Moisture-management fabric

Abstract

Existing fabrics with moisture management functions only diffuse moisture on one side, and it is difficult to simultaneously ensure moisture absorption, diffusion, and reverse osmosis resistance, and they also lack washing durability and comfort. Therefore, we provide a fabric with better moisture management functions. [Solution] This fabric has moisture management properties and includes a texture layer 1 and a filling layer 2. The texture layer includes a waterproof / breathable layer 4, a hydrophobic layer 5, and a hydrophilic layer 6, while the filling layer includes a flow-guiding layer 7. These layers are arranged in this order from the skin side, with the waterproof / breathable layer being made of a hydrophobic fiber fabric with micrometer-level protrusions on the fiber surface. The fibers in the hydrophilic layer have a hollow, crisscross, multi-lobed, or microporous irregular cross-sectional structure, which rapidly expels moisture through the capillary effect. This allows for one-way moisture flow and prevents reverse osmosis, while also providing moisture absorption, diffusion, and reverse osmosis resistance. Furthermore, the fabric boasts excellent washability, breathability, and a pleasant texture, making it suitable for use in household and pet textiles.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of functional textile materials, and in particular to fabrics with moisture management function. [Background technology]

[0002] In hot and humid regions (such as coastal or tropical regions), during the rainy season, and during the "Humidity Era" (when humidity rises significantly), traditional bedding products have the problem of easily absorbing moisture from the air and not easily releasing it, which leads to a muggy sleeping environment and makes bedding products sticky to the touch, seriously affecting the user's sleep experience and comfort.

[0003] Furthermore, in urban areas without heating in winter, the environment becomes damp and cold, causing bedding products such as futons to easily absorb moisture and feel cold to the touch. Such products take a long time to return to a temperature that is comfortable for the human body, causing inconvenience to users. Furthermore, the moisture and heat generated by sweat during sleep disrupts sleep quality and reduces comfort.

[0004] To improve the above-mentioned problems, one-way moisture-wicking and moisture-diffusing surface materials with moisture management functions have been developed to solve the problem that conventional bedding is difficult to dry after absorbing and absorbing moisture in high humidity environments such as hot and humid environments, the rainy season, the Southern hot season, and the cold and humid winter environments, and to solve the problem of sticky feeling. They also create a usage environment that combines dryness and freshness, breathability, moisture-wicking and moisture-diffusing properties, and quick-drying properties, thereby increasing user comfort.

[0005] The unidirectional moisture wicking and diffusion surface material utilizes the difference in hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity between the inner and outer layers of the fabric to quickly guide sweat to the outer layer and evaporate it, reducing the humidity difference between the fabric and the skin and achieving a microclimate regulation function. For example, in an air-conditioned environment in summer, the human body tends to sweat, so this technology can prevent the unpleasant sticky feeling caused by accumulated sweat and improve the environmental adaptability of the fabric to a certain extent.

[0006] Moisture management is achieved primarily through the structural design and functional adjustment of textiles, which efficiently transports and evaporates liquid moisture from the skin surface, improving comfort during wear or use. However, existing technologies have many shortcomings. While some techniques create a hydrophilic-hydrophobic gradient between the inside and outside of the fabric using printing processes or waterproofing agents, they suffer from slow moisture diffusion in one direction and a tendency for re-permeation in the opposite direction. Furthermore, many existing technologies struggle to achieve high moisture absorption speed, diffusion speed, and reverse permeation prevention performance, and also struggle to simultaneously achieve a cooling sensation.

[0007] In addition, conventional fabrics with moisture management functions have a coating structure, which makes them less durable to wash, and the moisture management effect generally decreases significantly after about five washes.

[0008] In terms of material properties, cotton has excellent moisture absorption but a slow moisture absorption / diffusion rate. On the other hand, polyester has excellent quick-drying properties but suffers from the problem of being uncomfortable to the touch. Therefore, there is a need for a new moisture management fabric that can overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and materials and achieve better moisture management performance. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems that fabrics with existing moisture management technologies have, namely, the slow moisture dispersion speed (only on one side), the occurrence of reverse permeation (where moisture easily permeates in the opposite direction), the inability to simultaneously secure moisture absorption speed, diffusion speed, and reverse osmosis resistance, resulting in insufficient washing durability, and problems caused by existing materials (cotton absorbs moisture slowly, and polyester feels unpleasant against the skin).

[0010] The present invention provides a moisture management fabric that realizes efficient moisture transport and evaporation, improves comfort during use, and ensures good washing durability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a fabric with moisture management function.

[0012] The fabric includes a skin-touching layer and a filling layer, the skin-touching layer includes a waterproof / breathable layer, a hydrophobic layer, and a hydrophilic layer, and the filling layer includes a flow-guiding layer.

