U.S. patent application number 15/114073 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-05 for inkjet printing method.
This patent application is currently assigned to MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to HIRONORI HASHIZUME, MASARU OHNISHI, AYUMI SAKAGUCHI.
Application Number | 20170002512 15/114073 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53681395 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170002512 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SAKAGUCHI; AYUMI ; et
al. |
January 5, 2017 |
INKJET PRINTING METHOD
Abstract
This disclosure is directed to producing an improved coloring
effect, while suppressing smearing of a colorant in the inkjet
textile printing. A fabric is printed by inkjet printing with a
first liquid containing a dyeing assistant. Then, the fabric is
further printed by inkjet printing with a second liquid containing
a colorant and a water-soluble photo-curable resin. The second
liquid applied on the fabric is then irradiated with light.
Inventors: |
SAKAGUCHI; AYUMI; (NAGANO,
JP) ; OHNISHI; MASARU; (NAGANO, JP) ;
HASHIZUME; HIRONORI; (NAGANO, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD. |
Nagano |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO.,
LTD.
NAGANO
JP
|
Family ID: |
53681395 |
Appl. No.: |
15/114073 |
Filed: |
January 21, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
January 21, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2015/051454 |
371 Date: |
July 26, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J 11/002 20130101;
D06P 5/2011 20130101; D06P 5/2005 20130101; B41J 3/4078 20130101;
D06P 5/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06P 5/30 20060101
D06P005/30; D06P 5/20 20060101 D06P005/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 27, 2014 |
JP |
2014-012746 |
Claims
1. An inkjet printing method, comprising: a first printing step of
printing a fabric by inkjet printing with a first liquid comprising
a dyeing assistant; a second printing step of printing the fabric
by inkjet printing subsequent to the first printing step with a
second liquid comprising a colorant and a water-soluble
photo-curable resin; and a light irradiating step of irradiating
the second liquid applied on the fabric in the second printing step
with light.
2. The inkjet printing method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
first liquid applied on the fabric in the first printing step is
lower in viscosity than the second liquid applied on the fabric in
the second printing step.
3. The inkjet printing method as set forth in claim 1, further
comprising: a thickening step of thickening the first liquid
applied on the fabric in the first printing step to a higher degree
of viscosity, wherein the thickening step is performed subsequent
to the first printing step and prior to the second printing
step.
4. The inkjet printing method as set forth in claim 3, wherein the
first liquid further comprises: a water-soluble photo-curable
resin, and the thickening step further comprises: irradiating the
first liquid applied on the fabric in the first printing step with
light.
5. The inkjet printing method as set forth in claim 3, wherein the
thickening step comprises: heating the first liquid applied on the
fabric in the first printing step.
6. The inkjet printing method as set forth in claim 3, wherein a
period of time between when the fabric is printed with the first
liquid in the first printing step and when the first liquid is
thickened in the thickening step is greater than a period of time
between when the fabric is printed with the second liquid in the
second printing step and when the second liquid is irradiated with
light in the light irradiating step.
7. The inkjet printing method as set forth in claim 4, wherein a
period of time between when the fabric is printed with the first
liquid in the first printing step and when the first liquid is
thickened in the thickening step is greater than a period of time
between when the fabric is printed with the second liquid in the
second printing step and when the second liquid is irradiated with
light in the light irradiating step.
8. The inkjet printing method as set forth in claim 5, wherein a
period of time between when the fabric is printed with the first
liquid in the first printing step and when the first liquid is
thickened in the thickening step is greater than a period of time
between when the fabric is printed with the second liquid in the
second printing step and when the second liquid is irradiated with
light in the light irradiating step.
9. The inkjet printing method as set forth in claim 4, comprising:
performing the first printing step, the thickening step, the second
printing step, and the light irradiating step by using an inkjet
head, and the inkjet head comprising: a first nozzle that applies
the first liquid in the first printing step; a first light
irradiator that irradiates the first liquid with light in the
thickening step; a second nozzle that applies the second liquid in
the second printing step; and a second light irradiator that
irradiates the second liquid with light in the light irradiating
step, wherein the first nozzle is located at a position more
forward in a main scanning direction than the first light
irradiator, the second nozzle is located at a position more forward
in the main scanning direction than the second light irradiator,
the first nozzle and the first light irradiator are located at
positions more rearward in a sub scanning direction than the second
nozzle and the second light irradiator, and a distance between the
first nozzle and the first light irradiator is greater than a
distance between the second nozzle and the second light
irradiator.
