High-elasticity one-way moisture-conducting fabric

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of high-elasticity one-way wetness-conducting fabrics, it includes hydrophilic outer layer, connecting layer and hydrophobic inner layer in turn from outside to inside;Hydrophobic inner layer and hydrophilic outer layer are formed into double-knit structure by integrated knitting by polyamide yarn and spandex yarn, and the hydrophilicity of polyamide yarn in hydrophobic inner layer is less than the hydrophilicity of polyamide yarn in hydrophilic outer layer, the proportion of spandex yarn in hydrophobic inner layer is greater than the proportion of spandex yarn in hydrophilic outer layer;Connecting layer includes multiple discrete settings and is formed by connecting yarn knitting The hydrophilicity of connecting yarn is between the hydrophilicity of polyamide yarn in hydrophobic inner layer and hydrophilic outer layer;The two ends of each connecting section are formed to be integrated with hydrophobic inner layer and hydrophilic outer layer knitting to form the loop structure of physical lap joint.The technical scheme fabric can provide one-way wetness-conducting function while having good elasticity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fabric technology, specifically to a highly elastic unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric. Background Technology

[0002] One-way moisture-wicking fabrics utilize the difference in hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity between the inner and outer layers of the fabric to quickly wick moisture from the inner layer to the outer layer. Current one-way moisture-wicking fabrics generally use water-repellent polyester or polypropylene as the inner layer and absorbent cotton or viscose as the outer layer. However, these one-way moisture-wicking fabrics have relatively poor overall elasticity, making them difficult to apply to sportswear. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the aforementioned defects or problems in the prior art and to provide a highly elastic unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric that can provide unidirectional moisture-wicking function while having good elasticity.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] Technical Solution 1: A highly elastic unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric, comprising, 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 integrated knitting of nylon yarn and spandex yarn to create a double-sided knitted structure, wherein 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 spandex yarn in the hydrophobic inner layer is greater than that in the hydrophilic outer layer; the connecting layer comprises multiple discretely arranged connecting segments woven from connecting yarns; the hydrophilicity of the connecting yarns is between that of the nylon yarns in the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer; the two ends of each connecting segment are configured to be knitted integrally with the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer to form a physically overlapping loop structure.

[0006] Technical Solution 2 based on Technical Solution 1: The surface of the nylon yarn used in the hydrophobic inner layer has a contact angle with water greater than or equal to 120°, and the surface of the nylon yarn used in the hydrophilic outer layer has a contact angle with water less than or equal to 10°.

[0007] Technical Solution 3 based on Technical Solution 2: 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 proportion of spandex fiber used in the hydrophobic inner layer is 7% to 10%, and the proportion of spandex fiber used in the hydrophilic outer layer is 3% to 5%.

[0009] Technical Solution 5 based on Technical Solution 4: In the hydrophobic inner layer, connecting layer and hydrophilic outer layer, the overall diameter of the yarns constituting each layer decreases sequentially.

[0010] Technical Solution Six based on Technical Solution Five: The hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer are woven using a yarn plating method, so that nylon yarn is formed on the technical front side of the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer, and 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 is made of nylon fiber with an irregular cross-section.

[0012] Technical Solution 8 based on Technical Solution 2: The connecting yarn is a composite hot melt yarn with a core-sheath structure, the core material of which is polyester or nylon, and the sheath material is copolyester or copolyamide; the two ends of the connecting section are heat-treated to form composite welding points that connect with the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer; the composite welding point includes a coil part and a curing part; the coil part is a knitted coil formed by knitting the core layer of the composite hot melt yarn and the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer together; the curing part is the polymer matrix of the composite hot melt yarn that is melted, cured, and anchored to the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer.

[0013] Technical solution nine based on technical solution eight: In the connecting layer, each connecting segment is arranged in a honeycomb array on the unfolded plane of the fabric.

