Printing method and printing fabric

Abstract

The present application provides a printing and dyeing method and a printing and dyeing fabric for improving the color development of a thin fabric. The printing and dyeing method is characterized in that it comprises: a defibration process (S2) for defibrating a raw material (C) in a dry manner to generate fibers; a mixing process (S3) for mixing an additive into the fibers obtained from the defibration process (S2) to generate a mixture; a stacking process (S4) for stacking the mixture on a fabric (N1) having air permeability as a first layer (L1) in air to generate a web (W) having water absorption and as a second layer (L2); a pasting process (S5) for pasting a fabric (N3) as a third layer (L3) on the surface of the web (W); a forming process (S6) for overlapping the fabric (N1), the web (W) and the fabric (N3) together and heating and pressing them to form them, thereby manufacturing a printing and dyeing fabric (CL1) comprising the first layer (L1), the second layer (L2) and the third layer (L3); and a printing and dyeing process (S7) for performing inkjet printing on the third layer (L3) of the printing and dyeing fabric (CL1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dyeing method and fabrics for dyeing. Background Technology

[0002] Printing and dyeing methods implemented by inkjet printing have been known for a long time. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of attaching fabric to a conveyor belt for transport and spraying liquid ink applied from an inkjet head.

[0003] However, the method described in Patent Document 1 presents a challenge in improving color development achieved through printing and dyeing on thin fabrics. Specifically, when printing and dyeing fabrics such as cloth using inkjet printing, increasing the amount of ink adhering to the fabric easily improves color development. Conversely, there is an upper limit to the amount of ink that can be absorbed by the fabric; if this limit is exceeded, the resulting image may bleed. Therefore, in thin fabrics, the amount of ink adhering to the fabric must be limited to suppress bleeding, making it difficult to improve color development. In other words, there is a need for a printing and dyeing method that improves color development on thin fabrics.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-135981 Summary of the Invention The dyeing method is characterized by comprising: a defiberization step, in which fabric is dry-defibered to generate fibers; a blending step, in which additives are mixed into the fibers obtained by the defiberization step to generate a mixture; a stacking step, in which the mixture is stacked in air on a breathable fabric forming a first layer to generate a absorbent sheet forming a second layer; a bonding step, in which a third layer of fabric is bonded to the surface of the sheet; a forming step, in which the first layer of fabric, the sheet of fabric, and the third layer of fabric are overlapped together and heated and pressed to form a fabric for dyeing comprising the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer; and a dyeing step, in which inkjet printing is performed on the third layer of the fabric for dyeing.

[0005] The fabric for printing and dyeing is characterized by having: a first layer that is breathable; a second layer that is superimposed on the first layer and is composed of fiber stacking and is absorbent; and a third layer that is superimposed on the second layer and is subjected to inkjet printing, wherein the thickness of the third layer is thinner than that of the second layer, and the absorbency of the second layer is higher than that of the third layer. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view to show the structure of fabrics used for printing and dyeing.

[0007] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view to illustrate other ways of printing and dyeing fabrics.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the dyeing method involved in the implementation method.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a fabric manufacturing apparatus.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a liquid ejection device.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of ink droplets adhering to fabrics used for printing and dyeing.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of ink droplets adhering to fabrics used for printing and dyeing.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the action of ink droplets adhering to the printing and dyeing fabric involved in the comparative example. Detailed Implementation

[0014] In the embodiments described below, a multi-layered fabric for printing and dyeing, and a printing and dyeing method using the fabric, are illustrated and explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, the Z-axis or the XYZ axes, which are mutually orthogonal coordinate axes, are labeled as needed, and the direction indicated by each arrow is designated as the + direction, and the direction opposite to the + direction is designated as the - direction. The Z-axis is an imaginary axis along the vertical direction; the +Z direction is designated upwards, and the -Z direction is designated downwards. For ease of illustration, the sizes of the various components are slightly different from their actual dimensions.

[0015] 1. Fabrics for printing and dyeing like Figure 1 As shown, the dyeing fabric CL1 involved in this embodiment has a multi-layer structure including a first layer L1, a second layer L2, and a third layer L3. The dyeing fabric CL1 is an example of the dyeing fabric of the present invention and is applied to the dyeing method described below.

[0016] In the fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing, a second layer L2 is superimposed on a first layer L1, and a third layer L3 is superimposed on a second layer L2. That is, the first layer L1, the second layer L2, and the third layer L3 are stacked in this order from bottom to top.

[0017] The first layer, L1, is breathable. The second layer, L2, is composed of stacked fibers and is absorbent. Inkjet printing is then applied to the third layer, L3. Inkjet printing refers to a dyeing method for fabrics such as cloth, where ink droplets adhere from the nozzles of an inkjet printer.

[0018] When the fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing is to be processed into clothing or the like, it is preferable to peel off the first layer L1 and the second layer L2, and use the third layer L3 in the clothing. Alternatively, it can be processed into clothing while retaining the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. Furthermore, the use of the printed and dyed fabric is not limited to clothing.

[0019] Because the first layer L1 is breathable, during the manufacture of the dyeing and printing fabric CL1, this breathability can be utilized to promote the deposition of fibers, etc., that become the second layer L2, onto the first layer L1. Specifically, by drawing air containing dispersed fibers through the first layer L1, the formation of a fiber-containing sheet is promoted. The manufacturing process of the dyeing and printing fabric CL1 will be described in the dyeing and printing method section later.

[0020] In this specification, air permeability is defined by the amount of air passing through the test piece according to the JIS air permeability test (L1096 2010 8.26.1 A method). In this specification, air permeability means that the air volume obtained by the above test method is 10 cm³. 3 / cm 2 ·More than seconds.

[0021] The first layer L1 forms one surface of the printing and dyeing fabric CL1. The first layer L1 is a textile, woven fabric, or non-woven fabric. For example, the first layer L1 contains polyester. Therefore, because polyester has superior strength, the thinness and strength of the printing and dyeing fabric CL1 can be improved. The first layer L1 is not limited to being made of polyester; it can also be a fabric containing polyester and other resins, or a fabric made of resins or raw materials other than polyester.

[0022] In the dyeing and printing fabric CL1, the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 are bonded together by the bonding effect of a binding material contained in the second layer L2 as an additive. Details about the aforementioned additives will be described later.

[0023] The first layer L1 may also have an adhesive layer on the surface where it is bonded to the second layer L2. The adhesive layer bonds the first layer L1 to the second layer L2. Examples of adhesive layers include known adhesives such as polyester resin, acrylic resin, silicone resin, and polyurethane resin, as well as known adhesives such as epoxy, acrylic, cyanoacrylate, urethane, and vinyl acetate adhesives. The adhesive layer may also be cured by heating during the forming process in the manufacturing process of the fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing, as described later.

[0024] When using an adhesive layer, breathability is also imparted to the adhesive layer. Specifically, the adhesive layer is formed in a manner that does not impede the breathability of the first layer L1. Examples of such adhesive layer forms include those in which the aforementioned adhesive material or adhesive is applied in a planar mesh pattern, and those having multiple holes penetrating along the Z-axis.

[0025] When the fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing is processed into clothing or the like while retaining the first layer L1 and the second layer L2, the first layer L1 can also be colored. The coloring of the first layer L1 can be achieved using known methods such as digital printing or analog printing, including inkjet printing.

[0026] The second layer, L2, is a nonwoven fabric containing multiple fibers obtained by debonding the fabric, as well as additives such as bonding materials. The second layer, L2, is composed of a sheet of material formed by the accumulation of multiple fibers and additives in the air. In the following description, the multiple fibers after debonding may sometimes be referred to simply as fibers. Although details will be described later, the debonding process used to obtain the fibers is performed in a dry manner. In this specification, "dry" refers to a process performed in air, such as atmosphere, rather than in liquids such as water.

