A yarn accumulator with inkjet function
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521360421.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-18
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-06-30
AI Technical Summary
然而，这些方法大多未能实现对每根纱线的独立染色和张力调节，导致染色效果不均匀，且张力控制不稳定
[0018]1、精确的单根纱线染色：本实用新型能够对每根纱线进行独立的喷墨染色。喷墨组件的喷头能够精确地将染料喷射到纱线上，确保每根纱线的颜色一致性和均匀性，避免了传统染色方法中常见的颜色不均匀问题。
Smart Images
Figure CN224647214U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model is a yarn storage device with inkjet function, belonging to the field of yarn storage devices. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of the textile industry, consumers have increasingly higher demands for the aesthetics and functionality of fabrics. Traditional fabric dyeing methods, such as immersion dyeing and spray dyeing, while achieving color changes, often involve complex processes, high costs, and environmental impacts. Furthermore, these traditional methods may affect the fabric's feel and durability. In the field of warp knitting, although its production speed and flexibility are high, it still has certain limitations in color processing. Traditional warp knitting techniques can mostly only produce products with a single color or simple patterns. To achieve more complex designs or color gradient effects, additional dyeing or printing treatments are required after weaving. This not only increases production costs and complexity but may also lead to problems such as uneven dyeing. To simplify the production process and reduce environmental pollution, the textile industry has been seeking methods to achieve color changes directly during weaving. For example, inkjet technology disperses pigments into tiny droplets using a spray gun or atomizer, uniformly spraying them 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 may also lead to environmental pollution and increased costs. On the other hand, although jacquard technology can create a gradient effect on fabrics through the combination of different yarns and stitch patterns, its drawing efficiency is low and it requires a lot of manual drawing, which prolongs the production cycle, and the jacquard effect looks 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 advantages of digital inkjet printing technology lie in its ability to achieve highly customized pattern designs and the ability to quickly change different patterns, greatly improving production flexibility. However, current inkjet printing technology is mainly applied to finished fabrics, with relatively little research on direct color processing during online production. Furthermore, the post-dyeing treatment of yarn is also a crucial step. In traditional dyeing processes, the yarn's tension and crimp change due to variations in moisture after dyeing, requiring re-warping to restore tension consistency and morphological stability. This process not only increases production steps but can also affect the quality of the final product.
[0004] To overcome these problems, researchers began exploring methods to integrate dyeing functions into warp knitting machines. Currently, some research focuses on how to place inkjet devices at different locations on the warp knitting machine to achieve online dyeing. However, most of these methods fail to achieve independent dyeing and tension adjustment for each yarn, resulting in uneven dyeing effects and unstable tension control. Utility Model Content
[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a yarn storage device with inkjet function.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution:
[0007] A yarn storage device with inkjet function includes a yarn guiding device, a yarn storage wheel assembly, and a tension control mechanism. The yarn guiding device is located at the top of the yarn storage device, the tension control mechanism is located at the bottom of the yarn storage device, the yarn storage wheel assembly is located between the yarn guiding device and the tension control mechanism, and the yarn storage device is also equipped with an inkjet system.
[0008] Preferably, the inkjet system includes an inkjet control terminal, an inkjet assembly, and a dye tank. The inkjet assembly includes a printhead and an ink guide tube. The printhead is connected to the dye tank through the ink guide tube. At the same time, the printhead is connected to the inkjet control terminal by circuit or wireless connection to receive instructions from the inkjet control terminal to control the printhead to perform inkjet operations.
[0009] Preferably, the inkjet system is located at the front end of the yarn guiding device, and a drying device is also located at the rear end of the inkjet system. The yarn enters the yarn guiding device after passing through the drying device.
[0010] Preferably, the inkjet system is disposed between the yarn guide device and the yarn storage wheel assembly.
[0011] 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.
[0012] Preferably, the drying device is a hot air drying device, and the drying device is arranged above the yarn storage wheel assembly.
[0013] Preferably, the front end of the inkjet system is also provided with a tension regulator.
[0014] Preferably, the bottom of the printhead of the inkjet system is also provided with a waste ink collection device, and the bottom of the waste ink collection device is connected to the waste ink tank via a waste ink tube.
[0015] Preferably, the inkjet system is located at the bottom of the tension control mechanism.
[0016] Preferably, the inkjet system is equipped with a drying device at the rear end and a waste ink collection device at the bottom of the printhead, with the bottom end of the waste ink collection device connected to the waste ink tank via a waste ink tube.
