Classifications

• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
  • D04B—KNITTING
  • D04B21/00—Warp knitting processes for the production of fabrics or articles not dependent on the use of particular machines; Fabrics or articles defined by such processes
  • D04B21/14—Fabrics characterised by the incorporation by knitting, in one or more thread, fleece, or fabric layers, of reinforcing, binding, or decorative threads; Fabrics incorporating small auxiliary elements, e.g. for decorative purposes
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B2211/00—Protein-based fibres, e.g. animal fibres
  • D10B2211/01—Natural animal fibres, e.g. keratin fibres
  • D10B2211/02—Wool
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B2505/00—Industrial
  • D10B2505/08—Upholstery, mattresses

Definitions

• the invention is applicable to the automotive industry interior trim, namely seat covers. It belongs to the international patent classification B60N2/58.
• the present invention relates to a wool textile fabric for automotive seat cover application. It is composed of natural fibres, primarily wool.
• the invention in question offers a wool textile fabric to be applied to automotive seat covers. It combines functionality and technical characteristics that improve the comfort level, thermal efficiency and appearance as well as improving fabric upkeep without compromising wear and tear, and being affected by external agents that can affect the life cycle of this type of article.
• the textile substrates developed for automotive seat covers are normally knitted, especially Raschel or Malimo, with a composition of 40% wool and 15% ramie.
• the current invention uses higher than 80% wool fibre content, improving even further odour neutralisation, dirt repellence, antimicrobial properties, UV protection, breathability, thermal insulation and overall comfort.
• Tables 1, 2 and 3 show tests results carried out for the technical specifications described, Table 1 Test Standard Result Required Abrasion Resistance Martindale STD 1024, 7122 Pressure: 12kPa Max grade 1: - Light pilling - 2 broken yarns - 3 some whitening Pilling Volvo testing code 850 000 06 Pressure 415+/-2g Minimum grade 4 Resistance to Light STD 1027,359 Min of 4 - grey scale (change in colour not allowed) Flammability Volvo testing code VCS 5031,19 Length: - Maximum 80 mm/min Width: - Máximum 80 mm/min Cleanability Volvo testing code 850 000 10A Cleanabilty: - Analyze stain formation Easy of cleaning: - Grade 3 after cleaning - No water marks visible Velcro Volvo testing code 850 000 25 ⁇ grade 4 Seam strength (seat cover seams) Volvo testing code 850 000 25 (breaking strength) Checked with similar seams to those on seat covers Linting Volvo testing code 800 000 05 Minimum grade 4 Table 2 Odour Neutralization Test Standard
• the present invention relates a wool textile fabric for automotive seat cover application which presents itself as a driving technical option for the automotive subsector. It is a multifunctional innovative structure composed of wool (over 80%), that offers technical and functional properties:
• micro and/or nano materials are possible by incorporating micro and/or nano materials as functional additives, to optimise the fibre composition of yarns and fabrics and through laminations with three dimensional structures.
• the unit of measurement is the resistance of the structure as a conductor of heat (m2.K/W). This is a global unit of measurement in terms of thermal insulation and its importance in the market in question is paramount.
• maximum heat resistance is 0,0568 m2.K/W and 0,1541 m2.K/W - fabrics laminated with foam.
• Resistance to water vapour is an important test parameter that determines the breathability level of the car seat structure. In turn, it is a key characteristic for drivers with high levels of perspiration. Values obtained for conventional fabrics are over 40 m2Pa/W. The present invention obtains values of under 40 m2Pa/W.
• Mites live in all sorts of textile substrates, primarily on fabrics that attract more dead skin cells (their food supply). For example: car seats, mattresses, pillows, carpets, sofas etc. Protection against mites is possible through application, directly or indirectly of additives. For example via the usage of an anti-microbe agent that eliminates the bacteria the mites feed upon. Recent epidemiological studies have proven that in recent years asthma cases, caused by bacteria, fungus and mites, in the European Union and United States has risen consistently.
• the absorption and neutralisation of unpleasant smells is one of our aims.
• the main function of antibacterial agents is to inhibit the transfer and spread of pathogenic micro-organisms (personal hygiene) and as a consequence odour reduction caused by microbial degradation (deodorant) whilst avoid losing fibre characteristics.
