Printing method and fabric for printing

Abstract

To provide a printing method that improves the color development of thin fabrics, and a fabric for printing. [Solution] The printing method is characterized by comprising: a defibration step S2 in which raw material C is dry-processed to produce fibers; a mixing step S3 in which additives are mixed with the fibers obtained in the defibration step S2 to produce a mixture; a deposition step S4 in which the mixture is deposited in air onto a breathable fabric N1 which will become the first layer L1 to produce a water-absorbing web W which will become the second layer L2; a bonding step S5 in which fabric N3 which will become the third layer L3 is attached to the surface of the web W; a molding step S6 in which fabric N1, web W, and fabric N3 are stacked, heated and pressed to form a printing fabric CL1 including the first layer L1, the second layer L2, and the third layer L3; and a printing step S7 in which inkjet printing is performed on the third layer L3 of the printing fabric CL1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing method and a fabric for printing.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a printing method by an inkjet method has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejection method in which a fabric is attached to a conveyor belt and conveyed, and ink is applied from an inkjet head.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the method described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to improve the color development property by printing on a thin fabric. Specifically, when printing a fabric such as cloth by an inkjet method, the color development property is likely to be improved by increasing the amount of ink to be attached. On the other hand, there is an upper limit to the amount of ink that the fabric can absorb, and when the upper limit is exceeded, bleeding may occur in the formed image or the like. Therefore, in a thin fabric, the amount of ink to be attached has to be limited in order to suppress the occurrence of bleeding, and it has been difficult to improve the color development property. That is, a printing method for improving the color development property for a thin fabric has been demanded.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The printing method is characterized by comprising: a defibration step of dry-processing a fabric to produce fibers; a mixing step of mixing an additive with the fibers obtained in the defibration step to produce a mixture; a deposition step of depositing the mixture in air onto a breathable first layer fabric to produce a water-absorbing second layer web; a bonding step of attaching a third layer fabric to the surface of the web; a molding step of stacking the first layer fabric, the web, and the third layer fabric, heating and pressurizing them to form a fabric for printing that includes the first, second, and third layers; and a printing step of performing inkjet printing on the third layer of the fabric for printing.

[0006] The fabric for printing comprises a first layer that is breathable, a second layer that is superimposed on the first layer and has water absorption properties due to the accumulation of fibers, and a third layer that is superimposed on the second layer and subjected to inkjet printing, wherein the thickness of the third layer is thinner than the thickness of the second layer, and the water absorption of the second layer is higher than that of the third layer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the composition of fabric for textile printing. [Figure 2] A schematic cross-sectional view showing other forms of fabric for textile printing. [Figure 3] A flowchart showing a printing method according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a dough manufacturing machine. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram illustrating the behavior of ink droplets adhering to a fabric for textile printing. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram illustrating the behavior of ink droplets adhering to a fabric for textile printing. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram showing the behavior of ink droplets adhering to a textile fabric for printing, relating to a comparative example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments described below illustrate a textile printing fabric having a multilayer structure and a textile printing method using said textile printing fabric, and will be explained with reference to the drawings. In each of the following figures, the Z axis or mutually orthogonal coordinate axes, namely XYZ axes, are added as needed, with the direction indicated by each arrow being the + direction and the direction opposite to the + direction being the - direction. The Z axis is a virtual axis along the vertical direction, with the +Z direction being upward and the -Z direction being downward. For illustrative purposes, the size of each component is different from that of actual components.

[0009] 1. Fabric for printing As shown in Figure 1, the textile printing fabric CL1 according to this embodiment has a multilayer structure including a first layer L1, a second layer L2, and a third layer L3. Textile printing fabric CL1 is an example of the textile printing fabric of the present invention and is applied to the textile printing method described later.

[0010] In the CL1 fabric for printing, the second layer L2 is placed on top of the first layer L1, and the third layer L3 is placed on top of the second layer L2. In other words, the first layer L1, the second layer L2, and the third layer L3 are layered in this order from bottom to top.

[0011] The first layer L1 is breathable. The second layer L2 is made up of accumulated fibers and is absorbent. The third layer L3 is subjected to inkjet printing. Inkjet printing is a dyeing method that uses an inkjet system to deposit droplets of ink or other liquid onto fabrics such as cloth from the nozzles of an inkjet head.

[0012] When processing the printable fabric CL1 into clothing or other garments after printing, it is preferable to peel off the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 and use the third layer L3 for the garment. Alternatively, the fabric may be processed into clothing while leaving the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 intact. Note that the use of the printed fabric is not limited to clothing.

[0013] Since the first layer L1 has air permeability, during the production of the printing fabric CL1, it is possible to utilize the air permeability of the first layer L1 to promote the deposition of fibers and the like that will form the second layer L2 onto the first layer L1. Specifically, by sucking the air in which fibers and the like are dispersed through the first layer L1, the formation of a web containing fibers is promoted. The manufacturing process of the printing fabric CL1 will be described in the section on the subsequent printing method.

[0014] In this specification, air permeability is defined by the amount of air passing through a test piece according to the JIS air permeability test (L1096 2010 8.26.1 Method A). Having air permeability in this specification means that the amount of air obtained by the above test method is 10 cm 3 / cm 2 ·seconds or more.

[0015] The first layer L1 forms one surface of the printing fabric CL1. The first layer L1 is a fabric such as a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, and a non-woven fabric. The first layer L1 contains, for example, polyester. According to this, since polyester is relatively excellent in strength, the thinness and strength of the printing fabric CL1 can be improved. The first layer L1 is not limited to being made of polyester, and may be a fabric containing polyester and other resins, or may be a fabric made of a resin or material other than polyester.

[0016] In the printing fabric CL1, the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 are bonded together by the bonding action of a binder which is an additive contained in the second layer L2. Details of the above additive will be described later.

[0017] The first layer L1 may be provided with an adhesive layer on the surface that is bonded to the second layer L2. The adhesive layer bonds the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. Examples of the adhesive layer include known adhesives such as polyester resins, acrylic resins, silicone resins, and urethane resins, and known adhesives such as epoxy-based, acrylic-based, cyanoacrylate-based, urethane-based, and vinyl acetate-based adhesives. The adhesive layer may be cured by heating in the molding process among the manufacturing processes of the printing fabric CL1 described later.

[0018] When using an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer is also made breathable. Specifically, the adhesive layer is formed so as not to inhibit the breathability of the first layer L1. Examples of such forms of the adhesive layer include those in which the above-described adhesives and binders are coated in a planar mesh pattern, and those having a plurality of holes penetrating in the direction along the Z-axis.

[0019] When processing the printing fabric CL1 into clothing or the like while leaving the first layer L1 and the second layer L2, the first layer L1 may be colored. Known methods such as digital printing such as inkjet printing and analog printing can be applied to color the first layer L1.

[0020] The second layer L2 is a non-woven fabric and contains a plurality of fibers obtained by defibrating a fabric or the like, and additives such as a binder. The second layer L2 is composed of a web in which a plurality of fibers and additives are deposited in the air. In the following description, the plurality of defibrated fibers may sometimes be simply referred to as fibers. Although details will be described later, the defibrating process for obtaining the fibers is performed dry. In this specification, "dry" means a process performed in air such as the atmosphere, rather than in a liquid such as water.

