Surface material

Abstract

Provided is a surface covering material such as a sheet for a seat in a vehicle or as furniture, or upholstery for a vehicle, the surface covering material exhibiting high design properties with a sense of depth achieved by an inlay-knitted pattern yarn, while at the same time being capable of suppressing fluff and the pattern yarn from being pulled out even if the surface is rubbed by hard protrusions such as the hook part of a hook-and-loop fastener. This surface covering material is composed of a three-dimensional knitted material comprising: two layers of knitted fabric consisting of a front layer and a back layer; and a joint layer consisting of joint yarns that join the two front / back layers of knitted fabrics together. The surface covering material is characterized in that the front layer knitted fabric has openings and a pattern yarn is inlay-knitted into the openings.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a skin material. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, three-dimensional knitted fabrics consisting of two layers of knitted fabric on the front and back and connecting yarns connecting the two layers of knitted fabric have cushioning properties in the thickness direction due to the use of monofilament for the connecting yarn, and further, the knitted fabrics on the front and back have a mesh structure to ensure high breathability, and therefore have been widely used as a cushioning material that is cool and prevents stuffiness in applications such as seat covers and bedding.

[0003] On the other hand, when three-dimensional knitted fabrics are used as covering materials for seating in vehicles or furniture, or interior materials for vehicles, the surface knitted fabric of the three-dimensional knitted fabric is required to have a decorative design. It has been proposed to give the surface knitted fabric various mesh shapes or rib shapes to impart decorative design based on the shape, or to knit an insertion yarn into the surface knitted fabric to add variation to the rib or mesh shape and stabilize the shape.

[0004] For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses that when imparting a ribbed design to the surface knit of a three-dimensional knit fabric, an insertion yarn is arranged at a ratio of one yarn per row of ribs, and is inserted and knitted into the end of the rib for each course with a specified swing width, and in at least some of the courses, the insertion yarn is inserted to bridge two adjacent rows of ribs and knitted into both outer ends of both ribs, and knitted to bind the rows of stitches that make up the ribs, thereby preventing distortion of the ribs, preventing the ribs from shifting in the course direction, and resulting in a ribbed three-dimensional knit fabric with good scratch resistance.

[0005] Patent Document 2 listed below discloses a three-dimensional warp rib structure in which the rib structure of the surface knitted fabric is composed of chain stitches and insert stitches, and the chain stitches are knitted with two warp threads supplied from at least two different sets of reeds, and the warp threads of one reed knitting the chain stitches in places between adjacent warp ribs form a bonded structure with the warp rib on the right and the warp threads of the other reed forming the chain stitches in places between adjacent warp ribs, so that the warp rib structure does not become string-like, the rows of stitches are arranged in a regular and orderly manner, the appearance is maintained, and no ground yarn breakage occurs during sewing.

[0006] The following Patent Document 3 discloses a three-dimensional knitted fabric in which floating yarns are engaged with the surface of the ground structure by insertion knitting, and the knitting is performed so that the ratio of the floating portion of the floating yarns on the surface of the ground structure is 20 to 70%, thereby providing a three-dimensional knitted fabric with excellent surface feel without compromising breathability. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-255508 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-232109 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2005-126884 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, in the three-dimensional knitted fabric of Patent Document 1, the insertion yarn is used to bind the rows of stitches that form the ribs or two adjacent rows of ribs to prevent distortion or shifting of the ribs, and does not contribute to improving the design of the surface knitted fabric, and does not combine the design with a sense of depth provided by the pattern yarn insertion yarn with the durability of the pattern yarn, such as resistance to pilling and resistance to being pulled out. Similarly in the three-dimensional knitted fabric of Patent Document 2, the inserted yarn is used to connect the chain stitches of the warp rib portion so that they do not converge into a string-like shape, and does not contribute to enhancing the design of the surface knitted fabric, and does not combine the design with a sense of depth provided by the inserted pattern yarn with the durability of the pattern yarn, such as its resistance to pilling and resistance to being pulled out. Furthermore, in the three-dimensional knitted fabric of Patent Document 3, although floating yarns are inserted into the surface knitted fabric, the floating yarns float on the surface of the three-dimensional knitted fabric, so the durability of the pattern yarns, such as their resistance to pilling, is poor, and the fabric does not present a design with a sense of depth.

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned state of the prior art, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to solve the problems of the above-mentioned prior art and provide a skin material for seats of vehicles, furniture, etc., and interior materials of vehicles, etc., which exhibits a high level of design with a sense of depth by using insert-knitted pattern yarns, and at the same time, is capable of suppressing the pulling out and pilling of the pattern yarns even when the surface is rubbed by hard protrusions such as the hook portions of a hook-and-loop fastener. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] As a result of intensive research and repeated experiments to solve the above-mentioned problems, the inventors of the present application unexpectedly discovered that in a skin material composed of a three-dimensional knit fabric including two layers of knitted fabric, a front layer and a back layer, and a connecting layer made of connecting yarns that connect the two layers of knitted fabric together, the above-mentioned problems can be solved by inserting a pattern yarn into openings in the front layer of the three-dimensional knit fabric, and have thus completed the present invention.

[0011] That is, the present invention is as follows. [1] A skin material composed of a three-dimensional knitted fabric including a front layer and a back layer of two-layer knitted fabric, and a connecting layer made of a connecting yarn that connects the front and back two-layer knitted fabrics together, characterized in that the front layer of knitted fabric has an opening and a pattern yarn is inserted into the opening. [2] The skin material according to [1] above, wherein the length A of the pattern yarn visible through the opening is 0.50 mm or more and 2.50 mm or less when viewed from the front side of the knitted fabric of the surface layer. [3] The skin material according to [1] or [2] above, wherein, when the knitted fabric of the surface layer is viewed from the front side, the difference ΔH between the average height of the two stitches holding both ends of the pattern yarn visible through the opening and the height of the pattern yarn is 0.10 mm or more. [4] The skin material according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the difference ΔH between the average height of the two stitches holding both ends of the pattern thread visible from the opening and the height of the pattern thread is divided by the length A of the pattern thread visible from the opening, ΔH / A, which is 0.02 or more. [5] The skin material according to any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein the knitted fabric of the surface layer has a mesh structure and the openings are mesh openings. [6] The skin material according to any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein the knitted fabric of the surface layer has a rib structure, and the opening portion is a recess in a gap between adjacent convex ribs. [7] The skin material according to any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the knitted fabric of the surface layer has a mesh density of 11,000 or more and 21,000 or less. [8] The skin material according to [7] above, wherein the knitted fabric of the surface layer has a mesh density of 11,500 or more and 20,000 or less. [9] The skin material according to [8] above, wherein the knitted fabric of the surface layer has a mesh density of 13,000 or more and 19,000 or less.

