High-elasticity one-way moisture conducting fabric
Through the gradient design of the hydrophobic inner layer, connecting layer and hydrophilic outer layer and the composite welding point connection, the problem of insufficient elasticity of the one-way moisture-conducting fabric is solved, and efficient and stable one-way moisture-conducting and high elasticity effects are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511011695.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing one-way moisture-conducting fabrics have poor elasticity and are difficult to use in sportswear scenarios.
It adopts a highly elastic, one-way moisture-conducting fabric design consisting of a hydrophobic inner layer, a connecting layer and a hydrophilic outer layer. The hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer are knitted together by nylon yarn and spandex yarn. The connecting layer includes multiple discrete connecting segments, which are connected by composite welding points to form a wettability gradient and physical overlapping structure.
It provides one-way moisture conduction function while having excellent elasticity and wearing experience, improving moisture transfer efficiency and fabric stability, and avoiding stiffness and stuffiness.
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Figure CN120591950A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of fabrics, and in particular to a high-elasticity one-way moisture-conducting fabric. Background Art
[0002] Unidirectional moisture-conducting fabrics utilize the difference in hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity between the inner and outer layers of the fabric to quickly conduct moisture vapor from the inner layer to the outer layer. Current unidirectional moisture-conducting fabrics typically use a water-repellent polyester or polypropylene inner layer and a water-absorbent cotton or viscose outer layer. However, these unidirectional moisture-conducting fabrics have poor overall elasticity, making them difficult to use in sportswear. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects or problems existing in the background technology and provide a high-elasticity one-way moisture-conducting fabric, which can provide a one-way moisture-conducting function while having good elasticity.
[0004] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:
[0005] Technical Solution 1: A highly elastic, one-way moisture-conducting fabric, which comprises, from the outside to the inside, a hydrophilic outer layer, a connecting layer and a hydrophobic inner layer; the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer are formed by integrally knitting nylon yarn and spandex yarn to form a double-sided knitted structure, and the hydrophilicity of the nylon yarn in the hydrophobic inner layer is less than that of the nylon yarn in the hydrophilic outer layer, and the proportion of the spandex yarn in the hydrophobic inner layer is greater than that of the spandex yarn in the hydrophilic outer layer; the connecting layer includes a plurality of discretely arranged connecting segments woven from connecting yarns; the hydrophilicity of the connecting yarn is between the hydrophilicity of the nylon yarn in the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer; the two ends of each connecting segment are respectively knitted into a coil structure with the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer to form a physical overlap.
[0006] Technical solution 2 based on technical solution 1: the contact angle between the surface of the nylon yarn used in the hydrophobic inner layer and water is greater than or equal to 120°, and the contact angle between the surface of the nylon yarn used in the hydrophilic outer layer and water is less than or equal to 10°.
[0007] Technical solution three based on technical solution two: the connecting yarn is nylon yarn, and its water contact angle is greater than or equal to 50° and less than or equal to 90°.
[0008] Technical solution 4 based on technical solution 3: the spandex fiber used in the hydrophobic inner layer accounts for 7% to 10%, and the spandex fiber used in the hydrophilic outer layer accounts for 3% to 5%.
[0009] Technical solution five based on technical solution four: in the hydrophobic inner layer, connecting layer and hydrophilic outer layer, the overall diameter of the yarn constituting each layer decreases successively.
[0010] Technical solution six based on technical solution five: the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer are woven by a plated yarn method, so that the nylon yarn is formed on the technical front side of the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer, and the spandex yarn is formed on the technical back side of the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer.
[0011] Technical solution seven based on technical solution six: the nylon yarn in the hydrophilic outer layer adopts nylon fiber with a special-shaped cross-section.
[0012] Technical Solution 8 based on Technical Solution 2: The connecting yarn is a composite thermal fuse with a core-sheath structure, the core layer material of which is polyester or nylon, and the skin layer material is copolyester or copolyamide; the two ends of the connecting section are formed by heat treatment to form composite welding points connected to the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer; the composite welding points include a coil part and a solidification part; the coil part is a knitted coil formed by knitting the core layer of the composite thermal fuse and the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer into one; the solidification part is a polymer matrix of the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer after the skin layer of the composite thermal fuse is melted and solidified.
[0013] Technical solution nine based on technical solution eight: In the connecting layer, each of the connecting segments is arranged in a honeycomb array on the unfolded plane of the fabric.