[0021] The fibers are one of the main components of the second layer L2 and, together with the binder, affect the physical properties such as the mechanical strength of the second layer L2. From the perspective of resource circulation, it is preferable to use fibers obtained by defibrating fabrics derived from used clothing or the like. Examples of the types of fabrics include knitted fabrics, plain woven fabrics, and pile fabrics. The fabric may also include non-woven fabrics.

[0022] Examples of the fibers include natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, wool, silk, and regenerated cellulose, and chemical fibers such as polypropylene, polyester, and polyurethane.

[0023] The fibers may be one type of fiber alone or a combination of two or more types. Among the above fiber materials, it is preferable that the fabric contains natural fibers such as cotton or wool. In other words, it is preferable that the second layer L2 contains natural fibers. Because natural fibers have higher hydrophilicity than chemical fibers, the water absorption of the second layer L2 is improved.

[0024] The weighted average fiber length of the defibrated fibers is preferably between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm. This prevents the fibers from becoming excessively short, allowing them to intertwine appropriately and improving the mechanical strength of the second layer L2. The weighted average fiber length is determined by a method in accordance with ISO 16065-2:2007.

[0025] The basis weight of the second layer L2 is 100g / m². 2 More than 180g / m 2 The following is preferable. Basis weight is the number of grams per square meter of the surface perpendicular to the Z-axis in one sheet of printing fabric CL1. When the basis weight of the second layer L2 is within the above range, a good balance between thinness and strength is achieved in the second layer L2. The basis weight of the second layer L2 is adjusted by the amount of web deposited, i.e., the thickness of the web, during the deposition process when manufacturing the printing fabric CL1.

[0026] The binder is used to bond the fibers together in the second layer L2. The binder is a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin. Examples of resins include thermoplastic synthetic resins such as polyester, as well as natural resins such as shellac, pine resin, dammar, polylactic acid, plant-derived polybutylene succinate, plant-derived polyethylene, and Kaneka's PHBH® (Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)). One of these types of binders may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0027] The second layer L2 may contain additives other than binders. Examples of additives other than binders include flame retardants, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, flocculation inhibitors, antibacterial agents, and antifungal agents.

[0028] The third layer L3 is attached to the second layer L2 and forms the other surface of the printing fabric CL1. After the printing is done on the printing fabric CL1, the third layer L3 is processed into clothing or other items on its own after the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 have been removed. Alternatively, after the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 have been removed, another fabric may be attached to the third layer L3 before processing it into clothing or other items.

[0029] The present invention's textile printing fabric suppresses bleeding of the resulting image even when the amount of ink applied to the third layer L3 is increased, due to differences in water absorption among the layers. Therefore, compared to conventional textile printing fabrics, it is possible to print dark colors even if the third layer L3 is a thin fabric. The water absorption of each layer of the textile printing fabric CL1 will be described later.

[0030] The third layer L3 consists of a fabric such as a knitted or woven fabric. The third layer L3 may also be a nonwoven fabric. Examples of fibers that make up the third layer L3 include natural fibers such as cotton, linen, wool, silk, and regenerated cellulose, and chemical fibers such as polypropylene, polyester, and polyurethane. One of these fibers may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination. In particular, natural fibers, which have relatively high water absorption and tend to bleed in conventional printing, are suitable as the fabric for the third layer L3.

[0031] The third layer L3 may be colored at the fabric stage. In other words, although the third layer L3 is printed on the printing fabric CL1, the fabric that will become the third layer L3 may be dyed to the base color before the printing fabric CL1 is manufactured.

[0032] In the textile fabric CL1, the third layer L3 and the second layer L2 are bonded together by the bonding action of the binder contained in the second layer L2. The third layer L3 may also have an adhesive layer on the surface that is bonded to the second layer L2. The adhesive layer bonds the third layer L3 and the second layer L2. The same material as that used for the first layer L1 can be used for the adhesive layer.

[0033] In the textile fabric CL1, the water absorption of the second layer L2 is higher than that of the third layer L3. As a result, when textile fabric CL1 is printed, the ink applied to the third layer L3 easily penetrates to the second layer L2 through the third layer L3. Therefore, ink bleeding in the third layer L3 is further suppressed, and the amount of ink that can be applied to textile fabric CL1 can be increased even further.

[0034] In this specification, water absorption is defined by the water absorption evaluation index calculated using the following formula (1), based on the maximum water absorption rate V [ml / sec] and the amount of water absorbed W [ml] at the time of maximum water absorption, as measured by the JIS water absorption test for textile products (L-1907-7.3 surface water absorption method). In this specification, having water absorption means that the water absorption evaluation index is 950 or higher. Water absorption evaluation index = 2545V + 1411W + 79 ... (1)

[0035] It is preferable that the water absorption of the first layer L1 is higher than that of the third layer L3. This makes it easier for the ink applied to the third layer L3 to penetrate to the first layer L1 through the third layer L3 and the second layer L2 when printing the fabric CL1 for printing. As a result, the occurrence of ink bleeding in the third layer L3 is further suppressed, and the amount of ink that can be attached to the fabric CL1 for printing can be further increased. In order to make the water absorption of the first layer L1 higher than that of the third layer L3, for example, the thickness of the first layer L1 may be made thicker than the thickness of the third layer L3, or the content of natural fibers such as cotton in the first layer L1 may be increased.

[0036] The fiber content in the second layer L2 is preferably 65% ​​by mass or more and 85% by mass or less of the total amount of the second layer L2. A fiber content of 65% by mass or more improves the water absorption of the second layer L2, further suppressing ink bleeding in the third layer L3. A fiber content of 85% by mass or less improves the mechanical strength of the second layer L2.

[0037] The thickness of the textile printing fabric CL1 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.30 mm to 1.50 mm. The thickness of the first layer L1 is, for example, 0.01 mm to 0.20 mm. The thickness of the second layer L2 is, for example, 0.20 mm to 0.80 mm. The thickness of the third layer L3 is, for example, 0.01 mm to 0.20 mm. In particular, it is preferable that the thickness of the third layer L3 is thinner than the thickness of the second layer L2. According to this, when the third layer L3 is processed into clothing, the feel, texture, and comfort are improved. Furthermore, with the textile printing fabric CL1 of this embodiment, even if the third layer L3 is a thin fabric, the amount of ink used during printing can be increased, thus improving color development.

[0038] The textile printing fabric of the present invention may have a different form from textile printing fabric CL1. Textile printing fabric CL2, illustrated below, is an example of the textile printing fabric of the present invention. Textile printing fabric CL2 differs from textile printing fabric CL1 in the configuration of the second layer L2. In the description of textile printing fabric CL2, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in textile printing fabric CL1, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the second layer L2 of the textile printing fabric CL2 has a multilayer structure including an upper layer L2b and a lower layer L2a. In the second layer L2, the lower layer L2a and the upper layer L2b are stacked in that order from bottom to top. Textile printing fabric CL2 differs from textile printing fabric CL1 in that the second layer L2 is a single layer.

