JP5415210B2 - knitting - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a conductive wire that can be energized and a knitted fabric having a weft knitted fabric.

As this type of knitted fabric, the knitted fabric described in Patent Document 1 is known. This knitted fabric has a non-conductive yarn such as an insulating fiber, a conductive yarn (conductive wire) obtained by plating the non-conductive yarn, and an energizing means capable of supplying power to the conductive yarn.
In the known technique, for example, a double jersey (an example of a weft knitted fabric) having two knitted fabrics can be knitted using a non-conductive yarn and a conductive yarn as constituent yarns. The two knitted fabrics constituting the double jersey are connected at regular or random positions by knits or tacks (connecting portions) of these constituent yarns.
And a well-known knitted fabric can be used, for example as a skin material of a vehicle seat. Furthermore, the knitted fabric itself can be made to function as an electrode of a capacitance type sensor by energizing the conductive yarn by the energizing means.

JP 2007-314911 A

By the way, the conductive yarn formed by plating is inferior in wear resistance, durability and chemical resistance. Moreover, in the known knitted fabric, the electrical conductivity is lowered due to a chemical change such as oxidation or sulfurization, and it cannot be used for a skin material such as a vehicle seat.
Thus, as a result of intensive studies, the present inventors have found that further improvement in the performance of the knitted fabric can be expected by using carbon fibers excellent in various properties as constituent yarns of the knitted fabric. However, a general carbon fiber is brittle to a shearing force perpendicular to the fiber axis. For this reason, the carbon fiber may be broken or cut during knitting of the knitted fabric (at the time of loop formation), which is somewhat unsuitable for use as a constituent yarn of the weft knitting.
The present invention was devised in view of the above points, and the problem to be solved by the present invention is to further improve the performance of the knitted fabric by using a carbon fiber conductive wire excellent in strength. .

As means for solving the above problems, the knitted fabric of the first invention has a conductive wire that can be energized and an energization means that can supply power to the conductive wire.
The knitted fabric has a knitted fabric of weft knitting (round knitting or flat knitting) and can be used as a skin material of a vehicle seat, for example. Furthermore, the knitted fabric itself can be made to function as an electrode or a heater of an electrostatic capacitance type sensor by making a conductive wire into an energized state by an energizing means. In this type of knitted fabric, it is desirable to use a carbon fiber conductive wire as a constituent yarn from the viewpoint of improving performance.
Therefore, in the present invention, the above-described conductive wire includes a carbon fiber core yarn. The core yarn (carbon fiber) is covered with a twisted sheath yarn or resin layer, and the strength of the carbon fiber (particularly the strength against bending) is increased, so that the yarn can be suitably used as a constituent yarn of a weft knitting. did.

The knitting of the first invention, the knitted fabric described above, the first knitted fabric part of the front side, a back side of the second knitted fabric part a double jersey formed by connecting (an example of circular knitting of the knitted fabric).
In the present invention, each of the first knitted fabric portion and the second knitted fabric portion has another wire material different from the conductive wire material as a constituent yarn. Only the second knitted fabric portion has the conductive wire as a constituent yarn, thereby preventing or reducing the exposure of the conductive wire to the front side (typically the seating side).
Moreover, these 1st knitted fabric part and 2nd knitted fabric part are comprised by the structure repeat which consists of another wire or a conductive wire. In this type of configuration, if the two knitted fabric portions are connected using knit or tack in the next structure repeat in which the conductive wire is arranged, the conductive wire is likely to be exposed on the surface, and the characteristics of the knitted fabric are likely to deteriorate.

So, in this invention, a 1st knitted fabric part and a 2nd knitted fabric part are made into a separation state in the next structure | tissue repeat which has arrange | positioned the conductive wire. Furthermore, in all or a part of another tissue repeat different from the next tissue repeat, the first knitted fabric portion and the second knitted fabric portion are connected by another wire material, thereby preventing exposure of the conductive wire material to the surface or We decided to reduce it.
Furthermore, in the present invention, in the structure repeat in which the conductive wire is arranged, the knitted fabric is further separated from the surface by connecting the knitted fabric portions without using the knit or tack, thereby further preventing the conductive wire from being exposed to the surface. The deterioration of characteristics can be suitably reduced.

Knitting of the second invention is a knitted fabric of the first invention, the knitted fabric of weft knitting described above, a conductive loop of a plurality of conductive wire arranged in parallel in the course direction of the knitted fabric, the insulating loop of the other wire .
By the way, the conductive loop is not substantially stretchable, and when the insulation loop is blown in a state where the loop is applied to the knitting needle, the conductive wire is easily pulled out from the knitted fabric and does not easily return to the knitted fabric, resulting in deterioration of the knitted fabric characteristics. There is concern.

