EP3914116B1 - Article of clothing integrating at least two interconnected conductive wires and corresponding interconnection method - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a piece of clothing comprising at least two conductive threads configured to transmit an electrical signal and/or to heat said garment by Joule effect. These two conductive wires are interconnected on the garment so as to create an electrical circuit.

The invention finds a particularly advantageous application for forming a new type of garment with a heating network integrated into the garment or with an electrical circuit integrated into the garment.

The practical applications of this invention are numerous and cover a large number of fields such as winter sports clothing, clothing incorporating light signals, rainwear, diving or surfing suits, clothing intended for physiological analysis...

Within the meaning of the invention, a piece of clothing corresponds to a piece intended to cover or to be connected to a part of the body. Thus, a piece of clothing refers both to a jacket, trousers, a sock, a shoe and to a bag intended to be worn by a user.

Prior techniques

Solutions for integrating conductive threads into fabrics have been sought for a long time.

For example, in the field of physiological analysis, the document EP 0128103 describes the manufacture of a swimsuit incorporating physiological sensors. A network of conductive wires is attached to the swimsuit to transmit information from the physiological sensors to an analysis unit. The conductive threads are laid on the swimsuit and attached to it by non-conductive threads.

This method of fixing the conductive threads is particularly tricky to achieve in order not to damage the conductive threads while guaranteeing effective attachment of the conductive threads to the garment.

In addition, this mode of attachment generally degrades the aesthetic appearance of the garment because the conductive yarn is an added element which is not integrated into the structure of the garment.

In the field of garment ornamentation, metallic threads are used to form decorative patterns on the surface of a fabric. In the same way, these decorative metallic threads are fixed by an added seam on the metallic threads.

It is also known to produce antistatic clothing to evacuate electrostatic charges through clothing. To do this, the document JP 2009228161 proposes replacing the weft and warp threads of a fabric with metal threads so as to form a conductive network of electrostatic currents in the garment.

However, these metallic threads have a very small section because they must be integrated into the thickness of the fabric. Thus, these metal wires allow only a few electric charges to be conducted, for example electrostatic charges, and they are not suitable for transmitting an electric current.

Furthermore, there is a high risk of creating microcuts in the metal wire during the insertion of the metal wire into the fabric or during use of the garment.

To remedy this problem the document JP 2009228161 uses a redundancy of a large number of metal wires.

Thus, the weft and warp structure of the conductive network is not suitable for producing a localized and isolated electrical circuit but for producing a large contact surface allowing an electrostatic discharge.

In addition, it is also desired to be able to form one or more interconnections on a garment between several conductive threads. To do this, it is known from the document EP 1 506 738 to connect stripped conductive electric wires by ligature points formed on the conductive wires or by pressing two conductive pads.

However, these types of interconnections do not make it possible to electrically connect conductive wires covered with insulating sheaths. In addition, when the garment undergoes significant stresses, for example for winter sports clothing, the conducting wires can move relative to each other, which can lead to a break in the interconnection.

The document US2014180624 discloses a garment with sensors.

The technical problem of the invention is to obtain a piece of clothing integrating an interconnection, between at least two conducting wires, which is resistant to the mechanical stresses undergone by the piece of clothing, electrically insulated for the wearer of the piece of clothing and relatively simple and quick to make while limiting the risk of damage to the piece of clothing.

Disclosure of Invention

To respond to this technical problem, the invention proposes making a weld between two conducting wires, of which at least one conducting wire is integrated into a flat seam. Before carrying out the welding, a lower layer of fabric is secured to the piece of clothing so as to protect the piece of clothing during welding. This lower fabric layer also cooperates with an upper fabric layer to protect the interconnect in order to electrically isolate the interconnect from the wearer of the garment and in order to protect the interconnect from the mechanical stresses undergone by the garment.

To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a piece of clothing comprising: at least two conductive threads suitable for transmitting an electric current, at least one conductive thread being integrated into at least one flat seam; and at least one electrical interconnection between said at least two conductive wires.

Said electrical interconnect incorporates a weld between said at least two conductive wires, the invention is characterized in that said electrical interconnect is protected by two layers of fabric added respectively above and above said electrical interconnect: a layer of lower fabric secured to said piece of clothing above which said at least two conductive threads extend; and an upper fabric layer secured to said lower fabric layer so as to form, with said lower fabric layer, a protective barrier around said electrical interconnect.

The invention thus makes it possible to form a strong interconnect by placing two layers of fabric above and below the interconnect.

Further, the presence of the bottom fabric layer allows a weld to be made to form the interconnect because the bottom fabric layer can protect the piece of clothing from excessive heating of the piece of clothing or any tin splashes in the weld area.