[0014] From the above description of the present invention, it can be seen that compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0015] Technical Solution 1 provides a highly elastic, one-way moisture-conducting fabric, defined as consisting of a hydrophobic inner layer, a connecting layer, and a hydrophilic outer layer. The hydrophilicity of the main nylon yarn in each layer increases sequentially. This gradually increasing hydrophilicity from the inside out creates a clear wettability gradient across the thickness of the fabric. When sweat appears on the hydrophobic inner layer in contact with the skin, the surface repels water, making it difficult for the liquid water to spread and thus tending to migrate toward more hydrophilic areas. The connecting layer has a higher hydrophilicity than the inner layer, providing an initial, unobstructed path for moisture movement. The hydrophilic outer layer, on the other hand, has the strongest hydrophilicity and exerts the greatest attraction for moisture. Therefore, this gradient structure ensures that the transfer of moisture from the inner layer to the outer layer is spontaneous and one-way, forming the core driving force for achieving the one-way moisture-conducting function.
[0016] Secondly, the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer are both blended from nylon yarn and spandex yarn. The introduction of spandex fibers imparts excellent overall stretch and recovery properties to the fabric. At the same time, the proposal also stipulates that the proportion of spandex in the hydrophobic inner layer is greater than that in the hydrophilic outer layer. Since spandex is inherently hydrophobic, reducing its proportion in the hydrophilic outer layer, which needs to absorb and diffuse moisture quickly, can reduce obstacles to moisture conduction; while maintaining a higher proportion in the hydrophobic inner layer, which requires strong rebound to fit the skin, can better exert its elastic function. This gradient distribution of spandex proportions optimizes and supplements the wettability gradient function. The two work synergistically to maximize the efficiency of unidirectional moisture conduction while ensuring elasticity.
[0017] More importantly, the connecting layer between the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer includes multiple discrete connecting segments. These independent connecting segments divide the fabric macroscopically into connecting segment regions and non-connecting segment regions. The vast non-connecting segment region ensures the excellent high elasticity of the fabric as a whole. At each discrete connecting segment, the physical overlap structure firmly anchors the three layers of fabric together locally, locking the interlayer spacing and creating the stable microscopic environment necessary for achieving the capillary effect. This dynamic and static partitioning design makes the fabric dynamic and highly elastic overall, while being static and stable at the key nodes that realize the moisture-conducting function, thereby resolving the contradiction between unidirectional moisture conduction and high elasticity. In addition, the connecting layer constructs and maintains a complete physical channel for unidirectional moisture conduction. Each connecting segment itself forms a wettability bridge due to its hydrophilicity in the middle, ensuring the integrity and smoothness of the sweat transmission path. At the same time, the physical overlap formed by knitting as a whole ensures the permanence and durability of this connection. Moreover, this discrete point connection method maximizes the softness, drape and breathability of the fabric, avoids the stiffness and stuffiness of traditional multi-layer composite fabrics, and greatly improves the wearing experience.
[0018] In Technical Solution 2, the contact angle of the hydrophobic inner nylon yarn is limited to above 120°, achieving super-hydrophobicity. This creates a strong repulsion of liquid water and provides a powerful initial thrust for unidirectional water transport. Simultaneously, the contact angle of the hydrophilic outer nylon yarn is limited to below 10°, achieving super-hydrophilicity and generating a strong capillary attraction for water. The enormous wettability potential energy difference created between these two endpoints greatly enhances the driving force for unidirectional moisture conduction, significantly improving the speed and efficiency of water transport.
[0019] In Technical Solution 3, the connecting yarn is limited to nylon yarn with a specific contact angle range. This intermediate value ensures a smooth transition from the strongly hydrophobic inner layer to the strongly hydrophilic outer layer. This avoids the energy barrier that can arise from large differences in wettability, allowing for smoother and more continuous water transfer between layers, and improving the stability and reliability of the unidirectional moisture transfer function under varying perspiration levels and environmental conditions.
[0020] Technical Solution 4 provides an optimal range for the spandex content in each layer. A higher spandex content is used in the hydrophobic inner layer, which requires greater resilience and a close fit. A lower content is used in the hydrophilic outer layer, which minimizes interference from hydrophobic fibers and ensures rapid moisture diffusion. This precise gradient configuration ensures the fabric maintains sufficient elasticity while also optimizing its unidirectional moisture conduction properties.