[0014] As can be seen from the above description of this utility model, compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] Technical Solution 1 provides a highly elastic unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric, comprising a hydrophobic inner layer, a connecting layer, and a hydrophilic outer layer, with the hydrophilicity of the nylon main yarns increasing sequentially in each layer. This gradually increasing hydrophilicity from the inside out creates a clear wetting gradient along the fabric's thickness. When sweat appears in the hydrophobic inner layer upon contact with the skin, the liquid water is difficult to spread due to the surface's repulsive effect on water, thus tending to move towards the more hydrophilic areas. The connecting layer has higher hydrophilicity than the inner layer, providing an initial, unobstructed channel for moisture movement. The hydrophilic outer layer has the strongest hydrophilicity, exerting the greatest attraction on moisture. Therefore, this gradient structure ensures that the transfer of moisture from the inner to the outer layer is spontaneous and unidirectional, constituting the core driving force for achieving the unidirectional moisture-wicking function.

[0016] Secondly, the design specifies that both the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer are blends of nylon and spandex yarns. The introduction of spandex fibers endows the fabric with excellent overall tensile and recovery properties. Simultaneously, the design also limits the proportion of spandex in the hydrophobic inner layer to be greater than that in the hydrophilic outer layer. Since spandex is inherently hydrophobic, reducing its proportion in the hydrophilic outer layer, which requires rapid moisture absorption and diffusion, minimizes resistance to moisture conduction; while maintaining a higher proportion in the hydrophobic inner layer, which requires strong resilience to conform to the skin, better utilizes its elastic function. This gradient distribution of spandex proportion optimizes and complements the wetting gradient function; the two work synergistically to maximize unidirectional moisture wicking efficiency while ensuring elasticity.

[0017] More importantly, the connecting layer between the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic outer layer comprises multiple discrete connecting segments. These independent segments macroscopically divide the fabric into connecting and non-connecting areas. The extensive non-connecting area ensures the fabric's overall excellent elasticity. 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 microenvironment necessary for capillary action. This dynamic-static partitioning design makes the fabric dynamic and highly elastic overall, while static and stable at key points for moisture wicking, thus resolving the contradiction between unidirectional moisture wicking and high elasticity. Furthermore, the connecting layer constructs and maintains a complete physical channel for unidirectional moisture wicking. Each connecting segment itself, due to its hydrophilicity, forms a wetting bridge, ensuring the integrity and smoothness of the sweat transmission path. Simultaneously, the physical overlap formed by the knitted fabric ensures the permanence and durability of this connection. Furthermore, this discrete dot-like connection method preserves the fabric's softness, drape, and breathability to the maximum extent, avoiding the stiffness and stuffiness of traditional multi-layered composite fabrics, and greatly improving the wearing experience.

[0018] In technical solution two, the contact angle of the hydrophobic inner nylon yarn is limited to above 120°, achieving a superhydrophobic level and generating a strong repulsive force against liquid water, providing a powerful initial thrust for unidirectional water transport. Simultaneously, the contact angle of the hydrophilic outer nylon yarn is limited to below 10°, achieving a superhydrophilic level and generating a strong capillary absorption force for water. The significant wetting potential energy difference 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 three, the connecting yarn is limited to nylon yarn with a specific contact angle range. This intermediate value ensures a smooth transition step between the strongly hydrophobic inner layer and the strongly hydrophilic outer layer. It avoids energy barriers that might arise due to excessive differences in wettability, making the transfer of moisture between layers smoother and more continuous, thus improving the stability and reliability of the unidirectional moisture-wicking function under different perspiration levels and environmental conditions.

[0020] In Technical Solution Four, an optimal range of spandex proportions is provided for each layer. A higher spandex proportion is used in the hydrophobic inner layer, which requires stronger resilience for a close fit to the skin. Conversely, a lower proportion is used in the hydrophilic outer layer, which needs to minimize interference from hydrophobic fibers and ensure rapid moisture diffusion. This precise gradient configuration optimizes the fabric's unidirectional moisture-wicking properties while maintaining sufficient elasticity.