[10] The skin material according to [9] above, wherein the knitted fabric of the surface layer has a mesh density of 14,000 or more and 19,000 or less.

[11] The air permeability from the connecting layer side to the surface knitted fabric is 40 cc / cm 2 / sec or more.

[12] The air permeability from the connecting layer side to the surface knitted fabric is 50 cc / cm 2 / sec or more.

[13] The air permeability from the connecting layer side to the surface knitted fabric is 60 cc / cm 2 / sec or more. Effect of the Invention

[0012] The skin material of the present invention, which is made of a two-layer three-dimensional knit fabric with a front and back layer, exhibits a high level of design with a sense of depth due to the pattern yarns inserted and knitted into the knit fabric of the front layer, and at the same time, even if the surface is rubbed against a hard protrusion such as the hook part of a hook-and-loop fastener, the pattern yarns are prevented from being pulled out or becoming frayed, and further, a high level of coolness and prevention of stuffiness can be achieved when sitting. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of the present invention in which pattern yarn is inserted into the knitted fabric of the mesh structure of the surface layer. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of the present invention in which pattern yarn is inserted into a knitted fabric having a rib structure on the surface layer. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of the present invention in which pattern yarn is inserted into mesh openings of different knitted fabrics in a surface mesh structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The skin material of an embodiment of the present invention (also referred to as the present embodiment) is a skin material composed of a three-dimensional knitted fabric including a front layer and a back layer of two-layer knitted fabric, and a connecting layer made of connecting yarns that connect the front and back two-layer knitted fabrics together, characterized in that the knitted fabric of the front layer has an opening, and a pattern yarn is inserted and knitted into the opening. The skin material of this embodiment includes a three-dimensional knitted fabric composed of two layers of knitted fabric, a front layer and a back layer, and a connecting yarn that connects the two layers of knitted fabric. The three-dimensional knitted fabric is knitted by a double raschel warp knitting machine, and the gauge of the knitting machine that is preferably used is 18 to 28.

[0015] In the three-dimensional knitted fabric constituting the skin material of this embodiment, the knitted fabric of the surface layer has an opening. In this embodiment, the opening refers to a gap formed when adjacent stitch rows in some or all courses of the stitch rows connected in the vertical direction forming the knitted fabric of the surface layer have a portion with a gap of 0.50 mm or more in the course direction (horizontal direction), and refers to an opening state such as a substantially diamond shape, a substantially square shape, a substantially circular shape, a substantially linear shape, etc. The knitted fabric of the surface layer can have the opening by having, for example, a mesh structure or a rib structure.

[0016] Any warp knitting structure can be used to make the knitted fabric of the surface layer into a mesh structure or a rib structure. When forming a mesh structure, it is preferable to use at least two reeds of the knitting machine and to form a mesh structure with a 1-in-1-out or 2-in-2-out yarn withdrawal arrangement when supplying yarn from the guide bar. When forming a rib structure, it is preferable to use at least two reeds of the knitting machine and to form a 1-in-1-out or 2-in-2-out yarn withdrawal arrangement when supplying yarn from the guide bar, and to pull the sinker loops of at least two or more stitch rows connected in the length direction (vertical direction) of the knitted fabric supplied from the two guide bars in an appropriate state in opposite directions to the left and right by the movement of the two guide bars to bring the stitch rows together to form a convex rib structure, in terms of the shape stability of the convex rib portion, and in this case, it is preferable that the sinker loops are connected across adjacent convex ribs at least once every three courses in order to stabilize the shape of the convex ribs and the pattern yarn and to suppress the occurrence of fluffing on the surface. An example of a convex rib portion formed of four stitch rows is shown in Figure 2. Sinker loops 13 and 18, and 11 and 16 pull two stitch rows on each side of the four stitch rows of the convex rib portion 7 in opposite directions, bringing the stitch rows together to form a convex rib structure.

[0017] The mesh structure or rib structure does not need to be the same in all courses of the knitted fabric, and some courses may have a structure in which different knitting structures are combined.

[0018] In the three-dimensional knit fabric constituting the skin material of this embodiment, a pattern yarn is inserted into the openings of the surface knit fabric. When the surface knit fabric has a mesh or rib structure, the pattern yarn is inserted into the mesh openings or into the recesses in the gaps between adjacent convex ribs. The pattern yarn is inserted across the openings at any angle in the approximately vertical, horizontal or diagonal direction as viewed from the front side of the surface knit fabric. An example of a state in which a pattern yarn is inserted into a mesh opening is shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, a pattern yarn 3 is inserted from one stitch 4 facing a mesh opening 2 of 1 across the opening in a substantially diagonal direction as viewed from the front side of the surface knitted fabric, into another stitch 5 facing the same mesh opening. In this way, the pattern yarn 3 is preferably inserted so that it is held by the stitches (4 and 5) facing the same opening, but as shown in Fig. 3, it may also be inserted so that it is held by the stitches (4 and 5) facing different openings 2.

