WO2025040633A1

WO2025040633A1 - Embroidery module and method

Info

Publication number: WO2025040633A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/073234
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stina Petersson; Martin Robertsson
Original assignee: VSM Group AB
Current assignee: VSM Group AB
Priority date: 2023-08-18
Filing date: 2024-08-19
Publication date: 2025-02-27
Anticipated expiration: 2026-02-18
Also published as: TW202523933A; SE2350982A1; SE546956C2

Abstract

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

Description

EMBROIDERY MODULE AND METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to embroidery modules, and methods for attaching an embroidery frame to an embroidery unit for a sewing machine.

BACKGROUND

An embroidery unit can be attached to a sewing machine in order to use the sewing machine for embroidering. US2023/0062799 describes the attachment of an embroidery unit to a sewing machine.

In order to enable embroidering on tubular objects, an embroidery frame that is attached to the embroidery unit may be used. US2022/0290348 describes an embodiment of such an embroidery frame.

PROBLEMS WITH THE PRIOR ART

The embroidery frame of US2022/0290348 has a rather cumbersome mechanism for attachment to and detachment from the embroidery unit. Further, the attachment of the embroidery frame to the embroidery unit may interrupt the fabric, if embroidery is done on a tubular object. There is thus a need for improved arrangements and methods for attaching an embroidery frame to an embroidery unit for a sewing machine.

SUMMARY

The above described problem is addressed by the claimed embroidery module for a sewing machine. The embroidery module preferably comprises an embroidery unit, comprising an embroidery arm, arranged to be movable in a longitudinal direction of the embroidery unit, the embroidery arm comprising an embroidery frame attachment interface comprising a locking arrangement, and an embroidery frame, comprising an embroidery arm attachment interface. The embroidery frame attachment interface and the embroidery arm attachment interface preferably comprise mutually mating features that align the embroidery frame attachment interface and the embroidery arm attachment interface with each other during attachment of the embroidery frame to the embroidery unit. The embroidery frame attachment interface preferably comprises a locking arrangement, arranged to automatically lock together the embroidery arm attachment interface and the embroidery frame attachment interface when the embroidery arm attachment interface has been pushed down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface, and a pushing arrangement arranged to push the embroidery arm attachment interface up from the embroidery frame attachment interface when the locking arrangement is released.

The above described problem is further addressed by the claimed method for attaching an embroidery frame to an embroidery unit for a sewing machine. The method preferably comprises: lowering an embroidery arm attachment interface of the embroidery frame onto an embroidery frame attachment interface of the embroidery unit; allowing the embroidery frame attachment interface and the embroidery arm attachment interface to be automatically aligned with each other, using mutually mating features comprised in the embroidery frame attachment interface and the embroidery arm attachment interface; pushing the embroidery arm attachment interface down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface, counteracting a pushing arrangement in the embroidery frame attachment interface; and allowing the embroidery arm attachment interface and the embroidery frame attachment interface to be automatically locked together by a locking arrangement in the embroidery frame attachment interface.

This enables a simple attachment and detachment of an embroidery frame to and from an embroidery unit for a sewing machine.

In embodiments, the method further comprises detaching the embroidery frame from the embroidery unit by releasing the locking arrangement, thereby allowing the embroidery arm attachment interface to be pushed up from the embroidery frame attachment interface by the pushing arrangement. This enables the user to simply lift the embroidery frame from the embroidery unit to release the embroidery frame from the embroidery unit.

In embodiments, the embroidery frame attachment interface is arranged to be movable along the embroidery arm.

In embodiments, the embroidery arm attachment interface comprises mating features in the form of one or more recesses or holes, arranged to receive corresponding mating features in the form of protrusions comprised in the embroidery frame attachment interface, during attachment of the embroidery frame to the embroidery unit. Such mutually mating features are a simple arrangement to align the embroidery frame attachment interface and the embroidery arm attachment interface with each other.