Within the meaning of the invention, the term “solidarisation”, used to describe the relationship between the lower fabric layer and the piece of clothing and/or the relationship between the upper fabric layer and the lower fabric layer, involves a multipoint bond which can be achieved by gluing or hybridizing the two fabrics. The hybridization can be carried out using layers of heat-fusible fabric and the bonding can be carried out by applying an added glue.

Preferably, the bonding is carried out by an adhesive layer placed under the layers of fabric. For example, this adhesive layer can be activated by heating the fabric layer.

Furthermore, this multipoint connection can be configured to block, at least in part, the stretching capacities of the piece of clothing at the level of the interconnection zone. Alternatively, by using layers of fabric with similar deformation properties to the piece of clothing, the piece of clothing can retain these deformation properties at the interconnecting area.

This multipoint link aims to form a protective barrier around the electrical interconnection. Preferably, the fabric layers are sealed and the multipoint link is configured to form a sealed protective barrier around the electrical interconnect.

To reinforce the seal and/or the electrical resistance around the electrical interconnect, it is preferable to use an additional protection element placed on the electrical interconnect and between the lower and upper fabric layers.

This additional protection can be a heat-fusible sheath or a single or double-sided piece of tape. The use of double-sided tape allows the position of the electrical interconnection to be fixed before the attachment of the upper fabric layer to the lower fabric layer.

The mechanical strength of the electrical interconnect is also improved by the presence of the upper and lower fabric layers. To do this, the layers of fabric preferably have a thickness of between 0.1 and 1 mm, and even more preferably between 0.2 and 0.4 mm. Further, the mechanical strength of the electrical interconnect can also be improved by twisting between the lead wires before or at the weld.

The invention can be implemented in a large number of variants. For example, the invention can be used to make an interconnection between two, three, four or five electrical wires. In fact, there is no limit to the number of electrical wires that can be interconnected with the protective barrier provided by the fabric layers of the invention.

Within the meaning of the invention, at least one conductive thread is integrated into a flat seam. As regards the other conductive wires of the interconnection, they can also be integrated into the same or another flat seam or correspond to free conductive wires, that is to say conductive wires which are not joined together on the piece of clothing.

The flat seam may extend above or below the bottom fabric layer. When the flat seam extends below the lower fabric layer, this lower fabric layer has an opening through which the conductive yarns emerge.

According to one embodiment, said at least one flat seam comprises: at least two edge threads, substantially parallel; and at least one bonding thread arranged flat and in a sinuous manner between said border threads; said connecting thread having bends alternately connected to said border threads; said binding wire being a metal wire.

Indeed, the bonding thread of a flat seam is particularly suitable for laying out a conductive thread because this bonding thread is laid flat with a sinusoidal shape whose curvatures are large enough to limit the mechanical stresses on the conductive thread.

A flat seam is also called "cover stitch seam" and " flat lock " , " covering chain stitches " or " over lock " in Anglo-Saxon literature. It is defined by class 600 of the Afnor ISO 4915 standard.

A flat seam is generally used to join pieces of fabric edge to edge without creating an extra thickness by allowing great flexibility of the fabrics in relation to each other or for decorative purposes.

To do this, this flat seam incorporates a first edge thread sewn onto a first fabric and a second edge thread sewn onto a second fabric. A connecting wire is laid flat with a sinusoidal shape at the junction between the two tissues. The edge yarns pass over the local ends of the binding yarn so as to attach each side of the binding yarn to a separate fabric.

It follows that this flat seam has great flexibility and is particularly suitable for joining stretch fabrics. Thus, a flat seam which has at least one conductive thread instead of the binding thread between two edge threads makes it possible to integrate at least one conductive thread into a piece of clothing without degrading the aesthetics of the garment because at least one conductive thread is contained in the seam.

In addition, the use of at least one conductive thread in the flat seam allows the use of at least one conductive thread with a section sufficient to carry electrical charges supporting a large power range and which can be meshed/insulated in order to protect the wearer of the garment against a possible short circuit.

The use of an insulated wire also makes it possible to cross several wires without risk of short circuit. The risks of micro-cuts are also reduced because the conducting wire(s) have a significant degree of freedom in the event of deformation of the flat seam due to the shape of the flat seam.

Within the meaning of the invention, a piece of clothing corresponds to a finished or semi-finished element making it possible to form a garment or to a garment as a whole. This piece of clothing can be made from all known materials: weft and warp, knit, non-woven...

