Functional knitted fabric, curtain, and blind curtain

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a functional knitted fabric. [Solution] The present invention provides: a functional knitted fabric 1 having loop parts 32a in which a plurality of continuous loops 32 are arranged side by side to be in parallel to each other, a band-shaped film 31 inserted between adjacent continuous loops 32, a first yarn part 10 knitted into the continuous loops 32 and positioned on one surface side of the loop parts 32a, and a second yarn part 20 knitted into the continuous loops 32 and positioned on the other surface side of the loop parts 32a, in which the band-shaped film 31 is restrained by the first yarn part 10 and the second yarn part 20; and a blind curtain 3 provided with the same.

Description

Functional knitted fabrics, curtains and blind curtains

[0001] The present invention relates to a functional knitted fabric, a curtain, and a blind curtain, and more particularly to a functional knitted fabric, a curtain, and a blind curtain that can be given various functions.

[0002] There are two types of fabrics: woven fabrics, which are woven row by row using warp and weft threads with a crossing structure, and knitted fabrics, which are knitted stitch by stitch to form a knot (loop). Fabrics are used in a wide range of fields depending on their characteristics. In recent years, fabrics that utilize the unique properties of fabrics while also being endowed with new functionality have been developed.

[0003] For example, a known heat insulating fabric is one that includes a lower layer in which weft and warp threads made of a fiber yarn material including PET-DTY yarn or polyester yarn intersect at right angles, and an upper layer in which weft threads made of fiber yarn including PET-DTY yarn or polyester yarn intersect at right angles with warp threads made of aluminum strip yarn, and the upper layer is woven integrally onto the upper surface of the lower layer with joining threads made of fiber yarn (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Also, in a woven fabric containing an aluminum strip as raw silk, a breathable sunshade fabric is known in which the aluminum strip has a width of 0.7 mm or more and 1.3 mm or less and a thickness of 30 μm or more and 40 μm or less, and the weft yarn is 300 denier or more and 600 denier or less (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0005] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0930300 Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-2014-0000308

[0006] Among fabrics, woven fabrics can be imparted with heat insulation functions, sunshade functions, etc. by using aluminum strips, as in the heat insulating fabric described in Patent Document 1 and the sunshade fabric described in Patent Document 2. However, because they are woven fabrics, they have the disadvantages of lacking stretchability, poor breathability, and being prone to wrinkling. On the other hand, among fabrics, knitted fabrics have not been sufficiently developed, even though they have been imparted with functionality.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a functional knitted fabric, a curtain, and a blind curtain, which are knitted fabrics having functionality.

[0008] The inventor conducted extensive research to solve the above problem and discovered that the above problem could be solved by inserting a strip of film between the continuous loops and restraining the strip of film with the first thread portion and the second thread portion, thereby completing the present invention.

[0009] The present invention is a functional knitted fabric, which is a knitted fabric having functionality, and has a loop section in which multiple continuous loops are arranged side by side so that the continuous loops are parallel to each other, a strip-shaped film inserted between adjacent continuous loops, a first yarn section knitted into continuous loops and located on one side of the loop section, and a second yarn section knitted into continuous loops and located on the other side of the loop section, and the strip-shaped film is restrained by the first yarn section and the second yarn section.

[0010] In the functional knitted fabric of the present invention, it is preferable that the thickness of the strip film is 7 to 30 μm, the width of the strip film is 0.25 to 1.5 mm, and the strip film is inserted while the loop portion, the first yarn portion and the second yarn portion are continuously knitted by a warp knitting machine.

[0011] In the functional knitted fabric of the present invention, it is preferable that both sides of the belt-like film are in contact with the adjacent continuous loops.

[0012] In the functional knitted fabric of the present invention, it is preferable that the first yarn constituting the first yarn portion is thicker than the second yarn constituting the second yarn portion, and that the belt-shaped film is covered on the first yarn portion side by the first yarn portion and that a part of the second yarn portion side is exposed. Also, in the functional knitted fabric of the present invention, it is preferable that the first yarn constituting the first yarn portion is thicker than the second yarn constituting the second yarn portion, and that a pattern is drawn on the first yarn portion.

