EP2206813A1 - Conductive textile and interior component for motor vehicles with a conductive textile - Google Patents

Abstract

The textile (10) has a fabric (12) comprising electrically conductive texture yarns (24, 30) running in two directions. Electrically conductive connecting yarns (14, 15) are provided for connecting the texture yarns to a current source or an electric circuit, are integrated in the fabric over a portion of its length according to weaving technology and electrically contact the texture yarns. The connecting yarns are formed by electrically conductive floating yarns that are sectionally integrated in the fabric. An independent claim is also included for an interior fitting comprising a base body.

Description

The invention relates to an electrically conductive textile with a fabric which has electrically conductive fabric threads running in a first direction and / or in a second direction.

Moreover, the invention relates to an interior fitting for motor vehicles with such an electrically conductive textile.

Electrically conductive textiles are used, for example, for heat generation and also for shielding electromagnetic radiation and for transmitting electrical signals, in particular sensor signals as well as telecommunication and data signals. Electrically conductive threads may in this case be incorporated into a fabric, i. H. At least some fabric threads running in the warp direction and / or in the weft direction can be electrically conductive, so that, for example, electrical signals can be transmitted via these fabric threads. In addition to the electrically conductive fabric threads and non-conductive fabric threads can be used.

To connect the electrically conductive fabric threads to a power source or an electrical circuit, the electrically conductive fabric threads may protrude beyond an edge of the fabric and be connected in their protruding end portion to a connection cable via which they are connectable to the power source or electrical circuit. For this, however, it is necessary that the edge of the fabric is accessible for making the electrical connection.

Object of the present invention is to develop an electrically conductive textile of the type mentioned in such a way that the electrically conductive fabric threads are connected in a simpler manner to a power source or an electrical circuit.

This object is achieved in an electrically conductive textile of the generic type according to the invention that the textile for connecting the electrically conductive fabric threads to a power source or an electrical circuit has electrically conductive connecting threads, which are woven weaving over a portion of their length in the tissue and at least electrically contact an electrically conductive fabric thread.

According to the invention, in the case of the electrically conductive textile, in addition to a fabric which has electrically conductive fabric threads, electrically conductive connecting threads are also used which are woven into the fabric only over a partial region of their length. The connecting threads allow in a simple manner an electrical connection of the electrically conductive fabric threads with a power source, an electrical circuit, a sensor or other electrical component. The connecting threads can be led out obliquely or vertically out of the area defined by the tissue and, for example, a connecting cable can be connected to the connecting threads.

The inventive design of the electrically conductive textile has the advantage that the edge region of the fabric does not have to be accessible for making electrical contact with the electrically conductive fabric threads. The electrical connection of the tissue can rather be done within the tissue. For this it is only necessary in the desired connection area of the fabric to weave the electrically conductive connecting threads into the fabric by weaving technique.

The webtechnische integration of the connecting threads in the tissue has the additional advantage that the contact area between the connecting threads and the tissue does not form a significant mechanical reinforcement of the tissue, d. H. the contact area is haptically practically indeterminable. The contact area can not be easily felt. This is particularly advantageous when the fabric forms a coating for an interior fitting of a motor vehicle. It is then possible to supply power to the tissue via the connecting threads without the contact area between the connecting threads and the tissue being able to be felt by the vehicle user. The connecting threads can be passed, for example, through an opening of a main body of the interior fitting part, which is to be coated on the visible side with the fabric. A frontal connection of the tissue to a power source can be omitted and yet the tissue can form a very uniform reference of the body.

It is advantageous if the connecting threads form electrically conductive floating threads, which are partially incorporated into the fabric and form thread floats between their bound sections and are separated in the area of the thread floats. In the production of the fabric, the connecting threads in the form of electrically conductive floats can be partially loose over warp or weft threads of the fabric, where they are only partially integrated into the fabric and produce between the incorporated areas thread floats. After the floats are woven in regions, they can be separated in the area of the floats, so that they protrude with their ends from the tissue and thereby within the tissue a haptic not detectable Allow connection of the tissue to a power source, an electrical circuit or other electrical device.