10. The inkjet printing method as set forth in claim 5, comprising:
performing the first printing step, the thickening step, the second
printing step, and the light irradiating step by using an inkjet
head, and the inkjet head including: a first nozzle that applies
the first liquid in the first printing step; a heater that heats
the first liquid in the thickening step; a second nozzle that
applies the second liquid in the second printing step; and a light
irradiator that irradiates the second liquid with light in the
light irradiating step, wherein the first nozzle is located at a
position more forward in a main scanning direction than the heater,
the second nozzle is located at a position more forward in the main
scanning direction than the light irradiator, the first nozzle and
the heater are located at positions more rearward in a sub scanning
direction than the second nozzle and the light irradiator, and a
distance between the first nozzle and the heater is greater than a
distance between the second nozzle and the light irradiator.
11. The inkjet printing method as set forth in claim 2, further
comprising: a thickening step of thickening the first liquid
applied on the fabric in the first printing step to a higher degree
of viscosity, wherein the thickening step is performed subsequent
to the first printing step and prior to the second printing step.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to an inkjet printing method, more
particularly to an inkjet printing method for printing, for
example, images or characters on fabrics.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Inkjet inks have been known to be relatively low in
viscosity. A fabric printed by inkjet printing, therefore, may be
quickly impregnated and smeared with such an ink.
[0003] A fabric recording method has so far been disclosed as a
smearing-controllable technique. To record an image on a fabric,
this method uses an inkjet ink for textile printing at least
containing a colorant, and a water-soluble polymerizable compound
by way of irradiation of an external energy ray. After the fabric
is printed with the inkjet ink, the water-soluble polymerizable
compound is irradiated with the external energy ray to generate a
polymerized compound. The fabric, after being subjected to coloring
treatment, is rinsed with water (Patent Literature 1).
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0004] Patent Literature 1: JP 2006-144180 A (disclosed on Jun. 8,
2006)
SUMMARY
Technical Problem
[0005] Patent Literature 1 describes briefly thickening the inkjet
ink containing a colorant such as dye and a dyeing assistant
promoting dyeing on the fabric by tentatively adding such a
compound. This may certainly prevent smearing of the ink, while
possibly deterring the assistant from penetrating into the fabric.
As a result, an expected coloring effect can be limited on the
fabric surface alone.
[0006] To address this issue, this disclosure is directed to
providing technical solutions for inkjet textile printing that may
produce an improved coloring effect while suppressing the
occurrence of ink smearing.
SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEM
[0007] The inventors have been encountered by this technical
challenge and found out as a result of their keen studies and
researches that, when a fabric is printed by inkjet printing, using
a dyeing assistant separately from a colorant, and a water-soluble
photo-curable resin could help the dyeing assistant to be more
absorbed into the fabric, consequently achieving two desired
purposes; an improved coloring effect, and well-suppressed smearing
of the colorant. Then, the inventors finally accomplished their
mission.
[0008] An inkjet printing method disclosed herein includes: a first
printing step of printing a fabric by inkjet printing with a first
liquid containing a dyeing assistant; a second printing step of
printing the fabric by inkjet printing subsequent to the first
printing step with a second liquid containing a colorant and a
water-soluble photo-curable resin; and a light irradiating step of
irradiating the second liquid applied on the fabric in the second
printing step with light.
[0009] The colorant is preferably difficult to smear to obtain a
clear and sharp image, while the dyeing assistant is preferably
smeared and well-absorbed into the fabric. According to the
configuration, the colorant in the second liquid applied on the
fabric may be unlikely to smear by mixing the water-soluble
photo-curable resin with the second liquid in addition to the
colorant (the second printing step) and by irradiating the second
liquid with light (the light irradiating step). In case the dyeing
assistant and the colorant are applied on the fabric at once, it
may be difficult for the fabric to absorb the dyeing assistant. The
configuration, however, applies the dyeing assistant on the fabric
separately from and prior to the step of applying the colorant on
the fabric. Hence, the dyeing assistant may be well-absorbed into
the fabric. Performing the inkjet textile printing may
advantageously achieve an improved coloring effect, while
suppressing an occurrence of smearing.
[0010] In the inkjet printing method disclosed herein, the first
liquid applied on the fabric in the first printing step may
preferably be lower in viscosity than the second liquid applied on
the fabric in the second printing step.
[0011] The configuration may allow the dyeing assistant to be
better absorbed into the fabric.
