JP2023548222A - Functional fabrics, methods for forming functional fabrics and uses of functional fabrics - Google Patents

Abstract

A functional fabric for heating purposes is provided which has good functional properties and is particularly robust and resistant. A functional fabric having a basic fabric, a plurality of metal functional conductors 6 each having an insulating part 5a, and a first metal connecting conductor 7 having an insulating part 5b, the functional conductor 6 is coupled to the first connecting conductor 7 at contact points spaced apart from each other along the first connecting conductor 7, in which the insulating part 5a of the functional conductor 6 and the first the insulation part 5b of the connecting conductor 7 is pushed away and/or removed, and the functional conductor 6 and the first connecting conductor 7 are connected at the contact point by a material-bonded metal-to-metal connection. .

Description

The present invention relates to a functional fabric having a basic fabric, a plurality of metallic functional conductors with insulation and at least one first metallic connection conductor with insulation, the functional conductors being , coupled to the first connecting conductor at contact points spaced apart from each other along the first connecting conductor.

The present invention relates to a functional fabric with conductive properties, which can advantageously be used for heating purposes. Thus, for example, in motor vehicles it is known to heat seat surfaces, backrests or even interior trims with functional fabrics.

In the present invention, the functional fabric comprises a basic fabric, which is usually made of threads, in particular synthetic resin threads, and a metallic functional conductor with insulation is also held by the basic fabric. There is.

The invention basically takes into account different fabrics with a uniform structure. Corresponding fabrics with a uniform or essentially uniform structure can be produced, for example, by stockinette knitting, knitting or weaving. In principle, however, the base fabric can also be formed by a fleece (non-woven fabric), and the individual threads or fibers are arranged, laid down and oriented to some extent statistically.

In the present invention, the base fabric may in particular be a spacer fabric. A spacer fabric, by its general construction, includes a first flat fabric layer, a second flat fabric layer spaced apart from the fabric layer, usually parallel, and a spacer joining the fabric layers. Contains thread.

Spacer fabrics can be used to form heating fabrics. Spacer fabrics are distinguished by their low mass per unit area, their relatively open, breathable structure, and their elastic properties in the thickness direction. and in spacer fabrics having a first flat fabric layer, a second flat fabric layer, and spacer yarns joining the fabric layers, the heating conductor is typically formed of a corresponding fabric formed of synthetic resin yarns. built into the structure of the layers.

A functional fabric in the form of a spacer fabric section is known from US Pat. No. 6,002,300, in which uninsulated heating conductors are integrated into a flat fabric layer and contact one above the other. Such a configuration creates a flat, conductive structure that can be contacted by two woven lateral connecting conductors. In principle, point-like contacts are sufficient, since all conductor threads form a common electrically conductive structure with a large number of contact points. However, in practice, some circumstances may lead to locally uneven or insufficient heating.

Patent Document 2 describes a heating fabric that transfers heat, in which electrically conductive fiber strands are present and the contact of the fiber strands is also established by contact-type contacts using mesh-like connections. There is.

However, for long-term functionality, many known heating fabrics with non-insulating heating conductors leave room for improvement. In this context, functional fabrics and in particular heating fabrics are usually subjected to extremely demanding tests before use in motorized vehicles, in particular mechanical loads are applied, The functional fabric is further contacted with foreign substances such as conductive and/or oxidizing liquids. Malfunctions can then occur in non-insulated heating conductors, for example due to corrosion and oxidation.

In order to avoid the above-mentioned drawbacks in easily accessible non-conductive systems, different approaches have been pursued. Even when corrosion-resistant nickel-copper alloys are used in heating conductors, limited durability continues to be achieved.

In this connection, it is proposed, according to DE 10 2004 200 2, to provide a filament with a conductive coating, in particular of silver, so that the tendency to corrode is at least reduced. However, the cost of manufacturing such spacer fabrics is relatively high. This applies in particular if the available conductive cross-section is based on a relatively thin coating. There is also room for improvement in durability. Here, thin coatings made of metal and especially silver have a low elongation compared to filaments made of synthetic resin as core, so that cracks or microcracks can form in the metal coating when the entire thread is stretched during manufacture or use. It should be noted that this may occur. And polyamide, the preferred filament material in combination with silver, also has the problem of softening under the influence of moisture, which can lead to significant damage.