It is favorable if the connecting threads extend in the weft direction in their part of the weave which is woven into the fabric. They can thus be integrated into the tissue at any point during the weaving process. This facilitates the packaging of the tissue.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fabric has a leno weave with lower warp threads, are placed on the weft threads, and with binding warp threads which engage under the lower warp threads and which engage over the weft threads. Such a leno weave has the advantage that the fabric can be made extremely resistant to shifting. As a result, the electrically conductive fabric threads can be fixed in a structurally simple manner relative to one another and, in particular, kept at a distance from one another. There is therefore no risk that the electrically conductive fabric threads slip. In a leno weave, the weft threads are laid on so-called lower warp threads, which are also referred to as upright warp threads, and by binding warp threads, which are also referred to as upper warp threads or leno warp threads, the weft threads are fixed to the lower warp threads. The binding warp threads engage under the lower warp threads and they spread over the weft threads. As a result, a very slip-resistant fabric is produced, wherein the binding warp threads wrap around the lower warp threads and the weft threads. The angle of wrap is considerably greater than in the case of woven fabrics of twill, twill or satin weave.

It is particularly favorable if the fabric is stretchable, that is to say stretchable fabric threads, in particular stretchable, electrically conductive fabric threads, since this makes it possible to achieve three-dimensional shapes in a simple manner realize. Such three-dimensional shapes can be used, for example, in interior components of vehicles.

The weft threads are pinched between the lower warp threads and the binding warp threads and thereby fixed. At least some fabric threads of the fabric with leno weave are electrically conductive and can, for example, be heated electrically or serve to transmit electrical signals. The electrically conductive connecting threads can be structurally integrated into the fabric having a leno weave. At least some of the connecting threads may run parallel to the weft threads in their weaving-in-tissue-bonded region and be overlapped by the binding warp threads. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that at least some connecting threads extend parallel to lower warp threads and are held together with these by means of a binding warp thread on weft threads.

It is favorable if at least some electrically conductive fabric threads form lower warp threads and / or binding warp threads of the fabric.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that at least some electrically conductive fabric threads form weft threads of the fabric.

In a preferred embodiment of the electrically conductive textile, the fabric has first electrically conductive fabric threads running in the warp direction and second electrically conductive fabric threads extending in the weft direction. In such an embodiment, it is particularly advantageous if the fabric has a leno weave. The high slip resistance of the leno weave of the fabric ensures that the first electrically conductive fabric yarns are stable with the second electrically conductive fabric yarns are electrically connected. The first and second electrically conductive fabric threads lie directly against each other. In order to ensure an electrical connection between the first and the second electrically conductive fabric threads, therefore, it is not absolutely necessary to use an additional electrically conductive contact element; in particular, it is not necessary for the first and second electrically conductive fabric threads to be electrically and / or mechanically connected to one another by means of an additional sewing thread connect to. The electrically conductive textile can thus be completed by ensuring the electrical contact between the first and second conductive fabric threads alone by the weaving process, without an additional step to ensure the electrical contact between the conductive fabric threads is required. There is also no additional support structure in the form of an electrically non-conductive base fabric required, but the running in the warp and weft direction electrically conductive fabric threads are integrated into the tissue. Even with a deformation of the fabric, the electrical contact between the running in warp and weft direction electrically conductive fabric threads is not interrupted because the leno weave gives the fabric a high sliding resistance.

It may be provided in a fabric with leno weave that form both the lower warp threads and the binder warp threads extending in the warp direction electrically conductive fabric threads.

The upper side of the fabric having a leno weave is dominated in appearance by the weft yarns laid on the lower warp yarns. This is especially the case when the binder warp threads are translucent. They are therefore difficult to see by the naked eye. They can be translucent or transparent.