[0021] In Technical Solution 5, a physical pore gradient is created within the fabric by sequentially decreasing the overall diameter of each yarn layer. Because the capillary effect is inversely proportional to pore diameter, this gradually tapering pore structure provides an additional physical driving force for the unidirectional flow of water. This, in conjunction with the wettability gradient, not only enhances the outward flow of water but also more effectively prevents reverse infiltration of external moisture, thereby improving the fabric's overall performance in humid environments.
[0022] Technical Solution 6 utilizes a plated yarn weaving method to spatially define the yarn placement within the fabric structure. Functional nylon yarns primarily form the technical front side of the fabric, while elastic spandex yarns primarily form the technical back side. This structure maximizes the purity of the fabric's physical and chemical properties on the functional surface, minimizing the impact of spandex on moisture transport. The beneficial effect is optimized unidirectional moisture transport without sacrificing elasticity.
[0023] In Technical Solution 7, the nylon yarn in the hydrophilic outer layer is limited to fibers with a special cross-section. This non-circular fiber cross-section increases the yarn's specific surface area. Once sweat is transferred to the outer layer, it can spread rapidly over this larger surface area, significantly accelerating water evaporation. This improves the fabric's quick-drying properties, prevents moisture accumulation in the outer layer, and enhances the wearer's feeling of lasting dryness.
[0024] Technical Solution 8 provides a connection structure that enhances the stability and durability of the connection between the connecting section and the hydrophobic inner layer and hydrophilic outer layer. The connecting yarn in the connecting layer utilizes a composite thermal fuse with a sheath-core structure, where the sheath is a copolymer and the core is polyester or nylon. A composite weld joint, consisting of a coil section and a curing section, is formed during post-processing. This material selection ensures and enhances the fabric's unidirectional moisture conduction performance. The curing section of this composite weld joint eliminates the fatigue damage and wear risks associated with purely mechanical coil structures under repeated stretching and rubbing by distributing stress and providing protective coating. Furthermore, the chemical bonding formed by the curing section through penetration and anchoring provides peel strength exceeding that of mechanical hooking, ensuring that the fabric maintains the integrity of its interlayer structure even when subjected to unexpected peeling forces. Furthermore, this composite weld joint stabilizes the interlayer spacing and interstitial space near the connecting section, ensuring that the core functional structure of unidirectional moisture conduction is not damaged by physical forces.
[0025] Furthermore, the presence of a solidified section creates a one-way valve in the connecting section, preventing reverse moisture permeation from the outer layer to the inner layer. When conventional nylon yarn is used as the connecting layer's material, the hydrophilic outer layer can become saturated due to excessive sweat or external environmental factors, creating a risk of liquid water seeping back inward through the porous connecting yarns. In this solution, the composite welds, formed by the melted and solidified polymer matrix of the composite hot-melt sheath, create a dense, non-porous, and completely impermeable structure. Moisture can flow from the inside out along the core fibers that form the coils. However, any external liquid water attempting to reversely permeate from the outside in is physically blocked by this solid polymer matrix. This allows the fabric to maintain excellent one-way moisture conduction even under extreme conditions, such as high humidity, rain, or excessive sweating that saturates the outer layer. Its resistance to reverse osmosis far exceeds that of purely mechanically connected structures. Furthermore, these composite welds solidify the capillary channels for moisture transfer, making them more stable and efficient. In a purely mechanically connected structure, the fiber arrangement and capillary path formed within the connection section are relatively random and subject to slight changes under physical influence. The formation of the composite weld regularizes this transmission channel. When the skin melts and penetrates, it fills the unnecessary tiny gaps around the coil and confines the core fibers, which serve as the transmission core, within a more regular and stable channel. This forces moisture to travel along this solidified, more direct path, improving the directionality and efficiency of transmission. Polyester or nylon, the core material, inherently possesses excellent capillary effect and moisture conductivity, ensuring the efficient operation of the moisture conduction path. Therefore, this connection structure not only improves the connection strength but also enhances the unidirectional moisture conduction effect.
[0026] In Technical Solution 9, polyester and nylon are used as core materials, which inherently possess excellent capillary effects and moisture-conducting properties. Compared to the traditional square arrangement, the honeycomb structure distributes multi-directional tensile stress more evenly throughout the fabric network, effectively avoiding stress concentration. This layout improves the overall structural stability and tear resistance of the fabric, especially during complex dynamic movements, which helps better maintain the fabric's integrity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.