A homogeneous functional fabric in the form of a spacer fabric section is known from US Pat. No. 6,001,300, in which homogeneous insulating and alternatively non-insulating systems are described for the heating conductor as the functional conductor and the connecting conductor. . For pure functional conductors and pure connection conductors, a reliable contact can be achieved by means of electrically conductive adhesives. Furthermore, welding can also be carried out with melting occurring with a correspondingly high current and resistance at the point of contact, so that a material-bound metal-to-metal connection can be formed.

A fabric support material for forming a heating element is known from US Pat. No. 6,002,300, the contacting also taking place using an adhesive, ie a hot-melt adhesive. Mesh threads are additionally provided for fixing the heating conductor to the contact conductor strand.

On the other hand, if the functional conductor and the at least one connecting conductor are provided with an insulating part due to the same type of configuration, the insulating part will be electrically conductively coupled at the contact where the functional conductor and the first connecting conductor come into contact. can be melted into However, precisely with regard to long-term loading or the material tests mentioned above, there is also room for improvement in such forms of functional fabrics.

Similar functional fabrics in the form of spacer fabrics are also known from US Pat. In the described heating installation in the form of a spacer fabric section, a plurality of heating conductors extending essentially in the first direction are arranged approximately parallel to each other and contact can be made at the ends. This document does not describe the specific mode of contact.

A fabric with a conductive functional conductor is known from US Pat. The conductor, preferably made of carbon fiber, is provided with an insulating jacket layer. By melting the jacket layer, a functional conductor made of carbon fibers can be brought into contact with the contacts.

In order to avoid troublesome contact problems, according to US Pat. No. 6,002,303, a single electrically conductive resistance wire is introduced in a serpentine manner into the base fabric in the form of a spacer fabric. Manufacturing is extremely time-consuming. The arrangement between the fabric layers provides some degree of insulation on both sides.

On the other hand, if the functional yarn is integrated into one of the fabric layers, the heating takes place primarily in the corresponding fabric layer, while, conversely, it is separated by the spacer fabric and thereby provided between the fabric layers. It is particularly advantageous that a certain degree of thermal insulation is achieved by the air layer provided. Then, for example in the heating of the interior space of motor vehicles, a fabric layer with functional conductors is expedient so that, on the one hand, heat losses in the direction of the body or the outer skin of such motor vehicles are minimized. is directed toward the interior space.

Patent Document 9 discloses a spacer fabric having a plurality of heating conductors and two connecting conductors spaced apart from each other. The heating conductor and the connecting conductor may include an insulating portion that is disconnected at the point where they are connected to each other. Specific aspects of binding are not described.

German Patent Application No. 102006038612 German Patent Application No. 102018111893 German Patent Application No. 102015114778 German Patent Invention No. 102009013250 German Patent Invention No. 102019103934 German Patent Application No. 102019103935 European Patent No. 1137322 German Patent Application No. 102009010415 German Patent Invention No. 4239068

The problem underlying the invention is to provide a homogeneous functional fabric, in particular for heating purposes, which has good functional properties and is particularly robust and resistant. Furthermore, methods for forming functional fabrics and preferred uses of functional fabrics should also be provided.

The object of the invention and the solution to the problem are a functional fabric according to claim 1, a method for forming a functional fabric according to claim 13 and a use of a functional fabric according to claim 19.

Therefore, on the basis of a homogeneous functional fabric, according to the invention, first of all, at the point of contact, the insulation of the functional conductor and the insulation of the first connecting conductor are at least partially displaced and/or removed. and the functional conductor and the first connection conductor are connected at the contact point by a material-bonded (welded) metal-to-metal connection.

Due to the material-coupled metal-to-metal connection, the metallic structure of each functional conductor at each contact point is different from the metallic structure of the first connecting conductor than in the case of a merely placed contact. Move to. The corresponding functional conductor and the first connecting conductor are therefore directly connected to each other at least partially by soldering or welding, so that the metal-to-metal connection already has a certain degree of strength on its own.