Due to the dominance of the weft threads on the upper side of the fabric, a relatively large cross section can be used for the lower warp threads. When using electrically conductive Unterkettfäden thus the current density can be relatively small. As a result, a considerable electrical current can be conducted via the electrically conductive lower warp threads, without this leading to a high load on the electrically conductive lower warp threads.

When using electrically conductive fabric threads both in the warp direction and in the weft direction extending in the warp direction electrically conductive fabric threads may have a different length-specific electrical resistance than extending in the weft direction electrically conductive fabric threads. In particular, it may be provided that the electrically conductive fabric threads running in the warp direction have a shorter length-specific electrical resistance than the electrically conductive fabric threads running in the weft direction.

It can be provided that all fabric threads running in the first direction or in the second direction are electrically conductive. In a preferred embodiment of the electrically conductive textile, however, the fabric has in addition to electrically conductive fabric threads in the first direction and / or in the second direction extending electrically non-conductive fabric threads. When using a fabric with leno weave, the electrically non-conductive fabric threads can form, for example, lower warp threads and / or binder warp threads which run in the warp direction and in addition to running in the warp direction electrically conductive fabric threads are used. Alternatively or additionally, the electrically non-conductive fabric threads can also form weft threads of the fabric.

It can be provided, for example, that between adjacent electrically conductive fabric threads, which run in the weft direction, one or more electrically non-conductive fabric threads are used as weft threads. Of course, it can also be provided that no electrically non-conductive fabric threads are arranged in at least one region of the fabric between at least two electrically conductive fabric threads extending in the weft direction. One or more electrically non-conductive fabric threads may adjoin the at least two electrically conductive fabric threads.

In a corresponding manner, it may be provided that a plurality of electrically conductive fabric threads run in the warp direction and are arranged directly next to one another and that one or more electrically non-conductive fabric threads adjoin this plurality of electrically conductive fabric threads.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrically conductive textile forms an electrically heatable surface heating element with electrically conductive fabric threads designed as heating filaments, which are integrated into an electrical circuit via the connecting threads. The heating filaments can thus be supplied with electrical current via the connecting filaments. The length-specific electrical resistance of the connecting threads can be considerably less than the length-specific electrical resistance of the heating filaments.

Preferably, the filaments extend in the weft direction of the fabric. When using a fabric with leno weave, the filaments can be set in a simple manner during the weaving process at a distance from each other at the lower warp and binding warp threads. It is therefore not mandatory to arrange between the filaments in the weft direction extending electrically non-conductive fabric threads. However, such electrically non-conductive fabric threads can be used in addition, wherein they are preferably thermally conductive, so that the heat energy provided by the heating filaments can be distributed evenly over the tissue.

As already explained, it is advantageous if the fabric has a leno weave, wherein the filaments are placed on Unterkettfäden and mechanically connected by means of binding warp threads with the Unterkettfäden. This gives the electrically heatable Flächenheizelement a high mechanical stability. In particular, the surface heating element can be deformed. It can form a coating for an interior fitting of a motor vehicle, for example a steering wheel, an armrest or a trim part. In addition, it can be integrated into a vehicle seat.

It can be provided that the heating filaments are contacted directly by the electrically conductive connecting filaments. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that at least some lower warp threads are electrically conductive and form spaced apart first and second lead regions which are each contacted by at least one connecting thread and which are electrically connected to one another via the heating filaments. Two supply areas extending in the warp direction can thus be arranged at a distance from each other. Between the supply line areas extending electrically non-conductive fabric threads may be arranged in the warp direction, and by means of the filaments running in the weft direction, the lead areas may be electrically connected to each other. To the supply line regions, which are formed by a plurality of extending in the warp direction electrically conductive fabric threads, the protruding from the fabric connecting threads can be connected, via which the supply areas with Power can be applied from a power source. The filaments are arranged in circuit parallel to each other and are contacted by electrically conductive Unterkettfäden that distribute the electric current to the heating filaments, which is supplied to the Unterkettfäden on the connecting threads.