[0027] Fiber is one of the main components of the second layer L2, and together with the bonding materials, it influences the physical properties of the second layer L2, such as mechanical strength. From a resource recycling perspective, fibers obtained by desiccating fabrics derived from old clothes are preferred. Types of fabrics include knitted fabrics, plain woven fabrics, and napped fabrics. Additionally, non-woven fabrics may also be included in the fabric.

[0028] As fibers, examples include natural fibers such as cotton, linen, wool, silk, and regenerated cellulose, as well as chemical fibers such as polypropylene, polyester, and polyurethane.

[0029] In the fibers, one type of these substances may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. Among the aforementioned fiber materials, the fabric preferably contains natural fibers such as cotton or wool. That is, the second layer L2 preferably contains natural fibers. Since natural fibers are more hydrophilic than chemical fibers, the water absorption of the second layer L2 is improved.

[0030] The weighted average fiber length of the unwound fibers is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. This ensures that the fibers are not excessively short, allowing them to become moderately intertwined, thereby improving the mechanical strength of the second layer L2. The weighted average fiber length is determined according to the method in ISO 16065-2:2007.

[0031] The preferred weight of the second layer L2 is 100g / m³. 2 Above and 180g / m 2 Below. Grammage refers to the weight per square meter of the surface orthogonal to the Z-axis in a single sheet of dyeing and printing fabric CL1. When the grammage of the second layer L2 is within the aforementioned range, a better balance between thinness and strength is achieved in the second layer L2. The grammage of the second layer L2 is adjusted by the amount of fabric sheets stacked during the stacking process in the manufacturing of the dyeing and printing fabric CL1, i.e., the thickness of the sheets.

[0032] The bonding material binds the fibers together in the second layer L2. The bonding material uses a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin. Examples of resins include, in addition to thermoplastic synthetic resins such as polyester, shellac, rosin, dammar, polylactic acid, plant-derived polybutylene succinate, plant-derived polyethylene, and natural resins such as Kaneka Corporation's PHBH (registered trademark) (Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)). In the bonding material, one of these substances may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0033] The second layer, L2, can also contain additives other than the binding material. Examples of additives other than the binding material include flame retardants, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, aggregation inhibitors, antibacterial agents, and mildew inhibitors.

[0034] The third layer L3 is overlapped and glued onto the second layer L2, becoming the other surface of the dyeing fabric CL1. After the third layer L3 is dyed as the dyeing fabric CL1, it can be processed into clothing or the like after the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 are peeled off. Alternatively, other fabrics can be glued onto the third layer L3 after the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 are peeled off to process them into clothing or the like.

[0035] Even if the amount of ink adhering to the third layer L3 increases due to differences in the absorbency of each layer, the printing and dyeing fabric of the present invention can suppress the bleeding of the formed image, etc. Therefore, compared with conventional printing and dyeing fabrics, even if the third layer L3 is a thin fabric, printing and dyeing with dark colors can be performed. The absorbency of each layer of the printing and dyeing fabric CL1 will be described later.

[0036] The third layer L3 is composed of woven or textile fabrics. The third layer L3 can also be a non-woven fabric. Examples of fibers constituting the third layer L3 include natural fibers such as cotton, linen, wool, silk, and regenerated cellulose, as well as chemical fibers such as polypropylene, polyester, and polyurethane. One type of these materials can be used alone, or two or more types can be combined. In particular, natural fibers with high water absorption and a tendency to bleed in existing dyeing processes are preferred as the fabric for the third layer L3.

[0037] The third layer L3 can also be dyed during the fabric manufacturing stage. That is, although the third layer L3 is dyed during the printing and dyeing of the fabric CL1, the fabric that will become the third layer L3 can also be dyed as a base color before the fabric CL1 is manufactured.

[0038] In the dyeing and printing fabric CL1, the third layer L3 and the second layer L2 are bonded together by the bonding material contained in the second layer L2. Alternatively, the third layer L3 may have an adhesive layer on the surface where it is bonded to the second layer L2. The adhesive layer bonds the third layer L3 to the second layer L2. The same material as the first layer L1 can be used as the adhesive layer.

[0039] In the printing and dyeing fabric CL1, the absorbency of the second layer L2 is higher than that of the third layer L3. Therefore, during printing and dyeing of the fabric CL1, the ink applied to the third layer L3 easily penetrates into the second layer L2. This further suppresses ink bleeding in the third layer L3, thereby increasing the amount of ink adhering to the printing and dyeing fabric CL1.

[0040] In this specification, absorbency is defined by the absorbency evaluation index, which is calculated using the following formula (1) based on the maximum absorption rate V [ml / s] and the amount of water absorbed W [ml] at the time point of maximum absorbency, as measured by the JIS absorbency test for fiber products (L-1907-7.3 surface absorbency method). In this specification, absorbency is defined as an absorbency evaluation index of 950 or higher.

[0041] Water absorption evaluation index = 2545V + 1411W + 79… (1) The absorbency of the first layer L1 is preferably higher than that of the third layer L3. Therefore, during the printing and dyeing of the fabric CL1, the ink applied to the third layer L3 can easily penetrate into the first layer L1 via the third layer L3 and the second layer L2. This further suppresses ink seepage in the third layer L3, thereby increasing the amount of ink adhering to the fabric CL1. To make the absorbency of the first layer L1 higher than that of the third layer L3, for example, the thickness of the first layer L1 can be made thicker than that of the third layer L3, or the content of natural fibers such as cotton in the first layer L1 can be increased.

[0042] The fiber content in the second layer L2 is preferably 65% ​​by mass or more and 85% by mass or less relative to the total amount of the second layer L2. By making the fiber content 65% by mass or more, the water absorption of the second layer L2 can be improved, thereby further suppressing the bleeding of ink in the third layer L3. By making the fiber content 85% by mass or less, the mechanical strength of the second layer L2 can be improved.

[0043] The thickness of the fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.30 mm or more and 1.50 mm or less. The thickness of the first layer L1 is, for example, 0.01 mm or more and 0.20 mm or less. The thickness of the second layer L2 is, for example, 0.20 mm or more and 0.80 mm or less. The thickness of the third layer L3 is, for example, 0.01 mm or more and 0.20 mm or less. In particular, the thickness of the third layer L3 is preferably thinner than that of the second layer L2. As a result, when the third layer L3 is processed into clothing, the hand feel, skin feel, and wearing comfort are improved. In addition, in the fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing in this embodiment, since the amount of ink used during printing and dyeing is increased even if the third layer L3 is a thin fabric, the color development is improved.

[0044] The dyeing fabric of the present invention may also have a different form than the dyeing fabric CL1. The dyeing fabric CL2 shown below is an example of the dyeing fabric of the present invention. The dyeing fabric CL2 differs from the dyeing fabric CL1 in that the structure of the second layer L2 is different. In the description of the dyeing fabric CL2, the same reference numerals are used for structures that are the same as those in the dyeing fabric CL1, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the second layer L2 of the dyeing and printing fabric CL2 has a multi-layer structure comprising an upper layer L2b and a lower layer L2a. In the second layer L2, the layers are stacked from bottom to top in the order of lower layer L2a and upper layer L2b. The dyeing and printing fabric CL2 differs from the dyeing and printing fabric CL1, which has a single-layer second layer L2, in this respect.

[0046] The absorbency of the lower layer L2a is higher than that of the upper layer L2b. Therefore, during the printing and dyeing of the fabric CL2, the ink that has penetrated to the second layer L2 via the third layer L3 easily penetrates from the upper layer L2b to the lower layer L2a. Thus, the absorbency of the second layer L2 can be further improved, thereby further suppressing the bleeding of ink in the third layer L3.

