JPH07310274A - Embroidery sewing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate the need of troublesome operations such as setting of an embroidery range of each embroidery frame so as to remove the embroidered embroidery frame in plural embroidery frames corresponding to one sewing machine head in a prescribed timing and save labors for preparatory operations. CONSTITUTION:This embroidery sewing machine is obtained by installing plural frame holders 30, capable of individually attaching respective embroidery frames 60 thereto and moving in both the X- and the Y-directions interlocking with members in a frame driving system, locking mechanisms 34 capable of holding the respective embroidery frames 60 in an installed state in the respective frame holders 30, unlocking mechanisms 40 capable of releasing the attaching and holding of the embroidery frames 60 with the locking mechanisms 34 and a sensor capable of sensing the movement of the members in the frame driving system in changing the embroidery frames 60 located at the embroidery positions and the embroidery frames 60 prelocated at the embroidery positions in an embroidery sewing machine of the type having the plural embroidery frames 60 arranged for one sewing machine head, successively moving the respective embroidery frames 60 to the embroidery positions corresponding to the sewing machine head and embroidering clothes to be embroidered in the individual embroidery frames 60. Thereby, the unlocking mechanisms 40 in the embroidery frames 60 prelocated at the embroidery positions are operated based on a signal from the sensor.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an embroidery type in which a plurality of embroidery frames are sequentially moved to embroidery positions corresponding to one sewing machine head, and embroidered cloths set in these embroidery frames are embroidered. Regarding sewing machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-73252, a plurality of embroidery frames are arranged for one sewing machine head, and embroidered cloths set in the respective embroidery frames are sequentially embroidered. There is disclosed an embroidery sewing machine configured to automatically remove an embroidery frame on which embroidery is completed from its frame holder. That is, when the embroidery on the embroidered cloth set in one embroidery frame is completed at the embroidery position corresponding to the sewing machine head, another embroidery frame is moved to the embroidery position, and the embroidered embroidery frame has its frame holder. Is removed at a predetermined timing. Then, while the embroidered cloth of the embroidery frame moved to the embroidery position is being embroidered, by mounting the embroidery frame with the new embroidered cloth set on the vacant frame holder, It is possible to continuously perform embroidery while sequentially changing the embroidery frame without stopping the sewing machine. The means for removing the embroidered embroidery frame from the frame holder at a predetermined timing is configured as follows. First, the embroidery range in each embroidery frame is set in advance, it is detected in which embroidery range the sewing needle of the sewing machine head is currently located at the time of embroidery, and the embroidery frame is stored in the microcomputer. When the embroidery of the embroidered frame on the embroidered cloth is completed and the sewing needle is positioned within the embroidery range of another embroidery frame, the embroidery frame stored in the microcomputer is detected from the frame holder based on the detection signal. Control to remove automatically.

[0003]

In the technique of the above publication, it is necessary to preset the embroidery range of each embroidery frame in order to remove the embroidered frame that has been embroidered from the frame holder at a predetermined timing. , This setting operation is troublesome.
The problem to be solved by the present invention is to detect the movement of the frame drive system member when changing the embroidery frame at the embroidery position corresponding to one sewing machine head, and to detect the embroidery frame previously at the embroidery position. By making it possible to remove the embroidered frame that has been embroidered from its frame holder based on the signal, the complicated work of setting the embroidery range of each embroidery frame in order to remove the embroidery frame at a predetermined timing is unnecessary and preparatory work can be performed. It is to save time.

[0004]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the embroidery sewing machine of the present invention is constructed as follows. According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of embroidery frames are arranged for one sewing machine head, and each of these embroidery frames is sequentially moved to the embroidery position corresponding to the sewing machine head. In an embroidery sewing machine of the type in which embroidery cloth set in a frame is embroidered, a plurality of embroidery frames can be mounted individually and move in both X and Y directions in conjunction with a frame drive system member. A frame holder, a lock mechanism capable of holding each embroidery frame in the mounted state with respect to each of the frame holders, a lock release mechanism capable of releasing the mounting and holding of the embroidery frame by this lock mechanism, A detector capable of moving the frame driving system member when changing the embroidery frame and detecting the embroidery frame previously located at the embroidery position. Then, based on a signal from the detector, the lock release mechanism in the embroidery frame that was previously in the embroidery position is operated. The "frame drive system member" means an X-axis drive unit and a Y-axis drive unit,
It includes each member whose movement is controlled in both the X and Y directions in conjunction with these drives. The structure according to claim 2, wherein each of the frame holders is provided with an ejector pin that operates so as to push the embroidery frame out of the frame holder when the attachment / holding of the embroidery frame is released by the operation of the lock release mechanism. ing.