As already mentioned, the electrically conductive textile explained above is suitable in particular for use in an interior fitting of a motor vehicle, the interior fitting having an electrically heatable surface heating element of the type described above. The use of an electrically heatable Flächenheizelementes in the form of an electrically conductive textile, as explained above, allows a structurally very simple and aesthetically pleasing design of the interior fitting. It may be provided, for example, that the heating filaments are arranged on the upper side of the surface heating element and thereby the heat radiation generated can be perceived directly by the vehicle user. This is particularly advantageous if the interior fitting is designed in the form of a vehicle seat, a steering wheel, an armrest or another surface element which forms an inner surface of a vehicle.

The interior fitting preferably has a base body which is at least partially covered by an electrically conductive textile, which, as explained above, comprises electrical connection threads which are web technically integrated into the tissue over a portion of their length and contact electrically conductive tissue threads. It can then be provided that the region of the base body coated by the electrically conductive textile has at least one passage through which at least one connecting thread is passed. The passage is thus of the electric covered conductive textile and is therefore not visible to the vehicle user. Through the passage, however, the at least one connection thread is passed, which is led out of the tissue, so that the electrically conductive tissue, invisible to the user, can be connected to a power source. Therefore, the edge area of the fabric need not be accessible for the connection of a connection cable, it can be guided around the edge of the base body to cover the visible side of the base body without having to ensure a free space for supplying a connection cable.

Figur 1:

eine schematische Darstellung eines elektrisch leitenden Textils mit einem Gewebe und abschnittsweise webtechnisch in dieses eingebundenen Anschlussfäden;

Figur 2:

eine vergrößerte Darstellung eines Teilbereichs des Textils aus Figur 1;

Figur 3:

eine schematische Darstellung des Textils aus Figur 1 während seiner Herstellung und

Figur 4:

eine schematische Darstellung eines Innenausbauteils eines Kraftfahrzeuges, dessen Sichtseite mit dem Textil aus Figur 1 überzogen ist.

The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention serves in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation. Show it:

FIG. 1:

a schematic representation of an electrically conductive textile with a tissue and sections webtechnisch in this integrated connecting threads;

FIG. 2:

an enlarged view of a portion of the textile FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3:

a schematic representation of the textile FIG. 1 during its manufacture and

FIG. 4:

a schematic representation of an interior fitting of a motor vehicle, the visible side of the textile FIG. 1 is covered.

In the FIGS. 1 . 2 and 3 schematically an electrically conductive fabric 10 is shown, which has a fabric 12 and web-weaving in sections in the fabric 12 integrated electrically conductive connecting threads 14, 15. The fabric 12 is woven in the illustrated embodiment in leno weave. For this purpose, it comprises lower warp threads 16, which are also referred to as upright warp threads, as well as weft threads 18 which are laid onto the lower warp threads 16, and additionally also tie warp threads 20, which are also referred to as upper warp threads or leno warp threads. As in particular from the detailed representation in FIG. 2 becomes clear, engage under the binding warp threads 20, the lower warp threads 16 and they overlap resting on the lower warp threads 16 weft threads 18. The binding warp threads 20 give the fabric 12 a high sliding resistance. The weft threads 18 are clamped between the lower warp threads 16 and the binding warp threads 20 and thus mechanically stably connected to the lower warp threads 16 and the binding warp threads 20.

The lower warp threads 16 are first electrically non-conductive fabric threads 22 and first electrically conductive fabric threads 24 are used. In each case a plurality of first electrically conductive fabric threads 24 are arranged directly next to one another and form a first electrical supply region 26 and at a distance to this a second electrical supply region 28, between which a plurality of first electrically non-conductive fabric yarns 22 are arranged.