Therefore, in the present invention, all of the plurality of conductive loops in a state where the loop is hung on the knitting needle is quickly made into an old loop (first old loop) by an insulating loop, thereby suppressing the drawing of the conductive wire material, The protrusion is prevented as much as possible.
Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that all of the plurality of conductive loops that are the first old loop are quickly converted into the second old loop by the insulating loop. Thereby, drawing-out of a conductive wire can be suppressed and protrusion to the front or back side can be reduced more suitably.

According to the 1st invention concerning the present invention, the performance improvement of a knitted fabric can be aimed at using the carbon fiber conductive wire excellent in intensity. Moreover, according to the 1st invention, the performance to the double jersey as a knitted fabric can be aimed at by preventing or reducing the exposure to the front side of a conductive wire. And according to 2nd invention, the protrusion to the front or back of a conductive wire can be prevented as much as possible, and the performance improvement of a knitted fabric can be aimed at.

It is a perspective view of a vehicle seat. It is a partially transparent front view of a skin material back surface. It is a front view of a part of knitted fabric. It is a figure which shows an example of the loop form of knitting needle vicinity. (A) is a form schematic diagram immediately after forming the conductive loop on the knitting needle, and (b) is a schematic form view of the conductive loop that has not been made into an old loop by the next insulating loop of the same knitted fabric portion as the conductive loop. (C) is a schematic view of the shape of the conductive loop that has not been made into an old loop by the next insulation loop of the same knitted fabric portion as that of the conductive loop. It is a knitting organization chart of knitting example A. FIG. 6 is a knitting organization chart of knitting example B. FIG. 6 is a knitting organization chart of knitting example C. It is a knitting organization chart of knitting example D. FIG. 10 is a knitting organization chart of knitting example E. FIG. 6 is a knitting organization chart of a knitting example F. It is a front view of the side part of a skin material back surface. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a part of the seat cushion. (A) is a front view of the knitted fabric concerning 3rd embodiment, (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the same knitted fabric.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In each figure, a code | symbol may be attached | subjected only to one part conductive wire for convenience.
Also, in each figure, a reference symbol F is attached to the front of the vehicle seat, a reference symbol B to the rear of the vehicle seat, a reference symbol L to the side of the vehicle seat, a reference symbol UP to the upper side of the vehicle seat, and a reference symbol DW to the lower side of the vehicle seat. I will do it.

<First embodiment>
A vehicle seat 2 in FIG. 1 includes a seat cushion 4, a seat back 6, and a headrest 8. Each of these members has a cushion material (4P, 6P, 8P, not shown) that forms the outer shape of the seat, and a skin material (4S, 6S, 8S) that covers the cushion material.
In the present embodiment, the skin material 4S (all or a part) of the seat cushion 4 is constituted by a knitted fabric 10 described later. The knitted fabric 10 has the conductive wire 20 and the energizing means 18, and can function as an electrode or a heater of a capacitive sensor. In this type of configuration, from the viewpoint of improving the performance of the knitted fabric 10, it is desirable to use the carbon fiber conductive wire 20 as a constituent yarn.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the performance of the knitted fabric 10 is further improved by using the conductive wire material 20 described later. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described in detail.

[knitting]
The knitted fabric 10 includes a circular knitted fabric (an example of a weft knitted fabric), a conductive wire 20, and an energizing means 18 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). And in this embodiment, it is the structure which makes the knitted fabric 10 electrically conductive by using the conductive wire 20 and another wire (all are mentioned later) for the constituent yarn of circular knitting.
Here, the circular knitting is a weft knitted fabric obtained by knitting the conductive wire 20 and another wire, and can be formed on a part or all of the knitted fabric 10. Examples of the circular knitting include a single jersey and a double jersey.
Among them, the double jersey can be suitably used as the skin material 4 </ b> S of the vehicle seat 2 because a so-called run (a part of yarn breakage is transmitted to another) hardly occurs. In addition, since the double jersey is excellent in stretchability, it can cover the cushion material 4P of various shapes without deteriorating the design properties due to wrinkles or the like (the degree of freedom in seat design can be increased).

In the present embodiment, the pad material 14 and the back base fabric 16 can be laminated and integrated in this order on the back side of the knitted fabric 10 (skin material 4S) (see FIGS. 2 and 13).
The pad material 14 is a porous member having flexibility, and is preferably a member more flexible than the cushion material 4P. As the pad material 14, for example, a urethane pad having a high moisture content or a slab urethane foam made of a soft urethane foam can be used.
Moreover, the back base fabric 16 is a member which comprises the back side (side different from the seating side) of the skin material 4S, for example, a knitted fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or a resin film (For example, polyolefin film (DAF780) by DOW) Can be configured.