[0013] In the functional knitted fabric of the present invention, the belt-shaped film is preferably transparent or translucent. It is also preferable that the belt-shaped film is an aluminum-deposited film on which aluminum is vapor-deposited. It is also preferable that the belt-shaped film is a milky white film containing titanium oxide.

[0014] The present invention is a curtain made of the functional knitted fabric described above.

[0015] The present invention provides a blind curtain comprising the above-mentioned functional knitted fabric and a mesh-like mesh knitted fabric, which are arranged alternately. In this case, it is preferable that the mesh knitted fabric is knitted with a loop portion and a second yarn portion.

[0016] The functional knitted fabric of the present invention is a knitted fabric consisting of a loop portion, a strip film, a first yarn portion, and a second yarn portion, and therefore has the advantages of being more stretchable and breathable than general woven fabrics and less prone to wrinkling. In addition, since the functional knitted fabric is not made of yarn alone but has a strip film inserted therein, it can be imparted with functions based on the strip film. Furthermore, by processing the strip film, it is possible to impart various functions to the knitted fabric.

[0017] For example, when the strip film is transparent or translucent, it can be used as a light-diffusing knitted fabric by imparting a light-diffusing function. Furthermore, when the strip film is an aluminum-deposited film on which aluminum is vapor-deposited, it can be used as a heat-shielding knitted fabric or a UV-blocking knitted fabric. Furthermore, when the strip film is a milky white film containing titanium oxide, it can be used as a heat-shielding knitted fabric or a UV-blocking knitted fabric.

[0018] In the functional knitted fabric of the present invention, the belt-like film is restrained by the first thread portion and the second thread portion, so that it is possible to prevent only the belt-like film from shifting vertically relative to the loop portion, etc. Furthermore, because the belt-like film is sandwiched between the first thread portion and the second thread portion, it is possible to prevent the belt-like film from rolling up to one side or other side.

[0019] In this case, by configuring both sides of the strip film to abut against the adjacent continuous loop, the surface direction of the functional knitted fabric and the surface direction of the strip film are aligned, making it possible to effectively demonstrate the functions based on the strip film. In addition, the strip film and the continuous loop are regularly alternately arranged, resulting in excellent designability.

[0020] In the functional knitted fabric of the present invention, by setting the thickness and width of the strip film within the above ranges, it is possible to continuously knit the loop portion, the first yarn portion, and the second yarn portion using a warp knitting machine while inserting the strip film. That is, it is possible to manufacture it inexpensively. Furthermore, since the weight is not increased while maintaining the properties of the knitted fabric, it is easy to handle.

[0021] In the functional knitted fabric of the present invention, by making the first yarn thicker than the second yarn, it is possible to make the first yarn side denser and the second yarn side sparser, even though they are knitted simultaneously. Furthermore, by covering the first yarn side of the strip-shaped film and leaving the second yarn side exposed, it is possible to create different designs on the front and back. For example, when used as a curtain, by placing the exposed side (second yarn side) on the outside, it can perform functions such as reflecting sunlight, and by placing the covered side (first yarn side) on the inside, it is possible to feel the unique softness and texture of the fabric.

[0022] In the functional knitted fabric of the present invention, by making the first yarn thicker than the second yarn, it is possible to make the first yarn part side dense and the second yarn part side sparse, even though they are knitted simultaneously. Furthermore, by making the first yarn part have a pattern, when used as a curtain, for example, by placing the exposed side (the second yarn part side) on the outside, it can perform functions such as reflecting sunlight, and by placing the patterned side (the first yarn part side) on the inside, the pattern can be enjoyed.

[0023] The curtain of the present invention is made of a functional knitted fabric, and therefore has the advantages of being more stretchable and breathable than ordinary woven fabrics, and being less prone to wrinkling. In addition, since a strip-shaped film is inserted into the functional knitted fabric, it can be given functions based on the strip-shaped film.

