JP2006130124A - Embroidery machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an embroidery machine forming an embroidery pattern on a work cloth in such a manner as having a preset and predetermined positional relation with at least two reference marks, forming the embroidery pattern and a printed pattern on the work cloth in a preset and predetermined positional relation and improving the quality of the combined patterns. <P>SOLUTION: This embroidery machine 3 is provided with: a detecting means 37 having an image reading sensor 14 detecting the reference marks showing two reference positions recorded on the work cloth retained to a cloth retaining frame 25; and a frame shifting command means 38 commanding a frame shifting device 30 to move the cloth retaining frame so that the two reference marks sequentially accord with the location of a sewing needle 13 by moving the frame shifting device 30 based on the detection information from the detecting means 37. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an embroidery sewing machine, and more particularly to an embroidery sewing machine suitable for forming an embroidery pattern on a work cloth on which a printing pattern is formed by a printing apparatus so as to have a predetermined positional relationship with the printing pattern. It is about.

  Conventionally, various embroidery sewing machines have been put to practical use in which a cloth holding frame holding a work cloth based on embroidery data can be independently driven and transferred in two directions and sewed on the work cloth to form an embroidery pattern. ing. On the other hand, various techniques for forming a printed pattern on a work cloth have also been proposed. Based on the print data, the work cloth and the print head are relatively moved in two directions and printed on the work cloth to form a printed pattern. Possible inkjet printing apparatuses have been proposed. When both an embroidery pattern and a printing pattern are formed on a work cloth using such an embroidery sewing machine and a printing apparatus, an embroidery pattern is formed with the embroidery sewing machine and then a printing pattern is formed with the printing apparatus. After forming the printed pattern, the embroidery pattern is formed by the embroidery sewing machine.

  By the way, in general, the embroidery sewing machine and the printing apparatus each have a cloth holding device such as a dedicated cloth holding frame. In order to form both the embroidery pattern and the printed pattern on the work cloth, the embroidery sewing machine cloth is used. It is necessary to change the work cloth from one of the holding frame and the cloth holding frame of the printing apparatus to the other. Here, in order to make it unnecessary to replace the work cloth, it is conceivable to use both a cloth holding frame having a relatively large thickness on the upper and lower sides of the embroidery sewing machine and a cloth holding frame of the printing apparatus. However, in order to form a printed pattern neatly on the work cloth with the printing device, it is necessary to place the print head in a state of being quite close to the work cloth. There is a possibility that problems such as being unable to be easily attached to and detached from the frame transfer device, and causing the cloth holding frame to be transferred to interfere with the print head may occur.

Here, in Patent Document 1, an embroidery pattern is formed by sewing on a work cloth with an embroidery sewing machine based on embroidery data created based on image data, and printed on a work cloth with an ink jet printer based on image data. Techniques to do this are disclosed. Patent Document 2 discloses a general embroidery sewing machine including a sewing mechanism, a cloth holding frame, a frame transfer mechanism, and the like.
JP 2004-263350 A JP 2004-254987 A

  As described above, when both the embroidery pattern and the printed pattern are formed on the work cloth using the embroidery sewing machine and the printing apparatus, the work cloth from one to the other of the cloth holding frame of the embroidery sewing machine and the cloth holding frame of the printing apparatus. Therefore, it is difficult to form the embroidery pattern and the printed pattern on the work cloth so as to have a predetermined positional relationship. Here, when the work cloth is replaced, if the pattern (embroidery pattern or printed pattern) formed on the work cloth can be aligned at a predetermined position with respect to the other cloth holding frame, It is easy to form the embroidery pattern and the printed pattern so as to have a predetermined positional relationship.

  However, since the other cloth holding frame is not provided with any means for aligning the pattern formed on the work cloth, this alignment is very difficult. When the size of the one cloth holding frame is the same as that of the other cloth holding frame, the work cloth portion mounted on the one cloth holding frame is also mounted on the other cloth holding frame. Thus, the above problem is solved. However, even in such a case, the work cloth is likely to be misaligned with respect to the other cloth holding frame, and the above problem cannot be easily solved. Eventually, in order to prevent the positional deviation from occurring, a complicated and time-consuming work of correcting the positional deviation by re-attaching the work cloth to the other cloth holding frame many times is required.

  If the size of the one cloth holding frame and the other cloth holding frame are not the same, there is no reference for positioning the work cloth on the other cloth holding frame, so even if the work cloth is marked, Its alignment is very difficult. Here, as described above, it is conceivable that the cloth holding frame having a relatively large thickness above and below the embroidery sewing machine and the cloth holding frame of the printing apparatus may be used together. There is a risk that problems such as being unable to be easily attached to and detached from the transfer device, and causing the cloth holding frame to be transferred to interfere with the print head may occur.

  An object of the present invention is to easily and reliably match at least two reference marks recorded on a work cloth held by a cloth holding frame with a sewing machine reference position in an embroidery sewing machine, and to at least two reference marks on a work cloth. An embroidery pattern is formed so as to have a predetermined positional relationship set in advance, and an embroidery pattern and a printed pattern are formed on the work cloth so as to have a predetermined predetermined positional relationship, and these composite patterns To improve the quality of

  An embroidery sewing machine according to a first aspect includes a sewing mechanism having sewing needles, a cloth holding frame for holding the work cloth in a detachable manner, and a frame transfer mechanism for driving and transferring the cloth holding frame independently in two directions. In the embroidery sewing machine, the frame transfer mechanism based on detection means for detecting a reference mark indicating at least two reference positions recorded on the work cloth held on the cloth holding frame, and detection information from the detection means And a frame transfer instructing means for instructing the frame transfer mechanism to transfer the cloth holding frame so that at least two reference marks are sequentially aligned with a predetermined sewing machine reference position by operating the.

