JPH1176663A - Embroidery system with communication function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and speedily obtain embroidery data for supplying for embroidery from an external communication network or a communication terminal equipment through a communication line. SOLUTION: A communication modem 176 and NCU 177 are provided and kinds of softwares for connecting internet is housed in a hard disc 167 to connect to internet through a telephone line 178 only by operating an 'internet connecting (fetching)' key. An embroidery data providing picture is displayed by accessing to a default home page on the internet and embroidery data of an embroidery pattern is downloaded from an embroidery data file being a data base to be recorded in the hard disk 167 only by selecting the desired embroidery pattern and operating the 'fetching' key. Thereby embroidery data of rare embroidery patterns is easily and speedily obtained from all over the world.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an embroidery sewing machine with a communication function, and more particularly to an embroidery sewing machine connected to various networks and communication terminals to acquire embroidery data from the networks and communication terminals via communication lines. The present invention relates to an embroidery sewing machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an embroidery frame moving mechanism for independently moving an embroidery frame for holding a work cloth in an X direction and a Y direction has been provided. An embroidery sewing machine for sewing an embroidery pattern has been put to practical use. For example, JP-A-5-497
No. 66 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-49767 disclose a ROM card provided with an embroidery device and storing a plurality of embroidery patterns and concrete patterns such as “animals”, “vehicles”, and “flowers” for each genre. An embroidery sewing machine is described which is detachably mounted on an embroidery sewing machine, selects an embroidery pattern to be used for embroidery from the mounted ROM card, and performs embroidery sewing based on embroidery data of the selected embroidery pattern.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-76670 discloses that
The host computer (embroidery processing controller) is connected to a plurality of embroidery sewing machines with connection lines, and a desired embroidery pattern is selected from a plurality of embroidery patterns displayed on a display of the host computer, thereby selecting the selected embroidery pattern. An embroidery sewing machine is described in which embroidery data of a pattern is transmitted from a host computer to an embroidery sewing machine selected from a pattern, and embroidery sewing can be performed based on the embroidery data.

[0004]

However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 5-49766 and 5-49767 described above.
In the embroidery sewing machine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H10-209, embroidery data to be used for embroidery sewing is read from a ROM card. RO that memorized
While the M card is ordered from the store and mailed to the shop, the ROM card is out of stock and must wait until it arrives, making it impossible to quickly obtain the embroidery data of the desired embroidery pattern. A plurality of unnecessary embroidery patterns other than the desired embroidery pattern are stored in the ROM card at the same time, and since the ROM card is purchased, the required embroidery pattern becomes expensive, and furthermore, the embroidery data is not stored. There is a problem that it cannot be provided to others via a communication line.

In the embroidery sewing machine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-76670, every time embroidery is sewn, a host computer selects an embroidery pattern to be used for embroidery sewing, and stores embroidery data of the selected embroidery pattern in the host. Complicated preparation work to send from the computer to the embroidery sewing machine is required, and an expensive host computer is required only for providing the embroidery data to the embroidery sewing machine or for editing the embroidery data. There's a problem. Furthermore, there is a problem that the embroidery data of the original work cannot be provided to another person via a communication line or the like. The present invention
An embroidery sewing machine with a communication function that can easily and quickly acquire embroidery data to be used for embroidery sewing from an external communication network or a communication terminal via a communication line is provided. It is intended to be.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, an embroidery sewing machine with a communication function according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a sewing needle, a shuttle for catching a thread wheel which forms a seam in cooperation with the sewing needle, and a sewing machine. An embroidery sewing machine having cloth moving means for independently moving and driving a target cloth in two orthogonal directions is connected to an external communication line, and can communicate with an external communication network or a communication terminal via the communication line. A communication means; and embroidery data capturing means capable of capturing embroidery data from an external embroidery data supply source via the communication means and a communication line and storing the embroidery data in a memory.

Communication means is a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WA through a digital private line such as a public telephone line or ISDN (registered trademark) (Integrated Services Digital Network).
N (Wide Area Network), and furthermore, it is possible to communicate with an external communication network such as the Internet or a communication terminal such as a host computer. The embroidery data is fetched from an external embroidery data supply source provided in a connected external communication network or a communication terminal, and stored in a memory. That is, embroidery data of a desired embroidery pattern can be easily and quickly acquired via the communication unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the embroidery sewing machine with a communication function according to the first aspect of the present invention, the embroidery data transmitting means transmits the embroidery data to an external communication network or a communication terminal via a communication line with the communication means. It is provided with. In this case, the embroidery data transmitting means transmits the embroidery data to an external LAN, WAN, or a communication network such as the Internet or a communication terminal, and easily provides the embroidery data to a user who requests the embroidery data. can do. In addition, the same operation as the first aspect is achieved.