Thus, the flat seam of the invention can be placed in the center of a piece of fabric forming a garment, for example to produce a decorative pattern in addition to the transport of electrical energy. The flat seam of the invention can also allow the assembly of various constituent panels of the garment.

The flat seam integrating at least one conductive thread makes it possible to produce a conductive electrical network on a garment in order to transmit an electrical signal and/or to heat the garment by Joule effect. In addition, the electrical wires can be insulated to protect the wearer of the garment.

According to one embodiment, said flat seam incorporates at least one other connecting thread extending in a separate plane from said connecting thread placed flat. This embodiment makes it possible to integrate at least one conductive thread in a flat seam integrating 4 threads, 5 threads, or more.

According to one embodiment, said flat seam incorporates at least two conductive threads, the conductivity and/or resistivity of which is identical or different. This embodiment makes it possible to produce at least one flat seam with a modulated resistivity.

By modulating the resistivity of the flat seam, it is possible to locate areas of heating on a garment by allowing the same seam to transmit heating energy and heat the wearer of the garment.

According to one embodiment, said at least one other connecting wire corresponds to a metal wire. This embodiment makes it possible to produce at least part of a flat seam with a different resistivity from another part of a flat seam in which the other bonding thread is not conductive. By modulating the resistivity of the flat seam, it is possible to locate areas of heating on a garment by allowing one part of a seam to transmit heating energy and another part to heat the wearer of the garment, in particular by making interconnections of seams using wires of different resistivities.

According to one embodiment, at least one edge wire corresponds to a metal wire. This embodiment makes it possible to further modulate the resistivity of part of a flat seam by increasing the number of conductive elements.

According to one embodiment, said piece of clothing comprises at least one connector electrically connected to said at least one conductive wire so as to electrically connect said flat seam with an external device.

This embodiment allows the flat seam to be connected with an external device, for example a power supply.

According to one embodiment, said piece of clothing comprises at least one sensor electrically connected to said at least one conductive wire. This embodiment allows the flat seam to convey information from a sensor, for example a sensor placed in contact with the skin of the wearer of the garment.

According to one embodiment, said piece of clothing comprises at least one electrical energy consumer member electrically connected to said at least one conductive wire. This embodiment allows the flat seam to carry electrical energy to power an energy-consuming member, for example to light an LED.

As regards the simplicity and the speed of the method for producing the interconnection, they depend on the method used among the multiple possible variants.

• solidarisation d'une couche d'étoffe inférieure sur une pièce de vêtement ;
• réalisation d'au moins une couture plate intégrant au moins un fil conducteur adapté à transmettre un courant électrique ;
• réalisation d'une soudure entre au moins deux fils conducteurs dont au moins un fil conducteur est intégré dans ladite au moins une couture plate ; et
• solidarisation d'une couche d'étoffe supérieure sur ladite couche d'étoffe inférieure de sorte à intégrer ladite soudure entre ladite couche d'étoffe inférieure et ladite couche d'étoffe supérieure.

For example, according to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of interconnection between at least two conductive wires, said method comprising the following steps:

• securing a bottom layer of fabric to a piece of clothing;
• production of at least one flat seam incorporating at least one conductive thread suitable for transmitting an electric current;
• making a weld between at least two conductive threads, of which at least one conductive thread is integrated into said at least one flat seam; and
• securing an upper fabric layer to said lower fabric layer so as to integrate said welding between said lower fabric layer and said upper fabric layer.

The conductive wires can be soldered directly to the level of the lower layer of fabric using pliers and a soldering iron provided that the lower layer of fabric absorbs the heating generated by the soldering sufficiently to protect the piece of clothing.

As a variant, the welding can be carried out at a distance greater than 1 cm from the piece of clothing. To do this, the method also includes a step of extracting at least one conductive thread from said at least one flat seam.

• réalisation, dans une zone d'interconnexion, d'au moins une couture plate intégrant au moins un fil conducteur adapté à transmettre un courant électrique ;
  extraction d'au moins un fil conducteur de ladite au moins une couture plate ; solidarisation d'une couche d'étoffe inférieure sur ladite zone d'interconnexion ; ladite couche d'étoffe inférieure comportant une ouverture à travers laquelle au moins deux fils conducteurs sont passés avant la fixation de ladite couche d'étoffe inférieure ;
• réalisation d'une soudure entre lesdits au moins deux fils conducteurs dont au moins un fil conducteur est intégré dans ladite au moins une couture plate ; et
• solidarisation d'une couche d'étoffe supérieure sur ladite couche d'étoffe inférieure de sorte à intégrer ladite soudure entre ladite couche d'étoffe inférieure et ladite couche d'étoffe supérieure.