  In this embroidery sewing machine, the frame transfer mechanism and the sewing mechanism are controlled based on the embroidery data, the cloth holding frame is independently driven in two directions and transferred by the frame transfer mechanism, and the embroidery is sewn on the work cloth by the sewing mechanism. A pattern is formed. Here, the work cloth is attached to the cloth holding frame so that at least two reference marks recorded on the work cloth are positioned inside (sewing area) of the cloth holding frame. The detection means detects at least two reference marks recorded on the work cloth held on the cloth holding frame, and the frame transfer instruction means activates the frame transfer mechanism based on the detection information from the detection means. The frame transfer mechanism can be instructed to transfer the cloth holding frame so that the two reference marks are sequentially aligned with a predetermined sewing machine reference position.

  Then, an embroidery pattern can be formed on the work cloth so as to have a predetermined positional relationship set in advance with respect to the reference marks based on position information obtained by matching at least two reference marks with the sewing machine reference positions. it can. Here, a printed pattern is formed on the work cloth before forming the embroidery pattern by using a printing apparatus, and at that time, a predetermined positional relationship is set in advance with respect to at least two reference marks on the work cloth. A printed pattern can be formed as described above, and these reference marks can be printed and formed. In this way, it is possible to form an embroidery pattern after forming the printed pattern on the work cloth, and to form the embroidery pattern and the printed pattern so as to have a predetermined positional relationship set in advance.

In the invention of claim 1, the following configuration can be adopted.
The sewing machine reference position is a needle drop position of the sewing needle. The frame transfer instruction means has frame transfer operation means for operating the frame transfer mechanism. The frame transfer instructing means has automatic alignment control means for controlling the frame transfer mechanism so that the reference mark automatically matches the sewing machine reference position. Detection activation operation means for operating the detection means is provided (claim 5).

  Display means for displaying the sewing machine reference position and the reference mark is provided. The display means displays the sewing machine reference position and reference mark together with a sewing area inside the cloth holding frame. Based on position information obtained by matching the reference marks with the sewing machine reference position so that an embroidery pattern can be formed in the work cloth so as to have a predetermined positional relationship set in advance with respect to the at least two reference marks. Embroidery data correction means for correcting the initial embroidery data is provided.

  According to the embroidery sewing machine of claim 1, by providing the detection means, it is possible to detect a reference mark indicating at least two reference positions recorded on the work cloth held by the cloth holding frame, and to send a frame transfer instruction. By providing the means, based on the detection information from the detection means, the frame holding mechanism is operated to move the cloth holding frame so that the at least two reference marks sequentially match the predetermined sewing machine reference position. The transfer mechanism can be instructed. In other words, at least two reference marks are easily and surely matched with the sewing machine reference position, and embroidery is performed on the work cloth so as to have a predetermined positional relationship preset with respect to these reference marks based on the position information. A pattern can be formed.

  Here, a printed pattern is formed on the work cloth before forming the embroidery pattern by using a printing apparatus, and at that time, a predetermined positional relationship is set in advance with respect to at least two reference marks on the work cloth. A printed pattern can be formed as described above, and these reference marks can also be printed and formed. Therefore, a printing pattern is formed on the work cloth attached to the cloth holding frame by the printing apparatus, and then the work cloth is transferred from the cloth holding frame of the printing apparatus to the cloth holding frame of the embroidery sewing machine to embroider the work cloth. The present invention is effective when forming a pattern.

  That is, when the work cloth on which the printing pattern is formed by the printing apparatus is changed from the cloth holding frame of the printing apparatus to the cloth holding frame of the embroidery sewing machine, at least two pieces are provided on the inner side (sewing area) of the cloth holding frame of the embroidery sewing machine. By positioning the fiducial mark and the embroidery pattern area where the embroidery pattern is to be formed, it is not necessary to accurately position the work cloth with respect to the cloth holding frame. Forming the embroidery pattern and the print pattern on the work cloth in a predetermined positional relationship by forming the embroidery pattern on the work cloth after the detection means and the transfer instruction means are functioned later; The quality of these composite patterns can be improved.

  According to the embroidery sewing machine of claim 2, since the sewing machine reference position is the needle drop position of the sewing needle, the frame transfer instruction means causes the frame to sequentially match at least two reference marks with the needle drop position of the sewing needle. The transfer mechanism can be instructed.

  According to the embroidery sewing machine of claim 3, since the frame transfer instruction means has the frame transfer operation means for operating the frame transfer mechanism, the cloth holding frame is transferred by operating the frame transfer mechanism with this frame transfer operation means. Thus, at least two reference marks can be sequentially matched with the sewing machine reference position.

  According to the embroidery sewing machine of claim 4, the frame transfer instructing means has automatic alignment control means for controlling the frame transfer mechanism so that the reference mark automatically matches the sewing machine reference position. The control means can automatically move the cloth holding frame to sequentially match at least two reference marks with the sewing machine reference position.

  According to the embroidery sewing machine of the fifth aspect, since the detection activation operation means operated to activate the detection means is provided, the detection means is activated and stopped at the time of sewing by the embroidery sewing machine, and the work cloth is clothed. It is possible to reliably detect at least two fiducial marks recorded on the work cloth by activating the detecting means after the mounting on the holding frame and before forming the embroidery pattern.

  According to the embroidery sewing machine of claim 6, since the display means for displaying the sewing machine reference position and the reference mark is provided, the sewing machine reference position and the reference mark can be easily confirmed. When the frame holding mechanism is operated by the operating means to transfer the cloth holding frame and sequentially match at least two reference marks to the sewing machine reference position, the display can be performed.

  According to the embroidery sewing machine of claim 7, since the display means displays the sewing machine reference position and the reference mark together with the sewing area inside the cloth holding frame, the sewing machine reference position and the reference mark can be easily confirmed together with the sewing area. be able to.

  According to the embroidery sewing machine of claim 8, an embroidery pattern can be formed on the work cloth so as to have a predetermined positional relationship set in advance with respect to the at least two reference marks. Since the embroidery data correcting means for correcting the initial embroidery data based on the matched position information is provided, the embroidery pattern has a predetermined positional relationship set in advance with respect to at least two reference marks on the work cloth. The embroidery data for that purpose can be reliably generated by correcting the initial embroidery data.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pattern forming system 1 includes a data processing device 2 composed of a personal computer, an embroidery sewing machine 3, and an ink jet printing device 4, and the embroidery data is transferred from the data processing device 2 to the embroidery sewing machine 3. , And the printing device 4 is supplied with print data, and an embroidery pattern 6 (for example, “brother”) is formed on the work cloth 5 by the embroidery sewing machine 3 based on the embroidery data, and based on the print data. The printing apparatus 4 forms a printed pattern 7 (for example, a rectangular background pattern around “brother”). The data processing device 2 may be provided in the embroidery sewing machine 3 or the printing device 4.

