Weft knitted fabric

Abstract

Provided is a weft knitted fabric which is stretchable, has excellent smoothness on a sinker loop surface, and has moderate undulation on a needle loop surface. The present invention relates to a weft knitted fabric that includes inelastic yarns in all courses and an elastic yarn in at least one of the courses. Courses A, B, and C are repeated in this order in a knitting direction, each of the courses being composed of either a single course or two or more consecutive courses having the same structure. The course A includes a knit and further includes an elastic yarn. The course B includes a knit and a tuck. The course C includes a knit and a welt. The knit of the course A and the tuck of the course B include one or more tuck stitches continuously formed on the same wale. The tuck stitches and the welt of the course C are continuously formed on the same wale at at least one point. Each of the ratios of the loop length of the course C to the loop length of the course A (LC / LA) and the ratio of the loop length of the course C to the loop length of the course B (LC / LB) is 0.25-0.75.

Description

Weft knitted fabric

[0001] The present invention relates to a weft knitted fabric.

[0002] The market demand for clothing with excellent design and comfort is high. To meet this demand, various knitted fabrics for clothing have been provided so far. In Patent Document 1 below, a single knitted fabric is disclosed in which thick yarn A and thin yarn B having an apparent thickness ratio of 1 / 1.5 or less are alternately arranged, the front side shows a herringbone appearance, and the back side has a pile texture.

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 60-52983

[0004] As a knitted fabric used for clothing with excellent comfort, a knitted fabric with a smooth texture is required. By making the yarns constituting the knitted fabric thinner, the stitch size becomes smaller, so a knitted fabric with a smooth sinker loop surface can be obtained. At the same time, the undulation of the needle loop surface also becomes smaller. Therefore, it has been difficult for conventional knitted fabrics to achieve both the smoothness of the sinker loop surface and the design property due to the large undulation of the needle loop surface. Even in the invention described in Patent Document 1, although the needle loop surface shows a herringbone appearance with undulations, the sinker loop surface has stitches forming piles protruding, so it does not have a smooth texture. Also, when an elastic fiber such as polyurethane is knitted in to impart stretchability, there is a problem that the undulation of the needle loop surface becomes even smaller because the stitch size becomes smaller.

[0005] In view of the problems of these prior arts, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a weft knitted fabric having stretchability, excellent smoothness on the sinker loop surface, and an appropriate amount of undulation on the needle loop surface.

[0006] As a result of intensive studies and repeated experiments to solve the above problems, the inventors of the present application unexpectedly found that the problems can be solved by the following configuration, and thus completed the present invention.

[0007] In other words, the present invention is as follows: [1] All courses include non-elastic yarn; one course includes elastic yarn; one course, or two or more courses in the same structure, are repeated in this order toward the end of knitting; the courses A, B, and C are each different structures; course A includes knit and further includes elastic yarn; course B includes knit and tuck; course C includes knit and welt; the knit of course A and the tuck of course B are formed continuously on the same wale, forming one or more tuck knits; the tuck knit and the welt of course C are continuous on the same wale at least in one place; and the loop length (L) of course A Ａ The loop length (L) of course C relative to ) Ｃ ) ratio (L Ｃ / L Ａ ), and the loop length (L) of course B Ｂ The loop length (L) of course C relative to ) Ｃ ) ratio (L Ｃ / L Ｂ[1] The weft-knitted fabric, wherein the value of ) is 0.25 to 0.75. [2] The weft-knitted fabric according to [1], wherein course C consists of two or more courses of the same structure from the course on the knitting start side to the course on the knitting end side. [3] The weft-knitted fabric according to [1] or [2], wherein course A consists only of knits. [4] The weft-knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein course B consists only of knits and tucks. [5] The weft-knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the proportion of courses A, B, and C arranged in the direction of the end of knitting is 10% or more and 50% or less. [6] The weft-knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the ratio of the number of tucks that are continuous on the same wale as the welt of course C to the total number of tucks in the weft-knitted fabric is 50% or more. [7] The weft-knitted fabric according to [6], wherein the ratio of the number of tuck knits that are continuous on the same wale as the welt of course C to the total number of tuck knits in the weft-knitted fabric is 100%. [8] The weft-knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the ratio of the fineness of the finest non-elastic yarn in course C to the finest non-elastic yarn in course A is less than 1.0. [9] The weft-knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the non-elastic yarn in course A is a short fiber.

[10] The weft-knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein course B further includes an elastic yarn.

[11] The weft-knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the non-elastic yarn in course C is a long fiber.

[12] The weft-knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to

[11] , which is a single weft-knitted fabric.