[0047] 2. Printing and dyeing methods The dyeing method of the present invention includes a manufacturing process for a fabric for dyeing and a dyeing process using the fabric. Hereinafter, the manufacturing process and dyeing process of the fabric CL1 described above will be illustrated as examples of the dyeing method of the present invention. The dyeing method for the fabric CL1 is an example and is not limited to the following structure and sequence.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the dyeing method for the fabric CL1 includes a raw material supply process S1, a fiber unwinding process S2, a blending process S3, a stacking process S4, a bonding process S5, a forming process S6, and a dyeing process S7 using the fabric CL1. In the manufacturing process of the fabric CL1, the fabric CL1 is manufactured in the above-described order from the upstream raw material supply process S1 to the downstream forming process S6.

[0049] A specific example of the dyeing method for the dyeing fabric CL1 will be described together with the fabric manufacturing apparatus 1 that manufactures the dyeing fabric CL1 and the liquid ejection device 2 that serves as an inkjet printer. In the fabric manufacturing apparatus 1 and the liquid ejection device 2, the target side of the conveying direction of the raw materials, fabric, sheet, and dyeing fabric CL1 is sometimes referred to as downstream, and the side of the back conveying direction is referred to as upstream. The fabric manufacturing apparatus 1 and the liquid ejection device 2 are examples and are not limited to the following structures.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the fabric manufacturing apparatus 1 includes, from upstream to downstream, a supply unit 5, a shredding unit 10, a fiber unwinding unit 30, a mixing unit 60, a stacking unit 100, a sheet conveying unit 70, a bonding unit 73, a forming unit 150, and a cutting unit 160. Furthermore, the fabric manufacturing apparatus 1 also includes a control unit 28 that comprehensively controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned structures.

[0051] The raw material supply process S1 is performed in the supply unit 5. The supply unit 5 supplies raw material C to the coarse crushing unit 10. The supply unit 5 is equipped with, for example, an automatic feeding mechanism (not shown), and continuously and automatically feeds raw material C into the coarse crushing unit 10. Raw material C is used clothing or other fabric.

[0052] The coarse shredding section 10 shreds the fabric raw material C, which is supplied from the supply section 5, into fragments in an atmosphere such as air. The coarse shredding section 10 is a shredder or shredder with coarse shredding blades 11. The raw material C is shredded by the coarse shredding blades 11 to become fragments of raw material C. The planar shape of the fragments is, for example, a few millimeters square or irregular. The fragments are collected in the quantitative supply section 50. Alternatively, the raw material C may be pre-shredded before being fed into the supply section 5.

[0053] The metering supply unit 50 measures the fragments of raw material C and supplies them quantitatively to the hopper 12. The metering supply unit 50 is, for example, a vibrating feeder. The fragments of raw material C supplied to the hopper 12 are conveyed in the pipe 20 and thus reach the inlet 31 of the defiberization unit 30. Then, it enters the defiberization process S2.

[0054] The fiber debonding process S2 is performed in the fiber debonding unit 30. The fiber debonding unit 30 debonds the fragments originating from raw material C in a dry manner, thereby generating and extracting the fibers contained in raw material C. The fiber debonding unit 30 includes an inlet 31, an outlet 32, a stator 33, a rotor 34, and an airflow generating mechanism (not shown). The fragments of raw material C are introduced into the interior of the fiber debonding unit 30 through the inlet 31 by the airflow generated by the airflow generating mechanism.

[0055] The stator 33 and rotor 34 are disposed inside the defiberization section 30. The stator 33 has a generally cylindrical inner surface. The rotor 34 rotates along the inner surface of the stator 33. Fragments of raw material C are trapped between the stator 33 and the rotor 34 and defiberized by the shear force generated between them.

[0056] The fibers generated by the defiberization section 30 are discharged from the outlet 32 ​​into the pipe 40. The pipe 40 is connected to the interior of the defiberization section 30 and the interior of the stacking section 100. The fibers are transported from the defiberization section 30 to the stacking section 100 by the airflow generated by the airflow generating mechanism. A mixing section 60 is provided on the pipe 40 between the defiberization section 30 and the stacking section 100.

[0057] Although the illustration is omitted, the fabric manufacturing apparatus 1 may also have a sorting mechanism between the desiccation section 30 and the mixing section 60 to remove impurities and other contaminants contained in the desicinated fibers. Known devices such as sieves can be cited as examples of sorting mechanisms. According to the sorting mechanism, the impurity content is reduced, thereby enabling the use of higher purity fibers as the material for the second layer L2. Then, the process proceeds to the mixing step S3.

[0058] The mixing process S3 is performed in the mixing section 60. The mixing section 60 mixes the aforementioned binding materials and other additives into the fibers obtained from the defiberization process S2 to generate a mixture. The mixing section 60 includes hoppers 13 and 14, supply pipes 61 and 62, and valves 65 and 66. In the mixing section 60, the fibers and binding materials are mixed in air to form a mixture. The mixture preferably does not contain coloring materials. Here, "not containing coloring materials" means that coloring materials such as pigments will not be intentionally added to the mixture. That is, the mixture may contain coloring materials such as dyes that permeate the fibers, or coloring materials that are intentionally mixed in.

[0059] Hopper 13 is connected to the interior of pipe 40 via supply pipe 61. A valve 65 is disposed between hopper 13 and pipe 40 in supply pipe 61. Hopper 13 supplies binding material into pipe 40. Valve 65 regulates the mass of binding material supplied from hopper 13 to pipe 40. This allows adjustment of the mixing ratio of fibers and binding material. The binding material can be supplied either in powder or particle form, or in a melted form.

[0060] Hopper 14 is connected to the interior of pipe 40 via supply pipe 62. A valve 66 is disposed between hopper 14 and pipe 40 in supply pipe 62. Hopper 14 supplies additives other than the binding material into pipe 40. Valve 66 regulates the mass of the additives other than the binding material supplied from hopper 14 to pipe 40. This allows adjustment of the mixing ratio of the additives with respect to the fiber and the binding material. Alternatively, the additives other than the binding material can be pre-mixed with the binding material and supplied from hopper 13. Furthermore, if no additives other than the binding material are added to the mixture, hopper 14, supply pipe 62, and valve 66 can be omitted.

[0061] Furthermore, the fiber content in the second layer L2 is adjusted using the mixing ratio of fibers to additives in the mixing process S3. Specifically, in the sheet W, the mass ratio of fibers to additives such as binding materials is set to a range of 9:1 to 5:5 based on the fiber-to-binding-material ratio. In particular, as described above, in order to improve the water absorption and mechanical strength of the second layer L2, it is preferable to set the fiber content in the sheet W to 65% by mass or more and 85% by mass or less.

[0062] Fibers and binding materials are mixed while being conveyed into the stacking section 100 within the pipe 40, thus forming a mixture. To promote the formation of the mixture in the pipe 40 and improve its conveyability, a blower or similar device that generates airflow may be installed in the pipe 40. The mixture is introduced from the pipe 40 into the stacking section 100 via the connecting part 42. Then, it proceeds to the stacking process S4.

[0063] The stacking process S4 is performed in the stacking section 100. The stacking section 100 stacks the mixture in air onto a breathable fabric N1, thereby generating a sheet W that becomes the second layer L2. Fabric N1 becomes the first layer L1 of the dyeing and printing fabric CL1. In other words, the sheet W is formed by stacking a mixture containing de-fibered fibers and additives in air onto fabric N1, which becomes the first layer L1. This makes the formation of the sheet W and the change of its basis weight easier.