[0012] The inkjet printing method may preferably further include a
thickening step of thickening the first liquid applied on the
fabric in the first printing step to a higher degree of viscosity,
wherein the thickening step is performed subsequent to the first
printing step and prior to the second printing step.
[0013] According to the configuration, by thickening the first
liquid applied on the fabric in the first printing step before
proceeding to the second printing step, the colorant may be more
difficult to smear.
[0014] In the inkjet printing method, preferably, the first liquid
may further include a water-soluble photo-curable resin, and the
thickening step may further include irradiating the first liquid
applied on the fabric in the first printing step with light.
[0015] According to the configuration, the thickening step may
successfully increase the first liquid in viscosity.
[0016] In the inkjet printing method, the thickening step may
include heating the first liquid applied on the fabric in the first
printing step.
[0017] According to the configuration, the thickening step may
successfully increase the first liquid in viscosity.
[0018] In the inkjet printing method, a period of time between when
the fabric is printed with the first liquid in the first printing
step and when the first liquid is thickened in the thickening step
may preferably be greater than a period of time between when the
fabric is printed with the second liquid in the second printing
step and when the second liquid is irradiated with light in the
light irradiating step.
[0019] The configuration may allow the dyeing assistant to be
better absorbed into the fabric.
[0020] The inkjet printing method may preferably include performing
the first printing step, the thickening step, the second printing
step, and the light irradiating step by using an inkjet head, the
inkjet head including: a first nozzle used to apply the first
liquid in the first printing step; a first light irradiator used to
irradiate the first liquid with light in the thickening step; a
second nozzle used to apply the second liquid in the second
printing step; and a second light irradiator used to irradiate the
second liquid with light in the light irradiating step, wherein the
first nozzle is located at a position more forward in a main
scanning direction than the first light irradiator, the second
nozzle is located at a position more forward in the main scanning
direction than the second light irradiator, the first nozzle and
the first light irradiator are located at positions more rearward
in a sub scanning direction than the second nozzle and the second
light irradiator, and a distance between the first nozzle and the
first light irradiator is greater than a distance between the
second nozzle and the second light irradiator.
[0021] According to the configuration, the first printing step, the
thickening step, the second printing step, and the light
irradiating step may be adequately and conveniently performed by
using a single inkjet head. Specifically, this inkjet head is
structured to be adequate for the order relation among the first
printing step, the thickening step, the second printing step and
the light irradiating step, and time intervals to be set between
the first printing step and the thickening step and between the
second printing step and the light irradiating step. The simplified
structure may advantageously achieve an improved coloring effect,
while suppressing the occurrence of smearing in performing the
inkjet textile printing.
[0022] The inkjet printing method may include performing the first
printing step, the thickening step, the second printing step, and
the light irradiating step by using an inkjet head, the inkjet head
including: a first nozzle used to apply the first liquid in the
first printing step; a heater used to heat the first liquid in the
thickening step; a second nozzle used to apply the second liquid in
the second printing step; and a light irradiator used to irradiate
the second liquid with light in the light irradiating step, wherein
the first nozzle is located at a position more forward in the main
scanning direction than the heater, the second nozzle is located at
a position more forward in the main scanning direction than the
light irradiator, the first nozzle and the heater are located at
positions more rearward in the sub scanning direction than the
second nozzle and the light irradiator, and a distance between the
first nozzle and the heater is greater than a distance between the
second nozzle and the light irradiator.
[0023] According to the configuration, the first printing step, the
thickening step, the second printing step, and the light
irradiating step may be adequately and conveniently performed by
using a single inkjet head. Specifically, this inkjet head is
structured to be adequate for the order relation among the first
printing step, the thickening step, the second printing step, and
the light irradiating step, and time intervals to be set between
the first printing step and the thickening step, and between the
second printing step and the light irradiating step. The simplified
structure may advantageously achieve an improved coloring effect,
while suppressing the occurrence of smearing in performing the
inkjet textile printing.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0024] This disclosure may advantageously afford an improved
coloring effect, while suppressing the occurrence of smearing in
performing the inkjet textile printing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates the principal technical concept of an
inkjet printing method according to an embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates steps in an inkjet printing
method according to an embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates structural features of an
inkjet head according to an embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0028] An inkjet printing method disclosed herein includes: a first
printing step of printing a fabric by inkjet printing with a first
liquid containing a dyeing assistant; a second printing step of
printing the fabric by inkjet printing subsequent to the first
printing step with a second liquid containing a colorant and a
water-soluble photo-curable resin; and a light irradiating step of
irradiating the second liquid applied on the fabric in the second
printing step with light.