  Here, the embroidery sewing machine 3 and the printing apparatus 4 are each provided with a dedicated cloth holding frame. When both the embroidery pattern 6 and the printed pattern 7 are formed on the work cloth 5, the cloth holding frame of the embroidery sewing machine 3 and It is necessary to replace the work cloth 5 from one of the cloth holding frames of the printing apparatus 4 to the other. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 2, the embroidery pattern 6 and the print pattern 7 have a predetermined positional relationship set in advance, that is, as shown in FIG. In order to prevent the positional relationship deviating from the predetermined positional relationship, it is possible to form the embroidery pattern 6 and the printed pattern 7 on the work cloth 5 to improve the quality of the composite pattern. It is.

  In this embodiment, the pattern forming system 1 forms the printed pattern 7 on the work cloth 5 by the printing device 4 and then forms the embroidery pattern 6 on the work cloth 5 by the embroidery sewing machine 3. The system is configured to form the embroidery pattern 6 and the print pattern 7 so as to have a positional relationship.

[Embroidery sewing machine]
The embroidery sewing machine 3 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the embroidery sewing machine 3 includes a sewing machine body 10 including a sewing mechanism 11 having sewing needles 13, a cloth holding frame 25 that detachably holds a work cloth 5, and a cloth holding frame 25. It consists of a frame transfer device 30 and the like that are driven and transferred independently in two directions (X direction and Y direction).

  The sewing machine body 10 includes a bed portion 10a, a pedestal column portion 10b, and an arm portion 10c, and a frame transfer device 30 is provided on the bed portion 10a. The sewing machine body 10 includes, as a sewing mechanism 11, a sewing machine motor 12, a main shaft (not shown) that is rotationally driven by the sewing motor 12, and a needle bar (not shown) that is driven to reciprocate up and down by driving force transmitted from the main shaft. There are provided a sewing needle 13 attached to the needle bar, a lower shaft (not shown) that is rotated by driving force transmitted from the main shaft, a rotary hook (not shown) that is rotated by driving force transmitted from the lower shaft, and the like. The sewing needle 13 and the rotary hook cooperate with the work cloth 5 held by the cloth holding frame 25 attached to the frame transfer device 30 to sew with the upper thread and the lower thread.

  The sewing machine body 10 is provided with an image reading sensor 14 at the tip of the arm portion 10c (in the vicinity of the sewing needle 13), and a display 15 (display means) and various switches 16 are provided on the front surface of the pedestal portion 10b. . The image reading sensor 14 can read an image of a predetermined area of the work cloth 5 held by the cloth holding frame 25 attached to the frame transfer device 30. Here, although the image reading sensor 14 in which the predetermined area is a relatively narrow area is employed, the image reading sensor 14 that is substantially the entire sewing area 25a inside the cloth holding frame 25 may be employed. .

  The sewing machine main body 10 is provided with a control device 20 having a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The control device 20 includes various switches 16, a spindle position detection sensor 21 for detecting the rotation position of the spindle, and an image. The reading sensor 14, the drive circuit 12a of the sewing machine motor 12, and the drive circuit 15a of the display 15 are connected.

  The cloth holding frame 25 has an outer frame 26 and an inner frame 27. The work cloth 5 is sandwiched between the outer frame 26 and the inner frame 27, and the work cloth 5 is set so as to be sewn in a state where the work cloth 5 is stretched. Is done. A connecting portion 28 is integrally provided on the outer frame 26, and the connecting portion 28 is detachably attached to the carriage 33 of the frame transfer device 30. The cloth holding frame 25 is formed in a rectangular frame, but various frame-shaped cloth holding frames such as an elliptical frame or a circular frame can be used.

  The frame transfer device 30 includes a case member 31 provided integrally or separately with the bed portion 10a of the sewing machine body 10, and a guide support that is disposed on the upper side of the case member 31 so as to be movable in the X direction on the case member 31. A movable case member 32, a carriage 33 disposed inside the movable case member 32 and supported by the movable case member 32 so as to be movable in the Y direction, and an X for moving and driving the movable case member 32 in the X direction. A direction drive motor 34 and a Y direction drive motor 35 for moving and driving the carriage 33 in the Y direction are provided.

  The control device 20 of the sewing machine main body 10 includes a carriage position detection sensor 36 that detects the position (X direction position and Y direction position) of the carriage 33 of the frame transfer device 30, a drive circuit 34a of the X direction drive motor 34, and Y A drive circuit 35a of the direction drive motor 35 is connected.

  By the way, in the printing device 4, cross-shaped reference marks 8 and 9 (see FIG. 14) indicating two reference positions are printed on the work cloth 5, and these reference marks 8 and 9 are placed inside the cloth holding frame 25 (sewing area). The work cloth 5 is attached to the cloth holding frame 25 so as to be positioned at 25a). The embroidery sewing machine 3 is provided with detection means 37 for detecting the reference marks 8 and 9 indicating the two reference positions recorded on the work cloth 5 held by the cloth holding frame 25. The image reading sensor 14, the control device 20, the frame transfer device 30 and the like.

  That is, as described above, the image reading sensor 14 reads an image of a relatively narrow area of the work cloth 5 held by the cloth holding frame 25. Therefore, the control device 20 receives the reference mark detection command. The frame holding device 25 is controlled by the frame transferring device 30, and the cloth holding frame 25 is transferred by the frame transferring device 30, and the entire image of the sewing region 25a inside the cloth holding frame 25 of the work cloth 5 is read by the image reading sensor 14. The image is scanned and read and the image is analyzed to detect two fiducial marks 8,9. As a result, the positions of the two reference marks 8 and 9 with respect to the cloth holding frame 25 (sewing area 25a) and the relative positions of the two reference marks 8 and 9 and the sewing area 25a with respect to the needle drop position 13a of the sewing needle 13 ( Current position) can be detected (calculated by the control device 20).

