Coloring apparatus and system for coloring target fabric

Abstract

The invention relates to a coloring device and system for coloring a target fabric. The coloring equipment comprises a dip-coating unit which comprises a containing cavity used for containing dip-coating treatment liquid, the dip-coating unit is configured to conduct infiltration treatment on target fabric input into the dip-coating treatment liquid, and the dip-coating treatment liquid contains natural plant extracting liquid; the light source irradiation area comprises one or more box bodies and light sources arranged in the box bodies, the light source irradiation area is configured to perform irradiation treatment on the target fabric input into the light source irradiation area for a preset time so as to enable the color of the target fabric to change, and the light sources comprise light waves with the wavelength meeting a preset wavelength range; and the transmission device is configured to at least input and output the target fabric into and out of the light source irradiation area. According to the invention, not only can the stability and uniformity of the dyeing effect of dyeing by using the dyeing agent containing the natural plant extracting solution be remarkably improved, but also the dyeing efficiency is remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to fabric dyeing, and specifically, to a coloring device and a coloring system for performing a coloring process on a target fabric. Background Art

[0002] Traditional solutions for coloring a target fabric using a dye containing a natural plant extract generally include: manually and repeatedly immersing the target fabric in the dye of the natural plant extract, and repeatedly using sunlight to dry the immersed target fabric. Taking the coloring method of xiangyunsha as an example, it generally includes: manually immersing a mulberry silk fabric in a juice water of Dioscorea cirrhosa, then laying the immersed mulberry silk fabric flat on the grass and drying it using sunlight, and then repeatedly immersing and drying it until the mulberry silk fabric presents a target color (such as brownish yellow). Subsequently, mud rich in iron is applied to one side of it, laid flat under the scorching sun for exposure, and then undergoes processes such as washing to finally form xiangyunsha.

[0003] In the above traditional solutions, there is no machine or device for continuously immersing and developing color for the target fabric, and the traditional methods of manual immersion and sunlight exposure have low dyeing efficiency. In addition, the manual immersion and sunlight exposure methods are prone to the dyeing effect being affected by weather changes, differences in temperature and humidity at the laying position, resulting in an unstable and uneven state. For example, the dyeing effects between target fabrics of the same process but different batches vary greatly, and the dyeing of different areas of the same target fabric is uneven and has different shades. In addition, the methods of manual immersion, laying flat, and drying result in low dyeing efficiency.

[0004] In summary, the deficiencies of the traditional solutions for coloring a target fabric are as follows: the dyeing effect using a dye containing a natural plant extract is unstable and uneven, and the dyeing efficiency is low. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a coloring device and a coloring system for performing a coloring process on a target fabric, which can not only significantly improve the stability and uniformity of the dyeing effect using a dye containing a natural plant extract, but also significantly improve the dyeing efficiency.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coloring device for coloring a target fabric. The device includes: a dip coating unit including a receiving cavity for containing a dip coating treatment liquid, the dip coating unit being configured to perform a wetting treatment on the target fabric input into the dip coating treatment liquid, and the dip coating treatment liquid contains a natural plant extract; a light source irradiation area including one or more boxes and a light source provided inside the box, the light source irradiation area being configured to perform an irradiation treatment on the target fabric input into the light source irradiation area for a predetermined time to cause a color change of the target fabric, and the light source includes light waves with wavelengths conforming to a predetermined wavelength range; a transmission device configured to at least input and output the target fabric to and from the light source irradiation area.

[0007] In some embodiments, the box includes: one or more guiding devices inside the box, the guiding devices being configured to make the transmission path of the target fabric inside the box include one or more turning fabric paths, and the light source is provided in the space surrounded by the turning fabric paths, so that one side of the target fabric transmitted in the turning fabric paths is irradiated by the light source.

[0008] In some embodiments, the turning fabric path is a U-shaped fabric path, each box is provided with one or more groups of the light sources, and a group of light sources is arranged between the first section and the second section of the U-shaped fabric path, so that when the target fabric passes through the first section and the second section, the first side of the target fabric is irradiated by the same group of light sources.

[0009] In some embodiments, the target fabric is a fabric for forming xiangyunsha, the natural plant extract includes a dioscorea cirrhosa extract, the predetermined wavelength range is less than or equal to 500 nm, and the radiation amount of the light waves with wavelengths conforming to the predetermined wavelength range accounts for at least 10% of the total radiation amount of the light source.

[0010] In some embodiments, the predetermined wavelength range is a wavelength less than or equal to 400 nm, and the radiation amount of the light waves with wavelengths conforming to the predetermined wavelength range accounts for more than 50% of the total radiation amount of the light source.

[0011] In some embodiments, the coloring device for coloring the target fabric further includes at least one of the following: a dip coating guiding roller provided below the liquid level of the dip coating treatment liquid contained in the dip coating unit, the dip coating guiding roller being configured to completely immerse the target fabric input into the dip coating unit below the liquid level of the dip coating treatment liquid; and a drying device provided on the output side of the light source irradiation area, the drying device being configured to perform a drying treatment on the target fabric output from the light source irradiation area.

[0012] In some embodiments, the coloring device for coloring a target fabric further includes at least one of the following: a fabric supply area, provided on the input side of the dip coating unit, for supplying the target fabric to the dip coating unit; and a fabric collection area, provided on the output side of the drying device, for collecting the target fabric output from the drying device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the coloring device is configured to supply the target fabric output from the light source irradiation area to the current coloring device where the light source irradiation area is located, or the next or multiple subsequent coloring devices for multiple rounds of infiltration treatment and irradiation treatment until the target fabric after multiple rounds of irradiation treatment meets the predetermined property conditions regarding the fragrant cloud gauze.