[0024] The blind curtain of the present invention includes a functional knitted fabric, which has the advantages of being more stretchable and breathable than general woven fabrics and less prone to wrinkling. Like general knitted fabrics, the blind curtain can be laundered at home and ironed at low temperatures. Furthermore, a strip-shaped film is inserted into the functional knitted fabric, allowing it to be imparted with functions based on the strip-shaped film. For example, the blind curtain has functional knitted fabrics and mesh knitted fabrics arranged alternately. By sliding the blind curtain to switch the positions of the functional knitted fabric and the mesh knitted fabric, it can be used for two purposes: when letting in sunlight and when utilizing the heat and UV protection functions of the functional knitted fabric. Furthermore, when the mesh knitted fabric in the blind curtain is knitted using a loop portion and a second yarn portion, the functional knitted fabric and the mesh knitted fabric can be knitted simultaneously as a single unit. This means that the blind curtain can be manufactured efficiently and at low cost.

[0025] Fig. 1(a) is a planar schematic diagram showing one surface of a functional knitted fabric according to a first embodiment. Fig. 1(b) is a planar schematic diagram showing the other surface of the functional knitted fabric shown in Fig. 1(a). Fig. 2 is a side view of the functional knitted fabric shown in Fig. 1(a) in an enlarged view as viewed from an arrow Y. Fig. 3 is a planar schematic diagram showing a portion of the base part of the functional knitted fabric shown in Fig. 1(a). Fig. 4 is a structure diagram of one surface of a functional knitted fabric according to a first embodiment, showing how a first yarn is threaded through continuous loops. Fig. 5 is a structure diagram of the other surface of a functional knitted fabric according to the first embodiment, showing how a second yarn is threaded through continuous loops. Fig. 6 is a planar schematic diagram showing one surface of a functional knitted fabric according to a second embodiment. Fig. 7 is a front view schematic diagram showing a curtain according to this embodiment. Fig. 8 is a front view schematic diagram showing a blind curtain according to this embodiment. Fig. 9(a) is a photograph showing one surface of a functional knitted fabric according to another embodiment. Fig. 9(b) is a photograph showing the other surface of a functional knitted fabric according to another embodiment. Fig. 10(a) is a photograph showing one side of a functional knitted fabric according to another embodiment. Fig. 10(b) is a photograph showing the other side of a functional knitted fabric according to another embodiment.

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings as necessary. In the drawings, identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right are based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the drawings are not limited to those shown.

[0027] First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of the functional knitted fabric according to the present invention will be described. The functional knitted fabric according to the first embodiment is a sheet-like fabric knitted with yarns while a predetermined strip-shaped film is inserted. Therefore, it has advantages such as superior stretchability and breathability compared to general woven fabrics, and wrinkle resistance. The material of the yarns (including the first and second yarns described below) used in the functional knitted fabric is not particularly limited, and may be natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, linen, wool, cashmere, silk, and jute; synthetic fibers such as polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, polyurethane fibers, polyacrylonitrile fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyethylene fibers, and polystyrene fibers; or blends of these fibers, core-sheath fibers, etc. The yarns may be raw silk or processed yarns. From the viewpoints of strength and design, the first yarn is preferably processed yarn, while from the viewpoints of visibility and weight reduction of the strip-shaped film, the continuous loop yarn and the second yarn are preferably raw silk.

[0028] The functional knitted fabric is not made of only yarn, but also has a belt-like film. As a result, the functional knitted fabric has a function based on the belt-like film. In addition, in the functional knitted fabric 1, various functions can be imparted by processing the belt-like film. Details of the belt-like film will be described later.

[0029] Fig. 1(a) is a plan view schematic diagram showing one side of a functional knitted fabric according to a first embodiment, and Fig. 1(b) is a plan view schematic diagram showing the other side of the functional knitted fabric shown in Fig. 1(a). In the functional knitted fabric of Fig. 1, one side is the front side and the other side is the back side. As shown in Fig. 1(a), the functional knitted fabric 1 has a first yarn portion 10 in which a first yarn is densely knitted on one side, and the first yarn portion 10 covers a strip-shaped film 31. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 1(b), the functional knitted fabric 1 has a second yarn portion 20 in which a second yarn is sparsely knitted on the other side, and a portion of the strip-shaped film 31 is exposed.

