Woven / knitted article

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a woven / knitted article that has high droplet removability and is superior in motion comfort and texture.　The woven / knitted article according to the present invention comprises a commingled yarn including a fiber A having a polyfoil cross section with protrusions on an outer peripheral portion and a fiber B having a flat cross section, the woven / knitted article satisfying the following requirements. (1) The number of protrusions in the fiber A is from 6 to 30. (2) The flatness of the fiber B is from 1.1 to 5.0. (3) The fiber B is has a smaller fineness than that of the fiber A. (4) The woven / knitted article has crimps of the fiber B on the surface thereof. (5) Each of the fiber A and the fiber B is a crimped fiber having a bimetal structure containing two types of polymers. (6) The woven / knitted article has a water repellent agent on the surface thereof.

Description

Woven and knitted fabrics

[0001] The present invention relates to a woven or knitted fabric that has high water droplet removal properties, and is also excellent in terms of comfort when worn and texture.

[0002] Conventionally, water-repellent woven and knitted fabrics have been used for various purposes, such as casual clothing, sportswear, and uniforms, all of which require high water repellency. Recently, in order to add value to these applications, not only water repellency but also stretchability that imparts texture and comfortable movement when worn is required.

[0003] In order to impart water repellency to woven and knitted fabrics, a water repellent treatment in which a water repellent agent containing a fluorine-based resin, a silicone-based resin, or a paraffin-based resin is applied to the surface of the fabric has been widely used. In recent years, in consideration of the environment, woven and knitted fabrics have been proposed that use non-fluorine-based (PFOA-free) water repellents that do not contain compounds that may have an adverse effect on living organisms (e.g., perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, etc.). On the other hand, woven and knitted fabrics obtained with non-fluorine formulations do not have sufficient water repellency for everyday use, and unless appropriately formulated, the texture becomes stiff, significantly limiting their application to applications requiring both water repellency and texture, such as casual clothing and sportswear.

[0004] As methods for improving water repellency other than the method of attaching a water repellent agent to the surface of a fabric, proposals have been made to control the surface morphology of woven or knitted fabrics and to create fibers with irregular cross-sections or composite yarns in order to achieve the so-called lotus leaf effect (for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

[0005] JP 2005-350828 A JP 2015-098661 A International Publication No. 2021 / 215319

[0006] However, the woven and knitted fabrics described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not have the stretchability required to accommodate the intense movements made when worn, such as in casual clothing or sportswear, and therefore provide insufficient comfort when moving. The fabric described in Patent Document 3 has stretchability due to the inclusion of elastic fibers in the composite yarn, but the texture is insufficient because non-crimped fibers are recommended as the ultrafine fibers that form fine fiber loops together with the elastic fibers. For these reasons, there is a need for the development of woven and knitted fabrics that can be used for a variety of purposes, which not only have water droplet removal properties but also provide comfort when moving and have a good texture.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and to provide a woven or knitted fabric that has high water droplet removal properties, and is also excellent in terms of comfort when moving and texture.

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0009] [1] A woven or knitted fabric comprising a blended yarn having fiber A whose cross section is multilobal with convex portions on the periphery and fiber B whose cross section is flat, and which satisfies the following requirements: (1) The number of convex portions of fiber A is 6 to 30. (2) The flatness of fiber B is 1.1 to 5.0. (3) Fiber B has a finer fineness than fiber A. (4) The crimp of fiber B is present on the surface of the woven or knitted fabric. (5) Both fiber A and fiber B are crimped fibers with a bimetal structure containing two types of polymers. (6) A water repellent agent is present on the surface of the woven or knitted fabric.

[0010] [2] The woven or knitted fabric according to [1], wherein the water droplet sliding angle on the fabric surface is 1 to 45 degrees.

[0011] [3] The woven or knitted fabric according to [2], wherein the water droplet sliding angle on the surface of the fabric after 20 repeated washings is 1 to 60 degrees.

[0012] [4] The woven or knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the elongation rate in the warp direction or weft direction is 10 to 100%.

[0013] [5] The woven or knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the fineness of the fiber A is 0.5 to 5.0 dtex, and the fineness ratio expressed as the fineness [dtex] of the fiber A / the fineness [dtex] of the fiber B is 2.0 or more.

[0014] [6] The woven or knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the ratio of the number of fibers B to the number of fibers A is 2 or more.

[0015] [7] The woven or knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the surface occupancy of the mixed yarn per unit area is 20% or more.

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a woven or knitted fabric that has high water droplet removal properties, and is also excellent in terms of comfort when in motion and texture.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the fiber cross-sectional structure of the sea-island composite fiber produced in Example 1. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional conceptual diagram of the composite spinneret used to produce the sea-island composite fiber used in Example 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of a mixed yarn contained in a woven or knitted fabric of the present invention.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0019] The woven or knitted fabric of the present invention has a water repellent agent on its surface. The woven or knitted fabric comprises, as constituent yarns, a mixed yarn having fiber A, which has a multilobal cross section with convex portions on the periphery, and fiber B, which has a flat cross section and a finer fiber than fiber A. Both fiber A and fiber B are crimped fibers with a bimetallic structure containing two types of polymers. With this structure, latent crimp is made apparent by heat treatment such as dyeing, resulting in a difference in crimp between fiber A and fiber B, which have different finenesses. Furthermore, the fine crimp of fiber B forms a lotus-leaf-like uneven structure with fine air spaces on the surface of the woven or knitted fabric, thereby achieving excellent water droplet removal properties. At the same time, the bimetallic crimp of fiber A and fiber B, which have different finenesses, and the unevenness caused by the difference in crimp, provide the woven or knitted fabric with excellent operating comfort and a spun-like texture. The effect of unevenness referred to here refers to the effect of unevenness on the mixed yarn itself, and refers to the formation of an uneven structure on the surface of the mixed yarn itself as a result of the combination of large crimps of thick fineness and fine crimps of thin fineness.

[0020] <Fiber A> Fiber A is a mixed yarn containing fiber A and fiber B, and is a crimped fiber having a multilobal cross section with convex portions on the outer periphery.