[0021] In technical solution five, a physical pore size gradient is created within the fabric by setting the overall diameter of each layer of yarn to decrease sequentially. Since capillary effect is inversely proportional to pore diameter, this gradually narrowing pore structure provides additional physical driving force for the unidirectional flow of moisture. Working synergistically with the wettability gradient, it not only enhances the outward transport of moisture but also more effectively prevents external moisture from penetrating inward, thereby improving the overall performance of the fabric in humid environments.

[0022] In technical solution six, the spatial position of the yarns within the fabric structure is defined by employing a galvanized weaving method. This allows the functional nylon yarns to primarily constitute the technical front of the fabric, while the elastic spandex yarns primarily constitute the technical back. This structure enables the functional surfaces of the fabric to maintain the purity of their physicochemical properties to the greatest extent possible, reducing the impact of spandex on moisture-wicking functionality. Its beneficial effect is the optimization of unidirectional moisture-wicking efficiency without sacrificing elasticity.

[0023] In technical solution seven, the nylon yarn in the hydrophilic outer layer is defined as an irregularly shaped cross-section fiber. This non-circular fiber cross-section increases the specific surface area of ​​the yarn. When sweat is transferred to the outer layer, it can spread rapidly on this larger surface area, thus significantly accelerating the evaporation rate of moisture. This improves the quick-drying performance of the fabric, prevents moisture from accumulating on the outer layer, and enhances the lasting dry feeling when wearing the garment.

[0024] Technical solution eight 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 of the connecting layer adopts a core-sheath composite hot-melt yarn, wherein the sheath material is a copolymer and the core material is polyester or nylon, and a composite weld point containing a coil part and a cured part is formed in the post-processing. The choice of materials ensures and enhances the unidirectional moisture-wicking performance of the fabric. The cured part of the composite weld point eliminates the risk of fatigue damage and wear of the purely mechanical coil structure under repeated stretching and rubbing by dispersing stress and providing protective coating; at the same time, the chemical layer adhesion formed by the cured part through penetration and anchoring provides peel strength exceeding that of mechanical hooking, so that the fabric can still maintain the integrity of the interlayer structure when subjected to unexpected peeling forces. In addition, the interlayer spacing and void state near the connecting section can be determined through the composite weld point, ensuring that the core functional structure of unidirectional moisture wicking is not damaged by physical forces.

[0025] Furthermore, due to the formation of a solidified section, a one-way valve can be formed at the connecting section to prevent moisture from seeping back from the outer layer to the inner layer. When ordinary nylon yarn is used as the constituent material of the connecting layer, the hydrophilic outer layer becomes saturated due to a large amount of sweat or external environmental factors, and liquid water is at risk of seeping back through these porous connecting yarns. In this solution, the composite weld point is a polymer matrix formed by the melting and solidification of the composite hot-melt yarn skin, which is a dense, non-porous, and completely waterproof solid structure. Moisture can be conducted from the inside to the outside along the core fibers that form the coil, but when external liquid water attempts to seep back from the outside to the inside, it is physically blocked by this solid polymer matrix. This allows the fabric to maintain excellent one-way moisture-wicking performance even under extreme conditions such as high humidity, rain, or extreme sweating leading to outer layer saturation, and its anti-backflow ability far exceeds that of purely mechanically connected structures. Moreover, the composite weld point can solidify the capillary channels for moisture transmission, making them more stable and efficient. In purely mechanical connections, the fiber arrangement and capillary paths within the connecting segment are relatively random and subject to minute changes under physical influence. The formation process of the composite solder joint regularizes this transmission channel. As the sheath melts and permeates, it fills unnecessary tiny gaps around the coil and binds 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 the transmission. Polyester or nylon, as the core material, possesses excellent capillary action and moisture-wicking properties, ensuring the efficient operation of the moisture-wicking path. Therefore, this connection structure not only improves connection strength but also enhances unidirectional moisture wicking.