[0019] An example of a state in which a pattern yarn is inserted into a recess in a gap between adjacent convex ribs is shown in Fig. 2. In Fig. 2, the pattern yarn 3 is inserted from one stitch 9 facing a recess 8 in the stitch row forming the convex rib 7, across the recess 8 in a substantially diagonal direction as viewed from the front side of the surface knitted fabric, to another stitch 10 facing the same recess. In this way, the pattern yarn 3 is preferably inserted so that it is held by the stitches included in adjacent convex portions 7 across the recess 8, but it may also be inserted so that it is held by the stitches of the same convex portion 7. When viewed from the front side of the surface knitted fabric, the insert-knitted pattern yarn 3 is located below one of the insert-knitted stitches 9 and the other stitch 10, as shown in Figure 2, and the pattern yarn is held in a state in which it is sandwiched between the stitches and the sinker loops of the one and other stitches located further below the pattern yarn 3, and / or by sinker loops 11, 12, 13, 14, etc. of other stitches in the same course.

[0020] The pattern yarn in this embodiment refers to a fiber having a different appearance, such as color, shape, gloss, etc., from the fiber forming the surface knitted fabric, and enhances the design by the difference in appearance from the fiber forming the surface knitted fabric. The pattern yarn may have a different appearance, such as color, shape, gloss, etc., at the grey fabric stage of the three-dimensional knitted fabric, or the appearance, such as color, shape, gloss, etc., may change at the post-processing stage. The pattern yarn is preferably a different color from the fiber forming the surface knitted fabric, and in terms of enhancing the design, it is more preferable that the pattern yarn of a different color is visible with a sense of depth from below the fiber forming the surface knitted fabric.

[0021] When inserting the pattern yarn into the opening of the front knitted fabric, it can be inserted into any course or any wale. In order to prevent the pattern yarn from being pulled out by a protrusion or the like, it is preferable that the pattern yarn is sandwiched and held between two or more stitches in the same course and the sinker loops of those stitches at least once every four courses. The pattern yarn may also be knitted so as to partially form stitches while inserting.

[0022] In this embodiment, the length of the pattern yarn visible from the opening of the front knitted fabric (for example, A shown in Figs. 1 to 3) is preferably 0.50 mm to 2.50 mm, more preferably 0.50 mm to 2.30 mm, as viewed from the front side of the front knitted fabric. If the length of the pattern yarn is less than 0.50 mm, the effect of enhancing the design is reduced, while if it exceeds 2.50 mm, it becomes difficult to prevent the pattern yarn from being pulled out or fuzzed when the surface is rubbed by a hard protrusion such as the hook of a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0023] In the skin material of this embodiment, the stitch density of the knitted surface layer is preferably 11,000 or more and 21,000 or less, more preferably 11,500 or more and 20,000 or less, even more preferably 13,000 or more and 19,000 or less, and most preferably 14,000 or more and 19,000 or less. In the present specification, the term "mesh density" refers to the following formula: Knit density M=N×√D {where N is the number of stitches (pieces) of the surface knitted fabric per 2.54 cm square, and D is the total fineness (decitex) of the fibers forming one stitch of the surface knitted fabric.} is an index showing the denseness of the stitches of the surface knitted fabric. In addition, "the total fineness of the fibers forming one stitch of the surface knitted fabric" refers to the total fineness of only the fibers forming the stitches, excluding the fineness of the connecting yarn and the fibers that do not form stitches such as the insert knitting. If the stitch density is 11,000 or more, hard protrusions such as the hook part of the hook-and-loop fastener are less likely to get caught on the single fibers of the surface knitted fabric, and fuzzing due to the breakage of the single fibers is less likely to occur. In addition, the insert knitted pattern yarn is less likely to slip between the stitches and the sinker loop, and is less likely to be pulled out by protrusions such as the hook part of the hook-and-loop fastener. On the other hand, if the stitch density is 21,000 or less, the breathability of the surface knitted fabric is sufficient, so that heat and moisture are transferred by air convection, resulting in a good feeling of coolness and stuffiness when sitting. In order to achieve a stitch density of 11,000 or more and 21,000 or less, it is preferable to adjust the fineness of the fibers used in the surface knitted fabric, the gauge of the knitting machine, the on-machine course, the knitting structure, and the width-in rate, width-out rate, overfeed rate, underfeed rate, etc. in finishing processes such as heat setting.

[0024] The material of the fibers used for the surface knitted fabric and the patterned yarn is not limited, and may be a single material or a composite of multiple materials by blending, plying, blending, interweaving, etc., but from the viewpoints of raw yarn strength and light resistance, long polyethylene terephthalate fibers are preferably used. Also, from the viewpoint of increasing the pull-out resistance of the monofilaments so that the monofilaments on the surface of the knitted fabric and the monofilaments of the patterned yarn are less likely to be pulled out by protrusions such as the hooks of the hook-and-loop fastener, the polyethylene terephthalate fibers are preferably false twisted yarns, interlaced yarns, or twisted yarns.

[0025] The fineness of the fibers used in the surface knitted fabric is preferably 100 decitex or more and 350 decitex or less in order to optimize the stitch density. From the same viewpoint, the total fineness of one stitch made of fibers forming the surface knitted fabric is preferably 150 decitex or more and 800 decitex or less. The fineness of the fibers used for the pattern yarn is preferably at least half the total fineness of the fibers forming one stitch of the surface knitted fabric in order to accentuate the pattern and at the same time prevent the pattern yarn from being "pulled out" by a protrusion. When the fibers and pattern yarns used in the surface knitted fabric are multifilament, the single yarn fineness is preferably 1 decitex to 6 decitex, more preferably 3 decitex to 6 decitex, which provides a stronger single yarn strength.

[0026] The fiber used for the connecting yarn is preferably a monofilament. When a monofilament is used for the connecting yarn, the fineness of the monofilament is preferably 30 decitex or more and 300 decitex or less, more preferably 50 decitex or more and 250 decitex or less, in order to suppress the monofilament from protruding from the knitted fabric surface and to maintain good cushioning properties.

[0027] If the monofilament protrudes from the surface of the three-dimensional knitted fabric, it will easily get caught on protrusions such as the hooks of a hook-and-loop fastener. Therefore, it is desirable that the stitches of the fibers forming the surface knitted fabric press down the stitches of the monofilament so that the monofilament does not protrude from the surface side of the surface knitted fabric. For this purpose, the total fineness D (decitex) of one stitch made of the fibers forming the surface knitted fabric is expressed by the following relationship: D / D2≧3 It is preferable that the following is satisfied.