Further, the embroidery sewing machine with a communication function according to a third aspect is the embroidery sewing machine according to the first or second aspect, wherein the communication means is capable of accessing the Internet.
In this case, the communication means can access the Internet, and since the Internet is a globally expanded communication network in which LANs and WANs in various countries of the world are interconnected by communication lines, the Internet can be used worldwide. While it is possible to easily and quickly acquire rare embroidery pattern data from among them, it is possible to provide self-made embroidery data to people around the world. In addition, the same operation as the first or second aspect is achieved.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the embroidery data supply source is a database of embroidery data on a specific homepage on the Internet. In this case, since the embroidery data supply source is a database of embroidery data on a specific homepage on the Internet, the embroidery data can be easily imported simply by accessing the specific homepage. In addition, the same operation as the third aspect is achieved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the embroidery sewing machine with a communication function according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the communication means can directly transmit and receive embroidery data to / from a partner via a data communication function. In this case, the embroidery data of the desired embroidery pattern can be easily transmitted by the data communication function, and the embroidery data can be easily provided to the user who requests the embroidery data. . In addition, the same operation as the first or second aspect is achieved.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is a case where the present invention is applied to an embroidery sewing machine which can directly connect to the Internet and can sew an embroidery pattern of a plurality of colors based on various embroidery data taken from the Internet. By the way, the Internet I
N, as shown in FIG. 1, LANs (Local Ar
ea Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) are interconnected by communication lines, and are a globally expanded communication network.
The embroidery sewing machine 1 is directly connected to the Internet IN.

That is, a plurality of personal computers C1, C2, C3,... Connected to a plurality of Internet providers PV1,
.. Exist, and the embroidery sewing machine 1 is connected to one of the providers PV3 through a telephone line, and can receive a connection service from the provider PV3 and can connect to the Internet IN at any time. .

First, a drive system of the embroidery sewing machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The embroidery sewing machine 1 includes eight upper thread cassettes 30 mounted on a horizontal cassette support 21, a cassette switching mechanism 20 for switching the position of the cassette support 21, and a thread pick-up for tightening the upper thread 42. A drive mechanism 44, a yarn advance / retreat mechanism 60 for feeding or rewinding the upper thread 42 from the upper thread cassette 30 at the supply position, a needle bar vertical movement mechanism 75, and a horizontal rotary hook (hereinafter, referred to as a horizontal hook) 92. All the driving systems such as a rotary hook driving mechanism 85 and a work cloth moving mechanism 120 for independently moving and driving the work cloth to be embroidered in the orthogonal X and Y directions are housed in the main body case 2. By simply setting a work cloth on the embroidery frame 121, a color embroidery pattern is automatically sewn on the work cloth.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body case 2 has a shape similar to a facsimile machine or a printer. A control system such as a control box 12 is accommodated in the first half of the main body case 2. A control system housing chamber 5 is formed, and in the latter half of the body case 2 that is raised one step,
A drive system housing chamber 6 for housing a drive system such as a needle bar vertical movement mechanism 75 and a shuttle drive mechanism 85 is formed. An opening 7 for setting a work cloth on the embroidery frame 121 is formed over substantially the entire width in the upper part of the control system storage chamber 5, and a handle 4 is formed in the upper part of the drive system storage chamber 6. The fixed lid member 3 is pivotally attached so as to be openable and closable, and a wide liquid crystal display 10 is attached to a front end portion of the lid member 3.

Further, as shown in FIG.
A plurality of touch keys including a reset key for resetting these drive systems, a function key for communication for transmitting and receiving embroidery data, a sewing start key for starting embroidery sewing, etc. An operation panel 9 provided with various display lamps and the like is provided. Furthermore, body case 2
An opening 8 is formed on the right side surface of the hook for rotating a shuttle unit 86 to be described later and pulling it out. Next, a cassette switching mechanism 20 for rotating a cassette support 21 on which a plurality of upper thread cassettes 30 are mounted, and an upper thread cassette 3
0 will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 3, a support frame 11 attached to the main body case 2 by a plurality of pedestals 2a is disposed inside the drive system housing chamber 6, and is a part of the support frame 11. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a cassette support 21 formed of a horizontal circular plate having a needle bar passage hole 21a formed in the center thereof is provided on a horizontal support wall 11a having a circular center. The engaging edge 21b which is placed and extends below the inner peripheral end of the cassette support 21 engages with the inner peripheral end of the support wall 11a, so that the cassette support 2
1 is rotatably supported by the support wall 11a through the engagement between the engagement edge 21b and the support wall 11a.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, a gear 21c is formed on the outer periphery of the cassette support 21, and the gear 21c has two intermediate gears 22 and 2.
The drive gear 25 of the cassette switching motor 24 is meshed with the drive gear 25 via the gear 3. That is, when the cassette switching motor 24 is driven to rotate forward or reverse, the intermediate gear 22,
The cassette support 21 is rotated in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction in a plan view via 23. Here, eight cassette holders 21d are radially arranged at predetermined angles on the cassette support 21, and the upper thread cassette 30 is detachably mounted on each cassette holder 21d. 6 to 8 regarding the yarn cassette 30.
It will be described based on.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the upper thread cassette 30 has a rectangular frame case 3 made of synthetic resin having a width of about 10 mm.
The left and right side surfaces 1 are screwed with a pair of side walls 29. Then, the upper thread cassette 30 is moved to the cassette support 21.
When the upper thread cassette 30 is attached to the cassette holder 21d, the upper thread cassette 30 is pushed down while being in the cassette holder 21d, and the engaging hooks 31a formed on the upper thread cassette 30 are engaged with the engaging hooks 21e of the cassette holder 21d. Is done.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an upper thread bobbin 32 around which, for example, a "red" upper thread 42 is wound is rotatably supported by a pivot shaft 33 inside the upper thread cassette 30. A thread tensioner 34 comprising a pair of thread tension discs 34a and 34b elastically urged by a compression coil spring (not shown) is provided, and a substantially cylindrical thread pickup body 35 is rotated on the side surface of the rectangular frame case 31. It is pivoted as much as possible. A hook claw 36 for hooking the upper thread 42 is formed at one portion of the outer peripheral portion of the thread pickup body 35, and a flange 37 is formed so that the upper thread 42 does not come off.