[0030] In this way, in the functional knitted fabric 1, by making the knitting patterns of the first yarn portion 10 and the second yarn portion 20 different from each other, it is possible to impart different designs to the front and back. In other words, when used in interiors (windows), the more exposed the functional film is on the exterior surface of the window, the better the functionality. Furthermore, by controlling the movement of the first yarn 10a, the surface (mainly the interior side) can be changed to a plain or patterned look. Details of the first yarn portion 10 and the second yarn portion 20 will be described later. Furthermore, since the functional knitted fabric 1 can impart different designs to the front and back, it can be suitably used for applications such as clothing (including linings), bags, curtains, panel curtains, and blind curtains.

[0031] Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the functional knitted fabric shown in Fig. 1(a) as viewed from the arrow Y, showing an enlarged portion of the side surface. As shown in Fig. 2, the functional knitted fabric 1 has a first yarn portion 10, a second yarn portion 20, and a base portion 30 sandwiched between the first yarn portion 10 and the second yarn portion 20. That is, in the functional knitted fabric 1, a strip film 31 included in the base portion 30 is restrained from both sides by the first yarn portion 10 and the second yarn portion 20. This prevents the strip film 31 from shifting vertically relative to the continuous loop 32. It also prevents the strip film 31 from rolling over to one side or the other side.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a portion of the base portion of the functional knitted fabric shown in Fig. 1(a). That is, in Fig. 3, the first yarn portion 10 and the second yarn portion 20 are omitted. As shown in Fig. 3, the base portion 30 consists of a loop portion 32a in which a plurality of continuous loops 32 are arranged side by side, and a strip-shaped film 31 inserted between adjacent continuous loops 32. As such, in the base portion 30, the loop portions 32a and the strip-shaped film 31 are arranged alternately and located on the same plane. Note that adjacent continuous loops 32 and the strip-shaped film 31 are not directly connected.

[0033] The continuous loops 32 are a so-called chain knit structure in which the loops are continuous in the vertical direction (warp direction). Each continuous loop 32 is knitted using a single yarn. All of the multiple continuous loops 32 have the same configuration. The loop portion 32a is formed by arranging multiple continuous loops 32 in parallel with each other at equal intervals. Adjacent continuous loops 32 are connected via a first yarn and a second yarn.

[0034] The thickness of the yarn constituting the continuous loop 32 is preferably 30 to 100 dtex. This yarn thickness is selected when planning the thickness of the fabric. If the thickness of the yarn constituting the continuous loop 32 is less than 30 dtex, the loops may be more susceptible to damage due to impact, etc., compared to when the yarn thickness is within the above range. On the other hand, if the thickness of the yarn constituting the continuous loop 32 exceeds 100 dtex, the yarn may not slide well (get caught) relative to the strip film 31, making knitting more difficult, compared to when the yarn thickness is within the above range. Furthermore, the proportion of the strip film 31 in the functional knitted fabric 1 is reduced, which may prevent the intended function from being fully exhibited.

[0035] The strip film 31 is a strip-shaped film. For example, it can be obtained by slitting a sheet-shaped film and cutting it into long strips. Examples of materials that can be used for the film include ionomer film, polyethylene film, polyvinyl chloride film, polyvinylidene chloride film, polyvinyl alcohol film, polypropylene film, polyester film, polycarbonate film, polystyrene film, polyacrylonitrile film, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer film, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer film, and nylon film.

[0036] The strip film 31 is arranged so that both sides in the width direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to the length direction (vertical direction) are in contact with the adjacent continuous loop 32. In other words, the strip film 31 and the continuous loop 32 are arranged so that no gaps are formed along the length direction. This makes the functional knitted fabric 1 dense and therefore has excellent strength, and since the strip film 31 and the continuous loop 32 are regularly and alternately arranged, it also has excellent design properties.