According to another variant, described in a third aspect, the invention relates to a method of interconnection between at least two conductive wires, said method comprising the following steps:

• production, in an interconnection zone, of at least one flat seam integrating at least one conductive wire adapted to transmit an electric current;
  extraction of at least one conductive thread from said at least one flat seam; securing a lower fabric layer to said interconnection zone; said bottom fabric layer having an opening through which at least two conductive wires are passed prior to securing said bottom fabric layer;
• making a weld between said at least two conductive threads, of which at least one conductive thread is integrated into said at least one flat seam; and
• securing an upper fabric layer to said lower fabric layer so as to integrate said welding between said lower fabric layer and said upper fabric layer.

For the second or third aspect of the invention, the method may or may not include a step of applying an additional protective element to the weld before securing the upper fabric.

Brief description of the figures

• [Fig 1] la figure 1 est une représentation schématique en perspective d'une couture plate selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• [Fig 2] la figure 2 est une représentation schématique en perspective d'une couture plate selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• [Fig 3] la figure 3 est une vue de face d'un vêtement intégrant un réseau conducteur formé par un ensemble de coutures plates selon le mode de réalisation de la figure 1 ;
• [Fig 4] la figure 4 est un ordinogramme illustrant les étapes de réalisation d'un procédé d'interconnexion selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, certaines étapes étant illustrées par des vues de dessus de l'avancement du procédé ;
• [Fig 5] la figure 5 est un ordinogramme illustrant les étapes de réalisation d'un procédé d'interconnexion selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention, certaines étapes étant illustrées par des vues de dessus de l'avancement du procédé ;
• [Fig 6] la figure 6 est un ordinogramme illustrant les étapes de réalisation d'un procédé d'interconnexion selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention, certaines étapes étant illustrées par des vues de dessus de l'avancement du procédé ; et
• [Fig 7] la figure 7 est un ordinogramme illustrant les étapes de réalisation d'un procédé d'interconnexion selon un quatrième mode de réalisation de l'invention, certaines étapes étant illustrées par des vues de dessus de l'avancement du procédé.

The manner of carrying out the invention, as well as the advantages which result therefrom, will clearly emerge from the description of the embodiments which follow, with the support of the appended figures in which:

• [ Fig 1 ] the figure 1 is a perspective schematic representation of a flat seam according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• [ Fig 2 ] the figure 2 is a perspective schematic representation of a flat seam according to a second embodiment of the invention;
• [ Fig.3 ] the picture 3 is a front view of a garment incorporating a conductive network formed by a set of flat seams according to the embodiment of the figure 1 ;
• [ Fig 4 ] the figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the steps for carrying out an interconnection method according to a first embodiment of the invention, certain steps being illustrated by top views of the progress of the method;
• [ Fig.5 ] the figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the steps for carrying out an interconnection method according to a second embodiment of the invention, certain steps being illustrated by top views of the progress of the method;
• [ Fig 6 ] the figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the steps for carrying out an interconnection method according to a third embodiment of the invention, certain steps being illustrated by top views of the progress of the method; and
• [ Fig 7 ] the figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the steps for carrying out an interconnection method according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, certain steps being illustrated by top views of the progress of the method.

Of course, the dimensions and proportions of certain constituent elements of the invention may have been deformed, exaggerated and deviated from reality, with the aim of making the invention clearly understood. Further, the description uses the terms "upper" and "lower" to simply describe the different layers forming the protective barrier of the interconnect. These relative terms refer to a vision of an interconnection with the piece of clothing as the basic element.

Of course, the garment can be worn in different positions and the "lower" and "upper" layers can be inversely positioned with respect to the ground.

Manner of carrying out the invention

The figures 1 and 2 represent two embodiments of a flat seam 12a, 12b incorporating a conductive thread 14a, 14b. The first flat seam 12a, shown in figure 1 , has four son: three border son 15a-15c and a connecting wire 14a. Each edge thread 15a-15c extends in a weft direction x with stitches 11 forming loops in the mesh of the fabric to which the edge thread 15a-15c is sewn.

At each stitch 11 , the edge yarn 15a-15c extends into the fabric in a direction z, orthogonal to the weft x and warp y directions of the fabric. The three border threads 15a-15c are sewn substantially parallel to the fabric or to several fabrics arranged edge to edge so as to form a piece of clothing. The connection between these edge threads 15a-15c is ensured by a connecting thread 14a extending along the weft x and warp y directions of the fabric at the level of the lower ends of the stitches 11. Thus, the piece of clothing has a upper face at which the three border wires 15a-15c are visible and a lower face at which the binding wire 14a is visible.

