JP7610087B1 - Knitted fabric and clothing using said knitted fabric - Google Patents

Abstract

【summary】
The present invention provides a knitted fabric that is particularly light in weight and has excellent water absorption properties compared to conventional products. The knitted fabric of the present application is made of cotton yarn. The twist coefficient of the cotton yarn is 2.0 or more and 3.4 or less (Feature 1). The cotton yarn has an English cotton count of 60 to 100 (equivalent to single yarn) (Feature 2). The knitted fabric is made of a plain stitch weave having two or more layers (Feature 3). The fabric mass of the knitted fabric is 150 g/ m2 or ^less (Feature 4). The saturated water absorption of the knitted fabric is four times or more the fabric mass (Feature 5). The knitted fabric of the present application is suitable for use as a clothing fabric.
[Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a knitted fabric that is particularly lightweight and has excellent water absorption properties compared to conventional products.

Clothes are made using woven and knitted fabrics. Woven fabrics are made by intersecting warp and weft threads. Knitted fabrics are made by making continuous loops in a single thread, then repeatedly entangling the threads in the loops to make more loops.

Compared to woven fabrics, knitted fabrics are more elastic, breathable, and soft to the touch, and these properties are utilized for making clothing.

There are two types of knitting: warp knitting and weft knitting. In warp knitting, many warp threads are arranged in parallel and warped to create stitches vertically. In weft knitting, a single thread moves horizontally and intertwines loops to create stitches. Circular knitting is a form of weft knitting.

Various materials can be used for knitted fabrics, but they are often made from cotton yarn because of their pleasant feel against the skin (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2023-150772 A

As described above, knitted fabrics made from cotton yarn are well suited for clothing. However, lightweight fabrics are important for use in clothing. In particular, when used for loungewear or sleepwear, if the wearer feels a weight burden, they are unable to relax.

It is possible to make the fabric lighter by making it thinner, for example. However, thin fabrics have a significantly lower water absorbency. In other words, it is difficult to achieve both light weight and water absorbency.

The present invention seeks to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a knitted fabric that has excellent water absorbency while maintaining light weight, and clothing made from said knitted fabric.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a knitted fabric made of cotton yarn. The twist coefficient of the cotton yarn is 2.0 to 3.4. The cotton yarn has an English cotton count of 60 to 100 (equivalent to single yarn). The knitted fabric is formed of a plain weave having two or more layers. The fabric mass is 150 g/ m2 ^or less. The saturated water absorption is four or more times the fabric mass.

The saturated water absorption capacity is the upper limit of the amount of water that a fabric can absorb, but in the case of clothing, if it takes a long time to absorb water, it will lead to discomfort, so for convenience, the saturated water absorption capacity is defined here as the amount of water absorbed within 180 seconds. Generally, for cotton fabrics for clothing with a fabric mass of 200 g/ m2 ^or less, it takes 60 to 120 seconds to reach the saturated water absorption capacity, and fabrics that take longer than that do not give the user the feeling that the fabric is absorbing water.

This allows for excellent water absorption while maintaining light weight.

Preferably, the cotton yarn is formed by untwisting the twisted dissolving yarns by dissolving them.

This results in a weakly twisted cotton yarn.

Preferably, the untwisting rate of the soluble yarn is 15-50%.

This results in the cotton yarn being a weakly twisted yarn with a twist factor of between 2.0 and 3.4.

Preferably, the two or more layers of jersey fabric include a first jersey fabric and a second jersey fabric, and the back side of the first jersey fabric and the back side of the second jersey fabric are bonded together.

This allows for even better water absorption.

The present invention, which aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a method for manufacturing the knitted fabric described above. A dissolving yarn is twisted with a cotton yarn having a twist factor of more than 3.4 to form a twisted yarn, two or more layers of plain weave are formed with the twisted yarn, the dissolving yarn is dissolved, and the cotton yarn is untwisted.

This results in a weakly twisted yarn with a twist factor of 2.0 or more and 3.4 or less.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a knitted fabric made of cotton yarn. The twist coefficient of the cotton yarn is 2.0 to 3.4. The cotton yarn has an English cotton count of 60 to 100 (equivalent to single yarn). The knitted fabric is formed of one or more layers of interlock structure. The fabric mass is 150 g/ m2 or ^less . The saturated water absorption is four times or more the fabric mass.

