FR3007042A1 - LUMINOUS FABRIC COMPRISING GLASS YARNS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a luminous fabric comprising a woven fabric support comprising warp yarns and weft yarns selected from binding yarns and optical fibers able to emit light laterally. The binding yarns comprise glass yarns representing at least 50% by weight relative to the total mass of the binding yarns constituting the woven textile support.

Description

The invention relates to a luminous fabric comprising a woven textile support. According to the invention, the term "woven textile support" means a sheet made of directionally distributed fiber-based yarns obtained by weaving or woven fabric. knitting. The weaving is the result of the intertwining, in the same plane, of threads arranged in the direction of the warp (hereinafter called warp threads) and threads arranged perpendicularly to the warp threads, in the direction of the weft ( hereinafter referred to as weft threads). The binding obtained between these warp son and these weft son is called armor. There currently exist luminous fabrics comprising a woven textile support obtained by weaving so-called binding yarns and optical fibers. Such light fabrics are for example described in applications WO 2005/026423, WO 2008/035010, WO 2008/062141 and WO 2008/087339. The optical fibers are capable, once connected to a light source, to emit light laterally through the presence of invasive alterations along their surface. The binding yarns make it possible to ensure good cohesion of the assembly 20 of the woven textile support and to confer, depending on their nature, their size and / or their mechanical properties, particular properties of the textile support. According to the invention, the term "binding yarn" includes all yarns or fibers other than optical fibers, that is to say all yarns or fibers which do not have the property of being able to emit light laterally and therefore not directly connected or connectable to a light source. Among the luminous tissues currently available on the market, a distinction must be made according to the levels of illumination that can be obtained. Most only achieve low levels of illumination corresponding to ambient lighting in a dark environment. One of the objectives of the invention is to produce a luminous fabric having excellent lighting performance including high levels of illumination and a uniform luminance on the entire surface of the luminous tissue. The excellence of these performances is reflected in particular by properties sufficient to allow the use of the luminous fabric as a luminaire. Another object of the invention is to produce a luminous fabric exhibiting excellent behavior in fire, reaction and resistance (hereinafter fire properties), in particular to satisfy the regulatory requirements of products intended for building applications. The complexity of the luminous tissues makes it difficult to improve the illuminance properties without lowering the fire properties. The known light fabrics, corresponding to those described in the aforementioned patent applications, preferably comprise woven textile supports with: - binding yarns comprising polymeric synthetic fibers of organic nature such as polyester or polyamide fibers and optical fibers of organic nature.

Organic materials do not intrinsically have good fire properties. Increasing the density of optical fibers to increase the illumination is not likely to improve these properties, or even to the detriment of said properties. Finally, the optimization of the illumination and fire behavior properties must be obtained without harming the other properties expected for any fabric, in particular without modification of the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact resistance, tear resistance, humidity or modification of other optical properties such as opacity. There is therefore a need to develop new luminous fabrics to obtain an improvement in lighting performance resulting in good homogeneity and high levels of illumination and improved fire behavior while maintaining at least equal all expected properties for a fabric, bright or not, intended for example for building applications.

Surprisingly, the applicant has succeeded in obtaining a luminous fabric satisfying all the required properties including a high proportion of glass threads used as bonding yarns arranged in combination with optical fibers.

The invention therefore relates to a luminous fabric comprising a woven fabric support comprising warp yarns and weft threads selected from binding yarns and optical fibers capable of emitting light laterally, characterized in that the binding yarns comprise glass yarns representing at least 50% by weight of the total mass of the binding yarns constituting the woven textile support. The light fabrics described in the documents of the prior art are not limited to those comprising polymeric synthetic binder fibers of organic nature. However, these documents do not include any indication of the problems inherent in the weaving of light fabrics comprising glass son. These documents also do not include indications on how to co-weave yarns of different natures and properties. The teachings of these documents are not sufficient to make it possible to produce a luminous fabric according to the invention.

Indeed, many difficulties of elaboration result from the complexity of the luminous fabric, high proportion of glass threads and association of threads based on fibers of different types, but also constraints imposed in terms of properties of illumination, properties fire and mechanical properties. The choice of using glass strands significantly impacts the weaving process and the properties of the light fabric. Glass threads, unlike most other textile fibers of organic nature, are not elastic and break. This causes on the one hand premature wear of the loom by abrasion and on the other hand the formation of glass debris, hard and abrasive, by friction with the tooling or with other fibers. The glass strands, by virtue of their abrasive nature, are also capable of damaging the yarns of different nature constituting the woven textile support, in particular the yarns of organic nature that are more sensitive to abrasive wear. The risk of rupture or degradation of yarns of an organic nature during co-weaving with glass threads is high and detrimental. This is especially true when the yarns of organic nature are optical fibers because the lighting properties can also be altered. Finally, the glass strands are a priori not compatible with the step of creating invasive alterations on the optical fibers, such as sandblasting, because the risk of degradation of the glass strands, which can go as far as breaking, is also high. The choice of characteristics such as the raw materials used, their proportion, the type of weave, the mesh size depending on the density of warp and warp yarn, makes it possible to reduce the abrasion phenomena and the probability of rupture. sons. The textile support of the invention can be woven with a high density of glass yarns and optical fibers without breaking or deterioration of said optical fibers. But above all, this woven textile support can be optically treated so as to create invasive alterations on the optical fibers by sanding without deterioration of the glass son and therefore without degradation of the fabric. The luminous fabric according to the invention, optimized so as to be able to contain a large quantity of glass strands, has the following advantages: an improvement of the fire properties, in particular with an increase in the fire resistance and a decrease in the higher heating value; (PCS), - an improvement in the lighting performance, in particular related to the optical properties of the glass strands, - an improvement in the mechanical strength, in particular the tensile strength, making it possible to use the luminous fabric as reinforcing element, - Reduced cost because glass yarns are more economical than traditionally used polymer textile yarns, and even more so compared to polymer yarns specifically treated to improve fire behavior such as TREVIRA® polyester yarns.