[0040] The lower layer L2a has higher water absorption than the upper layer L2b. This makes it easier for ink that has penetrated the second layer L2 through the third layer L3 to penetrate from the upper layer L2b to the lower layer L2a during the printing of the textile fabric CL2. As a result, the water absorption of the second layer L2 is further improved, and the occurrence of ink bleeding in the third layer L3 is further suppressed.

[0041] 2. Printing Method The present invention includes a process for manufacturing a fabric for printing and a process for printing using the fabric for printing. Hereinafter, the manufacturing process and printing process of the fabric for printing CL1 described above will be used as examples of the present invention's printing method. The printing method for the fabric for printing CL1 is an example and is not limited to the following configuration and sequence.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the printing method for the printing fabric CL1 comprises the manufacturing process of the printing fabric CL1, which includes a raw material supply process S1, a defibration process S2, a mixing process S3, a deposition process S4, a bonding process S5, and a molding process S6, and a printing process S7 using the printing fabric CL1. In the manufacturing process of the printing fabric CL1, the printing fabric CL1 is produced by going through each process in the order described above, from the upstream raw material supply process S1 to the downstream molding process S6.

[0043] A specific example of a printing method for the textile fabric CL1 will be described along with the textile manufacturing apparatus 1 that produces the textile fabric CL1 and the liquid ejection apparatus 2, which is an inkjet printer. In the textile manufacturing apparatus 1 and the liquid ejection apparatus 2, the end of the conveying direction of the raw materials, fabric, web, and textile fabric CL1 may be referred to as downstream, and the side going upstream in the conveying direction may be referred to as upstream. The textile manufacturing apparatus 1 and the liquid ejection apparatus 2 are examples and are not limited to the following configuration.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, the dough manufacturing apparatus 1 is equipped with a supply unit 5, a coarse crushing unit 10, a defibration unit 30, a mixing unit 60, a stacking unit 100, a web conveying unit 70, a pasting unit 73, a molding unit 150, and a cutting unit 160, arranged from upstream to downstream. The dough manufacturing apparatus 1 is also equipped with a control unit 28 that comprehensively controls the operation of each of the above components.

[0045] The raw material supply process S1 is carried out in the supply unit 5. The supply unit 5 supplies raw material C to the crushing unit 10. The supply unit 5 is equipped with, for example, an automatic feeding mechanism (not shown) to continuously and automatically feed raw material C into the crushing unit 10. Raw material C is fabric such as used clothing.

[0046] The coarse crushing unit 10 shreds the raw material C, which is fabric supplied from the supply unit 5, into fine pieces in an atmosphere such as air. The coarse crushing unit 10 is a shredder or cutter mill having coarse crushing blades 11. The raw material C is shredded by the coarse crushing blades 11 to become fine pieces of raw material C. The planar shape of the fine pieces is, for example, a few millimeters square or irregular. The fine pieces are collected in the quantitative supply unit 50. The raw material C may be pre-shredded before being fed into the supply unit 5.

[0047] The quantitative feeding unit 50 weighs out pieces of raw material C and supplies them to the hopper 12 in a fixed quantity. The quantitative feeding unit 50 is, for example, a vibrating feeder. The pieces of raw material C supplied to the hopper 12 are transported through the pipe 20 to the inlet 31 of the defibration unit 30. Then the process proceeds to the defibration process S2.

[0048] The defibration process S2 is performed in the defibration unit 30. The defibration unit 30 defibrates the fine fragments derived from the raw material C in a dry manner to generate and extract the fibers contained in the raw material C. The defibration unit 30 is equipped with an inlet 31, an outlet 32, a stator 33, a rotor 34, and an airflow generating mechanism (not shown). The fine fragments of the raw material C are introduced into the interior of the defibration unit 30 through the inlet 31 by the airflow from the airflow generating mechanism.

[0049] The stator 33 and rotor 34 are positioned inside the defibration section 30. The stator 33 has a substantially cylindrical inner surface. The rotor 34 rotates along the inner surface of the stator 33. The fine pieces of raw material C are sandwiched between the stator 33 and the rotor 34 and defibrated by the shear force generated between them.

[0050] The fibers generated in the defibration section 30 are discharged into the pipe 40 from the outlet 32. The pipe 40 communicates with the inside of the defibration section 30 and the inside of the accumulation section 100. The fibers are transported from the defibration section 30 to the accumulation section 100 by the airflow generated by the airflow generation mechanism. A mixing section 60 is provided in the pipe 40 between the defibration section 30 and the accumulation section 100.

[0051] Although not shown in the diagram, the fabric manufacturing apparatus 1 may include a separation mechanism between the defibration section 30 and the mixing section 60 to remove impurities and other contaminants contained in the defibrated fibers. Examples of separation mechanisms include known devices such as sieves. According to the separation mechanism, the amount of impurities is reduced, and high-purity fibers can be used as the material for the second layer L2. Then the process proceeds to the mixing process S3.

[0052] The mixing step S3 is performed in the mixing unit 60. The mixing unit 60 mixes the fibers obtained in the defibration step S2 with additives such as the binders mentioned above to produce a mixture. The mixing unit 60 includes hoppers 13 and 14, supply pipes 61 and 62, and valves 65 and 66. In the mixing unit 60, the fibers and binders are mixed in air to form a mixture. It is preferable that the mixture does not contain colorants. Here, "does not contain colorants" means that colorants such as pigments are not intentionally added to the mixture. In other words, the mixture may contain colorants such as dyes that have permeated the fibers, or colorants that have been unintentionally mixed in.

[0053] Hopper 13 communicates with the inside of pipe 40 via supply pipe 61. In supply pipe 61, valve 65 is provided between hopper 13 and pipe 40. Hopper 13 supplies binder into pipe 40. Valve 65 adjusts the mass of binder supplied from hopper 13 to pipe 40. This adjusts the mixing ratio of fibers to binder. The binder may be supplied in the form of a powder or particles, or it may be supplied in a molten state.

[0054] Hopper 14 is connected to the inside of pipe 40 via supply pipe 62. Valve 66 is provided between hopper 14 and pipe 40 in supply pipe 62. Hopper 14 supplies additives other than binders into pipe 40. Valve 66 adjusts the mass of additives other than binders supplied from hopper 14 to pipe 40. This adjusts the mixing ratio of the additives to the fibers and binders. Alternatively, the additives other than binders may be mixed with the binder beforehand and supplied from hopper 13. Furthermore, if no additives other than binders are added to the mixture, hopper 14, supply pipe 62, and valve 66 may be omitted.

[0055] The fiber content in the second layer L2 is adjusted by the mixing ratio of fibers to additives in the mixing process S3. Specifically, in the web W, the mass ratio of fibers to additives such as binders is in the range of 9:1 to 5:5 in terms of fiber to binder. In particular, as mentioned above, in order to improve the water absorption and mechanical strength of the second layer L2, it is preferable that the fiber content in the web W be 65% by mass or more and 85% by mass or less.

[0056] The fibers and binders are transported through the pipe 40 to the deposition section 100 and mixed together to form a mixture. To promote the formation of the mixture in the pipe 40 and to improve the transportability of the mixture, a blower or the like may be placed in the pipe 40 to generate airflow. The mixture is introduced from the pipe 40 to the deposition section 100 via the connection section 42. Then the process proceeds to deposition step S4.

