm 310 of the embroidery unit 300. As indicated by the arrow in the diagram, the user pushes the button 360 away from the embroidery frame 400. This allows the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 to be released from the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 by pushing the embroidery frame 400 upwards via the pushing device 340.

[0045] Figure 7 A method 700 for attaching an embroidery frame 400 to an embroidery unit 400 for a sewing machine 200 is illustrated schematically.

[0046] The method 700 preferably includes: Step 750: Lower the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 of the embroidery frame 400 onto the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 of the embroidery unit 300.

[0047] Step 760: By using the mutually matching features 330, 430 contained in the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420, the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 are allowed to automatically align with each other.

[0048] Step 770: Push the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 to counteract the action of the pushing device 340 in the embroidery frame attachment interface 320.

[0049] Step 780: The embroidery arm attachment interface 420 and the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 are automatically locked together by the locking device 350 in the embroidery frame attachment interface 320.

[0050] This allows the embroidery frame 400 to be easily attached to or removed from the embroidery unit 300 for the sewing machine 200.

[0051] The method 700 may also include: Step 710: Matching features 330, 430 are configured to include one or more slots or holes 430 in the embroidery arm attachment interface 420, wherein the slots or holes 430 are configured to receive corresponding matching features (in the form of protrusions 330) included in the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 during attachment of the embroidery frame 300 to the embroidery unit 300. These matching features 330, 430 are a simple means of aligning the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 with each other.

[0052] Step 715: Configure the slot or hole 430 as a turning hole and the protrusion 330 as a turning pin. For example, the turning pin can be cylindrical. This allows the embroidery frame 400 to be positioned sufficiently precisely onto the embroidery unit 300.

[0053] Step 720: Set the locking device 350 to include a spring-loaded or resilient button 360, which is configured to be automatically pushed away from the embroidery frame 400 when the matching features 330, 430 on the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 meet, and to automatically spring back to lock the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 onto the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 when the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 has been pushed down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface 320.

[0054] Step 725: Configure the spring-loaded or spring-loaded button 360 so that when the spring-loaded or spring-loaded button 360 is manually pushed away from the embroidery frame 400, the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 is automatically released from the embroidery frame attachment interface 320. This allows the user to easily lift the embroidery frame 400 from the embroidery unit 300 after pushing the button 360, thereby releasing the embroidery frame 400 from the embroidery unit 300.

[0055] Step 730: Set the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 to include a guide device 380 that prevents the locking device 350 from pushing the embroidery frame 400 away from the embroidery unit 300 during attachment.

[0056] Step 740: Arrange the pushing device 340 to include a spring-loaded or resilient surface 340. This is a simple method to ensure that the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 is pushed upward from the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 when the locking device 350 is released. For example, the spring-loaded or resilient surface 340 may include a plurality of active sub-components 345, each configured to interact with a corresponding sub-component contained in the embroidery arm attachment interface 420.

[0057] Step 790: The embroidery frame 400 is detached from the embroidery unit 300 by releasing the locking device 350, thereby allowing the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 to be pushed upward from the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 by the pushing device 340. This allows the user to easily lift the embroidery frame 400 from the embroidery unit 300 after pushing the button 360, thereby releasing the embroidery frame 400 from the embroidery unit 300.

[0058] The above steps can be performed in any technically reasonable order, and some steps can be performed simultaneously.

[0059] The above disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms or particular areas of application disclosed. It is foreseeable that various alternative embodiments and / or modifications, both explicitly described and implied, can be implemented based on this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

Claims

1. An embroidery module (250) for a sewing machine (200), said embroidery module (250) comprising include: The embroidery unit (300) includes an embroidery arm (310) configured to move along the longitudinal direction of the embroidery unit (300), and the embroidery arm (310) includes an embroidery frame attachment interface (320) which includes a locking device (350). as well as An embroidery frame (400) includes an embroidery arm attachment interface (420), wherein the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) and the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) include mutually matching features (330, 430) that align the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) and the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) with each other during the attachment of the embroidery frame (400) to the embroidery unit (300). The embroidery frame attachment interface (320) includes: The locking device (350) is configured to automatically lock the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) and the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) together when the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) has been pushed down vertically onto the embroidery frame attachment interface (320). as well as The pushing device (340) is configured to push the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) upward from the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) when the locking device (350) is released.