[0021] Examples of the polymer constituting the fiber A include melt-moldable polymers and copolymers thereof, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyolefin, polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polyamide, polylactic acid, thermoplastic polyurethane, and polyphenylene sulfide. Polymers with a melting point of 165° C. or higher are particularly preferred because they have good heat resistance. It is also suitable to use plant-derived biopolymers or recycled polymers, and the aforementioned polymers can be recycled polymers that have been recycled by any of chemical recycling, material recycling, and thermal recycling.

[0022] The fiber A is a crimped fiber in which two of these polymers are combined in a bimetallic structure (including a side-by-side type and an eccentric core-sheath type), and is a crimped fiber in which latent crimping becomes apparent through heat treatment such as dyeing. If the fiber A is not a crimped fiber with a bimetallic structure, it will lack stretchability and, when made into clothing, will not provide comfortable movement. Furthermore, by making fiber A a bimetallic structure, the woven or knitted fabric will shrink, creating a difference in crimp pitch with fiber B, which will be described later, allowing for the formation of a more effective air layer and uneven structure on the surface of the woven or knitted fabric, further improving water droplet removal properties and the spun-like texture.

[0023] The fiber A may contain various additives in the polymer as needed, such as inorganic substances such as titanium oxide, silica, and barium oxide, colorants such as carbon black, dyes, and pigments, flame retardants, fluorescent whitening agents, antioxidants, and ultraviolet absorbers.

[0024] The cross section of the fiber A has a multilobal shape with 6 to 30 convex portions on the periphery. The multilobal shape not only provides a spun-like texture, but also, as described below, effectively reduces the contact area between water droplets and the fiber surface, even for the fiber A, which has a relatively large fineness, resulting in a woven or knitted fabric with excellent water droplet removability. The convex portions are preferably uniformly arranged radially on the periphery of the fiber surface to prevent uneven water droplet removability. If the number of convex portions is less than six, the spacing between the convex portions becomes too wide, preventing the spun-like texture from being obtained. From the viewpoint of increasing the contact area with water droplets and achieving sufficient water droplet removability, the number of convex portions is preferably 8 or more. On the other hand, if the number of convex portions exceeds 30, the convex portions are prone to cracking due to physical effects such as friction during wear, causing fibrillation and resulting in a decrease in quality. Furthermore, the spacing between the convex portions formed on the periphery of the fiber surface becomes too small, resulting in a shape approximating a round cross section, reducing the effect on water droplet removability. More preferably, the number of convex portions is less than 15. The number of convex portions can be measured using the method described in the Examples.

[0025] As described above, the fiber A has a relatively large fineness relative to the flat-shaped fiber B described later, and the fineness ratio of the fiber A to the fiber B, expressed by the following formula 1, is preferably 2.0 or more (more preferably 2.0 to 2000.0, particularly preferably 5.0 to 200.0). When the fineness ratio of the fiber A to the fiber B is 2.0 or more, a difference in crimp between the fiber A and the fiber B is likely to occur, and fine irregularities and air layers are formed on the surface of the woven or knitted fabric, thereby achieving sufficient water droplet removal properties and a spun-like texture. The fineness ratio is more preferably 5.0 or more. On the other hand, when the fineness ratio of the fiber A to the fiber B is 2000.0 or less, the physical properties such as durability of the woven or knitted fabric can be sufficiently satisfied. It is more preferably 200.0 or less. Fineness ratio = fineness of the fiber A [dtex] / fineness of the fiber B [dtex] (Formula 1).

[0026] The fineness of the fiber A is preferably 0.5 to 5.0 dtex. When the fineness of the fiber A is 0.5 dtex or more, the single yarn fineness does not become too thin, and physical properties such as tear resistance and durability can be sufficiently satisfied. The fineness of the fiber A is more preferably 1.0 dtex or more. On the other hand, when the fineness of the fiber A is 5.0 dtex or less, a difference in crimp with the fiber B, which is effective for water droplet removal, is easily obtained, and the contact area with the water droplets is reduced, resulting in higher water droplet removal. The fineness of the fiber A is more preferably 2.5 dtex or less. The fineness can be measured by the method described in the examples.

[0027] <Fiber B> Fiber B is a crimped fiber in a blended yarn containing fiber A and fiber B, and has a flat cross section.

[0028] Examples of the polymer constituting the fiber B include melt-moldable polymers and copolymers thereof, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyolefin, polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polyamide, polylactic acid, thermoplastic polyurethane, and polyphenylene sulfide, and polymers having a melting point of 165° C. or higher are particularly preferred because they have good heat resistance. It is also suitable to use plant-derived biopolymers or recycled polymers, and the aforementioned polymers can be recycled polymers that have been recycled by any of chemical recycling, material recycling, and thermal recycling.

[0029] Fiber B is a crimped fiber in which two of these polymers are combined in a bimetallic structure (including a side-by-side type and an eccentric core-sheath type), and is a crimped fiber in which latent crimping becomes apparent through heat treatment such as dyeing. If Fiber B is not a crimped fiber with a bimetallic structure, there will be no crimping of Fiber B, and the spun-like texture described below will not be obtained. Furthermore, because Fiber B has a bimetallic structure, water droplet removal properties are further improved.

[0030] The fiber B may contain various additives in the polymer, such as inorganic substances such as titanium oxide, silica, and barium oxide, colorants such as carbon black, dyes, and pigments, flame retardants, fluorescent brighteners, antioxidants, and ultraviolet absorbers, as needed.

[0031] The cross section of the fiber B has a flat shape with a difference in length between the major axis and the minor axis of the cross section, and a flatness of 1.1 to 5.0. By crimping this flat shape, not only can a spun-like texture be obtained that reproduces the twisted structure of cotton, but the contact area between water droplets and the fiber surface can be effectively reduced, resulting in a woven or knitted fabric with excellent water droplet removal properties. Here, the "flatness" refers to a value obtained by calculating the average flatness of the fiber B contained in one of the mixed yarns obtained from the woven or knitted fabric of the present invention, calculated according to the following formula 2. If the flatness exceeds 5.0, the single yarn becomes too thin, reducing the resilience when the mixed yarn is bent and preventing the spun-like texture from being obtained. Furthermore, a flatness of 4.0 or less is preferred to prevent the contact surface between the water droplets and the fiber surface from becoming too sharp to support and grip the water droplets, thereby reducing the effectiveness of water droplet removal properties. Furthermore, this prevents fibrillation due to physical effects such as friction during wear, which can lead to a deterioration in quality. On the other hand, if the flatness is less than 1.1, the fiber B will have a shape that is very similar to a round cross section, and the effects of water droplet removal and spun texture will be lost. Flatness = Length of the cross section of the fiber B in the major axis direction [μm] / Length of the cross section of the fiber B in the minor axis direction [μm] (Equation 2).