This allows for excellent water absorption while maintaining light weight.

In order to solve the above problem, the garment of the present invention is formed from the above knitted fabric.

This allows sweat from the body to be quickly absorbed and removed from inside the garment, preventing the wearer from feeling sticky or stuffy due to sweat and maintaining a refreshing feeling.

The knitted fabric of the present invention is excellent in water absorption while maintaining its light weight. In other words, it has a high water absorption rate. It also has a fast water absorption rate.

Absorption rate is the ratio of the amount of water absorbed to the mass of the fabric. Absorption speed is the speed at which the fabric absorbs water. Here, it is expressed as the amount of water absorbed by the fabric per second, and the maximum speed recorded during measurement is used as the absorption rate.

Clothing made from the knitted fabric of the present invention can quickly absorb sweat from the body and remove it from inside the garment. The wearer does not feel sticky or stuffy due to sweat, and can maintain a refreshing feeling.

Comparison of regular cotton yarn and weakly twisted yarn Image of weak twist yarn formation Comparison of fine and thick yarn count knitted fabrics Double layer jersey composition image Comparison of water absorption capacity between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 Comparison of water absorption capacity between Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 Interlock configuration diagram Comparison of water absorption capacity between Example 3 and Comparative Example 3 Reference example: Water absorption capacity Changes in the environment (humidity) inside clothing over time Changes in temperature inside clothing over time

～Overview～
The present invention is a knitted fabric made of cotton yarn. Cotton yarn is made by twisting cotton fibers. Unless otherwise specified, it is made of 100% cotton fibers. However, if it can be regarded as being substantially 100% cotton fiber (for example, 90% or more cotton), it will be treated as cotton yarn.

The twist coefficient K of the cotton yarn of this application is between 2.0 and 3.4 (Characteristic 1). In other words, a weakly twisted yarn is used. Note that the coefficient K of ordinary cotton twisted yarn (hereinafter referred to as ordinary twisted yarn) is between 3.6 and 4.3. The twist coefficient is defined as the number of twists per unit length divided by the square root of the English yarn count.

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional comparison of a regular twist yarn (Figure 1A) and a weak twist yarn (Figure 1B). They are made from the same amount of cotton fibers and have the nominally same yarn count.

Even with the same yarn count, weakly twisted yarn expands softer than normally twisted yarn. In other words, it appears slightly thicker.

Weakly twisted yarn contains more internal voids than normally twisted yarn. It is presumed that these voids induce capillary action.

A weakly twisted yarn does not simply have a lower twist factor than a normally twisted yarn, but may also be formed by untwisting twisted soluble yarns by dissolving them.

Figure 2 shows an example of weakly twisted yarn. The top image shows normal twisted yarn and dissolved yarn, and the bottom image shows cross-twisted yarn.

Ordinary twisted yarn is formed by twisting fibers such as cotton. A soluble yarn (e.g., a water-soluble yarn) is then wound around the ordinary twisted yarn in the opposite direction to the twist direction to form a cross-twisted yarn. By dissolving and removing the soluble yarn, the twist of the ordinary twisted yarn is reversed to form a weakly twisted yarn. At this time, the yarn softens and swells, forming gaps between the fibers.

For example, if ordinary twist yarn is twisted 100 times and the soluble yarn is twisted 15 times, a weakly twisted yarn with a twist of 85% after untwisting is formed. The untwist rate in this case is 15%. Similarly, if ordinary twist yarn is twisted 100 times and the soluble yarn is twisted 50 times, a weakly twisted yarn with a twist of 50% after untwisting is formed. The untwist rate in this case is 50%. The untwist rate in this application is 15-50%.

If the untwisting rate is less than 15%, clear gaps will not be formed and the effect of the present application will not be obtained. If the untwisting rate is more than 50%, the strength of the yarn will be insufficient, making it difficult to form the product. Furthermore, it is preferable that the untwisting rate of the present application is 20-40%.

In addition, if the number of twists of the normal twisted yarn is 100 and the number of twists of the dissolving yarn is 170, a weakly twisted yarn with a twist of -70% after untwisting is formed. This is treated as the same as an untwist rate of 30%.