[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a one-way moisture-conducting fabric according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the one-way moisture-conducting fabric involved in the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the unfolding of the one-way moisture-conducting fabric according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the connecting section in the one-way moisture-conducting fabric involved in the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] Description of main reference numerals:
[0033] Hydrophilic outer layer 10; connecting layer 20; connecting section 21; composite welding point 22; coil portion 23; curing portion 24; connecting yarn 25; skin layer 26; core layer 27; hydrophobic inner layer 30. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as excluding other embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0035] In the claims, description and drawings of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, the use of terms such as "first", "second" or "third" is for the purpose of distinguishing different objects rather than for describing a specific order.
[0036] In the claims, specification and the above-mentioned drawings of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly defined, directional words such as the terms "center", "transverse", "longitudinal", "horizontal", "vertical", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions and positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the specific scope of protection of the present invention.
[0037] In the claims, description and above-mentioned drawings of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" should be understood in a broad sense, that is, any connection method without displacement relationship and relative rotation relationship between the two parties, that is, including non-detachable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection and fixed connection through other devices or elements.
[0038] In the claims, description and drawings of the present invention, if the terms "include", "have" and their variations are used, they are intended to mean "including but not limited to".
[0039] Example 1
[0040] The first embodiment of the present invention relates to a high elasticity one-way moisture conducting fabric, referring to Figure 1 The fabric includes, from the outside to the inside, a hydrophilic outer layer 10, a connecting layer 20 and a hydrophobic inner layer 30; the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10 are knitted into a double-sided knitted structure by nylon yarn and spandex yarn through an integrated process, and the hydrophilicity of the nylon yarn in the hydrophobic inner layer 30 is less than that of the nylon yarn in the hydrophilic outer layer 10, and the proportion of the spandex yarn in the hydrophobic inner layer 30 is greater than the proportion of the spandex yarn in the hydrophilic outer layer 10; the connecting layer 20 includes a plurality of discrete connecting segments 21 woven from connecting yarns 25; the hydrophilicity of the connecting yarns 25 is between the hydrophilicity of the nylon yarn in the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10; the two ends of each connecting segment 21 are respectively knitted into a whole with the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10 to form a physically overlapped coil structure.
[0041] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The fabric described in this embodiment is essentially a three-layer integrated double-sided knitted fabric. All three layers of its structure are formed through a one-time weaving process on a knitting device, rather than being made through a subsequent bonding or compounding process. The structure is realized on a computer jacquard double-sided large circular knitting machine, which has two sets of needle beds, a needle disc and a needle cylinder, which can move independently or in coordination. The typical manufacturing process is to configure at least three independent yarn mouths on the knitting machine, which respectively feed the yarns constituting the hydrophobic inner layer 30, the connecting layer 20 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10. By editing the knitting process program, the yarns constituting the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10 are mainly formed on two different sets of needle beds, namely the needle cylinder and the needle disc, to form two basically separated surface layers. At the specific position where the connecting section 21 needs to be formed, the program will instruct the yarn mouth to feed the connecting yarn 25, so that the yarn can perform overlapping actions such as tucking or floating between the needles of the needle cylinder and the needle disk, thereby forming a coil structure that physically hooks the upper and lower surface layers together, namely the connecting section 21.
[0042] The hydrophobic inner layer 30, serving as the technical underside of the fabric, is the functional layer that directly contacts the skin. It is woven from a blend of a first type of nylon yarn and a first type of spandex yarn. The hydrophilic outer layer 10, serving as the technical front side of the fabric, is the functional layer exposed to the external environment. It is woven from a blend of a second type of nylon yarn and a second type of spandex yarn. The connecting layer 20 is not a single continuous fabric layer, but rather consists of multiple independent connecting segments 21 woven from connecting yarns 25. These connecting segments 21 spatially extend between the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10, physically connecting the two main layers.
[0043] Preferably, the contact angle between the surface of the nylon yarn used in the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and water is greater than or equal to 120°, and the contact angle between the surface of the nylon yarn used in the hydrophilic outer layer 10 and water is less than or equal to 10°. Specifically, in order to achieve a water contact angle of greater than or equal to 120° for the nylon yarn of the hydrophobic inner layer 30, the fabric can be treated with a high-efficiency hydrophobic treatment by a padding method during the fabric finishing stage. For example, a working solution of a fluorine-free C0 type or short carbon chain C6 type hydrophobic finishing agent with a concentration of 60 to 100 grams per liter is prepared. The fabric is subjected to two dips and two padding treatments in this working solution, and the roller pressure is precisely controlled to ensure that the padding rate is between 70% and 80%. Subsequently, the treated fabric is sent to a heat setting machine and baked at a temperature of 150°C to 170°C for 2 to 3 minutes to fully cross-link the hydrophobic agent molecules on the surface of the nylon fiber to form a stable and dense hydrophobic film layer. To achieve a water contact angle of 10° or less for the hydrophilic outer layer 10 nylon yarn, it is preferred to use chemically modified, highly hygroscopic nylon. As a supplemental or alternative, the hydrophilic outer layer 10 of the fabric can be treated with a single-sided hydrophilic treatment during the post-finishing phase. For example, a hydrophilic modified silicone finish or a polyether-modified polyester finish can be applied via foam finishing or single-sided blade coating to avoid affecting the performance of the hydrophobic inner layer 30.