[0032] As described above, the fiber B has a fineness relatively smaller than that of the fiber A, and preferably has a fineness such that the fineness ratio of the fiber A to the fiber B, expressed by the above formula 1, is 2.0 or more in order to obtain a crimp difference with the fiber A.

[0033] <Combined Yarn> The woven or knitted fabric of the present invention contains a mixed yarn having fiber A and fiber B, and may contain fibers other than fiber A and fiber B. When fibers other than fiber A and fiber B are contained, the type and shape of the fibers are not particularly limited. As described above, fiber A and fiber B are both crimped fibers with a bimetallic structure containing two types of polymers. It is preferable to use a bimetallic yarn containing two types of polymers as the fiber other than fiber A and fiber B, because each fiber is likely to develop crimps when used in a woven or knitted fabric.

[0034] The combined yarn preferably has a total fineness in the range of 10 to 300 dtex (more preferably 20 to 240 dtex, particularly preferably 30 to 150 dtex).

[0035] The blended yarn preferably has a ratio of the number of fibers A to the number of fibers B, represented by the following formula 3, of 2 or more. A ratio of 2 or more increases the number of fibers B exposed on the surface of the woven or knitted fabric, resulting in a better spun-like texture. Furthermore, the difference in crimp between the fibers A and the fibers A makes it easier to create fine air layers and an uneven structure, which are effective for water repellency, resulting in better water droplet removal properties. The ratio of fibers is more preferably 5 or more. On the other hand, by setting the ratio of fibers to 50 or less, significant degradation of quality, such as fibrillation and pilling, caused by the relatively thin fibers B exposed on the surface of the woven or knitted fabric can be suppressed. The ratio of fibers is more preferably 15 or less. Number ratio = number of fibers B / number of fibers A (formula 3).

[0036] The blended yarn is particularly preferably non-twisted, which allows the best possible difference in crimp between fiber A and fiber B, but may be twisted to a twist coefficient of 35,000 or less, as expressed by the following formula 4, if necessary. In this case, the number of twists is preferably in the range of 100 to 2,000 T / M. Twist coefficient = number of twists [T / M] × (fineness [de]) 1／２ ... (Equation 4) where fineness [de] = fineness [dtex] × 0.9.

[0037] <Woven / Knitted Fabric> The woven / knitted fabric of the present invention is a woven / knitted fabric containing the blended yarn, and has crimps of fiber B on the surface of the woven / knitted fabric. Here, "crimp" refers to a three-dimensional twisted structure (including a coiled structure) or loop structure obtained by false twisting, air processing (interlacing or taslan processing), bimetallic fibers formed by bonding two types of polymers, or the like, and is not particularly limited. False twisting of bimetallic fibers formed by bonding two types of polymers is also preferred because it results in finer crimps. Heat treatment such as dyeing makes the latent crimps of the bimetallic fiber A and fiber B apparent, causing the woven / knitted fabric to shrink, resulting in a stretchable woven / knitted fabric with excellent movement comfort. At the same time, a difference in crimp occurs between the fiber A and the fiber B, which have a difference in fineness, and the fiber A and the fiber B separate, creating spaces in the mixed yarn, and the fine crimp of the relatively fine fiber B forms a lotus-leaf-like uneven structure with fine air layers on the surface of the woven or knitted fabric, thereby providing excellent water droplet removal properties. Furthermore, the fine uneven structure due to the difference in crimp between the fiber A and the fiber B provides the surface of the woven or knitted fabric with a fine spun texture like extra-long staple cotton.

[0038] The higher the proportion of the mixed yarn in a woven or knitted fabric, the more stretchability due to the bimetal structure can be obtained, resulting in greater movement comfort when made into clothing. In particular, the higher the proportion of the mixed yarn exposed on the surface of the woven or knitted fabric, the more micro-air layers and uneven structures are formed on the surface, resulting in excellent water droplet removal properties and a spun-like texture. For this reason, in such woven or knitted fabrics, the surface occupancy rate of the mixed yarn per unit area is preferably 20% or more (particularly preferably 100%). Here, "surface occupancy rate" refers to the proportion of the mixed yarn on the surface of the woven or knitted fabric. If the proportion is above this level, for example, even when made into a woven fabric, it is possible to form an uneven structure of the mixed yarn on the surface of the fabric, which is effective for improving water droplet removal properties and providing a better spun-like texture, and greater movement comfort can be obtained. When preparing a woven or knitted fabric, the fibers to be combined with the mixed yarn are preferably fibers that have been false-twisted or air-processed (interlaced or taslan processed), fibers with a bimetal structure in which two types of polymers are bonded together, or fibers that are a combination of these, because they are less likely to inhibit the stretchability, crimp development, and spun-like feel of the mixed yarn.

[0039] The weave of the woven or knitted fabric of the present invention is not particularly limited, but a woven fabric that can particularly provide excellent water droplet removal properties is preferred. When the woven or knitted fabric is a woven fabric, the weave is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, varied plain weave, varied twill weave, varied satin weave, variegated weave, patterned weave, single-layer weave, double weave, multiple weave, warp pile weave, weft pile weave, and leno weave. When the woven or knitted fabric is a knitted fabric, the knitting structure is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include circular knit, weft knit, warp knit (including tricot knit and raschel knit), pile knit, plain knit, jersey knit, rib knit, smooth knit (double knit), rib knit, pearl knit, Denbigh knit, cord knit, atlas knit, chain knit, and insertion knit. Either the woven or knitted fabric may be of any weave, but a weave that is more likely to produce irregularities, such as a twill weave, than a plain weave, makes it easier for the blended yarn to shrink and facilitates the formation of a fine air layer and an irregular structure on the surface. When mixed with other raw yarns, a structure in which the mixed yarns appear more on the surface is desirable.