[0028] In the three-dimensional knit fabric constituting the skin material of this embodiment, when viewed from the front side of the surface knitted fabric, the height difference ΔH (mm) between the average height H1 (mm) of the two stitches gripping both ends of the pattern yarn visible from the opening, and the height H2 (mm) of the pattern yarn, is preferably 0.10 mm or more in order to prevent the pattern yarn from being pulled out or becoming frayed when the surface is rubbed by a hard protrusion such as the hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, and in addition, in order to impart a design with a sense of depth, the height difference ΔH is preferably 0.20 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.30 mm or more.

[0029] The average height H1 of the two stitches that grip both ends of the pattern thread is calculated as shown in Figure 1, for example, by drawing straight lines L1 and L2 in the course direction (horizontal direction) at two points (two points that determine the length of the pattern thread) that have the longest linear distance between the surface where the pattern thread contacts stitch 4 and the surface where the pattern thread contacts stitch 5 in the entire area of ​​the pattern thread visible in the opening, and calculating the average value of the highest height of stitch 4 on line L1 and the highest height of stitch 5 on line L2. Also, the height H2 (mm) of the pattern thread refers to the highest height of the pattern thread on line L3 drawn perpendicular to the line of length A from the center point (position A / 2) of the pattern thread length A (mm).

[0030] Furthermore, the value obtained by dividing ΔH by A (ΔH / A) is highly correlated with pull-out of pattern threads and fluffing. In order to suppress pull-out of pattern threads and fluffing, ΔH / A is preferably 0.02 or more, more preferably 0.04 or more, even more preferably 0.15 or more, and particularly preferably 0.20 or more.

[0031] The cover material of this embodiment transfers heat and moisture from the human body when seated, and provides good coolness and sweat-proofing, and has an air permeability of 40 cc / cm from the connecting layer (hereinafter, simply referred to as the "connecting layer") between the two layers of front and back knit fabrics of the three-dimensional knitted fabric to the knitted fabric of the front layer. 2 / sec or more, and more preferably 50 cc / cm 2 / sec or more, more preferably 60cc / cm 2 / sec or more.

[0032] In this specification, the term "air permeability passing from the connecting layer side between the two layers of knitted fabric, front and back, of a three-dimensional knitted fabric towards the front knitted fabric" refers to the air permeability of air that enters from the cross sections of the four sides of the three-dimensional knitted fabric, passes through the connecting layer and passes through the front knitted fabric, when the air permeability of the three-dimensional knitted fabric is measured in accordance with the suction conditions of JIS L1096 Air Permeability Testing Method (Method A), a test piece of the three-dimensional knitted fabric is 15 cm square, the front knitted fabric is placed face down in the opening of the air permeability testing machine, and a 3 mm thick, 20 cm square silicone rubber plate is placed on the outer surface of the back knitted fabric to block the air passing through the back knitted fabric.

[0033] In order to increase the air permeability from the connecting layer side of the three-dimensional knitted fabric to the knitted fabric of the surface layer, it is particularly effective to reduce the pressure loss when air passes through the connecting layer, and for this purpose, it is preferable to reduce the number of connecting yarns forming the connecting layer of the three-dimensional knitted fabric relative to the number of stitches of the knitted fabric of the surface layer. From this perspective, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the number of stitches of the connecting yarns woven into the knitted fabric of the surface layer of the three-dimensional knitted fabric is 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the total number of stitches of the knitted fabric of the surface layer. The total number of stitches of the knitted fabric of the surface layer refers to the number of stitches within a 2.54 cm square of the front knitted fabric, and is calculated by the product of the number of courses / 2.54 cm and the number of wales / 2.54 cm. In addition, the air permeability of a three-dimensional knitted fabric, measured by the general JIS L1096 air permeability test method (Method A), is 50cc / cm 2 / sec or more, and more preferably 60 cc / cm 2 / sec or more, more preferably 80cc / cm 2 / sec or more. The air permeability from the back layer to the front layer is 50cc / cm 2 By making the elastic modulus at least 100% by weight, the material is more suitable as a seat covering material used in combination with a cushion member having a built-in ventilation system.

[0034] Any material may be used for the fibers constituting the three-dimensional knitted fabric, and various fiber materials may be combined, but it is preferable that the knitted fabric of the surface layer, the patterned yarn, the connecting yarn, and the knitted fabric of the back layer are all 100% polyethylene terephthalate fiber in terms of ease of recycling, such as material recycling and chemical recycling. These fibers may be undyed, but it is preferable to use dyed yarn or pre-dyed yarn in order to suppress the change in the properties of the three-dimensional knitted fabric during dyeing processing. Furthermore, it is more preferable to use dyed yarn kneaded with a pigment or the like that can make the dyeing process unnecessary. In this case, it is preferable that the dyed yarn used for the fiber constituting the surface layer is a heathered yarn in which dyed yarns of two or more colors are combined by mixing or the like, as this enhances the design.

[0035] The thickness of the three-dimensional knit fabric constituting the skin material of this embodiment can be set arbitrarily, but in view of the ease of sewing and handling as a skin material, it is preferably 2.5 mm to 12 mm, more preferably 3 mm to 8 mm. The basis weight of the three-dimensional knitted fabric constituting the skin material of this embodiment can be set arbitrarily, but is preferably 400 to 1000 g / m 2 , more preferably 400 to 900 g / m 2 It is.

[0036] In the case of a three-dimensional knitted fabric that constitutes the skin material of this embodiment, the three-dimensional knitted fabric can be finished through processes such as scouring and heat setting of the green fabric in the case of a three-dimensional knitted fabric using yarn-dyed yarn or dope-dyed yarn, but it is more preferable to finish the fabric only by heat setting in terms of process simplification. In the case of a three-dimensional knitted fabric in which any of the fibers used for the front and back two-layer knitted fabric, pattern yarn, or connecting yarn is uncolored, the green fabric can be finished through processes such as presetting, scouring, dyeing, and heat setting.