[0026] In technical solution nine, polyester and nylon are used as core layer materials. Their excellent capillary effect and moisture-wicking properties, compared to traditional square arrangements, allow the honeycomb structure to distribute multi-directional tensile stress more evenly throughout the fabric network, effectively preventing stress concentration. This layout enhances the overall structural stability and tear resistance of the fabric, especially during complex dynamic movements, better maintaining the fabric's integrity. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric involved in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the unfolded one-way moisture-wicking fabric according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting section in the unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0032] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0033] Hydrophilic outer layer 10; connecting layer 20; connecting section 21; composite solder joint 22; coil part 23; curing part 24; connecting yarn 25; skin layer 26; core layer 27; hydrophobic inner layer 30. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be considered as excluding other embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0035] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the use of terms such as "first," "second," or "third" in the claims, description, and drawings of this utility model is for distinguishing different objects and not for describing a specific order.

[0036] Unless otherwise expressly defined, in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this utility model, the use of directional terms such as "center," "lateral," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. It does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this utility model.

[0037] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" used in the claims, description and drawings of this utility model shall be interpreted broadly to refer to any connection in which there is no displacement or relative rotation relationship between the two parties, including non-removable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection and fixed connection through other devices or components.

[0038] In the claims, description and accompanying drawings of this utility model, the terms "comprising", "having", and variations thereof are used to mean "including but not limited to".

[0039] Example 1

[0040] Embodiment 1 of this utility model relates to a highly elastic unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric, as described in the following embodiment. Figure 1 The fabric comprises, 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 formed by integrated knitting of nylon yarn and spandex yarn to create a double-sided knitted structure. 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 spandex yarn in the hydrophobic inner layer 30 is greater than that in the hydrophilic outer layer 10. The connecting layer 20 includes multiple discretely arranged connecting segments 21 woven from connecting yarns 25. The hydrophilicity of the connecting yarns 25 is between that of the nylon yarns in the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10. The two ends of each connecting segment 21 are configured to be knitted together with the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10 to form a loop structure that physically overlaps.

[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 are formed in a single knitting process on a single knitting machine, rather than through subsequent bonding or composite processes. This structure is achieved on a computerized jacquard double-sided circular knitting machine, which has two sets of needle beds—a needle plate and a needle cylinder—that can operate independently or collaboratively. A typical manufacturing process involves configuring at least three independent yarn feeders on the knitting machine, feeding in the yarns constituting the hydrophobic inner layer 30, the connecting layer 20, and the hydrophilic outer layer 10, respectively. By editing the knitting process program, the yarns constituting the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10 primarily perform loop-forming movements on the two different needle beds, namely the needle cylinder and the needle plate, forming two essentially separate surface layers. At the specific location where the connecting segment 21 needs to be formed, the program will instruct the yarn feeder of the connecting yarn 25 to perform overlapping actions such as looping or floating between the needles of the cylinder and the needle plate, thereby forming a loop structure that physically hooks the upper and lower layers together, namely the connecting segment 21.

[0042] The hydrophobic inner layer 30, as the technical reverse side 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, 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 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, serving to physically connect the two main layers together.