[0044] Furthermore, the connecting yarn 25 is a nylon yarn, and its water contact angle is greater than or equal to 50° and less than or equal to 90°. Specifically, the connecting yarn 25 can be made of commercially available standard nylon 6 or nylon 66 filaments that have not undergone any hydrophilic or hydrophobic functional modification. This type of standard nylon yarn has a certain hydrophilicity due to the amide groups contained in its molecular structure, and its natural contact angle with water is usually stably within the limited range of 50° to 90°. When selecting, priority is given to using nylon types with the same chemical properties as the main fiber to ensure the consistency of dye uptake in the subsequent dyeing process. Its specifications can be selected according to the fabric weight and the required connection strength, such as 50D / 48F or 70D / 68F.
[0045] The spandex content of the hydrophobic inner layer 30 ranges from 7% to 10%, while the spandex content of the hydrophilic outer layer 10 ranges from 3% to 5%. Specifically, each yarn feed system of the double-sided knitting machine is equipped with an independent, precisely adjustable spandex active yarn feed device for the spandex yarns of the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10. By adjusting the speed of the yarn feed rollers, the spandex draft ratio of the spandex yarn can be precisely set. To achieve a higher spandex content of 307% to 10% in the hydrophobic inner layer, the spandex feed speed in this layer is set relatively slowly, resulting in a lower draft ratio, typically between 2.8 and 3.2 times. To achieve a lower spandex content of 103% to 5% in the hydrophilic outer layer, the spandex feed speed in this layer is set relatively quickly, resulting in a higher draft ratio, typically between 3.5 and 4.0 times. This resulting spandex content gradient can be precisely achieved without changing the specifications of the spandex yarn itself.
[0046] Furthermore, the overall diameter of the yarns comprising the hydrophobic inner layer 30, connecting layer 20, and hydrophilic outer layer 10 decreases in sequence. Specifically, to create a physical pore size gradient to enhance unidirectional moisture conduction, the yarns are selected using the following typical specifications: the nylon yarn for the hydrophobic inner layer 30 can be 70D / 48F or a thicker 100D / 96F; the nylon yarn for the connecting layer 20 can be 50D / 48F or a 70D / 68F specification, which is between the inner and outer layers; and the nylon yarn for the hydrophilic outer layer 10 can be 40D / 36F or a thinner 30D / 24F, ensuring a decreasing yarn diameter from inner to outer. Here, D represents the yarn denier, representing thickness; F represents the number of filaments; a higher F number generally indicates a softer feel.
[0047] In this embodiment, the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and hydrophilic outer layer 10 are woven using a plated yarn method, with nylon yarn forming the technical front sides of the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and hydrophilic outer layer 10, and spandex yarn forming the technical back sides of the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and hydrophilic outer layer 10. Specifically, plated yarn weaving is achieved on a double-sided circular knitting machine through the coordinated action of a specific yarn feed nozzle and knitting needles. During yarn feeding, the nylon yarn and spandex yarn are fed from different yarn guide holes of the same yarn feed nozzle, and their relative positions before entering the needle hook are precisely controlled. Typically, the nylon yarn is placed in the front, and the spandex yarn is placed in the back, with greater tension applied. During the loop forming process, the nylon yarn in the front preferentially forms the technical front side of the loop, i.e., the loop loop and needle bar leg, thereby covering the fabric surface. The spandex yarn, which is pulled more tightly, naturally slides to the back of the loop, primarily forming the technical back side, i.e., the sinker loop, hidden within the fabric structure. In this way, the chemical purity of the functional surface can be maximized without affecting its elasticity.