[0057] The deposition process S4 is performed in the deposition section 100. In the deposition section 100, the mixture is deposited in air onto a breathable fabric N1 to generate a web W which will become the second layer L2. Fabric N1 becomes the first layer L1 of the printing fabric CL1. In other words, the web W is formed by depositing a mixture containing defibrated fibers and additives in air onto the fabric N1 which will become the first layer L1. This makes it easy to form the web W and change its basis weight.

[0058] The deposition unit 100 includes a drum unit 101, a housing unit 102 that accommodates the drum unit 101, and a dough supply unit 71 that supplies the dough N1. The deposition unit 100 takes the mixture from the pipe 40 into the drum unit 101. Then, it deposits the mixture dry onto the dough N1 supplied from the dough supply unit 71.

[0059] Below the stacking section 100, a web transport section 70 is arranged, which includes a mesh belt 122 and a suction mechanism 110. The suction mechanism 110 is positioned opposite the drum section 101, with the mesh belt 122 in between, in the direction along the Z-axis.

[0060] The drum section 101 includes a blade member 101a that is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown), and a substantially cylindrical sieve section 101b that is positioned mainly below the blade member 101a. The blade member 101a loosens tangled fibers as it rotates. The sieve section 101b allows particles such as fibers and mixtures smaller than the mesh opening of the sieve to pass from the inside to the outside. As a result, the mixture, with its tangled fibers loosened in the drum section 101, is dispersed into the air inside the housing section 102.

[0061] The fabric supply unit 71 continuously feeds the roll-shaped fabric N1 onto the mesh belt 122. When using fabric N1 with an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer of the fabric N1 should face upwards. This ensures that the adhesive layer and the web W are in contact. Alternatively, pre-colored fabric N1 may be used.

[0062] The fiber-containing mixture is dispersed from the inside of the sieve section 101b into the air inside the housing section 102. Then, the fiber-containing mixture randomly accumulates above the fabric N1 as it is conveyed on the mesh belt 122. As a result, the fibers in the web W are less likely to be oriented in a particular direction.

[0063] The sieve section 101b does not need to have the function of separating large fibers from the mixture. That is, the drum section 101 may loosen the fibers of the mixture and release all of the mixture into the housing section 102. The mixture dispersed in the air inside the housing section 102 is deposited on the upper surface of the fabric N1 by gravity and the suction force of the suction mechanism 110.

[0064] The basis weight of the printing fabric CL1 is adjusted by the basis weight of fabric N1, fabric N3 (described later), and web W. The basis weight of web W is adjusted by the rotation speed of the blade member 101a, the amount of mixture supplied to the deposition section 100 per hour, and the conveying speed of fabric N1 by the mesh belt 122.

[0065] Here, in the deposition process S4, the thickness of the second layer L2 of the printing fabric CL1 may be adjusted by changing the thickness of the web W. The thickness of the second layer L2 can be adjusted by the basis weight of the web W or the pressure applied during the molding process S6.

[0066] The web conveying section 70 includes a mesh belt 122 and a suction mechanism 110. The web conveying section 70 promotes the deposition of the mixture onto the fabric N1 by the suction mechanism 110. The web conveying section 70 also conveys the web W formed from the mixture downstream by the rotation of the mesh belt 122.

[0067] The suction mechanism 110 is positioned below the drum section 101. The suction mechanism 110 draws air from inside the housing section 102 through the multiple holes in the mesh belt 122 and the breathable fabric N1. As a result, the mixture released to the outside of the drum section 101 is drawn downward along with the air and deposited on the upper surface of the fabric N1. A known suction device, such as a blower, is employed in the suction mechanism 110.

[0068] The multiple holes in the mesh belt 122 allow air to pass through but make it difficult for fibers and binders contained in the mixture to pass through. The mesh belt 122 is an endless belt and is stretched by four tension rollers 121.

[0069] The mesh belt 122 moves downstream with its upper surface due to the rotation of the tension roller 121. In other words, the mesh belt 122 rotates clockwise in Figure 4. As the mesh belt 122 is rotated by the tension roller 121, the mixture is continuously deposited on the fabric N1, forming a web W. The web W contains a relatively large amount of air and is soft and puffy. The web W, along with the fabric N1, is conveyed downstream as the mesh belt 122 moves. Then the process proceeds to the bonding process S5.

[0070] Alternatively, a humidifier may be placed downstream of the deposition section 100 to humidify the web W by spraying water onto it. This helps to suppress the scattering of fibers, binders, and other materials contained in the web W. In addition, a water-soluble additive may be added to the water used for humidification, and surface treatment or other treatments may be applied to the web W, which will become the second layer L2, in parallel with the humidification.

[0071] In the process of manufacturing the above-mentioned textile printing fabric CL2, in the deposition process S4, a deposition section 100 and another deposition section downstream of the deposition section 100 are arranged. Although not shown in the diagram, first, in the deposition section 100, a first web, which will become the lower layer L2a, is deposited on the fabric N1, which will become the first layer L1. Then, while the fabric N1 and the first web are transported downstream, a second web, which will become the upper layer L2b, is deposited on the first web in the other deposition section.

[0072] The difference in water absorption between the upper layer L2b and the lower layer L2a can be achieved in the deposition process S4 by changing the basis weight of the first web, which becomes the lower layer L2a, and the basis weight of the second web, which becomes the upper layer L2b. Specifically, the basis weight of the first web is made larger than that of the second web. Basis weight corresponds to thickness, and the larger the basis weight, the greater the thickness. Therefore, by making the basis weight of the first web larger than that of the second web, the ink absorption capacity of the lower layer L2a becomes greater than that of the upper layer L2b. As a result, the ink that has permeated into the second layer L2 can more easily permeate from the upper layer L2b to the lower layer L2a. Therefore, the occurrence of ink bleeding in the third layer L3 is further suppressed.

[0073] To make the water absorption of the lower layer L2a higher than that of the upper layer L2b, the material of the fibers contained in each layer may be changed. Specifically, the content of natural fibers such as cotton or wool can be increased in the lower layer L2a, and the content of synthetic 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, and improves the water absorption of the lower layer L2a relative to the upper layer L2b.

[0074] The bonding process S5 is performed at the bonding section 73. The bonding section 73 bonds the fabric N3, which will become the third layer L3, to the upper surface of the web W.

[0075] The fabric N3 is supplied from the fabric supply unit 72 to the adhesive unit 73. The fabric supply unit 72 continuously feeds the roll-shaped fabric N3 upwards on the web W. When using fabric N3 with an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer is brought into contact with the upper surface of the web W.

[0076] The adhesive section 73 adheres the upper surface of the web W to the lower surface of the fabric N3. The adhesive section 73 is a pair of pressure rollers that press the fabric N1 and the web W against the fabric N3 from above and below. Then the process proceeds to molding step S6.

[0077] A dancer roller 141 is positioned between the bonding process S5 and the molding process S6. The dancer roller 141 ensures sufficient processing time for the downstream molding process S6. Specifically, the molding process S6 is a batch process. Therefore, by moving the dancer roller 141 up and down over the continuously transported fabric N1, web W, and fabric N3, sufficient processing time is ensured for the molding process S6. Fabric N1, web W, and fabric N3 are transported downstream via the dancer roller 141.