The material-bonded metal-to-metal connection ensures a low electrical resistance at the contact point. Material-bonded metal-to-metal connections do not change under mechanical action, at least up to a certain load limit, and can also accept tensile forces to a certain extent. Relative movements that could lead to contact resistance, electrically induced corrosion or other disturbances are thus reliably avoided. Material-bonded metal-to-metal connections are also highly protected against external influences.

In order to produce the above-mentioned material-bonded metal-to-metal connection, in particular by pressure and temperature, at the point of contact the insulation of the functional conductor and the insulation of the first connection conductor are at least partially displaced; and/or removed. A preferred method by which such a functional fabric can advantageously be formed for the first time is described below.

According to a preferred development of the invention, the contact points are provided solely with an insulating material. By means of the separately provided insulating material, it is possible to ensure that the insulation of the functional conductor and the insulation of the first connection conductor are at least partially displaced and/or removed at the point of contact. . The insulating material provided alone also ensures electrical insulation at the points of contact, so that it is possible to provide a completely insulated system overall. Therefore, even under the influence of foreign objects, electrochemical corrosion or other damage is almost excluded. The advantage here is that an effective protective layer is provided, on the one hand by the insulation of the functional conductor and the first connecting conductor, and, on the other hand, by the sole insulating material.

In addition, the insulating material provided alone at the contact point also provides a mechanical reinforcement with somewhat mechanically homogenized properties. At the point of contact, a particularly high overall strength and resistance is thus achieved, on the one hand, by the combination of material-bonded metal-to-metal connections, and, on the other hand, by the isolated insulating material, which strength and resistance The strength essentially exceeds the strength of the metal-to-metal bond alone or the strength of the insulating material provided alone.

As will be explained below, the insulating parts of the functional conductor, the insulating parts of the first connecting conductor, and the separately provided insulating material are usually made of synthetic resin, and various types of synthetic resin are considered. It will be done. Usually, the insulating material provided alone is materially different from the insulating part of the functional conductor and the insulating part of the first connecting conductor. Correspondingly, different materials in the functional fabric itself can be easily analyzed and possibly differentiated.

Although the functional conductor is provided specifically for heating purposes, the invention is not limited thereto. Additionally or alternatively, functional conductors can also be provided, for example in connection with sensors, occupancy detection or the like.

In different applications, the functional conductor is usually configured in such a way that it has a significantly smaller conductor cross-section and a correspondingly significantly greater resistance compared to the first connecting conductor. Correspondingly, the functional conductors can preferably each be formed from relatively thin wires, and the insulation can be provided, for example in the form of a paint layer. Corresponding painted wires are available in different metallic materials, in different thicknesses and in different coatings.

As will be explained further below, insulation in the polymer base and in particular in the form of an insulating coating also provides advantages during the production of the functional fabric if the functional conductor is incorporated into the base fabric. If the functional conductor is processed on a corresponding textile machine, for example in a knitting process, a knitting process or a weaving process, then the insulating coating on the synthetic resin basis reduces the resistance to a small extent compared to a pure uninsulated metal wire. Significant friction and slight wear occur.

Insulating coatings can be formed, for example, on a polyurethane basis, and the corresponding coatings are often cured by thermosetting.

As already mentioned above, the first connecting conductor expediently has a larger conductor cross section. In this connection, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first connecting conductor is formed from a metal strand, in particular a copper strand. The copper strand is made essentially of copper or a copper alloy. The first connecting conductor, especially in the form of a metal strand, is provided with a coating of thermoplastic synthetic resin as insulation, which insulation is extruded onto the metal strand. In the extrusion of thermoplastic synthetic resins, the advantage is that the metal strands are surrounded. However, the intermediate spaces between the individual wires of the strand are then unfilled or only partially filled. In principle, however, the insulation of the first connecting conductor can also be formed by other types of coatings, for example by immersion in liquid thermoplastic synthetic resins or hardening thermosetting synthetic resins. It is possible to

With regard to the processing and handling as well as the resistance properties of the first connecting conductor, the thermoplastic synthetic resin as the first connecting conductor is preferably a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In principle, all types of thermoplastic elastomers come into consideration; thermoplastic elastomers based on polyesters or copolyesters are preferred.