The recesses or holes may e.g. be steering holes, and the protrusions steering pins. The steering pins may e.g. be cylindrical. This will position the embroidery frame with sufficient precision onto the embroidery unit.

In embodiments, the locking arrangement comprises a spring-loaded or elastic button, which is configured to be automatically pushed away from the embroidery frame when the mutually mating features on the embroidery frame attachment interface and the embroidery arm attachment interface meet, and to automatically spring back to lock the embroidery arm attachment interface to the embroidery frame attachment interface when the embroidery arm attachment interface has been pushed down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface. The spring-loaded or elastic button is preferably configured to automatically release the embroidery arm attachment interface from the embroidery frame attachment interface when it is manually pushed away from the embroidery frame. This enables the user to simply lift the embroidery frame from the embroidery unit to release the embroidery frame from the embroidery unit, after pushing the button.

In embodiments, the embroidery frame attachment interface comprises guiding means arranged to prevent the locking arrangement from pushing the embroidery frame away from the embroidery unit during attachment.

In embodiments, the pushing arrangement comprises a spring-loaded or elastic surface. This is a simple way of ensuring that the embroidery arm attachment interface is pushed up from the embroidery frame attachment interface when the locking arrangement is released. In embodiments, the spring-loaded or elastic surface comprises a plurality of active subparts, each configured to interact with a corresponding subpart comprised in the embroidery arm attachment interface.

In embodiments, at least one of the active subparts of the spring-loaded or elastic surface is connected to an electrical switch. The electrical switch may be activated or inactivated by corresponding subparts, e.g. in the form of actuator pins, on the embroidery arm attachment interface on the embroidery frame. One or more electrical switches may be actuated according to a predetermined order when an embroidery frame is attached to the embroidery unit. In this way, the embroidery frame attachment interface may determine the type and size of the embroidery frame attached, and communicate this to the sewing machine when setting up a new embroidery.

The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments of the invention will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a sewing machine, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an embroidery module for a sewing machine, comprising an embroidery unit and an embroidery frame, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

Fig. 3a illustrates an embodiment of an embroidery frame attachment interface on an embroidery unit, and Fig. 3b illustrates an embodiment of an embroidery frame comprising an embroidery arm attachment interface, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

Figs. 4a-b illustrate the use of an embodiment of a locking arrangement, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

Figs. 5a-b schematically illustrate the attachment of an embroidery frame to on an embroidery unit, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates the detachment of an embroidery frame from an embroidery unit, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a method for attaching an embroidery frame to an embroidery unit for a sewing machine, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to enable embroidering on tubular objects, an embroidery frame that is attached to an embroidery unit may be used. Prior art embroidery frames, such as e.g. the embroidery frame described in US2022/0290348, have typically been cumbersome for a user to detach from the embroidery unit. For ease of use, a user should preferably be able to both attach and detach the embroidery frame using only one hand, and preferably in only one action. It is however important that the attachment has minimal to no play, since the position of the embroidery frame is controlled by positioning means in the embroidery unit.

The highest loads that will affect the embroidery frame will be due to acceleration in the x and y directions. It is also in these directions that the importance of the position accuracy is the greatest, since the embroidering will otherwise not take place in the intended position. There has therefore been a need for an improved interface between the embroidery frame and the embroidery unit.

According to the present disclosure, the embroidery arm attachment interface of the embroidery frame and the embroidery frame attachment interface of the embroidery unit comprise mutually mating features, that ensure that there is no horizontal movement between the embroidery frame and the embroidery unit. The embroidery frame can be attached and detached using only one hand, and there is no horizontal displacement during attachment and detachment. This is a major advantage in free arm embroidery, allowing the user to attach the embroidery frame even with a tubular workpiece tightly pulled onto the free arm of the sewing machine.