[0017] The yarn storage device with inkjet function proposed in this utility model has the following significant advantages:
[0018] 1. Precise single-yarn dyeing: This invention enables independent inkjet dyeing of each yarn. The inkjet unit's printhead can precisely spray dye onto the yarn, ensuring color consistency and uniformity for each yarn, avoiding the uneven color problem commonly found in traditional dyeing methods.
[0019] 2. Multi-color inkjet capability: By adding ink supply tubes and guide tubes of different colors, multi-color inkjet printing can be achieved. In particular, when multiple yarn reservoirs are set to different ink colors, rich color variations and complex pattern designs can be realized, meeting the market's demand for personalized and diversified products.
[0020] 3. Environmental friendliness: By installing a waste ink collection device at the bottom of the printhead, waste ink is collected into the waste ink tank through the waste ink tube, which effectively reduces the waste of dye and pollution to the environment.
[0021] 4. Cost-effectiveness: Compared with traditional dyeing and warping processes, this invention simplifies the process flow and reduces the breakage rate caused by uneven yarn tension, thereby lowering production costs. At the same time, the modular design and automated control also reduce equipment maintenance costs.
[0022] 5. Drying Efficiency and Yarn Quality Assurance: The hot air drying device ensures full contact between the forced-circulation hot air and the yarn, accelerating moisture evaporation through both heat conduction and convection. When the hot air contacts the yarn, heat is conducted to the fiber surface, causing moisture to vaporize. Simultaneously, the forced-circulation airflow carries away water vapor through convection. Compared to natural air drying or low-temperature drying, hot air drying can reduce the yarn moisture content to the required level in a short time, significantly shortening the post-dyeing processing cycle. Proper control of hot air temperature and velocity can reduce the damage to the fiber molecular structure caused by high temperatures, while simultaneously promoting the chemical bonding or physical adsorption of dyes onto the fibers.
[0023] In summary, this utility model provides an efficient, environmentally friendly, flexible, and cost-effective yarn inkjet dyeing solution, which is suitable for the growing demand of the modern textile industry for high-quality and personalized products. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Other features, objects, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:
[0025] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the inkjet system and waste ink collection device for the yarn storage unit;
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the yarn storage device structure of Embodiment 2 of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of Embodiment 2 of this utility model;
[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the yarn storage device structure of Embodiment 3 of this utility model;
[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of Embodiment 3 of this utility model;
[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the yarn storage device structure of Embodiment 4 of this utility model;
[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of Embodiment 4 of this utility model;
[0033] In the diagram: 10. Yarn guiding device; 20. Drying device; 30. Inkjet system; 31. Printhead; 32. Inkjet control terminal; 33. Ink guide tube; 34. Dye tank; 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 tank; Detailed Implementation
[0034] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.
[0035] Example 1:
[0036] For ease of description, this application defines the direction of yarn travel as 'rear end' and the opposite direction as 'front end'.
[0037] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1. This embodiment provides a yarn storage device with inkjet function, including a yarn guiding device, a yarn storage wheel assembly, and a tension control mechanism. The yarn guiding device is located at the top of the yarn storage device, the tension control mechanism is located at the bottom of the yarn storage device, the yarn storage wheel assembly is located between the yarn guiding device and the tension control mechanism, and the yarn storage device is also equipped with an inkjet system.
[0038] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a utility model inkjet system and a waste ink collection device. In this embodiment, the inkjet system includes an inkjet control terminal, an inkjet assembly, and a dye tank. The inkjet assembly includes a printhead and an ink guide tube. The printhead is connected to the dye tank through the ink guide tube. At the same time, the printhead is electrically connected to the inkjet control terminal and receives instructions from the inkjet control terminal to control the printhead to perform inkjet operations.
[0039] In this embodiment, the yarn is guided by the yarn guide device and then wound onto the yarn storage wheel. The yarn tension is controlled by the tension control mechanism. During the yarn transport process, ink is sprayed onto the yarn through the print head of the inkjet system.
[0040] This invention enables independent inkjet dyeing of each yarn. The inkjet unit's printhead can precisely spray dye onto the yarn, ensuring color consistency and uniformity for each yarn and avoiding the uneven color problem commonly found in traditional dyeing methods.
[0041] Example 2:
[0042] Please refer to Figures 1-3 ,in Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
[0043] This embodiment provides a yarn storage device with inkjet functionality, including a yarn storage base and a yarn guiding device, a yarn storage wheel assembly, and a tension control mechanism disposed thereon. The yarn guiding device is located at the top of the yarn storage device, the tension control mechanism is located at the bottom of the yarn storage device, and the yarn storage wheel assembly is located between the yarn guiding device and the tension control mechanism. An inkjet system is also provided on the yarn storage device. The inkjet system includes an inkjet control terminal, an inkjet assembly, and a dye tank. The printhead is electrically connected to the inkjet control terminal and receives commands from the inkjet control terminal to control the printhead to perform inkjet operations.