[0029] In an embodiment, the inkjet printing method disclosed
herein may further include: a thickening step of thickening the
first liquid applied on the fabric in the first printing step to a
higher degree of viscosity, the thickening step being performed
subsequent to the first printing step and prior to the second
printing step; a color developing step of prompting color
development of the colorant applied on the fabric, the color
developing step being performed subsequent to the light irradiating
step; and a removing step of removing the water-soluble
photo-curable resin on the fabric, the removing step being
performed subsequent to the color developing step.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates the principal technical concept of an
inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. In FIG. 1, a fabric 1, a first printing layer 2, and a
second printing layer 3 are illustrated. FIG. 2 schematically
illustrates steps in the inkjet printing method according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] The inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure starts with placement of a fabric 1 in an inkjet
apparatus. Then, in Step S1, the fabric 1 is printed by inkjet
printing with a first liquid containing a dyeing assistant (a first
printing step), and the first liquid on the fabric 1 is thickened
to a higher degree of viscosity (a thickening step) to form a first
printing layer 2 on the fabric 1.
[0032] The first liquid may be applied on the whole surface of the
fabric 1 or a partial surface of the fabric 1 where the colorant
will be later applied.
[0033] The dyeing assistants refer to auxiliary agents
conventionally used in dyeing. The dyeing assistant may be one
selected suitably for a used colorant from level dyeing assistants,
retarding assistants, accelerating agents, mordanting agents,
fixing agents, reducing agents, humectants and the like.
[0034] The level dyeing assistants and the retarding assistants may
be termed as level dyeing agents and dye retardants. They are
chemicals that slow down the dyeing rate to have a target medium be
evenly dyed. They are mostly surfactants, among which are level
dyeing agents having affinity for fibers, and level dyeing agents
having affinity for dyes. The level dyeing agents and the dye
retardants may include but are not necessarily limited to the
examples. Other specific examples may include AMILADIN L-33 (trade
name; manufactured by Dai-ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.), Noigen SS
(trade name; manufactured by Dai-ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.),
Leopol (trade name; manufactured by TAKEMOTO OIL & FAT Co.,
Ltd.), and Peretex (trade name; manufactured by MIYOSHI OIL &
FAT CO., LTD.).
[0035] The accelerating agents are chemicals that increase the
degree of dyeing power in any combinations of colorants and fibers
with poor dyeing affinity. The accelerating agents may include but
are not limited to sodium chloride (salt), sodium sulfate
(mirabilite), and acids used to dye protein fibers with acid dyes
(hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, and formic
acid).
[0036] The mordanting agents are chemicals that improve the
affinity of the fabric 1 for the colorant to have the colorant be
more vividly color-developed. Examples of the mordanting agents may
include but are not limited to alum
(Al.sub.2(SO.sub.4).sub.3K.sub.2SO.sub.424H.sub.2O), ferrous
sulfate (FeSO.sub.47H.sub.2O), chromium alum
(Cr.sub.2(SO.sub.4).sub.3K.sub.2SO.sub.424H.sub.2O), tannic acid,
and Kotonol (trade name; manufactured by Moriwake Chemical
Laboratory Co., Ltd.).
[0037] The fixing agents are chemicals that mediate between fibers
and colorants to impart the dyeing affinity to the fibers. Examples
the fixing agents may include but are not limited to Katanol OH,
tartar emetic (Antimony potassium tartrate), Fix salt L (trade
name; manufactured by Fuji Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.), MC-Fix
(trade name; manufactured by Matsui Chemical Co., Ltd.), Nylox
1500.1200.700.800 (trade name; manufactured by IPPOSHA OIL
INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.), Silkfix 3A (trade name; manufactured by
SENKA Corporation), Amigen (trade name; manufactured by Dai-ichi
Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.), Chromosol SSS (trade name; manufactured
by SENKA Corporation), and Han Nord Fix, Soritoru N and TKS Fix
(trade name; TOKAI SEIYU KOGYO K.K.).
[0038] The reducing agents are chemicals that reduce water (hot
water)-insoluble colorants such as vat dyes and sulfur dyes to
impart solubility to these chemical. Examples of the reducing dyes
may include but are not limited to hydrated sodium sulfite, Blankit
IAN, DA, D, TN, AR (trade name; manufactured by BASF), and Rongalit
FD (trade name; manufactured by BASF).