[0037] Furthermore, the strip film 31 is arranged so as not to twist itself. That is, it is arranged so that the surface direction of the functional knitted fabric 1 coincides with the surface direction of the strip film 31. This allows the functional knitted fabric 1 to effectively exhibit the function based on the strip film 31.

[0038] The thickness of the strip film 31 is preferably 7 to 30 μm. If the thickness of the strip film 31 is less than 7 μm, it may be more likely to stretch and break depending on the film material, compared to thicknesses within the above range. On the other hand, if the thickness of the strip film 31 exceeds 30 μm, it may be heavier and more rigid than thicknesses within the above range, resulting in a loss of the texture unique to knitted fabrics.

[0039] The width of the strip film 31 is preferably 0.25 to 1.5 mm, and more preferably 0.5 to 1.1 mm. If the width of the strip film 31 is less than 0.25 mm, it will be more prone to twisting than if the width is within the above range. On the other hand, if the width of the strip film 31 exceeds 1.5 mm, it will be heavier and more rigid than if the width is within the above range, resulting in a loss of the properties unique to knitted fabrics.

[0040] Furthermore, in the functional knitted fabric 1, by setting the thickness of the strip film 31 within the above range and the width of the strip film 31 within the above range, simultaneous knitting can be carried out smoothly on the warp knitting machine described below.

[0041] As described above, the strip film 31 can be given various functions by being processed. For example, it is preferable that the strip film 31 is transparent or translucent. A transparent or translucent film can be manufactured by a known method. As long as the transparency or translucency can be maintained, the strip film 31 may be given functions such as antistatic treatment, water repellent treatment, matte treatment, UV cut treatment, and flame retardant treatment. If the strip film 31 is transparent or translucent, light entering the strip film 31 will be scattered, and therefore the functional knitted fabric 1 can be used as a light diffusion knitted fabric that is given at least the function of diffusing light.

[0042] Furthermore, it is preferable that the strip film 31 is an aluminum vapor-deposited film on which aluminum is vapor-deposited. Vapor deposition of aluminum onto the film can be performed by a known method. When the strip film 31 is an aluminum vapor-deposited film, the aluminum vapor-deposited layer reflects heat, so the functional knitted fabric 1 can be used as a heat-shielding knitted fabric that at least suppresses heat transfer, or the aluminum vapor-deposited layer reflects sunlight, so the functional knitted fabric 1 can be used as a UV-blocking knitted fabric that blocks UV rays. The strip film 31 may be vapor-deposited on only one side or both sides. Alternatively, films vapor-deposited on only one side may be bonded together with the vapor-deposited surfaces facing each other. In this case, it is possible to prevent the vapor-deposited aluminum from falling off.

[0043] Furthermore, the strip film 31 is preferably a milky white film containing titanium oxide. Titanium oxide can be applied to the film by known methods such as coating. When the strip film 31 is a milky white film, titanium oxide has the function of reflecting infrared rays, so the functional knitted fabric 1 can be used at least as a heat-shielding knitted fabric that suppresses heat accumulation, or titanium oxide has the function of physically reflecting UV rays, so the functional knitted fabric 1 can be used as a UV-blocking knitted fabric that blocks UV rays. The strip film 31 may be provided with titanium oxide on only one side or both sides. Alternatively, two films provided with titanium oxide on only one side may be bonded together with the titanium oxide-applied surfaces facing each other. In this case, the titanium oxide can be prevented from falling off.

[0044] 2, the first yarn portion 10 is knitted into continuous loops 32 so as to be located on one side of the loop portion 32a. As a result, the continuous loops 32 are connected to each other on one side. The material of the first yarn constituting the first yarn portion 10 is as described above.

[0045] The thickness of the first yarn constituting the first yarn portion 10 is preferably 100 to 300 dtex. If the thickness of the first yarn constituting the first yarn portion 10 is less than 100 dtex, the pattern generated on the knitted fabric surface will lack volume and design, compared to when the thickness of the first yarn is within the above range. On the other hand, if the thickness of the first yarn constituting the first yarn portion 10 exceeds 300 dtex, the fabric will be too voluminous and thick, compared to when the thickness of the first yarn is within the above range, which will result in a loss of flexibility as an interior product.