Further, the rectangular frame case 31 of the yarn pickup body 35
A plurality of engaging claws 38 are formed on a portion protruding to the outside to engage with an engaging claw 48 of an engaging member 46 of the yarn pick-up driving mechanism 44 to be described later. The upper thread 42 extending from the upper thread bobbin 32 passes through the thread tensioner 34,
After being hooked on the hook 36 via the cylindrical portion of the thread take-up body 35, it is fed out to the outside via a guide roller 39 and an idler roller 40 which is rotatably supported at the outlet portion via a guide roller 39.

Next, the yarn pick-up driving mechanism 44 for driving the yarn pick-up body 35 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, of the eight upper thread cassettes 30 mounted on the cassette support 21, the rearmost position is set as the supply position, and the upper thread cassette located at the supply position. 30 (P) rear support frame 11
The rear end of the drive shaft 45 extending in the front-rear direction is rotatably pivotally supported, and the front end of the drive shaft 45 is formed to have a small diameter, and the cylindrical engaging member 46 is supported so as to be able to move back and forth and is prevented from falling off. It is elastically urged forward by the coil spring 47. The engaging member 46 includes a plurality of front-facing engaging claws 4.
8 are formed.

Further, in the vicinity of the rear end of the drive shaft 45, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, a cylindrical switching member 49 having an annular engagement groove 49a is fixedly mounted. In this engagement groove 49a, the tip of an operating pin 52 attached to a plunger 51 of a connecting solenoid 50 is provided. Is engaged. On the other hand, the drive shaft 45
A yarn pick-up motor 53 is fixed on the upper side, and a drive gear 54 fixed to the yarn pick-up motor 53 is engaged with a driven gear 55 fixed to the rear end of the drive shaft 45. That is, the connection solenoid 50 is operated and the plunger 5
When 1 protrudes rearward, the drive shaft 45 moves rearward, and these two engagement claws 38, 48 are separated from each other.

When the operation of the connecting solenoid 50 is stopped, the drive shaft 45 is moved forward by a biasing spring (not shown), and the engaging claws 38 and 48 are engaged.
At this time, the engaging claw 48 is elastically urged toward the other engaging claw 38 by the coil spring 47, and both the engaging claws 38, 48 are securely engaged. When the yarn loop formed by the horizontal hook 92, which will be described later, comes off the inner hook 97 at the yarn pick-up timing, the yarn pick-up motor 53 is driven for a predetermined time, and the yarn pick-up body 35 is moved in a predetermined picking direction (see FIG. 7 in the direction of arrow Q), and the upper thread 42 is
Is drawn into the upper thread cassette 30, so that the sewing needle 15
The upper thread 42 extending to the eye hole 15a is pulled up.

Next, the yarn advance / retreat mechanism 6 for feeding out or rewinding the upper thread 42 of the upper thread cassette 30 located at the supply position.
0 will be described with reference to FIG. A swinging plate 61 disposed immediately above the upper thread cassette 30 at the supply position is pivotally supported on the support frame 11 by a pivoting pin 62 so as to be able to swing up and down. Motor 63
, Two intermediate gears 65 and 66 meshing with a drive gear 64 of the line feed motor 63, and a drive roller 67 coaxially connected to the intermediate gear 66 are rotatably supported. Further, the swinging plate 61 is mounted on the support frame 11.
Is connected to a plunger 69 of a needle thread solenoid 68 attached to the plunger 69.

That is, when the upper thread solenoid 68 is operated and the plunger 69 is driven to retract, the swing plate 61
6 is swung to the yarn feeding position shown by the solid line in FIG. 6, and the driving roller 67 and the idle roller 40 are pressed and contacted. At this time, when the yarn feeding motor 63 is driven, the driving roller 67 is rotated via the driving gear 64 and the intermediate gears 65 and 66, so that the idle roller 40 is simultaneously rotated, and the upper side of the upper yarn bobbin 32 is rotated. The yarn 42 is fed out through the yarn tensioner 34 and the yarn take-up body 35, or is rewound into the upper yarn cassette 30. On the other hand, when the operation of the upper thread solenoid 68 is stopped, an urging spring (not shown)
The swinging plate 61 is raised to the upper standby position shown by the two-dot chain line, and the drive roller 67 is separated from the idle roller 40.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, a central portion surrounded by eight upper thread cassettes 30 arranged radially has a substantially U-shaped needle bar support extending in the vertical direction. The needle bar 14 is supported by the body 13 so as to be able to move up and down. Next, a needle bar moving mechanism 75 that moves the needle bar 14 up and down will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, a main shaft 76 extending in the front-rear direction is disposed above the drive shaft 45, and the main shaft 76 is rotatably supported at a plurality of positions on the support frame 11. One end of a crank 77 is fixed to the front end of the main shaft 76, and a needle bar crank 78 is rotatably connected to the other end of the crank 77 via a crank pin. Needle bar holding 7 in the middle section of 14
9.

On the other hand, a sewing machine motor 80 is mounted on the support frame 11 near the rear end of the main shaft 76, and a bevel gear 81 fixed to a drive shaft of the sewing machine motor 80 is fixed to the main shaft 76. 82. At the start of embroidery sewing, when the sewing machine motor 80 is driven, the main shaft 76 is driven in a predetermined rotation direction, and the needle bar 14 is moved up and down via the needle bar crank 78 and the needle bar holder 79, and at the same time, the needle The sewing needle 15 attached to the lower end of the rod 14 also moves up and down. Here, a presser foot 17 is attached to the lower end of the needle bar 14.
The upper end of the compression coil spring 1 is supported so as to be vertically movable.
8, the work cloth is pressed by the presser foot 17 by the spring force of the compression coil spring 18 when the needle bar 14 is lowered.