[13] A shirt including the weft-knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to

[12] .

[0008] The weft-knitted fabric according to the present invention is stretchable, has excellent smoothness on the sinker loop surface, and has moderately large undulations on the needle loop surface, making it suitable for use in textile products that come into direct contact with the skin and require aesthetic appeal, such as shirts, innerwear, bottomwear, jackets, and masks, and is particularly suitable for use in shirts.

[0009] It is an explanatory drawing of a knitted structure. It is an explanatory drawing of a tuck structure. It is an explanatory drawing of a welter structure. It is an example of the weft knitted fabric of the present invention. It is a method for collecting a test piece for measuring the undulation index and the moving direction of the friction element during the measurement. It is an explanatory drawing of the relationship between the knitting structure diagram of an example of the weft knitted fabric of the present invention and the notations in Tables 1 and 2 corresponding to the knitting structure. The knitting structure diagram of Comparative Example 8 and the yarn type and yarn length are shown.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. One embodiment of the present invention includes inelastic yarns in all courses; includes elastic yarns in any of the courses; one course or two or more consecutive courses of the same structure, courses A, courses B, and course C are repeated in this order in the knitting end direction; the course A, the course B, and the course C are each different from each other; the course A includes knit and further includes elastic yarn; the course B includes knit and tuck; the course C includes knit and welter; the knit of the course A and the tuck of the course B include one or more tuck knits continuously formed on the same wale; the tuck knit and the welter of the course C are continuous on the same wale at least at one place; and the ratio (L Ａ ) of the loop length (L Ｃ ) of the course C to the loop length (L Ｃ / L Ａ ) of the course A, and the ratio (L Ｂ ) of the loop length (L Ｃ ) of the course C to the loop length (L Ｃ / L Ｂ ) of the course B have values of 0.25 to 0.75; it is a weft knitted fabric.

[0011] In this specification, "course" (hereinafter abbreviated as (C)) refers to a column in which stitches are continuous in the weft direction of the knitted fabric, and "wale" (hereinafter abbreviated as (W)) refers to a column in which stitches are continuous in the warp direction of the knitted fabric (see FIG. 4).

[0012] In this specification, the "needle loop surface" refers to a surface composed of needle loops that are the peak portions of the loops and is synonymous with the technical face (TF) (the front side of the paper surface in FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0013] In this specification, "sinker loop surface" refers to the surface composed of the sinker loop, which is the valley portion of the loop, and is synonymous with technical back (TB) (reverse side of the paper in Figures 1-3).

[0014] In knitted fabrics (hereinafter simply referred to as "knits," abbreviated as (K)), stitches created by pulling in the knitting needles, as shown in the white lines of Figure 1, become needle loops (NL). In tucked fabrics (hereinafter simply referred to as "tucks," abbreviated as (T)), stitches created by pulling in the knitting needles, as shown in the white lines of Figure 2, also become needle loops. In welted fabrics (hereinafter simply referred to as "welts," abbreviated as (W)), as shown in the shaded area of ​​Figure 3, since the yarn does not catch on the needles, there are no needle loops, and the yarn passes between adjacent needle loops in the same course, so all of them become sinker loops (SL).

[0015] In this specification, "non-elastic yarn" refers to a fiber with an elongation at break of less than 100%.

[0016] In this specification, "elastic yarn" refers to a fiber with a break elongation of 100% or more.

[0017] <Course A> Course A includes knit and further includes elastic yarn by plating. Course A may include knitting structures other than knit, but it is preferable that it is composed only of knit (see Figure 4). When Course A is composed only of knit, the amount of knit loops in the weft knitted fabric increases, improving the stretch and recovery of the weft knitted fabric and improving its ability to follow movement. Course A may consist of only one course, or it may consist of two or more courses in a row with the same structure. When Course A consists of two or more courses in a row with the same structure, the yarns included in each course may be different.

[0018] <Course B> Course B includes knit and tuck. Course B may include knitting structures other than knit and tuck, but it is preferable that it consists only of knit and tuck (see Figure 4). By having Course B consist only of knit and tuck structures, the number of tuck stitches that form the relief of the needle loop surface increases, thus improving the design of the weft knitted fabric. Course B may consist of only one course, or it may consist of two or more courses of the same structure in succession.

[0019] <Course C> Course C includes knit and welt. Course C may include knitting structures other than knit and welt, but it is preferable that it consists only of knit and welt (see Figure 4). Because Course C consists only of knit and welt, the yarn length of Course C becomes smaller, the needle loops of Course C become smaller, and the size difference of the stitches between Course C and the tuck knit formed by Courses A and B becomes larger, resulting in larger undulations formed on the needle loop surface.