[0037] The skin material of the present embodiment is used for seat covers, automobile interior materials, etc., and can be laminated with urethane on the back surface like conventional skin materials, but from the standpoint of recyclability, it is preferable to use it without laminating. EXAMPLES

[0038] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to only the examples. The methods for measuring various physical properties of the three-dimensional knitted fabrics used in the following examples are as follows.

[0039] (a) Length of the pattern thread visible from the opening A (mm) Using a one-shot 3D measuring microscope VR-3000 manufactured by Keyence Corporation, the outer surface of the knitted fabric of the surface layer of the three-dimensional knitted fabric is photographed with autofocus and 3D measurement at a magnification of 25x to 38x. The length of the pattern thread visible from the opening is measured from the photographed 3D image. In this case, the length of the pattern thread is determined as the length A (mm) of the pattern thread, which is the longest straight-line distance between the surfaces where the pattern thread is in contact with the two stitches that hold the pattern thread in the entire area of ​​the pattern thread visible from the opening. For example, if the pattern thread appears to be approximately trapezoidal, the distance is determined as the distance between the corners of the base of the trapezoid, and if the pattern thread appears to be approximately diamond-shaped, the distance is determined as the distance between the corners on the diagonal line with the longest distance.

[0040] (b) Density of the stitches in the surface knit A yarn is extracted from the surface knit of the three-dimensional knitted fabric, and the total fineness D (decitex) of the fibers forming one stitch of the surface knitted fabric is measured. At this time, connecting yarns and pattern yarns are not included. In addition, the product N of the number of courses / 2.54 cm and the number of wales / 2.54 cm of the three-dimensional knitted fabric is measured, and the stitch density of the surface knitted fabric is calculated using the following formula: Knit density M=N×√D It is calculated as follows.

[0041] (c) The difference between the average height H1 (mm) of the two stitches that hold both ends of the pattern thread visible from the opening and the height H2 (mm) of the pattern thread, △H (mm) In the measurement of (a) above, straight lines L1 and L2 are drawn that pass through both ends of length A and are parallel to the course direction (horizontal direction), and the highest height of one stitch that holds the pattern thread on line L1 and the highest height of the other stitch that holds the pattern thread on line L2 are measured, and their average value is designated as H1 (mm). Furthermore, the highest height of the pattern thread on line L3, which is drawn perpendicular to line A from the center point (position A / 2) of the pattern thread length A (mm), is measured as H2 (mm), and △H (mm) is calculated as the absolute value of the difference between H1 (mm) and H2 (mm). Measurements are performed at 10 locations, and the average value is calculated.

[0042] (d) Air permeability from the connecting layer to the outer knitted fabric (cc / cm 2 / sec) Using a Takayama Reed Co., Ltd. breathability tester FX3300 Lab Air IV, a test piece measuring 15 cm square was placed with the surface knit of the three-dimensional knitted fabric facing down in the opening of the breathability tester, and a 3 mm thick, 20 cm square silicone rubber plate was placed on the outer side of the back knitted fabric. The test head of the breathability tester was pressed against it and fixed with a clamp, and the air permeability that enters through the connecting layer of the cross section of the four sides of the three-dimensional knitted fabric and passes through the surface knitted fabric was measured under suction conditions in accordance with JIS L1096 Breathability Testing Method (Method A).

[0043] (e) Air permeability (cc / cm) from the back layer of the three-dimensional knitted fabric to the front layer 2 / sec) Using a Takayama Reed Co., Ltd. breathability tester FX3300 Lab Air IV, the air permeability from the back layer of the three-dimensional knitted fabric to the front layer of the knitted fabric is measured in accordance with JIS L1096 breathability test method (Method A).

[0044] (f) Fluffing caused by hook-and-loop fasteners (grade) Using a flat surface abrasion tester manufactured by Daiei Kagaku Seiki Seisakusho, a three-dimensional knitted fabric with a test piece size of 8 cm wide and 31 cm long is placed on the flat surface abrasion table of the flat surface abrasion tester with the surface knitted fabric facing up, and both ends are fixed with clamps. Next, a Velcro tape (registered trademark) A8693Y.71 (length 5 cm) manufactured by Kuraray Fastening Co., Ltd. is attached to the friction element with the hook side facing outward. The friction element is placed on the test piece and abrasion tests are performed five times back and forth with a pressing load of 9.8 N including the friction element, a stroke of 14 cm, and a speed of 60±10 reciprocations / min. The test piece is taken from the vertical and horizontal directions of the three-dimensional knitted fabric and measured, and after the test, the fuzz state of the surface knitted fabric of the test piece is observed and the following grade judgment is performed. The judgment is performed in 0.5 grade increments. Grade 5: No pilling observed Grade 4: Slight pilling is observed Grade 3: There is obvious fuzzing, but no noticeable broken threads. Grade 2: Slightly noticeable pilling, thread breakage, and "pulling out" of threads Grade 1: Significant pilling and severe appearance abnormalities

[0045] (g) The degree of "pulling out" of the pattern thread by the hook-and-loop fastener, and the degree of fuzziness (grade) After the test in (f) above, the pattern thread is inspected for pull-out and fluffing of the single thread, and the following grade is given in increments of 0.5 grades. Grade 5: No "pulling out" of single yarn or fluffing is observed Grade 4: Slight "pulling out" or fluffing of single yarns is observed Grade 3: Single yarns are clearly pulled out or frayed, but there are no broken yarns. Grade 2: Single yarns are pulled out or frayed considerably, and there are some broken yarns. Grade 1: Single yarns are pulled out or fuzzed significantly, and there are severe appearance abnormalities

[0046] (h) Design with a sense of depth The surface knit of the skin material is visually inspected from the front side and judged on the following grades to see whether the color and pattern have a three-dimensional depth. The grades are in 0.5 grade increments. Grade 5: Extremely deep Grade 4: There is a great sense of depth Grade 3: Somewhat deep Grade 2: Almost no sense of depth Grade 1: No sense of depth at all