Next, the shuttle driving mechanism 85 provided below the needle bar 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. From the lower side of the cassette support 21 to the front,
A substantially box-shaped hook unit 86 is provided, and the hook unit 8 is provided.
The position of the front end of the support plate 87 can be switched by a pivot pin 88 between an operating position located below the cassette support 21 and a rotating position rotated rightward of the main body case 2. When the shuttle unit 86 is switched to the operating position, the rear end is supported by the support frame 11 so as to be held at a predetermined height position.

The upper lid of the shuttle unit 86 is formed as a needle plate 89, and is supported by the unit case 90 so as to be slidable in its length direction. On the other hand, a cylindrical hook storage case 91 having an open top is attached to a substantially rear half portion inside the hook unit 86, and a horizontal hook (horizontal rotary hook) 92 is stored inside the hook storage case 91. ing. That is, the outer hook 93 of the horizontal hook 92 is rotatably supported by the hook storage case 91 via the vertically-directed hook shaft 94, and a hook driving gear 95 is fixed to the lower end of the hook shaft 94. .

On the other hand, a hook drive motor 96 is mounted on the lower support frame 11 of the hook unit 86 at the time of the operating position, and a drive gear fixed to the drive shaft of the hook drive motor 96 has a hook drive gear 95. From the left. Then, the inner pot 97, which has been stopped from rotating, becomes the outer pot 93.
A lower thread bobbin 98 around which a lower thread is wound is mounted inside the inner hook 97. Here, when replacing the lower thread bobbin 98, as shown by a chain line in FIG.
The horizontal shuttle 92 is exposed by pulling out the rear end and switching to the rotation position and sliding the needle plate 89, so that the lower thread bobbin 98 can be removed.

Next, a thread cutting mechanism 100 for cutting the upper thread 42 and the lower thread at the end of sewing will be described with reference to FIGS. On the lower side of the needle plate 89, as shown in FIG. 8, a movable blade 101 is pivotally supported by a pin 102 so as to be swingable, and a fixed blade 103 for cutting a thread in cooperation with the movable blade 101.
Is also fixed below the needle plate 89. On the other hand, the movable blade 10
1 is a thread cutting solenoid 1 pin-connected to the needle plate 89.
04 plunger 105 is connected. And
When the thread trimming solenoid 104 is driven for a predetermined time at the time of thread trimming, when the plunger 105 advances and retreats, both upper and lower threads inserted through the needle holes 89a of the needle plate 89 are moved. Since the upper and lower threads are engaged with the movable blade 101, the upper and lower yarns are simultaneously cut by the movable blade 101 and the fixed blade 103.

Next, the upper thread cassette 3 located at the supply position
The threading mechanism 110 for passing the upper thread 42 extending from 0 through the eye 15a of the sewing needle 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. However, the direction of the eye holes 15a is the front-back direction, that is, the direction of the upper thread cassette 30 (P) in the supply position. On the lower surface of the support wall 11a corresponding to the upper thread cassette 30 facing the upper thread cassette 30 (P) at the supply position, a flat and jig holding member 11 having a rectangular frame shape in cross section is provided.
1 is fixed at its base end in a state facing the sewing needle 15. Here, the front end of the jig holding member 111 is located near the sewing needle 15.

The threading tool 112, which is formed of a thin elastic material and is bent so that its tip is substantially diamond-shaped, is constrained in a shape that pushes the diamond-shaped, and the jig holding member 1 is held.
11 and is housed. On the other hand, the rear end of the threading tool 112 is connected to the plunger 11 of the threading solenoid 113 fixed to the lower surface of the cassette support 21.
4. At the time of threading, the threading solenoid 113 is advanced and the plunger 114 is advanced, so that the threading tool 112 is sequentially pushed forward from the distal end thereof toward the front of the jig holding member 111. After the hole 15a is inserted, the restraint of the shape retention is released, and as shown in FIG. 9, the shape is opened in a substantially rhombic shape. At this time, the upper thread 42 is fed out by a predetermined amount by the thread advance / retreat mechanism 60, and the thread end of the upper thread 42 is moved to the
It penetrates into the inside of the 2 diamond.

Thereafter, when the threading solenoid 113 is driven to retreat and the plunger 114 retreats, when the leading end of the threading tool 112 passes through the eye 15a and is housed in the jig holding member 111, The upper thread 42 can be passed through the eye 15a. Next, the work cloth moving mechanism 120 that moves and drives the work cloth will be described based on FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 10. FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, an embroidery frame 121 for mounting a work cloth to be used for embroidery is provided between the cassette support 21 and the shuttle unit 86.
On both left and right sides, a cylindrical support member 12 oriented in the front-back direction is provided.
2 are fixed respectively.

As shown in FIG. 10, the embroidery frame 121 is moved in the Y direction (front-back direction) by the Y-direction drive mechanism 125 and is moved in the X direction (left-right direction) by the X-direction drive mechanism 135. It has become. First,
The Y-direction drive mechanism 125 will be described. Guide shafts 126 extending in the front-rear direction are provided on both left and right ends of the main body case 2.
Is provided, and a Y carriage 127 is provided on each guide shaft 126.
Are supported so as to be able to move back and forth, and both Y carriages 127 are integrally connected by a connecting plate 128.