As will also be explained below in connection with the method for forming a functional fabric, the insulating material is provided (applied), usually in liquid form, at the contact points. In addition to the application of thermoplastic synthetic resins in molten liquid form, individual insulating materials can also be applied at room temperature, depending on their composition, and can be cured. Curing or solidification is then expediently carried out, in particular by activation with ultraviolet light (UV light). In this connection, it is also possible to firstly apply the insulating material in liquid form and then solidify it within a few seconds, for example within about 4 seconds, by irradiation with ultraviolet light. It is then particularly advantageous that the functional fabric can be quickly removed and further processed or stored. The advantage here is that at the contact point, a high strength is already provided by the material-bonded metal-to-metal connection on the one hand and by the provided insulating material on the other hand.

If the insulating material applied in liquid form according to the preferred embodiments described above is solidified by activation, it is also possible for this purpose to combine two chemical components (two-component insulating materials and two-component insulating materials). (adhesives), correspondingly accelerated hardening can also be achieved by initial contact with air and/or moisture.

The functional conductors can be connected to the first connecting conductor in a parallel connection according to a preferred form of the invention. Furthermore, for example two functional conductors assigned to each other can be connected in series as a group, while a plurality of groups thus formed can be connected in parallel to each other. In principle, other electrical wiring can also be taken into account.

The functional conductor may extend essentially along the first direction, and the first connecting conductor may extend along the second direction at an angle thereto. Due to the extension essentially along the first direction, the functional conductors need to extend non-linearly and non-parallelly above and below, respectively. The individual functional conductors can also extend in a wave-like manner or in a zigzag manner, as is known in principle. In addition, adjacent functional conductors can also, at least in part, have a larger or smaller spacing with respect to each other if they do not extend in parallel. By appropriate measures, it is possible, for example, to produce a non-rectangular contour of the functional fabric and/or to leave out individual areas with the functional fabric for certain applications.

Preferably, the individual functional conductors do not intersect, even if the functional conductors are inherently harmless due to the insulation.

Regarding possible arrangements of the functional conductors, reference is made to US Pat. Possible variations for the arrangement of the heating conductors are illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 4A to 4E and in FIG. 5.

In order to bring the functional conductor into contact with the first connecting conductor, usually next to the edge of the functional fabric, the first connecting conductor is connected to the individual functional conductors in such a way that a contact point is formed at the point of intersection. It extends at an angle to the In this case, it is possible to configure the second direction to extend perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly to the first direction. In principle, depending on the material blank or the intended use, it may be expedient if the first connecting conductor runs obliquely at a non-right angle. The first direction and the second direction may form an angle of 60 to 90 degrees, for example.

In principle, it is also possible that the first connecting conductor does not extend linearly but is arranged, for example, along the bottom. A corresponding elongation makes it possible to achieve an extended form-fitting for certain applications, but this does not preclude large production costs.

According to a preferred development of the invention, the functional conductor is connected between a first connecting conductor and a second connecting conductor, the second connecting conductor being spaced apart from the first connecting conductor. The first direction is arranged along the first direction. In such a configuration, both connecting conductors then form a supply line and a derivation line for the functional conductor. Particularly when used in direct current systems of motorized vehicles, it is expedient to assign one of the two connecting conductors to the overall electrical ground.

If the second connecting conductor is provided according to the preferred embodiment, all features and variant possibilities described with respect to the first connecting conductor also apply to the second connecting conductor.

As already mentioned above, various types of base fabrics can be provided according to the invention. The basic fabric can be formed, for example, in a knitting, knitting or weaving process, but alternatively nonwovens with a certain statistical yarn and fiber deposition are also contemplated. The basic fabric, which is formed either in the stockinette process, in the knitting process or in the weaving process, can be formed either as a single fabric layer or preferably as a first flat fabric layer, a second flat fabric layer and combining these fabric layers. It can also be formed as a spacer fabric with spacer threads.

Regardless of the specific form of the basic fabric, it is advantageous for the formation of the functional fabric if the individual functional conductors are drawn out from the surface of the basic fabric in the area of the contact points or are placed on the basic fabric. . The first connecting conductor can then be inserted between the basic fabric and the functional conductor, and a contact point occurs on the corresponding side of the basic fabric. Alternatively, it is also possible to cut the base fabric before creating the contact points, such that the base fabric is removed in the area of the contact points to be created. However, even in this case it is preferred that the functional conductor is drawn out from the assigned surface and is therefore exposed after cutting.