The light fabrics of the invention have good fire resistance. They are difficult to ignite, or even non-flammable according to some embodiments. The glass does not ignite, does not spread the flame and emits no smoke or toxic gas. The light fabrics of the invention have improved lighting performance. Glass is a material with excellent transparency to visible light. The use of glass threads makes it possible to avoid light losses in the light fabric and thus to increase the optical efficiency and the luminance. In addition, the glass in its textile form diffuses the light by multi-reflection and is an excellent light reflector due to its naturally white appearance. The particular optical diffusion and reflection properties of the glass strands contribute to the increase of the illumination levels as well as the homogeneity of the luminance over the entire surface of the fabric.

The light fabric of the invention is an ecological alternative to existing light fabrics comprising woven textile supports mainly made of plastic son. Indeed, the light fabric of the invention minimizes the use of materials from the petroleum industry. This is especially true when using optical fibers of partially or totally mineral nature, a luminous fabric is obtained whose proportions of plastic in the woven fabric support are low or even zero. Added to this is the better durability and recyclability of mineral materials compared to plastic materials. In order to obtain the luminous fabric of the invention, a set of characteristics has been correlatively optimized such as the proportions and / or the dimensions of glass binding yarns and optical fibers, the mass ratios of the weft yarns and warp yarns, binding yarns and optical fibers. The combination of these characteristics makes it possible to obtain a luminous fabric having improved lighting performance and fire behavior while maintaining a wearability compatible with an industrial implementation. The fabric according to the invention has a so-called three-dimensional structure in that it has a flat thickness. The fabric according to the invention comprises two faces defining two opposite main surfaces. At least one face is used as illuminating surface. According to one embodiment, the woven textile support comprises a single face used as illuminating surface, hereinafter surface or main illuminating surface. According to another embodiment, the woven textile support comprises two faces used as illuminating surfaces.

Some particularly advantageous embodiments from the point of view of fire performance and / or lighting performance are described below. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention that is advantageous from the point of view of fire performance, the glass strands represent at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, and better still at least 50%, by mass of the mass of the support. woven textile. The mass of the woven textile support corresponds to the total mass of the weft yarns and the warp yarns, that is to say to the mass of all the binding yarns and the optical fibers. The luminous fabrics satisfying this characteristic may in particular have a heating value greater than 15 MJ / Kg. According to an alternative embodiment making it possible to obtain excellent levels of illumination, the luminous fabric comprises: optical fibers with a diameter greater than or equal to 500 μm used as weft yarn and / or as warp yarn according to a density of at least 8 threads / cm, and warp threads comprising glued glass threads used as bonding threads. According to another variant, additional treatments having the objective of giving the luminous fabric additional functionalities are realized. These treatments may in particular have the function of conferring mechanical properties, reflective, diffusing, decorative, fire resistance, impact, abrasion, antifouling, leachability, antistatic or other. The improvement of the mechanical properties or the dimensional stability of the woven fabric support may be particularly advantageous in the case of greige fabric, that is to say of uncoated fabric or ennobled any way out of the loom. For these purposes, the luminous fabric comprising two faces of which at least one is used as illuminating surface may further comprise at least one additional coating.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the luminous fabric comprises a flame retardant coating, preferably on one side used as the main illuminating surface. The combination within the same luminous fabric of the luminous textile support and the flame retardant coating further contributes to obtaining excellent fire properties.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the luminous fabric comprises a structuring coating, preferably on one side not used as illuminating surface. This additional structuring coating is advantageously of white color and / or reflective and / or mainly based on mineral-type material. The combination within the same luminous fabric of the luminous textile support and the structuring coating further contributes to obtaining excellent lighting performance while providing good mechanical strength. According to other embodiments of the invention, the luminous fabric combines the above-mentioned variants. The woven textile supports of the invention may comprise a weave selected in particular from canvas, serge, satin or jacquard weave. Depending on the type or types of armor chosen, it is possible to promote the presence of optical fibers on one side of the woven fabric support while ensuring a good hold of the woven fabric support. The armor is chosen to maximize the proportion of optical fibers emerging on the face used as the main illuminating surface of the luminous tissue. In the case of a luminous fabric, each of whose faces is used as illuminating surface, it is possible, by the choice of the armor, to modulate the level of illumination by modulating the presence of the optical fibers emerging from the one or on the other side of the luminous fabric. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the woven textile support comprises at least one part woven according to a serge weave and even more preferably a satin weave. The satin weave is preferably chosen from satin weave 4, satin 6, satin 8, satin 10 and satin 12. The choice of satin weave advantageously allows the weft yarn or the warp yarn to be more visible on a satin weave. faces of the woven fabric support. Advantageously, the woven fabric support comprises a woven satin weave on the face used as illuminating surface, preferably a satin weave 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or more. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the woven fabric support comprises at least one woven part in a plain weave because this type of weave makes it possible to ensure good hold of the fabric.

Optical fibers and binding yarns, preferably glass yarns, are used as warp yarns and / or as weft yarns. The optical fibers are preferably used as weft threads. The glass threads are preferably used as warp yarns. The glass threads can also advantageously be used as weft threads and as warp threads. According to one embodiment, the woven fabric support comprises son of warp son son and a combination of glass son and optical fiber weft son. The configuration comprising the optical fibers used as weft son makes it possible to let a certain length of optical fibers pass on the sides, that is to say at the edge of the luminous textile support. This allows the subsequent connection to the lighting means or light sources. The configuration comprising the optical fibers used as warp yarns makes it possible to obtain much greater lengths than the width of the loom allows with the optical fiber in weft yarns. According to one embodiment, the binding yarns constituting the woven textile support may comprise yarns or fibers other than glass yarns. The binding yarns may in particular comprise a combination of glass yarns and yarns of a different nature, such as yarns based on organic, metal or mineral fibers other than glass fibers. According to another embodiment, all the binding yarns are glass yarns, that is to say that all the yarns other than optical fibers are glass yarns. Suitable glass yarns according to the invention and their manufacturing process are described, for example, in "Reinforcing Glass Fibers", Engineering Techniques, Plastics Processing and Composites. The glass strands are formed of filaments having a diameter in general of between 5 and 24 μm, preferably between 6 and 16 μm, and better still between 8 and 13 μm. The glass threads are made from the traditional raw materials needed for the manufacture of glass such as silica, lime, alumina and magnesia. The glass yarns that are suitable according to the invention include in particular glass yarns E and silica yarns. Preferably, the glass son forming the woven fabric support are present in significant amount in mass and in number. According to this embodiment, the binding yarns, that is to say the yarns or fibers other than the optical fibers are predominantly glass yarns in mass and in number. The glass yarns used as bonding yarns may represent in mass, in order of increasing preference, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70% by weight of the bonding yarn constituting the woven textile support, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%. According to variants of the invention, the glass threads represent, by weight with respect to the mass of the woven fabric support, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80% or at least 90%. The higher the proportions of glass threads in the woven fabric support, the better the fire performance. Luminous fabrics comprising at least 50% by weight of glass yarns have in particular higher heating value values lower than 15 MJ / Kg.