[0078] The molding process S6 is performed in the molding unit 150. The molding unit 150 layers the dough N1, web W, and dough N3, which will become the first layer L1, and molds them by heating and pressing. The molding unit 150 is a heating press device and includes an upper substrate 152 and a lower substrate 151. The upper substrate 152 and the lower substrate 151 press the dough N1, web W, and dough N3 between them and heat them with built-in heaters. In addition, the molding process S6 may be performed continuously using a pair of heating rollers or the like. When a pair of heating rollers is used, the dancer roller 141 may be omitted.

[0079] When pressure is applied to the web W, it is compressed from above and below through fabrics N1 and N3, increasing its density. Then, when heated, the binder melts and spreads between the fibers. When heating ends and the binder solidifies in this state, the fibers are bonded together by the binder. In addition, the binder on the web W causes fabrics N1 and N3 to adhere to the web W. As a result, fabric N1 becomes the first layer L1, the web W becomes the second layer L2, and fabric N3 becomes the third layer L3.

[0080] The pressurization conditions in the molding section 150 are adjusted as appropriate depending on the desired density of the printing fabric CL1. For example, in the molding process S6, the pressurization pressure is set to 0.01 MPa or higher. In particular, it is preferable to set the pressurization pressure to 0.70 MPa or lower in order to improve the water absorption of the second layer L2. This improves the water absorption of the second layer L2 and further suppresses the occurrence of ink bleeding in the third layer L3.

[0081] The heating conditions in the molding section 150 are adjusted as appropriate depending on the type of binder, its melting point, or its curing temperature. For example, in the molding process S6, the heating temperature is set to 90°C or higher. In particular, it is preferable to set the heating temperature to 140°C or lower in order to improve the water absorption of the second layer L2. This improves the water absorption of the second layer L2 and further suppresses the occurrence of ink bleeding in the third layer L3.

[0082] In the molding section 150, a strip-shaped printing fabric CL1 is formed from the fabric N1, web W, and fabric N3, with these materials integrated together.

[0083] A cutting section 160 is located downstream of the molding section 150. The cutting section 160 shapes the edges of the strip-shaped printing fabric CL1 in the direction along the Y-axis. The cutting section 160 is equipped with a vertical blade (not shown). The vertical blade cuts the strip-shaped printing fabric CL1 along the conveying direction. As a result, the edges of both ends of the printing fabric CL1 are trimmed.

[0084] The strip-shaped printing fabric CL1 is then wound into a roll to form a bolt of fabric. Through the above manufacturing process, the printing fabric CL1, including the first layer L1, the second layer L2, and the third layer L3, is produced.

[0085] As shown in Figure 5, the liquid dispensing device 2 comprises a control unit 205, a media transport 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 housing (not shown). Each component of the liquid dispensing device 2 is supported by a frame 201. In the description of Figure 5, unless otherwise specified, the view is from the -X direction.

[0086] In the liquid dispensing device 2, as part of the printing process S7 of this embodiment, inkjet printing is performed on the third layer L3 of the printing fabric CL1. The liquid dispensing device 2 produces a printed product by attaching water-based ink or the like to the third layer L3. Inkjet printing as referred to here includes not only single-color coloring but also the formation of images such as text, patterns, pictures, and photographs.

[0087] Furthermore, the above manufacturing process for the printing fabric CL1 and the printing process S7 do not necessarily have to be carried out consecutively. For example, the printing process S7 may be carried out after the manufactured printing fabric CL1 has been stored, transported, or distributed.

[0088] The control unit 205 is electrically connected to each component of the liquid dispensing device 2 and comprehensively controls the operation of each component. 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 using the CPU. The ROM is a non-volatile storage device that stores the control program executed by the CPU and the data processed by the control program. The RAM constitutes the CPU's work area. The CPU loads the control program read from the ROM or other memory into the RAM and executes the loaded control program.

[0089] The control panel 280 is also electrically connected to the control unit 205. The control panel 280 displays various information to the user of the liquid dispensing device 2 and accepts input of various operations and settings from the user. The control unit 205 also controls the liquid dispensing device 2 based on the information input to the control panel 280. In the following description, the user of the liquid dispensing device 2 will also be simply referred to as the user.

[0090] The control panel 280 is supported by the frame 201 via 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 makes various inputs while visually viewing the control panel 280. The control panel 280 is, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display. In addition to the liquid crystal display, the control panel 280 may also have physical buttons.

[0091] The media transport unit 220 includes a media supply unit 210, transport rollers 221, 222, 223, 224, a transport mechanism 230, and a winding unit 240. The media transport unit 220 transports the textile printing fabric CL1 along a transport path from upstream to downstream.

[0092] The medium supply unit 210 includes a supply shaft 211, a bearing unit 212, and a rotary drive unit (not shown). The supply shaft 211 is substantially cylindrical and holds the core of the raw material roll of the textile printing fabric CL1. The bearing unit 212 detachably and rotatably supports both ends of the supply shaft 211 in the direction along the X axis.

[0093] The rotary drive unit is, for example, an electric motor that rotates the supply shaft 211. The rotation of the supply shaft 211 and the belt rotating roller 232 of the conveying mechanism 230 (described later) causes the printing fabric CL1 to be separated from the roll and sent downstream.

[0094] The textile printing fabric CL1 is transported from the media supply unit 210, passes through the transport roller 221, and then its transport direction is changed to approximately the +Y direction by the transport roller 222. The textile printing fabric CL1 is then transferred to the transport mechanism 230 from approximately the -Y direction.

[0095] The conveying mechanism 230 includes belt rotating rollers 231, 232, a conveying belt 233, and a crimping section 250.

[0096] The conveyor belt 233 is located between the transport rollers 222 and 223 and conveys the textile printing fabric CL1. The conveyor belt 233 is an endless belt and is stretched by the belt rotating rollers 231 and 232 in a region that includes a position opposite the recording unit 260 in the vertical direction. The conveyor belt 233 has an outer circumferential surface 233a and an inner circumferential surface 233b. The outer circumferential surface 233a and the inner circumferential surface 233b are in a front-back relationship. The textile printing fabric CL1 can be placed on the outer circumferential surface 233a.

[0097] The conveyor belt 233 has an adhesive layer (not shown). The adhesive layer has adhesive force to the fabric CL1 for printing, and the fabric CL1 can be attached to it. The adhesive layer is provided around the entire circumference of the outer surface 233a. With the fabric CL1 for printing attached to the adhesive layer, the conveyor belt 233 is rotated counterclockwise by the belt rotating rollers 231 and 232. As a result, the fabric CL1 for printing is conveyed in the conveying direction. The conveying direction of the fabric CL1 on the conveyor belt 233 is the +Y direction.

[0098] In the direction along the X-axis, the width of the conveyor belt 233 is wider than the width of the fabric CL1 for printing. 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.