[0043] Preferably, the surface contact angle between the nylon yarn used in the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and water is greater than or equal to 120°, and the surface contact angle between the nylon yarn used in the hydrophilic outer layer 10 and water is less than or equal to 10°. Specifically, to achieve a water contact angle of greater than or equal to 120° for the nylon yarn in the hydrophobic inner layer 30, an efficient hydrophobic treatment can be performed on the fabric during the finishing stage using a padding method. For example, a working solution of a fluorine-free CO type or short-chain C6 type hydrophobic finishing agent with a concentration of 60 to 100 grams per liter can be prepared. The fabric is then subjected to two dips and two padding treatments in this working solution, with precise control of the roller pressure to ensure that the pick-up 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, allowing the hydrophobic agent molecules to fully cross-link on the surface of the nylon fibers, forming a stable and dense hydrophobic film layer. To achieve a water contact angle of less than or equal to 10° for the hydrophilic outer layer 10 nylon yarn, the preferred method is to use a chemically modified, highly hygroscopic nylon material. As a supplementary or alternative, the hydrophilic outer layer 10 can also be treated with a single-sided hydrophilic coating during the finishing stage, for example, using a hydrophilic modified silicone finishing agent or a polyether modified polyester finishing agent, applied through foam finishing or single-sided coating, to avoid affecting the performance of the hydrophobic inner layer 30.

[0044] Furthermore, the connecting yarn 25 is a nylon yarn with a water contact angle greater than or equal to 50° and less than or equal to 90°. Specifically, the connecting yarn 25 can be commercially available standard nylon 6 or nylon 66 filaments without any hydrophilic or hydrophobic functional modification treatment. These standard nylon yarns, due to the presence of amide groups in their molecular structure, possess a certain degree of hydrophilicity, and their natural contact angle with water is typically stably within the defined 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 consistent dyeing rates in subsequent dyeing processes. Its specifications can be selected based on the fabric weight and required bonding strength, for example, 50D / 48F or 70D / 68F.

[0045] The hydrophobic inner layer 30 contains 7% to 10% spandex fiber, while the hydrophilic outer layer 10 contains 3% to 5% spandex fiber. Specifically, each yarn feeding system of the double-sided knitting machine is equipped with an independent, precisely speed-adjustable active spandex feeding device for the spandex yarns of the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10. By adjusting the rotational speed of the feeding rollers, the draft ratio of the spandex yarn can be precisely set. To achieve a higher spandex content of 10% to 7% in the hydrophobic inner layer 30, the spandex feeding speed for this layer is set relatively slowly, resulting in a smaller draft ratio, typically between 2.8 and 3.2 times. To achieve a lower spandex content of 5% to 3% in the hydrophilic outer layer 10, the spandex feeding speed for this layer is set relatively quickly, resulting in a larger draft ratio, typically between 3.5 and 4.0 times. The resulting spandex content gradient can be precisely achieved without changing the specifications of the spandex yarn itself.

[0046] Furthermore, 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 sequentially. Specifically, to construct a physical pore size gradient to enhance the unidirectional moisture-wicking effect, the following typical specifications can be adopted when selecting yarns: the nylon yarn of the hydrophobic inner layer 30 can be 70D / 48F or a thicker 100D / 96F specification; the nylon yarn of the connecting layer 20 can be 50D / 48F or a specification between the inner and outer layers, 70D / 68F; the nylon yarn of the hydrophilic outer layer 10 can be 40D / 36F or a finer 30D / 24F specification, to ensure a decreasing trend in yarn diameter from the inside to the outside. Here, D represents yarn denier, indicating thickness; F represents the number of filaments, and a higher F number generally results in a softer hand feel.

[0047] In this embodiment, the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10 are woven using a yarn-plating method, so that nylon yarn forms the technical front side of the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10, and spandex yarn forms the technical back side of the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10. Specifically, the yarn-plating weaving is achieved on a double-sided circular knitting machine through the coordinated action of a specific yarn feeder and knitting needles. During yarn feeding, the nylon yarn and the spandex yarn are fed out from different guide holes of the same yarn feeder, and the relative positions of the two entering the needle hook are precisely controlled. Typically, the nylon yarn is placed in front, and the spandex yarn is placed behind and subjected to greater tension. During the loop formation process, the nylon yarn in front will preferentially form the technical front side of the loop, i.e., the loop arc and the needle bar leg, thereby covering the fabric surface. The spandex yarn, which is pulled tighter, naturally slides to the back of the loop, mainly forming the technical back side, i.e., the sinker arc, and is hidden inside 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 is made of nylon fiber with an irregular cross-section. Specifically, to increase the specific surface area of ​​the hydrophilic outer layer 10 and accelerate water evaporation, various commercially available irregularly shaped nylon fibers can be selected. For example, fibers with a cross-shaped cross-section with four grooves, or fibers with a star-shaped or snowflake-shaped cross-section with six to eight grooves, or fibers with a large width-to-thickness ratio and a flat cross-section can be used. These non-circular cross-sections can effectively increase the surface area per unit weight of yarn, thereby enhancing the capillary effect and the rate of water evaporation.