[0005]

According to the structure of claim 1, when the embroidery frame at the embroidery position is changed, movement of the frame drive system member and detection of the embroidery frame previously at the embroidery position from the detector are possible. Based on the signal, the lock release mechanism of the embroidery frame which has already been embroidered at the embroidery position can be operated to remove the embroidery frame from the frame holder. This differs from the conventional technique in which the embroidery frame of each embroidery frame is preset in order to judge the embroidery frame that has been embroidered and remove it from the frame holder at a predetermined timing, and thus the preparation work for embroidery is simplified. In the structure according to the second aspect, since the embroidered frame that has been embroidered is pushed out of the frame holder by the ejector pin when the lock release mechanism operates, the embroidery frame is skipped to a position away from the frame holder. Therefore, when collecting the removed embroidery frame, the worker does not need to bring his or her hands close to the sewing machine head or other embroidery frame, and the collection work can be performed safely.

[0006]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embroidery sewing machine. As shown in this drawing, above the sewing machine table 10 is its width direction (X direction).
The sewing machine frame 20 is located on the front side of the sewing machine frame 20, and a plurality of (four in the drawing) sewing machine heads 22 are provided on the front surface of the sewing machine frame 20 as shown by phantom lines in FIG. A base frame (raw frame) is provided on the upper surface of the sewing machine table 10.
16 are arranged. The base frame 16 is an X-axis drive unit 1 that reciprocates only in the X direction based on predetermined embroidery data.
2 and the Y-axis driving unit 14 which reciprocally drives only in the Y direction based on the embroidery data, the movement is controlled in both the X and Y directions.

One sewing machine head 2 is provided on the base frame 16.
Two frame holders 30 are fixed, two for each 2. An embroidery frame 60 is detachably attached to each frame holder 30. Therefore, the frame holder 30 and the embroidery frame 60 are controlled to move together with the base frame 16 in both the X and Y directions. Moreover, the two embroidery frames 60 in each sewing machine head 22 are sequentially moved to the embroidery position by the sewing needle (not shown) of the sewing machine head 22 by the movement control of the base frame 16 in the X direction.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing one frame holder 30 and its embroidery frame 60 partially broken, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of one frame holder 30. As is clear from these drawings, the frame holder 30 is composed of a base portion 30a and a lid portion 30b, and an opening portion 32 for inserting the embroidery frame 60 is provided on the front surface thereof. Further, a pair of left and right engaging levers 36 are incorporated inside the frame holder 30, and both engaging levers 36 can rotate about respective pins 37 as fulcrums. Both of these engagement levers 36 face the arm portion 36a extending from the support portion by the respective pins 37 toward the opening 32 and the support portion by the pin 37 in the inner portion of the frame holder 30. And an arm portion 36b extending in the direction.

A roller 38 is rotatably provided at the tip of one arm portion 36a of each of the above-described engagement levers 36, and the tip of the other arm portion 36b and the inner wall of the base portion 30a of the frame holder 30. Springs 39 are respectively assembled between them. Therefore, the engagement levers 36 are urged by the elastic force of the spring 39 in the rotational direction in which the rollers 38 are opened to the left and right.

Further, a pair of left and right actuating levers 42 are incorporated in the frame holder 30 in a rotatable state with each pin 43 as a fulcrum. Both of these actuating levers 42 are also formed in a substantially L shape, and the ends of the arm portions 42a extending from the supporting points by the respective pins 43 toward the back of the frame holder 30 are individually engaged through the connecting members 46. It is connected to the arm portion 36b of the lever 36. In both of these actuating levers 42, the tips of the arm portions 42b extending in opposite directions from the positions supported by the respective pins 43 are in contact with the tips of the release pins 50 described next. Also, these arm parts 4
Projections 44 that receive the end surface of the embroidery frame 60 are formed on the side of the 2b that faces the opening 32.