  Here, as various switches 16, a detection start operation switch 17 (detection start operation means) operated to start the detection means 37 and a frame transfer operation switch 18 (frame transfer) including four-way keys for operating the frame transfer device 30. Operation means) and a position recording switch 19 are provided. In the embroidery sewing machine 3, based on the detection information from the detection means 37, the frame transfer device 30 is operated to sequentially match the two reference marks 8 and 9 with the needle drop position 13 a (predetermined sewing machine reference position) of the sewing needle 13. A frame transfer instruction means 38 is provided for instructing the frame transfer device 30 to transfer the cloth holding frame 25 so as to cause the cloth holding frame 25 to be transferred.

  The frame transfer instructing means 38 is composed of the frame transfer operation switch 18 and the control device 20, and based on the detection information from the detection means 37, as shown in FIG. By displaying the two reference marks 8 and 9 and the sewing area 25a so that their relative positional relationships can be identified, and operating the frame transfer operation switch 18 while viewing the display information, the control device 20 In response to the switch signal, the X-direction drive motor 34 or the Y-direction drive motor 35 is driven and controlled to move the cloth holding frame 25, so that the two reference marks 8 and 9 can be sequentially aligned with the needle drop position 13a.

  Then, when each of the reference marks 8 and 9 coincides with the needle drop position 13a, by operating the position recording switch 19, the position information (information on the operation position of the frame transfer device 30; detected by the carriage position detection sensor 36). Information on the position of the carriage 33) is recorded. Then, the control device 20 can form the embroidery pattern 6 so as to have a predetermined positional relationship set in advance with respect to the two reference marks 8 and 9 on the work cloth 5. A function (embroidery data correcting means) for correcting the initial embroidery data supplied from the data processing device 2 is provided based on the position information matched with the position 13a.

[Printer]
The printing device 4 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the printing apparatus 4 includes a cloth holding frame 55 that detachably holds the work cloth 5 and a print head 42 that prints on the work cloth 5 held by the cloth holding frame 55. In order to independently move the printing position on the work cloth 5 by the printing apparatus main body 40 having the printing mechanism 41 and the print head 42 in two directions (X direction and Y direction), the cloth holding frame 55 is moved in two directions. Each of them is composed of a frame transfer device 60 that is driven and transferred independently.

  The printing apparatus main body 40 includes a bed portion 40a, a pedestal column portion 40b, and an arm portion 40c, and a frame transfer device 60 is provided on the bed portion 40a. The print head 42 is provided at the tip of the arm portion 40 c and is fixedly disposed at a position that is considerably close to the work cloth 5 held by the carriage 63 mounted on the frame transfer device 60. Ink is ejected from the print head 42 onto the work cloth 5 and printed.

  The printing apparatus main body 40 is provided with a display 45 and various switches 46 on the front surface of the pedestal 40b. The printing apparatus main body 40 is provided with a control device 50 having a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. Various switches 46, a drive circuit 42 a for the print head 42, and the print head 42 are purged to the control device 50. For this purpose, a drive circuit 47a of the purging motor 47 and a drive circuit 45a of the display 45 are connected.

  The cloth holding frame 55 includes an outer frame 56 and an inner frame 57. The work cloth 5 is sandwiched between the outer frame 56 and the inner frame 57, and the work cloth 5 is set to be printable in a state where the work cloth 5 is stretched. Is done. A connecting portion 58 is integrally provided on the outer frame 56, and the connecting portion 58 is detachably attached to the carriage 63 of the frame transfer device 60. The cloth holding frame 55 is formed in a rectangular frame, but various frame-shaped cloth holding frames such as an elliptical frame or a circular frame can be employed.

  The frame transfer device 60 includes a case member 61 provided integrally or separately with the bed portion 40a of the printing apparatus main body 40, and a guide support that is disposed on the upper side of the case member 61 so as to be movable in the X direction on the case member 61. A movable case member 62, a carriage 63 disposed inside the movable case member 62 and supported by the movable case member 62 so as to be movable in the Y direction, and an X for moving and driving the movable case member 62 in the X direction. A direction drive motor 64 and a Y direction drive motor 65 for moving and driving the carriage 63 in the Y direction are provided.

  The control device 50 of the printing apparatus main body 40 includes a carriage position detection sensor 66 that detects the position (X-direction position and Y-direction position) of the carriage 63 of the frame transfer device 60, a drive circuit 64a of the X-direction drive motor 64, A drive circuit 65a of the Y direction drive motor 65 is connected.

[Data processing device]
The data processing device 2 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, the data processing device 2 has embroidery data for forming the embroidery pattern 6 on the work cloth 5 by the embroidery sewing machine 3 and printing for forming the print pattern 7 on the work cloth 5 by the printing device 4. It is a device that processes data. The data processing apparatus 2 includes an embroidery data reading means 70 for reading embroidery data, a print data reading means 71 for reading print data, a data editing means 72, and a cross-shaped reference mark indicating two reference positions of the work cloth 5. Reference mark print data for printing 8, 9 on the work cloth 5, and the embroidery pattern area 6a (of the work cloth 5 is formed based on the embroidery data read by the embroidery data reading means 70). 14), reference mark print data creating means 73 for creating reference mark print data for printing the two reference marks 8 and 9 at the position within, embroidery data output means 74, print data output means 75, etc. It is composed.

  The data processing device 2 changes the embroidery pattern 6 to be formed, the size and color of the print pattern 7 to be formed, the arrangement of the embroidery pattern 6 and the print pattern 7 and the like based on the embroidery data read by the data reading means 70 and 71 and the print data. In this case, the embroidery data and the print data are edited by the data editing means 72 (embroidery data editing means, print data editing means).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 11, the embroidery data includes thread color data associated with each pattern portion data, and the reference mark print data creating means 73 uses the reference mark 8, 9 based on the thread color data. The reference mark print data for printing the reference marks 8 and 9 having the same color as the thread color of the pattern portion to be formed is created on the portion of the work cloth 5 to be printed. When the data editing means 72 edits the embroidery data, the reference mark print data is created using the edited embroidery data.