[0044] To prevent waste ink from dripping, the inkjet system is equipped with a waste ink collection device at the bottom of the printhead. The bottom of the waste ink collection device is connected to the waste ink tank via a waste ink tube. Waste ink is collected into the waste ink tank through the waste ink tube, effectively reducing dye waste and environmental pollution.
[0045] In this embodiment, the yarn storage wheel assembly includes a yarn storage wheel and a drive mechanism for driving its rotation. The drive mechanism includes a servo motor and a reducer. The drive mechanism is electrically connected to the drive controller and the inkjet control terminal.
[0046] 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.
[0047] The tension detection wheel has a wear-resistant coating on its surface. The wear-resistant coating is made of rubber or polyurethane and has a thickness of 1 mm. A yarn guide groove is provided 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 depth of the guide groove matches the yarn diameter to ensure that the yarn runs in the center and avoids measurement errors caused by lateral slippage. The guide groove has an inclination angle of 35° on both sides to guide the yarn to pass stably through the detection area through geometric constraints.
[0048] As the yarn passes through the guide groove, tension is applied to the tension detection wheel. The wheel's free rotation only changes the direction of the force, not its magnitude, thus avoiding interference with tension measurement. The two ends of the tension detection wheel are fixedly mounted inside the tension detection module. The tension sensor converts the mechanical deformation into an electrical signal and sends it to the inkjet control terminal, which calculates the precise tension value. The detection data is used to adjust the yarn storage wheel speed or inkjet pressure in real time via a PID algorithm to maintain stable tension. The specific methods for detecting yarn tension and calculating its value are existing technologies and will not be elaborated here.
[0049] To improve inkjet uniformity, at least one ink guide tube is provided. When multiple ink guide tubes are provided, the ink colors of the multiple ink guide tubes can be different, thereby enhancing the color diversity of inkjet printing. By adding ink supply tubes and guide tubes of different colors, multi-color inkjet printing can be achieved. In particular, when multiple yarn reservoirs are set to different ink colors, rich color variations and complex pattern designs can be achieved, meeting the market's demand for personalized and diversified products.
[0050] In this embodiment, the inkjet controller, tension sensor, and drive controller are connected in circuitry, and the tension signal detected by the sensor is used to adjust the speed of the yarn storage wheel and the inkjet pressure in real time through a PID algorithm.
[0051] In this embodiment, a tension regulator is installed at the top of the yarn storage device, and an inkjet system is installed below the tension regulator. A yarn guide device is installed at the rear end of the inkjet system, and a drying device is also installed 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, which has a hot air path inside. By forcibly circulating hot air to fully contact the yarn, the moisture content of the yarn can be reduced to the process requirements in a short time, and the evaporation of moisture is accelerated by utilizing the principles of heat conduction and convection.
[0052] Please refer to the following: Figure 4In this embodiment, when the yarn is inkjet colored, the yarn first passes through the tension regulator, and then passes through the print head of the inkjet system for inkjet coloring. During the dyeing process, the waste ink collection device collects the waste ink splashed outside the yarn area by the print head and flows into the waste ink tank through the waste ink pipe. After dyeing, the yarn passes through the drying device for dye fixation, and then passes through the yarn guide device to wind onto the yarn storage wheel. The other end extends out from the tension control mechanism on the yarn storage base.
[0053] Example 3:
[0054] Please refer to Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 ,in Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 3 of this utility model;
[0055] This embodiment provides a yarn storage device with inkjet functionality, including a yarn storage base and a yarn guiding device, a yarn storage wheel assembly, and a tension control mechanism disposed thereon. The yarn guiding device is located at the top of the yarn storage device, the tension control mechanism is located at the bottom of the yarn storage device, and the yarn storage wheel assembly is located between the yarn guiding device and the tension control mechanism. An inkjet system is also provided on the yarn storage device. The inkjet system includes an inkjet control terminal, an inkjet assembly, and a dye tank. The inkjet assembly includes a printhead and an ink guide tube. The printhead is connected to the dye tank through the ink guide tube. Simultaneously, the printhead is wirelessly connected to the inkjet control terminal, receiving commands from the inkjet control terminal to control the printhead to perform inkjet operations.
[0056] In this embodiment, a tension regulator is provided at the top of the yarn storage device, the inkjet system is located below the tension regulator and 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.