[0013] The waterproof / moisture-permeable layer, the hydrophobic layer, the hydrophilic layer, and the flow-guiding layer are arranged in this order from the side closest to the skin to the side furthest from the skin.

[0014] The features of this invention are as follows: The waterproof and breathable layer is made of a fiber fabric, and the surface of the fiber has a distribution of minute protrusions at the micrometer level.

[0015] The fibers of the hydrophilic layer may have a modified cross-sectional structure, including one or more of hollow, cross, multi-lobal, and microporous structures.

[0016] The waterproof and breathable layer imparts superhydrophobic properties to the fabric, directing absorbed moisture in one direction to the hydrophobic layer and preventing reverse osmosis.

[0017] The irregular cross-sectional structure not only increases the moisture evacuation rate but also contributes to improved breathability.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present technical solution, the fibers constituting the waterproof / breathable layer may also be modified cross-section fibers.

[0019] The modified cross-section fiber may have one or more of hollow, cross, multi-lobal, and microporous structures, and can further improve the moisture drainage rate and breathability.

[0020] As a further improvement of this technical solution, the water contact angle of the yarn used in the waterproof / breathable layer is 140°~180°. In this case, the fabric exhibits superhydrophobicity, and after absorbing water, it directs the water in one direction to the hydrophobic layer, preventing reverse osmosis.

[0021] The waterproof / breathable layer may be made of one or more of polyethylene, polyester, nylon, and polypropylene fibers, which have excellent washability and can prevent deformation of the fabric even after repeated washing.

[0022] As a further improvement of this technical solution, the hydrophobic layer is made of fabric, and the water contact angle of the yarn used in this layer is 100° to 140°. In this case, the fabric has hydrophobic properties and leads the absorbed water in one direction to the hydrophilic layer.

[0023] The hydrophobic layer is connected to the waterproof / breathable layer and the hydrophilic layer by hemming, combining, or heat-pressing.

[0024] As a further improvement of this technical proposal, the water contact angle of the waterproof / breathable layer is set larger than that of the hydrophobic layer, and absorbed water is guided in one direction from the waterproof / breathable layer → hydrophobic layer → hydrophilic layer, effectively preventing backflow and reverse osmosis of water.

[0025] As a further improvement of this technical solution, the water contact angle of the yarn used in the hydrophilic layer is less than 90°, which makes the layer hydrophilic and attracts moisture in one direction from the waterproof / breathable layer and the hydrophobic layer.

[0026] As a further improvement of this technical solution, the optimum water contact angle of the thread used in the hydrophilic layer is 45° to 50°, which exhibits extremely high hydrophilicity and maximizes the one-way water discharge rate.

[0027] As a further improvement of the technical solution, the fabric can further include a protective layer, which is made of a fiber fabric, and the fiber includes one or more of polyester fiber, polyurethane fiber, polyamide fiber, polyethylene fiber, polypropylene fiber, acetate fiber, cuprammonium fiber, polyacrylonitrile fiber, polyimide fiber, polyvinyl alcohol fiber, cellulose fiber, animal fiber, and regenerated cellulose fiber.

[0028] As a further improvement of the technical solution, the fabric structure of the skin-contacting layer and the protective layer is made of one or more of honeycomb knitting and diamond lattice knitting, which maintains good flexibility while accelerating moisture evacuation and evaporation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] The present invention has the following beneficial effects compared to existing technologies: (1) It has a multi-layer structure in which a waterproof and breathable layer, a hydrophobic layer, a hydrophilic layer, a flow-guiding layer, and an evaporation layer are rationally arranged in the order of the skin-touch layer, filling layer, and protective layer.

[0030] The material selection and structural design of each layer allows for one-way moisture movement and effectively prevents reverse osmosis, solving the problems of existing technologies, such as slow moisture diffusion on one side and the tendency for reverse osmosis to occur.

[0031] (2) It combines high moisture absorption speed with reverse osmosis prevention. The hydrophilic layer provides rapid water absorption and conduction, the flow-conducting layer provides auxiliary transport, the hydrophobic layer and waterproof / breathable layer prevent reverse osmosis, and the honeycomb or diamond lattice weave promotes moisture removal and evaporation, forming a highly efficient moisture management system that significantly improves moisture management effectiveness.

[0032] (3) The fibers used in this fabric are not coated, providing excellent washability. The rational combination of materials ensures the durability of the fabric and effectively avoids the deterioration of moisture management performance seen in existing fabrics after washing, friction, and exposure to sunlight, thereby extending the lifespan of the fabric.

[0033] (4) The feel layer uses honeycomb knitting or diamond lattice knitting, maintaining good flexibility. Furthermore, the filling layer provides moderate breathability, achieving excellent moisture management and high wearing comfort at the same time. It can be used for a variety of applications, including home textiles and pet textiles, and is particularly effective in hot and humid environments, the rainy season, humid southerly winds, and damp and cold winter environments. Under equivalent humidity conditions, the moisture content of the fabric is significantly lower than that of other general products.