  In this way, as shown in FIG. 12, reference mark print data including reference mark position data indicating the positions of the two reference marks 8 and 9 and reference mark color data indicating the color is created. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, embroidery data is created by adding the reference mark position data to the initial embroidery data. The embroidery data output means 74 sends the embroidery data to the embroidery sewing machine 3, and the print data output means 75 sends the print data and the reference mark print data to the printing apparatus 4 either online or via a recording medium such as a CD or FD. Are output and supplied.

[Pattern formation method]
A pattern forming method will be described.
As shown in FIG. 13, this pattern forming method includes first to seventh steps. First, in the first step, the embroidery data and the print pattern 7 for forming the embroidery pattern 6 by the data processing device 2 are used. In the second step, the data processing device 2 indicates two reference positions of the work cloth 5 based on the embroidery data and the print data read in the first step. Reference mark print data for printing the reference marks 8 and 9 by the printing device 4 is created. The data processing device 2 supplies embroidery data to the embroidery sewing machine 3 and supplies the printing data and reference mark print data to the printing device 4.

  Next, in a third step, the printing device 4 forms the printed pattern 7 on the work cloth 5 held by the cloth holding frame 55 based on the print data received from the data processing device 2 and prints the printed pattern 7. Before or after the pattern 7 is formed, two reference marks 8 and 9 are printed on the embroidery pattern area 6a of the work cloth 5 based on the reference mark print data received from the data processing device 2 (see FIG. 14). Here, the two reference marks 8 and 9 are formed at appropriately spaced positions (in FIG. 14, in the vicinity of the diagonal ends of the embroidery pattern region 6a), and the reference marks 8 and 9 are formed. Therefore, the reference mark print data is created in the second step.

  Next, in a fourth step, the work cloth 5 is changed from the cloth holding frame 55 of the printing apparatus 4 to the cloth holding frame 25 of the embroidery sewing machine 3. At this time, the two reference marks 8 and 9 are positioned on the inner side (sewing area 25a) of the cloth holding frame 25. As described above, the two reference marks 8 and 9 are placed at the diagonal ends of the embroidery pattern area 6a. If the center portion of the reference marks 8 and 9 is aligned with the center portion of the cloth holding frame 25 as a guide, the embroidery pattern region 6a is positioned inside the cloth holding frame 25. This avoids the situation where the embroidery pattern 6 cannot be formed.

  Here, the detection means 37 is activated by operating the detection activation operation switch 17 in the embroidery sewing machine 3 with the cloth holding frame 25 holding the work cloth 5 attached to the frame transfer device 30 of the embroidery sewing machine 3. Then, the cloth holding frame 25 is automatically transferred by the frame transfer device 30, and the image reading sensor 14 scans the image of the entire portion of the sewing area 25a inside the cloth holding frame 25 of the work cloth 5. The two fiducial marks 8 and 9 are detected (see FIG. 15). Then, the needle drop position 13a, the two reference marks 8 and 9, and the sewing area 25a are displayed on the display 15 so that their relative positional relationships can be identified (see FIG. 16).

  Next, in the fifth step, the embroidery sewing machine 3 operates the frame transfer device 30 to transfer the cloth holding frame 25, thereby transferring the two reference marks 8 printed on the work cloth 5 in the third step. 9 is sequentially aligned with the needle entry position 13a. In this case, by operating the frame transfer operation switch 18 while viewing the display information on the display 15, the cloth holding frame 25 can be transferred to sequentially match the two reference marks 8 and 9 with the needle drop position 13 a. it can. When each of the reference marks 8 and 9 coincides with the needle drop position 13a, the position recording switch 19 is operated and its position information (operation position information of the frame transfer device 30; the carriage 33 detected by the carriage position detection sensor 36). Record location information).

  Next, in the sixth step, the embroidery pattern 6 can be formed in the embroidery sewing machine 3 so as to have a predetermined positional relationship preset with respect to the two reference marks 8 and 9 on the work cloth 5. In this step, the initial embroidery data is corrected based on the position information obtained by matching the two reference marks 8 and 9 with the needle drop position 13a. Next, in the seventh step, the embroidery pattern 6 is formed on the work cloth 5 based on the embroidery data corrected in the sixth step by the embroidery sewing machine 3 (see FIGS. 17 and 18).

Next, a series of processes executed by the data processing device 2 will be described.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19 (Si (i = 1, 2, 3,... In the figure indicates each step)), when this process is started, embroidery data and print data are read (S1). When data editing is performed, the embroidery data is extracted from the embroidery data by the contour extraction process (based on the needle drop point data indicating the needle drop point position included in the embroidery data). The embroidery pattern outline is extracted and is also referred to as “Stitch To Outline process (STO process)”, and an embroidery pattern area 6a (embroidery pattern outline) is acquired (S2). Based on the embroidery pattern area 6a, reference mark position data of the two reference marks 8 and 9 is created (S3).

  Next, the thread color data of the pattern portion to be formed on the part of the work cloth 5 on which the two fiducial marks 8 and 9 are printed is acquired (S4), and the fiducial mark color data similar to the thread color is created. Reference mark print data including reference mark position data and reference mark color data of the two reference marks 8 and 9 is created (S5), and the reference mark position data is added to the initial embroidery data (S6). Next, it is determined whether or not the embroidery pattern 6 and the print pattern 7 to be formed are to be wrapped on the work cloth 5 (S7), and if it is to be wrapped (S7; Yes), the color data of the print data of the print pattern portion to be wrapped. Is deleted (S8) so that the printed pattern 7 is not formed on the wrap portion. In the case of S7; No or after S8, the embroidery data is output to the embroidery sewing machine 3 (S9), the print data and the reference mark print data are output to the printing device 4 (S10), and the process ends.