[0020] Course C may consist of only one course, or it may consist of two or more consecutive courses of the same structure. Course C is preferably composed of one to three courses from the viewpoint of suppressing the protrusion of the welt into the sinker loop due to the overlapping of welts and improving the smoothness of the sinker loop surface. When Course C consists of two or more consecutive courses of the same structure, the threads included in each course may be different.

[0021] <Arrangement of Courses A to C> In this embodiment, the weft knitted fabric has courses A, B, and C repeated in this order towards the end of knitting. For example, the weft knitted fabric in this embodiment may be knitted in the order A, B, C, A... from the beginning to the end of knitting, or one or more of courses A, B, C, C, A... or A, B, C, C, C, A... may be knitted with multiple courses (see Table 1 and Figure 6).

[0022] <Content ratio of course A to C arrangement (ABC ratio (%))> In this embodiment, the content ratio of the repeating structure of course A, course B, and course C in the direction of the end of knitting can be expressed by the following formula (4): Content ratio of course A, course B, and course C arrangement in the direction of the end of knitting = Total number of loops of the repeating structure of course A, course B, and course C in the direction of the end of knitting in one complete structure / Total number of loops in one complete structure ... formula (4). The total number of loops in one complete structure refers to the number of knits, tucks, and welts that form loops, and does not include knit structures that do not include knits (inlay knit consisting only of welts and tucks). The content ratio of course A, course B, and course C arrangement in the direction of the end of knitting is preferably 10% or more and 50% or less, more preferably 25% to 50%, and even more preferably 40% to 50%. If the content ratio is less than 10%, it may not be possible to achieve both the smoothness of the sinker loop surface and the design quality due to the large undulation of the needle loop surface.

[0023] <Tuck Knit> In this embodiment, the weft knitted fabric forms a tuck knit by having the knit of course A and the tuck of course B continuous on the same wale (see the wale on the left in Figure 4). In this embodiment, the knitted fabric forms a large undulation on the needle loop surface by forming a tuck knit. In this embodiment, the tuck knit formed by the knit of course A and the tuck of course B and the welt of course C are continuous on the same wale at least at one location (see the wale on the left in Figure 4). Because the tuck knit and the welt of course C are continuous on the same wale at least at one location, the tuck knit formed by course A and course B becomes larger, resulting in a larger undulation on the needle loop surface. In addition, the welt structure of course C placed on the sinker loop surface fills the depressions on the sinker loop surface formed by course A and course B, thereby increasing the smoothness of the sinker loop surface. From a similar viewpoint, in the weft knitted fabric of this embodiment, it is preferable that the ratio of the number of tucks that are continuous on the same wale as the welt of course C to the total number of tucks in one complete structure is 50% or more, and more preferably 100%. One complete structure refers to the smallest repeating unit of the knitting structure that constitutes the fabric. In addition, in the weft knitted fabric of this embodiment, the tucks that constitute the "total number of tucks in one complete structure" can be included not only in course B, but also in course A and / or course C.

[0024] <Loop length L of Course A> Ａ Loop length L of course C Ｃ The ratio value of > The weft knitted fabric of this embodiment has a loop length L of course A. Ａ Loop length L of course C Ｃ The ratio value (L Ｃ / L Ａ The L is 0.25 to 0.75, preferably 0.40 to 0.70, and more preferably 0.50 to 0.70. Ｃ / L Ａ Because the value is 0.25 or higher, the needle loop of course C does not become too small, making it possible to obtain stretchability suitable for wear. Also, the L Ｃ / L Ａ Since the ratio is 0.75 or less, a difference in the size of the needle loops formed by course A and course C occurs on the needle loop surface, allowing for the formation of appropriate undulations, and on the sinker loop surface, the sinker loop of course C does not protrude from the sinker loop surface, resulting in superior smoothness. Furthermore, the L Ｃ / L Ａ Since the value is 0.75 or less, the filling density of the knitted fabric increases, and the air layer decreases, thus improving heat dissipation. Ｃ / L Ａ There are no particular limitations on the methods for adjusting the value to 0.25 to 0.75, but examples include increasing the number of knits in course A or decreasing the number of knits in course C.

