Yarn storage device with ink jet function

Abstract

A yarn storage device with an ink jet function comprises a yarn guide device, a yarn storage wheel assembly and a tension control mechanism, the yarn guide device is arranged at the top of the yarn storage device, the tension control mechanism is arranged at the bottommost end of the yarn storage device, the yarn storage wheel assembly is arranged between the yarn guide device and the tension control mechanism, and an ink jet system is further arranged on the yarn storage device. The ink jet system comprises an ink jet control terminal, an ink jet assembly and a dye bin, the ink jet assembly comprises a spray head and an ink guide pipe, the spray head is connected with the dye bin through the ink guide pipe, meanwhile, the spray head is in circuit or wireless connection with the ink jet control terminal, and an instruction of the ink jet control terminal is received to control the spray head to conduct ink jet operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a yarn storage device with an inkjet function, belonging to the field of yarn storage devices. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of the textile industry, consumers are increasingly demanding fabric aesthetics and functionality. While traditional fabric dyeing methods, such as dip dyeing and spray dyeing, can achieve color changes, they often come with complex processes, high costs, and environmental impacts. Furthermore, these traditional methods can affect the fabric's feel and durability. In the warp knitting industry, despite its high production speed and flexibility, it still has certain limitations when it comes to color manipulation. Traditional warp knitting technology is mostly limited to producing products with a single color or simple patterns. More complex designs or color gradients require additional dyeing or printing after weaving. This approach not only increases production cost and complexity but can also lead to uneven dyeing. To simplify production processes and reduce environmental pollution, the textile industry has been seeking methods to achieve color changes directly during the weaving process. For example, differential inkjet technology uses a spray gun or atomizer to disperse pigment into tiny droplets, which are evenly sprayed onto the material surface to achieve a gradient effect from one color to another. However, this method is not only labor-intensive and resource-intensive, but can also lead to environmental pollution and increased costs. On the other hand, although jacquard technology can create a gradient effect on the fabric through the combination of different yarns and stitches, its drawing efficiency is low and requires a lot of manual drawing operations, which prolongs the production cycle and makes the jacquard effect appear unnatural when viewed up close.

[0003] In recent years, with the development of digital inkjet printing technology, its application in the textile industry has become increasingly widespread. The advantage of digital inkjet printing technology is that it can achieve highly customized pattern design and quickly change different patterns, greatly improving production flexibility. However, current inkjet printing technology is mainly used for finished fabrics, and relatively little research has been conducted on direct color processing during the online production process. In addition, the treatment of yarn after dyeing is also a critical step. In the traditional dyeing process, the yarn tension and curl will change due to changes in moisture content after dyeing, which requires re-warping to restore the yarn tension consistency and morphological stability. This process not only increases the production steps but also may affect the quality of the final product.

[0004] To overcome these challenges, researchers have begun exploring ways to integrate dyeing functionality into warp knitting machines. Currently, some research focuses on implementing in-line dyeing by placing inkjet devices at various locations within the machine. However, most of these approaches fail to achieve independent dyeing and tension control for each yarn, resulting in uneven dyeing and unstable tension control. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a yarn storage device with an inkjet function.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions: A yarn storage device with an inkjet function includes a yarn guide device, a yarn storage wheel assembly, and a tension control mechanism. The yarn guide device is arranged at the top of the yarn storage device, the tension control mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the yarn storage device, the yarn storage wheel assembly is arranged between the yarn guide device and the tension control mechanism, and the yarn storage device is also provided with an inkjet system.

[0007] Preferably, the inkjet system includes an inkjet control terminal, an inkjet component and a dye tank. The inkjet component includes a nozzle and an ink guide tube. The nozzle is connected to the dye tank through the ink guide tube. At the same time, the nozzle is connected to the inkjet control terminal circuit or wirelessly to receive instructions from the inkjet control terminal to control the nozzle to perform inkjet operations.

[0008] Preferably, the inkjet system is arranged at the front end of the yarn guiding device, and a drying device is also provided at the rear end of the inkjet system, and the yarn enters the yarn guiding device after passing through the drying device.

[0009] Preferably, the inkjet system is arranged between the yarn guiding device and the yarn storage wheel assembly.