[0014] In some embodiments, the fabric supply area includes: an unwinding device, provided on the input side of the dip coating unit, and the unwinding device is configured to unwind the target fabric roll to be input into the dip coating unit; the fabric collection area includes any one of the following: a winding device, configured to wind the target fabric output from the drying device; or a stacking unit, configured to stack the target fabric after drying treatment.

[0015] In some embodiments, the transmission device includes at least one of the following: a spreading roller, provided between the light source irradiation area and the dip coating unit, and the spreading roller is configured to flatten the target fabric output from the dip coating unit before it is input into the light source irradiation area; a box input guiding roller, provided on the input side of each box, and the box input guiding roller is configured to guide the target fabric from the dip coating unit or the previous box into the box; and a box output guiding roller, provided on the output side of the box, and the box output guiding roller is configured to guide the target fabric output from the box to the next box or the drying device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the in-box guiding device is an in-box guiding roller, and the in-box guiding roller is configured to guide the target fabric moving in the first transmission direction in the box to move in the second transmission direction, where the first transmission direction is one of the upward or downward directions, and the second transmission direction is the other of the upward or downward directions.

[0017] In some embodiments, the light source is one of a point light source array, a line light source group, and a surface light source; the box includes a circulating air unit, and the circulating air unit is configured to make the temperature in the box balanced.

[0018] In some embodiments, the distance between the rotary fabric running section and the light source is configured to be associated with the flatness of the target fabric input into the light source irradiation area.

[0019] In some embodiments, the coloring device for coloring a target fabric further includes: a fabric adjustment area, provided between adjacent ones of the plurality of boxes, the target fabric adjustment area being configured such that the target fabric can be centered or flattened in the transmission path between the adjacent boxes.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coloring system for performing multi-round coloring treatment on a target fabric, the system including: a plurality of coloring devices according to the first aspect, the plurality of coloring devices being sequentially arranged so that the target fabric subjected to the corresponding round coloring treatment by the previous coloring device among adjacent coloring devices is provided to the previous coloring device among adjacent coloring devices for the next round coloring treatment, each round of the multi-round coloring treatment at least includes an infiltration treatment by dipping in a treatment liquid and an irradiation treatment through a light source irradiation area.

[0021] The summary of the invention is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts that will be further described in the detailed description below. The summary of the invention is not intended to identify the key features or main features of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a coloring device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a coloring device according to other embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a coloring device according to other embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 4 A front view schematic diagram of a partial structure of a coloring device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method for coloring a target fabric according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a coloring system composed of a plurality of coloring devices according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method for performing cyclic coloring on a target fabric according to other embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 8 A flowchart of a method for adjusting a coloring device based on a color detection result according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0030] In the various figures, the same or corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0031] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present invention will be more thorough and complete, and the scope of the present invention can be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0032] As used herein, the term "comprising" and its variations mean open-ended inclusion, that is, "including but not limited to". Unless otherwise specified, the term "or" means "and / or". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The terms "an exemplary embodiment" and "an embodiment" mean "at least one exemplary embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc. may refer to different or the same objects.

[0033] As described above, the deficiencies of the traditional scheme for coloring a target fabric are as follows: the dyeing effect obtained by using a dye containing a natural plant extract is unstable, uneven, and the dyeing efficiency is relatively low.

[0034] To at least partially solve one or more of the above problems and other potential problems, exemplary embodiments of the present invention propose a coloring device for coloring a target fabric. By making the coloring device include: a dip coating unit, a light source irradiation area (including a box body and a light source), and a transmission device, and making the dip coating unit perform infiltration treatment on the target fabric input into the dip coating treatment liquid (the dip coating treatment liquid contains natural plant extracts); making the light source irradiation area be configured to perform irradiation treatment on the target fabric input into the light source irradiation area for a predetermined time to cause the color change of the target fabric, and the light source includes light waves with wavelengths conforming to a predetermined wavelength range; and making the transmission device be configured to at least input and output the target fabric to and from the light source irradiation area, the present invention can automatically and continuously complete the infiltration treatment and irradiation treatment of the target fabric without manual dipping, spreading, and sun exposure, thus significantly improving the dyeing efficiency of dyeing with natural plant extracts; in addition, by performing light irradiation treatment for a predetermined time with a light source containing light waves with wavelengths conforming to a predetermined wavelength range, the present invention can provide light irradiation treatment in a controllable and stable manner. Therefore, the problems of instability and non-uniformity of the dyeing effect caused by weather reasons and differences in spreading positions are avoided, and the stability and uniformity of the dyeing effect are significantly improved. Therefore, the present invention can not only significantly improve the stability and uniformity of the dyeing effect of dyeing with a dye containing natural plant extracts, but also significantly improve the dyeing efficiency.

[0035] Figure 1 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of a coloring device according to some embodiments of the present invention. As Figure 1 shown, the coloring device 100 includes: a dip coating unit 110, a light source irradiation area 120, and a transmission device. The dip coating unit 110 contains a dip coating treatment liquid (the dip coating treatment liquid contains natural plant extracts), and the dip coating unit 110 is used to perform infiltration treatment on the target fabric input into the dip coating treatment liquid in the dip coating unit 110. The light source irradiation area 120 is used to perform irradiation treatment on the target fabric input into the light source irradiation area and infiltrated by the dip coating treatment liquid, so as to cause the color change of the target fabric. In some embodiments, the coloring device 100 further includes: a control unit 160.

[0036] Regarding the dip coating unit 110, it includes, for example, a receiving cavity for containing the dip coating treatment liquid. In some embodiments, the receiving cavity is, for example, configured to have a cubic shape or a hexahedral shape with an inverted trapezoidal cross-section. In some embodiments, the dip coating unit 110 is further provided with a temperature detection unit, a liquid level detection unit, a concentration detection unit or a sugar degree detection unit, a heating unit, a liquid outlet, and a liquid inlet.