According to one particularly preferred form of the invention, the base fabric is formed by a spacer fabric having a first flat fabric layer, a second flat fabric layer and spacer threads connecting these fabric layers. The functional conductor is disposed in the first fabric layer.

If the basic fabric is made of fleece or textile, the functional conductors can be introduced into the basic fabric in a straight line or possibly in a zigzag manner.

In knitted or crocheted fabrics, the functional conductors can essentially form a thread-like mesh of the base fabric, which usually consists of synthetic resin. Preferably, however, the functional conductors are tied to the base fabric without forming a mesh. In this connection, for example, zigzag configurations are suitable, as is known in principle from DE 10 2005 200 201 2, 0,000 0,000, 0 0 0 0 0 0,0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

The functional conductor may have a diameter of, for example, 25 to 200 μm, particularly preferably 40 to 100 μm. Particularly for use for heating purposes, the electrical resistance of the functional conductor may be between 1 and 280 Ω/m (ohms/meter), preferably between 5 and 70 Ω/m.

The above diameters then refer to the normal circular shape of the wire. Basically, it is also possible to use metal wires whose cross section is not circular. The cross-sectional area then conveniently corresponds to the area of a circular wire with the above-mentioned diameter.

The first connecting conductor and, if provided, the second connecting conductor have a larger conductor cross-section and can particularly preferably be formed from a metal strand, especially a copper strand. The copper strand is made essentially of copper or a copper alloy.

With regard to good conductivity and good processability, the functional conductor and/or the first connecting conductor or the optionally provided second connecting conductor can be formed of a copper wire or a copper strand, the copper strand itself being , made up of multiple copper wires. For copper or copper alloys as material for the functional conductor and/or the connection conductor, additional metallic coatings may also be expedient. For example, the copper wire can be tin-plated, especially hot-dipped tin-plated. The coating of tin, which has a typical thickness of 1-2 μm, provides better protection for the underlying copper or copper alloy and facilitates the material-bonded metal-to-metal bond provided by the present invention. The advantage is that it can be formed into Corresponding wires or strands, whether made of essentially pure copper or copper alloys, are referred to in the present invention as copper wires or copper strands.

In order to produce a material-bonded metal-to-metal connection, the normally distinct conductor cross-sections of the functional conductor on the one hand and of the first connecting conductor or of the optionally provided second connecting conductor and thus of the second connecting conductor on the other hand are used. The different heat transfers obtained should also be noted. It is therefore advantageous first of all if the first connecting conductor and possibly the second connecting conductor are arranged between the functional conductor led out from the basic fabric and the basic fabric. Viewed from the outside, the functional conductor is located beyond the first connecting conductor or the second connecting conductor, so that it is easier to form a suitable bond there.

Forming contact points can be difficult due to the very different size and heat conduction. In notable tests, it has been shown that the production of reliable bonds using ultrasonic or laser welding is not possible, at least not easily.

In this background, the invention also relates to a method for forming a functional fabric, in particular with the above-mentioned characteristics. Naturally, the above-mentioned features can also further specify the method described below.

According to a method for forming a functional fabric, a base fabric is provided having a plurality of metallic functional conductors tied together with an insulating section, at least one metallic connecting conductor with an insulating section. is arranged so that the connecting conductor intersects the functional conductor at the crossing point, where the insulation of each functional conductor and the connection are connected only by the local action of pressure and temperature to form a contact point. The insulation of the conductor is at least partially displaced and/or removed, and each functional conductor and the connecting conductor are joined by means of a material-bonded metal-to-metal connection, and the contact points formed are of insulating material is provided.

The contact points are preferably continuously formed by a thermal welding tool, which may also be referred to as a thermode. Corresponding welding tools are known from the field of electronics.

The control of the individual intersection points for forming contact points can then be carried out manually, computer-assisted or fully automatically. If the method is carried out manually, it is possible to use optical aids such as a microscope, a magnifying glass, a camera. The camera can also be used for the execution of the method with corresponding electronic control, computer-aided or fully automatic.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, when using a thermal welding tool, the welding tool is heated in a pulsed manner to form the contact points, and the insulation of the assigned functional conductor and the insulation of the connecting conductor are The respective functional conductor and the connecting conductor are at least partially displaced and/or removed by the respective first heating pulse, after which the respective functional conductor and the connecting conductor are joined in a material bonding manner by the second heating pulse, in particular soldered or welded. Ru. By implementing such a two-part method, it is possible to optimize the different steps separately with respect to the requirements.