The weft threads 18 are formed by spaced apart second electrically conductive fabric threads 30, between each of which a plurality of second electrically non-conductive fabric threads 32 are arranged.

The binding warp threads 20 can optionally be designed as electrically conductive or electrically non-conductive fabric threads. In the illustrated Embodiment, they are formed by electrically non-conductive fabric threads.

The first electrically conductive fabric threads 24 have a relatively small length-specific electrical resistance. In contrast, the second electrically conductive fabric threads 30 have a relatively large length-specific electrical resistance. The second electrically conductive fabric threads 30 form heating filaments 34 which, via the first electrically conductive fabric threads 24, are connected to a current source 46 (FIG. FIG. 4 ) can be connected. To produce the electrical connection, in addition to the first electrically conductive fabric threads 24, the connecting threads 14, 15 are used, which are likewise electrically conductive. The connecting threads 14, 15 are weaving-technically integrated into the fabric 12 only over a portion of their length, otherwise they stand out from the surface defined by the fabric 12.

As in particular from FIG. 2 becomes clear, the connecting threads 14 and 15 are placed in the supply line 26 and 28 on the first electrically conductive fabric threads 24 and just like a second electrically conductive fabric thread 30 of binding warp threads 20 overlapped. In the respective feed region 26 or 28, the connecting threads 14 and 15 extend directly adjacent to a second electrically conductive fabric thread 30. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the connecting threads 14 and 15 run directly next to a second electrically non-conductive fabric thread 32, because even in this Case they are directly in contact with first electrically conductive fabric threads 24th

The free end regions 40 of the connecting thread 14 can be combined and connected to a first electrical connecting cable 44, such as it in FIG. 4 is shown. In a corresponding manner, the free end regions 42 of the connecting thread 15 can be combined and connected to a second connecting cable 45. About the connecting cable 44, 45, the electrically conductive textile 10 can be connected to the power source 46.

How out FIG. 3 becomes clear, the Webtechnische integration of the connecting threads 14 and 15 takes place in the fabric 12 during its manufacture in such a way that an electrically conductive floating thread 48 is partially incorporated into the fabric 12 and between the bonded areas thread floats 50 is formed. In the area of the thread floats 50, the floating thread 48 is severed and the individual thread pieces then each form an electrically conductive connecting thread 14 or 15.

The electrically conductive textile 10 forms in the illustrated embodiment, an electrically heatable surface heating element, which can be connected via the connecting threads 14 and 15 to the power source 46. It is particularly suitable for the design of an interior fitting for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. Such an interior fitting is in FIG. 4 schematically illustrated by the example of an electrically heatable trim 55. This has a main body 57, the visible side of which is coated by the electrically conductive textile 10. The main body 57 comprises on its rear side locking elements 59, which in FIG. 4 are shown only schematically and serve to define the trim panel 55 in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The visible side of the main body 57 is covered by the fabric 12, and through passages in the form of holes 61, 62 therethrough a respective connecting thread 14 or 15 is guided from the visible side to the rear side of the main body 57. The connecting threads 14, 15 are then connected to the power source 46 on the back of the trim panel 55 via the connecting cables 44 and 45, respectively.

The fabric 12 with the weft threads 18 arranged on the upper side can directly form the surface of the trim panel 55. The aesthetic character of the trim panel 55 is then defined by the weft threads 18. In the Figuren1 . 2 and 3 are the weft threads 18 arranged to achieve a better overview at a distance from each other. But it can also be provided that the weft threads 18 adjoin one another directly and therefore the lower warp threads 16 are practically not recognizable. The binding warp threads 20 may be translucent. If electrically conductive fabric threads 30 and electrically non-conductive fabric threads 32 are used as weft threads, provision may also be made for the electrically non-conductive fabric threads 32 to superimpose the electrically conductive fabric threads 30 in such a way that the latter are not optically visible due to a significantly higher volume. The overall impression of the fabric 12 is then not appreciably affected by the electrically conductive fabric threads 30. The electrically non-conductive fabric threads 32 then also form a mechanical protection of the electrically conductive fabric threads 30.