If the number of twists of the normal twisted yarn is 100 and the number of twists of the soluble yarn is 100, a non-twisted yarn with 0% twist after untwisting is formed. The twist coefficient K of the non-twisted yarn is zero.

If untwisted yarn or yarn equivalent to untwisted yarn is applied to the knitted fabric, the kickback properties of the knitted fabric will be impaired, so untwisted yarn is not applied in this application.

The cotton yarn of this application has an English cotton count of 60 to 100 (equivalent to single yarn) (Characteristic 2). For knitted fabrics such as plain jersey and interlock, an English cotton count of 20 to 40 (equivalent to single yarn) is often used.

Figure 3 is a comparative image diagram of loops in a fine-count knitted fabric structure (Figure 3A) and loops in a coarse-count knitted fabric structure (Figure 3B). Note that the loops in this application are part of the knitted fabric structure and are different from loops in pile woven fabrics and loops in pile knitted fabrics.

The knitted fabric of the present application is assumed to be applied to clothing. Therefore, light weight is also important, and the fabric mass of the knitted fabric is 150 g/ m2 or ^less (Feature 4).

As a result, the knitting density (wale x course) is adjusted so that the mass falls within a specified range by shortening the loop spacing in fine-count knitted fabrics and lengthening the loop spacing in coarse-count knitted fabrics. Specifically, the knitting density is adjusted by the gauge number of the knitting machine.

Compared to loops in a coarse-count knitted fabric, the gaps formed between the loops in a fine-count knitted fabric are narrower and there are more gaps between them, and it is presumed that these gaps induce capillary action.

In addition, fine-count knitted fabrics have a denser weave and a greater number of threads than coarse-count knitted fabrics, which is presumably what will ensure the effect of Feature 1 of the present application.

Therefore, if the count is thicker than British cotton count 60, the fabric will be heavy and the knitting density will be coarse, and the effect of the present application will not be obtained. If the count is thicker than British cotton count 100, the strength of the thread will be insufficient, making it difficult to form the product. Furthermore, it is preferable that the cotton count of the present application is 70 to 90 (equivalent to single yarn). Note that single yarn count 60 is equivalent to two-ply yarn count 120, and single yarn count 100 is equivalent to two-ply yarn count 200.

In addition, if an extremely fine yarn count is applied to the knitted fabric, the kickback properties of the knitted fabric will be impaired, so extremely fine yarn counts are not applied in this application.

The knitted fabric of this application is formed from two or more layers of jersey weave (Feature 3). Jersey knit, also known as plain knit, is the most basic weft knitting structure, and is knitted with a single row of needles, resulting in the same knit structure continuing in the vertical and horizontal directions. The stitches on the front and back are different, with the stitches on the front side being vertical and the stitches on the back side being horizontal. For ease of explanation, the following examples will use double jersey. Unless otherwise specified in this application, jersey weave is, in principle, a single-ply structure.

Figure 4 is an image of the double jersey structure. A first jersey weave and a second jersey weave are layered together via bonding. The details of the bonding are omitted to avoid complicating the illustration. Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view, and Figure 4B is a partial plan view.

Although the jersey weave has a clear front and back side, the back side of the first jersey weave may be joined to the front side of the second jersey weave, or the back side of the first jersey weave may be joined to the back side of the second jersey weave, or the front side of the first jersey weave may be joined to the front side of the second jersey weave.

It is assumed that the space formed by laminating the first and second jersey weaves functions as a sort of temporary water storage, similar to the gaps between fibers and between threads. In particular, when the backs of the first and second jersey weaves are bonded together, the convex surfaces face each other, reducing the contact area between the two layers and increasing the number of gaps. This is preferable as it increases capillary action and water storage space.

The knitted fabric of the present application is intended to be used in clothing. Therefore, light weight is also important, and the fabric mass of the knitted fabric is 150 g/ m2 or ^less (Feature 4). If the constituent requirements and cotton yarn count are limited, the density of the structure and the thickness of the fabric are necessarily limited to a certain range.

Furthermore, the fabric mass of the knitted fabric is preferably about 80 to 130 g/ m2 . If ^it is less than 80 g/ ^m2 , the structure will be too coarse and thin, and the effect of the present invention will not be obtained.