[0046] On the other hand, the second yarn portion 20 is knitted into continuous loops 32 so as to be located on the other surface side of the loop portion 32a. As a result, the continuous loops 32 are connected to each other on the other surface side. The material of the second yarn constituting the second yarn portion 20 is as described above.

[0047] The thickness of the first thread constituting the second thread portion 20 is preferably 50 to 150 dtex. If the thickness of the second thread constituting the second thread portion 20 is less than 50 dtex, there is a disadvantage that the fabric balance with the first thread portion 10 is poorer than when the thickness of the second thread is within the above range. There is also a risk that it may be more susceptible to breakage due to impact, etc. On the other hand, if the thickness of the second thread constituting the second thread portion 20 exceeds 150 dtex, there is a disadvantage that the effect of the strip-shaped film is hindered compared to when the thickness of the second thread is within the above range. There is also a disadvantage that it is heavier.

[0048] Here, in the functional knitted fabric 1, as described above, it is preferable that the first yarn constituting the first yarn portion is thicker than the second yarn constituting the second yarn portion. That is, it is more preferable that the first yarn is thicker than the second yarn, and that the thickness of the first yarn is within the above-mentioned range, and that the thickness of the second yarn is within the above-mentioned range. In this case, the first yarn portion side 10 can be dense and the second yarn portion side 20 can be sparse. That is, even with the same weave (configuration), the degree of exposure of the strip-shaped film 31 can be changed by changing the yarn thickness. As a result, it is possible to create a difference in appearance of the functional knitted fabric 1 so that one side and the other side have completely different textures. From the standpoint of design, it is more preferable that the second yarn is thicker than the first yarn, and that the first yarn is raw silk and the second yarn is textured silk.

[0049] The functional knitted fabric 1 is a knitted fabric consisting of a loop portion 32a, a strip-shaped film 31, a first yarn portion 10, and a second yarn portion 20. Therefore, the functional knitted fabric 1 can be obtained by inserting the strip-shaped film 31 as a substitute for a so-called inserting yarn and simultaneously knitting the loop portion 32a, the first yarn portion 10, and the second yarn portion 20. In other words, it can be knitted continuously by a warp knitting machine. This allows for inexpensive production.

[0050] Fig. 4 is a structure diagram of one side of the functional knitted fabric according to the first embodiment, showing how a first yarn is threaded through the continuous loops, and Fig. 5 is a structure diagram of the other side of the functional knitted fabric according to the first embodiment, showing how a second yarn is threaded through the continuous loops. Specifically, in the functional knitted fabric 1, continuous loops 32 are knitted in each row, and a strip-shaped film 31 is inserted. Then, as shown in Fig. 4, at the same time, a first yarn 10a is threaded through a predetermined loop, thereby forming a first yarn portion 10. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5, at the same time, a second yarn 20a is threaded through a predetermined loop, thereby forming a second yarn portion 20. At this time, as described above, by making the first yarn 10a thicker than the second yarn 20a and using raw silk as the first yarn 10a and textured yarn as the second yarn 20a, a functional knitted fabric 1 having excellent design properties can be obtained.

[0051] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the functional knitted fabric according to the present invention will be described. The functional knitted fabric according to the second embodiment is a sheet-like fabric, and is a knitted fabric knitted with yarn with a predetermined strip-shaped film inserted. The functional knitted fabric 1a according to the second embodiment is the same as the functional knitted fabric 1 according to the first embodiment, except that the shape of the first yarn portion 11 is different.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing one side of a functional knitted fabric according to a second embodiment. The other side of the functional knitted fabric according to the second embodiment is the same as the other side of the functional knitted fabric shown in FIG. 1(b), and therefore will not be described here. As shown in FIG. 6, the functional knitted fabric 1a has a first yarn portion 11 knitted with a first yarn on one side, and a pattern made of the first yarn is drawn on the first yarn portion 11. While a rose pattern is depicted in FIG. 6, the pattern is not limited to this. On the other hand, the functional knitted fabric 1a has a second yarn portion 20 knitted with a second yarn sparsely on the other side, and a portion of the strip film 31 is exposed (see FIG. 1(b)). It does not matter whether the strip film 31 is exposed in the first yarn portion 11. Even if the strip film 31 is exposed from the first yarn portion 11, the degree of exposure is less than the degree of exposure of the strip film 31 from the second yarn portion 20.