[0037] Regarding the liquid inlet, it is used to add the dip coating treatment liquid to the receiving cavity.

[0038] Regarding the liquid outlet, it is used to discharge the dipping treatment liquid in the accommodation chamber so as to lower the liquid level of the dipping treatment liquid.

[0039] The temperature detection unit is used to collect the temperature data of the dipping treatment liquid. The liquid level detection unit is used to collect the liquid level data of the dipping treatment liquid. The concentration detection unit or the sugar degree detection unit is used to collect the concentration or sugar degree data of the dipping treatment liquid respectively.

[0040] In some embodiments, the coloring device 100 further includes a dipping guide roller. Regarding the dipping guide roller 112, it is arranged below the liquid level of the dipping treatment liquid accommodated in the dipping unit 110 and is used to completely immerse the target fabric input into the dipping unit 110 below the liquid level of the dipping treatment liquid. Regarding the light source irradiation area 120, it includes, for example: one or more boxes 124 and light sources arranged inside the boxes. For example, each box includes a cavity 126 and one or more groups of light sources 122 arranged in the cavity.

[0041] Regarding the box 124, it is used to confine the light emitted by the light source in the cavity 126 surrounded by the housing and to provide space for the transmission of the target fabric 102 in the light source irradiation area.

[0042] In some embodiments, one or more in-box guiding devices are arranged inside each box. The guiding device is configured such that the transmission path of the target fabric inside the box includes one or more rotary fabric-running sections, and the light source is arranged in the space surrounded by the rotary fabric-running sections so that one side of the target fabric transmitted in the rotary fabric-running sections is irradiated by the light source.

[0043] The in-box guiding device is, for example, the in-box guiding roller 128 inside the box. For example, through one or more in-box guiding rollers, the transmission path of the target fabric inside the box is guided into a rotary fabric-running section. It should be understood that the distance between the rotary fabric-running section and the light source is configured to be associated with the flatness of the target fabric in the input light source irradiation area. For example, if the flatness of the target fabric is higher, the distance between the rotary fabric-running section and the light source can be closer, thereby further improving the efficiency of the irradiation treatment. If the flatness of the target fabric is lower, if the rotary fabric-running section is too close to the light source at this time, it will cause uneven irradiation, and then cause uneven color change of the target fabric. In some embodiments, the rotary fabric-running section includes, for example, any one of the following: multiple sections with different transmission directions, an arc-shaped fabric-running section, a U-shaped fabric-running section, etc. In some embodiments, the rotary fabric-running section is, for example, a U-shaped fabric-running section. The transmission path of the target fabric in each box includes at least one or more U-shaped fabric-running sections. Each box is provided with one or more groups of the light sources. Each U-shaped fabric-running section includes a first section 129-1 and a second section 129-2 that are parallel to each other. A group of light sources is arranged between the first section 129-1 and the second section 129-2 of each U-shaped fabric-running section so that when the target fabric passes through the first section 129-1 and the second section 129-2, the first side of the target fabric is irradiated by the same group of light sources. Correspondingly, the transmission mode of the target fabric in the box includes: passing through the first section along the first transmission direction and passing through the second section along the second transmission direction, where the first section is parallel to the second section, and the same group of light sources is arranged between the first section and the second section so that when the target fabric passes through the first section and the second section, the first side of the target fabric is irradiated by the same group of light sources. It should be understood that by irradiating the target fabric simultaneously from both sides of the same group of light sources, the utilization rate of the light source can be significantly improved and the time required for the color change of the target fabric can be shortened.

[0044] In some embodiments, the light source irradiation area includes multiple boxes. The coloring device may further include a target fabric adjustment area, which is arranged between adjacent boxes among the multiple boxes. The target fabric adjustment area is configured to enable the target fabric to be centered or flattened in the transmission path between the adjacent boxes. As Figure 1 shown, Figure 1 the light source irradiation area 120 in Figure 4 includes two boxes 124. A target fabric adjustment area (for example, Figure 1As shown, the first transmission direction is the upstream direction, and the second transmission direction is the downstream direction.

[0045] In some other embodiments, the light source irradiation area includes one box body. Figure 2 The schematic diagram of a coloring device 200 according to some other embodiments of the present invention is shown. As Figure 2 shown Figure 2 in, the light source irradiation area 120 includes one box body 124. A plurality of internal box guiding rollers are further arranged in the cavity 126 in the box body 124. The plurality of internal box guiding rollers include, for example, a plurality of first internal box guiding rollers 128-1 located above the cavity 126 and a plurality of second internal box guiding rollers 128-2 located below the cavity. The first internal box guiding roller 128-1 is, for example, used to guide the target fabric moving in the first transmission direction in the box body to move in the second transmission direction. The second internal box guiding roller 128-2 is, for example, used to guide the target fabric moving in the second transmission direction in the box body to move in the first transmission direction.

[0046] Regarding the internal box guiding rollers, they are arranged inside the box body and are used to change the transmission direction of the target fabric in the box body. In some embodiments, the internal box guiding rollers can also be arranged above the box body. In some embodiments, the target fabric moving in the first transmission direction in the box body 124 is guided by the internal box guiding rollers to move in the second transmission direction. Among them, the first transmission direction and the second transmission direction are opposite. In some embodiments, the first transmission direction is, for example, one of the horizontal left or horizontal right directions, and the second transmission direction is the other of the horizontal left or horizontal right directions. In some embodiments, the first transmission direction is one of the upstream or downstream directions, and the second transmission direction is the other of the upstream or downstream directions. It should be understood that making the first transmission direction of the target fabric be one of the upstream or downstream directions is beneficial to keeping the target fabric flatter during the process of fabric running and being irradiated by the light source.