[Conductive wire]
The conductive wire 20 of the present embodiment is a carbon fiber covering yarn and typically has a specific resistance (also referred to as volume resistivity) of 10 ⁻¹ to 10 ⁻⁵ Ω · cm (see FIG. 2). ). By providing this conductive wire material 20, the knitted fabric 10 (skin material 4S) can function as an electrode and a heater of a capacitance type sensor.
Here, the “specific resistance (volume resistivity)” is a physical property value used for comparing what kind of material is difficult to conduct electricity, and is measured in accordance with, for example, “JIS K-7194”. Can do.

As the covering yarn of carbon fiber, a wire having a core yarn made of carbon fiber and a sheath yarn more flexible than carbon fiber can be used. And in this embodiment, it was set as the structure which raises the intensity | strength of the covering yarn of carbon fiber by coat | covering the above-mentioned core yarn with the twisted sheath yarn (The detail of a coating state is mentioned later). Thus, by making the core yarn (carbon fiber) difficult to break by covering with the sheath yarn, the conductive wire 20 can be used with good performance as the constituent yarn of the circular knitting.
For example, a single carbon fiber filament or a bundle of a plurality of carbon fiber filaments can be used as the core yarn. Here, the number of filaments of the carbon fiber in the core yarn is not particularly limited, but is preferably two or more. For example, carbon fibers of 400 to 3000 filaments (φ7 μm) can be suitably used as the core yarn.

  Examples of carbon fibers include polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers (PAN-based carbon fibers) and pitch-based carbon fibers. The PAN-based carbon fiber is a fiber obtained by carbonizing and baking polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and examples thereof include flame-resistant fiber, carbonized fiber, and graphitized fiber. The pitch-based carbon fiber is a fiber obtained by carbonizing and firing petroleum pitch or coal pitch, and examples thereof include infusible fiber, carbonized fiber, and graphite fiber. Among these, filaments of carbon fibers (carbonized fibers, graphitized fibers, graphite fibers) having a firing temperature of 1000 ° C. or higher have good electrical conductivity, and are therefore preferably used as the conductive wire material 20 of the present embodiment.

(Scabbard thread)
Examples of the sheath yarn include animal-based or plant-based natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or blended fibers thereof.
Examples of synthetic fibers include polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, cellulose fibers, and blended fibers thereof. Of these, filaments of polyester fibers (polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polytriethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, etc.) and polyamide fibers (nylon 6, nylon 66, etc.) are durable and wear resistant. Since it is excellent in heat resistance and texture, it can be suitably used as a sheath yarn.

Here, the number of sheath yarns is not particularly limited. For example, one sheath thread (single covering) may be used for covering the core thread, or two sheath threads (double covering) may be used. In general, as the number of sheath yarns increases, the covering property of the core yarn improves, so it is preferable to use two sheath yarns (double covering).
Here, the twist direction of the sheath yarn may be either S twist or Z twist, but in the case of double covering, it is preferable to match the two sheath yarns with the core yarn in different twist directions. By covering the two sheath yarns in different twist directions, the coverage of the core yarn is further improved.

(Fineness of sheath yarn)
The fineness of the sheath yarn can be set according to the number of twists (described later in detail) and the fineness of the carbon fiber, and can be set to about 10 to 1000 dtex, for example. Here, in the sheath yarn of less than 10 dtex, the covering property of the core yarn is deteriorated and the wear durability of the conductive wire 20 tends to be deteriorated. In addition, when the sheath yarn is thicker than 1000 dtex, the knitting property, the design property, and the tactile sensation of the conductive wire 20 may be deteriorated.
And the covering property of a core thread | yarn can be ensured suitably by using the other wire rod whose fineness is 33-1000 dtex as a sheath thread. Moreover, it can be set as the electrically conductive wire 20 excellent in covering property, durability, a knitting property, a designability, and a touch by using another wire with a fineness of 56-560 dtex as a sheath thread. As the single yarn fineness of the sheath yarn, about 0.1 to 6 dtex can be preferably used.

(Number of sheath yarn twists)
The number of twists of the sheath yarn can be appropriately set according to the thickness (fineness) of the carbon fiber or sheath yarn, the number of filaments of the sheath yarn (single covering, double covering), and the like.
In general, the coverage of the core yarn is improved as the number of twists of the sheath yarn is increased. However, if the sheath yarn is too large, the thickness of the conductive wire 20 is not large because the sheath yarn is twisted multiple times with respect to the core yarn. It tends to be uniform (the wrapping state of the sheath yarn tends to be non-uniform). If the wrapping state of the sheath yarn is not uniform, it is not preferable because the design and the touch are likely to be uncomfortable.
Here, in the case of double covering, the number of twists of the two sheath yarns (upper yarn, lower yarn) may be the same or different. Although the ratio of the number of twists of the two sheath yarns (upper yarn, lower yarn) is not particularly limited, generation of torque can be suitably prevented by setting the number of twists of the upper yarn to be smaller than that of the lower yarn. Typically, it is desirable to set the twist number of the upper yarn to 0.6 to 0.95 times the twist number of the lower yarn.