[0047] (i) Cool feeling The covering material was stretched over a urethane pad on the seat and back of an automobile seat, to produce a seat in which the entire surface of the seat that comes into contact with the human body is made of the three-dimensional knitted covering material. The seat was placed in a temperature and humidity environment of 30°C and 50% RH, and the monitors were allowed to sit in this environment for 30 minutes, after which they sat on the seat for 10 minutes. At this time, the monitors were asked to rate whether they felt hotter 10 minutes later than before they sat down, using the following scale to evaluate the sensation of coolness. The scale is in 0.5-scale increments. There were five monitors, and the average of the five was calculated. Grade 5: Feels extremely hot and uncomfortable Grade 4: Feels very hot Level 3: Feeling hot Level 2: Feels a little hot Grade 1: Feels a little hot, but not too hot Grade 0: No change.

[0048] (j) Feeling of stuffiness As in (i) above, the seat was placed in a temperature and humidity environment of 30°C and 50% RH, and the monitor was allowed to sit in this environment for 30 minutes, after which he sat on the seat for 10 minutes. At this time, the monitor was asked to rate the stuffiness of the seat 10 minutes after sitting down, based on the following grades. The rating was in 0.5 grade increments. There were five monitors, and the average of the five was calculated. Grade 5: Extremely stuffy and uncomfortable Grade 4: Quite steamy Grade 3: Steamy Grade 2: Slightly steamy Grade 1: A little steamy but not too much to be bothered. Grade 0: No change.

[0049] [Example 1] A 22 gauge double raschel knitting machine with 6 reeds and a hook gap of 6 mm is used. Two false twisted yarns of 167 dtex 48 filament polyethylene terephthalate fiber (black dope dyed yarn) are aligned and supplied in a 1-in-1-out (L2) and 1-out-1-in (L3) arrangement from the two reeds (L2, L3) that form the surface knitted fabric. A 167 dtex 48 filament polyethylene terephthalate fiber (gray dope dyed yarn) is inserted into the surface knitted fabric and supplied from the reed (L1). Two false twisted yarns of 110 dtex polyethylene terephthalate fiber (black dyed yarn) were pulled together and supplied in a 1-in-1-out arrangement, and a monofilament of 110 dtex polyethylene terephthalate fiber (black dyed yarn) was supplied in a 1-in-1-out arrangement from one reed (L4) that formed the connecting part, and further, false twisted yarns of 167 dtex polyethylene terephthalate fiber (black dyed yarn) were supplied in an all-in arrangement from two reeds (L5, L6) that formed the knitted fabric on the back layer. A three-dimensional knitted fabric was knitted with the knitting structure shown below, with 35 courses / 2.54 cm on the machine, and the pattern yarn was held in one stitch facing the mesh opening and in the stitch of the next course. The resulting grey fabric was dry heat set at 175°C for 1 minute with a tenter extension rate of 0% and an overfeed rate of 0%, to obtain a three-dimensional knitted fabric with the physical properties shown in Table 1 below, which was used as the skin material. (edited organization) L1: 3333 / 3333 / 4444 / 0000 / (1 in 1 out) L2: 1011 / 2322 / (1 in 1 out) L3: 2322 / 1011 / (1 out, 1 in) L4: 3410 / 4367 / (1 in 1 out) L5:0001 / 1110 / (All in) L6: 2234 / 2210 / (All in)

[0050] [Example 2] Two strands of 167 dtex 48 filament polyethylene terephthalate fiber (gray dope-dyed yarn) false twist textured yarn were pulled together and supplied in a 1-in-1-out arrangement from the reed (L1) for inserting and knitting the pattern yarn, and the pattern yarn was knitted in the knit structure shown below so that it spanned three mesh openings and was held by one stitch and the next third course of stitches. In the same manner as in Example 1, except for this, a three-dimensional knitted fabric having the physical properties shown in Table 1 below was obtained and used as the skin material. (edited organization) L1: 3333 / 0000 / 0000 / 0000 / (1 in 1 out) L2: 1011 / 2322 / (1 in 1 out) L3: 2322 / 1011 / (1 out, 1 in) L4: 3410 / 4367 / (1 in 1 out) L5:0001 / 1110 / (All in) L6: 2234 / 2210 / (All in)

[0051] [Examples 3 to 4] A double raschel knitting machine with 6 reeds, 18 gauge, and 6 mm pitch is used. Two false twisted yarns of 334 dtex 72 filament polyethylene terephthalate fiber (black dope dyed yarn) are aligned and supplied in a 1-in-1-out (L2) and 1-out-1-in (L3) arrangement from the two reeds (L2, L3) that form the surface knitted fabric. A 167 dtex 48 filament polyethylene terephthalate fiber (gray) is supplied from the reed (L1) that inserts the patterned yarn into the surface knitted fabric. Two false twisted yarns of 110 dtex polyethylene terephthalate fiber (black dyed yarn) were pulled together and supplied in a 1-in-1-out arrangement, and a monofilament of 110 dtex polyethylene terephthalate fiber (black dyed yarn) was supplied in a 1-in-1-out arrangement from one reed (L4) that formed the connecting part, and further, false twisted yarns of 167 dtex polyethylene terephthalate fiber (black dyed yarn) were supplied in an all-in arrangement from two reeds (L5, L6) that formed the knitted fabric on the back layer. A three-dimensional knitted fabric was knitted in the same knit structure as in Example 1, with 24 courses / 2.54 cm (Example 3) and 27 courses / 2.54 cm (Example 4) on the machine, with the pattern yarn held in one stitch facing the mesh opening and in the stitch of the next course. The resulting greige was dry heat set at 175°C for 1 minute with a tenter extension rate of 0% and an overfeed rate of 0%, to obtain three-dimensional knitted fabrics having the physical properties shown in Table 1 below, which were used as the skin material.