The saturated water absorption capacity of the knitted fabric of the present application is four or more times the mass of the fabric (Feature 5). In other words, by having Features 1 to 4 of the knitted fabric of the present application, it is possible to achieve both light weight and water absorption.

In addition, if the fabric mass is increased (ignoring lightness), the amount of water absorbed will increase. In this application, since the aim is not simply to obtain a large amount of water absorption, but to achieve both lightness and water absorbency, the saturated water absorption amount per fabric mass, i.e., the water absorption ratio, is used as the indicator.

The water absorption is the value measured by the JIS L1907 surface water absorption method. The saturated water absorption is the amount of water absorbed by the fabric when the amount of water absorbed by the fabric reaches equilibrium over time. Generally, cotton fabrics reach saturated water absorption within 120 seconds, so in this application, measurements were taken up to 180 seconds, and the value at 180 seconds was taken as the saturated water absorption. The mass of the fabric is the mass of the sample size specified in the JIS L1907 surface water absorption method.

~Example 1~
In order to verify the relationship between Feature 1 (twist factor) and the effects of the present invention, Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were compared.

Both Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were made of double-layered plain weave with British cotton count 80. The gauge number was G24.

Example 1-1 had an untwist rate of 20% and a twist factor of 3.1. Example 1-2 had an untwist rate of 30% and a twist factor of 2.8. Example 1-3 had an untwist rate of 50% and a twist factor of 2.0.

In Comparative Example 1-1, the twist factor was 4.0 (normal twist yarn). In Comparative Example 1-2, one of the double plain weaves had a twist factor of 4.0 (normal twist yarn) and the other had a twist factor of 2.0 (weak twist yarn).

The fabric mass of the knitted fabric was 150 g/ m2 or ^less and was adjusted to be as uniform as possible.

Figure 5 is a comparison diagram of the water absorption capacity of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. The horizontal axis is the elapsed time (S), and the vertical axis is the water absorption capacity (saturated water absorption amount per unit mass (dimensionless)). The water absorption capacity after 180 seconds was taken as the water absorption capacity at saturation.

The water absorption ratio of Example 1-1 was 5.1. The water absorption ratio of Example 1-2 was 4.2. The water absorption ratio of Example 1-3 was 4.6. All of them achieved a water absorption ratio of 4.0 or more.

The water absorption ratio of Comparative Example 1-1 was 4.4. The water absorption ratio of Comparative Example 1-2 was 5.0. All of them achieved a water absorption ratio of 4.0 or more. However, while the water absorption ratio of Example 1 exceeded 4.0 after 40 seconds, Comparative Example 1-1 exceeded 4.0 after 160 seconds. Comparative Example 1-2 exceeded 4.0 after 60 seconds.

The maximum water absorption rate (ml/s) measured by the JIS L 1907 surface water absorption method was compared between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1.

The water absorption rate of Example 1-1 was 0.13. The water absorption rate of Example 1-2 was 0.16. The water absorption rate of Example 1-3 was 0.07.

The water absorption rate of Comparative Example 1-1 was 0.02. The water absorption rate of Comparative Example 1-2 was 0.03.

The knitted fabric of this application is intended to be used in clothing. Specifically, it is intended to quickly absorb sweat from the body and remove it from inside the clothing.

Therefore, the water absorption rate is also an important index. For the sake of convenience, in this application, examples include those with a maximum water absorption rate (ml/s) of 0.05 or more as measured by the JIS L 1907 surface water absorption method, and comparative examples include those with a maximum water absorption rate of less than 0.05.

From the comparison results between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, it is inferred that a good water absorption rate can be achieved by using an appropriate twist coefficient.

Furthermore, when comparing Comparative Example 1-1 and Comparative Example 1-2, it is inferred that the water absorption rate can be improved by making one of the double plain weaves have an appropriate twist coefficient.

Example 2
In order to verify the relationship between the characteristic 2 (cotton yarn count) of the present application and the effects of the present application, Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 were compared.

Both Example 2 and Comparative Example 2-1 were made of double plain weave with a twist factor of 2.8.