[0047] In some embodiments, the box body further includes a temperature regulating device so that the temperature inside the box body can be controlled. Especially in different stages of irradiating the target fabric, different hair coloring temperatures and different irradiation preset times need to be controlled. In some embodiments, the box body includes a heat preservation structure. In some embodiments, the box body is designed to be airtight so as to control the moisture evaporation rate. In some embodiments, the box body includes a circulating air device (such as Figure 4 indicated by the mark 125 in), so that the humidity can be adjusted. It should be understood that by controlling the temperature and humidity of the box body, the uniformity of the color change of the target fabric can be ensured.

[0048] Regarding the light source 122, it includes, for example, light waves whose wavelengths conform to a predetermined wavelength range. In some embodiments, the predetermined wavelength range is less than or equal to 500 nm. In some embodiments, the predetermined wavelength range is less than or equal to 500 nm and greater than or equal to 200 nm. In some embodiments, the predetermined wavelength range is that the wavelength is less than or equal to 400 nm. In some embodiments, the predetermined wavelength range is that the wavelength is less than or equal to 200 nm. The light source 122 is, for example, one of a point light source array, a line light source group, and a surface light source. In some embodiments, the radiation amount of the light waves whose wavelengths conform to the predetermined wavelength range accounts for at least 10% of the total radiation amount of the light source. Preferably, the radiation amount of the light waves whose wavelengths conform to the predetermined wavelength range accounts for more than 50% of the total radiation amount of the light source.

[0049] Regarding the transmission device, it is configured to at least input and output the target fabric to and from the light source irradiation area. In some embodiments, the transmission device at least includes one of the following: a box input guide roller, a box output guide roller, and a spreading roller.

[0050] Regarding the box input guide roller 121, it is, for example, arranged on the input side of each box (as Figure 1 shown, the box input guide roller 121 of each box is, for example, arranged on the input side below the box) and is used to introduce the target fabric from the dipping unit 110 or the previous box into the current box. In some embodiments, the positions of the box input guide roller 121 and the box internal guide roller 128 are configured such that the first section 129-1 is parallel to the corresponding light source 122.

[0051] Regarding the box output guide roller 127, it is, for example, arranged on the output side of each box (as Figure 1 shown, the box output guide roller 127 of each box is, for example, arranged on the output side below the box) and is used to guide the target fabric output from the box to the next box or the drying device 130. In some embodiments, the positions of the box output guide roller 127 and the box internal guide roller 128 are configured such that the second section 129-2 is parallel to the corresponding light source 122.

[0052] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 shown, the light source irradiation area 120 includes two boxes 124. One box input guide roller is arranged on the input side of each box, and one box output guide roller is arranged on the output side of each box. The area between the box output guide roller of the first box and the box input guide roller of the second box is the target fabric adjustment area. By providing the target fabric adjustment area between the boxes, the present invention can perform adjustments such as centering and leveling of the target fabric in the path where the target fabric is transmitted between the boxes.

[0053] Regarding the spreading roller, it is arranged between the light source irradiation area 120 and the dip coating unit 110, and is used to flatten the target fabric output from the dip coating unit before it is input into the light source irradiation area.

[0054] In some embodiments, the coloring device 100 further includes at least one of the following: a drying device 130, a fabric supply area, and a fabric collection area.

[0055] Regarding the drying device 130, it is, for example, arranged on the output side of the light source irradiation area 120 and is used to perform a drying process on the target fabric output from the light source irradiation area.

[0056] Regarding the fabric supply area, it is, for example, arranged on the input side of the dip coating unit and is used to supply the target fabric to the dip coating unit. In some embodiments, the fabric supply area includes: an unwinding device. Regarding the unwinding device 140, it is, for example, arranged on the input side of the dip coating unit 110 and is used to unwind the target fabric roll to be input into the dip coating unit 110.

[0057] Regarding the fabric collection area, it is, for example, arranged on the output side of the drying device and is used to collect the target fabric output from the drying device. In some embodiments, the fabric collection area includes either a winding device or a stacking unit. Regarding the winding device 150, it is, for example, arranged on the output side of the drying device 130 and is used to wind up the target fabric output from the drying device 130. Regarding the stacking unit, it is, for example, configured to stack the target fabric after the drying process.

[0058] Regarding the control unit 160, it is used to control the coloring device. The control unit 160 may have one or more integrated or discrete processing units, including dedicated processing units such as a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), as well as a general-purpose processing unit such as a CPU. In some embodiments, the control unit 160, for example, includes: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor. In some embodiments, as Figure 1As shown, the control unit 160 can, for example, perform data interaction with the dip coating unit 110, the light source irradiation area 120, the drying device 130, the uncoiler 140, and the coiler 150 via wired or wireless means. In some embodiments, the control unit 160 is configured to obtain the temperature data of the dip coating treatment liquid collected by the temperature detection unit, so as to control the heating unit of the dip coating unit based on the obtained temperature data to keep the temperature of the dip coating treatment liquid at a predetermined temperature threshold; obtain the liquid level data of the dip coating treatment liquid collected by the liquid level detection unit, so as to control the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet based on the obtained liquid level data, thereby keeping the liquid level of the dip coating treatment liquid at a predetermined liquid level threshold; and obtain the concentration or sugar content data of the dip coating treatment liquid collected by the concentration detection unit or the sugar content detection unit, so as to make the concentration of the dip coating treatment liquid meet the predetermined conditions based on the obtained concentration or sugar content data.