[0034] (5) The waterproof / breathable layer and hydrophilic layer can be made of irregular cross-section fibers, and the filling layer has a mesh-like structure. This improves the one-way moisture discharge rate and also enhances breathability. Under the same conditions, the breathability of this product is approximately twice as high as that of standard products. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of the layer structure of a moisture management fabric according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a micro-level micro-protrusion structure formed on the surface of the fabric of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of the honeycomb knitting structure of the fabric of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of the diamond lattice knitting structure of the fabric of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly explained with reference to the drawings. The described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0037] Other embodiments that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art based on this embodiment without requiring creative efforts are also included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] Example 1 The fabric of this example has a moisture management function and includes a skin-friendly layer 1, a filling layer 2 and a protective layer 3.

[0039] These are arranged in this order from the skin side, with the skin-touching layer 1 including a waterproof / breathable layer 4, a hydrophobic layer 5, and a hydrophilic layer 6; the filling layer 2 including a flow-guiding layer 7; and the protective layer 3 including an evaporation layer 8.

[0040] That is, the waterproof / moisture-permeable layer 4, the hydrophobic layer 5, the hydrophilic layer 6, the flow guide layer 7 and the evaporation layer 8 are laminated in this order from the side closest to the skin to the side furthest from the skin.

[0041] The waterproof / moisture-permeable layer 4 is made of hydrophobic fibers such as polyethylene, polyester, or polypropylene with a hydrophobic additive added, and has fine protrusions of several micrometers distributed on the fiber surface. The water contact angle of the fibers used in this layer (commercially available products that meet the contact angle requirements) is 140° to 180°, preferably 140° to 155°.

[0042] By combining it with the hydrophilic layer 6, it is possible to optimize the moisture drainage and anti-breathing performance. The values ​​can be adjusted depending on the application and environment. Furthermore, the waterproof / moisture-permeable layer 4 can employ modified cross-section fibers, which contributes to improving the moisture discharge rate and moisture permeability.

[0043] The irregular cross-sectional shape may be one or more of hollow, cross-shaped, multi-lobed, and microporous.

[0044] The hydrophobic layer 5 is made of a fiber fabric, and uses threads with a water contact angle of 100° to 140°, preferably 120° to 130° (commercially available products that meet the requirements).

[0045] The hydrophobic layer 5 is disposed between the waterproof / moisture-permeable layer 4 and the hydrophilic layer 6, and contributes to one-way water conductivity and prevention of reverse osmosis.

[0046] The fiber material may be polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, or the like.

[0047] The waterproof / breathable layer 4, the hydrophobic layer 5 and the hydrophilic layer 6 are connected by hemming, composite processing or thermocompression bonding, thereby maintaining the structural stability of the entire fabric and the synergistic effect between the layers.

[0048] Furthermore, by making the water contact angle of the waterproof / moisture-permeable layer 4 larger than that of the hydrophobic layer 5, one-way water discharge and reverse osmosis prevention are highly effective.

[0049] The hydrophilic layer 6 is made of fibers such as polyester (hydrophilic polyester, commercially available product), nylon, polypropylene, etc., having hydrophilic groups such as carboxyl groups and hydroxyl groups.

[0050] In addition, irregular cross-section fibers are used to enhance capillary absorbency and improve breathability.

[0051] The irregular cross-sectional shape may include one or more of hollow, cloth, multi-lobed, and microporous.

[0052] The water contact angle is less than 90°, and particularly preferably 45° to 50° (extremely hydrophilic region), and the film exhibits rapid water absorption and water conduction properties. The water absorption and diffusion time is less than 2 seconds (compliant with GB21655.1). By using a modified cross-section fiber structure in the waterproof / moisture-permeable layer 4 and the hydrophilic layer 6, the water conductivity and the effect of preventing reverse osmosis can be further improved.

[0053] The filling layer 2 functions as a flow guide layer 7. The flow guide layer 7 is made of a cotton-like filling material containing one or more of polyester, nylon, cellulose fiber, regenerated cellulose fiber, polypropylene, acrylic, wool fiber, silk fiber, vinylon, and spandex.

[0054] These fabrics have a mesh-like flow-guiding structure formed using one or more of the melt-spray, hot-air, spunlace, and needle-punch methods, and ensure good breathability while rapidly wicking away moisture. The flow-guiding layer 7 has the auxiliary function of efficiently transporting the moisture absorbed by the hydrophilic layer 6 to the evaporation layer 8.

[0055] The evaporation layer 8 can be made of one or more of polyester fibers, polyurethane fibers, polyamide fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, acetate fibers, cuprammonium fibers, polyacrylonitrile fibers, polyimide fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, cellulose fibers, animal fibers, and regenerated cellulose fibers.