2. The embroidery module (250) according to claim 1, wherein, The embroidery frame attachment interface (320) is configured to move along the embroidery arm (310).

3. The embroidery module (250) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The embroidery arm attachment interface (420) includes matching features in the form of one or more slots or holes (430), which are configured to receive corresponding matching features in the form of protrusions (330) contained in the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) during the attachment of the embroidery frame (300) to the embroidery unit (300).

4. The embroidery module (250) according to claim 3, wherein, The slot or hole (430) is a steering hole, and the protrusion (330) is a steering pin.

5. The embroidery module (250) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The locking device (350) includes a spring-loaded or resilient button (360) configured to automatically push away from the embroidery frame (400) when matching features (330, 430) on the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) and the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) meet, and to automatically spring back when the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) has been pushed down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) to lock the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) to the embroidery frame attachment interface (320).

6. The embroidery module (250) according to claim 5, wherein, The spring-loaded or resilient button (360) is configured to automatically release the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) from the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) when the spring-loaded or resilient button (360) is manually pushed away from the embroidery frame (400).

7. The embroidery module (250) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The embroidery frame attachment interface (320) includes a guide device (380) configured to prevent the locking device (350) from pushing the embroidery frame (400) away from the embroidery unit (300) during attachment.

8. The embroidery module (250) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The actuating device includes a spring-loaded or elastic surface (340).

9. The embroidery module (250) according to claim 8, wherein, The spring-loaded or elastic surface (340) includes a plurality of active sub-components (345), each active sub-component being configured to interact with a corresponding sub-component included in the embroidery arm attachment interface (420).

10. A method (700) for attaching an embroidery frame (400) to an embroidery unit (300) for a sewing machine (200), the method (700) comprising: Lower (750) the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) of the embroidery frame (400) onto the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) of the embroidery unit (300); By using the mutually matching features (330, 430) included in the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) and the embroidery arm attachment interface (420), (760) the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) and the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) are allowed to automatically align with each other; The embroidery arm attachment interface (420) is pushed (770) vertically downward onto the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) to counteract the effect of the pusher (340) in the embroidery frame attachment interface (320); as well as The embroidery arm attachment interface (420) and the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) are automatically locked together by a locking device (350) in the embroidery frame attachment interface (320).

11. The method (700) of claim 10 further includes removing the embroidery frame (400) from the embroidery unit (300) by releasing the locking device (350) (790), thereby allowing the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) to be pushed upward from the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) by the pushing device (340).

12. The method (700) according to claim 10 or 11 further includes (710) setting mutually matching features (330, 430) to include one or more slots or holes (430) in the embroidery arm attachment interface (420), the one or more slots or holes (430) being configured to receive corresponding matching features in the form of protrusions (330) in the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) during attaching the embroidery frame (400) to the embroidery unit (300).

13. The method (700) of claim 12 further includes configuring the slot or hole (430) as a steering hole (715) and configuring the protrusion (330) as a steering pin.

14. The method (700) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising: The locking device (350) is configured (720) to include a spring-loaded or resilient button (360) configured to automatically push away from the embroidery frame (400) when the matching features (330, 430) on the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) and the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) meet, and to automatically spring back to lock the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) onto the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) when the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) has been pushed down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface (320).

15. The method (700) of claim 14 further includes (725) a spring-loaded or resilient button (360) for automatically releasing the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) from the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) when the spring-loaded or resilient button (360) is manually pushed away from the embroidery frame (400).

16. The method (700) according to any one of claims 10 to 15, further comprising providing (730) an embroidery frame attachment interface (320) to include a guide (380) that prevents a locking device (350) from pushing the embroidery frame (400) away from the embroidery unit (300) during attachment.

17. The method (700) according to any one of claims 10 to 16, further comprising providing (740) a pushing device to include a spring-loaded or resilient surface (340).

18. The method (700) according to claim 17, wherein, The setup (740) includes a spring-loaded or resilient surface (340) for including a plurality of active sub-components (345), each active sub-component being configured to interact with a corresponding sub-component contained in the embroidery arm attachment interface (420).

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