The welding tool is expediently provided with a tip which, with respect to its size, is optimized for the formation of the contact point. In this case, the effective area of the tip is expediently such that the welding tool can be positioned at the intersection point without undue effort and that the respective functional conductor and usually the connecting conductor located below it can be sufficiently heated there. It's big enough that you can do it. On the other hand, with regard to process speed, energy efficiency and material savings, the effective area should not be chosen too large. The effective area at the tip of the welding tool can be, for example, from 0.1 to 8 mm ² , in particular from 0.3 to 3 mm ² .

As already mentioned above, at the contact points formed, the insulating material provided alone is preferably applied in liquid form and is solidified by activation.

For the formation of contact points by localized pressure and temperature effects, especially if the pressure and temperature effects are carried out using the above-mentioned thermal welding tools, the spacer fabric provides a suitable substrate or counter surface. In addition, the base fabric should also be protected from excessive heat input.

In this context, according to a preferred development of the method, the functional conductor is led out of the basic fabric at the contact point, in particular in the form of a spacer fabric, and the first connecting conductor is arranged between the functional conductor and the basic fabric. , and a protective strip is temporarily inserted between the connecting conductor and the base fabric to form a contact point. The protective strip can be made of heat-resistant synthetic resin, for example, which is removed again after the contact points have been created.

However, as an alternative to this, the basic fabric can also be cut before the creation of the contact points, so that the functional conductors are exposed in corresponding areas.

Finally, the invention also relates to the use of the above-mentioned functional fabric, in particular for the heating of the interior space of a motor vehicle. The use preferably takes place with the condition that the functional fabric has from 8 to 40, in particular from 12 to 26 functional conductors as heating conductors, for example individually or in pairs, as described above. They can be electrically connected in parallel connections in groups. Although a number of 8 to 40 heating media is suitable for many applications, such as forming door panels, seat surfaces or instrument panels, the invention is not limited to these numbers. For certain applications, such as heated steering wheels or large area roof linings, it is possible to provide fewer or more heating conductors.

It is particularly preferred in this case for a decorative layer to be arranged on the basic fabric, the functional conductor being arranged on the side of the basic fabric facing the decorative layer. The decorative layer can be, for example, leather, synthetic leather, a film or a coating material.

If the base fabric according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is formed of a spacer fabric having a first flat fabric layer, a second flat fabric layer and spacer yarns therebetween, the functional conductor can be e.g. The decorative layer also connects to the first fabric layer. And the decorative layer facing, for example, the interior space of a motorized vehicle can be heated very quickly at the corresponding current by the functional conductor located directly below it, and in the opposite direction by the spacing using spacer threads. and the air layer thereby provided between the fabric layers, a good thermal insulation effect is achieved.

If a functional conductor is provided for heating purposes, for example in the door inner panel, a very rapid heat dissipation to the interior space of the motor vehicle takes place, while limiting heat losses to the outside, for example through the vehicle door. Is possible.

Alternatively, it is also possible to use functional fabrics in other areas of the motor vehicle, for example in the seat surfaces, armrests, steering wheels or the like.

In this case, it should also be taken into account that due to increasing electromobility, the exhaust heat of the internal combustion engine cannot be utilized in corresponding vehicles. In this context, it would be advantageous if the occupants of a motor vehicle could feel comfortable warmth due to contact heat or radiant heat, without having to heat the entire interior space evenly.

The present invention will be exemplarily described below based on the drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a spacer fabric for forming a functional fabric according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the spacer fabric according to FIG. 1; FIG. 3 shows the spacer fabric illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 with additional connection conductors; FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an arrangement for forming a functional fabric. FIG. 3 illustrates method steps for forming a functional fabric. FIG. 3 illustrates method steps for forming a functional fabric. FIG. 3 illustrates method steps for forming a functional fabric. FIG. 3 illustrates method steps for forming a functional fabric.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a spacer fabric from which individual spacer fabric sections 1 can be separated. The individual spacer fabric sections 1 then form a functional fabric according to the invention, as will be explained in more detail below.