[Coating condition of carbon fiber (core yarn)]
In the present embodiment, it is preferable to cover the carbon fiber (core yarn) with a sheath yarn based on the following calculation formula 1 (to be in a covered state). By making the core yarn in a covered state based on the calculation formula 1, the strength against bending of the core yarn is preferably increased, and a covering yarn of carbon fiber (conductive wire 20) as a constituent yarn of a weft knitting such as a circular knitting Can be used.
Here, when the value of the calculation formula 1 is less than 8000, the core yarn is not sufficiently covered, and single yarn breakage or yarn breakage is likely to occur due to stress concentration at the exposed portion (of the carbon fiber) during knitting. On the other hand, if the value of the calculation formula 1 is set to be larger than 25000, the conductive wire 20 is likely to be thick (prone to cause a foreign object feeling), and it is difficult to keep the twist uniformity.
Formula 1: T × √D = 8,000 to 25,000 (T: fineness of sheath yarn (dtex), D: number of twists of sheath yarn (T / m))

[Other wire rods]
Examples of other wires (materials) include plant-based and animal-based natural fibers, chemical fibers made of thermoplastic resins or thermosetting resins, and mixed yarns thereof. In addition, in natural fiber, since cotton, hemp, or wool is excellent in a texture, it is preferable to use it as a constituent yarn of the knitted fabric 10. Moreover, in the chemical fiber, since the filament of polyester fiber or nylon fiber is excellent in durability, texture, and strength, it is preferably used as a constituent yarn of the knitted fabric 10.
The other wire may be a linear member made of the above material, and examples thereof include spun yarn, filament, drawn yarn, and stretchable yarn (false twisted yarn and buckled yarn). Of these, filaments are preferred because they facilitate the knitting of the knitted fabric.
Here, the fineness (thickness) of other fibers is not particularly limited. As a constituent yarn of a typical weft knitting such as a circular knitting, a wire having an average fineness of 50 to 500 dtex is preferably used, and a wire having a 75 to 300 dtex is more preferably used.

[Production of knitted fabric]
In the present embodiment, a double jersey including a first knitted fabric portion 10f and a second knitted fabric portion 10s is produced by knitting examples AF described later (see FIGS. 6 to 11).
Then, the weft knitting machine knitting the first knitted fabric portion 10f on the front surface side (sitting side) using only the other wire as the constituent yarn, and the second knitted fabric portion 10s on the back surface side with the conductive wire 20 and the other Knit the wire as a component yarn. By doing so, the exposure of the conductive wire 20 on the surface side of the knitted fabric 10 was reduced as much as possible.

(Weft knitting machine)
As the weft knitting machine, there are a flat knitting machine and a circular knitting machine. A single head knitting machine is a knitting machine in which needle heads are arranged in a row. The double head knitting machine is a knitting machine (double-sided knitting machine or rubber knitting machine) in which needle heads are arranged in two rows. Examples of the double-sided knitting machine include a plain machine and a jacquard knitting machine. Examples of the jacquard knitting machine include a jacquard single-side needle selection machine and a jacquard double-side needle selection machine. The number of gauges (G) of the weft knitting machine is not particularly limited, but is often 4G to 48G, and preferably 14G to 20G.
When knitting a double jersey, it is preferable to use a jacquard of three or more colors from the viewpoint of expressing a pattern on each knitted fabric portion.

In the knitting examples A to F, a double-sided knitting machine including a dial head and a cylinder head is used (for the sake of convenience, 8 wal direction stitches are illustrated). The dial head side 30a has a plurality of wal direction stitches (1a to 8a), and the cylinder head side 30b has a plurality of wal direction stitches (1b to 8b).
In each figure, for convenience, loops, tacks, welts, and needle removal of each constituent yarn are indicated by symbols.

[Knitting example A]
In this knitting example, constituent yarns (first yarn Y1 to twenty-fourth yarn) are supplied from the yarn feeder of the double-sided knitting machine, and a double jersey is knitted (see FIG. 6). At this time, the conductive wire 20 (third yarn Y3) can be supplied from the third yarn feeder, and another wire (one or a plurality of other wires) can be supplied from the remaining yarn feeder.
Then, the first knitted fabric portion 10f is knitted with another wire on the dial head side 30a, and the second knitted fabric portion 10s is knitted with the conductive wire 20 and the other wire on the cylinder head side 30b.

