Method For Producing Printed Textiles For Motor Vehicles

Abstract

A method for producing printed textiles for motor vehicles, the textiles having a polyester-based top material and a bottom material, introduces at least a thickener and a UV absorber into the top material in a foulard process. The top material is dried, a digital printing process is carried out on the dried top material, and the printed top material is laminated with the bottom material. Dyes are applied such that the dyes are especially abrasion resistant. This is achieved in that, in the foulard process, a hydrophilizing agent is introduced into the top material.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a United States National Phase Application of International Application PCT/EP2014/001067 filed Apr. 22, 2014 and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 of German Patent Application 10 2013 006 763.4 filed Apr. 19, 2013 the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a method for producing printed textiles for motor vehicles, wherein the textiles consist of a polyester-based top material and a bottom material and in the case of which at least a thickener and a UV absorber are introduced into the top material in a foulard process, the top material is dried, the digital printing process is carried out on the dried top material, and the printed top material is laminated with the bottom material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] EP 2 281 940 A1 describes a printing method on a washable fabric, for example. EP 0 965 681 A1 describes the production of a printed polyester textile, in the case of which the polyester material is pretreated with certain products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention is based on the object of improving a method for producing printed textiles of the above-mentioned type, so that the textiles and the dyes printed thereon, are especially abrasion resistant.

[0005] According to the invention a method is provided for producing printed textiles for motor vehicles. The textiles have a polyester-based top material and a bottom material. At least a thickener and a UV absorber are introduced into the top material in a foulard process. The top material is dried and a digital printing process is carried out on the dried top material. The printed top material is laminated with the bottom material. The colorless ink is applied to the top material in the printing process when applying the ink

[0006] In a method for producing printed textiles for motor vehicles, wherein the textiles consist of a polyester-based top material and a bottom material and in which at least a thickener and a UV absorber are introduced into the top material in a foulard process, the top material is dried, the digital printing process is carried out on the dried top material, and the printed top material is laminated with the bottom material, provision is made according to the invention for colorless ink to be added to the top material in the printing process when adding the ink The colorless ink, also identified as "blind-ink", is preferably applied simultaneously with the colored ink by means of a separate print head. The penetration of the colored ink is thus increased due to "gravitation".

[0007] The colorless ink preferably has the same or at least a very similar viscosity as the colored ink The colorless ink also has pigments, but colorless pigments. The colorless ink is used in particular in connection with bright dyes. Preferably, dark dyes are applied without adding colorless ink In another preferred embodiment, at least the same quantity of colorless ink as colored ink is applied for some bright hues. Preferably, more than twice or more than three-times as much colorless ink than colored ink is applied. Across all dyes, the ratio of colorless ink as compared to colored inks is preferably at least 20% and maximally 50%, in particular between 30% and 40%.

[0008] Preferably, a hydrophilizing agent is introduced into the top material in the foulard process. The top material, which consists substantially of polyester or preferably completely of polyester, respectively, to thus be designed to be hydrophilic, thus hygroscopic. The absorption of the dyes or inks in the subsequent printing process is improved through this. Preferably, a dispersion of hydrophilic polymers comprising functional polysiloxanes is used for this purpose. For example, a product, which has this effect, is the product ULTRAPHIL by Huntsman.

[0009] In another preferred embodiment, a corona or plasma treatment is carried out prior to carrying out the printing process. The surface of the top material is thereby either pretreated using the corona method, which is considered to be a physical pretreatment by means of high voltage. In the plasma treatment, it is preferably to use an atmospheric pressure plasma. It is produced as a highly ionized gas and is used on the surface of the top material. The surface is activated through this. As a result, this leads to a better adhesion of the dyes, which are applied later. The surface tension is reduced. As a result, an improved wettability of the top material and a higher penetration depth of the inks is achieved. The abrasion resistance of the applied inks and/or dyes is increased as well. Preferably, the corona or plasma treatment is carried out prior to carrying out the foulard process.

[0010] In a further preferred further development of the invention, the top material is subjected to an enzyme treatment prior to carrying out the foulard process. Preferably, such an enzyme treatment is carried out prior to carrying out the foulard process. The use of the product TEXAZYM PES by INOTEX spol. s.r.o. from the Czech Republic is possible here, for example.

[0011] The method and the further developments can be carried out in combination with one another. In particular, the combination of the corona or plasma treatment of the top material and the use of the colorless ink in the printing process in combination with one another is preferred. In addition, the combination of the enzyme treatment with the colorless inks is possible as well. The combination of the enzyme treatment and the corona or plasma treatment is also an option for improving the printing result, in particular with regard to the abrasion resistance.

[0012] Preferably, the used top material consists either completely of polyester or of polyester with natural yarns or artificial yarns.

[0013] The top material is thereby intended for automobile interior design products. The textiles have a top material and a bottom material, wherein the bottom material is typically provided with a foam or foam material. Preferably, a deaerating agent is also introduced into the top material in the foulard process. For example, the deaerating agent can contain alcohol, it can in particular be based on alcohol. Preferably, a wetting agent is additionally also introduced. Preferably, it can also be a mixture of aliphatic hydrocarbons and alcohols. For example, the product LYOPRINT AIR by Huntsman Advanced Materials LLC, USA, is suitable here. The thickening agent is preferably also introduced simultaneously in the foulard process. This prevents the running of the ink at a later point in time. This can be a polyacrylate, a guar or an alginate, for example. A running of the ink is prevented therein. For example, the UV absorber is a traizine, in particular an O-hydroxyphenyl-triazine composition. As products, THERMACOL MP by Huntsman is possible here for the thickener and UV-Fast P by Huntsman is possible as UV absorber, for example.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the printing process is carried out using dispersion dyes and a drying takes place immediately thereafter. It is preferably thereby that the drying is carried out in a clamping of the top material. The drying is preferably carried out using hot air. In the context of the application of the printing dyes, the above-described introduction of the colorless ink (blind ink) can be carried out at this location shortly before applying the printing inks.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a fixing step, in response to which the ink is fixed, is carried out after the printing process. This is also referred to as a steaming or preferably as a steaming process, wherein a treatment with steam is carried out at over 100 degrees Celsius, preferably 180 degrees Celsius. The top material is thereby preferably clamped on a clamping frame. In the alternative, a drying can also take place in a hot flue. In the alternative, this step can also take place by means of a calender equipment or a machine calender.