[0057] The drying device is a hot air drying device, and it is located above the yarn storage wheel assembly. The hot air drying device has a uniform air path inside, so that the yarn is heated and the air volume is consistent in all parts, avoiding yarn shrinkage, twisting or uneven dyeing (such as color spots, color stains) caused by uneven drying in some areas, ensuring that the moisture in the inner and outer layers evaporates at the same time, and improving the consistency of the finished product.
[0058] To prevent ink solidification, in this embodiment, the inkjet system is further equipped with a temperature control module for heating the ink guide tube, and a temperature controller for controlling the operation of the temperature control module. The temperature controller is connected to the inkjet control terminal. The temperature control module and controller of the inkjet assembly can achieve precise control of the inkjet process, ensuring uniform ink jetting and rapid drying. The inkjet control terminal uses a wireless signal connection, realizing fully automated operation and improving production efficiency and product quality.
[0059] Please refer to the following: Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the yarn process in this embodiment;
[0060] In this embodiment, when the yarn is inkjet colored, the yarn first passes through a tension regulator, and then the yarn path is guided by a guide wire device. The yarn is guided to the print head for inkjet coloring. During the dyeing process, the waste ink collection device collects the waste ink splashed outside the yarn area by the print head and flows into the waste ink tank through the waste ink pipe. After dyeing, the yarn passes through a drying device located above the yarn storage wheel for dye fixation, and then is wound on the yarn storage wheel. The other end extends out from the tension control mechanism on the yarn storage base.
[0061] Example 4:
[0062] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 4 of this utility model;
[0063] This embodiment provides a yarn storage device with inkjet functionality, including a yarn guiding device, a yarn storage wheel assembly, and a tension control mechanism. The yarn guiding device is located at the top of the yarn storage device, the tension control mechanism is located at the bottom of the yarn storage device, and the yarn storage wheel assembly is located between the yarn guiding device and the tension control mechanism. An inkjet system is also provided on the yarn storage device. The inkjet system includes an inkjet control terminal, an inkjet assembly, and a dye tank. The inkjet assembly includes a printhead and an ink guide tube. The printhead is connected to the dye tank through the ink guide tube. Simultaneously, the printhead is wirelessly connected to the inkjet control terminal, receiving commands from the inkjet control terminal to control the printhead to perform inkjet operations.
[0064] In this embodiment, the inkjet system is located 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.
[0065] In this embodiment, a drying device is also provided below the inkjet system. The drying device is a hot air drying device with a uniform air path inside, which is used to cure the dye on the surface of the dyed yarn.
[0066] Please refer to the following: Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the yarn process in this embodiment;
[0067] In this embodiment, when the yarn is inkjet colored, the yarn is first guided by the guide wire device and then wound onto 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 print head to start inkjet coloring. During the dyeing process, the waste ink collection device collects the waste ink splashed outside the yarn area by the print head and enters the waste ink tank through the waste ink tube. After dyeing, the yarn passes through the drying device for dye fixation and then extends out from the yarn outlet of the drying device.
[0068] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this utility model is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of this utility model. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects. The scope of this utility model is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and thus all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this utility model. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
[0069] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A yarn storage device with inkjet function, comprising a yarn guiding device, a yarn storage wheel assembly, and a tension control mechanism, wherein the yarn guiding 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 guiding device and the tension control mechanism, characterized in that: The yarn storage device is also equipped 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 assembly, and a dye tank. The inkjet assembly includes a printhead and an ink guide tube. The printhead is connected to the dye tank through the ink guide tube. At the same time, the printhead is connected to the inkjet control terminal by circuit or wireless connection, and receives instructions from the inkjet control terminal to control the printhead to perform inkjet operations.
3. The yarn storage device with inkjet function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inkjet system is located at the front end of the yarn guiding device, and a drying device is also located at the rear end of the inkjet system. The yarn enters the yarn guiding 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 located between the yarn guide 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. 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 it is located above the yarn storage wheel assembly.
7. The yarn storage device with inkjet function according to claim 3 or 6, characterized in that: The inkjet system is also equipped with a tension regulator at the front end.
8. The yarn storage device with inkjet function according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom of the printhead of the inkjet system is also equipped with a waste ink collection device, and the bottom of the waste ink collection device is connected to the waste ink tank via a waste ink tube.
9. The yarn storage device with inkjet function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inkjet system is located at the bottom of the tension control mechanism.
10. The yarn storage device with inkjet function according to claim 9, characterized in that: The inkjet system is equipped with a drying device at the rear end and a waste ink collection device at the bottom of the printhead. The bottom end of the waste ink collection device is connected to the waste ink tank via a waste ink tube.