[0064] The stacking section 100 includes a roller section 101, a housing section 102 for housing the roller section 101, and a fabric supply section 71 for supplying fabric N1. The stacking section 100 introduces a mixture from the tube 40 into the interior of the roller section 101. Then, the mixture is stacked on the fabric N1 supplied from the fabric supply section 71 in a dry manner.

[0065] Below the stacking section 100, a sheet conveying section 70 including a mesh belt 122 and a suction mechanism 110 is disposed. The suction mechanism 110 is disposed opposite to the roller section 101 in the direction along the Z-axis, across the mesh belt 122.

[0066] The drum section 101 includes a blade member 101a that is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown), and a generally cylindrical sieve section 101b that is configured to cover mainly the lower part of the blade member 101a. The blade member 101a unwinds tangled fibers as it rotates. The sieve section 101b allows particles such as fibers and mixtures that are smaller than the opening size of the sieve mesh to pass from the inside to the outside. Thus, the mixture is unwound by the drum section 101 and dispersed in the air within the housing section 102.

[0067] The fabric supply unit 71 continuously feeds the roll of fabric N1 onto the mesh belt 122. When using fabric N1 with an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer of fabric N1 is positioned with its upward-facing side. Thus, the adhesive layer is in contact with the sheet W. Alternatively, pre-dyed fabric N1 can also be used.

[0068] The fiber-containing mixture is dispersed from the inside of the sieve section 101b into the air within the housing section 102. Furthermore, the fiber-containing mixture randomly accumulates above the fabric N1 being conveyed on the mesh belt 122. Therefore, it is difficult to orient the fibers in a specific direction within the fabric sheet W.

[0069] The sieve section 101b may not have the function of screening larger fibers in the mixture. That is, the roller section 101 may also break down the fibers of the mixture and release the entire mixture into the interior of the housing section 102. The mixture dispersed in the air inside the housing section 102 is accumulated on the surface above the fabric N1 by gravity and the suction force of the suction mechanism 110.

[0070] The weight per unit area of ​​the dyeing and printing fabric CL1 is adjusted by fabric N1, fabric N3 (described later), and the weight per unit area of ​​the fabric sheet W. The weight per unit area of ​​the fabric sheet W is adjusted by the rotational speed of the blade component 101a, the amount of mixture supplied to the stacking section 100 per unit time, and the conveying speed of fabric N1 achieved by the mesh belt 122.

[0071] Here, in the stacking process S4, the thickness of the second layer L2 of the fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing can also be adjusted by changing the thickness of the sheet W. The thickness of the second layer L2 can be adjusted by the unit area weight of the sheet W or the pressure applied during the forming process S6.

[0072] The sheet conveying unit 70 includes a mesh belt 122 and a suction mechanism 110. The sheet conveying unit 70 promotes the accumulation of the mixture onto the fabric N1 by means of the suction mechanism 110. In addition, the sheet conveying unit 70 conveys the sheet W formed by the mixture downstream by means of the rotation of the mesh belt 122.

[0073] A suction mechanism 110 is disposed below the roller section 101. The suction mechanism 110 draws air from inside the housing section 102 through multiple holes in the mesh belt 122 and through the breathable fabric N1. As a result, the mixture released to the outside of the roller section 101 is drawn downwards along with the air, accumulating on the surface above the fabric N1. A known suction device such as a blower can be used in the suction mechanism 110.

[0074] The mesh belt 122 has multiple holes that allow air to pass through, but makes it difficult for fibers and binding materials contained in the mixture to pass through. The mesh belt 122 is a seamless belt and is supported by four support rollers 121.

[0075] The mesh belt 122 moves downstream by the rotation of the mounting roller 121. In other words, the mesh belt 122... Figure 4 The conveyor belt 122 rotates clockwise. By utilizing the mounting roller 121 to rotate the conveyor belt 122, the mixture is continuously deposited onto the fabric N1 to form a sheet W. The sheet W is air-rich, making it soft and fluffy. The sheet W, along with the fabric N1, is conveyed downstream along with the movement of the conveyor belt 122. Then, it proceeds to the bonding process S5.

[0076] Alternatively, a humidifier can be installed downstream of the stacking section 100 to spray water in a mist onto the sheet W for humidification. This can suppress the scattering of fibers or binding materials contained in the sheet W. Furthermore, the water used for humidification can contain water-soluble additives, and surface treatment can be applied to the sheet W, which becomes the second layer L2, in parallel with humidification.

[0077] Here, when manufacturing the aforementioned dyeing and printing fabric CL2, in the stacking process S4, the stacking section 100 and another stacking section downstream of the stacking section 100 are configured. Although the illustration is omitted, firstly, in the stacking section 100, a first sheet that becomes the lower layer L2a is generated by stacking on the fabric N1, which becomes the first layer L1. Then, while the fabric N1 and the first sheet are being conveyed downstream, a second sheet that becomes the upper layer L2b is generated by stacking on the first sheet in the aforementioned other stacking section.

[0078] The difference in absorbency between the upper layer L2b and the lower layer L2a can be achieved by changing the basis weight of the first sheet that becomes the lower layer L2a and the basis weight of the second sheet that becomes the upper layer L2b in the stacking process S4. Specifically, the basis weight of the first sheet is made larger than that of the second sheet. Basis weight is equivalent to thickness; a larger basis weight results in a larger thickness. Therefore, when the basis weight of the first sheet is greater than that of the second sheet, the ink absorption capacity of the lower layer L2a becomes greater than that of the upper layer L2b. Consequently, the ink that has penetrated into the second layer L2 is more likely to penetrate from the upper layer L2b to the lower layer L2a. This further suppresses the bleeding of ink in the third layer L3.

[0079] To increase the absorbency of the lower layer L2a compared to the upper layer L2b, the material of the fibers in each layer can be modified. Specifically, the content of natural fibers such as cotton and wool can be increased in the lower layer L2a, while the content of chemical fibers such as polyester can be increased in the upper layer L2b. This increases the hydrophilicity of the lower layer L2a relative to the upper layer L2b, thereby increasing its absorbency relative to the upper layer L2b.

[0080] The pasting process S5 is performed in the pasting section 73. The pasting section 73 will then paste the fabric N3 of the third layer L3 onto the surface above the sheet W.

[0081] Fabric N3 is supplied from fabric supply unit 72 to adhesive unit 73. Fabric supply unit 72 continuously feeds the roll of fabric N3 upwards onto the sheet W. When using fabric N3 with an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer is brought into contact with the upper surface of the sheet W.

[0082] The bonding section 73 adheres the upper surface of the sheet W to the lower surface of the fabric N3. The bonding section 73 is a pair of pressing rollers that press together the fabric N1, the sheet W, and the fabric N3 by clamping them in the middle from above and below. Then, the process proceeds to the forming process S6.

[0083] A bouncing roller 141 is arranged between the pasting process S5 and the forming process S6. The bouncing roller 141 ensures the processing time of the downstream forming process S6. Specifically, the forming process S6 is a batch process. Therefore, the processing time in the forming process S6 is ensured by moving the bouncing roller 141 up and down relative to the continuously conveyed fabric N1, sheet W, and fabric N3. Fabric N1, sheet W, and fabric N3 are conveyed downstream via the bouncing roller 141.

[0084] Forming step S6 is performed in forming section 150. Forming section 150 overlaps fabric N1, sheet W, and fabric N3 of the first layer L1, and heats and presses them to form the shape. Forming section 150 is a heated stamping device, which includes an upper substrate 152 and a lower substrate 151. The upper substrate 152 and lower substrate 151 are pressurized by sandwiching fabric N1, sheet W, and fabric N3 in between, and heated by a built-in heater. Furthermore, in forming step S6, a pair of heated rollers can be used to continuously perform forming step S6. When using a pair of heated rollers, the skip roller 141 can be omitted.