The binding thread 14a has a first section S1, substantially straight, passing through each loop of the stitches 11 of the three edge threads 15a-15c. A second section S2, in the shape of an S, extends between two consecutive loops of stitches 11 of a first edge thread 15a-15c, and extends obliquely between two loops of two separate edge threads 15a-15c . A final section S3 forms a mouth around the first stitch 11 until it reaches a new weft of the flat seam 12a.

This seam pattern is known in Anglo-Saxon literature under the term " Flat Lock " triple thread, in reference to the three border threads 15a-15c.

The connecting wire 14a is made by a conductive wire. For example, the conductive wire 14a may correspond to a copper wire of circular section with a diameter of 2mm. Preferably, the diameter of the conductive wire 14a is less than 2mm. Even more preferably the diameter of the conductive wire 14a is less than 1mm. Of course, the conductive wire 14a can be made with another conductive material without changing the invention. For example, with a material or an alloy having an electrical conductivity greater than 1.10 ⁶ Sm ^-1 . Furthermore, the conductive wire 14a can be covered with a shield and/or a sheath.

The flat seam can also have other topologies. For example, in the case of the figure 1 , only two edge wires 15a and 15c can be used.

The figure 2 illustrates a second example of a flat seam 12b corresponding to the invention. This flat seam 12b incorporates two edge threads 15d-15e and two binding threads 14b and 16. As previously described, each edge thread 15d-15e extends in a weft direction x with stitches 11 forming loops in the stitch of the fabric to which the 15d-15e edge thread is sewn. At each stitch 11, the edge yarn 15d-15e extends into the fabric in a z direction, orthogonal to the weft x and warp y directions of the fabric.

The connection between these 15d-15e edge threads is ensured by two connecting threads 14b and 16. A connecting thread 16 extends in the three directions x, y and z of the fabric and a connecting thread 14b extends only in the weft x and warp y directions of the fabric. This scheme seam is known in the Anglo-Saxon literature under the term "over lock" with four threads, in reference to the four threads forming the flat seam 12b.

Binding thread 14b is placed flat on the fabric with loops interposed between stitches 11 and the loops of binding thread 16.

Thus, as described with reference to figure 1 , this connecting wire 14b can be made by a conductive wire. These flat seams 12a-12b can be used for different applications without changing the invention.

For example, they can make it possible to produce topstitching, decorative patterns on a fabric or the assembly of two fabrics, in a secure manner or not. The nature of the fabric does not matter either. For example, flat seams 12a-12b can be adapted to secure stretch or ultra-stretch fabrics.

This conductive thread 14a-14b, integrated into a flat seam 12a-12b, makes it possible to transmit electrical energy into the flat seam 12a-12b. By using a single flat seam 12a-12b incorporating a conductive thread 14a-14b, it is possible to heat a part of a garment on which the flat seam 14a-14b is formed. Further, a flat seam 12a-12b may incorporate other metallic threads in addition to the conductive thread 14a-14b.

In the example of the figure 2 , the binding wire 16 may correspond to a metal wire with a smaller section than the conductive wire 14a-14b so as to resist the multiple curvatures induced by the topology of the flat seam 12b. For example, the connecting wire 16 may correspond to a copper wire of circular section with a diameter of 0.5 mm.

Similarly, at least one edge wire 15a-15e may correspond to a metal wire. Further, the metallic threads, other than the conductive thread 14a-14b, can be integrated on only part of the flat seam 12a-12b so that the resistance of the flat seam 12a-12b varies according to the number of elements drivers.

A piece of clothing 10 may include several flat seams 12a-12b forming a conductive network.

To do this, electrical interconnections must be formed between several conducting wires 14a-14c, integrated or not in a flat seam 12a-12b.

The invention proposes a solution for producing an electrical interconnection between at least two conducting wires 14a-14c, of which at least one conducting wire 14a-14b is integrated into a flat seam 12a-12b, for example as described previously. Thus, as shown in the picture 3 , the invention makes it possible to obtain a garment 10 integrating several flat seams 12a-12b and forming a conductive network. More particularly, the invention proposes making an electrical interconnection by means of a weld 25 between at least two conductive wires 14a-14c. The protection of the solder 25 is ensured by two layers of fabric: a lower layer of fabric 21-22, and an upper layer of fabric 23. These layers of fabric form a protective barrier at the level of the interconnection electrical and around welding 25.

In addition, the weld 25 can also be protected by an additional protective element 27, such as a heat-shrink sheath or a single or double-sided tape.