[0040] Such a woven fabric preferably has a total cover factor (CF) of warp and weft, represented by the following formula 5, of 1000 to 3500. When the total cover factor (CF) is 1000 or more, there are fewer voids formed at the weaving points, and water droplets do not fall into these voids, thereby achieving excellent water droplet removal properties. The total cover factor (CF) is more preferably 1500 or more. On the other hand, when the total cover factor (CF) is 3500 or less, the fine air layer and uneven structure of the mixed yarn described above are not lost due to excessive binding force at the weaving points, and excellent water droplet removal properties, operating comfort, and a spun-like texture can be achieved. The total cover factor (CF) is more preferably 2800 or less. CF = (total warp fineness [de]) １／２ × warp weave density [counts / 2.54 cm] + weft total fineness [de]) １／２ × weft weave density [counts / 2.54 cm] (Equation 5), where total warp fineness [de] = total warp fineness [dtex] × 0.9, and total weft fineness [de] = total weft fineness [dtex] × 0.9.

[0041] The woven or knitted fabric of the present invention has a water repellent agent on its surface. Here, "having a water repellent agent on its surface" means that the woven or knitted fabric is substantially water-repellent, and examples of such include a water droplet slide-off angle of less than 90 degrees on the fabric surface of the woven or knitted fabric. A water-repellent yarn may be used, or the water repellent agent may be applied to the woven or knitted fabric during dyeing. The type of water repellent agent that imparts water droplet removal properties to the woven or knitted fabric is not particularly limited, but from an environmental perspective, it is preferable to use a water repellent agent that has a perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) concentration of 5 ng / g or less (particularly preferably less than 1 ng / g) as measured using a high-performance liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS). Examples of such water repellents include C6 water repellents (also referred to as C6-based water repellents, but referred to as C6 water repellents in the present invention) and non-fluorine-based water repellents. Non-fluorine-based water repellents are particularly preferred from the viewpoint of recyclability.

[0042] A C6 water repellent is a fluorine-based water repellent made of a fluorine-based compound having a perfluoroalkyl group, and the number of carbon atoms in the perfluoroalkyl group is 6 or less. The perfluoroalkyl group is a group in which two or more hydrogen atoms of an alkyl group have been substituted with fluorine atoms.

[0043] The non-fluorine-based water repellent agent is a water repellent agent that does not contain a fluorine compound and is mainly composed of a perfluoroalkyl group. Examples of the non-fluorine-based water repellent agent include a silicone-based water repellent agent and a paraffin-based water repellent agent, and these water repellents may be mainly composed of a silicone-based compound or a paraffin-based compound.

[0044] The concentration of the water repellent agent applied is preferably 0.1 to 1 mass % (more preferably 0.2 to 0.8 mass %, particularly preferably 0.3 to 0.5 mass %), which does not impair the spun-like texture of the blended yarn and provides excellent water droplet removal properties.

[0045] The woven or knitted fabric thus obtained contains the blended yarn, and the fine crimps of fiber B form an uneven structure with fine air layers on the surface of the woven or knitted fabric, which not only provides excellent water droplet removal properties like the lotus leaf effect when water droplets fall on the surface of the woven or knitted fabric and a spun-like texture, but also exhibits excellent operating comfort due to the bimetal structure of fiber A and fiber B.

[0046] The water droplet sliding angle of the fabric surface of a woven or knitted fabric is preferably 1 to 45 degrees. If the water droplet sliding angle is 45 degrees or less, when used in clothing, for example, water droplets are less likely to remain on the woven or knitted fabric when worn, and excellent water droplet removal properties can be achieved without causing discomfort such as a wet feeling. In particular, if the water droplet sliding angle is 15 degrees or less, extremely high water droplet removal properties can be achieved, with almost no water droplets remaining on the woven or knitted fabric when worn. Here, the "water droplet sliding angle" refers to the angle at which a water droplet begins to slide down when a water droplet is gently dropped on the surface of a woven or knitted fabric attached flat on a horizontal plate and the plate is gently tilted at a uniform speed. A smaller water droplet sliding angle is an indicator of better water droplet removal properties. The water droplet sliding angle is measured by dropping a 20 μL water droplet onto the surface of a woven or knitted fabric using a fully automatic contact angle meter (DM-SA, manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.), slowly tilting the fabric from 0 degrees at a uniform speed in 1-degree increments, and measuring the angle at which the water droplet completely slides off the surface of the woven or knitted fabric.

[0047] Furthermore, the water droplet sliding angle of the woven or knitted fabric of the present invention on the fabric surface after repeated washing is preferably 1 to 60 degrees, and more preferably 1 to 45 degrees. By maintaining the water droplet sliding angle after washing and drying at the above values, excellent water droplet removal properties can be achieved over the long term without causing discomfort such as a wet feeling. Note that repeated washing here refers to 20 cycles of washing according to the JIS L1930:2014-C4M method and drying according to Method A (hang-dry).

[0048] When the woven / knitted fabric of the present invention is made into clothing, it is preferable that the woven / knitted fabric conforms to various movements during wear, reducing the feeling of pressure from the woven / knitted fabric, such as a feeling of tightness or tightness, known as "clothing pressure," and exhibits excellent stretchability for comfortable movement. The woven / knitted fabric of the present invention contains the mixed yarn, and the mixed yarn contains fiber A and fiber B, which have crimped due to a bimetal structure, thereby imparting excellent stretchability for comfortable movement. The stretchability of the woven / knitted fabric is preferably 10 to 100% in the warp or weft direction. Here, stretchability refers to the warp or weft elongation of the woven / knitted fabric measured according to JIS L1096:2010 8.16.1 Method B or D, with a higher elongation being an indicator of better comfort for movement. An elongation of 10% or more reduces the feeling of strong clothing pressure from the woven / knitted fabric and minimizes interference with movement during wear. In particular, if the elongation rate is 20% or more, the wearer will hardly feel any clothing pressure from the woven or knitted fabric, resulting in superior movement comfort. On the other hand, if the elongation rate is 100% or less, a significant decrease in elongation recovery can be prevented. In particular, if the elongation rate is 40% or less, the occurrence of phenomena such as sagging knees, which are often seen in clothing applications such as pants, can be reduced.