Further, in this knitting example, each of the tissue repeats (first tissue repeat R1 to sixth tissue repeat R6) knitted by the four constituent yarns can be knitted sequentially (see FIG. 3).
Here, the fourth structure repeat R4, the fifth structure repeat R5 and the sixth structure repeat R6 have the same knitted fabric structure as the third structure repeat R3. For this reason, in this organization example, 1st structure repeat R1-3rd structure repeat R3 are explained in full detail, and detailed explanation of 4th structure repeat R4-6th structure repeat R6 is abbreviate | omitted.

(First organization repeat)
In the first structure repeat R1, the knit of the first yarn Y1 is formed (knitting the first knitted fabric portion 10f) by the dial head side 30a (wel direction stitches 1a to 3a, 5a to 7a).
Next, the second knitted fabric portion 10s is knitted by the cylinder head side 30b. Specifically, the knit of the second yarn Y2 is formed by the cylinder head side 30b (the wale direction stitches 2b, 4b, 6b, 8b). Further, a knit (conductive loop) of the third yarn Y3, which is the conductive wire material 20, is formed by the same portion (wel direction stitches 1b, 3b, 5b, 7b). Then, a knit (insulating loop) of the fourth yarn Y4 is formed by the same portion (wel direction stitches 1b, 3b, 5b, 7b). At this time, all the conductive loops are formed into a first old loop by an insulating loop (fourth yarn Y4) arranged in parallel in the course direction (see FIG. 6).
And in the 1st structure repeat R1 (arrangement position of conductive wire 20), the 1st knitted fabric part 10f and the 2nd knitted fabric part 10s are made into a separation state, without connecting.

(Second organization repeat)
In the second structure repeat R2, the knit of the fifth yarn Y5 is formed by the dial head side 30a (wel direction stitches 1a to 3a, 5a to 7a).
Next, the second knitted fabric portion 10s is knitted by the cylinder head side 30b. Specifically, the knit of the sixth wire rod is formed by the cylinder head side 30b (course direction stitches 1b, 3b, 5b, 7b). At this time, all the knits (insulating loop) of the fourth yarn Y4 are made into an old loop by the knit (other insulating loops) of the sixth yarn Y6, so that the knit (conductive loop) of the third yarn Y3 becomes the second old loop. (See FIGS. 5 and 6).
Then, the knit of the seventh wire rod is formed by the cylinder head side 30b (wel direction stitches 2b, 4b, 6b, 8b). In addition, the knit of the eighth wire is formed by the same portion (the wal direction stitches 2b, 4b, 6b, 8b).
In the second tissue repeat R2, the first knitted fabric portion 10f and the second knitted fabric portion 10s are brought into the separated state without being connected.

(Third organization repeat)
In the third structure repeat R3, a knit of the ninth yarn Y9 is formed (knitting the first knitted fabric portion 10f) by the dial head side 30a (wel direction stitches 1a to 3a, 5a to 7a). Furthermore, in the present knitting example, the tack of the ninth yarn Y9 (the connecting portion C with the second knitted fabric portion 10s) is formed by the cylinder head side 30b (the wale direction stitches 4b, 8b), and the first knitted fabric portion 10f The second knitted fabric portion 10s is connected.
Next, the second knitted fabric portion 10s is knitted by the cylinder head side 30b. Specifically, a knit of the tenth yarn Y10 is formed by the cylinder head side 30b (wale direction stitches 2b and 6b). Further, the knit of the eleventh yarn Y11 is formed by the same portion (the weave direction stitches 3b, 7b).
Then, the knit of the twelfth yarn Y12 is formed by the same portion (the wal direction stitches 1b, 3b, 4b, 7b, 8b).
In the third structure repeat R3, the first knitted fabric portion 10f and the second knitted fabric portion 10s are connected by the knitted structure.

As described above, in the present knitting example, in the first structure repeat R1 (“structure repeat in which the conductive wire is arranged”) and the second structure repeat R2 (“next structure repeat in which the conductive wire is arranged”), 10f and the second knitted fabric portion 10s are separated (see FIG. 3). The first knitted fabric portion 10f and the second knitted fabric portion 10s are connected by another wire rod (the ninth yarn Y9) of the third tissue repeat R3 (“another tissue repeat different from the next tissue repeat”). Thereby, it can be set as the structure which does not apply an excessive load to the conductive wire 20 as much as possible.
In the present knitting example, the second knitted fabric portion 10s can be knitted with the other wire and the conductive wire 20 (see FIG. 6). For this reason, it is not necessary to form the knit of the conductive wire 20 on all the needles on the cylinder head side 30b, and the load applied to the conductive wire 20 in the manufacturing process can be reduced.