[0048] The nylon yarn in the hydrophilic outer layer 10 utilizes nylon fibers with a special-shaped cross-section. Specifically, to increase the specific surface area of the hydrophilic outer layer 10 and accelerate water evaporation, various commercially available nylon fibers with special-shaped cross-sections can be used. For example, fibers with a "cross" cross-section with four grooves, "star" or "snowflake" cross-sections with six to eight grooves, or "flat" cross-sections with a large aspect ratio can be used. These non-circular cross-sections effectively increase the surface area per unit weight of the yarn, thereby enhancing the capillary effect and the water evaporation rate.
[0049] In addition, refer to Figure 3 In the connecting layer 20, the connecting segments 21 are arranged in a honeycomb array on the unfolded plane of the fabric. Figure 3 The black circles in the figure represent the end positions of the connecting segments 21. Figure 3 This is the situation when viewed from the outer layer toward the inner layer. Specifically, on a computerized jacquard double-sided knitting machine, by editing the knitting process file in the jacquard knitting software, the formation position of each connecting segment 21 can be precisely controlled. To form a honeycomb pattern, the program is configured so that the yarns responsible for knitting the connecting segments 21 perform tuck movements in a staggered, equidistant pattern across different rows of the fabric. For example, within a complete jacquard loop, the connection points in row N and row N+1 are offset by half a knitting cycle in the knitting direction. By adjusting the program, the center-to-center distance between connecting segments 21 can be set, typically between 5 and 15 mm, to balance the fabric's structural stability and softness.
[0050] This embodiment relates to a highly elastic, one-way moisture-conducting fabric, which is defined as consisting of a hydrophobic inner layer 30, a connecting layer 20, and a hydrophilic outer layer 10, with the hydrophilicity of the main nylon yarn in each layer increasing sequentially. This gradually increasing hydrophilicity from the inside out forms a clear wettability gradient across the thickness of the fabric. When sweat appears on the hydrophobic inner layer 30 in contact with the skin, the liquid water has difficulty spreading due to the water repellency of the layer's surface, and thus tends to migrate to more hydrophilic areas. The connecting layer 20 has a higher hydrophilicity than the inner layer, providing an initial, unobstructed channel for moisture movement. The hydrophilic outer layer 10 has the strongest hydrophilicity and exerts the greatest attraction for moisture. Therefore, this gradient structure ensures that the transfer of moisture from the inner layer to the outer layer is spontaneous and one-way, forming the core driving force for achieving the one-way moisture-conducting function.
[0051] Secondly, the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10 are both blended from nylon yarn and spandex yarn. The introduction of spandex fiber imparts excellent stretch and recovery properties to the overall fabric. Furthermore, the scheme stipulates that the proportion of spandex in the hydrophobic inner layer 30 is greater than that in the hydrophilic outer layer 10. Since spandex is inherently hydrophobic, reducing its proportion in the hydrophilic outer layer 10, which requires rapid water absorption and diffusion, can reduce resistance to water conduction. Maintaining a higher proportion in the hydrophobic inner layer 30, which requires strong rebound to conform to the skin, can better exert its elastic function. This gradient distribution of spandex proportions optimizes and complements the wettability gradient function. The two work synergistically to maximize the efficiency of unidirectional moisture conduction while ensuring elasticity.
[0052] More importantly, the connecting layer 20, positioned between the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10, comprises multiple discrete connecting segments 21. These independent connecting segments 21 macroscopically divide the fabric into connecting segment 21 regions and non-connecting segment 21 regions. The expansive non-connecting segment 21 region ensures the fabric's superior overall elasticity. At each discrete connecting segment 21, the physical overlap firmly anchors the three fabric layers together locally, locking the interlayer spacing and creating the stable microenvironment necessary for the capillary effect. This dynamic and static partitioning design ensures that the fabric is dynamic and highly elastic overall, while remaining static and stable at the key points where moisture conduction is essential, thus resolving the conflict between unidirectional moisture conduction and high elasticity. Furthermore, the connecting layer 20 constructs and maintains a complete physical pathway for unidirectional moisture conduction. Each connecting segment 21, due to its hydrophilic nature, forms a wettability bridge, ensuring a complete and smooth sweat transfer path. Furthermore, the physical overlap, achieved through the integrated knitting process, ensures the permanence and durability of this connection. Moreover, this discrete point connection method maximizes the softness, drape and breathability of the fabric, avoids the stiffness and stuffiness of traditional multi-layer composite fabrics, and greatly improves the wearing experience.
[0053] Example 2
[0054] The second embodiment of the present invention is based on the first embodiment, but differs in that the connecting yarn 25 used in the connecting layer 20 is different.