[0053] In this way, in the functional knitted fabric 1a, different designs can be imparted to the front and back by making the knitting patterns of the first yarn part 10 and the second yarn part 20 different from each other. As described above, the other configurations are the same as those of the functional knitted fabric according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] Next, an embodiment of a curtain according to the present invention will be described. Fig. 7 is a schematic front view showing a curtain according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the curtain 4 is made of a functional knitted fabric 1 suspended from a curtain rail. As the curtain 4 is made of the functional knitted fabric 1, it has the advantages of being more stretchable and breathable than ordinary woven fabrics and being less prone to wrinkles. In addition, a strip-shaped film is inserted into the functional knitted fabric, so that functions based on the strip-shaped film can be imparted.

[0055] Specifically, in the curtain 4, by placing the exposed side (second thread portion side) of the strip film 31 on the outside, it performs functions such as reflecting sunlight, and by placing the covered side (first thread portion side) on the inside, the unique softness and texture of the fabric can be felt. Incidentally, if the functional knitted fabric 1a of the second embodiment is used as the curtain 4 instead of the functional knitted fabric 1 of the first embodiment, by placing the exposed side (second thread portion side) of the strip film 31 on the outside, it performs functions such as reflecting sunlight, and by placing the patterned side (first thread portion side) on the inside, the pattern can be enjoyed.

[0056] Next, an embodiment of a blind curtain according to the present invention will be described. Fig. 8 is a schematic front view showing a blind curtain according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the blind curtain 3 comprises the above-mentioned functional knitted fabric 1 and a mesh-like mesh knitted fabric 2, which are hung from a curtain rail and arranged alternately. The functional knitted fabric 1 and the mesh knitted fabric 2 are integrated. Since the blind curtain 3 comprises a functional knitted fabric, it has the advantages of being more stretchable and breathable than ordinary woven fabrics and being less prone to wrinkling. Furthermore, a strip-shaped film is inserted into the functional knitted fabric, so that functions based on the strip-shaped film can be imparted.

[0057] Specifically, in the blind curtain 3, overlapping the mesh knitted fabrics 2 allows light to penetrate through the mesh knitted fabric 2, and sliding the functional knitted fabric 1 and the mesh knitted fabric 2 to overlap each other makes it possible to suppress light penetration. In this case, since the blind curtain 3 includes the functional knitted fabric 1 described above, it is possible to make the blind curtain 3 exhibit its heat-shielding, UV-blocking, and other functions provided by the functional knitted fabric 1 over the entire surface or part of the blind curtain 3.

[0058] In the blind curtain 3, when the mesh knitted fabric 2 is knitted with the loop portion 32a and the second yarn portion 20, it is possible to knit the functional knitted fabric 1 and the mesh knitted fabric simultaneously as a single unit. That is, the loop portion 32a and the second yarn portion 20 are knitted over the entire blind curtain 3, the strip-shaped film 31 is inserted into the portion of the functional knitted fabric 1, and the first yarn portion 10 is additionally knitted. In this case, since the blind curtain 3 can be knitted simultaneously, it is possible to manufacture the blind curtain 3 efficiently at low cost.

[0059] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0060] In the functional knitted fabric 1 according to the first embodiment, one side is the front side and the other side is the back side, but the one side may be the back side and the other side may be the front side. Note that the one side of the loop portion means one side in a direction perpendicular to the plane including the loop portion, and the other side of the loop portion means the other side in a direction perpendicular to the plane including the loop portion.

[0061] In the functional knitted fabric 1 according to the first embodiment, examples of the belt-shaped film 31 include a transparent or translucent film, an aluminum vapor deposition film, and a milky white film, but are not limited to these.