[0010] Preferably, a drying device is provided between the inkjet system and the yarn storage wheel assembly, and the yarn enters the yarn storage wheel assembly after passing through the drying device.

[0011] Preferably, the drying device is a hot air drying device, and the drying device is arranged above the yarn storage wheel assembly.

[0012] Preferably, a tension regulator is further provided at the front end of the inkjet system.

[0013] Preferably, a waste ink collecting device is further provided at the bottom end of the nozzle of the inkjet system, and the bottom end of the waste ink collecting device is connected to the waste ink tank via a waste ink tube.

[0014] Preferably, the inkjet system is arranged at the bottom of the tension control mechanism.

[0015] Preferably, a drying device is provided at the rear end of the inkjet system, and a waste ink collecting device is provided at the bottom end of the nozzle, and the bottom end of the waste ink collecting device is connected to the waste ink tank using a waste ink tube.

[0016] The yarn storage device with inkjet function proposed by the present invention has the following significant beneficial effects: 1. Precise individual yarn dyeing: This invention enables individual inkjet dyeing of each yarn. The inkjet assembly's nozzle precisely sprays the dye onto the yarn, ensuring consistent and uniform color across each yarn, avoiding the color unevenness common in traditional dyeing methods.

[0017] 2. Multi-color inkjet capability: Multi-color inkjet can be achieved by adding ink delivery tubes and ink guide tubes of different colors. Especially when multiple yarn storage devices are set to different ink colors, rich color variations and complex pattern designs can be achieved, meeting the market demand for personalized and diversified products.

[0018] 3. Environmental protection: By setting a waste ink collection device at the bottom of the print head, the waste ink is collected into the waste ink tank through the waste ink pipe, which effectively reduces the waste of dyes and pollution to the environment.

[0019] 4. Cost-effectiveness: Compared with traditional dyeing and warping processes, this invention simplifies the process flow and reduces the yarn breakage rate caused by uneven yarn tension, thereby reducing production costs. At the same time, modular design and automated control also reduce equipment maintenance costs.

[0020] 5. Drying Efficiency and Yarn Quality Assurance: Hot air drying devices forcefully circulate hot air into full contact with the yarn, accelerating moisture evaporation through both heat conduction and convection. When the hot air contacts the yarn, heat is transferred to the fiber surface, vaporizing the moisture. Simultaneously, the forced airflow removes the moisture vapor through convection. Compared to air drying or low-temperature drying, hot air drying can quickly reduce the yarn's moisture content to process requirements, significantly shortening the post-dyeing processing cycle. Properly controlling the hot air temperature and speed reduces damage to the fiber's molecular structure caused by high temperatures, while promoting chemical bonding or physical adsorption of the dye to the fiber.

[0021] In summary, the present invention provides an efficient, environmentally friendly, flexible and cost-effective solution for yarn inkjet dyeing, which is suitable for the growing demand of the modern textile industry for high-quality and personalized products. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the following drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Example 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of the inkjet system of the yarn storage device and the waste ink collection device; Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a yarn storage device according to embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a yarn storage device according to embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of Example 3 of the present invention; Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of a yarn storage device according to embodiment 4 of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of embodiment 4 of the present invention; In the figure: 10, yarn guide device; 20, drying device; 30, inkjet system; 31, nozzle; 32, inkjet control terminal; 33, ink guide tube; 34, dye chamber; 40, tension regulator; 50, yarn storage base; 60, yarn storage wheel assembly; 70, tension control mechanism; 80, yarn; 90, waste ink collection device; 91, waste ink tube; 92, waste ink chamber; DETAILED DESCRIPTION In order to make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects achieved by the present invention easier to understand, the present invention is further described below in conjunction with specific implementation methods.

[0023] Example 1: For the convenience of description, the present application defines the direction of yarn travel as the 'rear end' and the opposite direction as the 'front end'.

[0024] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of Example 1. This embodiment provides a yarn storage device with an inkjet function, including a yarn guide device, a yarn storage wheel assembly, and a tension control mechanism. The yarn guide device is arranged at the top of the yarn storage device, and the tension control mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the yarn storage device. The yarn storage wheel assembly is arranged between the yarn guide device and the tension control mechanism, and the yarn storage device is also provided with an inkjet system.