[0052] [Example 5] Using a double raschel knitting machine equipped with six reeds, 18 gauge, and 6 mm between the hooks, two false twisted yarns of 334 dtex 72 filaments polyethylene terephthalate fiber (black dope-dyed yarn) are drawn together and supplied in a 2-in 2-out (L2, L3) arrangement from the two reeds (L2, L3) that form the surface knitted fabric, and three false twisted yarns of 167 dtex 48 filaments polyethylene terephthalate fiber (gray dope-dyed yarn) are supplied from the reed (L1) that inserts the patterned yarn into the surface knitted fabric. The yarns were then aligned and supplied in a 2-out / 1-in-3-out / 1-in-3-out / ... arrangement, and monofilament polyethylene terephthalate fiber (black dyed yarn) of 110 dtex was supplied in a 2-in-2-out arrangement from one reed (L4) that formed the connecting part, and further, false twisted yarn of polyethylene terephthalate fiber (black dyed yarn) of 167 dtex 48 filament was supplied from two reeds (L5, L6) that formed the knitted fabric on the back layer, both in an all-in arrangement. A three-dimensional knitted fabric was knitted with the knit structure shown below, with 30 courses / 2.54 cm on the machine, in which the pattern yarn was held by one stitch facing the recess of the adjacent convex ridge portion and the other stitch across the recess in the same course. The resulting greige was dry heat set at 175°C for 1 minute with a tenter extension rate of 0% and an overfeed rate of 0%, to obtain a three-dimensional knitted fabric with the physical properties shown in Table 1 below, which was used as the skin material. (edited organization) L1:0000 / 4444 / (2 out / 1 in 3 out / 1 in 3 out / ···) L2: 1011 / 2344 / 6766 / 5433 / (2 in 2 out) L3: 6766 / 5433 / 1011 / 2344 / (2 in 2 out) L4: 1043 / 6734 / (2 in 2 out) L5:0001 / 1110 / (All in) L6: 2234 / 2210 / (All in)

[0053] [Example 6] Three false twisted yarns of 167 dtex 48 filament polyethylene terephthalate fiber (gray dope-dyed yarn) were pulled together from the reed (L1) where the pattern yarn was inserted and supplied in a 2 out / 1 in 3 out / 1 in 3 out / ... arrangement, and a three-dimensional knitted fabric was knitted in the knitting structure shown below, in which the pattern yarn was held by one stitch facing the recess of the adjacent convex ridge portion and the next third course stitch on the opposite side of the recess, in the same manner as in Example 5, to obtain a three-dimensional knitted fabric having the physical properties shown in Table 1 below, which was used as the skin material. (edited organization) L1:0000 / 2222 / 2222 / 2222 / 4444 / 2222 / 2222 / 2222 / (2 out / 1 in 3 out / 1 in 3 out / ···) L2: 1011 / 2344 / 6766 / 5433 / (2 in 2 out) L3: 6766 / 5433 / 1011 / 2344 / (2 in 2 out) L4: 1043 / 6734 / (2 in 2 out) L5:0001 / 1110 / (All in) L6: 2234 / 2210 / (All in)

[0054] [Examples 7 and 8] Two false twisted yarns of 167 dtex 48 filament polyethylene terephthalate fiber (gray dope-dyed yarn) were pulled together and supplied in a 1-out-1-in arrangement from the reed (L1) where the pattern yarn was inserted, and the knitted structure shown below was shown with 30 courses / 2.54 cm (Example 7) and 34 courses / 2.54 cm (Example 8), with the pattern yarn being held by one stitch facing the mesh opening and the other stitch in the same course, and the width insertion rate during heat setting was 8%, but in the same manner as in Example 3, three-dimensional knitted fabrics having the physical properties shown in Table 1 below were obtained and used as skin materials. (edited organization) L1: 4444 / 0000 / (1 out 1 in) L2: 1011 / 2322 / (1 in 1 out) L3: 2322 / 1011 / (1 out, 1 in) L4: 3410 / 4367 / (1 in 1 out) L5:0001 / 1110 / (All in) L6: 2234 / 2210 / (All in)

[0055] [Example 9] A three-dimensional knitted fabric having the physical properties shown in Table 1 below was obtained in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the amount of pattern yarn supplied from the reed (L1) was increased by 5% compared to Example 2, and this was used as the skin material.

[0056] [Example 10] A double raschel knitting machine with 6 reeds, 18 gauge, and 6 mm pitch is used. Two false twisted yarns of 334 dtex 72 filament polyethylene terephthalate fiber (black dope-dyed yarn) are aligned and supplied in a 2-in 2-out (L2) and 2-out 2-in (L3) arrangement from the two reeds (L2, L3) that form the surface knitted fabric. A 167 dtex 48 filament polyethylene terephthalate fiber (gray) is inserted into the surface knitted fabric and supplied from the reed (L1). Three false twisted yarns of 110 dtex polyethylene terephthalate fiber (black dyed yarn) were pulled together and supplied in a 1-in-3-out arrangement, and a monofilament of 110 dtex polyethylene terephthalate fiber (black dyed yarn) was supplied in a 2-in-2-out arrangement from one reed (L4) that formed the connecting part, and further, false twisted yarns of 167 dtex polyethylene terephthalate fiber (black dyed yarn) were supplied in an all-in arrangement from two reeds (L5, L6) that formed the knitted fabric on the back layer. A three-dimensional knitted fabric was knitted with 21 courses / 2.54 cm on the machine with the knit structure shown below, in which the pattern yarn was held by one stitch facing the mesh opening and the other stitch in the same course. The resulting grey fabric was dry heat set at 175°C for 1 minute with a tenter extension rate of 0% and an overfeed rate of 0%, to obtain a three-dimensional knitted fabric with the physical properties shown in Table 1 below, which was used as the skin material. (edited organization) L1: 2222 / 6666 / 2222 / 4444 / 0000 / 4444 / (1 in, 3 out) L2: 1011 / 2322 / 1022 / 4544 / 3233 / 4533 / (2 in 2 out) L3: 4544 / 3233 / 4533 / 1011 / 2322 / 1022 / (2 out 2 in) L4: 1023 / 1023 / 1032 / 4532 / 4532 / 4523 / (2 in 2 out) L5:0001 / 1110 / (All in) L6: 2234 / 2210 / (All in)

[0057] [Comparative Example 1] A three-dimensional knitted fabric having the physical properties shown in Table 1 below was obtained as in Example 1, except that two false twisted yarns of 167 dtex 48 filament polyethylene terephthalate fiber (black dope-dyed yarn) were pulled together and supplied in a 1-in-1-out arrangement from the reed (L1) for inserting and knitting the patterned yarn. This was used as the skin material.