[0085] The sheet W is compressed from top to bottom by applying pressure, thereby increasing its density through fabrics N1 and N3. Then, by heating, the bonding material melts and spreads between the fibers. When heating ends and the bonding material solidifies, the fibers are bonded together through the bonding material. Furthermore, fabrics N1 and N3 are adhered to the sheet W through the bonding material. Thus, fabric N1 becomes the first layer L1, the sheet W becomes the second layer L2, and fabric N3 becomes the third layer L3.

[0086] The pressure conditions in the forming section 150 are appropriately adjusted according to the desired density of the fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing. For example, in the forming process S6, the pressure is set to 0.01 MPa or more. In particular, in order to improve the water absorption of the second layer L2, it is preferable to set the pressure to 0.70 MPa or less. This improves the water absorption of the second layer L2, thereby further suppressing the bleeding of ink in the third layer L3.

[0087] The heating conditions in the forming section 150 are appropriately adjusted according to the type of bonding material and its melting point or hardening temperature. For example, in the forming process S6, the heating temperature is set to 90°C or higher. In particular, in order to improve the water absorption of the second layer L2, the heating temperature is preferably set to 140°C or lower. This improves the water absorption of the second layer L2, thereby further suppressing the bleeding of ink in the third layer L3.

[0088] In the forming section 150, fabric N1, sheet W, and fabric N3 are used to form a strip-shaped dyeing fabric CL1 that integrates them.

[0089] A cutting section 160 is disposed downstream of the forming section 150. The cutting section 160 shapes the edges of the strip-shaped dyeing fabric CL1 along the Y-axis. The cutting section 160 has a longitudinal blade (not shown). The longitudinal blade cuts the strip-shaped dyeing fabric CL1 along the conveying direction. As a result, the edges of the dyeing fabric CL1 at both ends are trimmed.

[0090] Furthermore, the strip-shaped dyeing fabric CL1 is rolled into a roll to become a cloth. Through the above manufacturing process, a dyeing fabric CL1 comprising a first layer L1, a second layer L2, and a third layer L3 is produced.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, the liquid dispensing device 2 includes a control unit 205, a media conveying unit 220, a recording unit 260, a drying unit 270, a winding unit 240, an operation panel 280, and a cleaning mechanism 290. The liquid dispensing device 2 also includes a frame (not shown). Each structure of the liquid dispensing device 2 is supported by the frame 201. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different device.) Figure 5 Unless otherwise specified, the description in the relevant instructions will describe the state when observed from the -X direction.

[0092] In the liquid jetting device 2, as the printing and dyeing step S7 in the printing and dyeing method of this embodiment, inkjet printing and dyeing are performed on the third layer L3 of the fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing. The liquid jetting device 2 manufactures the printed and dyed material by adhering water-based inks or the like to the third layer L3. In the inkjet printing and dyeing described here, in addition to coloring with a single color, it also includes forming images such as text, patterns, pictures, and photographs.

[0093] Alternatively, the manufacturing process of the fabric CL1 and the dyeing process S7 can be performed discontinuously. For example, the dyeing process S7 can be performed after the manufactured fabric CL1 has been stored, transported, or distributed.

[0094] The control unit 205 is electrically connected to each structure of the liquid ejection device 2 and comprehensively controls the operation of each structure. The control unit 205 includes hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 205 executes a predetermined control program via the CPU. The ROM is a non-volatile storage device that stores the control program executed by the CPU and the data processed within the control program. The RAM constitutes the CPU's working area. The CPU expands the control program read from the ROM, etc., into the RAM and executes the expanded control program.

[0095] The operation panel 280 is also electrically connected to the control unit 205. The operation panel 280 receives various information displayed for the user of the liquid dispensing device 2, as well as input of various operations or settings performed by the user. The control unit 205 also controls the liquid dispensing device 2 based on the information input to the operation panel 280. In the following description, the user of the liquid dispensing device 2 will be referred to simply as the user.

[0096] The operation panel 280 is supported on the frame 201 by a component not shown and is positioned above the liquid dispensing device 2 at its +Y end. The user stands in the +Y direction of the liquid dispensing device 2 and performs various inputs while visually viewing the operation panel 280. The operation panel 280 may be, for example, a touch-screen LCD. In addition to the LCD, the operation panel 280 may also have physical buttons.

[0097] The media conveying unit 220 includes a media supply unit 210, conveying rollers 221, 222, 223, and 224, a conveying mechanism 230, and a winding unit 240. The media conveying unit 220 conveys the fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing along a conveying path from upstream to downstream.

[0098] The media supply unit 210 includes a supply shaft 211, a bearing 212, and a rotation drive unit (not shown). The supply shaft 211 is generally cylindrical and holds the core of the roll of fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing. The bearing 212 supports both ends of the supply shaft 211 in a detachable and rotatable manner along the X-axis.

[0099] The rotary drive unit is, for example, an electric motor, which drives the supply shaft 211 to rotate. By rotating the supply shaft 211 and the conveying mechanism 230 described later with rotating rollers 232, the fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing is unwound from the roll and fed downstream.

[0100] The fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing is conveyed from the medium supply unit 210, and its conveying direction is changed to approximately +Y direction by passing through the conveyor roller 222 via the conveyor roller 221. The fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing is then handed over to the conveying mechanism 230 from approximately -Y direction.

[0101] The conveying mechanism 230 includes rotating rollers 231 and 232, a conveyor belt 233, and a pressing part 250.

[0102] Conveyor belt 233 is located between conveyor rollers 222 and 223 and conveys the dyeing and printing fabric CL1. Conveyor belt 233 is a seamless belt and is mounted on an area including a position relative to the recording unit 260 in the vertical direction via belt rotating rollers 231 and 232. Conveyor belt 233 has an outer peripheral surface 233a and an inner peripheral surface 233b. The outer peripheral surface 233a and the inner peripheral surface 233b are opposite to each other. The dyeing and printing fabric CL1 can be placed on the outer peripheral surface 233a.

[0103] The conveyor belt 233 has an adhesive layer (not shown). This adhesive layer has adhesive force relative to the dyeing fabric CL1, enabling the dyeing fabric CL1 to be adhered. The adhesive layer is provided throughout the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface 233a. With the dyeing fabric CL1 adhered to the adhesive layer, the conveyor belt 233 is driven to rotate counterclockwise by belt rotating rollers 231 and 232. As a result, the dyeing fabric CL1 is conveyed in the conveying direction. The conveying direction of the dyeing fabric CL1 on the conveyor belt 233 is the +Y direction.

[0104] Along the X-axis, the width of the conveyor belt 233 is wider than the width of the fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing. The direction intersecting the conveying direction is defined as the width direction of the conveyor belt 233. In this embodiment, the width direction of the conveyor belt 233 is along the X-axis.

[0105] The rotating rollers 231 and 232 are generally cylindrical rotating components and are paired with each other. The rotating rollers 231 and 232 are each capable of rotating along a rotation axis along the X-axis. The rotating rollers 231 and 232 are arranged opposite each other along the Y-axis. The rotating roller 231 is located upstream of the conveying mechanism 230 and is positioned near the conveyor roller 222 in the +Y direction. The rotating roller 232 is located downstream of the conveying mechanism 230 and is positioned near the conveyor roller 223 in the -Y direction. A support member for supporting the conveyor belt 233 may also be arranged between the rotating rollers 231 and 232.

[0106] The belt rotating roller 231 is a driven roller that rotates counterclockwise by transmitting the rotation of the belt rotating roller 232 via the conveyor belt 233. The belt rotating roller 231 is rotatably supported by a roller support portion (not shown).