The present disclosure relates generally to embroidery modules and methods for attaching an embroidery frame to an embroidery unit for a sewing machine. Embodiments of the disclosed solution are presented in more detail in connection with the figures.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a sewing machine 200 comprising a base plate 210 having a first end 212 and a second end 215. From the first end 212 of the base plate 210, a pillar 220 extends upwards. A sewing head arm 230 and a sewing bed arm 240 extend out horizontally from the pillar 220, above the base plate 210, towards its second end 215. The sewing head arm 230 extends out horizontally from the pillar 220 above the sewing bed arm 240, and at its outer end, above the second end 215 of the base plate 210, there is a sewing head 235. The sewing head 235 typically comprises one or more needle bars 290 for moving one or more needles 295 up and down for sewing a workpiece on the sewing bed arm 240. In order to use such a sewing machine 200 for embroidering, an embroidery unit 300 can be attached to the sewing machine 200.

Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an embroidery module 250 for a sewing machine 200. The embroidery module 250 comprises an embroidery unit 300 and an embroidery frame 400. The embroidery frame 400 typically comprises upper and lower frame portions, between which frame portions the material to be embroidered is clamped. There is typically a tightening screw 440 arranged on the embroidery frame 400, to ensure that the material to be embroidered remains in the intended position.

The embroidery unit 300 comprises an embroidery arm 310 onto which the embroidery frame 400 is attached. The embroidery arm 310 can be moved in the x direction, i.e. along the embroidery unit 300, and the embroidery frame 400 can be moved in the y direction along the embroidery arm 310. The position of the embroidery frame 400 is thus controlled by positioning means in the embroidery unit 300.

The embroidery unit 300 typically comprises electric motors as driving means for positioning the embroidery frame 400. When the embroidery unit 300 is attached to a sewing machine 200, these motors are typically controlled by the sewing machine 200. In order for embroidering to take place in an intended position, the motors are typically controlled in conjunction with the driving of the one or more needle bars 290 in the sewing machine 200.

Fig. 3a illustrates an embodiment of an embroidery frame attachment interface 320, which may be arranged on the embroidery arm 310 of the embroidery unit 300, to be movable in the y direction along the embroidery arm 310, and Fig. 3b illustrates an embodiment of an embroidery frame 400 comprising an embroidery arm attachment interface 420. The embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 comprise mutually mating features 330, 430 that align the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 with each other during attachment of the embroidery frame 400 to the embroidery unit 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the mutually mating features are protrusions 330 and recesses or holes 430. The protrusions 330 may e.g. be cylindrical. This will position the embroidery frame 400 with sufficient precision onto the embroidery unit 300.

The mutually mating features are illustrated as protrusions 330 on the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and recesses or holes 430 in the embroidery arm attachment interface 420, but they may of course instead be arranged the other way around, as protrusions on the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 and recesses or holes in the embroidery frame attachment interface 320. Further, any conceivable form of mutually mating features may be used instead of protrusions mating with recesses or holes, as long as the mutually mating features ensure that there is no horizontal movement between the embroidery frame 400 and the embroidery unit 300 during attachment of the embroidery frame 400 to the embroidery unit 300.

In the illustrated embodiment, there are two sets of mutually mating features 330, 430, but there may be any number of sets of mutually mating features, as long as they align the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 with each other during attachment of the embroidery frame 400 to the embroidery unit 300. There may even be only one set of mutually mating features, if the mutually mating features are elongated, e.g. an elongated ridge mating with an elongated recess or hole.

The embroidery frame attachment interface 320 preferably also comprises a pushing arrangement, e.g. in the form of a spring-loaded or elastic surface 340, arranged to push the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 up from the embroidery frame attachment interface 320. The spring-loaded or elastic surface 340 may e.g. comprise a plurality of active subparts 345, each configured to interact with a corresponding subpart comprised in the embroidery arm attachment interface 420. An example of such active subparts 345 is illustrated in Fig. 3a.