The glass threads are defined by their TEX or linear density, which is a function of the diameter and the number of basic filaments constituting the thread. The TEX corresponds to the mass in grams of 1000 m of yarn. The glass strands preferably have a titer of between 2.8 to 4800 TEX, preferably a titer greater than or equal to 34 TEX, preferably ranging from 50 TEX to 800 TEX.

The glass yarns used in warp yarn are in order of increasing preference, a titre greater than 34 Tex, between 50 and 800 Tex, between 60 and 250 TEX, between 60 and 140 TEX, between 60 and 80 TEX . The density of the warp yarns is at least 5, preferably at least 7 and optionally between 7 and 9 threads / cm. The density of warp yarns can be higher. For example, the density of the warp threads may be greater than or equal to 55 threads / cm when the TEX of the warp threads is small, for example between 2.8 and 60 TEX. The density of the glass threads used as warp yarns is at least 5, preferably at least 7 and more preferably between 7 and 9 threads / cm. The glass yarns used in weft yarn have, in order of increasing preference, a titre greater than 34 TEX, between 50 and 800 TEX, between 100 and 250 TEX, between 120 and 220 TEX. The density of the weft yarns (comprising binding yarns and optical fibers) is, in order of increasing preference: at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, at least 25 yarns / cm, and / or - not more than 60, not more than 35 threads / cm. The density of the glass yarns used in weft yarns is at least 5, preferably in the range of 8 to 20 yarns / cm, and / or the density of the optical fibers in the weft yarns is at least 5, preferably from 8 to 20 threads / cm. The TEX product of the glass threads and the density of the glass threads in thread count per centimeter, in weft or warp, is greater than 500.

The TEX product of the glass yarns and the density of the glass yarns in number of yarns per centimeter in weft is preferably greater than 900 and better still between 900 and 2500. The glass yarns may be twisted glass yarns having at least 5, at least 10, at least 15 or at least 20 twists / m.

The glass threads are preferably previously sized at the time of their formation and can then be glued. The sizing is a treatment product that is applied to the surface of the glass fibers after their exit from the forming die of the glass fibers. All glass threads are generally sized. The sizing unlike the sizing is a treatment carried out "in recovery" that is to say after manufacture of glass son. The use of sized and optionally glued glass threads makes it possible to minimize friction between fibers or threads during weaving. The size consists in applying a sizing composition comprising at least one sizing agent. For sizing agents, reference can be made to the sizing agents described in "Reinforcing Glass Fibers", Engineering Technique, Plastics and Composite Treatments. The sizing consists of applying a sizing composition comprising at least one sizing agent. The same compositions can be used for sizing or sizing. At the end of the sizing step, each glass wire, preferably used in the chain, is coated with a sheath, which covers all of its periphery. Glued glass threads, especially when used as chain-bonding yarns, contribute to facilitating the increase in the density of optical fibers in the luminous tissue and hence the levels of illumination. The light fabrics according to this embodiment have optical fiber densities greater than or equal to 10 wires / cm and better still greater than or equal to 12. For sizing, reference may be made to the application WO 2009/071812. Suitable sizing agents according to the invention include sizing agents based on preferably natural polysaccharides, in particular starch, starch derivatives such as carboxymethyl starch or ether. hydroxyethyl starch, cellulose derivatives, in particular carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), galactomannans, or protein derivatives. Mention may also be made of sizing agents based on entirely synthetic polymers. In this case, it is for example polyvinyl alcohols (PVA), polyacrylates, polyvinyl acetate or polyester. The sizing agents are deposited by impregnation on the yarns before weaving.

Advantageously, the glass yarns used in warp yarn are sized and comprise as sizing agents natural polysaccharides and polyvinyl alcohols. The total mass of sizing agents relative to the total mass of the glass son coated with said sizing agents is preferably between 0.1 and 5% and better still between 0.5 and 2.5%. The glass son coated with sizing agents comprise a sheath consisting of said sizing agents which covers the entire periphery of said son. According to one embodiment, the woven fabric support comprises warp yarns comprising glued glass threads used as bonding yarns and weft yarns comprising glass yarns used as bonding yarns. The weft threads are preferably only sized. The binding yarns used as warp yarns are glued glass yarns whose proportion by weight of sizing agent relative to the weight of the yarns coated with said sizing agents is between 1 and 2.5%.