[0099] The belt rotating rollers 231 and 232 are substantially cylindrical rotating members and form a pair. Each of the belt rotating rollers 231 and 232 is rotatable on an axis of rotation along the X-axis. The belt rotating rollers 231 and 232 are arranged opposite each other in the direction along the Y-axis. The belt rotating roller 231 is located upstream of the conveying mechanism 230 and is positioned near the transport roller 222 in the +Y direction. The belt rotating roller 232 is located downstream of the conveying mechanism 230 and is positioned near the transport roller 223 in the -Y direction. A support member for supporting the conveying belt 233 may be positioned between the belt rotating rollers 231 and 232.

[0100] The belt rotating roller 231 is a driven roller that rotates counterclockwise when the rotation of the belt rotating roller 232 is transmitted via the conveyor belt 233. The belt rotating roller 231 is rotatably supported by a roller support (not shown).

[0101] The belt rotating roller 232 is driven to rotate counterclockwise by a transport drive motor (not shown). The transport drive motor is controlled by a control unit 205. The belt rotating roller 232 is rotatably supported by a roller support unit 239.

[0102] The printing fabric CL1 is transferred from the transport roller 222 to the conveying mechanism 230 and placed on the outer surface 233a of the conveying belt 233 above the belt rotating roller 231. At this time, the printing fabric CL1 does not need to be in close contact with the outer surface 233a.

[0103] The outer circumferential surface 233a supports the printing fabric CL1 from below. The inner circumferential surface 233b is in contact with the belt rotating rollers 231 and 232. The frictional force between the inner circumferential surface 233b and the belt rotating rollers 232 drives the conveyor belt 233 to rotate. The frictional force between the inner circumferential surface 233b and the belt rotating rollers 231 causes the belt rotating rollers 231 to move.

[0104] In the direction along the X-axis, which is the width direction of the conveyor belt 233, 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 for the textile printing fabric CL1. The path of the conveyor belt 233 that returns to the belt rotating roller 231 after being folded back at the belt rotating roller 232 is the non-conveying path. The outer peripheral surface 233a faces upward in the conveying path and downward in the non-conveying path.

[0105] The adhesive layer on the outer surface 233a adheres to the first layer L1 of the textile printing fabric CL1 by adhesive force. The adhesive layer includes an adhesive material having adhesive properties, such as silicone resin, acrylic resin, or urethane resin. In the liquid dispensing device 2, acrylic resin is used as the base material for the adhesive layer.

[0106] The crimping section 250 is positioned near the belt rotating roller 231 in the +Y direction. The crimping section 250 comprises a pressing roller 251, a pair of support sections 253, a heating section 254, and a pair of drive sections (not shown). The crimping section 250 presses the printing fabric CL1 against the adhesive layer of the conveyor belt 233, thereby attaching the printing fabric CL1 to the adhesive layer.

[0107] The press roller 251 is a roughly cylindrical rotating member. The press roller 251 has its axis of rotation along the X-axis and is positioned above the conveyor belt 233. The support parts 253 are positioned at both ends of the press roller 251 in the direction along the X-axis. The press roller 251 is rotatably supported by the pair of support parts 253. Each of the pair of support parts 253 is supported by the drive unit. In the direction along the X-axis, the length of the press roller 251 is approximately equal to the width of the conveyor belt 233.

[0108] One of the drive units is positioned further in the -X direction relative to the support unit 253 that supports the -X end of the press roller 251. The other of the drive unit is positioned further in the +X direction relative to the support unit 253 that supports the +X end of the press roller 251.

[0109] The pair of drive units move vertically while supporting the pair of support units 253 by a lifting drive motor (not shown). As a result, the press roller 251 can be displaced vertically while being supported by the support units 253. This allows for adjustment of the strength of the pressing force applied by the press roller 251 when pressing the printing fabric CL1 against the adhesive layer on the outer surface 233a.

[0110] Although not shown in the diagram, the pair of drive units reciprocate along the Y-axis while supporting the pair of support units 253, driven by the guide members and motors. Therefore, the pressing roller 251 is supported by the support units 253 and can reciprocate along the Y-axis.

[0111] The heating unit 254 heats the conveyor belt 233. The heating unit 254 is positioned below the press roller 251 via the conveyor belt 233. The upper surface of the heating unit 254 is formed to be substantially flat and contacts the lower inner circumferential surface 233b of the conveyor belt 233 in the conveying path. The distance of the heating unit 254 along the Y-axis is approximately equal to the distance the press roller 251 reciprocates in the conveying direction and the reverse conveying direction. The distance of the heating unit 254 along the X-axis is approximately equal to the width of the conveyor belt 233 along the X-axis.

[0112] The heating unit 254 is, for example, an electric heater. Heating by the heating unit 254 heats the adhesive layer on the outer surface 233a of the conveyor belt 233. The adhesive layer becomes more flexible when heated, and its adhesive strength to the printing fabric CL1 increases. The heating temperature by the heating unit 254 is, for example, 35°C to 60°C on the upper surface of the heating unit 254.

[0113] In the pressing section 250, the printing fabric CL1 is placed on the upper surface of 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 printing fabric CL1 onto the adhesive layer from above. In parallel with this, the pressing roller 251 rotates and moves back and forth in the +Y direction and the -Y direction. The printing fabric CL1 and the conveyor belt 233 are sandwiched and pressed between the upper surface of the heating section 254 and the pressing roller 251, causing the printing fabric CL1 and its outer surface 233a to be in close contact.

[0114] The textile printing fabric CL1 is conveyed in the +Y direction via the pressure section 250, while maintaining close contact with the conveyor belt 233. Alternatively, the pressing roller 251 may be equipped with a function to heat the conveyor belt 233 instead of the heating section 254. Furthermore, depending on the type of textile printing fabric CL1 and the characteristics of the adhesive layer, the heating section 254 may be omitted.

[0115] The following heat roller system is an example of a configuration in which the pressing roller 251 has the function of heating the conveyor belt 233. The heat roller system comprises a support plate having substantially the same shape as the heating unit 254, a heat roller having the same shape as the pressing roller 251, a pair of support units 253, and a pair of drive units. In other words, the heat roller system operates similarly to the crimping unit 250, except that the heat roller takes over the heating function of the heating unit 254.

[0116] The recording unit 260 is positioned in the middle of the Y-axis direction of the conveyor belt 233, facing the outer surface 233a and the fabric CL1 for printing in the vertical direction. The recording unit 260 discharges ink or the like onto the fabric CL1 for printing as it is conveyed on the conveyor belt 233, thereby recording the image. This applies the printing to the fabric CL1. The recording unit 260 includes an inkjet head, an ejection unit 261, a carriage 262, and a guide rail 263.

[0117] The guide rail 263 is a structural member extending along the X-axis and is positioned above the conveying mechanism 230. The guide rail 263 supports the carriage 262 so that it can move in the direction along the X-axis. Supported by the guide rail 263, the carriage 262 reciprocates in the direction along the X-axis, driven by a carriage drive motor (not shown). The discharge unit 261 is mounted below the carriage 262 and reciprocates together with the carriage 262 in the direction along the X-axis relative to the conveying belt 233.

[0118] The discharge unit 261 discharges ink or the like onto the textile fabric CL1, which is placed on the outer peripheral surface 233a and transported, to adhere it. The discharge unit 261 has a nozzle surface (not shown) facing downwards. The nozzle surface faces the transport belt 233 and the textile fabric CL1 in the vertical direction. 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 discharges multiple types of ink, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, onto the third layer L3 of the textile fabric CL1. In this embodiment, a water-based pigment ink is used as the ink.