[0049] In addition, refer to Figure 3 In the connecting layer 20, each connecting segment 21 is arranged in a honeycomb array on the unfolded plane of the fabric. Figure 3 The black circles in the diagram indicate the end positions of each connecting segment 21. Figure 3 This is the view from the outer layer to the inner layer. Specifically, on a computerized jacquard double-sided knitting machine, the formation position of each connecting segment 21 can be precisely controlled by editing the knitting process file in the jacquard knitting software. To form a honeycomb array, the program is set to have the yarns responsible for knitting the connecting segments 21 perform tucking movements in an alternating, equidistant manner on different rows of the fabric. For example, within a complete jacquard cycle unit, the connecting point position of the Nth row is offset from the connecting point position of the N+1th row by half a cycle in the knitting direction. By adjusting the program, the center distance between the connecting segments 21 can be set, which is typically between 5 mm and 15 mm, to balance the structural stability and softness of the fabric.

[0050] This embodiment relates to a highly elastic unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric, comprising a hydrophobic inner layer 30, a connecting layer 20, and a hydrophilic outer layer 10, with the hydrophilicity of the nylon main yarns in each layer increasing sequentially. This gradually increasing hydrophilicity from the inside out forms a clear wetting gradient along the fabric's thickness. When sweat appears in the hydrophobic inner layer 30 in contact with the skin, the liquid water is difficult to spread due to the repulsive effect of this layer's surface, thus tending to move towards areas with stronger hydrophilicity. The connecting layer 20 has higher hydrophilicity than the inner layer, providing an initial, unobstructed channel for moisture movement. The hydrophilic outer layer 10 has the strongest hydrophilicity, exerting the greatest attraction on moisture. Therefore, this gradient structure ensures that the transfer of moisture from the inner to the outer layer is spontaneous and unidirectional, constituting the core driving force for achieving the unidirectional moisture-wicking function.

[0051] Secondly, the design specifies that both the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10 are blends of nylon and spandex yarns. The introduction of spandex fibers endows the fabric with excellent overall tensile and recovery properties. Simultaneously, the design also specifies 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 a hydrophobic fiber, reducing its proportion in the hydrophilic outer layer 10, which requires rapid absorption and diffusion of moisture, reduces the obstruction to moisture conduction; while maintaining a higher proportion in the hydrophobic inner layer 30, which requires strong resilience to conform to the skin, better utilizes its elastic function. This gradient distribution of spandex proportion optimizes and complements the wetting gradient function; the two work synergistically to maximize unidirectional moisture wicking efficiency while ensuring elasticity.

[0052] More importantly, the connecting layer 20, located between the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10, includes 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 extensive non-connecting segment 21 region ensures the fabric's overall excellent elasticity. At each discrete connecting segment 21, the physical overlap structure firmly anchors the three layers of fabric together locally, locking the interlayer spacing and creating the stable microenvironment necessary for capillary action. This dynamic-static partitioning design makes the fabric dynamic and highly elastic overall, while static and stable at key points for moisture wicking, thus resolving the contradiction between unidirectional moisture wicking and high elasticity. Furthermore, the connecting layer 20 also constructs and maintains a complete physical channel for unidirectional moisture wicking. Each connecting segment 21, due to its hydrophilicity in the middle, forms a wetting bridge, ensuring the integrity and smoothness of the sweat transmission path. Simultaneously, the physical overlap formed by the knitted fabric ensures the permanence and durability of this connection. Furthermore, this discrete dot-like connection method preserves the fabric's softness, drape, and breathability to the maximum extent, avoiding the stiffness and stuffiness of traditional multi-layered composite fabrics, and greatly improving the wearing experience.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] This utility model embodiment two is based on embodiment one, the difference being that the connecting yarn 25 used in the connecting layer 20 is different.