It can be provided that the fabric 12 on the visible side of the trim panel 55 is still covered by another sheet. Regardless of whether an additional sheet is used, or whether the fabric 12 already forms the user-touchable surface of the trim panel 55, the area where the terminal threads 14, 15 contact the fabric 12 is virtually imperceptible to the user. The electrically conductive textile 10 thus forms an extremely uniform surface, which can be heated by current application.

The use of the electrically conductive textile according to the invention is of course not limited to the coating of basic bodies of an interior fitting. The electrically conductive textile can also be a cantilevered surface form a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle or integrated into such a cantilevered surface. For example, it can be provided that the electrically conductive textile forms an electrically heatable load compartment cover.

Claims (16)

Electrically conductive textile (10) comprising a fabric (12) having in a first direction and / or in a second direction extending electrically conductive fabric threads (24, 30), characterized in that the textile (10) for connecting the electrically conductive Fabric threads (24, 30) to a power source (46) or an electrical circuit electrically conductive connecting threads (14, 15), which are web technically integrated into the fabric (12) over a portion of its length and at least one electrically conductive fabric thread (24, 30) contact electrically. Electrically conductive textile according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting threads (14, 15) of electrically conductive floats (48) are formed, which are partially incorporated into the fabric (12) and formed between their integrated sections Fadenflottungen (50) and in Area of the thread floats (50) are separated. Electrically conductive textile according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting threads (14, 15) in their weaving technique in the tissue (12) integrated portion extending in the weft direction. Electrically conductive textile according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fabric (12) has a leno weave with lower warp threads (16), are placed on the weft threads (18), and with binding warp threads (20) which engage under the Unterkettfäden (16) and which engage over the weft threads (18). Electrically conductive textile according to claim 4, characterized in that at least some electrically conductive fabric threads (24) form lower warp threads (16) and / or binding warp threads (20) of the fabric (12). Electrically conductive textile according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that at least some electrically conductive fabric threads (30) form weft threads (18) of the fabric. Electrically conductive textile according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the binding warp threads (20) are translucent. Electrically conductive textile according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fabric (12) first electrically conductive fabric threads (24) extending in the warp direction, and second electrically conductive fabric threads (30) extending in the weft direction. Electrically conductive textile according to claim 8, characterized in that the first electrically conductive fabric threads (24) have a different length-specific electrical resistance than the second electrically conductive fabric threads (30). Electrically conductive textile according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fabric (12) in the first direction and / or in the second direction extending electrically non-conductive fabric threads (22, 32). Electrically conductive textile according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrically conductive textile (10) a An electrically heatable surface heating element is formed with electrically conductive fabric threads designed as heating filaments (34), which are integrated into an electrical circuit via the connecting filaments (14, 15). Electrically conductive textile according to claim 11, characterized in that the heating filaments (34) run in the weft direction of the fabric (12). Electrically conductive textile according to claim 12, characterized in that the fabric (12) has a leno weave, wherein the heating filaments (34) are placed on lower warp threads (16) and are mechanically connected to the lower warp threads (16) by means of binding warp threads (20). Electrically conductive textile according to claim 13, characterized in that at least some Unterkettfäden (16) are electrically conductive and spaced apart first and second lead portions (26, 28) form, each of at least one connecting thread (14, 15) are contacted and which are electrically connected to each other via the heating filaments (34). Interior fitting for motor vehicles with an electrically heatable surface heating element according to one of claims 11 to 14. Interior fitting according to claim 15, characterized in that the interior fitting (55) has a base body (57) which is at least partially covered by an electrically conductive textile (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 14 and in which the textile (10) coated region has a passage (61, 62) through which at least one connecting thread (14, 15) is passed.

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