[0025] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the invented inkjet system and waste ink collection device. In this embodiment, the inkjet system includes an inkjet control terminal, an inkjet component and a dye tank. The inkjet component includes a nozzle and an ink guide tube. The nozzle is connected to the dye tank through the ink guide tube. At the same time, the nozzle is connected to the inkjet control terminal circuit to receive instructions from the inkjet control terminal to control the nozzle to perform inkjet operations.

[0026] When this embodiment is working, the yarn is guided by the yarn guide device and then wound on the yarn storage wheel. The yarn tension is controlled by the tension control mechanism. During the yarn transportation process, ink is sprayed and colored through the printing nozzle of the inkjet system.

[0027] The present invention can independently inkjet dye each yarn. The nozzle of the inkjet assembly can accurately spray the dye onto the yarn, ensuring the color consistency and uniformity of each yarn, avoiding the color unevenness problem common in traditional dyeing methods.

[0028] Example 2: Please refer to Figure 1-Figure 3 ,in Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of Example 2 of the present invention; This embodiment provides a yarn storage device with inkjet function, including a yarn storage device base and a yarn guide device, a yarn storage wheel assembly, and a tension control mechanism disposed thereon. The yarn guide device is disposed at the top of the yarn storage device, the tension control mechanism is disposed at the bottom of the yarn storage device, and the yarn storage wheel assembly is disposed between the yarn guide device and the tension control mechanism. The yarn storage device is also provided with an inkjet system. The inkjet system includes an inkjet control terminal, an inkjet assembly, and a dye reservoir. A nozzle is connected to the inkjet control terminal circuit and receives instructions from the inkjet control terminal to control the nozzle to perform inkjet operations.

[0029] To prevent waste ink from dripping, the inkjet system also features a waste ink collection device at the bottom of the nozzle. This device's bottom end is connected to a waste ink tank via a waste ink tube. This tube collects waste ink into the waste ink tank, effectively reducing dye waste and environmental pollution.

[0030] In this embodiment, the yarn storage wheel assembly includes a yarn storage wheel and a driving mechanism for driving the yarn storage wheel to rotate. The driving mechanism includes a servo motor and a reducer. The driving mechanism is circuit-connected to the driving controller and the inkjet control terminal.

[0031] In this embodiment, the tension control mechanism includes a tension detection module, which includes a tension detection wheel and a tension sensor connected to the tension detection wheel circuit, thereby detecting the yarn tension in real time, which can significantly improve dyeing uniformity and adapt to high-speed production scenarios.

[0032] The wheel surface of the tension detection wheel is provided with a wear-resistant coating layer, the material of the wear-resistant coating layer is rubber or polyurethane, and the thickness of the wear-resistant coating layer is 1mm. A yarn guide groove is opened at the center of the side of the tension detection wheel. The cross-sectional shape of the guide groove is V-shaped or U-shaped, and the guide groove depth matches the yarn diameter to ensure that the yarn runs in the center and avoids measurement errors caused by side slip. The inclination angle on both sides of the guide groove is 35°, and the yarn is guided stably through the detection area through geometric constraints.

[0033] As the yarn passes through the guide groove, tension is applied to the tension detection wheel. The free rotation of the wheel changes only the direction of the force, not the magnitude, to avoid interference with tension measurement. The ends of the tension detection wheel are movably fixed inside the tension detection module. The tension sensor converts mechanical deformation into an electrical signal, which is transmitted to the inkjet control terminal, where the precise tension value is calculated. The detection data is used to adjust the yarn storage wheel speed or inkjet pressure in real time using a PID algorithm to maintain stable tension. The specific methods for detecting yarn tension and calculating the tension value are existing technologies and will not be elaborated here.

[0034] To improve inkjet uniformity, at least one ink guide tube is provided. If multiple ink guide tubes are provided, the ink colors of each can differ, thereby enhancing the color diversity of inkjet printing. By adding ink supply tubes and ink guide tubes of different colors, multi-color inkjet printing can be achieved. In particular, when multiple yarn storage devices are configured with different ink colors, rich color variations and complex pattern designs can be achieved, meeting market demand for personalized and diversified products.