[0055] Reference Figure 4In the second embodiment, the connecting yarn 25 is a composite thermal fuse with a sheath-core structure, the core layer 27 of which is made of polyester or nylon, and the sheath 26 is made of copolyester or copolyamide; the two ends of the connecting section 21 are heat-treated to form a composite welding point 22 connected to the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10; the composite welding point 22 includes a coil portion 23 and a curing portion 24; the coil portion 23 is a knitted coil formed by knitting the core layer 27 of the composite thermal fuse and the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10 together; the curing portion 24 is a polymer matrix of the sheath 26 of the composite thermal fuse that is solidified after melting and anchored to the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10.
[0056] Specifically, the connecting yarn 25 used in this embodiment is a functional composite yarn with optional specifications of 50D or 70D. The core layer 27 is preferably made of high-strength polyester filament or nylon 66 filament to ensure strength during the knitting process and the mechanical toughness of the final connection. The material of the skin layer 26 is matched to the core layer 27 material to ensure optimal chemical affinity and bonding strength: if the core layer 27 is polyester, the skin layer 26 is preferably a low-melting copolyester with a melting point of 110°C to 120°C; if the core layer 27 is nylon, the skin layer 26 is preferably a low-melting copolyamide with a similar melting point. After the fabric completes the previous processes such as weaving and dyeing, it undergoes heat treatment in the final heat setting step. The temperature of the heat setting machine is precisely set between 140°C and 160°C, and the overheating time is controlled between 30 and 90 seconds depending on the fabric weight and thickness. This temperature is high enough to completely melt the skin 26 material and allow it to penetrate the surrounding fibers via capillary action, but is well below the melting point or damage temperature of the core 27 material and the bulk nylon and spandex fibers. Upon cooling, the molten skin 26 resolidifies, forming a micro-composite weld 22 comprising the coil bobbin and polymer matrix, permanently welding the three layers together at the connection point.
[0057] This embodiment provides a connection structure that enhances the stability and durability of the connection between the connecting segment 21, the hydrophobic inner layer 30, and the hydrophilic outer layer 10. The connecting yarn 25 of the connecting layer 20 utilizes a sheath-core composite thermal fuse structure, with the sheath 26 made of a copolymer and the core 27 of polyester or nylon. During post-processing, a composite weld 22 is formed, comprising a coil portion 23 and a curing portion 24. This material selection ensures and enhances the fabric's unidirectional moisture conduction performance. The curing portion 24 of this composite weld 22 provides stress dissipation and protective coating, eliminating the risk of fatigue damage and wear associated with purely mechanical coil structures under repeated stretching and rubbing. Furthermore, the chemical bond formed by penetration and anchoring in the curing portion 24 provides peel strength exceeding that of mechanical hooking, ensuring the fabric maintains its interlayer integrity even when subjected to unexpected peeling forces. Furthermore, this composite weld 22 stabilizes the interlayer spacing and interstitial space near the connecting segment 21, ensuring that the core functional structure responsible for unidirectional moisture conduction is protected from physical damage.
[0058] Furthermore, the presence of the solidified portion 24 creates a one-way valve within the connecting section 21, preventing reverse permeation of moisture from the outer layer to the inner layer. When conventional nylon yarn is used as the material for the connecting layer 20, the hydrophilic outer layer 10 may become saturated due to excessive sweat or external environmental factors, creating a risk of liquid water seeping back inward through the porous connecting yarns 25. In this embodiment, the composite welds 22 are formed by the melted and solidified polymer matrix of the composite hot melt sheath 26, creating a dense, non-porous, and completely impermeable structure. Moisture can be conducted from the inside out along the fibers of the core layer 27, which serves as the coil portion 23. However, any attempt by external liquid water to reverse permeate from the outside in is physically blocked by this solid polymer matrix. This allows the fabric to maintain excellent one-way moisture conduction properties even under extreme conditions, such as high humidity, rain, or excessive sweating that saturates the outer layer. Its anti-reverse permeation capability far exceeds that of purely mechanically connected structures. Moreover, the capillary channel for moisture transmission can be solidified through the composite weld 22, making it more stable and efficient. In a purely mechanically connected structure, the fiber arrangement inside the connecting section 21 and the capillary path formed are relatively random, and will undergo slight changes under physical action. The formation process of the composite weld 22 regularizes this transmission channel. When the cortex 26 melts and penetrates, it fills the unnecessary tiny gaps around the coil part 23 and confines the fibers of the core layer 27, which serves as the transmission core, to a channel with a more regular shape and a more stable cross-section. This forces moisture to be transmitted along this solidified, more direct path, improving the directionality and efficiency of the transmission. Among them, polyester or nylon, as the material of the core layer 27, itself has excellent capillary effect and moisture conductivity, which can ensure the efficient operation of the moisture conduction path. Therefore, this connection structure not only improves the connection firmness, but also improves the unidirectional moisture conduction effect.