Below the left guide shaft 126, two front and rear
The two pulleys 129 and 130 are rotatably supported on a horizontal shaft oriented in the left-right direction, a timing belt 131 is stretched over both pulleys 129 and 130, and the rear pulley 130 is driven by a Y-axis drive motor 132. One end of the timing belt 131 is connected to the Y carriage 127. The X-direction drive mechanism 135 will be described. The right and left ends of a guide shaft 137 oriented in the left-right direction are fixed to an extended support plate 136 extending rearward from the Y carriage 127 integrally.
An X carriage 138 is supported by 37 so as to be movable left and right.

Further, below the guide shaft 137, two pulleys 139 and 140 on the left and right are supported so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis in the front-rear direction.
The timing belt 141 is stretched over 40, and the left pulley 139 is driven by an X-axis drive motor 142 (see FIG. 11). On the other hand, the front end of the X carriage 138 has a pair of left and right holding shafts 143a.
The pair of holding shafts 143a are fixedly inserted into the pair of left and right cylindrical support members 122 of the embroidery frame 121, respectively. The frame 121 is connected to the X carriage 138.

Here, the embroidery frame 121 is securely held on the pair of holding shafts 143a by a lock mechanism (not shown), and by manually releasing the lock mechanism, the embroidery frame 121 is held by the holding shaft 143a. Can be easily removed from. The embroidery frame 121 is composed of an outer frame and an inner frame (not shown) for mounting a work cloth. Thus, the embroidery frame 121 is moved in the Y direction via the timing belt 131 and the Y carriage 127 by driving the Y-axis drive motor 132, while the X-axis drive motor 142 is driven, thereby The embroidery frame 121 is moved in the X direction via the belt 141 and the X carriage 138. Then, when the embroidery frame 121 moves to the upper opening 7 of the control system housing chamber 5 as shown in FIG. 2 (as shown by a chain line in FIG. 10), the work cloth can be attached or detached. .

Next, a control system of the embroidery sewing machine 1 provided in the control box 12 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. The control unit 150 includes a CPU 152, a ROM 153, a RAM 154, and a DMAC (direct
The microcomputer 151 includes a microcomputer 151 including a memory access controller 155, a drive circuit 156, an input / output interface (not shown), and the like. Sensor switches and actuators of the embroidery sewing machine 1 are driven by the microcomputer 151. It is connected to a circuit 156.

The microcomputer 151 includes:
A hard disk controller (HDC) 165 that drives a hard disk drive (HDD) 166, a coordinate input device (a so-called mouse) 168, and a display controller (D) for the liquid crystal display (LCD) 10
C) 169, an audio amplifier (AMP) 174 for sounding a speaker 175, a communication modem 176 capable of handling sound data such as voice, a personal handyphone (PHS (registered trademark)) 180, and a mobile phone 181. Alternatively connectable PHS / mobile phone adapter 179
And are connected respectively.

Further, the microcomputer 151 includes:
Embroidery pattern card 171 via connectors 170 and 172
And a digital camera card 173 can be connected. Here, the embroidery pattern card 171 is a non-volatile memory card storing pattern data of a plurality of embroidery patterns that are relatively frequently used, and the digital camera card 173 is
This is a non-volatile memory card that records a plurality of pieces of photo data (image data) photographed by a digital camera (not shown). An NCU (Network Control Unit) 177 connected to a telephone line 178 is connected to the communication modem 176.

Next, a control system including sensors, switches, and actuators of the embroidery sewing machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. The microcomputer 151 includes an operation panel 9 and a specific color (for example, " Red)) A cassette position detection switch 157 for detecting that the upper thread cassette 30 is at the supply position, a first rotary encoder 158 provided on the sewing machine motor 80, and a second rotary encoder 159 provided on the shuttle drive motor 96. Various signals are input from the spindle origin sensor 160 and the shuttle shaft origin sensor 161. On the other hand, from the control unit 150 via the drive circuit 156, the sewing machine motor 80, the shuttle drive motor 96, and the various motors 53, 24, 63, 142, 13
2, the connecting solenoid 50 and various solenoids 104,
Drive signals and control signals are output to 113 and 68.

Next, the embroidery sewing machine 1 configured as described above.
The operation of will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 3, the lid member 3 is opened by holding the handle 4. As shown in FIG. 8, thread colors such as "red", "blue", "yellow", etc. are designated in each cassette holder 21d of the cassette support 21. The upper thread cassette 30 having the upper thread such as "" or "blue" is mounted on the cassette holder 21d of the same color.

At this time, the upper thread 42 of each upper thread cassette 30
Is fed out from the idler roller 40 by a predetermined length as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the lid member 3 is closed. At this time, the cassette switching motor 24 causes the cassette support 21 to be initialized, that is, the position of the cassette support 21 is switched so that the first, for example, "red" upper thread cassette 30 is at the supply position. Further, the Y-axis drive motor 1
The embroidery frame 121 is moved to the upper opening 7 of the control system accommodation room 5 as shown in FIG.

Then, when the sewing start key of the operation panel 9 is operated, the cassette supporter is positioned such that the upper thread cassette 30 of the thread color is positioned at the supply position based on the thread color data included in the data. 21 is rotated. Thereafter, the operation of the connecting solenoid 50 is stopped, and the engaging pawls 38 and 48 are engaged. Next, the threading solenoid 1
13 is driven, and the threading tool 112 is pushed forward, so that the eye 15a of the sewing needle 15 is inserted and then opened in a substantially rhombic shape.