The release pin 50 is attached to the central portion of the base portion 30a of the frame holder 30 so that it can be moved back and forth toward the opening 32. on the other hand,
The air cylinder 5 used as an example of the actuator is provided on the upper surface of the base frame 16 at the back of the frame holder 30.
2 is fixed. Rod 5 of this air cylinder 52
Reference numeral 3 is arranged coaxially with the release pin 50, and its tip portion is inserted into the frame holder 30 and abuts on the rear end of the release pin 50. As a result, when the rod 53 is caused to project by the control of the air cylinder 52, the release pin 50 is also interlocked with the operation lever 42.
The arm portion 42b of the above is projected in the pushing direction.

In the base portion 30a of the frame holder 30, individual ejector pins 56 arranged on both sides of the release pin 50 in parallel with the release pin 50 are moved toward and away from the opening 32 in the same manner as the release pin 50. It is assembled so that you can do it. In the holes of the base portion 30a into which these ejector pins 56 are inserted, springs 58 are respectively incorporated on the rear end sides of both ejector pins 56, and plugs 59 are screwed into the respective hole end portions. . Therefore, the two ejector pins 56 are always operated by the elastic force of the respective springs 58 so that the openings 3 are
It is urged in the direction toward 2 (projection direction). However, the protruding stroke of these ejector pins 56 is shown in FIG.
The ejector pins 56 are prevented from protruding from the holes of the base portion 30a by being regulated at the position indicated by the imaginary line.

As is apparent from FIG. 3, both the engaging levers 36 and the operating levers 42 have a structure in which two plate members having the same shape are combined with a spacer interposed. The tip ends of the ejector pins 56 can contact the end surface of the embroidery frame 60 through the space between the plate members that form the operating levers 42.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embroidery frame 60 together with the frame holder 30. As is apparent from this drawing, the embroidery frame 60 has a circular opening 64.
It is possible to set the embroidered cloth 68 in a state of being stretched over the opening 64 by the pressing member 66 fitted in the 4. The embroidery frame 60
In both sides of the portion of the frame holder 30 that is inserted into the opening 32, engaging recesses 62 that can engage with the rollers 38 of the engaging levers 36 are formed. Moreover, the thickness of the embroidery frame 60 in the portion inserted into the opening 32 of the frame holder 30 is set to a dimension such that the embroidery frame 60 mounted on the frame holder 30 does not cause “rattle”.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the X-axis drive unit 12. As shown in this drawing, the X-axis drive unit 12
Is configured to reciprocally drive the belt 12b in the X direction by a pulse motor or the like not shown. The base frame 16 is connected to a movable plate 12c fixed to the belt 12b so as to be relatively movable in the Y direction. A pair of proximity switches 72 are attached to the side surfaces of the frame 12a of the X-axis drive unit 12, and a detection plate 74 is fixed to the middle portion of the movable plate 12c. These proximity switches 72 detect the detection plate 74 when the sewing needle (not shown) of the sewing machine head 22 is located between the two embroidery frames 60 corresponding to the sewing machine head 22.
The position is set so as to sandwich the center of.

Therefore, the base frame 16 is moved in the X direction by the drive of the X-axis drive unit 12, and one sewing machine head 22
When the embroidery frame 60 at the embroidery position is changed from one to the other, the detection plate 74 passes the both proximity switches 72, and the change of the embroidery frame 60 is detected. Then, depending on the order in which the detection plate 74 passes through both the proximity switches 72, it is possible to determine which of the two embroidery frames 60 is first in the embroidery position (the one that has been embroidered). As described above, the both proximity switches 72 and the detection plate 74 move the base frame 16 when changing the embroidery frame 60 with respect to the embroidery position of one sewing machine head 22 and the embroidery frame previously located at the embroidery position. 60
The detector 70 capable of detecting

In the above structure, the case where the embroidery frame 60 is mounted on the frame holder 30 will be described first. The engaging lever 36, the operating lever 42, and the ejector pin 56 are in the state shown by phantom lines in FIG. 2 when the embroidery frame 60 is not attached to the frame holder 30. Then, when the embroidery frame 60 on which the embroidered cloth 68 is set is inserted into each frame holder 30, the end face of the embroidery frame 60 first contacts the tip of the ejector pin 56, and the elastic force of the spring 58 is applied to both ejector pins 56. 2 is pushed into the solid line state from the virtual line state of FIG. In the middle of this, the end surface of the embroidery frame 60 hits the convex portions 44 of both operating levers 42, and these operating levers 42 are rotated from the virtual line state in FIG. 2 to the solid line state.