[0025] <Loop length L of Course B> Ｂ Loop length L of course C Ｃ The ratio value of > The weft knitted fabric of this embodiment has a loop length L of course B. Ｂ Loop length L of course C Ｃ The ratio value (L Ｃ / L Ｂ The L is 0.25 to 0.75, preferably 0.40 to 0.70, and more preferably 0.50 to 0.70. Ｃ / L Ｂ Because the value is 0.25 or higher, the needle loop of course C does not become too small, making it possible to obtain stretchability suitable for wear. Also, the L Ｃ / L Ｂ Since the ratio is 0.75 or less, a difference in the size of the needle loops formed by course B and course C occurs on the needle loop surface, allowing for the formation of appropriate undulations. Furthermore, on the sinker loop surface, the sinker loop of course C does not protrude from the sinker loop surface, resulting in superior smoothness. In addition, the L Ｃ / L Ａ Since the value is 0.75 or less, the filling density of the knitted fabric increases, and the air layer decreases, thus improving heat dissipation. Ｃ / L ＢThere are no particular limitations on the methods for adjusting the value to 0.25 to 0.75, but examples include increasing the number of knits in course B or decreasing the number of knits in course C.

[0026] <Inelastic Yarn> The weft knitted fabric of this embodiment includes inelastic yarn in all courses. As the inelastic yarn, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, regenerated (refined) cellulose fibers, etc., can be used. Examples of natural fibers include cotton, linen, silk, wool, etc. Examples of synthetic fibers include polyester fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate and polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyamide fibers such as nylon 6 and nylon 66, and polyolefin fibers such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Bright yarns, semi-dull yarns, full-dull yarns, etc., can be arbitrarily selected, and the cross-sectional shape of the fiber can be any cross-sectional shape such as round, elliptical, W-shaped, cocoon-shaped, hollow yarn, etc., and the form of the fiber is not particularly limited, and may be a raw yarn or a crimped yarn such as a false twist. Examples of regenerated (refined) cellulose fibers include rayon, cupro, lyocell, etc. Regenerated (refined) cellulose fibers may be in the form of a single yarn as a raw yarn or twisted yarn, or in the form of a composite yarn with synthetic fibers as exemplified below.

[0027] The form of the composite yarn of regenerated (refined) cellulose fibers and synthetic fibers is not particularly limited, and a composite method suitable for the application can be selected, such as interlacing or twisting. The fineness of the composite yarn of cellulose fibers and synthetic fibers is preferably 19 to 90 dtex. By setting the fineness of the composite yarn of regenerated (refined) cellulose fibers and synthetic fibers within the above range, it is easy to obtain a knitted fabric that is excellent in bending flexibility, thin, and comfortable to wear in hot environments.

[0028] <Elastic Yarn> The weft knitted fabric of this embodiment includes elastic yarn in course A, and preferably also in course B. By including elastic yarn in addition to the above-described configuration of course A, course B, and course C, the weft knitted fabric of this embodiment can be given elasticity to the weft knitted fabric while suppressing the flattening of the needle loop surface due to the shrinkage of the elastic yarn. Because course A contains elastic yarn, the needle loops shrink, increasing the filling rate and reducing the air layer, thus improving the heat dissipation of the weft knitted fabric. Furthermore, because the gaps through which light passes through the fabric become smaller, the UPF also improves.

[0029] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the weft knitted fabric has course C that does not contain elastic yarn, i.e., consists only of non-elastic yarn. Since course C consists only of non-elastic yarn, the undulation in the thickness direction of the knitted fabric in the sinker loop of course C is suppressed, and the smoothness of the sinker loop surface, which is the skin side, is improved.

[0030] In this embodiment, it is preferable that course B of the knitted fabric contains elastic yarn. By including elastic yarn in course B of the knitted fabric in this embodiment, the shrinkage of the needle loops can be minimized, making it easier to suppress the flattening of the needle loop surface by the elastic yarn. Furthermore, by including elastic yarn in course B of the knitted fabric in this embodiment, the number of non-elastic yarns that fix the elastic yarn in the needle loop is reduced, making the elastic yarn more deformable and making it easier to obtain stretch and recovery suitable for wear.

[0031] The material and spinning method of the elastic yarn are not particularly limited, and polyurethane-based or polyether ester-based elastic yarns can be used. For example, dry-spun or melt-spun yarns can be used. It is preferable that the elastic yarn does not lose its elasticity at around 180°C, which is the normal processing temperature for the pre-setting process during dyeing. The elastic yarn may contain functionalizing agents such as special polymers or inorganic substances to impart functionality according to the purpose, such as high settability, deodorizing properties, or antibacterial properties. The fineness of the elastic yarn is preferably 9 to 155 dtex, and more preferably 15 to 80 dtex from the viewpoint of ease of weft knitting fabric production.