At least one of the active subparts 345 of the spring-loaded or elastic surface 340 may be connected to an electrical switch. The electrical switch may be activated or inactivated by corresponding subparts, e.g. in the form of actuator pins, on the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 on the embroidery frame 400. One or more electrical switches may be actuated according to a predetermined order when an embroidery frame 400 is attached to the embroidery unit 300. In this way, the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 may determine the type and size of the embroidery frame 400 attached, and communicate this to the sewing machine 200 when setting up a new embroidery. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3a, there are seven electrical switches that may each cause a spring action onto the interface. In the same way, each electrical switch may be either activated or inactivated by being sufficiently pressed or released according to a predetermined order by pins on the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 on the embroidery frame 400. The bias may thus be released when detached and spring back to help disengagement.

The mutually mating features 330, 430 ensure horizontal alignment between the embroidery frame 400 and the embroidery unit 300. However, in order to lock the embroidery frame 400 to the embroidery unit 300, the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 should also comprise a locking arrangement 350. Figs. 4a-b illustrate the use of such a locking arrangement 350. The locking arrangement 350 preferably comprises locking means 360 which automatically lock together the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 and the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 when the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 has been pushed down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface 320. Due to the pushing arrangement 340 in the embroidery frame attachment interface 320, the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 is automatically pushed up from the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 when the locking means 360 in the locking arrangement 350 are released.

In embodiments, the locking means are in the form of a spring-loaded or elastic button 360, which is configured to be automatically pushed away from the embroidery frame 400 when the mutually mating features 330, 430 on the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 meet, i.e. when the protrusions 330 on the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 enter the recesses or holes 430 in the embroidery arm attachment interface 420. Due to the pushing arrangement 340, a small downwards directed force is required to push the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface 320. There may be an angled surface 450 on an outer edge of the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 that contacts with an angled surface 365 on the spring- loaded or elastic button 360 when the recesses or holes 430 in the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 are positioned over the protrusions 330 on the embroidery frame attachment interface 320. The angled surfaces 365, 450 will redirect part of the downwards directed force to the horizontal plane, and thereby push the button 360 away from the embroidery frame 400. Guiding means, e.g. in the form of walls 380 on the embroidery frame attachment interface 320, may be arranged to prevent the spring-loaded or elastic button 360 from pushing the embroidery frame 400 away from the embroidery unit 300 during attachment.

When the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 has been pushed down into the correct position on the embroidery frame attachment interface 320, the spring-loaded or elastic button 360 will automatically spring back over the embroidery arm attachment interface 420, locking the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 to the embroidery frame attachment interface 320. The bottom of the spring-loaded or elastic button 360 may comprise a slanted surface 370, that interacts with a slanted surface 460 on top of the embroidery arm attachment interface 420. The slanted surfaces 370, 460 may in this case be used to ensure that the spring- loaded or elastic button 360 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 are in contact, despite possible tolerance variations in the vertical direction.

In order to detach the embroidery frame 400, the user simply pushes the spring-loaded or elastic button 360 away from the embroidery frame 400. The spring-loaded or elastic button 360 is configured to automatically release the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 from the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 when it is manually pushed away from the embroidery frame 400. The pushing arrangement 340 then pushes the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 up from the embroidery frame attachment interface 320, freeing the embroidery frame 400 from the spring-loaded or elastic button 360. When the user pushes the spring-loaded or elastic button 360, it will thus no longer lock together the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 and the embroidery frame attachment interface 320. The user can then easily lift the embroidery frame 400 from the embroidery unit 300 to release the embroidery frame 400 from the embroidery unit 300.

Figs. 5a-b schematically illustrate the attachment of an embroidery frame 400 to an embroidery arm 310 of an embroidery unit 300, by placing the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 above the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and pushing down the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 onto the embroidery frame attachment interface 320.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates the detachment of an embroidery frame 400 from an embroidery arm 310 of an embroidery unit 300. As illustrated by the arrow, a user pushes the button 360 away from the embroidery frame 400. This allows the embroidery frame 400 to be pushed up by the pushing arrangement 340, thereby releasing the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 from the embroidery frame attachment interface 320.