Interlocking with the rotation of the actuating lever 42, the two engaging levers 36 also rotate from the phantom line state in FIG. 2 to the solid line state against the elastic force of the springs 39. The roller 38 engages with the engagement recess 62 of the embroidery frame 60. As a result, the embroidery frame 60 is held (locked) on the frame holder 30 in the mounted state shown by the solid line in FIG. That is, the engagement lever 36, the roller 38, and the actuating lever 42 are the main components of the embroidery frame 60 on the frame holder 30.
The lock mechanism 34 is configured to hold in a mounted state. In this locked state, the arm portions 42a of the both operating levers 42 and the both connecting members 46 are in a straight line. Therefore, the elastic force of the spring 39 acting on both of the engaging levers 36 causes
Does not work in the opening direction. Further, in this state, the both engagement levers 36 do not rotate in the opening direction even if a force from the embroidery frame 60 side is received. From these things, the lock mechanism 3
4 is held in the solid line state in FIG.

Next, the operation when the embroidery frame 60 is removed from the frame holder 30 will be described. First, when the release pin 50 is projected from the solid line state in FIG. 2 to the virtual line state by the rod 53 of the air cylinder 52, both operating levers 4
2 arm part 42b is pushed and these operating levers 42 are
Rotates from the solid line state in FIG. 2 to the virtual line state. In conjunction with this, both the engagement levers 36 also rotate from the solid line state to the imaginary line state, and the respective rollers 38 are disengaged from the engagement recesses 62 of the embroidery frame 60. In this way, the air cylinder 5
2, the unlocking pin 50 and the operating lever 42 constitute a lock releasing mechanism 40 that releases the attachment and holding of the embroidery frame 60 to the frame holder 30.

The embroidery frame 60 in which the lock with respect to the frame holder 30 has been released is pushed by these ejector pins 56 by their respective springs 58, and is pushed to a position away from the frame holder 30. . Therefore, the operator can collect the embroidery frame 60 without bringing his / her hand close to the sewing machine head 22 or the like. When the embroidery frame 60 is removed, both engagement levers 36 rotate when the roller 38 abuts the inner surface of the frame holder 30 by the elastic force of each spring 39 as shown by the phantom line in FIG. It is held in a dynamic posture.

Next, the function of automatically removing the embroidered embroidery frame 60 from the two embroidery frames 60 in one sewing machine head 22 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, when one of the two embroidery frames 60 of each sewing machine head 22 is at the embroidery position of each sewing machine head 22 and the embroidery is being performed, the detection plate 74 of the detector 70 is detected. Is at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. When the embroidery on the embroidered cloth 68 set on the embroidery frame 60 at the embroidery position is completed, another embroidery frame 60
To move to the embroidery position, the X-axis drive unit 12 is driven based on the embroidery data to move the base frame 16 from the solid line position in FIG. 5 to the virtual line position.

As the base frame 16 moves, the detection plate 7
4 passes through both proximity switches 72 in the order from left to right. By the signal transmitted by this, the air cylinder 52 of the lock release mechanism 40 corresponding to the embroidered embroidery frame 60 that was previously in the embroidery position in the sewing machine head 22 is operated. As a result, as described above, the lock mechanism 34 that holds the embroidered embroidery frame 60 on the frame holder 30 is released, and the embroidery frame 60 is removed from the frame holder 30.

Therefore, while the embroidered cloth 68 of the embroidery frame 60 that has been moved to the embroidery position later is being embroidered, the detached embroidery frame 60 is collected and a new embroidered cloth is removed. Frame holder 3 with the set embroidery frame empty
Attach it to 0. As a result, it is possible to continuously embroider while sequentially replacing the two embroidery frames 60 in each sewing machine head 22 without stopping the sewing machine. In addition, three or more embroidery frames 60 for one sewing machine head 22.
When the embroidery is performed by providing the above, the number of sets of the pair of proximity switches 72 in the detector 70 may be increased.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram in the case where the same embroidery pattern "A" is repeatedly embroidered on two embroidery frames 60 in one sewing machine head 22. The data of the pattern "A" at this time starts from the start point S, returns to this start point S, and ends. In this case, first, the data of the pattern "A" is input. Next, the crossover amount in the X direction of both embroidery frames 60 is determined by the distance "X" between the start points S-S of the patterns "A".
The data is set as "1" and the number of repetitions in the X direction is "2". Further, the crossover amount in the Y direction is set to “0”, and the number of repetitions in the Y direction is set to “infinite” or “arbitrary number”, respectively. As a result, the embroidery of the pattern "A" can be repeatedly performed on the two embroidery frames 60.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a modification of the lock release mechanism 40. In the second embodiment, the air cylinders 5 provided on the backs of the respective frame holders 30 in the first embodiment.
2 is abolished. The release pins 50 are projected from the back of each frame holder 30, and a head 78 having a tapered cone surface is formed at the end thereof.