(Conductive wire old loop)
In this knitting example, the third yarn Y3 (conductive wire 20) is first formed with a knit (conductive loop) on the knitting needles (1b, 3b, etc.) on the cylinder head side 30b (see FIGS. 5A and 6). reference).
At this time, it is preferable to hold the knit (conductive loop) of the third yarn Y3 on a needle having a large diameter (for example, an 18 gauge needle). By doing so, the radius of curvature of the conductive loop becomes relatively large, and bending (disconnection) of the conductive wire 20 can be prevented or reduced.

Further, the conductive loop of the wal direction stitch 1b is made into an old loop with the fourth yarn Y4. At this time, suppose that the knit (the other conductive loop) of the wal direction stitch 3b is held on the needle without forming an old loop. Then, the conductive loop of the knitting needle 3b receives a force drawn from the knitted fabric. In the case of an insulating loop, since it has elasticity, even if it receives a pulling force, it is absorbed by the elasticity of the yarn, but in the case of a conductive loop having poor elasticity, the state shown in FIG. It is easy to be pulled out to the state. When pulled out, problems such as a loop of carbon fiber popping out on the front or back surface of the knitted fabric 10 may occur.
Therefore, in this knitting example, all the conductive loops of the third yarn Y3 are made into the first old loop by the insulating loop of the fourth yarn Y4 (see FIGS. 4 and 6). By doing so, an excessive burden is hardly applied to some of the conductive loops, and deterioration of the characteristics of the knitted fabric 10 can be prevented as much as possible.

  Furthermore, in this knitting example, all the insulating loops of the fourth yarn Y4 obtained by converting the conductive loop into the first old loop are made into an old loop by the loop of the sixth yarn Y6 (another insulating loop) (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the conductive loop is quickly converted into the second old loop and stabilized without being pulled out (see FIG. 4).

[Example of organization B]
Since the present knitting example has substantially the same configuration (yarn use, etc.) as the knitting example A, the same configuration as the knitting example A is denoted by the same reference numeral, and detailed description thereof is omitted (see FIG. 7). reference).
In this knitting example, in the second tissue repeat R2, all the knits of the fourth yarn Y4 are further made into an old loop by the knit of the seventh yarn Y7 (another insulating loop of another example). Even with this configuration, the burden (tension) on the conductive wire 20 can be reduced.

[Example C]
Since the present knitting example has substantially the same configuration (yarn use, etc.) as the knitting example A, the same configuration as the knitting example A is denoted by the same reference numeral, and detailed description thereof is omitted (see FIG. 8). reference).
In this knitting example, the knit (conductive loop) of the third yarn Y3 is made into an old loop by the knit of the seventh yarn Y7 (insulating loop of another example).

[Example of organization D]
Since this knitting example has substantially the same configuration (yarn usage, etc.) as the knitting example A, the same configuration as the knitting example A is denoted by the same reference numeral, and detailed description thereof is omitted (see FIG. 9). reference).
In this knitting example, the first knitted fabric portion 10f and the second knitted fabric portion 10s are connected by the first tissue repeat R1. That is, in the first structure repeat R1 that is the structure repeat in which the conductive wire 20 is disposed, the first yarn Y1 forms a tack (connecting portion C) on the cylinder head side 30b (the wale direction stitches 3b and 7b). The first knitted fabric portion 10f and the second knitted fabric portion 10s are connected by the tack of the first yarn Y1.

[Example of organization E]
Since this knitting example has substantially the same configuration (yarn use, etc.) as knitting example A, the same configuration as knitting example A is denoted by the same reference numeral, and detailed description thereof is omitted (see FIG. 10). reference).
In the present knitting example, the first knitted fabric portion 10f and the second knitted fabric portion 10s are separated in the first structure repeat R1. The first knitted fabric portion 10f and the second knitted fabric portion 10s are connected to each other at the second tissue repeat R2, which is the next tissue repeat in which the conductive wire 20 is disposed.

[Formation example F]
In this knitting example, the same configurations as those of the knitting example A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted (see FIG. 11).
In this knitting example, constituent yarns (first yarn to twenty-fourth yarn) are supplied from a yarn feeder of a double-sided knitting machine, and a double jersey is knitted. At this time, the conductive wire 20 (second yarn) is supplied from the second yarn feeder, and another wire is supplied from the remaining yarn feeder.

  In this knitting example, knitting is performed using three constituent yarns per tissue repeat (first tissue repeat to eighth tissue repeat). Although the yarns used are different, the third structure repeat to the eighth structure repeat are not shown in the figure because the first structure repeat R1 to the second structure repeat R2 are repeated three times.