[0039] A non-limiting example of the humectants may be urea.
[0040] While the composition of the first liquid is not
particularly limited in so far as it contains the dyeing assistant,
the first liquid may further include, for example, a water-soluble
photo-curable resin, a sizing material, a pH adjuster, a regulator
of surface tension, and a preservative. A solvent usable for the
first liquid may be optionally selected, non-limiting examples of
which may include pure water, and water-soluble organic solvents
(multivalent alcohols, monovalent alcohols, alkyl ethers of
multivalent alcohols, amines). The first liquid may preferably be
diluted with the solvent to be lowered in viscosity than the second
liquid. This may allow the dyeing assistant to be better absorbed
into the fabric 1. The first liquid may preferably have a degree of
viscosity between approximately 5 mPas and 20 mPas.
[0041] The viscosity of the first liquid applied on the fabric 1
may be thickened in any manner suitable for the purpose, for
example, (A) the first liquid further mixed with the water-soluble
photo-curable resin may be irradiated with light, or (B) the first
liquid may be heated.
[0042] Examples of the water-soluble photo-curable resin may
include but are not limited to water-soluble monofunctional
unsaturated ethylene monomers (for example, hydroxyl
group-containing (meth) acrylates having carbon numbers of 5 to 15
[hydroxyethyl (meth) acrylate, hydroxypropyl (meth) acrylate, and
4-hydroxybutyl (meth) acrylate), N-dimethyl(meth)acrylamide,
N-diethyl(meth)acrylamide, and N-hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylamide.
[0043] Methods for irradiating the liquids with light are not
particularly limited. A preferable example may be one selected from
light irradiators configured to emit lights of wavelengths that
cause the water-soluble photo-curable resin to be cured. When a
water-soluble ultraviolet-curable resin is used as the
water-soluble photo-curable resin, suitable examples of the light
irradiator may include a UV-LED, a metal halide lamp, a high
pressure mercury lamp, and a germicidal lamp.
[0044] Non-limiting examples of the heating means may include a
radiant heating, a thermal conduction heating, and a microwave
heating.
[0045] The first liquid applied on the fabric 1 may be preferable
thickened after applying the first liquid on the whole fabric 1 is
completed. The first liquid, however, may be more preferable
thickened after applying the first liquid on each section on the
fabric 1 within a predetermined time frame. As described later,
this embodiment may adequately apply and thicken the first liquid
by using an inkjet head including a nozzle for applying the first
liquid, and a light irradiator or a heater for increasing the
viscosity of the first liquid, wherein the nozzle is located at a
position more forward in a main scanning direction than the light
irradiator or the heater. Therefore, when such an inkjet head is
used, the nozzle moves above the respective sections on the fabric
1, and each of the sections is applied with the first liquid
discharged through the nozzle. Then, the light irradiator or the
heater moves above these sections to thicken the first liquid
discharged thereon.
[0046] The main scanning direction refers to a direction in which
scans are performed by an inkjet head. The sub scanning direction
refers to a direction different to the main scanning direction,
specifically a direction in which an inkjet head is displaced
relative to the fabric 1 at intervals between the scans. The inkjet
apparatus used in this embodiment may be an apparatus of a flatbed
type or a roller type.
[0047] Subsequently, in Step S2, the fabric 1 is printed by inkjet
printing with a second liquid containing a colorant and a
water-soluble photo-curable resin (a second printing step), and the
second liquid applied on the fabric 1 is irradiated with light (a
light irradiating step) to form a second printing layer 3 on the
fabric 1.
[0048] The second liquid is preferably applied on the fabric 1 in a
manner that any desired image can be printed thereon.
[0049] The colorant may be a dye. Examples of the dye may include
disperse dyes, acid dyes, and reactive dyes.
[0050] While the composition of the second liquid is not
particularly limited in so far as it contains the colorant and the
water-soluble photo-curable resin, the second liquid may further
contain, for example, a humectant, a pH adjuster, a regulator of
surface tension, a preservative, and a dispersant. A solvent usable
for the second liquid may be optionally selected, non-limiting
examples of which may include pure water, and water-soluble organic
solvents (multivalent alcohols, monovalent alcohols, alkyl ethers
of multivalent alcohols, amines).
[0051] The water-soluble photo-curable resin and the light
irradiating means are as noted previously, which will not be
described again.