[0059] In some other embodiments, the coloring device does not include an uncoiler and a coiler, but includes a stacking unit. Figure 3 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of a coloring device 300 according to some other embodiments of the present invention. As Figure 3 shown, the coloring device 300 includes a stacking unit 170.

[0060] Regarding the stacking unit 170, it is, for example, arranged on the output side of the drying device 130 for stacking the target fabric after drying treatment. In some embodiments, the target fabric stacked by the stacking unit 170 is provided to the dip coating unit of the current coloring device or the next coloring device again. As Figure 3 shown, the target fabric stacked by the stacking unit 170 is provided to the dip coating unit 110 of the current coloring device 300 again for the next round of wetting treatment. By adopting the above method, the present invention can use the same coloring device to cycle through multiple rounds of coloring of natural plant dyes for the target fabric.

[0061] In some embodiments, the box body input guide roller 121 and the box body output guide roller 127 can also be arranged within the light source irradiation area 120, as Figure 3 shown.

[0062] The following further combines Figures 4 to 6 to illustrate the method 500 for coloring a target fabric. Figure 4 FIG. shows a front view schematic diagram of a partial structure of a coloring device 400 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5 FIG. shows a flowchart of a method 500 for coloring a target fabric according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 7 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of a coloring system composed of multiple coloring devices according to some embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the method 500 can, for example, be Figures 1 to 4performed at the coloring device shown. The coloring device at least includes a dip-coating unit and a light source irradiation area. It should be understood that method 500 may further include additional actions not shown and / or actions shown may be omitted, and the scope of the present invention is not limited in this regard.

[0063] At step 502, at the coloring device, the target fabric is input into the dip-coating unit so that the target fabric is infiltrated with the dip-coating treatment liquid contained in the dip-coating unit. The dip-coating treatment liquid contains a natural plant extract. The coloring device at least includes a dip-coating unit and a light source irradiation area.

[0064] Regarding the coloring device, in addition to including a dip-coating unit and a light source irradiation area, it may further include a control unit, a drying device, a fabric supply area 144, and a fabric receiving area 152. As Figure 4 , in some embodiments, the fabric supply area 144 includes an unwinding device 140 ( Figure 4 the unwinding device 140 is not shown), and the fabric receiving area 152 includes, for example, a winding device 150 (not shown in Figure 4 ) and a fabric tensioning device 154 (as Figure 4 shown). In other embodiments, the fabric receiving area 152 includes a stacking unit 170, as Figure 3 shown.

[0065] Regarding the target fabric, it is, for example but not limited to, a silk fibroin fabric or a plant fiber fabric. In some embodiments, the target fabric is a mulberry silk fabric for forming gazar.

[0066] Regarding the natural plant extract, it includes, for example, dioscorea cirrhosa extract, lemon extract, madder extract, lithospermum erythrorhizon extract, sappanwood extract, sappan extract, gardenia jasminoides extract, or curcuma extract, etc.

[0067] At step 504, the target fabric output from the dip-coating unit and subjected to infiltration treatment is input into the light source irradiation area so that the target fabric is irradiated by the light source provided in the light source irradiation area for a predetermined time, thereby causing the color of the target fabric to change. The light source includes light waves with wavelengths conforming to a predetermined wavelength range.

[0068] In some embodiments, method 500 further includes: before inputting the target fabric output from the dip-coating unit into the light source irradiation area, using an expanding roller to flatten the target fabric. Thus, the flatness of the target fabric during the irradiation treatment can be improved, and further the uniformity of the color change of the target fabric can be improved.

[0069] Regarding the light source irradiation area, in some embodiments, it includes, for example, one or more boxes, and each box includes a housing, a cavity, and one or more groups of light sources disposed in the cavity. In some embodiments, each box further includes one or more internal guide rollers. The light sources provided in the light source irradiation area perform an irradiation process on the target fabric for a predetermined time. As Figure 4 shown, the light source irradiation area includes two boxes. A group of light sources is disposed in the cavity of each box. In some embodiments, one or more inspection doors are included on the housing of each box, which are used to provide an opening for maintaining the components inside the box.

[0070] Regarding the predetermined time, it is, for example, but not limited to, 5 minutes. It should be understood that the predetermined time can also be other times. In some embodiments, the predetermined time is adjustable.

[0071] Regarding the predetermined wavelength range, in some embodiments, it is less than or equal to 500 nm. Or less than or equal to 500 nm and greater than or equal to 200 nm. The radiation amount of light waves with wavelengths conforming to the predetermined wavelength range accounts for at least 10% of the total radiation amount of the light source. In some other embodiments, the predetermined wavelength range is that the wavelength is less than or equal to 400 nm. The radiation amount of light waves with wavelengths conforming to the predetermined wavelength range accounts for more than 50% of the total radiation amount of the light source. In some embodiments, the predetermined wavelength range is less than or equal to 200 nm.

[0072] Regarding the method of inputting the target fabric infiltrated with the dipping treatment liquid into the light source irradiation area, it includes, for example: inputting the target fabric infiltrated with the dipping treatment liquid into the light source irradiation area in a first transmission direction via the box input guide roller 121. The first transmission direction input is, for example, but not limited to, the upward direction, which is parallel to the light source. Regarding the box input guide roller 121, it is, for example, arranged on the box input side below the box.

[0073] Regarding the method of irradiating the target fabric by the light sources provided in the light source irradiation area for a predetermined time, it includes, for example: making the target fabric enter the box and pass through a first section along the first transmission direction, and pass through a second section along the second transmission direction, so that when the target fabric passes through the first section and the second section, the first side of the target fabric is irradiated by the same group of light sources. The first transmission direction and the second transmission direction are opposite, and the same group of light sources is arranged between the first section and the second section. It should be understood that by arranging the same group of light sources between the first section and the second section, both sides of the same group of light sources can irradiate the first side of the fabric target fabric simultaneously, which is beneficial to significantly improving the light source utilization rate and reducing energy consumption. In addition, the characteristics that one side of the xiangyunsha has a deep color and the other side has a light color can also be achieved.