Next, a series of processes executed by the printing apparatus 4 will be described.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20 (Si (i = 20, 21 in the figure indicates each step)), when this process is started, the print data and the reference mark print data supplied from the data processing device 2 are displayed. Is read (S20), the printing mechanism 41 and the frame transfer device 60 are controlled based on the data, the printed pattern 7 and the two fiducial marks 8 and 9 are printed on the work cloth 5 (S21), and the process ends.

Next, a series of processes executed by the embroidery sewing machine 3 will be described.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21 (Si (i = 30, 31, 32... In the figure indicates each step)), when this process is started, the embroidery data supplied from the data processing device 2 is displayed. Is read (S30), and in the reference mark detection process (S31), when the detection activation operation switch 17 is operated, the image reading sensor 14 is activated, the cloth holding frame 25 is transferred in a predetermined pattern, and image reading scanning is performed. The two reference position marks 8, 9 are detected, and then the needle drop position 13a, the reference marks 8, 9, and the embroidery area 25a are displayed on the display 15 (S32).

  Next, in the frame transfer instruction / position information recording process (S33), by operating the frame transfer operation switch 18, the frame transfer device 30 is operated to transfer the cloth holding frame 25, and the reference marks 8, 9 and The needle drop position 13a can be matched, and when each of the reference marks 8, 9 and the needle drop position 13a match, by operating the position recording switch 19, the position information (operation of the frame transfer device 30). Position information; information on the position of the carriage 33 detected by the carriage position detection sensor 36) can be recorded. Next, based on this position information, two reference mark positions of the embroidery data are recorded on the two reference marks 8 and 9. The embroidery data is corrected to match the data (S34), and the sewing mechanism 11 and the frame transfer device 30 are controlled based on the embroidery data to form the embroidery pattern 6 (S3). ), To the end.

The pattern forming system 1 has the following effects.
[Embroidery sewing machine]
By providing the detection means 37, the reference marks 8 and 9 indicating the two reference positions recorded on the work cloth 5 held by the cloth holding frame 25 can be detected, and the frame transfer instruction means 38 is provided. Thus, based on the detection information from the detection means 37, the frame transfer device 30 is operated to move the cloth holding frame 25 so that the two reference marks 8 and 9 are sequentially aligned with the needle drop position 13a. The transfer device 30 can be instructed. That is, the two reference marks 8 and 9 are easily and reliably matched with the needle drop position 13a, respectively, and based on the position information, a predetermined predetermined value is set for the reference marks 8 and 9 on the work cloth 5. The embroidery pattern 6 can be formed so as to have a positional relationship.

  Here, the printed pattern 7 is formed on the work cloth 5 before the embroidery pattern 6 is formed by using the printing device 4, and at this time, the two reference marks 8 and 9 are set in advance on the work cloth 5. The printed pattern 7 can be formed so as to have a predetermined positional relationship, and the reference marks 8 and 9 can be printed and formed. Therefore, after the printing apparatus 4 forms the printed pattern 7 on the work cloth 5 attached to the cloth holding frame 55, the work cloth 5 is transferred from the cloth holding frame 55 of the printing apparatus 4 to the cloth holding frame of the embroidery sewing machine 3. The embroidery sewing machine 3 becomes effective when the embroidery pattern 6 is formed on the work cloth 5 in place of 25.

  That is, when the work cloth 5 on which the printing pattern 7 is formed by the printing apparatus 4 is replaced from the cloth holding frame 55 of the printing apparatus 4 to the cloth holding frame 25 of the embroidery sewing machine 3, the inside of the cloth holding frame 25 of the embroidery sewing machine 3. It is necessary to accurately align the work cloth 5 with respect to the cloth holding frame 25 by positioning the two reference marks 8 and 9 and the embroidery pattern area 6a where the embroidery pattern 6 is to be formed in the (sewing area 25a). In other words, the embroidery pattern 6 is formed on the work cloth 5 by forming the embroidery pattern 6 on the work cloth 5 after functioning the detection means 37 and the transfer instruction means 38 after the replacement without making a complicated and time-consuming work unnecessary. 6 and the printed pattern 7 can be formed to have a predetermined positional relationship set in advance, and the quality of these composite patterns can be improved.

  Since the frame transfer instruction means 38 has the frame transfer operation switch 18 for operating the frame transfer device 30, the frame transfer device 30 is operated by this frame transfer operation switch 18 to transfer the cloth holding frame 25 to the needle drop position. The two reference marks 8 and 9 can be sequentially matched to 13a. Further, since the detection activation operation switch 17 operated to activate the detection unit 37 is provided, the detection unit 37 is activated and stopped at the time of sewing by the embroidery sewing machine 3 and the work cloth 5 is set to the cloth holding frame 25. After the mounting, the detecting means 37 is activated before the embroidery pattern 6 is formed, so that the two reference marks 8 and 9 recorded on the work cloth 5 can be reliably detected.

  Since the display 15 for displaying the needle drop position 13a and the two reference marks 8 and 9 is provided, the needle drop position 13a and the two reference marks 8 and 9 can be easily confirmed, and the frame transfer device 30 is operated by the frame transfer operation switch 18. When the cloth holding frame 25 is moved to align the two reference marks 8 and 9 sequentially with the needle drop position 13a, the display can be performed. Further, since the display 15 displays the needle drop position 13a and the two reference marks 8 and 9 together with the sewing area 25a inside the cloth holding frame 25, the needle drop position 13a and the two reference marks 8 and 9 together with the sewing area 25a are displayed. 9 can be easily confirmed.

  Moreover, the embroidery pattern 6 can be formed on the work cloth 5 so as to have a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the two reference marks 8 and 9, and the reference marks 8 and 9 coincide with the needle drop position 13a, respectively. Since the embroidery data correction function for correcting the initial embroidery data is provided based on the position information thus set, the predetermined positional relationship is set in advance with respect to the two reference marks 8 and 9 on the work cloth 5. The embroidery pattern 6 can be reliably formed, and the embroidery data for that purpose can be reliably created by correcting the initial embroidery data.