There are multiple variants of the invention but, in all cases, a lower fabric layer 21-22 is secured to the piece of clothing 10 before the weld 25 is made so that this lower fabric layer 21-22 protects the piece of clothing 10 during welding. Additionally, an upper fabric layer 23 is still secured to the lower fabric layer 21-22 to form the barrier around the electrical interconnect.

The lower 21-22 and upper 23 layers of fabric may include an upper layer ensuring the mechanical strength of the fabrics 21-23 and an adhesive lower layer intended to perform heat bonding to secure the layers of fabric 21-23 together.

Preferably, the layers of fabric 21-23 have a thickness comprised between 0.1 and 1 mm, and preferentially comprised between 0.2 and 0.4 mm.

For example, fabric layers 21-23 can be made of a polyester and polyurethane adhesive complex with a total thickness of 0.31 mm and an activation temperature greater than 60°C. The technical characteristics of the layers of fabric 21-23 are preferably sought to adapt to the technical characteristics of the piece of clothing 10.

For example, the technical characteristics of the layers of fabric 21-23 can be sought with elastic properties similar to the piece of clothing 10 so as to obtain a deformable electrical interconnection in the same way as the piece of clothing 10. Conversely, more rigid layers of fabric 21-23 may be sought to block the movements of the piece of clothing 10 in the interconnection zone and limit the mechanical stresses undergone by the conducting wires 14a-14b in this zone.

The lower fabric layer 21-22 can take various forms without changing the invention. For example, the lower fabric layer 21-22 may correspond to a tape or a disc. In addition, this lower fabric layer 21 may include an opening 24 through which the conducting wires 14a-14b are passed before making the weld 25. Thus, it is possible to arrange the lower fabric layer 21 after making at least one flat seam 12a-12b by passing the conductive threads through the opening 24.

The figures 4 to 7 illustrate four distinct embodiments making it possible to connect from 2 to 4 conducting wires 14a.

In the example of the figure 6 , two conductive son 14a integrated in two flat seams 12a are welded together.

In the example of figure 5 and 7 , three conductive threads 14a integrated in three flat seams 12a are welded together. In the example of the figure 4 , two conductive son 14a integrated in two flat seams 12a are welded with two free conductive son 14c . These conductive wires 14c are not fixed to the piece of clothing 10 and are only secured with a connector 28 external to the piece of clothing 10. Thus, the interconnection of the invention makes it possible to connect either several conductive wires 14a of one or more flat seams 12a or at least one conductive thread 14a integrated into a flat seam 12a with at least one free conductive thread 14c.

In the example of the figure 4 , a first step 50 consists in securing a lower layer of fabric 22 to a piece of clothing 10. Two flat seams 12a are then made, in a step 51, on the piece of clothing 10 until reaching and partially covering the lower fabric layer 22. Thus, the two flat seams 12a end on the lower fabric layer 22. Alternatively, the flat seams 12a can continue after passing over the lower fabric layer 22.

A step 52 then consists in extracting the conductive threads 14a from the flat seams 12a by pulling the conductive threads 14a in order to position them at a distance of approximately 2 cm from the piece of clothing 10. A step 53 consists in positioning the free conductive threads 14c. The four conductive wires 14a-14c intended to be welded are then twisted together, in a step 54, so as to form a twist 26 extending from the lower fabric layer 22 to the upper end of the conductive wires 14a-14c. The weld 25 can thus be made at the end of the conductive wires 14a-14c since the twisting 26 provides a certain resistance and a certain fixing of the conductive wires 14a-14c relative to each other. This solder 25 is made, in a step 55, with conventional means, such as a soldering iron and a coil of tin.

It is possible that this solder 25 is sufficient to produce the electrical interconnection. Alternatively, it may be preferable to add a protective element 27 located on this weld 25, such as a single or double-sided tape or even a heat-shrinkable sheath. The application of double-sided tape in a step 56 facilitates the next step 57 of positioning the solder 25 in the electrical interconnection, that is to say in the zone delimited by the lower fabric layer 22 When the solder 25 is correctly placed on the lower fabric layer 22 and the conductive wires 14a-14c are all placed in this zone, a step 58 consists in securing an upper fabric layer 23 to the fabric layer. lower 22. The joining of the lower 22 and upper 23 layers of fabric and preferably carried out by heat-welding by means of an iron applied to the layers of fabric 22.

