Method for Continuously Printing Polychromatic Designs, Especially on Fabrics and the Like, and Device for Its Realization

The present invention relates in general to a method for continuously printing polychromatic designs on various materials, in particular woven carpets and the like, and a device for its realization.

Similar known devices present the drawback that the printing of various colors is obtained in very distinct phases such that it is impossible to obtain particular chromatic effects in a small zone of the fabric due to the contemporaneous combination of several colors.

In other words, it is impossible to obtain particular tones or shades of colors using the above-mentioned known devices.

The primary scope of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawback.

In accordance with the invention, this result is achieved by utilizing an operating method which involves:

horizontally moving the fabric to be dyed with a prearranged speed and direction;

drawing a predetermined amount of different colored liquid dyes from corresponding containers according to a prearranged sequence;

injecting the prearranged sequence of dyes onto a prearranged print on the fabric to be dyed in areas corresponding to predetermined adjacent points.

In order to realize the method, a device is utilized which has:

means for drawing a predetermined amount of liquid dyes from corresponding containers according to a prearranged sequence;

means for injecting the drawn dyes on the fabric to be dyed;

means for moving the fabric;

means for supporting the means for injecting the dyes.

The advantages derived from the present invention essentially consist in that it is possible to attribute the desired tones and shades of color to the points of the fabric with remarkable precision and according to a prearranged layout, which makes it possible to obtain pictorial and chromatic effects completely similar to those obtained by painting the same fabric by hand, that is, with high aesthetic quality and remarkable qualitative contents.

These and further advantages and characteristics of the present invention shall be better understood by all persons skilled in the art from the description below and with the aid of the attached drawings, which is given as partial simplification of the invention, but not to be considered in a limiting sense.

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 a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 represents a prospective view of a device for printing polychromatic designs in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 represents a prospective view of the means for injecting dyes of the device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 represents a prospective view of the means in FIG. 2 in arrangement of use.

Reduced to its essential structure and with reference to the figures in the attached drawings, the method, according to the invention, for continuously printing polychromatic designs, has the following order of operating phases:

moving the fabric to be dyed with a prearranged speed and direction;

drawing a predetermined amount of different colored liquid dyes from corresponding containers according to a prearranged sequence;

injecting the prearranged sequence of dyes onto a prearranged print on the fabric in areas corresponding to predetermined adjacent points; and repeating the above steps to form a polychromatic design.

Advantageously, in accordance with the invention, it is provided that, after the phase of injecting the dyes, the cleaning of the dyed fabric or the setting of the injected color takes place. Thus, it is also provided that the image of the pictorial effect to be reproduced on the fabric is represented on a video monitor.

In accordance with the invention, to realize the method, the device provides:

means 3 for drawing a predetermined amount of liquid dyes of various colors from corresponding containers 1 according to a prearranged sequence;

means 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 for injecting the drawn dyes, on the fabric to be dyed, in areas corresponding to prearranged adjacent points;

means 12 for moving the fabric with a prearranged speed and direction;

means 9, 13 for supporting the above-mentioned means 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 for injecting the dyes.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for drawing the liquid dyes from the respective containers 1 comprise connection tubes 3 between the containers 1 and corresponding distribution collectors 2 which supply the dyes to a plurality of multiple nozzles 6 . Each container has its own color and its own distribution collector 2. Each distribution collector 2 is aligned transversely with, respect to the sliding direction of the fabric to be dyed. Each multiple nozzle 6 is provided with several injectors 5. Each injector 5 of a nozzle 6 is connected to a different distribution collector 2 and receives a different color. Correspondingly each injector 5 injects a single color corresponding to a prearranged point of the material to be treated. FIG. 1 shows the invention with two colors, two connection tubes 3 and two distribution collectors 2. Correspondingly each nozzle 6 will have two injectors 5 and be able to combine the two colors in different portions to form a plurality of different shades of color on the fabric. Moreover, the means for the movement of the fabric preferably comprise a horizontal belt 12 which slides below the injectors 5.

The transfer of the dyes to the distribution collectors 2 can be advantageously carried out by means of pumps. Thus, the transfer can also advantageously be of the pressure type as well as the free drop from above type.

It is advantageously provided that the number of injectors 5 comprised in a multiple nozzle 6 is equal to the number of liquid dyes stored in the containers 1, thus making it possible to obtain any combination of the available colors at a prearranged point of the fabric according to prearranged proportions.

Moreover, it is advantageously provided that the supply of the liquid dyes to the multiple nozzles is regulated by means of a plurality of electrovalves 4 provided for each injector 5. The opening and closing times of which are controlled by means of an electronic control unit, for simplification not shown in the figures. Each of the electrovalves 4 being advantageously connected to its corresponding injector 5 by means of pipes 8. A support means for the connection tubes 3, and distribution collection 2 also has a rack 7 for accommodating the nozzles 6, which makes it possible to insert and unthread the nozzles 5 with extreme facility for providing their maintenance or replacement. The nozzles 6 are lined along the rack 7, and the rack 7 is positioned across the fabric. Each nozzle 6 has a plurality of injectors 5, and each injector 5 carries a different color from the container 1. A whole line across the fabric can then be covered with a plurality of different color combinations. It is also advantageously provided that an electronic exchange 12 is interfaced with a digital computer 14 for monitoring the course of the operating phases of the present method.

Moreover, means 10 for drying the belt 12 are provided upstream from the line of multiple nozzles 6, and means 9 for squeezing the treated material to facilitate the penetration of the color are provided downstream from the nozzles 6. To facilitate the cleaning of the fabric, means 11 for suctioning the excess colors are also provided downstream from the nozzles 6.

Moreover, display means are advantageously provided for representing, on a video monitor of the digital computer 14, the image of the pictorial effect to be reproduced on the fabric.

The operation is as follows:

An electronic unit administers the drawing of the dyes from the respective containers 1 according to a prearranged amount and according to prearranged colors. The dyes thus drawn are transferred to the distribution collectors 2, and the flow is regulated by means of the opening and closing of the electrovalves 4. Opening and closing times are controlled by a preprogrammed electronic unit. Since each injector 5 is linked with a different color conduit, it is possible to inject a prearranged amount of any desired color or color tone corresponding to a predetermined point on the fabric, by combining the colors proceeding from the above-mentioned conduits in the prearranged proportions. Therefore, at a predetermined point on the fabric, a polychromatic effect is obtained which may be different from that obtained other points of the same fabric by means of the injectors 5 of the other nozzles 6.

In practice, the details of execution can, however, vary in an equivalent manner in the shape, dimensions, arrangement of the elements, and type of materials used, without, moreover, going beyond the scope of the idea of the solution adopted and therefore remaining within the limits of the protection granted to the present patent for this invention.