[0052] The second liquid applied on the fabric 1 may be preferable
irradiated with light after applying the second liquid on the whole
fabric 1 is completed. The second liquid, however, may be more
preferable irradiated with light for each of sections on the fabric
1 after applying the second liquid on each of sections on the
fabric 1 is completed. As described later, this embodiment may
adequately apply and thicken the second liquid by using an inkjet
head including a nozzle for printing the second liquid, and a light
irradiator for irradiating the second liquid with light, wherein
the nozzle is located at a position more forward in the main
scanning direction than the light irradiator. Therefore, when such
an inkjet head is used, the nozzle moves above the respective
sections on the fabric 1, and each of the sections is printed with
the second liquid discharged through the nozzle. Then, the light
irradiator moves above these sections to irradiate the second
liquid with light.
[0053] In the inkjet textile printing, the colorant is preferably
difficult to smear to obtain a clear and sharp image, while the
dyeing assistant is preferably smeared and well-absorbed into the
fabric. In this embodiment, the water-soluble photo-curable resin
is mixed with the second liquid in addition to the colorant (a
second printing step), and the resulting second liquid is
irradiated with light (a light irradiating step) to cure the
water-soluble photo-curable resin. This may thicken the second
solution, thereby suppressing smearing of the colorant. In case the
dyeing assistant and the colorant are applied on the fabric at
once, the second liquid immediately starts to be thickened to
prevent smearing of the colorant. Then, it may be difficult for the
fabric to absorb the dyeing assistant sufficiently. This
embodiment, however, applies the dyeing assistant on the fabric
separately from and prior to the step of applying the colorant on
the fabric. Hence, the dyeing assistant may be well-absorbed into
the fabric. When the inkjet textile printing is performed,
therefore, the coloring effect may advantageously be improved by
allowing the dyeing assistant to be well-absorbed into the fabric,
while the occurrence of smearing is suppressed.
[0054] The intended purpose of the pretreatment conventionally
performed for textile printing may be to prevent smearing of
colorants. The first printing step according to this embodiment is
not performed to prevent smearing of the colorant but is performed
to have the dyeing assistant be well-absorbed into the fabric. This
printing step, therefore, is totally different to the pretreatment
conventionally performed for textile printing. In this embodiment,
the water-soluble photo-curable resin is mixed with the second
liquid in addition to the colorant, and the resulting second liquid
is irradiated with light to suppress smearing of the colorant. The
pretreatment conventionally employed is, therefore,
unnecessary.
[0055] This embodiment thickens the first liquid applied on the
fabric in the first printing step prior to the second printing
step. This may avoid that the colorant is dissolved in the first
liquid on the fabric 1, thereby making smearing of the colorant
more unlikely to occur.
[0056] Preferably, a period of time between when the fabric is
printed with the first liquid in the first printing step and when
the first liquid is thickened to a higher degree of viscosity in
the thickening step is greater than a period of time between when
the fabric is printed with the second liquid in the second printing
step and when the second liquid is irradiated with light in the
light irradiating step.
[0057] This may allow the first liquid to be smeared and absorbed
into the fabric 1 over a sufficiently long time, while making it
difficult for the fabric 1 to be smeared with the second liquid.
Thus, the dyeing assistant may be better absorbed into the fabric,
while smearing of the colorant may be suppressed.
[0058] By employing an inkjet head 10 hereinafter described, Steps
S1 and S2 (the first printing step, the second printing step, the
thickening step, and the light irradiating step) may advantageously
be performed in a structurally simplified mariner.
[0059] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the inkjet head 10
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, the inkjet head 10 includes: a first nozzle
13 for printing the fabric with the first liquid in the first
printing step; a first light irradiator 14 for irradiating the
first liquid with light in the thickening step; second nozzles 11y,
11m, 11c, and 11k (respectively for colors including but not
limited to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) for printing the
fabric with the second liquid in the second printing step; and a
second light irradiator 12 for irradiating the second liquid with
light in the light irradiating step. The nozzle 13 is located at a
position more forward in the main scanning direction than the first
light irradiator 14. The second nozzles 11y, 11m, 11c, and 11k are
located at positions more forward in the main scanning direction
than the second light irradiator 12. The first nozzle 13 and the
first light irradiator 14 are located at positions more rearward in
the sub scanning direction than the second nozzles 11y, 11m, 11c
and 11k, and the second light irradiator 12. An distance L between
the first nozzle 13 and the first light irradiator 14 is greater
than distances between the second nozzles 11y, 11m, 11c, 11k and
the second light irradiator 12.