[0107] The rotating roller 232 is driven to rotate counterclockwise by a conveyor drive motor (not shown). The conveyor drive motor is controlled by a control unit 205. The rotating roller 232 is rotatably supported by a roller support 239.

[0108] The fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing is transferred from the conveyor roller 222 to the conveyor mechanism 230 and placed on the outer peripheral surface 233a of the conveyor belt 233 above the rotating roller 231. At this time, the fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing may not be in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 233a.

[0109] The outer peripheral surface 233a supports the fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing from below. The inner peripheral surface 233b contacts the belt rotating rollers 231 and 232. The conveyor belt 233 is driven to rotate by the friction between the inner peripheral surface 233b and the belt rotating rollers 232. The belt rotating rollers 231 are driven by the friction between the inner peripheral surface 233b and the belt rotating rollers 231.

[0110] Along the width direction of the conveyor belt 233, i.e., the X-axis, the width of the adhesive layer on the outer peripheral surface 233a is approximately equal to the width of the conveyor belt 233. The path of the conveyor belt 233 from the belt rotating roller 231 to the belt rotating roller 232 is the conveying path of the fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing. The path of the conveyor belt 233 folding back at the belt rotating roller 232 and towards the belt rotating roller 231 is designated as the non-conveyor path. The outer peripheral surface 233a faces upward on the conveyor path and downward on the non-conveyor path.

[0111] The adhesive layer on the outer peripheral surface 233a adheres the first layer L1 of the fabric CL1 for printing and dyeing to the surface through adhesive force. The adhesive layer may contain adhesive materials with adhesive force, such as silicone resin, acrylic resin, or polyurethane resin. In the liquid dispensing device 2, acrylic resin is used as the substrate of the adhesive layer.

[0112] The pressing section 250 is positioned near the rotating roller 231 in the +Y direction. The pressing section 250 includes a pressing roller 251, a pair of support sections 253, a heating section 254, and a pair of drive sections (not shown). The pressing section 250 presses the printing and dyeing fabric CL1 against the adhesive layer of the conveyor belt 233 to adhere the printing and dyeing fabric CL1 to the adhesive layer.

[0113] The pressing roller 251 is a generally cylindrical rotating component. The axis of rotation of the pressing roller 251 is along the X-axis and it is positioned above the conveyor belt 233. Support portions 253 are respectively positioned at both ends along the X-axis relative to the pressing roller 251. The pressing roller 251 is rotatably supported by a pair of support portions 253. Each pair of support portions 253 is supported by a drive unit. Along the X-axis, the length of the pressing roller 251 is approximately equal to the width of the conveyor belt 233.

[0114] One of the drive units, which supports the end of the pressing roller 251 in the -X direction, is further positioned in the -X direction. The other drive unit, which supports the end of the pressing roller 251 in the +X direction, is further positioned in the +X direction.

[0115] A pair of drive units, driven by a lifting drive motor (not shown), move vertically while supporting a pair of support units 253. Therefore, the pressing roller 251 can be displaced vertically while being supported by the support units 253. This allows for adjustment of the pressing force exerted by the pressing roller 251 on the adhesive layer of the printing and dyeing fabric CL1 on its outer peripheral surface 233a.

[0116] Although the illustration is omitted, the pair of drive units, driven by guide members and a motor, reciprocate along the Y-axis while supporting the pair of support units 253. Therefore, the pressing roller 251, supported by the support units 253, is able to reciprocate along the Y-axis.

[0117] The heating element 254 heats the conveyor belt 233. The heating element 254 is positioned below the conveyor belt 233, relative to the pressing roller 251. The upper surface of the heating element 254 is generally planar and contacts the lower inner circumferential surface 233b of the conveyor belt 233 along the conveying path. The distance of the heating element 254 along the Y-axis is approximately equal to the distance the pressing roller 251 travels reciprocating in both the conveying direction and the reverse conveying direction. The distance of the heating element 254 along the X-axis is approximately equal to the width of the conveyor belt 233 along the X-axis.

[0118] The heating element 254 is, for example, an electric heater. Heating by the heating element 254 heats the adhesive layer on the outer peripheral surface 233a of the conveyor belt 233. Heating increases the softness of the adhesive layer, thereby increasing its adhesion to the printing and dyeing fabric CL1. The heating temperature achieved by the heating element 254 is, for example, 35°C or higher and 60°C or lower on the surface above the heating element 254.

[0119] In the pressing section 250, the dyeing fabric CL1 is placed on the surface above the heating section 254 via the conveyor belt 233. The heating section 254 heats the conveyor belt 233, and the pressing roller 251 presses the dyeing fabric CL1 onto the adhesive layer from above. In parallel, the pressing roller 251 rotates and reciprocates in the +Y and -Y conveying directions. The dyeing fabric CL1 and the conveyor belt 233 are clamped and pressed between the surface above the heating section 254 and the pressing roller 251, thereby making the dyeing fabric CL1 adhere tightly to the outer peripheral surface 233a.

[0120] The dyeing and printing fabric CL1 is conveyed in the +Y direction while being pressed against the conveyor belt 233 via the pressing section 250. Alternatively, the pressing roller 251 can replace the heating section 254 to heat the conveyor belt 233. Furthermore, depending on the type of dyeing and printing fabric CL1 and the characteristics of the adhesive layer, the heating section 254 can be omitted.

[0121] As a structure in which the pressing roller 251 has the function of heating the conveyor belt 233, the following hot roller configurations can be listed. The hot roller configuration includes a support plate with a shape approximately the same as the heating section 254, a hot roller with a shape similar to the pressing roller 251, a pair of support sections 253, and a pair of drive sections. That is, the hot roller configuration operates in the same way as the pressing section 250, except that the hot roller performs the heating function of the heating section 254.

[0122] The recording unit 260 is positioned approximately at the middle of the Y-axis along the conveyor belt 233, facing the outer peripheral surface 233a and the dyeing fabric CL1 in the vertical direction. The recording unit 260 ejects ink or the like onto the dyeing fabric CL1 being conveyed by the conveyor belt 233, thus recording the process. This performs dyeing on the dyeing fabric CL1. The recording unit 260 includes an ejection section 261 (which serves as an inkjet head), a carriage 262, and a guide rail 263.

[0123] The guide rail 263 is a structural component extending along the X-axis and is positioned above the conveyor mechanism 230. The guide rail 263 supports the carriage 262 in a manner that allows it to move along the X-axis. The carriage 262, supported by the guide rail 263, reciprocates along the X-axis via a carriage drive motor (not shown). The ejector 261 is mounted below the carriage 262 and reciprocates along the X-axis relative to the conveyor belt 233 together with the carriage 262.

[0124] The ejector section 261 ejects ink or the like onto the printing and dyeing fabric CL1, which is placed on the outer peripheral surface 233a and conveyed, causing it to adhere. The ejector section 261 has a nozzle surface (not shown) facing downwards. The nozzle surface is vertically opposed to the conveyor belt 233 and the printing and dyeing fabric CL1. Multiple nozzle rows are arranged on the nozzle surface. Each of the multiple nozzle rows consists of multiple nozzles. Each of the multiple nozzle rows individually ejects various inks, such as blue-green, magenta, yellow, and black, onto the aforementioned third layer L3 of the printing and dyeing fabric CL1. In this embodiment, a water-based pigment ink is used as the ink.

[0125] In the ejection section 261, a piezoelectric element is used as the drive unit, i.e., the actuator. The drive unit is not limited to this. For example, an electromechanical conversion element that displaces the vibrating plate as an actuator by electrostatic adsorption, or an electrothermal conversion element that ejects ink as droplets by bubbles generated by heating, may also be used in the drive unit.