[0055] Reference Figure 4In Example 2, the connecting yarn 25 is a composite hot melt yarn with a core-sheath structure. Its core layer 27 is made of polyester or nylon, and its sheath 26 is made of copolyester or copolyamide. The two ends of the connecting section 21 are heat-treated to form composite weld points 22 that connect with the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10. The composite weld 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 hot melt yarn with the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10. The curing portion 24 is formed by curing the sheath 26 of the composite hot melt yarn after melting and anchoring it to the polymer matrix of 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 a specification that can be 50D or 70D. The core layer 27 is preferably made of high-strength polyester filament or nylon 66 filament to ensure strength during knitting and mechanical toughness of the final bond. The sheath layer 26 is matched to the core layer 27 material to ensure optimal chemical affinity and adhesive strength: if the core layer 27 is polyester, the sheath layer 26 is preferably a low-melting-point copolyester with a melting point of 110°C to 120°C; if the core layer 27 is nylon, the sheath layer 26 is preferably a low-melting-point copolyamide with a similar melting point. After the fabric completes the weaving, dyeing, and other pre-processing steps, heat treatment is performed in the final heat setting stage. The temperature of the heat setting machine is precisely set between 140°C and 160°C, and the superheating time is controlled between 30 and 90 seconds depending on the fabric weight and thickness. This temperature is sufficient to completely melt the sheath 26 material and allow it to penetrate into the surrounding fibers via capillary action, but it is far below the melting point or damage temperature of the core 27 material and the main nylon and spandex fibers. After cooling, the molten sheath 26 re-solidifies, forming a miniature composite solder joint 22 that permanently welds the three-layer structure together at the connection point, containing the coil skeleton and the polymer matrix.

[0057] In this embodiment, a connection structure is provided to enhance the connection stability and durability of the connecting segment 21 with the hydrophobic inner layer 30 and the hydrophilic outer layer 10. The connecting yarn 25 of the connecting layer 20 is a composite hot-melt yarn with a core-sheath structure, wherein the sheath 26 is made of copolymer and the core 27 is made of polyester or nylon, and a composite weld point 22 containing a coil portion 23 and a cured portion 24 is formed in the post-processing. The choice of materials ensures and enhances the unidirectional moisture-wicking performance of the fabric. The cured portion 24 of the composite weld point 22 eliminates the risk of fatigue damage and wear of the purely mechanical coil structure under repeated stretching and rubbing by dispersing stress and providing protective coating; at the same time, the cured portion 24 provides peel strength exceeding that of mechanical hooking through the chemical layer adhesion formed by penetration and anchoring, so that the fabric can still maintain the integrity of the interlayer structure when subjected to unexpected peeling forces. In addition, the interlayer spacing and void state near the connecting segment 21 can be determined by the composite weld point 22, ensuring that the core functional structure of unidirectional moisture wicking is not damaged by physical forces.