[Data processing device]
By providing the reference mark print data creating means 73, reference mark print data for printing the reference marks 8 and 9 indicating the two reference positions of the work cloth 5 on the work cloth 5, and the embroidery data reading means 70 The reference mark print data for printing the reference marks 8 and 9 at the position in the embroidery pattern area 6a of the work cloth 5 on which the embroidery pattern 6 is formed can be created based on the embroidery data read by Two reference marks 8 and 9 can be printed on the work cloth 5 by the printing device 4 based on the reference mark print data.

  Here, as described above, when the embroidery pattern 6 and the print pattern 7 are formed on the work cloth 5 using the embroidery sewing machine 3 and the printing apparatus 4, the print pattern 7 is formed on the work cloth 5 by the printing apparatus 4. When the embroidery pattern 6 is formed by the embroidery sewing machine 3, it is necessary to replace the work cloth 5 from the cloth holding frame 55 of the printing apparatus 4 to the cloth holding frame 25 of the embroidery sewing machine 3. In order to form the embroidery pattern 6 and the printed pattern 7 so as to have a predetermined positional relationship set in advance, the data processing device 2 is effective.

  That is, first, the printing apparatus 4 forms the two reference marks 8 and 9 on the work cloth 5, and the printed pattern 7 so as to have a predetermined positional relationship set in advance with respect to the reference marks 8 and 9. Next, after changing the work cloth 5 from the cloth holding frame 55 of the printing apparatus 4 to the cloth holding frame 25 of the embroidery sewing machine 3, two reference marks 8 and 9 are set in advance on the work cloth 5. The embroidery pattern 6 can be formed so as to have a predetermined positional relationship. As a result, the embroidery pattern 6 and the print pattern 7 are formed on the work cloth 5 so as to have a predetermined positional relationship. In addition, the reference marks 8 and 9 printed on the work cloth 5 can be concealed inside the embroidery pattern 6 to improve the appearance, and the quality of these composite patterns can be improved.

  The embroidery data includes thread color data attached to each pattern portion data, and the reference mark print data creating means 73 is based on the thread color data on the part of the work cloth 5 on which the two reference marks 8 and 9 are printed. Since the reference mark print data for printing the two reference marks 8 and 9 having the same color as the thread color of the pattern portion to be formed is created, the reference marks 8 and 9 printed on the work cloth 5 pass through the embroidery pattern 6. Even if it can be seen, it becomes a reference mark of the same color as the color of the pattern portion, so the reference marks 8 and 9 can be made inconspicuous.

[Pattern formation method]
In the first step, the data processing device 2 reads the embroidery data for forming the embroidery pattern 6 and the print data for forming the printing pattern 7. In the second step, the data processing device 2 reads the first embroidery data. Since the reference mark print data for printing the reference marks 8 and 9 indicating the two reference positions of the work cloth 5 by the printing device 4 can be created based on the embroidery data and the print data read in the step of FIG. The embroidery pattern 6 and the print pattern 7 can be formed on the work cloth 5 so as to have a predetermined positional relationship.

  After the second step, the printing apparatus 4 forms the printed pattern 7 on the work cloth 5 held by the cloth holding frame 55 based on the print data, and after or before the formation of the printed pattern 7. Since the third step of printing the two reference marks 8 and 9 on the work cloth 5 based on the reference mark print data is provided, the two reference marks 8 and 9 are formed on the work cloth 5 together with the printed pattern 7. At this time, the printed pattern 7 can be reliably formed so as to have a predetermined positional relationship set in advance with respect to the reference marks 8 and 9.

  The fourth step of changing the work cloth 5 from the cloth holding frame 55 of the printing device 4 to the cloth holding frame 25 of the embroidery sewing machine 3 and the embroidery sewing machine 3 actuate the frame transfer device 30 to transfer the cloth holding frame 25. Thus, the fifth step of sequentially aligning the two reference marks 8 and 9 printed on the work cloth 5 in the third step with the needle drop position 13a, and the reference marks 8 and 9 on the work cloth 5 in the embroidery sewing machine 3 are performed. The embroidery pattern 6 can be formed so as to have a predetermined positional relationship set in advance with respect to 9, based on positional information obtained by matching the two reference marks 8 and 9 with the needle drop position 13a in the fifth step. The embroidery pattern 6 is formed on the work cloth 5 based on the embroidery data corrected in the sixth step by the sixth step of correcting the initial embroidery data and the embroidery sewing machine 3. And a step of.

  Accordingly, when the work cloth 5 on which the printing pattern 7 is formed by the printing apparatus 4 is replaced from the cloth holding frame 55 of the printing apparatus 4 to the cloth holding frame 25 of the embroidery sewing machine 3, the inside of the cloth holding frame 25 of the embroidery sewing machine 3. It is necessary to accurately align the work cloth 5 with respect to the cloth holding frame 25 by positioning the two reference marks 8 and 9 and the embroidery pattern area 6a where the embroidery pattern 6 is to be formed in the (sewing area 25a). In other words, it is possible to easily and reliably form the embroidery pattern 6 and the print pattern 7 on the work cloth 5 so as to have a predetermined positional relationship, without requiring a complicated and time-consuming work. .

About the said Example, you may change as follows partially.
[Embroidery sewing machine]
1] The frame transfer instruction means 38 has a control device 20 (automatic alignment control means) for controlling the frame transfer device 30 so that the two reference marks 8 and 9 are automatically matched with the needle drop position 13a. In this case, the frame transfer operation switch 18 can be omitted, and the needle drop position 13a and the reference marks 8 and 9 need not be displayed on the display 15. Here, as described above, the detection unit 37 detects the two reference marks 8 and 9 recorded on the work cloth 5 held by the cloth holding frame 25, and the two reference marks 8 and 9 with respect to the needle drop position 13a. Since the position 9 (current position) can be detected, the movement amount in the X direction and the movement amount in the Y direction until the reference marks 8 and 9 coincide with the needle entry position 13a is calculated, and the cloth holding frame 25 is calculated by the movement amount. This can be achieved by moving In this case, position information obtained by matching the two reference marks 8 and 9 with the needle entry position 13a may be automatically recorded. That is, the position recording switch 19 can be omitted.