[0059] The above description and embodiments are intended to explain the scope of protection of the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereto. Modifications, equivalent substitutions, or other improvements to the embodiments of the present invention or portions thereof that can be obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation based on the teachings of the present invention or the above embodiments, combined with common knowledge, ordinary technical knowledge in the field, and / or prior art, should all be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A highly elastic one-way moisture-conducting fabric, characterized by: From the outside to the inside, it includes a hydrophilic outer layer (10), a connecting layer (20) and a hydrophobic inner layer (30); The hydrophobic inner layer (30) and the hydrophilic outer layer (10) are formed by knitting nylon yarn and spandex yarn in an integrated manner to form a double-sided knitted structure, and the hydrophilicity of the nylon yarn in the hydrophobic inner layer (30) is less than the hydrophilicity of the nylon yarn in the hydrophilic outer layer (10), and the proportion of spandex yarn in the hydrophobic inner layer (30) is greater than the proportion of spandex yarn in the hydrophilic outer layer (10); the connecting layer (20) includes a plurality of discretely arranged connecting segments (21) woven from connecting yarns (25); the hydrophilicity of the connecting yarns (25) is between the hydrophilicity of the nylon yarn in the hydrophobic inner layer (30) and the hydrophilic outer layer (10); the two ends of each connecting segment (21) are knitted into a whole with the hydrophobic inner layer (30) and the hydrophilic outer layer (10) to form a physically overlapped coil structure.
2. A highly elastic one-way moisture-conducting fabric as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The contact angle between the surface of the nylon yarn used in the hydrophobic inner layer (30) and water is greater than or equal to 120°, and the contact angle between the surface of the nylon yarn used in the hydrophilic outer layer (10) and water is less than or equal to 10°.
3. The high elasticity one-way moisture conducting fabric according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting yarn (25) is a nylon yarn, and its water contact angle is greater than or equal to 50° and less than or equal to 90°.
4. The high elasticity one-way moisture conducting fabric according to claim 3, characterized in that: The spandex fiber used in the hydrophobic inner layer (30) accounts for 7% to 10%, and the spandex fiber used in the hydrophilic outer layer (10) accounts for 3% to 5%.
5. The high elasticity one-way moisture conducting fabric according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the hydrophobic inner layer (30), the connecting layer (20) and the hydrophilic outer layer (10), the overall diameter of the yarns constituting each layer decreases in sequence.
6. The high elastic one-way moisture conducting fabric according to claim 5, characterized in that: The hydrophobic inner layer (30) and the hydrophilic outer layer (10) are woven in a plated yarn manner so that nylon yarn is formed on the technical front side of the hydrophobic inner layer (30) and the hydrophilic outer layer (10), and spandex yarn is formed on the technical back side of the hydrophobic inner layer (30) and the hydrophilic outer layer (10).
7. The high elastic one-way moisture conducting fabric according to claim 6, characterized in that: The nylon yarn in the hydrophilic outer layer (10) is made of nylon fiber with a special-shaped cross section.
8. The high elasticity one-way moisture conducting fabric according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting yarn (25) is a composite thermal fuse with a core-skin structure, wherein the core layer (27) is made of polyester or nylon, and the skin layer (26) is made of copolyester or copolyamide; the two ends of the connecting section (21) are heat-treated to form composite welding points (22) connected to the hydrophobic inner layer (30) and the hydrophilic outer layer (10); the composite welding points (22) include a coil portion (23) and a solidification portion (24); the coil portion (23) is a knitted coil formed by knitting the core layer (27) of the composite thermal fuse, the hydrophobic inner layer (30) and the hydrophilic outer layer (10) together; the solidification portion (24) is the skin layer (26) of the composite thermal fuse, which is solidified after melting and anchored to the polymer matrix of the hydrophobic inner layer (30) and the hydrophilic outer layer (10).
9. The high elastic one-way moisture conducting fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the connecting layer (20), the connecting segments (21) are arranged in a honeycomb array on the unfolded plane of the fabric.
Citation Information
Cited By
One-way moisture conducting adaptive thermal management fabric, applications and methods of manufacture
CN122770330A