The optical fibers may be formed of a mineral or organic material and be mono or bi-component. The inorganic materials are, for example, chosen from the group comprising glass, quartz and silica. The organic materials are, for example, chosen from the group comprising polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefins (COP) and fluoropolymers. A sheath can come to cover the optical fibers to protect them. In this case, the optical fibers are made of two materials and have a core covered with a sheath which can be of different types. These structures are also called heart-bark structure. As two-component optical fibers that are particularly suitable, mention may be made of fibers comprising a core of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and a sheath based on a fluorinated polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Among the optical fibers that are particularly suitable, there may be mentioned single-component optical fibers based on silica or two-component components comprising a silica core and a polymer sheath. The use of this type of optical fiber of a partially or totally mineral nature makes it possible to further increase the proportion of mineral materials in the woven fabric support and, in particular, to give it unequaled fire-resistance or recyclability properties. Advantageously, the woven fabric support comprises in mass relative to the mass of the woven fabric support at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least minus 80%, at least 90% of compound of mineral nature. The optical fibers, mono- or bi-components, advantageously have a diameter: greater than 100 μm, preferably greater than 200 μm, and better still greater than 250 μm, less than 2000 μm, preferably less than 1000 μm, and better still less than 1000 μm. at 750 μm, between 100 and 1000 μm, preferably from 200 to 550 μm, preferably from 450 to 550 μm. When the fibers used are core-shell fibers, the thickness of the sheath is between 2 and 15 μm, preferably between 5 and 10 μm. The product of the average diameter of the optical fibers in micrometer and the density of the optical fibers in number of fibers per centimeter in weft or in chain is greater than 2000, preferably greater than 4000, preferably greater than 5000 and better than 6000 The optical fibers comprise invasive alterations, corresponding to notches or small slits, which allow the extraction of light at the fibers because they modify the angle of reflection of the light rays inside the fiber and the lateral transmission of light outside the fiber. Optical fibers thus make it possible both to convey light within their structure but also to emit light laterally. As a result, the optical fibers are able to distribute the light within the light fabric in a distributed manner and to diffuse illuminate the main surfaces of the light fabric. Invasive alterations can be obtained in various ways and in particular by abrasion processes such as sanding, etching or melting by means of high intensity light radiation such as a laser. Invasive alterations can be performed on optical fibers before or after weaving. When they are made after weaving, they can be created before or after deposition of additional coatings as defined below on the woven textile support.

Preferably, the optical fibers comprise invasive alterations obtained by sanding. Unexpectedly, the sanding treatment does not deteriorate the glass strands. Even more unexpectedly, this treatment makes it possible to obtain an excellent homogeneity of the luminance over the entire surface of the luminous fabric.

When the alterations are created after weaving in a subsequent step, it is possible to vary: - the location of these invasive alterations so as to define a particular pattern to carry out a signaling, display a message or an image, - the density surface or the size of the invasive alterations created from one zone to another of the fabric, for example, to achieve a homogeneous illumination of the luminous tissue, by reducing the surface density on the zones near the light sources or to voluntarily obtain gradients illumination. Preferably, the optical fibers extend outside the surface defined by the fabric corresponding to the border of the luminous tissue. The optical fibers may be braided or bundled in the form of bundles so as to cooperate a plurality of free ends facing one and the same light source, preferably at the edge of the light fabric. As regards the manufacture of the luminous fabric and the connection of the optical fibers, reference can be made to patent FR 2859737. The optical fibers therefore comprise free ends able to be connected or arranged facing a light source in order to transmit the light and to emit laterally. light at the level of alterations. The woven textile support advantageously has: a weight per unit area of between 100 to 2500 g / m2, 250 to 1000 g / m2, and / or a thickness of less than 5 mm, preferably of between 0.25 and 5 mm. The light fabric comprises one or more point light sources arranged facing at least one free end of optical fiber, preferably at the edge of the fabric. Alternatively, the fabric may comprise an extended light source arranged facing a plurality of free ends of optical fibers. This or these light sources are connected to the optical fibers. The optical fiber or fibers, preferably the end or ends of the optical fibers, possibly cut or braided, are connected to the light sources. Light sources intended to illuminate the free ends of the optical fibers may be of different types, and in particular be in the form of light-emitting diodes or of extended sources such as incandescent lamps, fluorescent tubes or discharge tubes incorporating a gas. such as neon. The light sources are advantageously electroluminescent diodes.

Advantageously, an optical lens can be inserted between the source and the ends of the optical fibers in order to concentrate the light on said ends and to limit the light transmission losses. The luminous fabric according to the invention advantageously has a luminance of at least 100 Cd / m 2, better still at least 150 cd / m 2 and better still at least 200 cd / m 2. These luminance values are obtained when 150 optical fibers are suitably connected to a light source, for example to a light source emitting a suitable light flux. According to the invention, "luminance" is understood to mean the intensity of an extended source in a given direction, divided by the apparent area of this source in the same direction measured according to the ISO 23539: 2005 luminance standard. A high luminance makes it possible to obtain illumination levels sufficient for the light fabric of the invention to constitute in itself a source of illumination.

According to the invention, it is considered that a luminous fabric makes it possible to obtain illumination levels sufficient to ensure the luminaire function when it satisfies the recommended illuminance values (Lux) of the European standard NF EN 12464-1. lighting of workplaces. For example, a luminous fabric (1m x 1m) connected to one or more adapted light sources, having a luminance at normal incidence, of 440 Cd / m2 makes it possible to obtain an illumination at 2 m of 100 Lux, sufficient illumination for the lighting of a reception or lobby. The invention thus makes it possible to obtain luminaires that can be modulated by their shape by attributing various shapes to the luminous fabric.

The luminous fabric may comprise an additional coating, for example reported by impregnation of the fabric (impregnated coating) or by providing a coating to the surface or surfaces of the luminous fabric (surface coating). The luminous fabric of the invention comprising two faces, at least one of which is used as illuminating surface, can also comprise at least one additional coating chosen from reflecting coatings, structuring coatings, flame retardant coatings which may be intumescent, coatings with good cleaning ability and diffusing coatings.

A distinction must be made among the additional coatings according to the impact they have on the levels of illumination. Indeed, the luminous fabric according to the invention comprises two main faces defining two opposite main surfaces. The two faces are not always equivalent, for example according to the chosen weave. When the additional coating decreases, voluntarily or not, the levels of illumination that can be obtained by the light fabric, it will preferably be placed on the unused side as the main illuminating surface.