[0058] [Table 1]

[0059] As shown in Table 1, the skin materials made of the three-dimensional knits of Examples 1 to 10, in which pattern yarns of a different color from the surface knit fabric were inserted, had a three-dimensional effect with a deeper color and pattern, compared to Comparative Example 1, in which no pattern yarns were inserted, and exhibited high design potential while preventing the pattern yarns from being "pulled out" by the hook-and-loop fastener. In terms of the length of the pattern thread, in Examples 1 to 8 in which the length A of the pattern thread was 2.50 mm or less, pull-out and fuzzing of the pattern thread was further suppressed, and among these, in Examples 1 to 7 in which the length of the pattern thread was 0.50 mm or more, a more three-dimensional design was obtained. In Examples 1 to 8 and Example 10, in which the difference ΔH between the height of the stitches gripping the pattern yarn and the height of the pattern yarn was 0.10 mm or more, pulling out of the pattern yarn and fluffing were further suppressed. Furthermore, in Example 2, where ΔH / A was 0.04, pull-out of pattern threads and fluffing in the warp direction were slightly improved, and furthermore, in Examples 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10, where ΔH / A was 0.15 or more, pull-out of pattern threads and fluffing were further suppressed. Furthermore, in Examples 1 to 9, in which the stitch density was 11,500 or more, there was a tendency for the pattern yarn to be better in terms of pull-out, fuzziness, and surface fuzziness, while in Examples 1 to 7 and 9 to 10, in which the stitch density was 20,000 or less, there was a tendency for the coolness when sitting to be better and for the prevention of stuffiness to be better. [Industrial Applicability]

[0060] The covering material of the present invention is a covering material that can be used for seats formed by being placed on cushioning members such as urethane pads for seats in vehicles or furniture, or by being stretched over a seat frame, as well as for interior materials such as vehicle ceilings and door trims, and can be suitably used as a covering material that exhibits a high level of design with a sense of depth due to the pattern threads, while at the same time being able to suppress the pulling out of the pattern threads and pilling even when the surface is rubbed against hard protrusions such as the hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 Mesh knit on the surface 2 mesh openings 3 Patterned Thread 4 One stitch facing the mesh opening 5 The other stitch facing the mesh opening 6 Ribbed surface knit 7 Convex ridge 8 Recess 9 One stitch facing the concave portion 10 The other stitch facing the recess 11 Sinker Loop 12 Sinker Loop 13 Sinker Loop 14 Sinker Loop 15 Sinker Loop 16 Sinker Loop 17 Sinker Loop 18 Sinker Loop A Pattern thread length L1 A straight line drawn in the course direction from the point of contact between stitch 4 and pattern thread 3 L2 A straight line drawn in the course direction from the point of contact between stitch 5 and pattern thread 3 L3 A straight line drawn perpendicular to line A from the center point of 1 / 2 the length A

Claims

1. The skin material is composed of a three-dimensional knitted fabric including two layers of knitted fabric, a front layer and a back layer, and a connecting layer made of a connecting yarn that connects the two layers of knitted fabric together, the knitted fabric of the front layer having an opening, a pattern yarn being inserted and knitted into the opening, and a length A of the pattern yarn visible from the opening is 0.30 mm or more and 1.57 mm or less when viewed from the front side of the knitted fabric of the front layer.

2. 2. The skin material according to claim 1, wherein a length A of the pattern yarn visible through the opening is 0.50 mm or more when viewed from the front side of the knitted fabric of the surface layer.

3. 3. The skin material according to claim 1, wherein a difference ΔH between an average value of heights of two stitches holding both ends of a pattern yarn visible through the opening and a height of the pattern yarn when the knitted fabric of the surface layer is viewed from the front side is 0.10 mm or more.

4. 3. The skin material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a value ΔH / A obtained by dividing a difference ΔH between an average value of heights of two stitches holding both ends of the pattern yarn visible from the opening and the height of the pattern yarn by a length A of the pattern yarn visible from the opening is 0.02 or more.

5. 3. The skin material according to claim 1, wherein the knitted fabric of the surface layer has a mesh structure, and the openings are mesh openings.

6. 3. The skin material according to claim 1, wherein the knitted fabric of the surface layer has a rib structure, and the openings are recesses between adjacent protruding ribs.

7. 3. The skin material according to claim 1, wherein the knitted fabric of the surface layer has a mesh density of 11,000 or more and 21,000 or less outside the openings.

8. 8. The skin material according to claim 7, wherein the knitted fabric of the surface layer has a mesh density of 11,500 or more and 20,000 or less outside the openings.

9. 9. The skin material according to claim 8, wherein the knitted fabric of the surface layer has a mesh density of 13,000 or more and 19,000 or less outside the openings.

10. 10. The skin material according to claim 9, wherein the knitted fabric of the surface layer has a mesh density of 14,000 or more and 19,000 or less outside the openings.

11. The air permeability from the connecting layer side to the knitted fabric of the surface layer is 40 cc / cm 2 The skin material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface roughness is 1 / sec or more.

12. The air permeability from the connecting layer side to the knitted fabric of the surface layer is 50 cc / cm 2 The skin material according to claim 11, wherein the surface roughness is 1 / sec or more.

13. The air permeability from the connecting layer side to the knitted fabric of the surface layer is 60 cc / cm 2 The skin material according to claim 11, wherein the surface roughness is 1 / sec or more.

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