(First organization repeat)
In the first structure repeat R1, the knit of the first yarn Y1 is formed by the dial head side 30a (the wale direction stitches 1a to 8a). At the same time, at the cylinder head side 30b (wel direction stitches 1b, 3b, 5b, 7b), the first yarn Y1 is connected to the knit (connecting portion C, twenty-third yarn Y23 (not shown)), and the first stitch The base portion 10f and the second knitted fabric portion 10s are connected to each other.
Next, the second knitted fabric portion 10s is knitted by the cylinder head side 30b. Specifically, a knit (conductive loop) of the second yarn Y2, which is the conductive wire material 20, is formed on the cylinder head side 30b (wale direction stitches 2b, 4b, 6b, 8b). Further, a knit of the third yarn Y3 is formed at the same portion (the weave direction stitches 1b, 3b, 5b, 7b).

(Second organization repeat)
In the second structure repeat R2, the knit of the fourth yarn Y4 is formed by the dial head side 30a (the wale direction stitches 1a to 8a). At the same time, on the cylinder head side 30b (wale direction stitches 2b, 4b, 6b, 8b), the fourth yarn Y4 is connected to the knit (the connecting portion C, the second yarn Y2, and the first knitted fabric portion 10f is connected to the first knitted fabric portion 10f. The two knitted fabric portions 10s are connected). The first yarn Y1 of the first tissue repeat R1 and the fourth yarn Y4 of the second tissue repeat R2 can be made thicker than the yarns on the dial head side 30a of other tissue repeats. By carrying out like this, it can suppress exposing the 2nd thread | yarn Y2 which is the conductive wire 20 to the surface.
Next, a knit of the fifth yarn Y5 is formed on the cylinder head side 30b (wel direction stitches 1b, 3b, 5b, 7b). In addition, the knit of the sixth yarn Y6 is formed at the same portion (the wal direction stitches 2b, 4b, 6b, 8b).

  Next, the first structure repeat R1 and the second structure repeat R2 are repeatedly knitted. In subsequent 1st structure repeat R1, the structure | tissue of the same structure as the above-mentioned 1st structure repeat R1 is knitted using another wire instead of the conductive wire 20. FIG.

Here, a single conductive wire 20 may be knitted into the knitted fabric 10, but it is preferable to braid a plurality of conductive wires 20 in parallel, for example, based on the above knitting examples (see FIG. 2). Although the space | interval dimension (W1) between the some conductive wire 20 is not specifically limited, For example, when giving the heater function to the knitted fabric 10, the space | interval dimension (W1) between the conductive wire 20 can be set to 1 mm-60 mm.
When the knitted fabric 10 is provided with a sensor (electrode) function, it is desirable to set the distance between the conductive wires 20 within a range of 60 mm. If the distance between the conductive wires 20 exceeds 60 mm, the sensor function of the knitted fabric 10 is deteriorated (capacitance is reduced) and may not function as an electrode. Preferably, the knitted fabric 10 has a more suitable sensor function (capacitance) by setting the upper limit value of the interval dimension of the conductive wire 20 to 30 mm.
When the weft knitting machine has 48 yarn feeders, for example, the interval dimension (W1) between the conductive wire members 20 can be adjusted to a range of 1 to 12 mm. Further, by supplying the yarn using a striper, the interval dimension (W1) between the conductive wire members 20 can be adjusted within a relatively wide range.

(Knitting processing)
Applying predetermined processing (scouring, blanching, dry heat treatment, dyeing treatment, flame retardant processing, chemical application, heat setting, etc.) to the knitted fabric 10 after knitting, thereby giving finishing and various functions. (See FIG. 3). For example, by performing scouring or blanching on the knitted fabric 10, dirt during knitting can be removed, or the knitted fabric 10 can be contracted appropriately. Further, the knitted fabric 10 can be contracted by a dry heat process. A predetermined processing can be applied to the knitted fabric 10 after intermediate setting with a tenter or the like.
Moreover, various processing agents, such as a flame retardant, WAX, urethane, a deodorizing processing agent, can be provided to the knitted fabric 10 by various processing processes (Dipping (dip), coating, treatment in bath, etc.). Finally, the knitted fabric 10 can be finished by performing a heat setting for finishing with a tenter or the like.
In the above processing, it is preferable to avoid processing with strong fir action. For example, in a dyeing using a liquid dyeing machine or in-bath processing, there is a concern that carbon fibers as constituent yarns break when a strong fir-action is applied to the knitted fabric 10.
Further, the knitted fabric 10 can be appropriately backed (formed with a resin layer) on the back surface side (back base fabric 16 side). In particular, when the conductive wire 20 is disposed on the back of the knitted fabric, the conductive wire 20 is protected by the backing, which is preferable.