The spacer fabric part 1 comprises, as usual, a first fabric layer 2 and a second fabric layer 3, which fabric layers extend along the production direction P and along the transverse direction Q. It has a course. The fabric layers 2, 3 are connected by spacer threads 4. The structure described above corresponds to the usual configuration of spacer fabrics. With the exception of the functional conductor 6 with insulation 5a and the connecting conductor 7 with insulation 5b, which will be explained below, the spacer fabric is made of synthetic resin yarn, in particular based on polyester; The synthetic resin yarn within the meaning of the invention forms the basic fabric. In this embodiment, the functional conductor 6 with the insulation 5a is provided in particular as a heating conductor and extends essentially along the production direction P. In this case, the functional conductor 6 extends in a zigzag manner in the first fabric layer 2, and the functional conductor 6 itself does not form a mesh, but is correspondingly inserted only into the first fabric layer 2. There is. The functional conductor 6 can be arranged accordingly to be light and wear-resistant at high positional speeds.

For the manufacture of the illustrated spacer fabric part, an insulating part 5a of the functional conductor 6, which is formed, for example, by an insulating coating based on polyurethane, is also advantageous.

The arrangement of the functional conductors 6 in the first fabric layer 2 can be carried out according to US Pat.

In order to enable the easiest possible contact of the functional conductor 6, the functional conductor 6 is led out of the first fabric layer 2 in the connection region 8, and there, the functional conductor 6 is first brought into contact with the first fabric layer 2. It will be placed.

According to FIG. 3, the connecting conductor 7 with the insulation part 5b is then inserted between the functional conductor 6 and the first fabric layer 2, in which the functional fabric provided especially for heating purposes is usually Two connecting conductors 7 are provided. However, for purposes of simple illustration, the measures provided in the invention are only explained with one connecting conductor 7, the second connecting conductor 7 of the functional fabric being contacted as well.

In order to form the basis for creating pressure and temperature contact points 9, a protective strip 10 is temporarily installed between the connecting conductor 7 and the first fabric layer 2, illustrated in FIG. After the formation of the contact points 9, the protective strip 10, made of heat-resistant synthetic resin, for example, is removed again.

FIG. 4 shows an arrangement for forming a contact point 9, in which the pressure and temperature are increased at the intersection of the functional conductor 6 with the connecting conductor 7 by means of a thermal welding tool 11, also called a thermode. The action takes place locally, so that the insulation 5a of each functional conductor 6 and the insulation 5b of the connecting conductor 7 are at least partially displaced and/or removed, and the insulation 5a of each functional conductor 6 and the connecting conductor 7 are at least partially displaced and/or removed. are joined by a material bonded metal-to-metal bond. As shown below in connection with FIGS. 5a to 5d, the pressure and temperature action by the welding tool 11 is preferably effected by pulsed heating.

According to FIG. 4, the welding tool 11 is provided with a tip 12, the effective area of which can be between 0.1 and 8 mm ² , in particular between 0.3 and 3 mm ² .

Corresponding to FIG. 3, FIG. 5a shows one of the functional conductors 6 and a connecting conductor 7 located below it in a sectional view, below which a protective strip 10 is arranged. has been done. Below the protective strip 10 a first fabric layer 2 extends.

According to FIG. 5b, the first heat pulse initially displaces and/or removes only the insulation 5a of the functional conductor and the insulation 5b of the connecting conductor 7, and then only the functional conductor 6 and the connecting conductor 7. touch each other.

According to FIG. 5c, the second heat pulse connects each functional conductor 6 and the connecting conductor 7 to each other in a material-bonded manner.

According to FIG. 5d, at the contact points 9 formed in this way, the separate insulating materials 13 are applied separately as a liquid and are preferably solidified, in particular by being activated by UV radiation. Complete electrical insulation is then obtained, on the one hand, by the hardened insulating material 13 and by the material-bonded metal-to-metal connection between the connecting conductor 7 and the functional conductor 6, providing particularly good rigidity and durability. sex is achieved.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the contact points 9 spaced apart from each other along the connecting conductor 7 are formed continuously in the manner described, the contact points 9 being formed manually, computer-assisted or completely. Can be automatically generated.