The luminous fabric may comprise an additional coating on the side that is not used as the main illuminating surface, chosen in particular from reflecting coatings and structuring coatings. The use of a luminous fabric comprising a reflective coating makes it possible to increase the amount of light exiting from one side of the luminous fabric. The reflective coating may be an opaque, preferably white, coating deposited on one of the surfaces of the textile substrates, such as a paint. According to the invention, coatings are preferably used which make it possible both to improve the mechanical properties and the optical properties of the light fabrics. These coatings hereinafter referred to as structuring coatings comprise: (i) a binder and optionally (ii) fillers. The fillers are generally inert mineral materials preferably chosen from fillers and / or pigments. Advantageously, the charges are elements of size less than 80 microns. The binders may be organic polymeric binders, for example chosen from polymers or copolymers of polyurethane, of poly (meth) acrylate such as, for example, a styrene-acrylic copolymer and of polyamide, styrene-butadiene copolymers (SBR, " styrene-butadiene rubber ") and / or polymers based on polysaccharides, in particular based on starch. These structuring coatings are preferably obtained from a liquid or viscous solution comprising the binder, the filler and optionally a solvent or dispersant medium, applied by any conventional method of deposition including padding, dipping, drying, spraying, coating. by brush, roller or knife. The structuring coating according to the invention may, after drying, be situated essentially on the surface of the luminous fabric or impregnate at least a part of the thickness of the luminous textile support. According to a first variant, the structuring coating is a surface coating and remains mainly on the surface or surfaces of the luminous fabric. Such a coating comprises a non-negligible proportion of fillers. According to this embodiment, the additional structuring coating is on one side not used as illuminating surface. The structuring coating comprises in mass relative to the total weight of (i) and (ii) - 10 to 60%, preferably 10 to 25% of binder (i) and - 40 to 90%, preferably 75 to 90% of filling materials (ii). Preferably, the total mass of (i) and (ii) is at least 90%, at least 95% and better still at least 99% of the total mass of the structuring coating.

As surface structuring coating particularly suitable according to the invention for ensuring the dimensional stability of the fabric, there may be mentioned a structuring coating comprising a preferably acrylic binder, mineral fillers such as calcium carbonate and optionally pigments.

The coating may be obtained by applying a composition, preferably aqueous, having a high solid content, preferably greater than 65%. Such additional structuring coating is advantageously present in an amount of 25 to 1000 g / m 2, preferably 50 to 250 g / m 2, preferably at least 120 g / m 2. The coating masses per unit area correspond to the mass of dry coatings, ie after removal of any solvent or dispersant media. Alternatively, the additional structuring coating may be an impregnated coating. Such a coating is obtained by applying a composition having a lower solid content. Preferably, these coatings also have a lower mass proportion of fillers (ii) relative to the total weight of (i) and (ii). They may be applied to the face that does not serve as a main illuminating surface and / or on the face serving as the main illuminating surface. The purpose of these coatings is mainly to improve the mechanical strength. These coatings are not necessarily opaque. These coatings are not incompatible with the treatments intended to create the invasive alterations on the optical fibers and do not hinder the extraction of light. Such coatings may therefore be deposited on the woven textile support before the step of creating invasive alterations, especially on the face of the light tissue directly and exposed to said treatment. The impregnated structuring coating may comprise in mass relative to the total mass of (i) and (ii): 70 to 100%, preferably 70 to 98% of binder (i) and -0 to 30%, preferably 2 to 30% filler (ii). Such a structuring additional coating is advantageously present in an amount of 25 to 1000 g / m 2, preferably 25 to 100 g / m 2. These structuring coatings may also be reflective especially when they comprise reflective fillers or opacifying and non-absorbing fillers such as calcium carbonate and / or titanium dioxide. These structuring coatings are advantageously white. For this purpose, the structuring coating preferably comprises at least 2%, preferably at least 5% and most preferably at least 10% by weight of white pigments such as titanium dioxide, barium sulfate, zinc sulfate or zinc oxide with respect to the total mass of the structuring coating. The reflective structuring coatings are preferably applied to the face which does not serve as the main illuminating surface. The structuring coating 20 can then preferentially reflect the light emitted by the textile support of the selected side as illuminating surface. The use of such a structuring coating makes it possible to obtain a gain on the luminance, that is to say that a luminous fabric comprising said coating may exhibit an increase in its luminance with respect to the same luminous tissue not comprising not said coating. The luminous fabric may comprise an additional coating on the side used as a main illuminating surface chosen from flame retardant coatings, optionally intumescent coatings, coatings having good cleaning ability and diffusing, preferably transparent or translucent coatings. The luminous fabric may comprise an optionally intumescent flame retardant coating, preferably transparent, imparting fire resistance properties. Preferably, the flame retardant and / or intumescent coating is applied at least on the face used as illuminating surface. "Flame-retardant coating" means a coating that provides flame-retarding properties, that is, a coating that inhibits or delays the ignition of the underlying material when it is subjected to excessive heat and / or delay the propagation of a flame in the material. By "intumescent coating" is meant a coating that is expandable upon exposure to excessive heat to retard ignition of the coated article. The flame retardant coating comprises flame retardants for example selected from phosphorus compounds, halogenated such as oxides, hydroxides or mixtures and mineral fillers. The flame retardant and intumescent coating comprises intumescent agents consisting of a composition comprising at least one acid source, a carbon source and a gas source. The source of acid may be chosen from phosphorus and sulphated compounds. Preferably, the source of acid comprises at least one phosphorus compound chosen from ammonium phosphates. The carbon source may be chosen from hydroxyl compounds, in particular polyhydric alcohols such as pentaerythritol and dipentaerythritol. The gas source can be chosen from nitrogen compounds, especially melamine and its derivatives, dicyandiamide or urea. As an optionally intumescent flame retardant coating, the intumescent varnish Char17, sold by the company "IRIS Vernici" is suitable. The flame retardant coating is preferably present in an amount of from 100 to 350 g / m 2, preferably from 150 to 250 g / m 2. The thickness of the flame retardant coating is advantageously between 50 and 500 μm, preferably 100 to 250 μm, preferably less than 200 μm. The luminous fabric may comprise a coating having good cleaning ability. This property is for example obtained by the choice of a formulation making the coating smooth, non-porous and / or resistant to certain solvents or water. It is then easy to clean the surface of the light fabric comprising said coating by simply passing a sponge. The luminous fabric may comprise a colored decorative coating containing pigments or dyes of organic nature.