[0119] In the discharge section 261, a piezoelectric element is used as the actuator, which is the driving means. The driving means is not limited to this. For example, an electromechanical conversion element that displaces a diaphragm acting as an actuator by electrostatic attraction, or an electrothermal conversion element that discharges ink as droplets by generating bubbles through heating may be used as the driving means.

[0120] Although not shown in the diagram, ink is supplied from each ink tank to the discharge unit 261 via ink piping. The ink discharged from the discharge unit 261 adheres to the surface of the printing fabric CL1 facing upward, i.e., the third layer L3 described above.

[0121] Here, we will explain the behavior of ink droplets attached to the printing fabric CL1, etc. As shown in Figure 8, the comparative example, the conventional printing fabric CL3, is a single-layer structure consisting of fabric N3. When printing is performed on the printing fabric CL3, fabric N3, which is the printing fabric CL3, is in close contact with the outer surface 233a of the conveyor belt 233. Here, in Figure 8 and Figures 6 and 7 described later, the penetration direction of the ink droplets D is indicated by white arrows. The size of the arrows schematically represents the amount of ink that penetrates.

[0122] The ink droplets D dispensed onto the printing fabric CL3 land on the upper surface of the printing fabric CL3 and penetrate into the fabric CL3. At this time, if the fabric N3 is thin, the ink cannot penetrate sufficiently in the -Z direction. In other words, the ink penetration depth in the printing fabric CL3 is small, and the ink penetration in the -Z direction saturates relatively quickly. Also, the ink does not easily penetrate the conveyor belt 233. Therefore, in the printing fabric CL3, the ink droplets D tend to penetrate in the direction intersecting the Z axis. As a result, the lateral penetration of the ink droplets D, in other words, the wetting spread, becomes more pronounced. Consequently, with conventional printing fabric CL3, increasing the amount of ink applied made ink bleeding more likely to occur.

[0123] Compared to the conventional textile printing fabric CL3, the textile printing fabrics CL1 and CL2 of this embodiment have improved water absorption in the -Z direction, thereby suppressing the occurrence of bleeding.

[0124] As shown in Figure 6, ink droplets D that land on the textile fabric CL1 penetrate mainly in the -Z direction, even if the third layer L3, which is fabric N3, is a thin fabric. This is due to the multilayer structure of the textile fabric CL1, as well as the difference in water absorption between the third layer L3 and the second layer L2. As a result, ink droplets D are less likely to spread laterally than on the textile fabric CL3. Therefore, even if the amount of ink applied to the textile fabric CL1 is increased, ink bleeding is less likely to occur.

[0125] As shown in Figure 7, ink droplets D that land on the textile fabric CL2 penetrate mainly in the -Z direction, even if the third layer L3, which is fabric N3, is a thin fabric. This is due to the multilayer structure of the textile fabric CL1, as well as the difference in water absorption between the third layer L3, the upper layer L2b, and the lower layer L2a. As a result, ink droplets D are less likely to spread laterally than on the textile fabric CL1. Therefore, even if the amount of ink applied to the textile fabric CL2 is increased, ink bleeding becomes even less likely to occur.

[0126] Returning to Figure 5, the discharge unit 261 is moved back and forth along the X-axis while the conveyor belt 233 transports the fabric CL1 for printing in the +Y direction. At this time, ink or other materials are applied to the fabric CL1 from the discharge unit 261 at predetermined timings. This forms the desired image on the fabric CL1 for printing.

[0127] A functional liquid may be applied to the textile fabric CL1 before or after the application of ink to the textile fabric CL1. Examples of functional liquids include softeners that improve the texture of the printed material, and treatment liquids that improve the abrasion resistance and wash fastness of the printed material. The functional liquid may be dispensed from the dispensing unit 261 in the same way as the ink, or it may be applied to the textile fabric CL1 by a device separate from the dispensing unit 261.

[0128] In the dispensing unit 261, pre-dispensing is performed before dispensing ink onto the printing fabric CL1, and in between dispensing operations. Pre-dispensing is performed to suppress drying and hardening of the ink at the gas-liquid interface within each nozzle of the dispensing unit 261, and to prevent color mixing after cleaning each nozzle. The execution of pre-dispensing is controlled by the control unit 205. The timing of pre-dispensing, the time interval, and the amount of ink to be pre-dispensed are set appropriately according to the type and characteristics of the ink.

[0129] The printed fabric CL1 is then transported in the +Y direction from a position opposite the recording unit 260. The printed fabric CL1 is then separated from the transport belt 233 approximately above the belt rotating roller 232 and transferred to the transport roller 223 downstream of the belt rotating roller 232.

[0130] The conveyor belt 233 is folded back from the conveying path to the non-conveying path by the belt rotating roller 232, and moves in the -Y direction with its outer surface 233a facing downwards.

[0131] The cleaning mechanism 290 cleans the adhesive layer of the conveyor belt 233. The cleaning mechanism 290 is positioned below the conveyor belt 233 corresponding to the non-conveying path and faces the outer surface 233a in the vertical direction. Due to the presence of an adhesive layer, the close contact with the textile fabric CL1 during transport, and the pre-discharge process, the adhesive layer on the outer surface 233a is prone to contamination from ink and lint and other foreign matter from the textile fabric CL1. Therefore, the cleaning mechanism 290 keeps the adhesive layer clean.

[0132] Known cleaning devices can be applied to the cleaning mechanism 290. Examples of cleaning devices include those comprising a cleaning tank and a cleaning brush. In such a cleaning device, a cleaning liquid such as water stored in the cleaning tank is applied to the cleaning brush, and the dirt on the adhesive layer is scrubbed off with the cleaning brush.

[0133] After being cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 290, the conveyor belt 233 is folded back from the non-conveyor path to the conveyor path by the belt rotating roller 231, and moves in the +Y direction with its outer surface 233a facing upward. In this way, the conveyor belt 233 rotates counterclockwise.

[0134] The transport roller 223 detaches the printed material, which is the printed fabric CL1, from the transport belt 233. The printed material detached from the transport belt 233 is transported in approximately the +Y direction, and the transport roller 223 changes the transport direction to approximately downward. Transport rollers 223 and 224 relay the printed material to the winding section 240.

[0135] A drying section 270 is positioned between the transport rollers 223 and 224. The drying section 270 dries the ink adhering to the printing material. The drying section 270 includes, for example, an infrared heater. The infrared rays emitted by the infrared heater cause volatile components contained in the ink adhering to the printing material to evaporate. As a result, the ink droplets D dry, making it possible to wind the printing material into the winding section 240. The printing material proceeds to the winding section 240 via the transport rollers 224.

[0136] The winding unit 240 is positioned downstream and below the transport roller 224. The winding unit 240 collects the printed material. The winding unit 240 has a winding shaft 241, a bearing 242, and a rotary drive unit (not shown). The winding shaft 241 is substantially cylindrical and winds the printed material into a roll. The bearing 242 rotatably supports both ends of the winding shaft 241 in the direction along the X axis. The winding shaft 241 is also detachable from the bearing 242. The rotary drive unit rotates the winding shaft 241 counterclockwise. The winding shaft 241 rotates due to the rotary drive unit, and the printed material is wound up. Thus, the above printing process S7 is performed, and printed materials are manufactured from the printing fabric CL1.