[0049] <Method for producing woven or knitted fabric> Next, an example of a preferred method for producing the woven or knitted fabric of the present invention will be described.

[0050] First, a mixed yarn containing fiber A having a multilobal cross section with convex portions on the outer periphery and fiber B having a flat cross section is prepared by the following method.

[0051] The method for producing the mixed yarn is not particularly limited. For example, a sea-island composite fiber having the fiber A and the fiber B as island components may be mixed by dissolving the sea component through an alkali reduction treatment or the like during dyeing, or the fiber A and the fiber B may be aligned and air-mixed through air processing (interlace processing or taslan processing). Particularly preferred is a method using a sea-island composite fiber that can mix the fiber A and the fiber B evenly in the yarn bundle, and is advantageous from the viewpoint of productivity because it does not require yarn processing such as air processing.

[0052] The method for weaving or knitting the woven or knitted fabric containing the mixed yarn of the present invention is not particularly limited, and they can be woven or knitted by a conventional method. When the woven or knitted fabric is a woven fabric, examples of the method include a water jet loom, an air jet loom, a rapier loom, and a jacquard loom. When the woven or knitted fabric is a knitted fabric, examples of the method include a circular knitting machine and a warp knitting machine.

[0053] The woven or knitted fabric obtained by this weaving and knitting method can then be scoured and dyed by ordinary methods, and the heat treatment in these processes makes the latent crimp of fiber A and fiber B, which have a difference in fineness, actual, and the difference in crimp forms fine air layers and an uneven structure in fiber B on the surface of the woven or knitted fabric. When the sea component is dissolved from the sea-island composite fiber to produce the mixed yarn, it is preferable to weave or knit the sea-island composite fiber as it is, and then scour the fiber and then dissolve the sea component by alkali reduction treatment or the like to produce a woven or knitted fabric containing the mixed yarn.

[0054] The woven and knitted fabrics are subjected to a water-repellent finish, and if necessary, flame retardant, moisture-absorbent, antistatic, antibacterial, softening, and other known post-processing (including resin coating, film lamination, and other functional finishes) can be used in combination, which can improve the washing durability of functional finishing agents such as flame retardant, moisture-absorbent, antistatic, antibacterial, and softening agents. The water-repellent finishing process is not particularly limited to padding, spraying, coating, and the like, but padding is preferred in order to penetrate the finishing agent deep into the woven and knitted fabric. On the other hand, if the woven and knitted fabrics do not use yarns with water-repellent properties and are not subjected to a water-repellent finish, water droplets easily penetrate into the fine air layer on the surface made of the mixed yarn, making it impossible to remove water droplets.

[0055] The woven or knitted fabric of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples, although the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0056] The following measurements and evaluations were carried out for the examples and comparative examples.

[0057] A. Fineness A-1 Raw yarn Approximately 1 m of raw yarn to be used was sampled, and the mass per unit length was measured in an environment of a temperature of 20°C and a humidity of 65% RH, and the mass equivalent to 10,000 m was calculated from this value. This measurement was repeated 10 times, and the simple average value was rounded to the nearest decimal place to obtain the fineness of each yarn.

[0058] A-2 Fibers A and B constituting woven and knitted fabrics Fibers to be measured were collected from the woven and knitted fabric so that the total length was approximately 1 m, and the mass per unit length was measured in an environment of 20°C and 65% RH, and the mass equivalent to 10,000 m was calculated from this value. This measurement was repeated 10 times, and the simple average value was rounded to one decimal place to obtain the fineness of each fiber.

[0059] B. Fineness Ratio The fineness ratio was calculated from the fineness of fiber A and the fineness of fiber B measured in A above using the following formula: Fineness ratio = fineness of fiber A [dtex] / fineness of fiber B [dtex].

[0060] C. Number ratio of fiber A to fiber B One mixed yarn was taken from the obtained woven or knitted fabric and cut perpendicular to the fiber axis (longitudinal direction). The cross section was photographed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM, manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation) (magnification: 500x), and the numbers of fiber A and fiber B were counted on the photograph. The number ratio was calculated from the counted numbers of fiber A and fiber B using the following formula: Number ratio = Number of fiber B / Number of fiber A.

[0061] D. Number of convex portions of fiber A One mixed yarn was taken from the obtained woven or knitted fabric and cut perpendicular to the fiber axis direction (longitudinal direction). The cross section of fiber A was photographed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM, manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation) (magnification 3000x), and the number of convex portions on the photograph was counted.

[0062] E. Flatness of Fiber B One mixed yarn was taken from the obtained woven or knitted fabric and cut perpendicular to the fiber axis (longitudinal direction). All of the fiber B in this cross section was photographed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM, manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation) (magnification 3000x). Using image processing software (ImageJ), the maximum length of the fiber B cross section in the photograph was measured as the length in the major axis direction, and the length in the direction perpendicular to the major axis direction was measured as the length in the minor axis direction, and simple average values ​​of each were calculated. These values ​​were calculated to two decimal places and rounded off to the nearest tenth. The flatness was calculated from the calculated lengths in the major axis direction and minor axis direction using the following formula: Flatness = length in the major axis direction of the cross section of fiber B [μm] / length in the minor axis direction of the cross section of fiber B [μm].

[0063] F. Presence or absence of crimp of fiber B on the surface of the woven / knitted fabric The surface of the obtained woven / knitted fabric was photographed (magnification 50x) with a scanning electron microscope (SEM, manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation), and the photograph was checked for three-dimensional twisted structures or loop structures on the surface of the woven / knitted fabric of fiber B. If even one twisted structure or loop structure was found on the photograph, it was counted as 1. This was repeated at 10 locations, and if the count exceeded half, it was determined that crimp was present.

[0064] G. Surface coverage ratio of mixed yarn per unit area The surface of the obtained woven or knitted fabric was photographed (magnification 100x) with a scanning electron microscope (SEM, manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation) so that the surface of the woven or knitted fabric was displayed in the entire field of view, and the area of ​​the entire photograph and the area occupied by areas other than the mixed yarn were extracted using image processing software (ImageJ), and the area ratio of the mixed yarn was calculated using the following formula. This measurement was repeated at 10 locations, and the simple average value was rounded to the nearest whole number to obtain the surface coverage ratio of the mixed yarn. Surface coverage ratio [%] = (area of ​​entire photograph [mm ２ ] - Area other than blended yarn [mm ２ ]) / area of ​​entire photograph [mm ２ ]×100.