[0074] Regarding the light source, for example, it is a set of light sources composed of multiple rows of tubular light sources parallel to each other. Each row of tubular light sources in the multiple rows of tubular light sources extends, for example, in the horizontal direction. Figure 3 The ends of multiple rows of tubular light sources parallel to each other are schematically illustrated. Additionally, the spacing between adjacent rows of tubular light sources in the multiple rows of tubular light sources is configured, for example, such that the amount of radiation irradiated on the target fabric is uniform. Additionally, the distances between the first section and the second section and the light source are associated with the flatness of the target fabric. For example, the distances between the first section and the second section and the light source are, for example, 4 to 5 centimeters.

[0075] At step 506, the target fabric with color change is output from the light source irradiation area.

[0076] For example, via the box output guide roller 127, the target fabric irradiated by the light source (for example, the target fabric leaving the second section) is guided to the target fabric adjustment area so as to transfer the target fabric to the box input guide roller 121 of the next box, as Figure 1 shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, via the box output guide roller 127, the target fabric irradiated by the light source is guided to the drying device, as Figure 2 shown, or for example Figure 1 indicated by the box output guide roller 127 of the second box in FIG. 3.

[0077] In the above solution, at the coloring device, the target fabric is input into the dip-coating unit so that the target fabric is infiltrated with the dip-coating treatment liquid (containing natural plant extract) contained in the dip-coating unit; and the target fabric after the infiltration treatment is input into the light source irradiation area and irradiated for a predetermined time by a light source including light waves with wavelengths conforming to a predetermined wavelength range, so that the color of the target fabric changes. Then, the target fabric with the color change is output from the light source irradiation area. The present invention can automatically complete the infiltration treatment and irradiation treatment of the target fabric without manual dipping, laying flat, and sun exposure, thus significantly improving the dyeing efficiency of dyeing with natural plant extracts. In addition, by performing a light irradiation treatment for a predetermined time by a light source including light waves with wavelengths conforming to a predetermined wavelength range, the present invention can provide the light irradiation treatment in a controllable and stable manner. Therefore, the problems of instability and unevenness of the dyeing effect caused by weather reasons and differences in the laying positions are avoided, and the stability and uniformity of the dyeing effect are significantly improved. Therefore, the present invention can not only significantly improve the stability and uniformity of the dyeing effect of dyeing with a dye containing natural plant extract, but also significantly improve the dyeing efficiency. Further, since the present invention controls the color change of the target fabric infiltrated with the natural plant extract by using light waves with wavelengths conforming to a predetermined wavelength range and light irradiation for a predetermined time, the present invention can significantly improve the coloring effect and color fastness of the target fabric and make the color change controllable. For example, in terms of color fastness, the present invention can be improved by at least 0.5 grades compared with the traditional method.

[0078] Test data show that taking Guangdong gauze as an example, in the traditional manual dipping, laying flat, and sun exposure method, the area occupied by the drying yard is very large. The drying yard per mu of land produces about 100 meters of target products per day. With the same floor area and multiple coloring devices using the coloring method of the present invention (for example, running 24 hours a day), the daily output can reach 50 times that of the traditional method. Therefore, the present invention can not only significantly increase the output, but also is conducive to saving land. In addition, the target fabric obtained by the dyeing effect of the present invention has a clean and flat surface, the depth of the background color is controllable and adjustable, and the finished fabric has stronger adaptability to subsequent processing such as printing and dyeing.

[0079] In some embodiments, method 500 further includes: subjecting the target fabric output from the light source irradiation area to multiple rounds of infiltration treatment and irradiation treatment through the current coloring device where the light source irradiation area is located, or the next or multiple subsequent coloring devices, until the target fabric after the current round of irradiation treatment meets a predetermined attribute condition. Regarding the target fabric meeting the predetermined attribute condition, for example, it is such that the target fabric meets the predetermined attribute condition regarding the attribute characteristics of Guangdong gauze. For example, the color of the target fabric is the target color of Guangdong gauze.

[0080] In some embodiments, as Figure 3As shown, the target fabric 102 in the light source irradiation area 120 of the output coloring device 300 undergoes multiple rounds (e.g., N rounds, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) of impregnation treatment and irradiation treatment (or multiple rounds of impregnation treatment, irradiation treatment, and drying treatment) via the current coloring device 300 until the target fabric 102 that has undergone the irradiation treatment of the current round (e.g., the Nth round) of the coloring device 300 meets the predetermined property conditions regarding the property characteristics of the xiangyun yarn.

[0081] In some embodiments, as Figure 6 shown, the coloring system includes a plurality of sequentially arranged coloring devices, for example, the first coloring device 600-1 to the Nth coloring device 600-N. Each coloring device among the plurality of coloring devices is, for example, the coloring device mentioned above. These sequentially arranged plurality of coloring devices are used to perform multiple rounds of coloring treatment on the target fabric. For example, the target fabric that has undergone the corresponding round of coloring treatment by the previous coloring device among adjacent coloring devices is provided to the previous coloring device among adjacent coloring devices for the next round of coloring treatment. Each round of the multiple rounds of coloring treatment at least includes an impregnation treatment by dipping in a treatment liquid and an irradiation treatment via a light source irradiation area. In some embodiments, each round of the multiple rounds of coloring treatment further includes a drying treatment. In some embodiments, the target fabric 102 output from the light source irradiation area of the first coloring device 600-1 undergoes multiple rounds of impregnation treatment and irradiation treatment (or multiple rounds of impregnation treatment, irradiation treatment, and drying treatment) via the next coloring device or several subsequent coloring devices until the target fabric that has undergone the irradiation treatment of the current round (e.g., the Nth round) of the coloring device (e.g., the Nth coloring device 600-N) meets the predetermined property conditions regarding the xiangyun yarn. It should be understood that by adopting the above means, the present invention can utilize the same coloring device or a continuous plurality of coloring devices to perform multiple rounds of impregnation treatment and irradiation treatment (or multiple rounds of impregnation treatment, irradiation treatment, and drying treatment) in a cycle, thereby significantly improving the efficiency and automation degree of manufacturing xiangyun yarn.