Example 2-1 used an English cotton count of 80. The gauge number was G24. Example 2-2 used an English cotton count of 100. The gauge number was G28. Example 2-3 used a cotton yarn count of 60. The gauge number was G22. Note that if an English cotton count of more than 100 was used, the yarn strength would be insufficient and it would be difficult to form the product, so this was not verified in the examples. Comparative Example 2-1 used an English cotton count of 40. The gauge number was G18.

Note that Examples 1-2 and 2-1 are essentially the same.

In Examples 2-1 to 2-3, the fabric mass of the knitted fabric was adjusted to 150 g/ m2 ^or less. However, Example 2-3 was slightly heavy because the knitted structure density became too coarse when the gauge number was 22 or less. In addition, the fabric mass of Comparative Example 2-1 exceeded 150 ^g / m2 .

Figure 6 is a comparison diagram of the water absorption capacity of Example 2 and Comparative Example 2. The horizontal axis is the elapsed time (S), and the vertical axis is the water absorption capacity (saturated water absorption amount per unit mass (dimensionless)). The water absorption capacity after 180 seconds was taken as the water absorption capacity at saturation.

The water absorption ratio of Example 2-1 was 4.2. The water absorption ratio of Example 2-2 was 4.9. The water absorption ratio of Example 2-3 was 4.2. All of them achieved a water absorption ratio of 4.0 or more.

The water absorption ratio of Comparative Example 2-1 was 3.2. Comparative Example 2-1 has a large unit mass and sufficient water absorption, but the large unit mass results in a low water absorption ratio.

The comparison results between Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 suggest that an appropriate cotton yarn count can achieve a balance between light weight and absorbency.

In addition, in Example 2, the maximum water absorption rate (ml/s) measured by the JIS L 1907 surface water absorption method was confirmed. The water absorption rate of Example 2-1 was 0.16. The water absorption rate of Example 2-2 was 0.05. The water absorption rate of Example 2-3 was 0.06. All were 0.05 or more.

In order to verify the relationship between the present application's feature 3 (double plain stitch) and the effects of the present application, comparison example 2-1 and comparison example 2-2 were compared.

Both Comparative Example 2-1 and Comparative Example 2-2 used cotton yarn with a twist coefficient of 2.8 and British cotton yarn count of 40.

Comparative Example 2-1 is a double-ply plain weave, while Comparative Example 2-2 is a single-ply plain weave. As a result, the fabric weight is also different.

The water absorption capacity of Comparative Example 1-2 was 3.2. The water absorption speed was 0.08. The water absorption capacity of Comparative Example 2-2 was 2.4. The water absorption speed was 0.02. It is speculated that the good water absorption capacity and water absorption speed can be achieved due to the temporary water storage function formed between the double plain stitch laminate.

~Variations~
The knitted fabrics according to the above embodiment and the modified examples have in common Feature 1 (twist coefficient), Feature 2 (cotton yarn count), Feature 4 (fabric mass), and Feature 5 (water absorption capacity).

The above embodiment has a double plain weave (Feature 3-1 of the present application), whereas the knitted fabric of the modified example has an interlock weave (Feature 3-2 of the present application). Note that interlock weaves are sometimes called smooth weaves.

Figure 7 is an image of the structure of interlock knit. In plain knit, the stitches are different on the front and back, with the stitches running vertically on the front and horizontally on the back, whereas interlock knit is a knit structure in which two milling knit structures are combined so that the front and back are the same. Milling knit is a knit structure in which the front and back of plain knit appear alternately, and is characterized by symmetrical unevenness on the front and back.

In other words, a double jersey weave has two jersey weaves, while an interlock weave can be interpreted as 1.5 jersey weaves.

As a result, it is presumed that Feature 3-2 of the present application (interlock weave) exhibits a temporary water storage function similar to Feature 3-1 of the present application (double jersey weave).

~Example 3~
In the modified example as well, in order to verify the relationship between the feature 1 (twist factor) of the present application and the effects of the present application, Example 3 was compared with Comparative Example 3.

Both Example 3 and Comparative Example 3 were made of an interlock structure using British cotton count 100. The gauge number was G28.

Example 3-1 had an untwist rate of 20% and a twist factor of 3.1. Example 3-2 had an untwist rate of 30% and a twist factor of 2.8. Example 3-3 had an untwist rate of 50% and a twist factor of 2.0. Comparative Example 3 had a twist factor of 4.0 (twisted yarn).