[0065] H. Water Droplet Sliding Angle Using a fully automatic contact angle meter (DM-SA, manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.), a 20 μL water droplet was dropped onto the surface of a woven or knitted fabric mounted flat on a horizontal plate, and the plate was gently tilted in 1-degree increments from 0 degrees at a uniform speed (approximately 1 degree / second), and the angle at which the water droplet completely slid off the woven or knitted fabric surface was measured. The smaller the water droplet sliding angle, the better the water droplet removability was judged to be. Furthermore, if the water droplet did not slide off even at a 90-degree angle, it was recorded as "no sliding."

[0066] The water droplet sliding degree after repeated washing was measured by the above method using a woven or knitted fabric sample that had been washed according to the JIS L1930:2014-C4M method and dried according to Method A (hang-drying) 20 times.

[0067] I. Elongation The elongation of the obtained woven fabric was measured using JIS L1096:2010 8.16.1 Method B. The elongation of the obtained knitted fabric was measured using JIS L1096:2010 8.16.1 Method D.

[0068] J. Spun-like texture The spun-like texture of the resulting woven or knitted fabrics was judged as follows, and the most common judgment among the evaluations by 10 randomly selected people was recorded as the result. If there were multiple most common judgments, the intermediate evaluation was recorded. ○: A fine spun-like texture like extra-long staple cotton is strongly felt. △: A fine spun-like texture like extra-long staple cotton is felt to some extent. ×: A fine spun-like texture like extra-long staple cotton is not felt at all.

[0069] K. Water Droplet Removal Property When Worn The resulting woven / knitted fabric was used to create an outer jacket for mountain climbing. The outer jacket was worn in a laboratory simulating a rainfall environment (200 ml / 10 minutes), and after the rainfall, the following judgments were made by 10 randomly selected people. The most common judgment among the evaluation results was recorded as the result. If there were multiple most common judgments, the intermediate judgment was recorded. The size of the outer jacket worn was determined based on JIS L4004:2001 9 and was appropriate for each physique (S, M, L). ○: Almost no water droplets on the surface, good water droplet removal property △: No wetness on the surface, but some water droplets remained ×: The surface was somewhat wet, and water droplet removal property was poor.

[0070] L. Comfort of movement The outer jacket K above was worn and judged as follows, and the most common judgement among the 10 randomly selected judges was recorded as the result. If there were multiple most common judgements, the intermediate judgement was recorded. The size of the outer jacket worn by each person was the same as K above. ○: Almost no pressure or tightness from the fabric was felt, and comfort of movement was good △: Some pressure or tightness from the fabric was felt, but it could not be said that comfort of movement was bad ×: A strong pressure or tightness from the fabric was felt, and comfort of movement was poor

[0071] [Example 1] Polymer A was polyethylene terephthalate (SSIA-PEG copolymerized PET) in which 8 mol% of 5-sodium sulfoisophthalic acid was copolymerized with 9 wt% of polyethylene glycol with respect to the total mass of the dicarboxylic acid component (SSIA-PEG copolymerized PET, melt viscosity: 100 Pa s [measurement conditions: temperature 290°C, shear rate 1216 s －１ ], melting point: 233°C), and polymer B was polyethylene terephthalate copolymerized with 7 mol% isophthalic acid (IPA copolymerized PET, melt viscosity: 140 Pa s [measurement conditions: temperature 290°C, shear rate 1216 s －１ ], melting point: 232°C), polymer C: polyethylene terephthalate (PET, melt viscosity: 130 Pa·s [measurement conditions: temperature 290°C, shear rate 1216 s －１ ], melting point: 254°C) was prepared.

[0072] These polymers were melted separately at 290°C, and then weighed to a polymer A / polymer B / polymer C mass ratio of 10 / 45 / 45. The resulting mixture was introduced into a spin pack equipped with the composite spinneret shown in Figure 2, and the inflowing polymers were discharged from the discharge holes. When the inflowing polymers were discharged, polymers B and C, which were the difficult-to-extract components, were bonded side-by-side, and one island component b1 having an eight-lobe cross-sectional structure with eight uniformly arranged radial convexities and eight island components b2 having a flat cross-sectional structure were bonded by a sea component a made of polymer A, which was the easily soluble component. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional conceptual diagram of the composite spinneret. Polymers A to C, metered by metering plate 1, were each controlled by distributor plate 2 to have the composite cross section and cross-sectional shape in the cross section of a single fiber, and the composite polymer flow formed by distributor plate 2 was compressed and discharged by discharge plate 3. By this discharge method, sea-island composite fibers with a circular cross-sectional shape as shown in Figure 1 were obtained.

[0073] The discharged composite polymer stream was cooled and solidified, and then an oil was applied thereto. The stream was taken up at a spinning speed of 1,500 m / min and drawn between rollers heated to 90°C and 130°C, yielding a sea-island composite fiber of 84 dtex and 24 filaments. After the sea component a was dissolved, the island portions b1 corresponded to fiber A and the island portions b2 corresponded to fiber B.