[0032] In this embodiment, the weft-knitted fabric can include bare yarn (not covered by non-elastic yarn) or covering yarn (bare yarn covered by non-elastic yarn) as the elastic yarn. However, from the viewpoint of improving the smoothness of the back surface of the fabric, bare yarn is preferred. Furthermore, in weft-knitted fabrics using bare yarn as the elastic yarn, moisture is less likely to remain around the elastic yarn when worn during exercise or in hot environments, resulting in faster drying of the knitted fabric and greater comfort during wear. In addition, because the fiber diameter of the bare yarn is finer than that of covering yarn, weft-knitted fabrics using bare yarn as the elastic yarn are less likely to form irregularities on the needle loop surface, resulting in a smoother texture.

[0033] When using covering yarn as the elastic yarn, single-covered yarn (SCY) or double-covered yarn (DCY) can be used as the covering yarn, and the total fineness of the covering yarn is preferably 30 to 200 dtex, and more preferably 40 to 155 dtex from the viewpoint of ease of fabric manufacturing.

[0034] In this embodiment, the knitted fabric preferably has an elastic yarn content of 5.0% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of providing stretchability and increasing the undulation of the needle loop surface.

[0035] <Other Preferred Embodiments> In the weft knitted fabric of this embodiment, the fineness F of the most fine non-elastic yarn included in course A Ａ The fineness F of the finest non-elastic yarn included in course C. Ｃ The ratio value (F Ｃ / F Ａ ) is preferably less than 1.0, more preferably 0.20 to 0.98, even more preferably 0.25 to 0.93, and most preferably 0.30 to 0.90. Ｃ / F Ａ When the ratio is 0.20 or higher, the thread formed by course C fills the depressions formed on the sinker loop surface by courses A and B, making it easier to smooth the sinker loop surface. Also, the F Ｃ / F ＡHaving a value of less than 1.0 prevents the welt of course C from protruding onto the sinker loop surface, improving the smoothness of the sinker loop surface and increasing the undulation of the needle loop surface.

[0036] In the knitted fabric of this embodiment, it is preferable that the non-elastic yarn included in course C is a long fiber. By using long fibers in course C, the frictional resistance with the knitting needle during knitting is reduced, and it is possible to knit with a shorter yarn length compared to short fibers of the same fineness, so that smaller stitches can be obtained and the undulation of the needle loop surface can be made larger. In addition, by using long fibers in course C, the fuzz on the sinker loop surface is reduced and the smoothness is improved.

[0037] The single filament fineness of the non-elastic yarn included in Course C is preferably 3.0 dtex or less, preferably 2.5 dtex or less, and more preferably 1.8 dtex or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing the yarn from buckling at the welt and protruding onto the sinker loop surface, thereby improving smoothness. Furthermore, when the single filament fineness of the non-elastic yarn included in Course C is 3.0 dtex or less, the welt of Course C is less likely to protrude onto the sinker loop surface, so the welt of Course C is reliably positioned into the depression of the sinker loop surface formed by the tuck knit, and the smoothness of the sinker loop surface is greatly improved.

[0038] The fineness of the non-elastic yarn included in Course B is preferably 200 dtex or less and / or long fibers. Since the non-elastic yarn included in Course B is knitted closest to the sinker loop surface, having a fineness of 200 dtex or less and / or long fibers makes it easier for the sinker loop surface to become smooth.

[0039] The single filament fineness of the non-elastic yarn included in Course B is preferably 3.0 dtex or less, more preferably 2.5 dtex or less, and even more preferably 1.8 dtex or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing the yarn from buckling and protruding onto the sinker loop surface and improving smoothness.

[0040] In the weft-knitted fabric of this embodiment, if the objective is to suppress the gloss of the needle loop surface and create a weft-knitted fabric more suitable for casual clothing, the non-elastic yarn included in course A and / or course B is preferably a short fiber, and particularly preferably a cellulose fiber.

[0041] The weft-knitted fabric of this embodiment is preferably a single-weft-knitted fabric. A single-weft-knitted fabric refers to a knitted fabric produced on a single-weft knitting machine, and is a single-layer knitted fabric having a needle loop surface and a sinker loop surface. Because the weft-knitted fabric of this embodiment is a single-weft-knitted fabric, it is possible to reduce the fabric weight while expressing a highly decorative uneven surface with the minimum necessary amount of yarn, thereby making it possible to obtain a knitted fabric with excellent design and wearability.

[0042] In this embodiment, the weft-knitted fabric has an elongation rate in the warp and / or weft directions under a 14.7N load of preferably 30% or more, more preferably 40% or more, and even more preferably 50% or more. If the elongation rate in the warp and / or weft directions is 30% or more, the fabric will not hinder a person's movement when made into clothing, thus resulting in clothing with excellent comfort during movement.