Then, the upper yarn solenoid 68 is operated, and the yarn feeding motor 63 is driven in a state where the driving roller 67 and the idler roller 40 are pressed against each other, so that the upper yarn as shown in FIG. Since the upper thread 42 of the bobbin 32 is fed, the thread end of the fed upper thread 42 enters the inside of the rhombus-shaped threading tool 112 from above. Next, the threading solenoid 113 is driven to retreat, and the leading end of the threading tool 112 passes through the eye hole 15a, and the jig holding member 11 is moved.
The upper thread 42 can be passed through the eye hole 15a when it is stored in the first thread. Here, the end of the upper thread 42 is
When the sewing machine motor 80 is not pulled out, the sewing needle 15 is driven to raise the sewing needle 15, so that the end of the upper thread 42 can be reliably pulled out of the threading tool 112.

Subsequently, when the operation of the upper thread solenoid 68 is stopped, the drive roller 67 is separated from the idle roller 40, and the Y-axis drive motor 132 is driven to drive the embroidery frame 121.
Is moved to a predetermined sewing start position shown in FIG. When the preparation for starting sewing is completed, the sewing machine motor 80, the shuttle drive motor 96, the X-axis drive motor 142 and the Y-axis drive motor 132 are driven, and embroidery sewing is started based on the sewing data. You. At this time, based on the pulse signals from the rotary encoders 158 and 159, the sewing machine motor 80 and the shuttle drive motor 96 are driven so as to be synchronized with each other. , 142, 132 are driven to be synchronized. That is, at the time of the thread pick-up in which the sewing needle 15 rises, the thread pick-up motor 3
5 is rotated in a predetermined picking direction, and the eye 15 of the sewing needle 15 is rotated.
The upper thread 42 extending to a is pulled up.

When the thread is changed during the sewing operation, the driving of the motors 80, 96, 53, 142, and 132 is stopped, and the upper thread 42 is rewound by the thread advance / retreat mechanism 60, and the eyelet of the sewing needle 15 is opened. After the thread is pulled out from 15a and the thread advance / retreat mechanism 60 is retracted upward, the upper thread cassette 30 having the upper thread 42 to be used next is switched to the supply position by the cassette switching mechanism 20, and so on.
Sewing is resumed after the threading of the fed upper thread 42 is performed. And when the embroidery sewing is finished,
The movable blade 101 is reciprocated by the driving of the thread cutting solenoid 104, and the upper thread 42 and the lower thread passing through the needle hole 89a of the needle plate 89 are simultaneously cut.

The ROM 153 stores a startup program for starting up the embroidery sewing machine 1 when the power is turned on, as in a general host computer.
As shown in FIG. 13, the hard disk 167 has MS-DOS (registered trademark) or Win in order to make the embroidery sewing machine 1 function like a personal computer.
Various OSs (Operating Systems) such as a Windows (registered trademark) system are stored.

Further, as a program for connecting to the Internet IN, a hard disk 167 has a mail reader (MIME standard (Mu-Mu)) for an e-mail function such as "Chameleon (Cameleon (registered trademark))".
ltipurpose Internet Mail Extensions), package software with various application software, TCP / IP driver software that handles the TCP / IP protocol (communication protocol) required to communicate with the Internet IN, and others. Browsers such as Netscape, which browse WWW (World Wide Web) information in the form of a home page, as client application software;
Helper application software that can also handle video data and the like is stored as a communication control program.

Further, a hard disk 167 stores a communication program (communication application software) for performing data communication, and primary color signals (R, G, and R) included in color image data captured by a digital camera or a video camera.
A color information conversion program for converting the color information by the color addition method relating to B) into eight thread colors used for color embroidery, determining an embroidery area for each color based on image data including various types of color information, and An embroidery data creation program for creating embroidery data of an embroidery pattern by calculating needle drop data for each embroidery area, a synthesis control program for combining two embroidery data to create one embroidery data, and the created embroidery data In addition to a sewing control program for performing embroidery sewing by driving a drive system based on the above, various editing programs and the like are stored.

Here, the holder of the embroidery sewing machine 1 has joined the provider PV3,
It is assumed that the “telephone number” and the assigned “user name” and “password” are registered in advance in the application software for Internet connection. Here, general communication functions regarding the Internet communication function, the e-mail function, and the data communication function will be briefly described.

First, the Internet communication function will be described. By instructing the item "Internet connection" from the initial menu displayed in the form of an icon (eye contact) with a mouse, a telephone connection to the provider PV3 is established by the dial-up IP connection function. Thus, the Internet connection is started, and when the connection with the provider PV3 is successful, a default home page is displayed. Then, desired data can be taken in based on the file data of the home page.

Next, the e-mail function will be described. The item "e-mail" is designated by a mouse, and a "user name" and a "password" are entered to log in. As a result, when an e-mail to the user arrives at the mail spool provided on the mail server of the contracted provider, a list of the e-mail is displayed on the display and the e-mail information is downloaded. Come on. Next, the data communication function will be described. For example, by operating software for a personal computer communication host station on the embroidery sewing machine, or by using a BFT (Binary File Transfer) procedure of a facsimile communication system, The terminal can be connected to a friend's terminal via a telephone line, and data communication can be performed between the two terminals.