[0058] Furthermore, due to the formation of the solidified portion 24, a one-way valve can be formed in the connecting section 21 to prevent moisture from seeping back from the outer layer to the inner layer. When ordinary nylon yarn is used as the constituent material of the connecting layer 20, the hydrophilic outer layer 10 may become saturated due to excessive sweat or external environmental factors, posing a risk of liquid water seeping back through these porous connecting yarns 25. In this solution, the composite welding point 22 is a polymer matrix formed by the melting and solidification of the composite hot melt yarn skin 26, which is a dense, non-porous, and completely waterproof solid structure. Moisture can be conducted from the inside to the outside along the fibers of the core layer 27, which serves as the coil portion 23, but when external liquid water attempts to seep back from the outside to the inside, it is physically blocked by this solid polymer matrix. This allows the fabric to maintain excellent one-way moisture-wicking performance even under extreme conditions such as high humidity, rain, or excessive sweating leading to outer layer saturation, and its anti-backflow capability far exceeds that of purely mechanically connected structures. Furthermore, the composite solder joint 22 solidifies the capillary channel for moisture transport, making it more stable and efficient. In a purely mechanical connection structure, the fiber arrangement and capillary path formed within the connecting segment 21 are relatively random and undergo slight changes under physical influence. The formation process of the composite solder joint 22 regularizes this transport channel. When the sheath 26 melts and permeates, it fills unnecessary tiny gaps around the coil section 23 and binds the fibers of the core layer 27, which serves as the core of the transport, within a more regular and stable channel. This forces moisture to be transported along this solidified, more direct path, improving the directionality and efficiency of the transport. Polyester or nylon, as the core layer 27 material, possesses excellent capillary effect and moisture-wicking properties, ensuring the efficient operation of the moisture-wicking path. Therefore, this connection structure not only improves the connection strength but also enhances the unidirectional moisture-wicking effect.

[0059] The foregoing description of the specifications and embodiments is intended to explain the scope of protection of this utility model, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Modifications, equivalent substitutions, or other improvements to the embodiments of this utility model or a portion thereof that can be obtained by those skilled in the art through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation, based on the teachings of this utility model or the foregoing embodiments, should all be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A highly elastic, one-way moisture-wicking fabric, characterized in that, 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 integral knitting of nylon yarn and spandex yarn to form a double-sided knitted structure. 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). The proportion of spandex yarn in the hydrophobic inner layer (30) is greater than that in the hydrophilic outer layer (10). The connecting layer (20) includes multiple discretely arranged connecting segments (21) woven from connecting yarns (25). The hydrophilicity of the connecting yarns (25) is between that 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 configured to be knitted together with the hydrophobic inner layer (30) and the hydrophilic outer layer (10) to form a loop structure with physical overlap.

2. The highly elastic unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the nylon yarn used in the hydrophobic inner layer (30) has a contact angle with water greater than or equal to 120°, and the surface of the nylon yarn used in the hydrophilic outer layer (10) has a contact angle with water less than or equal to 10°.

3. The highly elastic unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric as described in 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 highly elastic unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The proportion of spandex fiber used in the hydrophobic inner layer (30) is 7% to 10%, and the proportion of spandex fiber used in the hydrophilic outer layer (10) is 3% to 5%.

5. The highly elastic unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric as described in 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 sequentially.

6. The highly elastic unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The hydrophobic inner layer (30) and the hydrophilic outer layer (10) are woven by a yarn plating method, 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 highly elastic unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The nylon yarn in the hydrophilic outer layer (10) is made of nylon fiber with an irregular cross section.

8. The highly elastic unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting yarn (25) is a composite hot melt yarn with a core-sheath structure. Its core layer (27) is made of polyester or nylon, and its sheath layer (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) that connects to the hydrophobic inner layer (30) and the hydrophilic outer layer (10). The composite welding point (22) includes a coil part (23) and a curing part (24). The coil part (23) is a knitted coil formed by knitting the core layer (27) of the composite hot melt yarn with the hydrophobic inner layer (30) and the hydrophilic outer layer (10). The curing part (24) is the polymer matrix of the hydrophobic inner layer (30) and the hydrophilic outer layer (10) after the sheath layer (26) of the composite hot melt yarn is melted, cured, and anchored.

9. The highly elastic unidirectional moisture-wicking fabric as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the connecting layer (20), each of the connecting segments (21) is arranged in a honeycomb array on the unfolded plane of the fabric.

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