• active elements mainly found in anti-microbial substances are grouped in two categories, active complexes and passive complexes:
• Inorganic agents mean less of the agent is required, offering good thermal stability, resistance to solvents and detergents and lower toxicity when in contact with the skin.
• the main disadvantage is the yellowing of the fibre caused by metal reduction during processing.
• our invention uses a product of mineral origin.
• the present invention offers a rate of over 80% of anti-microbial protection against Staphylococcus aureus (as per ISO 20743 standard).
• the antimicrobial agents are applied to the surface during the finishing process, whilst keeping in consideration basic requirements of safety, compatibility and colour.
• the cover is graded less than 3, as per Volvo method 1027,2729.
• one way we can check the hydrophobicity and oil repellencey of the textiles is by modifying the surface tension by using fluorocarbons. These compounds give a surface tension of between 10 and 15 dyne/cm. Therefore, when applied to the textile will cause a decrease in surface energy. As water offers a surface tension of 72 dyne/cm at room temperature, the water droplets will not penetrate the fabric and will roll around on the surface.
• the fluorocarbons are chemical compounds deriving from the carbon perfluorinated chain. They are normally cationic but can be non-ionic or anionic. Some groups of these compounds are perfluoro-acrylate Aquil giving them characteristics similar to acrylate resin.
• the fluorocarbons most widely used in the textile industry include PFOS (perfluorooctanoic sulphonic acid) and PFOA, another fluorocarbon compound of active nature (perfluorooctanoic acid).
• PFOS perfluorooctanoic sulphonic acid
• PFOA another fluorocarbon compound of active nature
• Fluorocarbon application is usually carried out through impregnation or coating, but there are also other application techniques, although still in the experimental phase, like spray form technology and via ultra-sound. Fluorocarbons are the only product known in the market with a dual functionality of both water and oil repellency with consistent results when applied to textiles.
• the seat cover of the present invention offers good dirt repellency and is easy to clean, (formation of stain and ease of removal) obtaining a grade 3 without leaving any type of water mark, as per 85000010A Volvo standard.
• the fabric offers low toxicity for the passengers and should not cause allergies or skin irritations, as well as offering some selective protection against undesirable microorganisms, whilst in line with prevailing laws, should not have a negative effect on the textile properties or in its appearance - it is odourless and should be compatible with normal textile processing; not effecting colouring agents or other finishing products needed.
• Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun is composed of a broad range of wave lengths across the electromagnetic spectrum. Approximately 43% of this radiation falls within the visible range, whilst the remainder falls within infrared (49%) and ultraviolet (7%) with 1% falling within x-ray, Gama rays and radio waves.
• Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) falls between 100 and 400 nm that is divided in UVA, UVB and UVC. Sunlight passes through our atmosphere and all UVC radiation and approximately 90% of UVB radiation is absorbed through the ozone layer, water vapour and carbon dioxide that exists in the atmosphere. Therefore, the ultraviolet radiation that reaches earth is made up of UVA radiation and a small percentage of UVB radiation that, apart from being a serious health concern, causes colour degradation of organic compounds; textiles.
• the thermal comfort that the invention offers is obtained through the use of textiles with high breathability and insulation/temperature control, through design and production innovative means that allow for the creation of specific ventilation areas.
• the level of thermal comfort satisfaction was over 70%.
• the fibre composition of the present invention is made up of:
• the fabric construction is flat and meets the following technical requirements:
• the seat cover in question was created with the laminating of a flat textile, 80/20 (wool/polyester) functionalised, with a tri-dimensional structure (100% polyester), through thermoplastic polymers using hotmelt and flatbed laminating technologies, and polyurethane foam using flamebond lamination.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Textile Engineering (AREA)
• Treatments For Attaching Organic Compounds To Fibrous Goods (AREA)

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Cited By (3)

Citations (10)

• 2014
  • 2014-07-24 EP EP14398008.4A patent/EP2977495A1/de not_active Withdrawn

Patent Citations (10)

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