[0082] The following combines Figures 4 to 7 to illustrate the method 700 for performing cyclic coloring on a target fabric. Figure 7 FIG. shows a flowchart of the method 700 for performing cyclic coloring on a target fabric according to some other embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the method 700 can be executed, for example, at a coloring device. The coloring device at least includes a dipping unit, a light source irradiation area, and a drying device. It should be understood that the method 700 may further include additional actions not shown and / or may omit the actions shown, and the scope of the present invention is not limited in this regard.

[0083] At step 702, a drying treatment is performed on the target fabric output from the light source irradiation area via the drying device.

[0084] At step 704, the target fabric that has undergone drying treatment is provided to the dip coating unit of the current coloring device where the drying device is located, or the next coloring device, so as to perform the next round of wetting treatment with the dip coating treatment liquid contained in the dip coating unit of the current coloring device or the next coloring device.

[0085] In some embodiments, for example, the target fabric after drying treatment by the drying unit of the first coloring device is provided to the dip coating unit of the second coloring device so as to perform the next round of wetting treatment by the dip coating unit of the second coloring device. The continuous setting manner of the drying unit of the first coloring device and the second coloring device is as shown in Figure 6 However, Figure 6 the drying units of each coloring device are not shown in Figure 6 It should be understood that each coloring device in

[0086] Regarding the method of providing the target fabric that has undergone drying treatment to the dip coating unit of the current coloring device or the next coloring device, it includes, for example, any one of the following: winding up the target fabric that has undergone drying treatment by the current round of drying device so as to unwind the wound target fabric and input it again to the dip coating unit of the current coloring device or the next coloring device; or directly providing the target fabric that has undergone drying treatment by the current round of drying device to the dip coating unit of the current coloring device or the next coloring device; or outputting the target fabric that has undergone drying treatment by the current round of drying device to the stacking unit so as to provide the target fabric obtained from the stacking unit to the dip coating unit of the current coloring device or the next coloring device.

[0087] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3 the target fabric 102 after drying treatment by the drying unit 130 of the coloring device 300 is provided to the dip coating unit 110 of the current coloring device 300 where the drying device 300 is located so as to perform the next round of wetting treatment by the current coloring device 300. In some embodiments, before the target fabric that has undergone drying treatment is provided to the dip coating unit of the current coloring device, the target fabric that has undergone drying treatment is stacked in the stacking unit 170, as shown in Figure 3 However,

[0088] At step 706, the next round of irradiation treatment is performed on the target fabric through the light source irradiation area of the current coloring device or the next coloring device.

[0089] By adopting the above means, the present invention can automatically perform cyclic or continuous multi-round coloring on the target fabric, thereby achieving continuous production.

[0090] The following is combined withFigure 8 Describe a method 800 for adjusting a coloring device based on color detection results. Figure 8 The flowchart of the method 800 for adjusting a coloring device based on color detection results according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. It should be understood that the method 800 can be executed, for example, at a coloring device. The coloring device at least includes a dip coating unit, a light source irradiation area, and a drying device. It should be understood that the method 800 may also include additional actions not shown and / or may omit the shown actions, and the scope of the present invention is not limited in this regard.

[0091] At step 802, color detection is performed on the target fabric output by the drying device of the current coloring device to obtain a color detection result.

[0092] At step 804, based on the color detection result, at least one of the following is performed: adjusting the concentration, liquid level, and / or temperature of the dip coating treatment liquid contained in the dip coating unit of the current coloring device; adjusting the irradiation dose and / or irradiation predetermined time of the light source in the light source irradiation area of the current coloring device; adjusting the temperature of the box body of the current coloring device; and adjusting the transmission speed of the target fabric in the light source irradiation area of the current coloring device.

[0093] Regarding the method of adjusting the concentration, liquid level, and / or temperature of the dip coating treatment liquid contained in the dip coating unit of the current coloring device, for example, it includes: at the control unit, obtaining the temperature data of the dip coating treatment liquid collected by the temperature detection unit, so as to control the heating unit of the dip coating unit based on the obtained temperature data to keep the temperature of the dip coating treatment liquid at a predetermined temperature threshold. The coloring device includes a control unit, the dip coating unit includes a temperature detection unit, a liquid level detection unit, a concentration detection unit or a sugar content detection unit, a heating unit, an outlet, and an inlet; obtaining the liquid level data of the dip coating treatment liquid collected by the liquid level detection unit, so as to control the outlet and the inlet based on the obtained liquid level data to keep the liquid level of the dip coating treatment liquid at a predetermined liquid level threshold; and obtaining the concentration or sugar content data of the dip coating treatment liquid collected by the concentration detection unit or the sugar content detection unit, so as to make the concentration of the dip coating treatment liquid meet a predetermined condition based on the obtained concentration or sugar content data.

[0094] By adopting the above means, the present invention can timely adjust the process conditions of the infiltration treatment according to the coloring detection data. And perform intelligent control on the process conditions according to different fabric characteristics and different color requirements.