Next, an embroidery data capturing function for capturing embroidery data using these communication functions will be described. As the embroidery data capturing function, a capturing function by the Internet IN, a capturing function by electronic mail, a capturing function by data communication, and a capturing function by the embroidery pattern card 171 are provided. 1) First, the first import function using the Internet IN allows a very simple operation to import desired embroidery data via the Internet IN.

That is, by operating the “Internet connection (acquisition)” key on the operation panel 9, the communication modem 176 and the NCU 177 are provided by the dial-up IP connection function.
Is connected to the provider PV3 by telephone, and a default homepage on the Internet is accessed, and the file data of the homepage is displayed on the liquid crystal display 10. Here, for example, by registering, as a default, an address of a homepage for providing embroidery data provided by an embroidery data provider dedicated to a specific manufacturer (this corresponds to an embroidery data supply source), the embroidery data is registered. The file data stored as the embroidery data database on the homepage for providing can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 10 immediately.

On the embroidery data providing screen, a plurality of embroidery patterns are displayed as a list, and the embroidery data of each embroidery pattern is stored in another embroidery data file linked to the embroidery pattern list file. Thus, the user operates the mouse 168 to designate and click a desired embroidery pattern with the marker, and only operates the “capture” key of the operation panel 9 to embroider the embroidery data of the embroidery pattern from the embroidery data file. It is downloaded and recorded in the work area of the hard disk 167.

Here, when the user wants the explanation information (guidance) for embroidering the acquired embroidery data, he or she can download the explanation information from a homepage that provides the explanation information, or edit the embroidery pattern. The required editor software may be downloaded. 2) Next, the capture function by e-mail will be described. By simply operating the “e-mail reception” key on the operation panel 9, the user is logged in with a previously registered “user name” or “password”, and is instructed to receive an e-mail.

That is, by contracting with the embroidery data provider to transmit the new embroidery data, the embroidery data provider sends the embroidery data to the mail spool provided in the mail server of the provider PV3. When the data e-mail has arrived, a list of the e-mail is displayed on the liquid crystal display 10, and the information of the e-mail, that is, the attached embroidery data is downloaded and recorded in the work area of the hard disk 167. You.

3) Next, the capture function by data communication will be described.
By simply operating the key, the user's embroidery sewing machine and a preset friend's embroidery sewing machine are connected via a telephone line, and the embroidery data possessed by the friend's embroidery sewing machine is fetched and recorded on the hard disk 167. Conversely, the embroidery data of the user's embroidery machine can be transmitted to a friend's embroidery machine.

4) Next, the function of taking in the embroidery pattern from the embroidery pattern card 170 will be described. By operating the "embroidery pattern card" key on the operation panel 9, a plurality of embroidery patterns stored in the embroidery pattern card are displayed. By instructing and selecting a desired embroidery pattern with a marker while sequentially displaying it on the liquid crystal display 10, embroidery data of the selected embroidery pattern can be captured.

Next, an external output function for outputting embroidery data to the outside will be described. 1) When the "Internet connection (write)" key on the operation panel 9 is operated, a telephone connection is made to the provider PV3 by the dial-up IP connection function, and furthermore, a homepage set in advance on the Internet IN or a homepage of an embroidery data provider. The embroidery data set to be transmitted and output in advance is transmitted and output, and is written to the homepage. 2) On the other hand, as described above, the user operates the "data communication" on the operation panel 9 to transmit and provide the embroidery data by data communication to an unspecified number of people who request the embroidery data. I can give it.

Next, the embroidery data creating / editing function will be described. First, image data captured and recorded by a digital camera is read from the digital camera card 173, and a primary color signal (additional color method) based on a luminance signal and a color difference signal included in the image data is read by a color information conversion program. R, G, and B) are converted into eight thread colors used for color embroidery, while the outline of the image is obtained for each color embroidery area, and the needle drop position data in each color embroidery area is obtained. Embroidery data may be created by calculation. In addition, new embroidery data can be created by performing various pattern editing processes by combining the embroidery data created in this way with the embroidery data of the embroidery pattern card 171.

Next, the embroidery sewing function will be described. The user reads desired embroidery data from the various embroidery data received from the external personal computer or the embroidery sewing machine and recorded on the hard disk 167 by the Internet IN or data communication in this manner, and reads the embroidery sewing machine 1 Embroidery sewing. At this time, when the explanation information by voice or display has been received in advance, the explanation information can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 10 or the embroidery can be sewn while listening to the explanation through the speaker 175.

Here, the communication modem 176 and the NCU 17
7. Communication means is composed of various communication software for the Internet connection and data communication, a microcomputer 151, etc., and various software and microcomputers for realizing an "Internet connection (capture)" key and an embroidery data capturing function. The embroidery data acquisition means is constituted by 151 and the like, and the embroidery data transmission means is constituted by various software for realizing the embroidery data output function and the microcomputer 151.

As described above, the communication modem 176 and the NCU
177, various kinds of software for Internet connection are stored in the hard disk 167, and the telephone line 1 is operated only by operating the "Internet connection (take in)" key.
78, the user can access the default homepage on the Internet IN to display the embroidery data providing screen, select the desired embroidery pattern, and operate the "Import" key to obtain the embroidery data. The embroidery data of the pattern is downloaded from an embroidery data file which is a database, and
Therefore, embroidery data of an unusual embroidery pattern from all over the world can be easily and quickly acquired.