[0074] The resulting sea-island composite fibers were used as warp and weft yarns in an air jet loom to obtain a 2 / 1 twill fabric. The resulting fabric was continuously scoured, heated to 90°C using a 1% by mass aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide in a jet dyeing machine to remove the sea component (weight reduction: 10%), subjected to a relaxation process in the jet dyeing machine at 130°C for 30 minutes, and then subjected to an intermediate set process at 180°C for 1 minute with a tentering ratio of 5%, followed by a conventional dyeing process. The fabric was then immersed in a treatment solution containing 4% by mass of Neoseed® NR-158 (a non-fluorine-based (paraffin-based) water repellent agent, solids content 30%, manufactured by Nicca Chemical Co., Ltd.), 0.2% by mass of Beckamin® M-3 (manufactured by DIC Corporation), 0.15% by mass of Catalyst ACX (manufactured by DIC Corporation), 1% by mass of isopropyl alcohol, and 94.65% by mass of water. The fabric was squeezed to a 60% squeeze rate using a mangle, then dried at 130°C for 2 minutes using a pin tenter, and cured at 170°C for 1 minute, for a water-repellent finish. As shown in Figure 3, a 2 / 1 twill fabric was thus obtained, consisting of a mixed yarn in which fiber A4 and fiber B5 were separated, with a warp density of 172 threads / 2.54 cm, a weft density of 143 threads / 2.54 cm, and a cover factor (CF) of 2598. The evaluation results of the resulting fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0075] A 2 / 1 twill fabric with a warp density of 104 yarns / 2.54 cm, a weft density of 87 yarns / 2.54 cm and a cover factor (CF) of 2590 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the method for discharging the sea-island composite fiber was changed to obtain a sea-island composite fiber of 227 dtex-24 filaments so that the fineness ratio of fiber A to fiber B in the mixed yarn obtained in Example 1 was 1.5. The evaluation results of the obtained fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0076] Example 3 A 2 / 1 twill fabric having a warp density of 102 yarns / 2.54 cm, a weft density of 85 yarns / 2.54 cm and a cover factor (CF) of 2596 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the numbers of island components b1 and b2 in the cross section of the sea-island composite fiber of Example 1, which had an elliptical cross section, were changed to five each to obtain a 238 dtex-24 filament sea-island composite fiber. The evaluation results of the obtained fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0077] Example 4 A 4 / 1 twill fabric having a warp density of 172 ends / 2.54 cm, a weft density of 143 ends / 2.54 cm and a cover factor (CF) of 2602 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that when weaving the fabric described in Example 1, polyethylene terephthalate multifilaments (76 dtex-24 filaments) having a round cross section were used as the warp yarns and the sea-island composite fibers of Example 1 were used as the weft yarns. The evaluation results of the obtained fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0078] [Example 5] An 8-ply 5-leaved satin weave was obtained in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the weave was changed to an 8-ply 5-leaved satin weave, with a warp density of 172 threads / 2.54 cm, a weft density of 142 threads / 2.54 cm, and a cover factor (CF) of 2594. The evaluation results of the obtained fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0079] Example 6 A mixed yarn (222 dtex-72 filaments) was obtained by taslan processing using the sea-island composite fiber obtained in Example 1 as a sheath yarn and a round cross-section multifilament (138 dtex-48 filaments) made of elastic fiber in which polyethylene terephthalate and polytrimethylene terephthalate were composited in a side-by-side bimetal structure as a core yarn. A 2 / 1 twill fabric with a warp density of 103 ends / 2.54 cm, a weft density of 85 ends / 2.54 cm, and a cover factor (CF) of 2607 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except for using this mixed yarn. The evaluation results of the obtained fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0080] Example 7 An island-sea composite fiber was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, and a knitted fabric with a smooth structure was obtained using the fiber on a 28G circular knitting machine. The knitted fabric was continuously scoured, heated to 90°C using a 1% by mass aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide in a jet dyeing machine to remove the sea component (weight reduction rate: 10%), subjected to a relaxation process at 130°C for 30 minutes in the jet dyeing machine, and then subjected to an intermediate set at 180°C for 1 minute with a tentering rate of 5%, followed by a normal dyeing process. The fabric was then immersed in a treatment solution containing 4% by mass of "NEOSEED" (registered trademark) NR-158 (manufactured by NICCA Chemical Co., Ltd., non-fluorine-based (paraffin-based) water repellent, solids content 30%), 0.2% by mass of "BECKAMINE" (registered trademark) M-3 (manufactured by DIC Corporation, solids content 80%), 0.15% by mass of Catalyst ACX (manufactured by DIC Corporation), 1% by mass of isopropyl alcohol, and 94.65% by mass of water, and squeezed to a squeezing rate of 60% using a mangle. After that, the fabric was dried at 130°C for 2 minutes using a pin tenter and cured at 170°C for 1 minute to obtain a smooth knitted fabric. The evaluation results of the resulting knitted fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0081] Example 8 A 2 / 1 twill fabric having a warp density of 172 threads / 2.54 cm, a weft density of 143 threads / 2.54 cm and a cover factor (CF) of 2535 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the sea-island composite fiber obtained in Example 1 was false-twisted at a twist ratio of 1.05 to form an 80 dtex-24 filament false-twisted yarn. The evaluation results of the obtained fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0082] Comparative Example 1 A 2 / 1 twill fabric with a warp density of 102 yarns / 2.54 cm, a weft density of 85 yarns / 2.54 cm and a cover factor (CF) of 2596 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the extrusion method was changed so that the island components b1 and b2 of the sea-island composite fiber obtained in Example 1 had the same fineness, thereby obtaining a sea-island composite fiber of 238 dtex-24 filaments. The evaluation results of the obtained fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0083] Comparative Example 2 A 2 / 1 twill fabric was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, and then a 2 / 1 twill fabric with a warp density of 172 threads / 2.54 cm, a weft density of 143 threads / 2.54 cm, and a cover factor (CF) of 2598 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the water-repellent treatment after dyeing was not performed. The evaluation results of the obtained fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0084] Comparative Example 3 A 2 / 1 twill fabric having a warp density of 172 yarns / 2.54 cm, a weft density of 143 yarns / 2.54 cm and a cover factor (CF) of 2598 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the sea-island composite fibers of Example 1, each having an elliptical cross section, and the island component b1 had a circular cross section without convex portions. The evaluation results of the obtained fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0085] Comparative Example 4 A 2 / 1 twill fabric having a warp density of 171 yarns / 2.54 cm, a weft density of 143 yarns / 2.54 cm and a cover factor (CF) of 2590 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the island component b1 was changed to a trilobal cross section having three uniformly arranged convex portions, using the sea-island composite fibers of Example 1 whose cross section was elliptical. The evaluation results of the obtained fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0086] Comparative Example 5 A 2 / 1 twill fabric having a warp density of 172 yarns / 2.54 cm, a weft density of 143 yarns / 2.54 cm and a cover factor (CF) of 2598 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the sea-island composite fibers of Example 1, each having an elliptical cross section, were used and the flatness of the island component b2 was changed to a circular cross section so that the flatness of fiber B after leaching would be 1.0. The evaluation results of the obtained fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0087] Comparative Example 6 A 2 / 1 twill fabric having a warp density of 172 yarns / 2.54 cm, a weft density of 143 yarns / 2.54 cm and a cover factor (CF) of 2598 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the sea-island composite fibers of Example 1, each having an elliptical cross section, were changed to a flatter cross section by increasing the flatness of the island component b2 so that the flatness of fiber B after leaching would be 7.0. The evaluation results of the obtained fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0088] Comparative Example 7 A 2 / 1 twill fabric having a warp density of 172 threads / 2.54 cm, a weft density of 144 threads / 2.54 cm and a cover factor (CF) of 2607 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the extrusion method was changed so that the island component b1 of the sea-island composite fibers obtained in Example 1 was composed only of polymer B. The evaluation results of the obtained fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0089] Comparative Example 8 A 2 / 1 twill fabric having a warp density of 172 threads / 2.54 cm, a weft density of 143 threads / 2.54 cm and a cover factor (CF) of 2598 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the extrusion method was changed so that the island component b2 of the sea-island composite fibers obtained in Example 1 was composed only of polymer B. The evaluation results of the obtained fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0090] Comparative Example 9 A 2 / 1 twill fabric having a warp density of 171 threads / 2.54 cm, a weft density of 143 threads / 2.54 cm and a cover factor (CF) of 2590 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the woven fabric described in Example 1 was continuously scoured, then heat-set at 200°C for 1 minute at a tentering ratio of 2%, and heated to 90°C using a 1% by mass aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide in a jet dyeing machine to remove the sea component (weight loss of 10%), and no relaxation processing was performed. The evaluation results of the obtained woven fabric are shown in Table 2.