[0016] Preferably, the top material is also washed and dried in two further steps after the printing process and the fixing step. In the washing process, caustic soda or hydrosulphide and a dispersant or a detergent comprising tensides is preferably used. The thickening agent and unfixed dyes are washed out by means of the used detergents. The abrasion resistance is further improved through this. The top material is tried in the subsequent drying step. Preferably, this takes place on a clamping frame.

[0017] The method will be explained in more detail below with reference to the sole figure of the drawing.

[0018] The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In the drawings:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing aspects of the method for producing printed textiles for motor vehicles

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] In step 1, the top material 2 is clamped onto rollers 3 and is washed and/or rinsed in a container 4. A drying on a clamping frame 5 takes place in the same clamping on the rollers 3. A corona or plasma treatment takes place in step 8, which is only illustrated as block 9 herein, in which the surface of the top material 2 is treated by means of ionized gas or by applying high voltage, whereby the wettability is increased. The foulard process takes place in the next step 10, which is also identified as slogging or squeezing. The top material 2 is thereby squeezed between rollers 12 in a container 11. The container 11 contains a liquid 14 comprising additives, which are applied to the top material 2 through this. Provision is made in the liquid 14 in particular for a thickening agent, a UV absorber and a deaerating agent. The thickening agent prevents the running of the ink This can be polyacrylate or guar, for example. This is also referred to as a steaming or preferably as a steaming process. The UV absorber improves the long-life cycle of the top material 2 in response to the UV irradiation. For example, a product, which is based on an 0-hydroxyphenyl-triazine composition, can be used here. In addition, a hydrophilizing agent is also contained in the liquid 14, which is introduced into the top material 2 in step 10. The top material 2, which consists of polyester, thus becomes hydrophilic and better absorbs the dyes, which are applied at a later point in time, in particular the ink

[0022] In step 8, a pretreatment of the top material 2 with enzymes can also take place as an alternative or as additional independent step. In response to the treatment with enzymes, this preferably takes place in an independent process, for example in a dying machine or also by means of a foulard treatment. The actual printing process takes place in subsequent step 20. The top material 2 is clamped onto rollers 23 and is thereby printed digitally in step 21. A "blind ink", a colorless ink, can be applied thereby, so as to improve the wetting. The actual printing also takes place simultaneously in step 21. A drying with hot air takes place in the block 22. This takes place immediately subsequently in the same clamping of the top material 2. A fixing step takes place in step 30. The top material 2 is clamped onto rollers 33 and is guided through a steamer. The top material 2 is treated with steam at 180 degrees Celsius here, so that the ink is fixed thereby. The steaming equipment is identified with 34 here. A clamping onto rollers 44 takes place again in a further step 40, wherein the top material 2 is guided through a container 41, which contains caustic soda or hydrosulphide or sugar and a dispersant or a detergent comprising tensides. The thickening agent is rinsed out here and unfixed dyes are rinsed out. The abrasion resistance is further improved through this. In the same clamping of the top material 2, a drying on clamping frames also takes place in a step 42. A laminating of the top material 2 with the bottom material and the foam or foam material to the printed textile takes place in a subsequent step 50. This textile is then cut to size and is sized correctly to fit the individual uses. For example, seat covers for motor vehicles for motor vehicles can then be made from or interior lining the textile.

[0023] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

Claims

1. A method for producing printed textiles for motor vehicles, wherein the textiles have a polyester-based top material and a bottom material the method comprising the steps of: introducing at least a thickener and a UV absorber into the top material in a foulard process; drying the top material; carrying out a digital printing process on the dried top material; laminating the printed top material with the bottom material; applying colorless ink to the top material in the digital printing process when applying colored ink to the top material in the digital printing process.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein a hydrophilizing agent is introduced into the top material in the foulard process.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein a corona or plasma treatment is carried out prior to carrying out the digital printing process.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the top material is subjected to an enzyme treatment prior to carrying out the foulard process.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein a deaerating agent is also introduced into the top material in the foulard process.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein a wetting agent is also introduced into the top material in the foulard process.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the digital printing process is carried out using dispersion dyes and a drying takes place immediately thereafter.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein a fixing step, in response to which the ink is fixed, is carried out after the digital printing process.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the top material is washed and dried after the digital printing process.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the colorless ink is applied simultaneously with the colored ink by means of a separate print head.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the colorless ink has the same or a very similar viscosity as the colored ink, which is added in the digital printing process.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the colorless ink has colorless pigments.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least the same quantity of colorless ink as colored ink is applied for some bright hues.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein, across all dyes, the ratio of colorless ink as compared to colored inks is preferably at least 20% and maximally 50%.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein, across all dyes, a ratio of colorless ink as compared to colored inks is between 30% and 40%.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein more than twice as much colorless ink as colored ink is applied for some bright hues.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein more than three-times as much colorless ink than colored ink is applied for some bright hues.