[0043] The weft-knitted fabric of this embodiment preferably has a stretch recovery rate in the warp and / or weft directions of 40% or more, more preferably 50% or more, and even more preferably 60% or more. If the stretch recovery rate in the warp and / or weft directions is 40% or more, the fabric can maintain its shape even after repeated wear as clothing, which leads to an extended product life.

[0044] The weight of the weft knitted fabric in this embodiment is preferably 130 g / m². ２ ~250g / m ２ More preferably 190 g / m² ２ ~230g / m ２ The weight is 130 g / m². ２ If the above conditions are met, the bursting strength when used in clothing will improve, resulting in a knitted fabric that is preferable for practical wear. Also, the weight is 250 g / m. ２ The following conditions will result in a knit fabric that is not too thick, possesses the appropriate firmness necessary to maintain the product's silhouette, and is suitable for use as, for example, a polo shirt.

[0045] The thickness of the weft-knitted fabric in this embodiment is preferably 0.40 mm to 1.50 mm, more preferably 0.60 mm to 1.40 mm. If the thickness is 0.50 mm or more, there will be no problems with transparency or strength when worn, and if it is 1.50 mm or less, the knitted fabric will not become too thick, and a knitted fabric with the appropriate firmness necessary to maintain the silhouette of the product will be obtained, making it suitable for wear as outerwear, for example.

[0046] The knitting machine used to obtain the weft-knitted fabric of this embodiment is not particularly limited, and the gauge of the knitting machine can be arbitrarily selected, but the use of a knitting machine of about 20 to 44 gauge is preferred. With a 20 to 44 gauge knitting machine, it is possible to knit yarn of a fineness suitable for pattern expression while preventing the loop size from becoming too small, making it easier to achieve both appropriate stretchability and designability.

[0047] The weft-knitted fabric of this embodiment may be dyed. A standard dyeing and finishing process can be used, with dyeing conditions appropriate to the fiber material used, and any dyeing machine such as a jet dyeing machine, wind dyeing machine, or paddle dyeing machine can be used. Furthermore, processing agents can be used to improve water absorption and flexibility. Silicone-based, urethane-based, or ester-based softeners can be used, and the concentration can be appropriately selected according to the desired texture of the knitted fabric. A concentration in the range of 0.1% owf to 2.0% owf provides good bending flexibility and reduces friction between stitches, thereby imparting soft stretch and recovery properties.

[0048] <Applications> The knitted fabric of this embodiment has excellent design appeal due to the large undulation of the needle loop surface and smoothness of the sinker loop surface, making it suitable for use in textile products that come into direct contact with the skin and require design appeal, such as shirts, innerwear, bottomwear, jackets, and masks, and is particularly suitable for use in shirts.

[0049] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples. Of course, the present invention is not limited to these examples. The measurement methods for the characteristic values ​​used in the examples are shown below. The knitted fabric used for measurement is a knitted fabric cut from clothing, but the present invention also includes knitted fabrics that are not clothing, and its use is not limited to clothing.

[0050] (1) Basis weight (g / m ２ The weight of the knitted fabric is measured according to the Mass A method (JIS method) for mass per unit area under standard conditions as specified in JIS-L-1096.

[0051] (2) Thickness (mm) The thickness of the knitted fabric is measured at five arbitrary locations on the knitted fabric using a PEACOCK fabric thickness gauge, and the average value of the five measurements is calculated.

[0052] (3) Quick-drying properties (residual water content after 60 minutes) A ​​15cm x 15cm piece of knitted fabric was used as a test specimen. The amount of load fabric was adjusted so that the total weight of one test specimen and the load fabric conforming to Type III of JIS L 1930 Annex H was 1.0 kg. The test specimen and load fabric were washed together in a household washing machine in 40°C water for 15 minutes x 10 times, and then the test specimen was laid flat to dry. The test specimen was then conditioned for 24 hours at 20°C and 65% relative humidity. Under the same conditions, the mass (W) of a measuring cup (8cm in diameter, 10cm in height, cylindrical polypropylene) was measured. ｃ ) is measured, then the humidified test piece is placed in a cup, and the mass of the cup and the test piece (W) is measured. ｃ＋ｔ ) is measured. Next, 300 μl of pure water is dropped onto the dough sinker loop surface using a micropipette, and the mass (W) is immediately measured. ｃ＋ｔ＋ｗ ) is recorded. Then, the mass of the dripped water (W) is recorded. ｗ ) is expressed by the following formula: W ｗ = W ｃ＋ｔ＋ｗ -W ｃ＋ｔ Next, the dough is left to stand in the cup for 60 minutes to dry, and then the weight of the cup and the dough (W) is calculated. ｃ＋ｔ Measure the following formula (3): Percentage of water remaining after 60 minutes (%) = (W ｃ＋ｔ '-W ｃ＋ｔ ) / W ｗ×100…Calculate the remaining water content after 60 minutes using formula (3). The smaller the remaining water content after 60 minutes, the faster the knitted fabric dries.