[0126] Although the illustration is omitted, the ink is supplied from the ink tank to the ejection section 261 via ink piping. The ink ejected from the ejection section 261 adheres to the upward-facing surface of the printing fabric CL1, namely the aforementioned third layer L3.

[0127] Here, the behavior of ink droplets adhering to fabrics such as CL1 used for printing and dyeing will be explained. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the existing dyeing fabric CL3, used as a comparative example, has a single-layer structure composed of fabric N3. When dyeing is performed on the dyeing fabric CL3, fabric N3, as the dyeing fabric CL3, adheres tightly to the outer peripheral surface 233a of the conveyor belt 233. Here, in Figure 8 And the following description Figure 6 , Figure 7 In the diagram, white hollow arrows are used to indicate the direction of ink droplet D's penetration. The size of the arrows schematically indicates the amount of ink penetrating.

[0128] Ink droplets D, sprayed onto the printing and dyeing fabric CL3, land on the surface above the fabric CL3 and penetrate into it. If the fabric N3 is thin, the ink cannot penetrate sufficiently in the -Z direction. In other words, the amount of ink penetrating into the printing and dyeing fabric CL3 is small, and the ink penetration in the -Z direction saturates quickly. Furthermore, the ink has difficulty penetrating the conveyor belt 233. Therefore, ink droplets D tend to penetrate into the printing and dyeing fabric CL3 in a direction intersecting the Z-axis. Consequently, the lateral penetration of ink droplets D, or in other words, wetting and spreading, becomes more significant. Therefore, in the existing printing and dyeing fabric CL3, increasing the amount of adhering ink makes ink bleeding more likely.

[0129] Compared to the existing dyeing fabric CL3, the dyeing fabrics CL1 and CL2 of this embodiment have improved water absorption in the -Z direction, thereby suppressing the occurrence of seepage.

[0130] like Figure 6 As shown, even though the fabric N3, which serves as the third layer L3, is thin, the ink droplets D sprayed onto the printing and dyeing fabric CL1 primarily penetrate in the -Z direction. This is because, in addition to the multi-layered structure of the printing and dyeing fabric CL1, it also stems from the difference in water absorption between the third layer L3 and the second layer L2. Therefore, compared to the aforementioned printing and dyeing fabric CL3, the ink droplets D become less likely to spread laterally. Thus, even if the amount of ink adhering to the printing and dyeing fabric CL1 is increased, ink bleeding is unlikely to occur.

[0131] like Figure 7 As shown, even though the fabric N3, which serves as the third layer L3, is thin, the ink droplets D sprayed onto the printing and dyeing fabric CL2 primarily penetrate in the -Z direction. This is because, in addition to the multi-layered structure of the printing and dyeing fabric CL1, it also stems from the differences in water absorption between the third layer L3, the upper layer L2b, and the lower layer L2a. Therefore, compared to the printing and dyeing fabric CL1, the ink droplets D become more difficult to spread laterally. Consequently, even with an increased amount of attached ink, ink bleeding is even less likely to occur in the printing and dyeing fabric CL2.

[0132] Return to Figure 5 While the ejector unit 261 reciprocates along the X-axis, the printing fabric CL1 is conveyed in the +Y direction via the conveyor belt 233. At this time, ink or the like adheres to the printing fabric CL1 from the ejector unit 261 at predetermined timings. As a result, a desired image or the like is formed on the printing fabric CL1.

[0133] A functional liquid can also be applied to the printing and dyeing fabric CL1 sequentially with the application of ink to the fabric. Examples of functional liquids include softeners that improve the hand feel of the printed and dyed fabric, and treatment liquids that improve the abrasion resistance and wash fastness of the printed and dyed fabric. The functional liquid can be sprayed from the spraying section 261 in the same way as the ink, or it can be applied to the printing and dyeing fabric CL1 through a device other than the spraying section 261.

[0134] In the ejection section 261, pre-ejection is performed before the ink is ejected onto the printing and dyeing fabric CL1, and during the ejection intervals. Pre-ejection is performed to suppress the drying or setting of ink at the gas-liquid interface within each nozzle of the ejection section 261, and to prevent color mixing after cleaning the nozzles. The implementation of pre-ejection is controlled by the control section 205. The timing, time interval, and amount of ink pre-ejected are appropriately set according to the type and characteristics of the ink.

[0135] After being dyed, the dyeing fabric CL1 is further conveyed in the +Y direction from a position opposite to the recording unit 260. Then, the dyeing fabric CL1 is peeled off from the conveyor belt 233 approximately above the rotating roller 232 and handed over to the conveyor roller 223 downstream of the rotating roller 232.

[0136] The conveyor belt 233 is folded back from the conveying path to the non-conveying path by means of the belt rotating roller 232, and moves in the -Y direction with the outer peripheral surface 233a facing downward.

[0137] The cleaning mechanism 290 cleans the adhesive layer of the conveyor belt 233. The cleaning mechanism 290 is positioned below the conveyor belt 233, which is not part of the conveying path, and faces the outer peripheral surface 233a in the vertical direction. Because of the adhesive layer, the fabric CL1 used for printing and dyeing is conveyed in close contact with the ground, and pre-spraying is performed, ink, threads, or other contaminants from the fabric CL1 easily adhere to the adhesive layer on the outer peripheral surface 233a. Therefore, the adhesive layer is kept clean by using the cleaning mechanism 290.

[0138] The cleaning unit 290 can use known cleaning devices. Examples of such cleaning devices include those equipped with a cleaning tank and a cleaning brush. In such a device, a cleaning solution such as water stored in the cleaning tank is applied to the cleaning brush, and the brush is used to wipe away the adhering dirt.

[0139] After being cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 290, the conveyor belt 233 is folded back from the non-conveying path to the conveying path by means of the belt rotating roller 231, and moves in the +Y direction with its outer peripheral surface 233a facing upward. In this way, the conveyor belt 233 rotates counterclockwise.

[0140] The conveyor roller 223 peels the printed fabric CL1, which has been dyed, off the conveyor belt 233. The printed fabric peeled off the conveyor belt 233 is conveyed in a generally +Y direction, and the conveying direction is changed to generally downward by the conveyor roller 223. The conveyor rollers 223 and 224 relay the printed fabric to the take-up section 240.

[0141] A drying section 270 is disposed between conveyor rollers 223 and 224. The drying section 270 dries the ink adhering to the printed material. The drying section 270 includes, for example, an infrared heater. The infrared rays emitted by the infrared heater cause the volatile components contained in the ink adhering to the printed material to evaporate. As a result, the ink droplets are dried, and the printed material can be wound up by the winding section 240. The printed material is moved towards the winding section 240 via the conveyor rollers 224.

[0142] The take-up section 240 is located downstream and below the conveyor roller 224. The take-up section 240 recovers the printed and dyed material. The take-up section 240 includes a take-up shaft section 241, a bearing section 242, and a rotary drive section (not shown). The take-up shaft section 241 is generally cylindrical and winds the printed and dyed material into a roll. The bearing section 242 rotatably supports both ends of the take-up shaft section 241 along the X-axis. Furthermore, the take-up shaft section 241 is detachable from the bearing section 242. The rotary drive section rotates the take-up shaft section 241 counterclockwise. By rotating the take-up shaft section 241, the printed and dyed material is wound up. In this manner, the above-described printing and dyeing process S7 is performed, thereby producing a printed and dyed material from the printing and dyeing fabric CL1.

[0143] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0144] This method improves the color development of thin fabrics. Specifically, in the dyeing process S7, the ink adhering to the third layer L3 penetrates into the third layer L3 and further into the second layer L2. In other words, since the penetrating components of the ink also penetrate in the thickness direction (-Z direction) of the dyeing fabrics CL1 and CL2, penetration into the transverse direction intersecting the Z-axis is reduced. Therefore, even if the third layer L3 is a thin fabric, bleeding can be suppressed, thus increasing the amount of ink adhering to the dyeing fabrics CL1 and CL2. Therefore, a dyeing method that improves the color development of thin fabrics can be provided. Furthermore, dyeing fabrics CL1 and CL2 that improve color development can be provided.