Claims (19)

Basic fabric, a functional fabric having a plurality of metallic functional conductors (6) with insulation (5a) and at least one metallic first connecting conductor (7) with insulation (5b) in said functional fabric, wherein the functional conductor (6) is coupled to the first connecting conductor (7) at mutually spaced contact points (9) along the first connecting conductor (7),
At the contact point (9), the insulation (5a) of the functional conductor (6) and the insulation (5b) of the first connection conductor (7) are at least partially displaced and/or removed. Functional fabric, characterized in that the functional conductor (6) and the first connecting conductor (7) are connected at the contact point (9) by a material-bound metal-to-metal connection. 2. Functional fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact points (9) are provided solely with an insulating material (13). Claim 2, characterized in that the insulating material (13) is different in material from the insulating part (5a) of the functional conductor (6) and the insulator (5b) of the first connecting conductor (7). Functional fabrics listed. characterized in that the functional conductor (6) extends essentially along a first direction and the first connecting conductor (7) extends along a second direction at an angle to the functional conductor. The functional fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A functional conductor (6) is connected between the first connecting conductor (7) and the second connecting conductor, the second connecting conductor being spaced apart from the first connecting conductor (7). 5. The functional fabric according to claim 4, wherein the functional fabric is arranged along one direction. The base fabric is a spacer fabric having a first flat fabric layer (2), a second flat fabric layer (3) and spacer threads (4) joining these fabric layers, and a functional conductor. Functional fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that (6) is arranged at least partially in the first fabric layer (2). 7. Functional fabric according to claim 6, characterized in that the functional conductors (6) are tied to the basic fabric without forming a mesh. The functional fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the insulating portion (5a) of the functional conductor (6) is formed of an insulating coating. 9. According to one of claims 1 to 8, the first connecting conductor (7) is formed of a metal strand with a coating of thermoplastic material as an insulation part (5b). Functional fabric. Claim 1 characterized in that the first connecting conductor (7) is arranged in the basic fabric, and the functional conductor (6) is led out of the basic fabric in the area of the first connecting conductor (7). 9. The functional fabric according to any one of items 9 to 9. Any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the functional conductor (6) and/or the first connecting conductor (7) are essentially formed of copper, a copper alloy, in particular a tin-plated copper wire. The functional fabric according to item 1. A method for forming a functional fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising:
a. providing a base fabric having a plurality of metallic functional conductors (6) tied together with insulation (5a);
b. at least one metallic connecting conductor (7) with an insulation part (5b) is arranged in such a way that the connecting conductor intersects the functional conductor (6) at the crossing point;
c. At the point of intersection, the insulation (5a) of each functional conductor (6) and the insulation (5b) of the connecting conductor (7) are separated by only local effects of pressure and temperature in order to form a contact point (9). are at least partially displaced and/or removed, and each functional conductor (6) and connecting conductor (7) are joined by a material-bonded metal-to-metal connection,
d. A method characterized in that the contact points formed are provided with a single insulating material (13). 13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the contact points (9) are formed continuously using a thermal welding tool (11). The welding tool (11) is heated in a pulsed manner to form a contact point, in each case by means of a first heat pulse the insulation part (5a) of the assigned functional conductor (6) and the connecting conductor (7). is at least partially displaced and/or removed, and the respective functional conductor (6) and the connecting conductor (7) are joined in a material bonding manner by means of the second heat pulse. 14. The method according to claim 13. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the welding tool (11) is provided with a tip (12) having an area of 0.1 to 2 mm ² , in particular 0.3 to 3 mm ² . 16. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that a single insulating material (13) is applied in liquid form to the contact points (9) formed and is solidified by activation. A functional conductor (6) is led out of the basic fabric at the contact point (9), a first connecting conductor (7) is arranged between the functional conductor (6) and the basic fabric, and a protective strip (10) is provided. , temporarily inserted between the first connecting conductor (7) and the base fabric for the formation of the contact points (9). . Use of a functional fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for heating, in particular for heating the interior space of a motorized vehicle. 19. Use according to claim 18, characterized in that, provided that a decorative layer is arranged on the basic fabric, the functional conductor (6) is arranged on the side of the basic fabric facing the decorative layer.

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