Further, only desired embroidery data can be purchased at low cost. Also, since desired embroidery data is pre-fetched and stored in the hard disk 167, embroidery sewing can be performed without complicated preparation work, and the sewing work can be performed more efficiently. Furthermore, embroidery data can be easily imported without providing an expensive computer. Also, an embroidery data output function is provided, and the user accesses his / her own homepage set on the Internet IN or the homepage of an embroidery data provider, and writes the embroidery data set to be transmitted and output in advance on the homepage. On the other hand, by operating the "data communication" key, the embroidery data can be transmitted and provided by data communication to an unspecified number of people who request the embroidery data.

As a modification of the above embodiment, the following configuration may be adopted. 1) When a user writes new embroidery data created by performing a combining process or the like on a homepage of an embroidery data provider, the provider receives the embroidery data and designates a color so that the color arrangement looks good. Etc., and the required thread amount for each color can be taught. In addition, missing threads can be ordered. 2) When multiple homepages for providing embroidery data are provided with different addresses, their URLs
By registering (Uniform Resource Locator) as a bookmark address, it is possible to easily access the homepage for providing desired embroidery data while efficiently switching the homepage by using the bookmark function.

3) Also, by reproducing a video tape on a VCR, image data photographed and recorded by a video camera is taken in, and color information conversion processing is performed by a color information conversion program to create embroidery data. You may. 4) The embroidery sewing machine 1 may be connected to various communication networks via ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) or a dedicated line. 5) The personal handy phone (PHS) 180 or the mobile phone 181 may receive the embroidery data transmitted from a friend or an embroidery data provider via the PHS / mobile phone adapter 179.

6) A conventional embroidery sewing machine having no communication function can be connected to the Internet IN by connecting a communication adapter having communication software and Internet connection software in addition to a modem and NCU. You may comprise. 7) Various changes may be made to the above-described embodiment based on existing technology or technology obvious to those skilled in the art.
Further, it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to various embroidery sewing machines that can be connected to the Internet IN and various networks, such as an embroidery sewing machine configured to drive the main shaft 76 and the horizontal shuttle 92 with a sewing machine motor.

[0072]

As described above in detail, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the sewing needle, the thread wheel catching hook that forms the stitch in cooperation with the sewing needle, and the cloth to be sewn in two directions orthogonal to each other. In the embroidery sewing machine having the cloth moving means for independently moving and driving the embroidery sewing machine, since the communication means and the embroidery data taking means are provided, the embroidery data of a desired embroidery pattern can be easily and quickly obtained through the communication means. can do. Further, only desired embroidery data can be purchased at low cost. Also, since desired embroidery data is pre-fetched and stored in the memory, embroidery sewing can be performed without complicated preparation work, and the sewing work can be performed more efficiently. Furthermore, embroidery data can be easily imported without providing an expensive computer.

According to the invention of claim 2, according to claim 1,
The embroidery data transmission means for transmitting the embroidery data to an external communication network or a communication terminal via the communication means and the communication line is provided, so that the embroidery data is requested via the communication line. Embroidery data can be easily provided to the user who has the embroidery data. Furthermore, according to the third aspect of the invention, the same effect as the first or second aspect is obtained, but since the communication means can access the Internet, the data of the embroidery pattern which is rare from all over the world via the Internet is provided. Can be obtained easily and quickly, and embroidery data of one's own work can be provided to people all over the world.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the same effects as those of the third aspect are obtained, but the embroidery data supply source
Since the database is a database of embroidery data on a specific homepage on the Internet, the embroidery data can be easily imported simply by accessing the specific homepage. Further, according to the invention of claim 5, according to claim 1,
Or 2 has the same effect as above, but the communication means can directly transmit and receive embroidery data to / from the other party via the data communication function. Therefore, it is possible to easily receive the embroidery data of a desired embroidery pattern by the data communication function. On the other hand, the embroidery data can be easily provided to the user who requests the embroidery data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the Internet to which an embroidery sewing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embroidery sewing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing an internal mechanism of the embroidery sewing machine.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along line DD of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of a main part showing an internal mechanism.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of the needle bar and the upper thread cassette.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a thread tensioner, a thread pick-up body, and a guide roller.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cassette support and a shuttle drive mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a threading mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a work cloth moving mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a control system of the embroidery sewing machine.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a control system of a drive mechanism of the embroidery sewing machine.

FIG. 13 is a chart showing main control programs (software) recorded on a hard disk.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Embroidery sewing machine 14 Needle bar 15 Sewing needle 92 Horizontal shuttle 120 Work cloth moving mechanism 150 Control unit 167 Hard disk 176 Communication modem 177 NCU 178 Telephone line IN Internet

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An embroidery sewing machine comprising a sewing needle, a thread wheel catching hook for forming a stitch in cooperation with the sewing needle, and a cloth moving means for independently moving and driving a cloth to be sewn in two orthogonal directions. A communication means connected to an external communication line and capable of communicating with an external communication network or a communication terminal via the communication line; and transmitting embroidery data from an external embroidery data supply source via the communication means and the communication line. An embroidery sewing machine with a communication function, comprising: embroidery data capturing means capable of capturing and storing the embroidery data in a memory. 2. An embroidery data transmitting means for transmitting embroidery data to an external communication network or a communication terminal via the communication means and the communication line. Embroidery sewing machine. 3. The embroidery sewing machine with a communication function according to claim 1, wherein said communication means is capable of accessing the Internet. 4. The embroidery sewing machine with a communication function according to claim 3, wherein the embroidery data supply source is an embroidery data database on a specific homepage on the Internet. 5. The embroidery sewing machine with a communication function according to claim 1, wherein said communication means is capable of directly transmitting and receiving embroidery data with a partner via a data communication function.