The fabric mass of the knitted fabric was 150 g/ m2 or ^less and was adjusted to be as uniform as possible.

Figure 8 is a comparison diagram of the water absorption capacity of Example 3 and Comparative Example 3. The horizontal axis is the elapsed time (S), and the vertical axis is the water absorption capacity (saturated water absorption amount per unit mass (dimensionless)). The water absorption capacity after 180 seconds was taken as the water absorption capacity at saturation.

The water absorption ratio of Example 3-1 was 4.5. The water absorption ratio of Example 3-2 was 4.6. The water absorption ratio of Example 3-3 was 4.8. All of them achieved a water absorption ratio of 4.0 or more. The water absorption ratio of Comparative Example 3 was 4.7.

No significant difference in water absorption capacity was observed in a comparison between Example 3 and Comparative Example 3. However, in both cases, the water absorption capacity of Example 3 exceeded 4.0 after 20 to 25 seconds, whereas the water absorption capacity of Comparative Example 3 exceeded 4.0 after 70 seconds.

The maximum water absorption rate (ml/s) measured by the JIS L 1907 surface water absorption method was compared between Example 3 and Comparative Example 3.

The water absorption rate of Example 3-1 was 0.19. The water absorption rate of Example 3-2 was 0.09. The water absorption rate of Example 3-3 was 0.11. The water absorption rate of Comparative Example 3 was 0.04. In other words, Example 3 had a water absorption rate of 0.05 or more, and Comparative Example 3 had a water absorption rate of less than 0.05.

From the comparison results between Example 3 and Comparative Example 3, it is inferred that a good water absorption rate can be achieved by using an appropriate twist coefficient.

～Reference example～
The reference example is a product sold by a major clothing manufacturer. It is advertised as being highly absorbent and quick-drying, and quickly absorbing sweat from the body and removing it from inside the clothing. We investigated as many specifications as possible from the product.

Reference Example 1 is a single-ply jersey made of cotton yarn and polyester yarn. The fabric mass is 182 ^g / m2 . The cotton blend rate of this knitted fabric is about 70%, and it is not considered a cotton knitted fabric in this application. Reference Example 2 is ^a single-ply jersey made of polyester yarn and polyurethane yarn. The fabric mass is 103 g/ m2 .

Figure 9 is a graph of the water absorption capacity of the reference example. The horizontal axis is the elapsed time (S), and the vertical axis is the water absorption capacity (amount of saturated water absorption per unit mass (dimensionless)). The water absorption capacity after 180 seconds was taken as the water absorption capacity at saturation.

The water absorption ratio of Reference Example 1 was 2.0. The water absorption ratio of Reference Example 2 was 2.6. Both were less than 4.0.

The water absorption rate of Reference Example 1 was 0.10. The water absorption rate of Reference Example 2 was 0.09.

When comparing Examples 1 to 3 of the present application with the Reference Example, the water absorption speed is about the same, but there is a significant difference in the water absorption ratio.

In other words, although both the product of the present application and the reference product have a similar function of quickly absorbing sweat from the body and removing it from inside the clothing, it is presumed that as the amount of sweat increases, this function decreases in the reference product, whereas the product of the present application maintains this function even when the amount of sweat is large.

The superiority of cotton yarn as a material can be inferred. Also, in reference examples where the main component is chemical fiber, the idea of a weakly twisted yarn is unlikely to arise.

～Inside clothing environment～
The knitted fabric of this application is intended to be used in clothing. It is intended to quickly absorb sweat from the body and remove it from inside the clothing. The wearer will not feel sticky or stuffy due to sweat, and will be able to maintain a refreshing feeling.

The changes in the environment inside the garments were compared for garments knitted in Example 1 (double jersey) of the present application (specifically, Example 1-2), Example 3 (interlock) of the present application (specifically, Example 3-2), Comparison Example 2 (twisted cotton jersey) (specifically, Comparison Example 2-2), and Reference Example (commercially available product) (specifically, Reference Example 2).

The in-garment environment measurement system can reproduce the in-garment environment (temperature and humidity) by controlling the water vapor inside the housing.