The luminous fabric may comprise a diffusing coating. This coating makes it possible to modify the final appearance of the fabric by providing a decorative value (pattern, image, colors, message) and / or to homogenise the light coming from the fabric and thus to perfect the flatness of light. The diffusing coating may be chosen from diffusing polymer films such as Duratrans films, veil-like diffusion fabrics, Satinovo®-type glass plates. The diffusing coating can be assembled to the light textile support by any known means, for example by gluing. Additional coatings can combine several functions. Advantageously, the optionally intumescent flame retardant coating may also have good cleaning ability. The structuring coating can also be a colored decorative coating. The luminous fabrics may also include several additional coatings. By way of example, mention may be made of a luminous fabric comprising: - an additional coating structuring on one side not used as an illuminating surface and - an additional coating chosen from flame retardant coatings which may be intumescent, the coatings having a good cleaning ability and the diffusing coatings on one side used as illuminating surface. The luminous fabric may advantageously comprise color patches that can be obtained by means of the light sources used to illuminate the optical fibers but also by dyeing the different optical fibers or binding wires. It is understood to mean coloring the fibers, using colored or tinted yarns before being woven, or printing after weaving by methods such as screen printing or jet printing. ink the textile support woven with a colored pattern.

The woven textile support can therefore be white in color corresponding to the natural appearance of the fiberglass or tinted with another color through the use of tinted fiberglass or coated before weaving. The luminous fabric may comprise at least one bright decorative pattern located on at least a portion of the surface of the luminous tissue capable of emitting light. The decorative pattern can be achieved by performing the step of creating invasive alterations on said portion of the fabric surface provided for the decorative pattern. The pattern is for example made using a mask or a stencil before the treatment for the extraction of light. In this embodiment, the product formed can make it possible to obtain personalized fabrics from a standard woven fabric support, leaving patterns appearing by difference in light reflection when the light source is off and difference in intensity of light. extraction of light when the light source is on.

The woven textile support may comprise a decorative motif called "textile" or a decorative armor including a jacquard pattern. According to the invention, the term "jacquard pattern", a pattern obtained by making a woven fabric support combining several types of weave in the same woven fabric support. By using colored threads, jacquard armor allows for very complex patterns and even image reproduction. A jacquard pattern therefore corresponds to a pattern created by a change of weave or color in an area of the woven fabric support. The decorative pattern can then define a logo or a descriptive message, resulting directly from the weaving of areas with differences in surface density of optical fibers. The jacquard pattern can be either treated in positive mode (bright pattern on background off) or negative (non-bright pattern on bright background). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a luminous fabric as defined above. The method comprises a step of weaving (b) optical fibers and binding fibers so as to form a woven textile support, the binding fibers comprise glass threads, the glass threads represent in mass with respect to the total mass binding yarns constituting the textile support woven at least 50%. The method advantageously comprises a step of sizing the glass son (a) performed before the weaving step.

The method comprises a step (c) in which invasive alterations are made on the optical fiber (s), preferably after the weaving step. The method advantageously comprises a step of applying one or more additional coatings on one or on each side of the woven fabric support. When the luminous fabric comprises an impregnated additional coating applied on the face intended to serve as a main illuminating surface, the step of creating the invasive alterations (c), preferably the sanding, can be carried out after the application of said coating, that is to say on the previously impregnated fabric. The method advantageously comprises a step in which a decorative pattern is created on a part of the surface of the light fabric, said decorative pattern being obtained by performing step (c) of creating invasive alterations on the part of the surface of the fabric bright provided for the decorative pattern. The method includes a step (d) of optically connecting (d) optical fibers to a light source. During this step, the optical fiber or fibers, preferably the end or ends of the optical fibers, possibly cut or braided, are connected to light sources.

A method for manufacturing a luminous fabric according to the invention may comprise the following steps: a gluing step (a) of the glass fibers, a weaving step (b), a step of creating invasive alterations. (c) for example by sanding, laser treatment, chemical treatment, - a step of optical connection (d) of the optical fibers to a light source, - a step of electrical connection (e) of the light source. The luminous fabric can have a decorative function and / or lighting according to its luminance. It allows the realization of lighting, mood lighting or a backlight for a particular poster.

The luminous fabric can be: - uniform with a standard textile weave, - decorative with a geometric pattern, figurative created in the woven textile support (jacquard pattern) or by taking up a uniform textile support (light extraction treatment controlled by masking, printing, gluing, depositing a decorative or diffusing film or decorative fabric, - informative with a logo, message, identity or signage Luminous fabrics make it possible to light part or their entire surface.They are particularly suitable for indoor lighting or interior lighting on walls, partitions, ceilings, or floors as a design or decorative product.The luminous fabric can be used as a partition wall. separation between two volumes, especially as extrafine light partition such as Japanese cloisters or partitions for the construction of offices, apartments or small premises. Ineux can be used as a wall covering or luminous frieze to be painted, varnished, glued and / or soft to coat all or part of a wall selected from walls, floors or ceilings. The luminous tissue can be stretched using staples or fastening systems, traditionally used for the placement of stretched tissue. The luminous fabric can be used for the realization of light blinds such as blinds with vertical stripes, Japanese panels, roller blinds, Venetian blinds. The luminous fabric can be used as component of flat or 3-dimensional luminaires, glued or stretched on a support or self-supporting. It can constitute a thin, light, rollable, deployable and transportable luminous surface for purposes such as lighting of buildings of light structure, or mobile such as tents, barnums, pergolas.

The luminous fabric can also be used as a diffused light source in the form of panels, luminous boards for the illumination of movable or non-movable partitions, partitions for the organization and partitioning of open-space or lighting of premises. having no natural lighting and windows, or premises used for precision work (watchmaking, jewelry, electronics ...). It can be used in luminous devices for light therapy or well-being by simulating with appropriate light sources, cycle and daylight. The luminous fabric can be used as lighting in ATEX environment (explosive atmosphere) or wet or even immersed in water thanks to a power supply for remote and low voltage light sources The advantage of optical fibers is then to be able to bring the light at a significant distance from the electrical source and therefore from a potential source of spark. The luminous fabric, by making it possible to extract the light from the optical fibers over a large surface, thus opens the way to a diffused light source (plan or path of light, signage) remote which can find its utility in ATEX zone. Finally, the luminous fabric comprising a remote and low voltage power supply is also an advantageous solution for the lighting of all wet environments such as swimming pools, hot tubs and outdoor signage applications. Examples I. Yarns and fibers used The tables above group the characteristics of the glass yarns and the optical fibers used. Type E glass wires have been used as warp yarns and as weft yarns.