[0137] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0138] This method can improve the color development of thin fabrics. Specifically, in the printing process S7, the ink attached to the third layer L3 penetrates into the third layer L3 and further penetrates into the second layer L2. In other words, the penetrating components of the ink also penetrate in the -Z direction, which is the thickness direction of the printing fabrics CL1 and CL2, thus reducing penetration in the transverse direction intersecting the Z axis. As a result, bleeding is suppressed even if the third layer L3 is a thin fabric, making it possible to increase the amount of ink attached to the printing fabrics CL1 and CL2. Therefore, a printing method that improves the color development of thin fabrics can be provided. Furthermore, printing fabrics CL1 and CL2 with improved color development can be provided.

[0139] The following describes the conclusions drawn from the embodiment.

[0140] The printing method is characterized by comprising: a defibration step of dry-processing a fabric to produce fibers; a mixing step of mixing additives with the fibers obtained in the defibration step to produce a mixture; a deposition step of depositing the mixture in air onto a breathable first layer fabric to produce a water-absorbing second layer web; a bonding step of attaching a third layer fabric to the surface of the web; a molding step of layering the first layer fabric, the web, and the third layer fabric, heating and pressurizing them to form a fabric for printing that includes the first, second, and third layers; and a printing step of performing inkjet printing on the third layer of the fabric for printing.

[0141] This configuration improves the color development of thin fabrics. Specifically, the ink applied to the third layer during the printing process penetrates into the third layer and then into the second layer. In other words, the penetrating components of the ink penetrate in the thickness direction of the fabric for printing, reducing penetration in the transverse direction intersecting the thickness direction. As a result, bleeding is suppressed even if the third layer is a thin fabric, making it possible to increase the amount of ink applied to the fabric for printing. Therefore, a printing method that improves the color development of thin fabrics can be provided.

[0142] In the above printing method, the water absorption of the second layer is higher than that of the third layer.

[0143] With this configuration, during the printing process, the ink adhering to the third layer easily penetrates to the second layer through the third layer. As a result, ink bleeding in the third layer is further suppressed, and the amount of ink that can be applied can be increased.

[0144] In the above printing method, the water absorption of the first layer is higher than that of the third layer.

[0145] With this configuration, during the printing process, the ink adhering to the third layer is more easily absorbed into the first layer via the third and second layers. As a result, ink bleeding in the third layer is further suppressed, and the amount of ink that can be applied can be increased.

[0146] In the above printing method, the fabric contains natural fibers.

[0147] In this configuration, natural fibers have higher hydrophilicity compared to synthetic fibers. Therefore, the water absorption of the second layer is improved, further suppressing ink bleeding in the third layer.

[0148] In the above printing 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.

[0149] With this configuration, a fiber content of 65% by mass or more improves the water absorption of the second layer, further suppressing ink bleeding in the third layer. A fiber content of 85% by mass or less improves the mechanical strength of the second layer.

[0150] In the above-described printing method, the heating temperature in the molding step is set to 140°C or lower.

[0151] This configuration improves the water absorption of the second layer, further suppressing ink bleeding in the third layer.

[0152] In the above printing method, the pressurizing pressure in the molding step is set to 0.70 MPa or less.

[0153] This configuration improves the water absorption of the second layer, further suppressing ink bleeding in the third layer.

[0154] In the above printing method, the second layer includes a lower layer and an upper layer. In the deposition process, a first web, which will be the lower layer, is generated on the fabric that will be the first layer, and a second web, which will be the upper layer, is generated on the first web. The water absorption of the lower layer is higher than that of the upper layer.

[0155] With this configuration, the ink absorbed in the second layer is more easily absorbed from the upper layer to the lower layer. As a result, the water absorption of the second layer is further improved, and the occurrence of ink bleeding in the third layer is further suppressed.

[0156] In the above printing method, the basis weight of the first web is greater than the basis weight of the second web.

[0157] This configuration allows the ink that has permeated the second layer to penetrate further from the upper layer to the lower layer. As a result, the occurrence of ink bleeding in the third layer is further suppressed.

[0158] The fabric for printing has a first layer that is breathable, a second layer that is layered on top of the first layer and is made up of accumulated fibers and is absorbent, and a third layer that is layered on top of the second layer and is subjected to inkjet printing, characterized in that the thickness of the third layer is thinner than the thickness of the second layer, and the water absorption of the second layer is higher than that of the third layer.

[0159] This configuration improves the color development of thin fabrics. Specifically, the ink attached to the third layer during printing easily penetrates from the third layer to the second layer. In other words, the penetrating components of the ink also penetrate in the thickness direction of the fabric for printing, reducing penetration in the transverse direction intersecting the thickness direction. As a result, bleeding is suppressed even if the third layer is a thin fabric, making it possible to increase the amount of ink attached to the fabric for printing. Therefore, it is possible to provide a fabric for printing with improved color development. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0160] C... Raw material for fabric, CL1, CL2... Fabric for printing, L1... First layer, L2... Second layer, L2a... Lower layer, L2b... Upper layer, L3... Third layer, N1... Fabric for the first layer, N3... Fabric for the third layer, S2... Fiber release process, S3... Mixing process, S4... Lamination process, S5... Bonding process, S6... Molding process, S7... Printing process, W... Web.

Claims

1. The defibration process involves dry defibration of the fabric to produce fibers, A mixing step is performed to produce a mixture by mixing an additive with the fibers obtained in the defibration step, A deposition step involves depositing the mixture in the air onto a breathable first layer fabric to generate a water-absorbing second layer web, The process involves attaching a third layer of fabric to the surface of the aforementioned web, A molding process to produce a fabric for printing that includes the first layer, the web, and the third layer, by stacking them, heating and pressurizing them, and then forming the fabric. A printing method characterized by comprising a printing step of performing inkjet printing on the third layer of the fabric for printing.

2. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein the water absorption of the second layer is higher than that of the third layer.

3. The printing method according to claim 2, wherein the water absorption of the first layer is higher than that of the third layer.

4. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein the fabric includes natural fibers.

5. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein the content of the fibers in the second layer is 65% by mass or more and 85% by mass or less relative to the second layer.

6. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein the heating temperature in the molding step is 140°C or lower.

7. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein the pressure applied during the molding process is 0.70 MPa or less.

8. The aforementioned second layer includes a lower layer and an upper layer, In the deposition process, a first web, which will be the lower layer, is generated on the fabric that will be the first layer, and a second web, which will be the upper layer, is generated on the first web. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein the water absorption of the lower layer is higher than that of the upper layer.

9. The printing method according to claim 8, wherein the basis weight of the first web is greater than the basis weight of the second web.

10. A breathable first layer, A second layer is superimposed on the first layer, consisting of deposited fibers and having water-absorbing properties. It has a third layer which is superimposed on the second layer and subjected to inkjet printing, The thickness of the aforementioned third layer is thinner than the thickness of the aforementioned second layer. A textile fabric for printing, characterized in that the water absorption of the second layer is higher than that of the third layer.

Images