The process illustrated in figure 5 differs from the process of figure 4 by using a lower layer of fabric 21 having an opening 24. Thus, a first step 60 consists in making three flat seams 12a directly on a piece of clothing 10. The conductive threads 14a are then extracted from these flat seams 12a in a step 61. It is only after the extraction of the conductive threads 14a that the lower layer of fabric 21 is secured to the piece of clothing 10, in a step 62, by passing the conductive threads 14a through the opening 24 and securing the edges of the lower fabric layer 21 around and above the flat seams 12a. Thus, the lower fabric layer 21 maintains the flat seams 12a at the base of the conductive threads 14a extracted from the flat seams 12a.

The method then continues, in a step 63, by twisting the conductive wires 14a then by the application, in a step 64, of a solder 25 on the conductive wires 14a. A protection 27 is then applied, in a step 65, then this protection 27 and this weld 25 are positioned, in a step 66, on the lower layer of fabric 21.

The last step 76 consists, once again, in securing an upper fabric layer 23 to the lower fabric layer 21.

As shown on the figures 4 to 7 , the upper fabric layer 23 preferably has a surface greater than the surface of the lower fabric layer 21 so as to easily encompass this lower fabric layer 21.

The process of figure 6 is quicker to achieve because it proposes welding the conductive wires directly at the level of the lower fabric layer 22. To do this, a first step 70 consists in securing the lower fabric layer 22 to the piece of clothing 10 and a second step 71 consists of making two flat seams 12a that overlap in the zone of the lower fabric layer 22.

In step 72, a welding 25 of the conductive wires 14a of the two flat seams 12a is then carried out by means of pliers slightly raising the conductive wires 14a of the flat seams 12a so that a soldering iron can come to apply a soldering a few millimeters above the lower fabric layer 22. Alternatively, the soldering 25 can be carried out without lifting the conductive wires 14a by means of a buffering of the conductive wires 14a by a rectangular soldering iron. In addition, if the soldering iron is previously bathed in a thin layer of tin, it is possible to perform automated soldering.

In the embodiment of the figure 6 , the lower layer of fabric 22 must have increased thermal resistance so as to limit the thermal stresses to which the piece of clothing 10 is subjected.

Optionally, the method can continue, in a step 73, with the application of a protective element 27 while maintaining the elevation of the conductive wires by the pliers and by positioning the protective element 27 on both sides. on the other side of the suture 25 previously made.

In all cases, the method ends with a step 74 consisting in securing an upper fabric layer 23 to the lower fabric layer 22.

In the embodiments of figures 4 to 6 , lower 21-22 and upper 23 fabric layers are described but these fabric layers correspond to distinct elements from one another.

In the embodiment of the figure 7 , the lower 21-22 and upper 23 fabric layers are formed in a single piece of fabric having a predetermined fold line so that the upper fabric layer 23 comes to cover the lower fabric layer 22 to secure the upper fabric layer 23 to the lower fabric layer 22.

Thus, the process of figure 7 comprises a first step 80 consisting in securing the part of the piece of fabric ensuring the role of lower layer of fabric 22. This part of the piece of fabric has a smaller surface than the part of the piece of fabric ensuring the role of the upper fabric layer 23.

To ensure the joining of the lower fabric layer 22, the lower part of the piece of fabric can be provided with an adhesive lower layer placed only on this part.

In a step 81, three flat seams 12a are then made on the piece of clothing 10 to end on the piece of fabric at the level of the lower layer of fabric 22. In a step 82, the conductive threads 14a of these three flat seams 12a are then pulled out so as to extend a sufficient distance from the piece of clothing 10 to easily make the weld 25.

The conductive wires 14a are twisted, in a step 83, then the weld 25 is made, in a step 84.

Step 85 then proposes the application of a protective element 27 and all of this interconnection is then positioned, in a step 86, on the lower fabric layer 22.

Step 87 consists of folding the piece of fabric along the predetermined fold line so that the part of the piece of fabric forming the upper layer of fabric 23 is found above the part of the piece fabric forming the lower fabric layer 22. In this step, an external glue can be positioned on the lower fabric layer 22 to ensure the attachment of the upper fabric layer 23 to the lower fabric layer 22.

Thus, the last step 88 allows the joining of the upper fabric layer 23 to the lower fabric layer 22, for example by pressing this upper fabric layer 23.

The invention makes it possible to obtain an interconnection, between at least two conducting wires 14a-14b, which is resistant to the stresses undergone by the piece of clothing 10, electrically insulated for the wearer of the piece of clothing 10 and relatively simple and quick to achieved by limiting the risk of damage to the item of clothing 10.

The invention thus makes it possible to produce a new type of garment 10 comprising conductive threads 14a-14b integrated into flat seams 12a-12b and interconnected with one another or with external threads. This new type of garment can be used to make winter sports clothing, clothing integrating light signals, or even clothing intended for physiological analysis.