[0091]

[0092]

[0093] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the woven fabrics of Examples 1 to 6 and 8, and the knit fabric of Example 7, were found to have excellent spun-like texture, water repellency, and working comfort. In particular, the woven fabrics of Examples 1 and 6 and the knit fabric of Example 7 were water-repellent woven and knit fabrics made using only blended yarns containing bimetallic fiber A and fiber B, which differ in fineness and number, by controlling the number of convex portions of fiber A and the flatness of fiber B in the cross-sectional shape within preferred ranges. This effectively formed an uneven surface structure with fine air layers formed by the crimps of fiber B, resulting in highly practical woven and knit fabrics that were excellent in all aspects: spun-like texture, water droplet removal, and working comfort. Furthermore, the woven fabric of Example 8, with the added effect of fine crimps due to false twisting, was even more excellent in all aspects: spun-like texture, water droplet removal, and working comfort. On the other hand, the woven fabric of Comparative Example 1 was inferior in texture and water droplet removal ability because there was no difference in fineness between fiber A and fiber B and no uneven structure due to crimp difference was formed. The woven fabric of Comparative Example 2 was a woven fabric with poor water droplet removal ability because it was not subjected to a water-repellent finish and absorbed water droplets. The woven fabrics of Comparative Examples 3 and 4 had few convex portions of fiber A, at 0 and 3, respectively, and were therefore inferior in texture and water droplet removal ability. The woven fabric of Comparative Example 5 was a woven fabric with poor texture and water droplet removal ability because fiber B had a flatness of 1.0, forming a perfect circle. The woven fabric of Comparative Example 6 was a woven fabric with poor texture because fiber B had a high flatness of 7.0, making fiber B too thin. The woven fabric of Comparative Example 7 did not have a bimetal structure in which fiber A contained two types of polymers, and therefore had an elongation of 5%, which was not at a level that would provide comfortable wear when used in clothing, and was therefore inferior in moving comfort. The woven fabric of Comparative Example 8 was inferior in spun feel because fiber B did not have a bimetal structure containing two types of polymers and therefore had no crimp of fiber B. The woven fabric of Comparative Example 9 was inferior in feel, water droplet removability, and working comfort because the latent crimp of fiber A and fiber B of the blended yarn could not be expressed by heat setting at a high temperature after continuous scouring, and therefore had no uneven structure due to crimp difference or crimp of fiber B on the fabric surface.

[0094] The water-repellent woven / knitted fabric of the present invention has high water repellency due to the inclusion of the mixed yarn having the above-mentioned characteristics, and also has excellent stretchability and a spun-like texture that is comfortable to wear, so that by using this water-repellent woven / knitted fabric, clothing and textile products with such excellent functionality and texture can be produced. Such clothing and textile products can be suitably applied in a wide range of fields, from general casual clothing such as down jackets, jackets, skirts, pants, T-shirts, and sweaters, to various sports clothing for mountain climbing, skiing, golf, running, etc., outerwear and dustproof clothing for work such as civil engineering work, uniform clothing such as medical gowns, interior products such as sofas and curtains, and vehicle interior parts such as car seats.

[0095] a: Sea component b1: Island component b2: Island component 1: Metering plate 2: Distribution plate 3: Discharge plate 4: Fiber A 5: Fiber B

Claims

1. A woven or knitted fabric comprising a blended yarn having fiber A, which has a multi-lobed shape with a convex portion on its outer periphery in cross-section, and fiber B, which has a flattened shape in cross-section, and satisfying the following requirements. (1) The number of protrusions on the fiber A is 6 to 30. (2) The flatness of the fiber B is 1.1 to 5.

0. (3) Fiber B has a finer diameter than fiber A. (4) The surface of the woven or knitted fabric has crimp of the fiber B. (5) Both fiber A and fiber B are crimped fibers with a bimetallic structure containing two types of polymers. (6) The surface of the woven or knitted fabric is provided with a water-repellent agent.

2. The woven or knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the angle at which water droplets slide off the fabric surface is 1 to 45 degrees.

3. The woven or knitted fabric according to claim 2, wherein the angle at which water droplets slide off the fabric surface after 20 repeated washes is 1 to 60 degrees.

4. A woven or knitted fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elongation rate in the warp or weft direction is 10 to 100%.

5. The woven or knitted fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fineness of fiber A is 0.5 to 5.0 dtex, and the fineness ratio expressed as fineness of fiber A [dtex] / fineness of fiber B [dtex] is 2.0 or more.

6. The woven or knitted fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the number ratio, expressed as the number of fibers B / the number of fibers A, is 2 or more.

7. The woven or knitted fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the surface coverage of the blended yarn per unit area is 20% or more.