[0145] The following describes the content derived from the implementation method.

[0146] The dyeing method is characterized by the following steps: a defibering process, in which fabric is defibered in a dry manner to generate fibers; a blending process, in which additives are mixed into the fibers obtained by the defibering process to generate a mixture; a stacking process, in which the mixture is stacked in the air on a breathable fabric that becomes the first layer to generate a absorbent sheet that becomes the second layer; a bonding process, in which fabric that becomes the third layer is bonded to the surface of the sheet; a forming process, in which the first layer fabric, the sheet, and the third layer fabric are overlapped and heated and pressed to form a fabric for dyeing, thereby manufacturing a fabric for dyeing that includes the first, second, and third layers; and a dyeing process, in which inkjet printing is performed on the third layer of the fabric for dyeing.

[0147] According to this structure, the color rendering properties of thin fabrics can be improved. Specifically, during the dyeing process, the ink adhering to the third layer penetrates into the third layer and further into the second layer. That is, since the penetrating components of the ink also penetrate in the thickness direction of the fabric, lateral penetration across the thickness direction is reduced. Therefore, even if the third layer is thin, bleeding can be suppressed, thus increasing the amount of ink adhering to the fabric. Therefore, a dyeing method that improves the color rendering properties of thin fabrics can be provided.

[0148] In the above dyeing and printing methods, the absorbency of the second layer is higher than that of the third layer.

[0149] According to this structure, during the printing and dyeing process, the ink adhering to the third layer becomes easier to penetrate into the second layer through the third layer. Therefore, the bleeding of ink in the third layer is further suppressed, thereby enabling a further increase in the amount of ink adhering to the surface.

[0150] In the above dyeing and printing methods, the absorbency of the first layer is higher than that of the third layer.

[0151] According to this structure, during the printing and dyeing process, the ink adhering to the third layer becomes more easily absorbed into the first layer via the third and second layers. Therefore, the bleeding of ink in the third layer is further suppressed, thereby enabling a further increase in the amount of ink adhering to the surface.

[0152] In the above-mentioned dyeing and printing methods, the fabric contains natural fibers.

[0153] Based on this structure, natural fibers are more hydrophilic than chemical fibers. Therefore, the water absorption of the second layer will be improved, thereby further inhibiting the bleeding of ink in the third layer.

[0154] In the above-mentioned dyeing method, the fiber content in the second layer is 65% by mass or more and 85% by mass or less relative to the second layer.

[0155] According to this structure, by making the fiber content 65% by mass or more, the water absorption of the second layer will be improved, thereby further suppressing the bleeding of ink in the third layer. By making the fiber content 85% by mass or less, the mechanical strength of the second layer can be improved.

[0156] In the above-mentioned printing and dyeing method, the heating temperature is set to below 140°C in the forming process.

[0157] According to this structure, the water absorption of the second layer will be improved, thereby further suppressing the bleeding of ink in the third layer.

[0158] In the above-mentioned printing and dyeing method, in the forming process, the pressure applied is set to 0.70 MPa or less.

[0159] According to this structure, the water absorption of the second layer will be improved, thereby further suppressing the bleeding of ink in the third layer.

[0160] In the above-mentioned dyeing and printing method, the second layer includes a lower layer and an upper layer. In the stacking process, a first sheet that becomes the lower layer is generated on the fabric that becomes the first layer, and a second sheet that becomes the upper layer is generated on the first sheet. The water absorption of the lower layer is higher than that of the upper layer.

[0161] According to this structure, the ink absorbed by the second layer is easily absorbed from the upper layer to the lower layer. Therefore, the water absorption of the second layer will be further improved, thereby further suppressing the bleeding of ink in the third layer.

[0162] In the above-mentioned printing and dyeing method, the weight of the first sheet is larger than that of the second sheet.

[0163] According to this structure, the ink that has penetrated into the second layer becomes more likely to penetrate from the upper layer to the lower layer. Therefore, the bleeding of ink in the third layer can be further suppressed.

[0164] The fabric for printing and dyeing is characterized by having: a first layer that is breathable; a second layer that is superimposed on the first layer and is composed of fiber stacking and is absorbent; and a third layer that is superimposed on the second layer and is subjected to inkjet printing, wherein the thickness of the third layer is thinner than that of the second layer, and the absorbency of the second layer is higher than that of the third layer.

[0165] According to this structure, the color rendering properties of thin fabrics can be improved. Specifically, during printing and dyeing, the ink adhering to the third layer easily penetrates from the third layer to the second layer. That is, since the penetrating components of the ink also penetrate in the thickness direction of the fabric, lateral penetration across the thickness direction is reduced. Therefore, even if the third layer is a thin fabric, bleeding can be suppressed, thereby increasing the amount of ink adhering to the fabric. Thus, a printing and dyeing fabric with improved color rendering can be provided.

[0166] Symbol Explanation C… as raw material for fabric; CL1, CL2… fabric for printing and dyeing; L1… first layer; L2… second layer; L2a… lower layer; L2b… upper layer; L3… third layer; N1… fabric that becomes the first layer; N3… fabric that becomes the third layer; S2… desiccation process; S3… mixing process; S4… stacking process; S5… bonding process; S6… forming process; S7… printing and dyeing process; W… sheet material.

Claims

1. A dyeing and printing method, characterized in that, have: The defiberization process involves dry defiberizing the fabric to generate fibers. A mixing process involves mixing additives into the fibers obtained from the defiberization process to generate a mixture; The stacking process involves stacking the mixture in the air onto a breathable fabric that forms the first layer, in order to generate a absorbent sheet that forms the second layer. In the pasting process, the fabric that forms the third layer is pasted onto the surface of the sheet. The forming process involves overlapping the fabric that will become the first layer, the sheet material, and the fabric that will become the third layer, and heating and pressing them together to form the fabric, thereby manufacturing a dyeing and printing fabric comprising the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer. The printing and dyeing process involves inkjet printing and dyeing the third layer of the fabric to be printed and dyed.

2. The dyeing and printing method as described in claim 1, wherein, The second layer has higher absorbency than the third layer.

3. The dyeing and printing method as described in claim 2, wherein, The first layer has higher absorbency than the third layer.

4. The dyeing method as described in claim 1, wherein, The fabric contains natural fibers.

5. The dyeing and printing method as described in claim 1, wherein, The fiber content in the second layer is 65% by mass or more and 85% by mass or less relative to the second layer.

6. The dyeing and printing method as described in claim 1, wherein, In the forming process, the heating temperature is set to below 140°C.

7. The dyeing and printing method as described in claim 1, wherein, In the forming process, the pressure applied is set to 0.70 MPa or less.

8. The dyeing and printing method as described in claim 1, wherein, The second layer consists of a lower layer and an upper layer. In the stacking process, a first sheet is formed on top of the fabric that becomes the first layer to become the lower layer, and a second sheet is formed on top of the first sheet to become the upper layer. The lower layer has higher absorbency than the upper layer.

9. The dyeing and printing method as described in claim 8, wherein, The weight of the first sheet is greater than that of the second sheet.

10. A fabric for printing and dyeing, characterized in that, have: The first layer is breathable; The second layer, which is superimposed on the first layer, is made of stacked fibers and has water absorption properties; The third layer, which is superimposed on the second layer, is then subjected to inkjet printing. The third layer is thinner than the second layer. The second layer has higher absorbency than the third layer.

Images