[0060] When the inkjet head 10 is used for printing, the first
nozzle 13 moves above the sections on the fabric 1, applying the
first liquid thereon. After the first liquid is spread, smeared and
well-absorbed into the fabric 1 while the inkjet head 10 is moving
over the distance L, the first light irradiator 14 moves above the
sections to thicken the first liquid to a higher degree of
viscosity. After the inkjet head 10 is displaced in the sub
scanning direction relative to the fabric 1, the second nozzles
11y, 11m, 11c, and 11k move above the sections to apply the second
liquid thereon. Then, the second light irradiator 12 almost
instantly moves above the sections to thicken the second liquid to
a higher degree of viscosity, thereby preventing smearing of the
second liquid.
[0061] This disclosure includes the inkjet head 10 and an inkjet
apparatus equipped with the inkjet head 10 in its scope.
[0062] When the first liquid on the fabric 1 is thickened by
heating in the thickening step, an inkjet head including a heater
instead of the first light irradiator 14 may preferably be used as
the inkjet head 10. The inkjet head according to this embodiment
may preferably include: a first nozzle used to apply the first
liquid in the first printing step; a heater used to heat the first
liquid in the thickening step; a second nozzle used to apply the
second liquid in the second printing step; and a light irradiator
used to irradiate the second liquid with light in the light
irradiating step, wherein the first nozzle is located at a position
more forward in the main scanning direction than the heater, the
second nozzle is located at a position more forward in the main
scanning direction than the light irradiator, the first nozzle and
the heater are located at positions more rearward in the sub
scanning direction than the second nozzle and the light irradiator,
and a distance between the first nozzle and the heater is greater
than a distance between the second nozzle and the light irradiator.
Such an inkjet head may produce the same advantageous effects as
produced by the inkjet head 10.
[0063] This disclosure includes the inkjet head and an inkjet
apparatus equipped with this inkjet head in its scope.
[0064] Then, in Step S3, the colorant on the fabric 1 is subjected
to coloring treatment (a color developing step). Non-limiting
examples of the coloring treatment may include steaming, HT
steaming, and HP steaming. A suitable one may be selected from such
known methods depending on materials of a print medium and an ink
to be used.
[0065] Finally, in Step S4, the surface of the fabric 1 is rinsed
with cleaning liquid such as water, and then dried to remove the
water-soluble photo-curable resin and the dye left unexhaused on
the fabric 1 (a removing step). In case a cellulose fiber fabric is
used as a medium to be printed, such a fabric is conventionally
rinsed with water or hot water, and treated in a soaping bath. The
fabric is then rinsed with water or hot water, and then dried.
[0066] The steps thus far described may suppress smearing of the
colorant, thereby successfully printing a desired image on the
fabric 1 in vivid colors.
[Additional Remarks]
[0067] An inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure includes: a first printing step of printing the
fabric 1 by inkjet printing with a first liquid containing a dyeing
assistant; a second printing step of printing on the fabric 1 by
inkjet printing subsequent to the first printing step with a second
liquid containing a colorant and a water-soluble photo-curable
resin; and a light irradiating step of irradiating the second
liquid applied on the fabric 1 with light.
[0068] The colorant is preferably difficult to smear to obtain a
clear and sharp image. The dyeing assistant is preferably smeared
and well-absorbed into the fabric 1. According to the
configuration, the colorant in the second liquid applied on the
fabric may be unlikely to smear by mixing the water-soluble
photo-curable resin with the second liquid in addition to the
colorant (a second printing step) and by irradiating the second
liquid with light (a light irradiating step). In case the dyeing
assistant and the colorant are applied on the fabric 1 at once, it
may be difficult for the fabric 1 to absorb the dyeing assistant.
This configuration, however, applies the dyeing assistant on the
fabric 1 separately from and prior to the step of applying the
colorant to the fabric 1. Hence, the dyeing assistant may be
well-absorbed into the fabric 1. The fabric 1 printed by inkjet
printing, therefore, may produce an improved coloring effect, while
suppressing smearing of the colorant.
[0069] The inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure may be provided that the first liquid applied on
the fabric 1 in the first printing step is lower in viscosity than
the second liquid applied on the fabric 1 in the second printing
step.
[0070] The configuration may allow the dyeing assistant to be
better absorbed into the fabric 1.