[0095] It should be understood that the above has described the embodiments of the present invention. The above description is exemplary and not exhaustive, and is also not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

[0096] The selection of the terms used herein is intended to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, or the improvement of the technology in the market, or to enable other ordinary technicians in the technical field to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0097] The above are only optional embodiments of the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A coloring device for coloring a target fabric, characterized in that: include: A dipping unit, comprising a receiving chamber for receiving a dipping treatment liquid, wherein the dipping unit is configured to perform an infiltration treatment on a target fabric input into the dipping treatment liquid, wherein the dipping treatment liquid contains a natural plant extract; a light source irradiation area, comprising one or more boxes and a light source disposed inside the boxes, wherein the light source irradiation area is configured to irradiate a target fabric input into the light source irradiation area for a predetermined time to change the color of the target fabric, wherein the light source comprises light waves having a wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range; The transport device is configured to at least transport the target fabric into and out of the irradiation area of the light source.

2. The coloring device according to claim 1, characterized in that The box body includes: one or more guiding devices inside the box, and the guiding devices are configured so that the transmission path of the target fabric in the box body includes one or more rotating cloth running sections, and the light source is arranged in the space surrounded by the rotating cloth running sections so that one side of the target fabric transmitted in the rotating cloth running sections is illuminated by the light source.

3. The coloring device according to claim 2, characterized in that The rotary cloth running section is a U-shaped cloth running section, and each box is provided with one or more groups of the light sources. A group of light sources is arranged between the first section and the second section of the U-shaped cloth running section, so that the first surface of the target fabric is illuminated by the same group of light sources when the target fabric passes through the first section and the second section.

4. The coloring device according to claim 1, characterized in that The target fabric is a fabric used to form Xiangyunsha, the natural plant extract includes Dioscorea paniculata extract, the predetermined wavelength range is less than or equal to 500nm, and the radiation amount of light waves with wavelengths that meet the predetermined wavelength range accounts for at least 10% of the total radiation amount of the light source.

5. The coloring device according to claim 1, characterized in that The predetermined wavelength range is a wavelength less than or equal to 400 nm, and the radiation amount of light waves with wavelengths within the predetermined wavelength range accounts for more than 50% of the total radiation amount of the light source.

6. The coloring device according to claim 1, characterized in that Also include at least one of the following: a dipping guide roller disposed below a liquid level of the dipping treatment liquid contained in the dipping unit, the dipping guide roller being configured to allow the target fabric input into the dipping unit to be completely immersed below the liquid level of the dipping treatment liquid; and The drying device is arranged at the output side of the light source irradiation area, and is configured to perform drying treatment on the target fabric in the output light source irradiation area.

7. The coloring device according to claim 6, characterized in that Also include at least one of the following: a fabric supply area, provided at an input side of the dipping unit, for supplying the target fabric to the dipping unit; and The cloth collecting area is arranged at the output side of the drying device and is used to collect the target fabric output from the drying device.

8. The coloring device according to claim 1, characterized in that The coloring device is configured to provide the target fabric output by the light source irradiation area to the current coloring device where the light source irradiation area is located, or the next or subsequent multiple coloring devices for multiple rounds of wetting treatment and irradiation treatment until the target fabric after multiple rounds of irradiation treatment meets the predetermined attribute conditions regarding Xiangyunsha.

9. The coloring device according to claim 7, characterized in that The fabric supply area includes: an unwinding device, which is arranged at the input side of the dipping unit, and the unwinding device is configured to unwind the target fabric roll to be input into the dipping unit; The receiving area includes any of the following: a winding device configured to wind up the target fabric output from the drying device; or The stacking unit is configured to stack the target fabric after the drying process.

10. The coloring device according to claim 6, characterized in that The transmission device includes at least one of the following: An opening roller is provided between the light source irradiation area and the dipping unit, and the opening roller is configured to flatten the target fabric output from the dipping unit before inputting into the light source irradiation area; a box input guide roller disposed at an input side of each box, the box input guide roller being configured to guide the target fabric from the dipping unit or the previous box into the box; and The box output guide roller is arranged at the output side of the box, and is configured to guide the target fabric output from the box to the next box or drying device.

11. The coloring device according to claim 2, characterized in that The in-box guiding device is an in-box guiding roller, which is configured to guide the target fabric moving in a first transmission direction in the box to move in a second transmission direction, wherein the first transmission direction is one of the upward or downward directions, and the second transmission direction is the other of the upward or downward directions.

12. The coloring device according to claim 1, characterized in that The light source is one of a point light source array, a line light source group, and a surface light source; the box includes a circulating air unit, and the circulating air unit is configured to balance the temperature inside the box.

13. The coloring device according to claim 2, characterized in that The distance between the rotating cloth running section and the light source is configured to be associated with the flatness of the target fabric input into the irradiation area of the light source.

14. The coloring device according to claim 2, characterized in that Also includes: The target fabric adjustment area is provided between adjacent boxes among the plurality of boxes, and the target fabric adjustment area is configured so that the target fabric can be centered or flattened in a transfer path between the adjacent boxes.

15. A coloring system for performing multiple rounds of coloring treatment on a target fabric, characterized in that: It comprises a plurality of coloring devices according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9 to 12, wherein the plurality of coloring devices are arranged in sequence so that a target fabric processed by a corresponding round of coloring by a previous coloring device in an adjacent coloring device is provided to the previous coloring device in the adjacent coloring device for a next round of coloring treatment, and each round of treatment in the plurality of rounds of coloring treatment includes at least an immersion treatment by an immersion treatment liquid and an irradiation treatment by an irradiation area of a light source.

Images