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a method 700 for attaching an embroidery frame 400 to an embroidery unit 400 for a sewing machine 200.

The method 700 preferably comprises:

Step 750: lowering an embroidery arm attachment interface 420 of the embroidery frame 400 onto an embroidery frame attachment interface 320 of the embroidery unit 300.

Step 760: allowing the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 to be automatically aligned with each other, using mutually mating features 330, 430 comprised in the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420.

Step 770: pushing the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface 320, counteracting a pushing arrangement 340 in the embroidery frame attachment interface 320. Step 780: allowing the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 and the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 to be automatically locked together by a locking arrangement 350 in the embroidery frame attachment interface 320.

This enables a simple attachment and detachment of an embroidery frame 400 to and from an embroidery unit 300 for a sewing machine 200.

The method 700 may further comprise:

Step 710: arranging the mutually mating features 330, 430 to comprise one or more recesses or holes 430 in the embroidery arm attachment interface 420, arranged to receive corresponding mating features in the form of protrusions 330 comprised in the embroidery frame attachment interface 320, during attachment of the embroidery frame 300 to the embroidery unit 300. Such mutually mating features 330, 430 are a simple arrangement to align the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 with each other.

Step 715: arranging the recesses or holes 430 as steering holes, and the protrusions 330 as steering pins. The steering pins may e.g. be cylindrical. This will position the embroidery frame 400 with sufficient precision onto the embroidery unit 300.

Step 720: arranging the locking arrangement 350 to comprise a spring-loaded or elastic button 360, which is configured to be automatically pushed away from the embroidery frame 400 when the mutually mating features 330, 430 on the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 and the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 meet, and to automatically spring back to lock the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 to the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 when the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 has been pushed down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface 320.

Step 725: arranging the spring-loaded or elastic button 360 to automatically release the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 from the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 when being manually pushed away from the embroidery frame 400. This enables the user to simply lift the embroidery frame 400 from the embroidery unit 300 to release the embroidery frame 400 from the embroidery unit 300, after pushing the button 360.

Step 730: arranging the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 to comprise guiding means 380 that prevent the locking arrangement 350 from pushing the embroidery frame 400 away from the embroidery unit 300 during attachment.

Step 740: arranging the pushing arrangement 340 to comprise a spring-loaded or elastic surface 340. This is a simple way of ensuring that the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 is pushed up from the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 when the locking arrangement 350 is released. The spring- loaded or elastic surface 340 may e.g. comprise a plurality of active subparts 345, each configured to interact with a corresponding subpart comprised in the embroidery arm attachment interface 420.

Step 790: detaching the embroidery frame 400 from the embroidery unit 300 by releasing the locking arrangement 350, thereby allowing the embroidery arm attachment interface 420 to be pushed up from the embroidery frame attachment interface 320 by the pushing arrangement 340. This enables the user to simply lift the embroidery frame 400 from the embroidery unit 300 to release the embroidery frame 400 from the embroidery unit 300, after pushing the button 360.

The above steps may be effected in any order that makes technical sense, and some of the steps may be effected simultaneously with each other.

The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present invention to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. It is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present invention, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

Claims

1 . Embroidery module (250) for a sewing machine (200), the embroidery module (250) comprising: an embroidery unit (300), comprising an embroidery arm (310), arranged to be movable in a longitudinal direction of the embroidery unit (300), the embroidery arm (310) comprising an embroidery frame attachment interface (320) comprising a locking arrangement (350); and an embroidery frame (400), comprising an embroidery arm attachment interface (420), where the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) and the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) comprise mutually mating features (330, 430) that align the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) and the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) with each other during attachment of the embroidery frame (400) to the embroidery unit (300), wherein the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) comprises: a locking arrangement (350), arranged to automatically lock together the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) and the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) when the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) has been pushed down in a vertical direction onto the embroidery frame attachment interface (320); and a pushing arrangement (340), arranged to push the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) up from the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) when the locking arrangement (350) is released.