[0071] The inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure may further include a thickening step of
thickening the first liquid applied on the fabric 1 in the first
printing step to a higher degree of viscosity, and the thickening
step is performed between the first printing step and the second
printing step.
[0072] According to the configuration, by thickening the first
liquid applied on the fabric 1 in the first printing step before
proceeding to the second printing step, the colorant may be more
difficult to smear.
[0073] The inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure may be further provided that the first liquid
further includes a water-soluble photo-curable resin, and the
thickening step further includes irradiating the first liquid
applied on the fabric 1 in the first printing step with light.
[0074] According to the configuration, the thickening step may
successfully increase the first liquid in viscosity.
[0075] The inkjet printing method according to some embodiments of
the present disclosure may be provided further that the thickening
step includes heating the first liquid applied on the fabric 1 in
the first printing step.
[0076] According to the configuration, the thickening step may
successfully increase the first liquid in viscosity.
[0077] The inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure may be further characterized in that a period of
time between when the fabric 1 is printed with the first liquid in
the first printing step and when the first liquid is thickened in
the thickening step is greater than a period of time between when
the fabric 1 is printed with the second liquid in the second
printing step and when the second liquid is irradiated with light
in the light irradiating step.
[0078] According to the configuration, the dyeing assistant may be
better absorbed into the fabric 1.
[0079] The inkjet printing method may preferably include performing
the first printing step, the thickening step, the second printing
step, and the light irradiating step by using the inkjet head 10,
the inkjet head 10 including: a first nozzle used to apply the
first liquid in the first printing step; a first light irradiator
used to irradiate the first liquid with light in the thickening
step; a second nozzle used to apply the second liquid in the second
printing step; and a second light irradiator used to irradiate the
second liquid with light in the light irradiating step, wherein the
first nozzle is located at a position more forward in the main
scanning direction than the first light irradiator, the second
nozzle is located at a position more forward in the main scanning
direction than the second light irradiator, the first nozzle and
the first light irradiator are located at positions more rearward
in the sub scanning direction than the second nozzle and the second
light irradiator, and a distance between the first nozzle and the
first light irradiator is greater than a distance between the
second nozzle and the second light irradiator.
[0080] According to the configuration, the first printing step,
thickening step, second printing step, and light irradiating step
may be adequately and conveniently performed by using a single
inkjet head. Specifically, the inkjet head 10 is structured to be
adequate for the order relation among the first printing step, the
thickening step, the second printing step, and light irradiating
step, and time intervals to be set between the first printing step
and the thickening step, and between the second printing step and
the light irradiating step. When the fabric 1 is printed by inkjet
printing, a simplified structure may advantageously achieve an
improved coloring effect, while suppressing the occurrence of
smearing.
[0081] The inkjet printing method may further include performing
the first printing step, the thickening step, the second printing
step, and the light irradiating step by using an inkjet head, the
inkjet head including: a first nozzle used to apply the first
liquid in the first printing step; a heater used to heat the first
liquid in the thickening step; a second nozzle used to apply the
second liquid in the second printing step; and a light irradiator
used to irradiate the second liquid with light in the light
irradiating step, wherein the first nozzle is located at a position
more forward in the main scanning direction than the heater, the
second nozzle is located at a position more forward in the main
scanning direction than the light irradiator, the first nozzle and
the heater are located at positions more rearward in the sub
scanning direction than the second nozzle and the light irradiator,
and a distance between the first nozzle and the heater is greater
than a distance between the second nozzle and the light
irradiator.
[0082] According to the configuration, the first printing step, the
thickening step, the second printing step, and the light
irradiating step may be adequately and conveniently performed by
using a single inkjet head. Specifically, this inkjet head is
structured to be adequate for the order relation among the first
printing step, the thickening step, the second printing step, and
the light irradiating step, and time intervals to be set between
the first printing step and the thickening step, and between the
second printing step and the light irradiating step. When the
fabric 1 is printed by inkjet printing, a simplified structure may
advantageously achieve an improved coloring effect, while
suppressing the occurrence of smearing.
[0083] This disclosure is not necessarily limited to the embodiment
described so far and may be carried out in many other forms. The
technical scope of this disclosure encompasses any modifications
within the technical scope disclosed herein that is defined by the
appended claims and embodiments obtained by variously combining the
technical means disclosed herein. The entire contents of any patent
and non-patent literatures disclosed in this description are
incorporated herein by reference.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0084] This disclosure is advantageously applicable to various
technical fields including the textile industry in which inkjet
textile printing is employed.
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