[0053] (4) In any complete knit structure of loop knit fabric, for all courses of the complete knit structure, cut and unknit a 100-wale range within each course, extract each yarn, and measure the yarn length in a standard environment of 20°C and 65% humidity using the following method. Yarn with less than 100% elongation: Fix one end of the unknitted non-elastic yarn and suspend it, apply a predetermined load to the other end according to the yarn type shown below, and measure the length after 30 seconds. The unit is expressed as mm / 100w. For composite yarns of non-elastic and elastic yarns, measure the loop length using this method. <Predetermined load according to yarn type> Elastic bulky yarn of synthetic fibers, composite yarn of non-elastic and elastic yarn: 8.82 mN / dtex Other non-elastic yarns: 2.94 mN / dtex Elastic yarn: Fix one end of the unknitted elastic yarn and suspend it, confirm that the elastic yarn is almost straight, and measure the length in that state. The unit is expressed as mm / 100W.

[0054] (5) Elongation rate and elongation recovery rate The elongation rate and elongation recovery rate in the warp direction (well direction) and weft direction (course direction) of the knitted fabric shall be measured according to the JIS-L1096-8.16.2-B-1 method (constant load method). The load shall be 14.7 N.

[0055] (6) Magnitude of relief on the needle loop surface and smoothness of the sinker loop surface (relief index) A test specimen measuring 50 mm wide x 200 mm long is taken so that the length direction is inclined at 45° with respect to the wale direction of the knitted fabric. The needle loop surface and sinker loop surface of the test specimen are rubbed along the length direction of the test specimen from the end of knitting to the beginning of knitting (against the grain) using a Tribomaster Type: TL201Ts static and dynamic friction measuring machine manufactured by Trinity Labs under the following conditions: - Friction element: WC-Co alloy type (main material: tungsten carbide), thickness 0.5 mm x width 5.0 mm 1 * 1.5 cm urethane fingerprint-free - Measurement load: 3.75 g - Friction speed: 30 mm / sec - Friction element travel distance: 70.0 mm - Measurement interval: 1.0 millisecond

[0056] Four test specimens were taken from different locations on the weft-knitted fabric, and five measurements were taken for each specimen (a total of 20 measurements each for the needle loop surface and the sinker loop surface). The analysis application "Tribo analysis soft ver. 6.02" was used for the analysis. Specifically, the measurement interval was selected from 0.52 seconds to 2.08 seconds after the start of measurement, the standard deviation of the kinetic friction coefficient μK (μKSD) was determined, and the relief index (UI) for the 20 measurements of the kinetic friction coefficient μKSD was calculated using the following formula (1). A larger UI value indicates greater relief on the measurement surface.

[0057] The relief indices for the needle loop surface and the sinker loop surface are shown below, respectively, as UI Ｎ , and UI Ｓ This is how it is written. UI Ｎ If the value is 1.10 or higher, it can be said that the needle loop surface has undulations that can represent any pattern. Ｓ If the ratio is 1.30 or less, the friction when the sinker loop surface comes into contact with the skin is reduced, resulting in a knitted fabric with superior comfort when worn.

[0058] (7) Filling rate The filling rate is the ratio of the net volume of fibers to the apparent volume of the knitted fabric. The filling rate of the knitted fabric is calculated as the basis weight (g / m ２ ), thickness (mm), fiber density (g / cm³) ３ ) is calculated according to the following formula (2): Filling rate (%) = Basis weight (g / m ２ ) / [Thickness (mm) × Density (g / m³) ３ ) ] × 10 －１ ...Formula (2)

[0059] (8) Heat retention is measured using Kato Tech's Thermo Lab II. Also called dry heat loss, follow Kato Tech's measurement manual. The fabric, which has been pre-conditioned to an ambient temperature and humidity of 20°C and 65% RH, is placed in a frame made of specified insulating material (thickness 2 mm, weight 163 g / m). ２ ) is attached to a heater that maintains a constant temperature of 30°C, and the amount of heat supplied to maintain the heater temperature at 30°C is (W / 100cm²). ２ Read the formula (10°C). For every 1°C temperature difference, use the fabric area per square meter. ２ Convert to (W / m２ (°C) Therefore, multiply by 100 and divide by 10. Position the fabric so that the side facing the skin is in contact with the heater surface.