2] Regarding the sewing machine reference position, various sewing machine reference positions can be set in addition to the needle drop position 13a of the sewing needle 13. It is preferable to set the sewing machine reference position in the vicinity of the tip of the arm portion 10c of the sewing machine body 10 (in the vicinity of the sewing needle 13). In this case, the two reference marks 8 and 9 of the work cloth 5 held by the cloth holding frame 25 are used. By providing an alignment means for aligning the two in the vicinity of the tip of the arm portion 10c (in the vicinity of the sewing needle 13), the two reference marks 8 and 9 can be made to coincide with the sewing machine reference position, respectively. The specific example is described below.

2-1] As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the positioning means includes an alignment member 80 having a protrusion provided at a predetermined portion of the arm 10c of the sewing machine body 10.
2-2] As shown in FIGS. 22 and 24, the positioning means includes an alignment member 81 having a notch provided at a predetermined portion of the arm 10c of the sewing machine body 10.

2-3] As shown in FIG. 25, the alignment means is provided in a predetermined portion of the arm portion 10c of the sewing machine body 10 and approaches or separates from the work cloth 5 held by the cloth holding frame 25. The movable positioning member 82 is movable to the position. In this case, the movable alignment member 82 may be configured to move manually or may be configured to automatically move.
2-4] As shown in FIG. 26, the positioning means irradiates the work cloth 5 provided at a predetermined portion of the arm portion 10c of the sewing machine body 10 and held by the cloth holding frame 25 with a spotlight. A spotlight irradiation lamp 83 is provided as the irradiation means.

3] The number of reference marks is not limited to two and may be three or more.
4] When both the embroidery pattern 6 and the printed pattern 7 are patterns to be pointed, the number of reference marks is one and the reference mark is formed at the position of the target point of the pattern formed on the work cloth. It is possible.

[Printer]
5] The print head 42 is configured to move and drive in the Y direction (or X direction) with respect to the printing apparatus main body 40. In the frame transfer device 60, the cloth holding frame 55 is moved only in the X direction (or Y direction). By being configured to transfer, the printing position on the work cloth 5 by the print head 42 may be moved independently in two directions.

[Data processing device]
6] The reference mark print data creating unit 73 prints reference marks of various shapes (for example, dots, circles, line segments, etc.) other than the cross shape indicating the reference position of the work cloth 5 on the work cloth 5. Mark print data may be created.
7] The reference mark print data creation means 73 is for printing the reference marks 8 and 9 having a color other than the color similar to the thread color of the pattern portion to be formed on the portion of the work cloth 5 on which the reference marks 8 and 9 are printed. The reference mark print data may be created.

It is a figure which shows the pattern formation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the embroidery pattern and printing pattern which were formed in the predetermined positional relationship on the work cloth. It is a figure which shows the embroidery pattern and printing pattern which were formed in the positional relationship shifted | deviated with respect to predetermined | prescribed positional relationship on the work cloth. It is a top view of the embroidery sewing machine concerning an example. It is a front view of an embroidery sewing machine. It is a block diagram of the control system of an embroidery sewing machine. It is a top view of a printing apparatus. It is a front view of a printing apparatus. It is a block diagram of a control system of the printing apparatus. It is a functional block diagram of a data processor. It is a figure which shows embroidery data. It is a figure which shows fiducial mark print data. It is process drawing of a pattern formation method. It is explanatory drawing of the state which formed the printing pattern and the reference mark on the work cloth. It is explanatory drawing at the time of detecting a reference mark. It is explanatory drawing of the state which displayed the reference mark, the sewing machine reference position, and the sewing area. It is explanatory drawing at the time of forming an embroidery pattern in a work cloth. It is explanatory drawing of the state which formed the embroidery pattern in the work cloth. It is a flowchart of the process which a data processor performs. 5 is a flowchart of processing executed by the printing apparatus. It is a flowchart of the process which an embroidery sewing machine performs. It is a front view of the embroidery sewing machine which concerns on a change form. It is a top view of the principal part of the embroidery sewing machine of FIG. It is a top view of the principal part of the embroidery sewing machine of FIG. It is a front view of the embroidery sewing machine which concerns on a change form. It is a front view of the embroidery sewing machine which concerns on a change form.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pattern formation system 2 Data processing device 3 Embroidery sewing machine 4 Printing device 5 Work cloth 6 Embroidery pattern 7 Print pattern 8, 9 Reference mark 11 Sewing mechanism 13 Sewing needle 25 Cloth holding frame 30 Frame transfer device 41 Printing mechanism 42 Printing head 55 Cloth holding Frame 60 Frame transfer device

Claims (8)

In an embroidery sewing machine comprising a sewing mechanism having sewing needles, a cloth holding frame for detachably holding a work cloth, and a frame transfer mechanism for independently driving and transferring the cloth holding frame in two directions.
Detecting means for detecting a reference mark indicating at least two reference positions recorded on the work cloth held by the cloth holding frame;
Based on the detection information from the detection means, the frame transfer mechanism is operated to instruct the frame transfer mechanism to transfer the cloth holding frame so that at least two reference marks are sequentially aligned with a predetermined sewing machine reference position. Frame transfer instruction means to perform,
An embroidery sewing machine characterized by comprising   The embroidery sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the sewing machine reference position is a needle drop position of a sewing needle.   The embroidery sewing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame transfer instruction means includes frame transfer operation means for operating the frame transfer mechanism.   The embroidery sewing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame transfer instructing unit includes an automatic alignment control unit that controls a frame transfer mechanism so as to automatically match the reference mark with a sewing machine reference position. .   The embroidery sewing machine according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a detection activation operation unit that operates to activate the detection unit.   6. The embroidery sewing machine according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the sewing machine reference position and a reference mark.   The embroidery sewing machine according to claim 6, wherein the display unit displays the sewing machine reference position and the reference mark together with a sewing area inside the cloth holding frame. Based on position information obtained by matching the reference marks with the sewing machine reference position so that an embroidery pattern can be formed in the work cloth so as to have a predetermined positional relationship set in advance with respect to the at least two reference marks. 8. The embroidery sewing machine according to claim 1, further comprising embroidery data correction means for correcting initial embroidery data.