[0035] In this embodiment, the inkjet controller, the tension sensor and the drive controller are connected in circuit, and the tension signal detected by the sensor is used to adjust the yarn storage wheel speed and the inkjet pressure in real time through a PID algorithm.

[0036] In this embodiment, a tension adjuster is provided at the top of the yarn storage device, an inkjet system is provided below the tension adjuster, a yarn guide device is provided at the rear end of the inkjet system, and a drying device is provided between the inkjet system and the yarn guide device. The yarn enters the yarn guide device after passing through the drying device. The drying device is a hot air drying device with a hot air path provided therein. The forced circulation of hot air fully contacts the yarn, thereby reducing the moisture content of the yarn to the process requirement in a short period of time, and accelerating the evaporation of moisture by utilizing the principles of heat conduction and convection.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 4 In this embodiment, when the yarn is inkjet dyed, the yarn first passes through the tension regulator and then passes through the printing nozzle of the inkjet system for inkjet dyeing. During the dyeing process, the waste ink collection device collects the waste ink splashed outside the yarn area by the nozzle and flows into the waste ink bin through the waste ink pipe. After dyeing, the yarn passes through the drying device to fix the dye, and then is wound on the yarn storage wheel through the yarn guide device, and the other end extends from the tension control mechanism on the yarn storage base.

[0038] Example 3: Please refer to Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 ,in Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of Example 3 of the present invention; This embodiment provides a yarn storage device with inkjet function, including a yarn storage device base and a yarn guide device, a yarn storage wheel assembly, and a tension control mechanism disposed thereon. The yarn guide device is disposed at the top of the yarn storage device, the tension control mechanism is disposed at the bottom of the yarn storage device, and the yarn storage wheel assembly is disposed between the yarn guide device and the tension control mechanism. The yarn storage device is also provided with an inkjet system. The inkjet system includes an inkjet control terminal, an inkjet assembly, and a dye storage tank. The inkjet assembly includes a nozzle and an ink guide tube. The nozzle is connected to the dye storage tank via the ink guide tube. At the same time, the nozzle is wirelessly connected to the inkjet control terminal and receives instructions from the inkjet control terminal to control the nozzle to perform inkjet operation.

[0039] In this embodiment, a tension adjuster is provided at the top of the yarn storage device, the inkjet system is provided below the tension adjuster and is located between the yarn guide device and the yarn storage wheel assembly, and a drying device is provided between the inkjet system and the yarn storage wheel assembly. The yarn enters the yarn storage wheel assembly after passing through the drying device.

[0040] The drying device is a hot air drying device, and the drying device is arranged above the yarn storage wheel assembly. A uniform air path is arranged inside the hot air drying device, so that each part of the yarn is heated and exposed to the same amount of air, avoiding yarn shrinkage, distortion or uneven dyeing (such as color flowers and stains) due to uneven local drying, ensuring that the moisture in the inner and outer layers evaporates simultaneously, and improving the consistency of the finished product.

[0041] To prevent ink solidification, the inkjet system in this embodiment also features a temperature control module for heating the ink tube and a temperature controller for controlling the operation of the temperature control module. The temperature controller is connected to the inkjet control terminal. Together, the temperature control module and controller enable precise control of the inkjet process, ensuring uniform ink jetting and rapid drying. The inkjet control terminal utilizes radio signal connectivity, enabling fully automated operation and improving production efficiency and product quality.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the yarn process of this embodiment; When the yarn is inkjet colored in this embodiment, the yarn first passes through the tension regulator, and then passes through the wire guide device to guide the yarn path. The yarn is guided to the printing nozzle for inkjet coloring. During the dyeing process, the waste ink collection device collects the waste ink splashed outside the yarn area by the nozzle, and flows into the waste ink bin through the waste ink pipe. After dyeing, the yarn passes through the drying device located above the yarn storage wheel to fix the dye, and then is wound on the yarn storage wheel, and the other end extends from the tension control mechanism on the yarn storage base.