[0060] (9) Productivity When knitting with a 96-needle circular knitting machine, the number of courses knitted down per rotation was determined and evaluated according to the following criteria: (Evaluation Criteria) ○: The number of courses is 50 or more. ×: The number of courses is less than 20. It is preferable that the number of courses be 50 or more, and it was judged that there were problems with productivity if the number of courses was less than 50.

[0061] (10) UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) In accordance with the Australian / New Zealand standard (AS / NZS; 4399:1996), the UV transmittance from 280 to 400 nm, measured using a Shimadzu UV-3100PC spectrophotometer, was calculated considering a predetermined damage coefficient.

[0062] [Examples 1-9, Comparative Examples 1-8] Examples 1-9 and Comparative Examples 1-7 were knitted using a single knitting machine, and Comparative Example 8 was knitted using a double knitting machine, according to the gauge, structure, and yarn usage described in the table below, to obtain raw fabric. The raw fabric was relaxed and scoured in a continuous scouring machine, and then pre-set at 190°C for 1 minute. Dyeing was carried out with the addition of the softening agent Nikka Silicon AMZ (Nikka Chemical Co., Ltd.) 1.0% owf, and a finishing set was performed at 170°C for 1 minute to produce knitted fabric. The evaluation results are shown in Tables 1-5 below. In Tables 1-5 below, Ny means nylon, Pet means polyester, Co means cotton, Pu means polyurethane elastic yarn, SD means semi-dull, FD means full-dull, DTY means false-twist yarn, SCY means single-covered yarn, K means knit, T means tuck, and W means welt. For polyester and nylon, for example, the notation 78T48F means a total fineness of 78 decitex and 48 filaments. For cotton, for example, the notation 60 / 1 means 60 count single yarn. Unless otherwise specified, polyurethane elastic yarn is used in its bare form. "Course number" refers to the knitting order of courses in one complete knit, with courses having smaller course numbers being the starting point. "Needle number" refers to the arrangement of knitting needles in one complete knit, with needles being knitted sequentially from the smallest number.

[0063]

[0064]

[0065]

[0066]

[0067]

[0068] The weft-knitted fabric according to the present invention is stretchable, has excellent smoothness on the sinker loop surface, and has moderately large undulations on the needle loop surface, making it suitable for use in textile products that come into direct contact with the skin and require aesthetic appeal, such as shirts, innerwear, bottomwear, jackets, and masks, and is particularly suitable for use in shirts.

[0069] NL Needle Loop, SL Sinker Loop, OL Old Loop, N Knit, T Tuck, W Welt

Claims

1. All courses include non-elastic yarn; at least one course includes elastic yarn; courses A, B, and C, one course or two or more courses in the same structure, are repeated in this order towards the end of knitting; courses A, B, and C are each different structures; course A includes knit and also includes elastic yarn; course B includes knit and tuck; course C includes knit and welt; the knit of course A and the tuck of course B form one or more continuous tuck knits on the same wale; the tuck knit and the welt of course C are continuous on the same wale at least in one place; and the loop length (L) of course A Ａ The loop length (L) of course C relative to ) Ｃ ) ratio (L Ｃ / L Ａ ), and the loop length (L) of course B Ｂ The loop length (L) of course C relative to ) Ｃ ) ratio (L Ｃ / L Ｂ The value of ) is between 0.25 and 0.75; weft knitted fabric.

2. The weft knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein course C consists of two or more courses of the same structure from the course at the beginning of knitting to the course at the end of knitting.

3. The weft-knitted fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein course A consists solely of knitted fabric.

4. The weft-knitted fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein course B consists only of knits and tucks.

5. The weft knitted fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the proportion of the arrangement of course A, course B, and course C toward the end of knitting is 10% or more and 50% or less.

6. The weft knitted fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio of the number of tucks that are continuous on the same wale as the welt of course C to the total number of tucks in the weft knitted fabric is 50% or more.

7. The weft-knitted fabric according to claim 5, wherein the ratio of the number of tucks that are continuous on the same wale as the welt of course C to the total number of tucks in the weft-knitted fabric is 100%.

8. The weft knitted fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio of the fineness of the finest non-elastic yarn in course C to the finest non-elastic yarn in course A is less than 1.

0.

9. The weft-knitted fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-elastic yarn included in course A is a short fiber.

10. The weft knitted fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein course B further includes elastic yarn.

11. The weft-knitted fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-elastic yarn included in course C is a long fiber.

12. The weft knitted fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein it is a single weft knitted fabric.

13. A shirt comprising the weft-knitted fabric according to claim 1 or 2.

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