2. Embroidery module (250) according to claim 1, wherein the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) is arranged to be movable along the embroidery arm (310).

3. Embroidery module (250) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) comprises mating features in the form of one or more recesses or holes (430), arranged to receive corresponding mating features in the form of protrusions (330) comprised in the embroidery frame attachment interface (320), during attachment of the embroidery frame (300) to the embroidery unit (300).

4. Embroidery module (250) according to claim 3, wherein the recesses or holes (430) are steering holes, and the protrusions (330) are steering pins.

5. Embroidery module (250) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the locking arrangement (350) comprises a spring-loaded or elastic button (360), which is configured to be automatically pushed away from the embroidery frame (400) when the mutually mating features (330, 430) on the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) and the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) meet, and to automatically spring back to lock the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) to the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) when the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) has been pushed down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface (320).

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

7. Embroidery module (250) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) comprises guiding means (380) arranged to prevent the locking arrangement (350) from pushing the embroidery frame (400) away from the embroidery unit (300) during attachment.

8. Embroidery module (250) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the pushing arrangement comprises a spring-loaded or elastic surface (340).

9. Embroidery module (250) according to claim 8, wherein the spring-loaded or elastic surface (340) comprises a plurality of active subparts (345), each configured to interact with a corresponding subpart comprised in the embroidery arm attachment interface (420).

10. Method (700) for attaching an embroidery frame (400) to an embroidery unit (300) for a sewing machine (200), the method (700) comprising: lowering (750) an embroidery arm attachment interface (420) of the embroidery frame (400) onto an embroidery frame attachment interface (320) of the embroidery unit (300); allowing (760) the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) and the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) to be automatically aligned with each other, using mutually mating features (330, 430) comprised in the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) and the embroidery arm attachment interface (420); pushing (770) the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) down in a vertical direction onto the embroidery frame attachment interface (320), counteracting a pushing arrangement (340) in the embroidery frame attachment interface (320); and allowing (780) the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) and the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) to be automatically locked together by a locking arrangement (350) in the embroidery frame attachment interface (320).

11 . Method (700) according to claim 10, further comprising detaching (790) the embroidery frame (400) from the embroidery unit (300) by releasing the locking arrangement (350), thereby allowing the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) to be pushed up from the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) by the pushing arrangement (340).

12. Method (700) according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising arranging (710) the mutually mating features (330, 430) to comprise one or more recesses or holes (430) in the embroidery arm attachment interface (420), arranged to receive corresponding mating features in the form of protrusions (330) comprised in the embroidery frame attachment interface (320), during attachment of the embroidery frame (300) to the embroidery unit (300).

13. Method (700) according to claim 12, further comprising arranging (715) the recesses or holes (430) as steering holes, and the protrusions (330) as steering pins.

14. Method (700) according to any one of claims 10-13, further comprising arranging (720) the locking arrangement (350) to comprise a spring-loaded or elastic button (360), which is configured to be automatically pushed away from the embroidery frame (400) when the mutually mating features (330, 430) on the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) and the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) meet, and to automatically spring back to lock the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) to the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) when the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) has been pushed down onto the embroidery frame attachment interface (320).

15. Method (700) according to claim 14, further comprising arranging (725) the spring-loaded or elastic button (360) to automatically release the embroidery arm attachment interface (420) from the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) when it is manually pushed away from the embroidery frame (400).

16. Method (700) according to any one of claims 10-15, further comprising arranging (730) the embroidery frame attachment interface (320) to comprise guiding means (380) that prevent the locking arrangement (350) from pushing the embroidery frame (400) away from the embroidery unit (300) during attachment.

17. Method (700) according to any one of claims 10-16, further comprising arranging (740) the pushing arrangement to comprise a spring-loaded or elastic surface (340).

18. Method (700) according to claim 17, wherein the arranging (740) comprises arranging the spring-loaded or elastic surface (340) to comprise a plurality of active subparts (345), each configured to interact with a corresponding subpart comprised in the embroidery arm attachment interface (420).