After simulating a normal state for 15 minutes, a sweating state was reproduced by supplying water vapor at 100 ml/m ² /h, and the sweating state was continued for 45 minutes.

Figure 10 shows the humidity change during the in-garment environment test. Figure 11 shows the temperature change during the in-garment environment test.

Under normal conditions, the humidity is stable at about 50% in Example 1, Example 3, Comparative Example 2, and Reference Example. The temperature is also stable at 28.0 to 28.5 degrees.

In the sweating state, the humidity increases monotonically in Example 1, Example 3, Comparative Example 2, and Reference Example. Looking at the details, the humidity balances at about 75% in Example 1 and at about 80% in Example 3, whereas the humidity continues to increase monotonically in both Comparative Example 2 and Reference Example even as it approaches 90%.

This suggests that Examples 1 and 3 of the present application have the function of absorbing moisture and expelling it outside the clothing, whereas Comparative Example 2 and the Reference Example have an insufficient function in this regard.

As humidity rises, the temperature also rises in Example 1, Example 3, Comparative Example 2, and Reference Example. Looking at the details, the temperature rise is small in Example 1 and Example 3, and the temperature starts to drop relatively quickly and returns to normal. In other words, the environment inside the garment is stable. In contrast, in Comparative Example 2 and Reference Example, the temperature rise is large, the temperature starts to drop slowly, and the temperature also slows down to return to normal.

The results of the in-garment environment test suggest that Examples 1 and 3 of the present application suppress stickiness and stuffiness caused by sweat and maintain a refreshing wearing comfort. In contrast, Comparative Example 2 and the Reference Example suggest that this function is insufficient.

Other specifications were also compared between Example 1, Example 3, Comparative Example 2, and Reference Example. Example 1 and Example 3 were superior in terms of lightness (fabric weight), breathability, and heat retention compared to Comparative Example 2 and Reference Example.

In addition, due to differences in the basic structure, Example 1 (fabric thickness 10.0 mm) and Example 3 (fabric thickness 8.2 mm) of the present application were thicker than Comparative Example 2 (fabric thickness 7.4 mm) and Reference Example (fabric thickness 5.8 mm). It is preferable that the knitted fabric of the present application has a thickness of 7.5 mm or more.

～Summary～
The knitted fabric of the present invention is lightweight, breathable, and has excellent heat retention properties, making it suitable for use as a clothing material.

The knitted fabric of the present application has excellent water absorption capacity. In other words, it has excellent water absorption capacity while maintaining its light weight. Furthermore, it has excellent water absorption speed.

As a result, the garment of the present invention can quickly absorb sweat from the body and remove it from inside the garment, allowing the wearer to maintain a refreshing feeling without feeling sticky or stuffy due to sweat.

Claims (7)

A knitted fabric made of cotton yarn,
The twist coefficient of the cotton yarn is 2.0 or more and 3.4 or less,
The cotton yarn has an English cotton count of 60 to 100 (equivalent to single yarn),
It is made of two or more layers of plain weave.
The fabric weight is 150 g/ m2 ^or less.
The knitted fabric has a saturated water absorption capacity of at least four times the mass of the fabric. The knitted fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that the cotton yarn is formed by untwisting a twisted dissolving yarn by dissolving it. The knitted fabric according to claim 2, characterized in that the untwisting rate of the dissolving yarn is 15-50%. The two or more layers of plain stitch fabric include a first plain stitch fabric and a second plain stitch fabric,
The knitted fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that the back side of the first plain stitch structure and the back side of the second plain stitch structure are bonded together. A cotton yarn having a twist factor of more than 3.4 is twisted with a dissolved yarn to form a twisted yarn.
The twisted yarns are used to form two or more layers of plain weave fabric,
The method for producing a knitted fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that the dissolvable yarn is dissolved, and the cotton yarn is untwisted. A knitted fabric made of cotton yarn,
The twist coefficient of the cotton yarn is 2.0 or more and 3.4 or less,
The cotton yarn has an English cotton count of 60 to 100 (equivalent to single yarn),
formed from one or more layers of interlocking tissue;
The fabric weight is 150 g/ m2 ^or less.
The knitted fabric has a saturated water absorption capacity of at least four times the mass of the fabric. A garment formed from the knitted fabric according to claim 1 or 6.

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