Claims (15)

1. Article of clothing (10) comprising:

   at least two conductive wires (14a-14c) adapted to transmit an electric current, at least one conductive wire (14a-14c) being incorporated into at least one flat seam (12a-12b); and

   at least one electrical interconnection between said at least two conductive wires (14a- 14c);

   said electrical interconnection incorporates a weld (25) between said at least two conductive wires (14a-14c);

   said article of clothing being characterized in that in that said electrical interconnection is protected by two layers of fabric (21-23) respectively attached above and below said electrical interconnection:

   a lower layer of fabric (21-22) bonded to said article of clothing (10) over which said at least two conductive wires (14a-14c) extend; and

   an upper layer of fabric (23) secured to said lower layer of fabric (21- 22) so as to form, with said lower layer of fabric (21- 22), a protective barrier around said electrical interconnection.
2. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein said lower layer of fabric (21-22), and/or said upper layer of fabric (23), has an adhesive lower layer.
3. An article of clothing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said electrical interconnection is also protected by an additional protective element (27) placed upon said electrical interconnection and between said lower and upper layers of fabric (21-23).
4. Article of clothing according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said electrical interconnection also incorporates a twist (26) between said at least two conductive wires (14a-14c).
5. Article of clothing according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least two conductive wires (14a-14c) are incorporated in at least two flat seams (12a-12b).
6. Article of clothing according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least two conductive wires (14a-14c) correspond to at least one free conductive wire (14c) soldered to at least one conductive wire (14a-14b) integrated in at least two flat seams (12a-12b).
7. An article of clothing according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said at least one flat seam (12a-12b) extends over said lower layer of fabric (22).
8. An article of clothing according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said at least one flat seam (12a-12b) extends over said lower layer of fabric (21); said lower layer of fabric (21) comprising an opening (24) through which said at least two conductive (14a-14c) wires emerge.
9. An article of clothing according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said lower layer of fabric (21-22), and/or said upper layer of fabric (23), has a thickness between 0.1 and 1 mm, and preferably between 0.2 and 0.4mm.
10. Article of clothing according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said at least one flat seam (12a-12b) comprises:

    at least two border wires (15a-15e), substantially parallel; and

    at least one bonding wire (14a-14b) placed flat and sinuously between said edge wires (15a-15e); said bonding wire (14a-14b) having curves connected alternately to said edge wires (15a-15e); said bonding wire (14a-14b) being one metallic wire.
11. Method of interconnection between at least two conductive wires (14a-14c), characterized in that said method comprises the following steps:

    bonding (50, 70, 80) of a lower layer of fabric (22) to an article of clothing (10);

    production (51, 71, 81) of at least one flat seam (12a-12b) incorporating at least one conductive wire (14a-14b) suitable for transmitting an electric current;

    producing (55, 72, 84) a weld (25) between at least two conductivewires-(14a-14c) whose at least one conductive wire (14a-14b) is incorporated into said at least one flat seam (12a-12b);

    and bonding (58, 74, 88) an upper layer of fabric (23) to said lower layer of fabric (22) so as to incorporate said weld (25) between said lower layer of fabric (22) and said upper layer of fabric (23).
12. An interconnection method according to claim 11, wherein said method also comprises a step of extracting (52, 82) at least one conductive wire (14a-14b) from said at least one flat seam (12a-12b).
13. An interconnection method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said method also comprises a step of applying (56, 73, 85) an additional protection element (27) on said weld (25) and on said lower layer of fabric (22).
14. Method of interconnection between at least two conductive wires (14a-14c), characterized in that said method comprises the following steps:

    production (60), in an interconnection zone, of at least one flat seam (12a-12b) incorporating at least one conductive wire (14a-14b) suitable for transmitting an electric current; extracting (61) at least one conductive wire (14a-14b) from said at least one flat seam (12a-12b);

    bonding (62) a lower layer of fabric (21) to said interconnection zone; said lower layer of fabric (21) having an opening (24) through which at least two conductive wires (14a-14c) are passed before securing said lower layer of fabric (21);

    producing (64) a weld (64) between at least two conductive wires (14a-14c) whose at least one conductive wire (14a-14b) is incorporated into said at least one flat seam (12a-12b);

    and bonding (67) an upper layer of fabric (23) to said lower layer of fabric (21) so as to incorporate said weld (25) between said lower layer of fabric (21) and said upper layer of fabric (23).
15. An interconnection method according to claim 14, wherein said method also comprises a step of applying (65) an additional protection element (27) on said weld (25) and on said lower layer of fabric (22).

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