Bonding yarns Sens Tex Twists Adhesive Denomination Glued glass thread Chain 68 Straight (Z) 20 Nbr / m yes EC9 68 Z20 Glass fiber Weft 136 Z 28 Nbr / m No EC11 136 Z28 Glass fiber Weft 204 Z 28 Nbr / m No EC11 204 Z28 Fiber Optics Nature Core / Bark Diameter TEX F01 PMMA / Fluoropolymer (PTFE) 250 lm 60 F02 PMMA / Fluoropolymer (PTFE) 500 lm 200 Il. Woven fabric substrates tested The woven fabric supports made include the following weaves: - upper side (corresponds to the main illuminating surface): satin weave 4, 8 and 12, - lower side: plain weave. The binding yarns used in chains are glued glass threads with a density of 7.9 threads / cm. The binding yarns used in weft yarn are all glass yarns. The following parameters have been studied: - Densities of optical fibers used as weft threads: between 8 to 12 threads / cm, - Densities of glass threads used as weft threads: between 8 to 12 threads / cm, - Title of threads of glass used as weft yarns: 136 and 204 TEX, - Diameter of optical fibers: 250 and 500 μm. Ref Fiber optics Armor Bonding fibers in weft% MM satin Diameter Density TEX Density 1 250 lm 8 threads / cm 4 204 8 threads / cm 82 2 250 lm 8 threads / cm 8 136 8 threads / cm 77 3 250 lm 8 threads / cm 8 204 8 thread / cm 82 4 250 lm 12 thread / cm 4 136 12 thread / cm 75 5 250 lm 12 thread / cm 8 204 12 thread / cm 81 6 500 lm 8 thread / cm 4 136 8 thread / cm 50 7,500 lm 8 yarn / cm 4,204 8 yarn / cm 58 8,500 lm 8 yarn / cm 8,136 8 yarn / cm 50 9,500 lm 10 yarn / cm 4,136 10 yarn / cm 49 10,500 lm 10 yarn / cm 4 204 10 yarn / cm 56 11,500 lm 12 yarn / cm 8,136 12 yarn / cm 47 12,500 lm 12 yarn / cm 8,204 12 yarn / cm 55 13,500 lm 14 yarn / cm 8 68 14 yarn / cm 35% MM corresponds both to the mass proportions of compounds of a mineral nature with respect to the weight of the woven textile support and to the mass percentage of glass fibers relative to the weight of the woven textile support.

To obtain good tissue and sufficient mechanical strength, the choice of armor, the density of optical fibers and the density of binding fibers has been adapted in particular to avoid the presence of knots too close together or too far away.

The woven textile supports have then undergone a processing step to create invasive alterations on the optical fibers. The treatment step was carried out by sanding or laser abrasion. Then, a fiber optic connection step was performed. This step consists of bundling a number of optical fibers according to their diameter and joining the ends of the optical fibers to a system comprising a light source. The light sources used are light-emitting diodes (LED OSRAM Dragon plus® LUW W5AM). III. Optical Performance Evaluation The woven textile supports were cut into several samples and either abrasion blasted or laser abrased to create invasive alterations on the optical fibers. The luminance was then measured at normal with respect to the emitting surface as well as the relative standard deviation. The luminance values are obtained when 150 optical fibers are appropriately connected to a light source emitting a suitable light flux. Ref Sandblasting Luminance (cd / m2) Laser Avg. Lum Standard deviation Avg. Lum Relative standard deviation (Cd / m2) (%) (Cd / m2) relative (%) 6 145 57% 171 100% 7 149 56% 159 128% 9 191 45% 195 85% 12 214 24% 222 113% The luminous fabrics have good opacity even without additional coatings as well as high and homogeneous luminance values. Surprisingly, and more particularly for sanding, the glass threads are not altered during this step. But above all, we obtain by sandblasting small relative standard deviations. These low standard deviations account for the excellent homogeneity of luminance of the luminous tissue. The best lighting performance is obtained with woven textile supports comprising optical fibers having a diameter of 500 μm and a density of at least 8 threads / cm, preferably at least 10 threads / cm and better still at minus 12 thread / cm. The use of chain-bonded glass threads contributes to the possibility of increasing the density of the optical fibers. IV. Evaluation of the fire resistance The fire behavior in case of fire is assessed according to two criteria: the reaction to fire and the fire resistance. A homogeneous material is considered to have a satisfactory reaction to fire, when its higher heating value (PCS) determined according to EN ISO 1716 is below a threshold value. The PCS corresponds to the amount of heat released by the complete combustion of the fuel mass unit, the produced water being completely condensed at the end of operation. It is expressed in megajoules per kilogram (MJ / kg). To evaluate the reaction to fire, measurements of higher calorific value (PCS) were therefore carried out on the following fabrics: - Fabric PES: fabric comprising polyester binding yarns (100%), - Fabric B: luminous fabric comprising optical fibers and polyester tie yarns as described in application FR 2859737, - luminous fabric of the invention comprising the woven textile support 1 without additional coating, - luminous fabric of the invention comprising the woven textile support 11 without coating additional. PCS (MJ / Kg) Fabric PES Fabric B Fabric 2 Fabric 15 25.00 22.68 4.28 14.16 The luminous fabrics of the invention have particularly interesting reaction properties to fire, illustrated by the notable decrease in PCS per compared to PCS of existing tissues.

V. Addition of Additional Coatings 1. Structural Coating Structural coatings compositions were tested comprising: - an acrylic type binder selected from styrene-acrylic binders and / or a starch-based binder, - calcium carbonate to charge title and - a white pigment type TiO2. The compositions comprise as solvent water. Composition (% dry matter) Comp. A Comp. B Comp. 1 Binder 94.4% 76.5% 78% Charges - - 20% Pigment 1.3% 19.7% 2% Additives 4.3% 3.8% - Dry extract in the composition 4% 4.5% 72 The compositions A and B form, after application, impregnated structuring coatings. They can be applied on one or on each side of a luminous textile support. The amounts deposited by spatula on the woven textile supports are respectively 26 g / m 2 (comp. A) in one face and 42 and 46 g / m 2, respectively for compositions A and B, when these compositions are applied to each of the faces.