On the other hand, at the back of each frame holder 30, a rod 8 slidably supported in the left-right direction (Y direction) by a bearing 84 fixed to the upper surface of the base frame 16.
Two are provided. The rod 82 is arranged over each of the sewing machine heads 22 and both ends thereof are connected to air cylinders 80 and 81 as actuators fixed to the upper surface of the base frame 16 so as to receive respective operating forces. ing. Further, on the axis of the rod 82, the release pin 5 is provided at a position corresponding to each frame holder 30.
Abutting members 86, 8 which can respectively contact the head 78 of
7 is fixed.

Of the two embroidery frames 60 corresponding to one sewing machine head 22 in the second embodiment, the embroidery on the embroidered cloth 68 that is temporarily set in the right embroidery frame 60 is completed, and the left side is finished. It is assumed that the embroidery frame 60 is moved to the embroidery position. As a result, a signal is transmitted from the detector 70 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and based on this signal, the left air cylinder 80 operates in the direction of pulling the rod 82. By the slide of the rod 82 accompanying this, the contact member 87 on the right side hits the head 78 of the release pin 50 in the frame holder 30 on the right side as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 7, and the release pin 50 is pushed. As a result, the embroidered frame 60 that has been embroidered is removed from the frame holder 30 as in the first embodiment.

When the embroidery on the embroidered cloth 68 set on the left embroidery frame 60 is completed and the right embroidery frame 60 is moved to the embroidery position, the right air cylinder 81 moves the rod 82. Operates in the pulling direction. As a result,
This time, the left contact member 86 causes the left frame holder 3
The release pin 50 at 0 is pushed in, and the embroidered embroidery frame 60 is removed from the frame holder 30.

In the second embodiment, as compared with the first embodiment, it is not necessary to individually arrange the air cylinders 52 on the back portions of the frame holders 30, and the structure of the lock release mechanism 40 is simple and the cost is reduced. It can be reduced. In the second embodiment, it is the rod 82 that controls both air cylinders 80 and 81 so as to pull the rod 82.
The reason is that even if the diameter is reduced, it does not bend during sliding.

[0030]

As described above, the present invention eliminates the troublesome work of setting the embroidery range of each embroidery frame in advance in order to judge the embroidered embroidery frame and remove it from the frame holder at a predetermined timing. It can be omitted. Further, in the present invention, when collecting the embroidery frame removed from the frame holder due to the end of the embroidery, it is not necessary for the operator to bring his / her hand close to the sewing machine head or other embroidery frame, and the safety of the recovery work is ensured. Will increase.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embroidery sewing machine.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing one frame holder and its embroidery frame partially broken away.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of one frame holder.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an embroidery frame together with a frame holder.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view showing an X-axis drive unit.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a case where embroidery of the same pattern is repeatedly performed on two embroidery frames corresponding to one sewing machine head.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a lock release mechanism according to a second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 22 Sewing machine head 30 Frame holder 34 Lock mechanism 40 Lock release mechanism 60 Embroidery frame 68 Embroidered cloth 70 Detector

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of embroidery frames are arranged for one sewing machine head, and each of these embroidery frames is sequentially moved to an embroidery position corresponding to the sewing machine head, and is set on each embroidery frame at this embroidery position. In an embroidery sewing machine for embroidering a cloth to be embroidered, a plurality of frame holders capable of individually mounting the respective embroidery frames and moving in both X and Y directions in conjunction with a frame drive system member, A lock mechanism capable of holding each embroidery frame in a mounted state with respect to each of these frame holders, and a lock release mechanism capable of releasing the mounting and holding of the embroidery frame by this lock mechanism,
A detector capable of moving the frame drive system member when changing the embroidery frame at the embroidery position and detecting the embroidery frame previously at the embroidery position, and based on a signal from the detector, An embroidery sewing machine characterized by activating the lock release mechanism in the embroidery frame located at the embroidery position. 2. Each of the frame holders is provided with an ejector pin that operates so as to push the embroidery frame out of the frame holder when the attachment / holding of the embroidery frame is released by the operation of the lock release mechanism. The embroidery sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein