Inner cotton containing flat multi-lobed cross section fiber

Abstract

To provide an inner cotton with excellent bulkiness, light weight, good fit with the body, and excellent thermal insulation, which also has antibacterial, mite-proof, antiviral, deodorant, or odor-proof performance in accordance with a usage purpose.SOLUTION: The inner cotton contains 15 to 70 mass% of a flat multi-lobed cross section polyester fiber (a) having 6 or more convex portions on a periphery of a fiber cross section, and 30% or more of a hollow cross section polyester fiber (b). A shape of the flat multi-lobed cross section polyester fiber satisfies the following requirements (1) to (3) simultaneously. Flatness: (A / B)=2.0 to 3.0...(1). Modified degree: (C / D)=1.0 to 5.0...(2). Convex portion ratio: (E / B)=0.6 to 0.9...(3). Provided that: A is a maximum length of a fiber cross section, B is a maximum width of the fiber cross section, C is a length of a line connecting apexes of the adjacent convex portions at a maximum recess portion of the fiber cross section, D is a length of a perpendicular line down from a line C between the convex portions to a low point of the recess portion, and E is a length that is the maximum length excluding the cross section maximum width B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling suitable for use in bedding such as quilts and clothing such as down jackets. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, feathers have been widely used as filling for bedding such as comforters and clothing such as down jackets, due to their rich texture, comfortable fit against the skin, light weight, excellent heat retention, and bulkiness. Waterfowl feathers have typically been used. However, obtaining natural feathers faces challenges such as limited supply and fluctuations due to natural conditions and epidemics. Furthermore, from the perspective of nature conservation, there are limits to capturing wild birds. Furthermore, raising waterfowl to obtain feathers requires raising a large number of waterfowl, which not only requires a large amount of feed but also raises the problems of water pollution due to waterfowl excrement and the outbreak and spread of infectious diseases. Furthermore, using feathers as filling requires numerous processes, such as collecting, sorting, disinfecting, and degreasing. Furthermore, the process is complicated due to the feathers flying around during the process, resulting in feather products being more expensive than products made from other materials. Furthermore, there is a movement to eliminate feathers from the market, particularly in Europe, due to animal welfare concerns.

[0003] On the other hand, polyester fiber can also be used as an inexpensive filling material. However, polyester fiber is not lightweight and bulky enough, and it does not fit well against the skin, resulting in poor heat retention. Its texture is also inferior to that of feathers.

[0004] Therefore, attempts have been made to give synthetic fiber raw cotton a texture similar to that of feathers, as well as heat retention and bulkiness similar to that of feathers.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a batting that is rich in texture and bulky by using hollow thick staple fibers and fine fibers with different single fiber finenesses to which polyxylosane has been added. However, when the batting described in Patent Document 1 is compressed, the fibers become too entangled with each other and become felt-like, so it is not possible to sufficiently improve compression recovery and heat retention.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 proposes a filling that is excellent in bulkiness and softness by blending acrylic staple fibers with hollow polyester staple fibers. However, fine acrylic staple fibers are difficult to process and are more expensive than polyester, which poses challenges in their use.

[0007] Patent Document 3 proposes a filling with superior texture and heat retention by blending three types of polyester staple fibers (round fineness, irregular fineness, and hollow thick fineness) to which polysiloxane has been added. However, it is difficult to uniformly blend the three types of crimped fibers, which increases the difficulty of the manufacturing process, and there are also problems with the fibers becoming unevenly distributed and felting occurring after long-term use and washing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-115987 [Patent Document 2] WO2017 / 069190 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-214951 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art described above and to provide a filling that has a moderate bulkiness, conforms to the body well, and is excellent in texture and heat retention, and is suitable for use in bedding such as quilts and clothing such as down jackets. Furthermore, it is possible to impart antibacterial, antimite, antiviral, deodorizing or anti-odor properties to the fiber depending on the application. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the following configuration is adopted: 1. A filling comprising 15 to 70% by mass of flat multilobal cross section polyester fibers a having six or more protrusions on the outer periphery of the fiber cross section, and 30% or more of hollow cross section polyester fibers b, characterized in that the shape of the flat multilobal cross section polyester fibers simultaneously satisfies the requirements of the following formulas (1) to (3). ·Flatness: (A / B)=2.0~3.0···(1) ·Deformity degree: (C / D)=1.0~5.0···(2) Convexity ratio: (E / B) = 0.6 to 0.9 (3) however, A: maximum length of the fiber cross section, B: maximum width of the fiber cross section, C: The length of the line connecting the vertices of adjacent convex parts at the maximum concave part of the cross section of the fiber, D: The length of the perpendicular line from the line C between the convex parts to the lowest point of the concave part, E: The longest length excluding the maximum cross-sectional width B. 2. The filling according to (1) above, characterized in that the hollow cross-section polyester fiber b has a crimp degree of 20 to 40%. 3.Weight 365-395g / m 2 A quilt using the filling described in (1) or (2) above, in which the CLO value of the covering part measured using a thermal mannequin is 3.8 or more. 4. Clothing using the padding described in (1) or (2) above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a filling that has moderate bulkiness, conforms to the body well, and is excellent in texture and heat retention, and is suitable for use in bedding such as quilts and clothing such as down jackets. In addition, it is possible to impart antibacterial, antimite, antiviral, deodorizing, or deodorizing properties to the fiber depending on the application. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the cross section of a flat multilobal cross section polyester fiber a of the present invention, showing an example in which the number of convex portions on the outer periphery of the cross section circle is eight. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The filling of the present invention contains flat multilobal cross section polyester fibers a and hollow cross section polyester fibers b (hereinafter, they may be collectively referred to as polyester fibers).

[0014] The polymer constituting the polyester-based fiber of the present invention is primarily polyester, and preferably entirely polyester. Examples of polyesters that can be used include polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polypropylene terephthalate, and copolymers thereof. A particularly preferred polyester is polyethylene terephthalate. Polyethylene terephthalate, as used herein, is a polyester obtained from terephthalic acid as the primary acid component and ethylene glycol as the primary glycol component. However, it may contain copolymerization components capable of forming other ester bonds at a ratio of less than 10 mol%. Examples of such copolymerization components include acid components such as dicarboxylic acids, such as isophthalic acid, cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, adipic acid, dimer acid, and sebacic acid, and glycol components such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, butanediol, neopentyl glycol, cyclohexanedimethanol, polyethylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol, but are not limited to these.

[0015] Furthermore, titanium dioxide as a delustering agent, phosphoric acid as a color stabilizer, silica or alumina fine particles as a lubricant, hindered phenol derivatives as antioxidants, and further flame retardants, antistatic agents, ultraviolet absorbers, coloring pigments, etc. may be added as needed.

[0016] The optimum intrinsic viscosity (IV: measured using orthochlorophenol solvent at 25°C) of the polymer used is 0.62 to 0.75, and more preferably 0.64 to 0.72. If the intrinsic viscosity is lower than 0.62, the resulting fiber will have low rigidity and poor bulkiness. If the intrinsic viscosity is higher than 0.75, spinning will be difficult.

[0017] The blending ratio of the flat multilobal cross section polyester fiber a used in the filling of the present invention is in the range of 15 to 70% by mass. By setting the blending ratio to 15% by mass or more, the skin fit during filling processing is improved, and heat retention is improved. Furthermore, by setting the blending ratio to 70% by mass or less, the hollow fibers blended in provide the bulkiness necessary for sufficient heat retention and texture as filling. The greater the blending ratio of the flat multilobal cross section polyester fiber a, the better the skin fit, so the blending ratio is more preferably in the range of 30 to 70% by mass.

[0018] The blending ratio of the hollow cross section polyester fiber b used in the filling of the present invention is in the range of 30% by mass or more. By making the blending ratio 30% by mass or more, bulkiness is improved and filling with excellent heat retention and texture is obtained.

[0019] The flat multilobal cross section polyester fiber a used in the present invention has six or more projections on the outer periphery of the fiber cross section, and its shape simultaneously satisfies the requirements of the following formulas (1) to (3). ·Flatness: (A / B)=2.0~3.0···(1) ·Deformity degree: (C / D)=1.0~5.0···(2) Convexity ratio: (E / B) = 0.6 to 0.9 (3) however, A: The maximum length of the fiber cross section. B: The maximum width of the fiber cross section is B, C: The length of the line connecting the vertices of adjacent convex parts at the maximum concave part of the cross section of the fiber is C. D: The length of the perpendicular line from the line C between the convex parts to the lowest point of the concave part is D. E: The longest length excluding the maximum cross-sectional width B is E.

[0020] In the present invention, "multilobal" refers to the presence of multiple convex portions on the periphery of the fiber cross section. It is important that the flat multilobal cross section polyester fiber a used in the present invention has six or more convex portions on the periphery of the cross section, preferably eight or more. If there are fewer than six convex portions on the periphery of the cross section, the fiber will be less flexible, and sufficient skin-fitting properties will not be obtained when padding is performed. Furthermore, a flat cross section shape improves skin-fitting properties compared to a round cross section shape. Furthermore, the shape of the concave and convex portions on the periphery of the cross section is preferably curved from the viewpoints of softness and skin-fitting properties.

[0021] It is also important that the cross-sectional shape of the flat multilobal cross section polyester fiber a used in the present invention simultaneously satisfies the requirements of the flatness expressed by the following formula (1), the irregularity expressed by the following formula (2), and the convex portion ratio expressed by the following formula (3). ·Flatness (A / B)=2.0~3.0 ··· (1) ·Deformity degree (C / D)=1.0~5.0 ··· (2) Convexity ratio (E / B) = 0.6 to 0.9 (3) Here, as shown in Figure 1, A is the length of the longest line segment in the cross section of the flattened multi-lobed shape. B is the length of the widest line segment connecting the vertices of the convex portions that intersects perpendicularly to the length of line segment A. C is the length of the line segment connecting the vertices of adjacent convex portions, which is the largest concave-convex formed by the flattened multi-lobed shape. And D is the length of the perpendicular line drawn from the line connecting the convex portions to the bottom of the concave portion. Furthermore, E is the longest length excluding the maximum width B of the cross section.

[0022] If the flatness (A / B) of the fiber a is less than 2.0, the fiber will not collapse easily and will not have a soft feel. On the other hand, if the flatness (A / B) exceeds 3.0, the fiber will have less firmness, will be prone to sagging, and will not be able to achieve bulk. Furthermore, the spinnability and irregularity tend to deteriorate. The flatness (A / B) is preferably 2.0 to 2.7, and more preferably 2.0 to 2.5.

[0023] In the present invention, the flatness is related to the feel of the blended cotton filling, and when the flatness is high, the fibers tend to collapse more easily (the filling fits better against the skin), and the feel (touch) when it touches the skin becomes softer.

[0024] The irregularity (C / D) represents the size of the depressions between the convex portions in a flattened multi-lobed fiber; a larger value indicates smaller depressions, and a smaller value indicates larger depressions. A larger irregularity (C / D) tends to result in shallower depressions, reducing the fiber's flexibility to bend and worsening its skin-fitting properties during padding. Therefore, the irregularity (C / D) is 5.0 or less. On the other hand, if the irregularity (C / D) is too small, the depressions in the fiber cross section tend to bend easily, making it difficult to maintain a flat shape. For this reason, the irregularity (C / D) is 1.0 or more. For the above reasons, the irregularity (C / D) is in the range of 1.0 to 5.0. More preferably, it is in the range of 2.0 to 4.0.

[0025] Furthermore, the convexity ratio (E / B) serves as an index for measuring the degree of distortion of the approximately elliptical shape obtained by the curves connecting the vertices of the convexities at maximum widths B and E and maximum length A. If the convexity ratio is too small, the depth of the concaves decreases and the cross-sectional shape becomes as close as possible to a flattened cross. This reduces the flexibility of the fibers to bending, which tends to reduce the ability to fit the skin when padded. Furthermore, the fibers' tendency to collapse also deteriorates, resulting in reduced softness. Therefore, the convexity ratio should be 0.6 or higher.

[0026] On the other hand, if the convex portion ratio is too large, when the concave portions of the fibers fit together, many of the concave portions are completely blocked, which reduces the flexibility of the fibers in bending and tends to reduce the ability to fit against the skin when padding is processed. Furthermore, when the concave portions are blocked by the interlocking, the bulkiness is also reduced, and a fluffy feel cannot be obtained when padding is processed. For these reasons, the convex portion ratio (E / B) is 0.9 or less. For the above reasons, the convex portion ratio (E / B) is in the range of 0.6 to 0.9. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of balance, the convex portion ratio (E / B) is preferably 0.6 to 0.8, and more preferably 0.7 to 0.8.

[0027] The flat, variable cross section polyester fiber a used in the present invention preferably has a single fiber fineness in the range of 1.0 to 4.0 dtex. By setting the single fiber fineness to 1.0 dtex or more, industrially stable spinning becomes possible, and by setting the single fiber fineness to 4.0 dtex or less, a sufficient soft feel can be obtained during filling processing. Since softness improves as the single fiber fineness decreases, the range of 1.0 to 3.3 dtex is preferred, and the range of 1.0 to 2.2 dtex is more preferred.

[0028] The hollow cross section polyester fiber b used in the present invention preferably has a single fiber fineness in the range of 1.3 to 18 dtex. By setting the single fiber fineness to 1.3 dtex or more, industrially stable spinning becomes possible, and by setting the single fiber fineness to 18 dtex or less, sufficient bulkiness can be obtained during filling processing. In order to achieve both bulkiness and texture, the range is preferably 2.8 to 17 dtex, and more preferably 5.5 to 16 dtex.

[0029] The single fiber fineness in the present invention is measured in accordance with JIS L1015 (2010).

[0030] The flat, variable cross section polyester fiber a in the present invention is preferably a short fiber, and the fiber length is preferably in the range of 30 to 78 mm from the viewpoint of processability into padding and texture of the product, and more preferably 35 to 51 mm.

[0031] The hollow cross section polyester fiber b in the present invention is preferably a short fiber, and the fiber length is preferably in the range of 30 to 78 mm from the viewpoint of processability into filling and bulkiness, and more preferably in the range of 40 to 70 mm.

[0032] The crimp number of the flat, variable cross-section polyester fiber a used in the present invention is preferably in the range of 10 to 30 crimps / 25 mm, and more preferably in the range of 12 to 25 crimps / 25 mm from the viewpoint of processability during processing. If the crimp number is less than 10 crimps / 25 mm, the fibers are less entangled with each other, and more fibers are removed during carding, which is not preferable. On the other hand, if the crimp number is more than 30 crimps / 25 mm, neps are more likely to occur during carding, which is not preferable.

[0033] The crimp number of the hollow cross section polyester fiber b used in the present invention is preferably in the range of 4.0 to 15 crimps / 25 mm, and more preferably in the range of 5.0 to 11 crimps / 25 mm from the viewpoint of processability during processing and bulkiness of the filling. If the crimp number is less than 4.0 crimps / 25 mm, the fibers are less entangled and more fibers are lost during carding, which is not preferable. On the other hand, if the crimp number is more than 15 crimps / 25 mm, neps are more likely to occur during carding, which is not preferable.

[0034] The number of crimps in the present invention is measured based on JISL1015 8.12.1 (2010).

[0035] The crimp degree of the flat, variable cross-section polyester fiber a used in the present invention is preferably in the range of 10 to 30%, and more preferably in the range of 13 to 27% from the viewpoint of texture and bulkiness. A crimp degree below 10 is undesirable because the bulkiness is low and the texture deteriorates. In addition, the entanglement between the fibers is weak, which deteriorates the processability during processing. In addition, a crimp degree above 30% is undesirable because neps are likely to occur during carding.

[0036] The crimp degree of the hollow cross section polyester fiber b used in the present invention is in the range of 20 to 40%. From the viewpoint of bulkiness, a range of 25 to 40% is more preferable. If the crimp degree is less than 20%, the bulkiness during the filling process decreases, which is not preferable. On the other hand, if the crimp degree is more than 40%, the processability during the filling process decreases, which is not preferable.

[0037] The crimp degree in the present invention is measured based on JIS L1015 8.12.2 (2010).

[0038] The cross-sectional shape of the hollow cross-section polyester fiber b used in the present invention may be any shape, such as round, polygonal, or a shape with multiple convex portions. However, a round hollow cross-section is preferred from the viewpoint of stable spinnability and easy high-level processability. Furthermore, the hollowness is preferably in the range of 20 to 40%. A hollowness below 20% is undesirable because sufficient bulkiness and heat retention cannot be obtained during padding processing. Furthermore, a hollowness above 40% is undesirable because it makes industrially stable spinning difficult. From the viewpoint of achieving bulkiness and heat retention, a range of 25 to 40% is more preferable. The hollowness can be expressed as a percentage by calculating the ratio of the hollow area to the total area of ​​the fiber cross-section, including the hollow portion, using an enlarged photograph of the fiber cross-section. The hollow portion (hollow portion) may be located at the fiber center or eccentrically located, but is preferably located at the fiber center. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity may be any shape such as a circle or a polygon, but a circle is preferable.

[0039] The hollow cross section polyester fiber b used in the present invention can be a hollow fiber with self-crimping properties, which can be obtained by quenching one side (one end) during spinning to form an asymmetric hollow fiber, or by forming a hollow fiber with a side-by-side structure made of at least two polymers. In this way, the crimping properties can be improved, the repulsion between the fibers can be strengthened, and the bulkiness can be increased.

[0040] The flat multilobal cross section polyester fiber (a) and hollow cross section polyester fiber (b) used in the filling of the present invention may be coated with a polysiloxane-based finishing oil to improve the slipperiness between fibers. The amount of the coating is preferably 0.3 to 1% by mass, which improves the slipperiness between fibers and increases the recovery rate after compressing the filling.

[0041] As the polysiloxane, for example, amino-modified silicone can be used. To attach the polysiloxane to the fiber, an oil containing the polysiloxane is applied. In addition to the polysiloxane, this oil preferably contains a phosphoric acid compound, an aliphatic compound, and a halogen-based compound, and further preferably contains an antioxidant, a flame retardant, and an antistatic agent.

[0042] The oil containing this polysiloxane is preferably applied immediately before cutting the tow in the process of producing the staple fibers used in the present invention, but the oil may also be applied to the staple fibers (raw cotton) after cutting the tow and then dried.

[0043] The filling of the present invention may contain fibers other than the flat multilobal cross section polyester fiber a and the hollow cross section polyester fiber b (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "other fibers"). The type of other fibers constituting the filling of the present invention is not particularly limited, and other materials such as polyester, acrylic, polyamide, rayon, cotton, linen, wool, and silk may be blended and used in combination. The single fiber fineness, fiber length, number of crimps, degree of crimp, etc. of the other fibers can be appropriately set depending on the desired properties.

[0044] The filling of the present invention has a basis weight of 365 to 395 g / m 2 When the fabric is processed into a quilt measuring 150 cm x 210 cm and its heat retention is evaluated using a thermal manikin, the CLO value of the covering portion is 3.8 or more, preferably 4.0 or more. The CLO value is measured using the thermal manikin method described below. (1) Measurements are carried out in a temperature-controlled room maintained at a room temperature of 20°C and a humidity of 65%RH. (2) A sweating thermal manikin (e.g., the Newton 20-zone sweating thermal manikin manufactured by MTNW, USA) is placed on its back on a mattress pad (width x length x thickness = 100 cm x 200 cm x 5 cm) with 100% polyethylene (PE) filling, and is covered from the neck to the feet with the prepared comforter sample. (3) Set the manikin temperature to 33°C and leave it for approximately 3 hours until the temperature stabilizes. (4) After the total CLO value from the neck to the toes stabilizes, calculate the CLO value from the heat dissipation Q of the thermal manikin every 30 minutes and take the average of three consecutive values. The CLO value is calculated using the following formula (4). ·CLO value=Q / (0.155×(Tsk-Ta))···(4) Q: Heat dissipation rate of thermal mannequin (W / m 2 ) Tsk: Mannequin temperature setting (skin temperature: 33℃) Ta: constant temperature (20℃).

[0045] The filling of the present invention is suitable for use in bedding such as quilts and clothing such as down jackets, taking advantage of its bulkiness, softness and skin-fitting properties.

[0046] Next, the manufacturing method of the present invention will be described.

[0047] The flat multilobal cross section polyester fiber a used in the present invention can be produced, for example, by the following method: First, polyester is melted and melt-spun through a spinneret having 80 to 1,300 outlet holes capable of forming a flat multilobal cross section at a spinning temperature 20 to 40°C higher than the melting point, and the fiber spun from the spinneret is cooled by blowing air at a temperature of 10 to 25°C at a flow rate of 40 to 100 m / min., after which a spinning oil is applied, and the fiber is temporarily placed in a can at a take-up speed of 900 to 1,600 m / min to obtain an undrawn yarn tow.

[0048] The undrawn yarn tow is then subjected to one-stage or two-stage drawing at a draw ratio of 2.5 to 4.0 times using a liquid bath at a temperature of 80 to 95°C, and is mechanically crimped using a crimper to preferably have 10 to 30 crimps / 25 mm. The tow is then dried at a temperature of 80 to 165°C for 15 to 30 minutes, a finishing oil is applied, and the tow is then cut to a length of 30 to 78 mm for production.

[0049] The mechanical crimp described above is a two-dimensional zigzag (peak-valley) crimp.

[0050] The hollow cross section polyester fiber b can be produced, for example, by the following method: First, polyester is melted and passed through a spinneret having 90 to 300 hollow fiber nozzles (for example, nozzles with multiple slits arranged circumferentially) at a spinning temperature 20 to 40°C higher than the melting point so as to form hollow sections, and the fiber spun from the spinneret is cooled by blowing air at a temperature of 10 to 25°C at a flow rate of 100 to 180 m / min, after which a spinning oil is applied, and the fiber is temporarily placed in a can at a take-up speed of 1000 to 1700 m / min to obtain an undrawn yarn tow.

[0051] The undrawn yarn tow is then subjected to one-stage drawing at a draw ratio of 2.5 to 3.5 times using a liquid bath at a temperature of 80 to 100°C, and is then given a structurally differential crimp of preferably 5 to 11 peaks / 25 mm and / or mechanical crimp using a crimper, and an aqueous finishing oil solution is showered on it, dried at a temperature of 80 to 165°C for 5 to 30 minutes, and cut to a length of 30 to 78 mm to produce the yarn.

[0052] The mechanical crimp mentioned above is a two-dimensional zigzag (peak-valley) crimp, and the structural crimp mentioned above is a three-dimensional spiral (spring-like) crimp.

[0053] As described above, flat multilobal cross section polyester fiber a and hollow cross section polyester fiber b are produced, and these are used as raw cotton to obtain the batting (blended batting) of the present invention. As a method for mixing flat multilobal cross section polyester fiber a and hollow cross section polyester fiber b, and optionally other fibers, to obtain the batting, for example, a method can be used in which the respective staple fibers are layered and passed through a fiber opener, and then mixed using an air blower and / or carding machine. Alternatively, a method can be used in which tows before being made into staple fibers are layered and cut simultaneously to mix them, and then passed through a fiber opener and mixed using an air blower and / or carding machine.

[0054] Furthermore, by adding a functional oil agent according to the purpose to at least one of the fibers constituting the blended cotton filling, namely the flat multilobal cross section polyester fiber a and the hollow cross section polyester fiber b, and in some cases other fibers, it is possible to obtain a blended cotton filling having antibacterial, anti-mite, anti-viral, deodorizing and anti-odor properties.

[0055] The filling of the present invention has excellent bulkiness, is lightweight, conforms to the body well, and has excellent heat retention properties, and further has antibacterial, anti-mite, anti-viral, deodorizing or anti-odor properties depending on the intended use, and is suitable for use in bedding such as comforters and clothing such as down jackets. [Example]

[0056] The filling of the present invention and the fibers (raw cotton) used therein will be described in detail using the following examples. The properties used in the following examples were evaluated by the following methods.

[0057] (1) Flat and diverse cross-sectional shapes The cross section of the flattened, variable cross section fiber to be used is photographed under a microscope at a magnification of 400 times, and the cross section photograph is then enlarged to 300% to obtain an image. Based on the measured dimensions, the flatness, irregularity, and convexity ratio are calculated as average values ​​of N=20.

[0058] (2) Number of crimps Measured in accordance with JIS L1015 8.12.1 and 8.12.2 (2010).

[0059] Using a crimp elasticity tester, a single fiber is attached to a specified test length, and the fiber length and number of crimps are measured when a load is applied, and converted into the number of crimps per 25 mm. Number of crimps (crest / 25mm)=K×25 / L1 K: total number of crimps, L1: fiber length when initial load is applied.

[0060] (3) Crimp degree (crimp rate) Measured in accordance with JIS L1015 8.12.2 (2010).

[0061] Using a crimp elasticity tester, attach a single fiber to a specified test length and measure the fiber length when a load is applied.Then, measure the fiber length when the actual load is applied, and calculate the difference from the fiber length when the initial load is applied.Calculate the percentage of the length at the specified load. Crinkage degree (%)=(L2-L1) / L2×100 L1: Fiber length when the initial load is applied. L2: Fiber length when this load is applied.

[0062] (4) Hollowness From an enlarged photograph of the fiber cross section, the ratio of the area of ​​the hollow portion to the total area of ​​the fiber cross section including the hollow portion is calculated and expressed as a percentage.

[0063] (5) CLO value (thermal manikin method) The created padding is used, and the weight is 365-395g / m 2 The fabric was processed into a quilt measuring 150cm x 210cm, and its heat retention was evaluated using a thermal manikin. The CLO value was measured using the thermal manikin method described below. The measurements were carried out in a temperature-controlled room maintained at a room temperature of 20°C and a humidity of 65%RH. First, a sweating thermal manikin (Newton 20-zone sweating thermal manikin, manufactured by MTNW, USA) was placed on its back on a mattress pad (width x length x thickness = 100 cm x 200 cm x 5 cm) with 100% PE filling, and was covered from the neck to the feet with the prepared quilt sample. Next, the mannequin's set temperature was set to 33°C and left to stand for approximately 3 hours until the temperature stabilized. After the total CLO value from the neck to the feet had stabilized, the CLO value was calculated every 30 minutes from the heat dissipation amount Q of the thermal manikin, and the average of three consecutive measurements was used as the measured value. The CLO value was calculated using the following formula (4). ·CLO value=Q / (0.155×(Tsk-Ta))···(4) Q: Heat dissipation rate of thermal mannequin (W / m 2 ) Tsk: Mannequin temperature setting (skin temperature: 33℃) Ta: constant temperature (20℃).

[0064] (6) Skin-fitting The quilt sample prepared in (5) above was used. The quilt sample was placed without load on a pipe with an outer diameter of 267 mm (inner diameter of 250 mm) placed on a flat surface, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the space consisting of the flat surface, the pipe, and the quilt sample was measured when cut perpendicular to the pipe. The smaller the cross-sectional area obtained, the better the sample fit to the skin.

[0065] (7) Sleeping comfort The comforter sample prepared in (5) above was used. Ten monitors tried on the prepared comforter and evaluated it, rating it on a scale of 1 to 5 (1: very poor, 2: somewhat poor, 3: no different from conventional woven fabric, 4: good, 5: very good). The judgements of all the monitors were averaged, and an average of 4.5 points or more was rated as excellent (A), 3.5 points or more but less than 4.5 points was rated as good (B), and less than 3.5 points was rated as poor (C).

[0066] (8) Overall rating For the three evaluation items above (CLO value, skin fit, and sleeping comfort), the CLO value was 3.8 or more, and the skin fit was 340cm. 2 In the following cases, if the sleeping comfort was excellent (A) or good (B), it was considered a pass (◯), and in all other cases it was considered a fail (×).

[0067] Example 1 Polyethylene terephthalate with an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of 0.65 was melted and passed through a spinneret having 568 discharge holes with flat, variable cross-sectional shapes at a spinning temperature of 285°C. The fibers spun from the spinneret were cooled by blowing air at a temperature of 20°C at a flow rate of 50 m / min. A non-ionic spinning oil was then applied, and the fibers were temporarily placed in a can at a take-up speed of 1200 m / min to obtain an undrawn yarn tow. Next, the obtained undrawn yarn tow was subjected to two-stage drawing at a draw ratio of 3.2 times using a liquid bath at a temperature of 90°C, and then mechanically crimped using a crimper to give it 17 crimps / 25 mm and a crimp degree of 20%, dried at a temperature of 145°C for 20 minutes, applied with a finishing oil, and then cut to a length of 51 mm to produce raw cotton of flat, variable cross-section fiber a with a flatness of 2.1, an irregularity of 2.0, a convexity ratio of 0.6, and a cross-sectional shape with 8 convexities.

[0068] On the other hand, polyethylene terephthalate with an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of 0.65 was melted and passed through a spinneret having 180 hollow cross-sectional nozzles (three nozzles with a slit width of 0.1 mm arranged circumferentially), melt-spun at a spinning temperature of 275°C so as to form hollow sections. The fibers spun from the nozzle were cooled by blowing air at a temperature of 20°C at a flow rate of 165 m / min, after which a non-ionic spinning oil was applied, and the spun fibers were placed in a can at a take-up speed of 1300 m / min, to obtain an undrawn yarn tow. The undrawn yarn tow was then subjected to a single-stage drawing at a draw ratio of 3.2 times using a liquid bath at 90°C, and a crimper was used to impart structural crimping and mechanical crimping to 7 peaks / 25 mm. An oil solution containing polysiloxane at a concentration of 4% by mass was sprayed onto the tow, which was then dried at 160°C for 10 minutes and cut to a length of 64 mm to produce raw cotton of round and hollow cross section fiber b (the hollow portion was also round) with a single fiber fineness of 7.5 dtex, a fiber length of 64 mm, a crimp degree of 28%, a polysiloxane adhesion amount of 0.3% by mass, and a hollowness of 30%.

[0069] The raw cotton A of flat, variable cross-section fibers and raw cotton B of hollow cross-section fibers obtained above were mixed in a mass ratio of 50:50 (50% by mass / 50% by mass), passed through a fiber opener, and then passed through a carding machine to produce a two-type blended cotton filling.

[0070] The resulting two-type blended cotton filling was placed in the cover to create a 150cm x 210cm duvet sample, which was then evaluated for CLO value, skin fit, and sleeping comfort.

[0071] Example 2 The raw cotton of the flat, variable cross-section fiber a obtained in Example 1 and the raw cotton of the hollow cross-section fiber b were mixed in a mass ratio of 30:70 (30 mass% / 70 mass%), and a duvet sample was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, and the same evaluation was carried out.

[0072] Example 3 The raw cotton of the flat, variable cross section fiber a obtained in Example 1 and the raw cotton of the hollow cross section fiber b were mixed with round cross section polyester fiber c with a fineness of 1.45 dtex and a crimp morphology similar to that of the flat, variable cross section fiber a in a mass ratio of 30:50:20 (30 mass% / 50 mass% / 20 mass%), and a duvet sample was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, and the same evaluation was carried out.

[0073] (Comparative Example 1) A quilt sample was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 using only the raw cotton of hollow cross section fiber b obtained in Example 1, and the same evaluation was carried out.

[0074] (Comparative Example 2) Instead of the flat variable cross section fiber a in Example 1, raw cotton consisting of round cross section polyester fiber c with a fineness of 1.45 dtex and a similar crimp morphology was used, and this raw cotton was mixed with the raw cotton of hollow cross section fiber b obtained in Example 1 in a mass ratio of 50:50 (50 mass% / 50 mass%), and a duvet sample was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, and the same evaluation was carried out.

[0075] (Comparative Example 3) The raw cotton of the flat, variable cross-section fiber a obtained in Example 1 and the raw cotton of the hollow cross-section fiber b were mixed in a mass ratio of 80:20 (80 mass% / 20 mass%), and a duvet sample was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, and the same evaluation was carried out.

[0076] Comparative Example 4 In the production of the flat multilobal cross-section fiber a of Example 1, a polyethylene terephthalate with an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of 0.61 was used, and flat multilobal cross-section fiber a' was produced using the same production method. Compared to the flat multilobal cross-section fiber of Example 1, the resulting flat multilobal cross-section fiber a' showed almost no irregularities, and while the flatness was 2.0, the irregularity and convexity ratio were unmeasurable. The raw cotton for this flat multilobal cross-section fiber a' was blended with the raw cotton for the medium cross-section fiber b of Example 1 in a mass ratio of 50:50 (50% by mass / 50% by mass), and a comforter sample was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, and the same evaluations were carried out.

[0077] (Comparative Example 5) In the manufacturing method of hollow cross section fiber b shown in Example 1, raw cotton of hollow cross section fiber b' was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the tow immediately after liquid bath drawing was subjected to a tension heat treatment while under tension using a hot roller with a surface temperature of approximately 190°C. The raw cotton of hollow cross section fiber b' had a single fiber fineness of 6.9 dtex, a fiber length of 64 mm, a crimp degree of 12%, a polysiloxane adhesion amount of 0.3 mass%, and a hollowness of 30%. The raw cotton of flat variable cross section fiber a in Example 1 and the raw cotton of said fiber b' were blended in a mass ratio of 50:50 (50 mass% / 50 mass%), and a duvet sample was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1 and evaluated in the same manner.

[0078] [Table 1]

[0079] In Example 1, the resulting filling exhibited a good CLO value, indicating excellent heat retention, which was thought to be due to its high skin-fitting ability. Furthermore, the sleeping comfort rating was also good, and therefore the overall evaluation was deemed acceptable. In Example 2, although both the CLO value and skin-fitting ability were slightly lower than in Example 1, the filling exhibited good heat retention and good sleeping comfort, and therefore the overall evaluation was deemed acceptable. In Example 3, although a decrease in skin-fitting ability due to the reduced proportion of flat, variable cross-section fibers was confirmed compared to Example 1, the filling exhibited good heat retention and sleeping comfort, and therefore the overall evaluation was deemed acceptable. On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, the lack of flat, variable cross-section fibers reduced skin-fitting ability, resulting in inferior heat retention and sleeping comfort compared to Example 1. In Comparative Example 2, round cross-section fibers were used instead of flat, variable cross-section fibers, but sufficient skin-fitting ability was not obtained, and both heat retention and sleeping comfort were inferior compared to when flat, variable cross-section fibers were used. In Comparative Example 3, the low blending ratio of hollow cross-section fibers prevented sufficient bulkiness, resulting in poor heat retention and sleeping comfort, making it unsuitable for use as a comforter. In Comparative Example 4, the reduced unevenness of the flat, variable cross-section fibers reduced the suppleness of the blended cotton filling, preventing sufficient skin fit and resulting in poor heat retention and sleeping comfort. In Comparative Example 5, the insufficient crimping of the hollow cross-section fibers prevented sufficient bulkiness, resulting in poor heat retention and sleeping comfort, making it unsuitable for use as a comforter. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] A: Maximum length of fiber cross section B: Maximum width of the fiber cross section C: The length of the line connecting the vertices of adjacent convex parts at the maximum concave part of the cross section of the fiber D: The length of the perpendicular line from the line C between the convex parts to the lowest point of the concave part E: The longest length excluding the maximum cross-sectional width B

Claims

1. A batting containing 15 to 70% by mass of flat multilobal cross section polyester fibers a having six or more convex portions on the outer periphery of the fiber cross section and 30% or more of hollow cross section polyester fibers b, wherein the shape of the flat multilobal cross section polyester fibers simultaneously satisfies the requirements of the following formulas (1) to (3). ・Flatness: (A / B) = 2.0 to 3.0...(1) ・Degree of irregularity: (C / D) = 1.0 to 5.0...(2) Convex portion ratio: (E / B) = 0.6 to 0.9 (3) however, A: maximum length of the cross section of the fiber; B: maximum width of the cross section of the fiber; C: the length of the line connecting the vertices of adjacent convex portions at the maximum concave portion of the cross section of the fiber, D: The length of the perpendicular line drawn from the line C between the convex portions to the lowest point of the concave portion, E: The longest length excluding the maximum cross-sectional width B.

2. 2. The padding according to claim 1, wherein the hollow cross-section polyester fiber b has a crimp degree of 20 to 40%.

3. Weight per unit area: 365-395g / m ２ 3. A comforter using the filling according to claim 1 or 2, which has a CLO value of the covering part of the comforter of 3.8 or more when measured using a thermal mannequin.

4. 3. Clothing using the padding according to claim 1 or 2.

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