[0056] The combination can be changed depending on the application and performance requirements. This layer increases the contact area with air and promotes moisture evaporation.

[0057] In this embodiment, the skin-friendly layer 1 and the protective layer 3 adopt a honeycomb knit or a diamond lattice knit.

[0058] These knitting structures ensure the fabric's flexibility and comfort while increasing the air contact area, accelerating the moisture wicking rate and further improving moisture management. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure and can be modified according to actual requirements. By using a flexible knit structure for the skin-touching layer 1 and providing breathability for the filling layer 2, high moisture management function and wearing comfort are simultaneously achieved.

[0059] The effect is particularly notable in hot and humid environments, the rainy season, periods when humidity returns, and damp and cold winter environments, and the moisture content can be maintained at 10% or less under 95% RH conditions, demonstrating superior performance compared to general products using coated fabrics.

[0060] Furthermore, the flow guide layer 7 has a mesh-like flow guide structure that allows for one-way drainage of moisture and improves breathability.

[0061] According to the GB / T5453 standard, the breathability of the fabric of this invention is approximately 2000L / (m 2 ·s), while the general fabric with coating design shows about 600L / (m 2 ·s) remains.

[0062] Commercially available fibers, threads, fabrics, etc. can be used, and in this example, products from Qingdao Wanqing Living Home Products Co., Ltd. are used as an example.

[0063] The basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention have been described above. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments and the description in the specification are merely preferred examples of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. Various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all of them are included in the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1. Skin-friendly layer, 2 packed beds, 3 protective layer, 4. Waterproof and breathable layer, 5 hydrophobic layer, 6 hydrophilic layer, 7 Flowing layer, 8 Evaporation layer

Claims

1. A fabric with moisture management function, the fabric comprising a skin-friendly layer (1) and a filling layer (2), The skin-friendly layer (1) includes a waterproof / breathable layer (4), a hydrophobic layer (5) and a hydrophilic layer (6), The packed bed (2) includes a flow guide layer (7), The waterproof and moisture-permeable layer (4), the hydrophobic layer (5), the hydrophilic layer (6) and the flow-guiding layer (7) are arranged in this order from the side closest to the skin to the side farthest from the skin, The waterproof and breathable layer (4) is made of a fiber fabric, and micrometer-level protrusions are distributed on the surface of the fiber. The fibers of the hydrophilic layer (6) have a modified cross-sectional fiber structure, and the modified cross-sectional fiber structure includes one or more of a hollow, cross-shaped, multi-lobal, and microporous structure; The waterproof and moisture-permeable layer (4) has hydrophobic properties and prevents reverse osmosis of moisture, The modified cross-section fiber structure improves the moisture drainage rate. A fabric with moisture management properties.

2. The fabric having moisture management function described in claim 1, characterized in that the fiber fabric of the waterproof and breathable layer (4) contains irregular cross-section fibers, and the irregular cross-section fibers have one or more of hollow, cross-sectional, multi-lobal, and microporous structures.

3. The water contact angle of the yarn used in the waterproof / moisture-permeable layer (4) is 140° to 180°, The moisture management fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that the fibers of the waterproof / breathable layer (4) include one or more of polyethylene fibers, polyester fibers, nylon fibers, and polypropylene fibers.

4. The hydrophobic layer (5) is made of fabric, The water contact angle of the thread used in the hydrophobic layer (5) is 100° to 140°; The moisture management fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydrophobic layer (5) connects the waterproof and breathable layer (4) and the hydrophilic layer (6) by hemming, combining or thermocompression bonding.

5. The moisture management fabric according to claim 3, characterized in that the water contact angle of the fabric of the waterproof and breathable layer (4) is greater than the water contact angle of the fabric of the hydrophobic layer (5).

6. 2. The moisture management fabric according to claim 1, wherein the water contact angle of the yarn used in the hydrophilic layer (6) is less than 90°.

7. 7. The moisture management fabric according to claim 6, The moisture management fabric according to claim 6, characterized in that the water contact angle of the yarn used in the hydrophilic layer (6) is 45° to 50°.

8. The fabric further comprises a protective layer (3), The protective layer (3) is made of a fiber fabric, 2. The moisture management fabric of claim 1, wherein the fibers include one or more of polyester fibers, polyurethane fibers, polyamide fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, acetate fibers, cuprammonium fibers, polyacrylonitrile fibers, polyimide fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, cellulose fibers, animal fibers, and regenerated cellulose fibers.

9. 9. The moisture management fabric according to claim 8, 9. The moisture management fabric of claim 8, wherein the weave structure of the skin layer (1) and the protective layer (3) comprises one or more of a honeycomb knit or a diamond lattice knit.

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