[0043] Example 4: Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7This is a schematic structural diagram of Example 4 of the present invention; This embodiment provides a yarn storage device with inkjet function, including a yarn guide device, a yarn storage wheel assembly, and a tension control mechanism. The yarn guide device is arranged at the top of the yarn storage device, the tension control mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the yarn storage device, and the yarn storage wheel assembly is arranged between the yarn guide device and the tension control mechanism. The yarn storage device is also provided with an inkjet system. The inkjet system includes an inkjet control terminal, an inkjet assembly, and a dye storage tank. The inkjet assembly includes a nozzle and an ink guide tube. The nozzle is connected to the dye storage tank via the ink guide tube. At the same time, the nozzle is wirelessly connected to the inkjet control terminal and receives instructions from the inkjet control terminal to control the nozzle to perform inkjet operation.

[0044] In this embodiment, the inkjet system is arranged at the bottom of the tension control mechanism. The yarn is first tensioned by the tension control mechanism and then dyed by the inkjet printing mechanism.

[0045] In this embodiment, a drying device is further provided below the inkjet system. The drying device is a hot air drying device. A uniform air path is provided inside the hot air drying device for curing the dye on the surface of the dyed yarn.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the yarn process of this embodiment; When the yarn is inkjet dyed in this embodiment, the yarn is first guided by a guide wire device to the yarn path and then wound on the yarn storage wheel. The yarn at the other end is guided to the tension control mechanism for tension adjustment, and then passes through the printing nozzle to start inkjet dyeing. During the dyeing process, the waste ink collection device collects the waste ink splashed outside the yarn area by the nozzle and enters the waste ink bin through the waste ink pipe. After dyeing, the yarn passes through the drying device to fix the dye, and then extends from the yarn outlet of the drying device.

[0047] The above shows and describes the basic principles and main features of the present invention and the advantages of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above and that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, from all perspectives, the embodiments should be regarded as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, not the foregoing description, and it is intended that all variations that come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims be included within the present invention. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claim to which they relate.

[0048] In addition, it should be understood that although this specification is described in terms of implementation methods, not every implementation method contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative method of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A yarn storage device with inkjet function, comprising a yarn guide device, a yarn storage wheel assembly, and a tension control mechanism, wherein the yarn guide device is arranged at the top of the yarn storage device, the tension control mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the yarn storage device, and the yarn storage wheel assembly is arranged between the yarn guide device and the tension control mechanism, characterized in that: The yarn storage device is also provided with an inkjet system.

2. The yarn storage device with inkjet function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inkjet system includes an inkjet control terminal, an inkjet component and a dye tank. The inkjet component includes a nozzle and an ink guide tube. The nozzle is connected to the dye tank through the ink guide tube. At the same time, the nozzle is connected to the inkjet control terminal circuit or wirelessly to receive instructions from the inkjet control terminal to control the nozzle to perform inkjet operations.

3. The yarn storage device with inkjet function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inkjet system is arranged at the front end of the yarn guide device, and a drying device is also arranged at the rear end of the inkjet system. The yarn enters the yarn guide device after passing through the drying device.

4. The yarn storage device with inkjet function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inkjet system is arranged between the yarn guiding device and the yarn storage wheel assembly.

5. The yarn storage device with inkjet function according to claim 4, characterized in that: A drying device is provided between the inkjet system and the yarn storage wheel assembly, and the yarn enters the yarn storage wheel assembly after passing through the drying device.

6. The yarn storage device with inkjet function according to claim 5, characterized in that: The drying device is a hot air drying device, and the drying device is arranged above the yarn storage wheel assembly.

7. The yarn storage device with inkjet function according to claim 3 or 6, characterized in that: The front end of the inkjet system is also provided with a tension regulator.

8. The yarn storage device with inkjet function according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom end of the nozzle of the inkjet system is also provided with a waste ink collecting device, and the bottom end of the waste ink collecting device is connected to the waste ink tank through a waste ink pipe.

9. The yarn storage device with inkjet function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inkjet system is arranged at the bottom of the tension control mechanism.

10. The yarn storage device with inkjet function according to claim 9, characterized in that: The rear end of the inkjet system is provided with a drying device, and the bottom end of the nozzle is provided with a waste ink collecting device, and the bottom end of the waste ink collecting device is connected to the waste ink bin via a waste ink pipe.

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