[0062] In the functional knitted fabric 1 of the first embodiment, the method of passing the first yarn 10a through the continuous loop 32 is not limited to the method shown in Figure 4, and the method of passing the second yarn 20a through the continuous loop 32 is not limited to the method shown in Figure 5.

[0063] In the blind curtain 3 according to the first embodiment, the functional knitted fabric 1 and the mesh-like mesh knitted fabric 2 are arranged alternately in the horizontal direction, but they may also be arranged alternately in the vertical direction.

[0064] Next, an example of a functional knitted fabric that was actually manufactured is shown. Figure 9(a) is a photograph showing one side of a functional knitted fabric according to another embodiment, and Figure 9(b) is a photograph showing the other side of a functional knitted fabric according to another embodiment. In the functional knitted fabrics shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the first yarn constituting the first yarn portion is thicker than the second yarn constituting the second yarn portion, and the strip-shaped film is an aluminum vapor-deposited film. In such functional knitted fabrics, the first yarn portion side of the strip-shaped film is completely covered by the first yarn portion, and the second yarn portion side is exposed.

[0065] Fig. 10(a) is a photograph showing one side of a functional knitted fabric according to another embodiment, and Fig. 10(b) is a photograph showing the other side of a functional knitted fabric according to another embodiment. In the functional knitted fabrics shown in Fig. 10(a) and Fig. 10(b), the first yarn constituting the first yarn portion is thicker than the second yarn constituting the second yarn portion, and the strip film is an aluminum vapor-deposited film. In such functional knitted fabrics, the strip film has a pattern drawn on the first yarn portion side and the second yarn portion side is exposed. Note that the strip film is exposed in the patterned portion, and the strip film is generally covered in the unpatterned portion.

[0066] The functional knitted fabric according to the present invention can be used as a knitted fabric having functionality. Specifically, it can be suitably used for applications such as clothing (including linings), bags, curtains, panel curtains, blind curtains, etc. The curtain according to the present invention can be used as a curtain to be placed near a window in a room, etc. The blind curtain according to the present invention can be used as a blind curtain to be placed near a window in a room, etc.

[0067] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a... Functional knitted fabric 10, 11... First yarn portion 10a... First yarn 2... Mesh knitted fabric 20... Second yarn portion 20a... Second yarn 3... Blind curtain 30... Base portion 31... Strip-shaped film 32... Continuous loop 32a... Loop portion 4... Curtain

Claims

1. A functional knitted fabric, which is a knitted fabric having functionality, comprising: a loop section in which multiple continuous loops are arranged parallel to each other; a strip-shaped film inserted between adjacent continuous loops; a first yarn section knitted into the continuous loops and located on one side of the loop section; and a second yarn section knitted into the continuous loops and located on the other side of the loop section, wherein the strip-shaped film is restrained by the first yarn section and the second yarn section.

2. A functional knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the strip film is 7 to 30 μm, the width of the strip film is 0.25 to 1.5 mm, and the strip film is inserted while the loop portion, the first yarn portion and the second yarn portion are continuously knitted by a warp knitting machine.

3. The functional knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein both sides of the belt-like film are respectively abutted against adjacent continuous loops.

4. A functional knitted fabric as described in claim 1, wherein the first yarn constituting the first yarn portion is thicker than the second yarn constituting the second yarn portion, and the strip film is covered by the first yarn portion on the first yarn portion side, and a portion of the second yarn portion side is exposed.

5. A functional knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the first yarn constituting the first yarn portion is thicker than the second yarn constituting the second yarn portion, and a pattern is drawn on the first yarn portion.

6. The functional knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the belt-shaped film is transparent or semi-transparent.

7. The functional knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the belt-shaped film is an aluminum vapor-deposited film on which aluminum is vapor-deposited.

8. The functional knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the belt-shaped film is a milky white film containing titanium oxide.

9. A curtain made of the functional knitted fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A blind curtain comprising the functional knitted fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a mesh-like mesh knitted fabric, which are arranged alternately.

11. The blind curtain according to claim 10, wherein the mesh knitted fabric is knitted from the loop portion and the second yarn portion.

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