Compositions 2 and 3 comprising respectively 5 and 10% by weight of pigment relative to the mass of dry matter of said compositions (corresponding to the weight of the coatings) were also tested. These compositions have a solids content greater than 50%.

The compositions 1 to 3 were respectively applied to a single surface of the different light fabrics by knife coating. Drying was performed at room temperature.

The table below gives: - the grammage (surface mass in g / m2) of uncoated light fabrics corresponding to the weight of the luminous textile substrates, - the weight of applied coatings obtained following the application of composition 1. Ref Grammage Support Coating weight 2 272 120 3 218 219 4 273 171 5 303 254 6 384 94 7 369 183 8 424 129 9 364 136 460 127 11 525 118 12 613 118 Luminance measurements made on these different coated and non-coated light fabrics Structuralists show a gain related to the presence of structuring coatings of at least 9%. Fire resistance tests carried out on these different luminous fabrics coated with structural coatings without flame retardant coating show that they retain their fire resistance property and acquire excellent mechanical strength. CIE94 colorimetric measurements were carried out on light fabrics comprising a textile support 11 coated with a structuring coating obtained from a composition 1, 2 or 3.

Composition C-I Delta-E Visual evaluation Composition 1 reference Appearance slightly yellow Composition 2 0.99 Appearance slightly yellow Composition 3 1.67 Appearance white The presence of at least 10% by weight of white pigment relative to the total mass of binder and filler material in the structuring coating is advantageous. 2. Optical Performance of a Cloth Coated Before Sandblasting Treatment Luminous fabrics comprising a woven fabric support 7 are coated before the step of creating invasive alterations. A first luminous tissue is obtained by depositing on each side of the composition B. A second fabric has been made comprising a structuring coating obtained from the composition 1 deposited on the side not intended to serve as main illuminating surface (back coating) and therefore on the face does not directly undergo the step of creation of invasive alteration by sanding.

The luminous performances after sandblasting of the luminous fabrics comprising the structuring coatings obtained from compositions B or 1 are given in the following table. These luminance values are obtained when 150 optical fibers are suitably connected to a light source emitting a suitable light flux. Structural coating Sandblasting Avg. Lum (Cd / m2) Relative standard deviation (%) Comp.1 149 56% Compo. B 140 50% A greige luminous fabric can advantageously be mechanically reinforced by a structuring coating before the sandblasting treatment intended to allow the extraction of light. The luminous performances are then very close to the same fabric simply coated on the rear face. 3. Fire Retardant Coating A flame retardant coating obtained from a composition comprising intumescent agents has been used. Flame-retardant coatings are applied to one side of the luminous fabrics. These luminous tissues may further comprise a structuring coating. The thickness of the flame retardant coating is about 200 μm.

Fire resistance tests show that the use of a flame retardant coating in all cases improves the fire resistance. In conclusion, these tests show that in order to obtain a luminous fabric having both excellent lighting properties, satisfactory mechanical strength and excellent fire resistance, a compromise must be found between: the choice of raw materials, particularly the choice of the nature of yarns, their density and their title and therefore indirectly the density of the woven textile support, - the choice of the type of weave and in particular the number of knots which influences the mechanical strength of the woven textile support, - the possible use of a structuring coating to overcome the use of an armor with few knots.20

Claims (15)

REVENDICATIONS1. A luminous fabric comprising a woven textile support comprising warp yarns and weft threads selected from binding yarns and optical fibers capable of emitting light laterally, characterized in that the binding yarns comprise glass strands representing at least 50% by weight of the total mass of the binding yarns constituting the woven textile support. 2. Luminous fabric according to claim 1 characterized in that the glass son represent at least 30% by weight of the mass of the woven fabric support. 3. Luminous fabric according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises two faces, at least one of which is used as illuminating surface and at least one additional coating selected from reflecting coatings, structuring coatings, coatings. optionally intumescent flame retardants, coatings with good cleaning properties and diffusing coatings. 4. Light fabric according to claim 3 characterized in that it comprises a flame retardant coating on one side used as illuminating surface. 5. Luminous fabric according to any one of claims 3 to 4 characterized in that it comprises a structuring coating on one side not used as illuminating surface. 6. Light fabric according to claim 5 characterized in that the structuring coating comprises in mass relative to the total mass of (i) and (ii): - 10 to 60% of binder (i) and - 40 to 90% of materials filling (ii). 7. Luminous fabric according to any one of claims 3 to 6 characterized in that it comprises a structuring coating impregnated on one side not serving as a main illuminating surface and / or on a face serving as main illuminating surface 8. Luminous fabric according to claim 7 characterized in that the impregnated structuring coating comprises in mass relative to the total mass of (i) and (ii): - 70 to 100% of binder (i) and - 0 to 30% of filling materials (ii). 9. Light fabric according to any one of claims 3 to 8 characterized in that the structuring coating is reflective. 10. Luminous fabric according to any one of claims 3 to 9 characterized in that it comprises: - a structuring coating on one side not used as illuminating surface and - an additional coating selected from flame retardant coatings optionally intumescent, the coatings having good cleaning ability and diffusing coatings on one side used as illuminating surface. 11. Light fabric according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the optical fibers have a diameter of between 100 and 1000 pm. 12. Luminous fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the warp son comprise glued glass son used as binding son. 13. Luminous fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: optical fibers with a diameter greater than or equal to 500 μm used as weft yarn and / or as warp yarn at a density of minus 8 threads / cm, and - warp threads comprising glued glass threads used as bonding threads. 14. Luminous fabric according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises at least one light source connected to at least one end of an optical fiber. 15. A method of manufacturing a luminous fabric as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 characterized in that it comprises a weaving step (b) optical fibers and binding fibers so as to form a woven textile support, the binding fibers comprising glass son represent at least 50% by weight of the total mass of the binding son constituting the woven fabric support.