In this embodiment, the knitted fabric 10 is subjected to processing (described above) as necessary, and then the knitted fabric 10, the pad material 14 and the back base fabric 16 are laminated and joined in this order, The raw material of the material 4S is formed (see FIGS. 2 and 13). In this case, the knitted fabric 10 is used as the surface material of the skin material 4S. The joining means is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include methods such as laminating (welding), sewing and adhesion.
Then, after the raw material of the skin material 4S is cut into a substantially rectangular shape (skin surface-shaped skin piece), the skin piece is produced by attaching the energizing means 18 (described later). The method for cutting the original fabric is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include cutting with a blade, cutting with shearing, cutting with a heating means (described later), and cutting with these combined means. A bag-shaped skin material 4S can be formed by sewing this skin piece on another skin piece.

[Energizing means]
The energization means 18 is a member that electrically connects the conductive wire 20 and the power source 9, and can be exemplified by a linear member (conductive wire or the like) or a strip-shaped member (conductive tape, conductive cloth, or the like). (See FIG. 2). By electrically connecting the conductive wire 20 and the power source 9 by the energization means 18, the conductive wire 20 can be brought into an energized state.
For example, in the present embodiment, it is possible to suitably use the energizing means 18 including the conductive wire 18a, the strip-shaped cloth body 18b, and the plating layer 18c (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

The conducting wire 18a is a linear member having conductivity, and preferably has a specific resistance lower than that of the conductive wire 20 (see FIG. 12). By making the electrical resistance of the conducting wire 18a lower than that of the conductive wire 20, heat generation of the energizing means 18 during energization can be prevented or reduced.
Here, the specific resistance of the conducting wire 18 a can be appropriately set by the specific resistance of the conductive wire 20. Typically, by setting the range of the specific resistance of the conducting wire 18a to 1.4 to 15 × 10 ⁻⁸ Ω · m, heat generation of the energizing means 18 during energization can be prevented or reduced.

Examples of the conductive wire 18a (material) include gold, silver, copper, brass, platinum, iron, steel, zinc, tin, nickel, aluminum, and tungsten. Especially, since the copper conducting wire 18a (copper wire) is easy to produce and inexpensive, it can be suitably used as the conducting wire 18a of this embodiment.
Moreover, the plating layer of the said material can be formed in the conducting wire 18a. By forming the plating layer on the conductive wire 18a, the contact resistance with the conductive wire 20 can be reduced, and the corrosion resistance of the conductive wire 18a can be improved. The material of the plating layer is not particularly limited, but a relatively inexpensive tin or silver plating layer can be preferably used.
Also, a wire formed by forming a plating layer on the surface of another wire can be used as the conducting wire 18a of this embodiment.

Although the thickness of the conducting wire 18a is not particularly limited here, for example, a conducting wire 18a having a diameter of 0.01 mm to 2.0 mm can be used.
The conducting wire 18a may be used as a single yarn, or a twisted yarn obtained by twisting 2 to 1000 conducting wires 18a may be used. The twist number of the twisted yarn is preferably 30 to 200 times / m. Here, when the number of twists is less than 30 turns / m, the conductor 18a may be disassembled during sewing or the like (twisted yarns may be broken due to friction between adjacent conductors 18a). Moreover, since the conducting wire 18a whose twist number exceeds 200 times / m has high convergence property, the contact area with the conductive wire tends to be reduced. And the decomposition | disassembly of the conducting wire 18a at the time of sewing can be prevented or reduced more reliably by setting the twist number of the twisted yarn to 50 to 150 times / m (pitch: 7 to 10 mm).

The cloth body 18b has a strip shape that is long in the wiring direction of the conductor 18a (for example, a strip shape that is long in the front-rear direction of the sheet), and may be composed of a fabric (woven fabric, knitted fabric, nonwoven fabric, or a composite thereof). Yes (see FIG. 2). The cloth body 18b can be attached to the knitted fabric 10 by a technique such as adhesion or sewing (see the suture line SEW in FIG. 12). At this time, in order to further widen the contact between the conductive wire 20 and the cloth body 18b, for example, it is preferable to use a plurality of sewings, and more preferably to use three or more sewings. The cloth body 18b can be bonded to the conductive wire 20 in a wider area, and the contact resistance between them can be reduced.
The plated layer 18c is a layer having a metal or alloy having electrical conductivity, and is provided on the cloth body 18b (a body to be plated). The plated layer 18c may be formed on the entire fabric body 18b, or may be formed only on one surface (the surface facing the knitted fabric) of the fabric body 18b.

(Disposition of energizing means)
With reference to FIGS. 2, 12, and 13, the pad material 14 and the back base fabric 16 are removed from both ends of the knitted fabric 10 to expose both ends of the conductive wire 20. Next, the core yarn (carbon fiber) is exposed from both ends of the conductive wire 20 by removing components other than the core yarn (other wire rod, sheath yarn, etc.) by heating means (described later) or solvent treatment. And after arrange | positioning a pair of electricity supply means 18 and 18 to the both ends of the some conductive wire 20, respectively, the electricity supply means 18 is sewn on the back surface of a knitted fabric, and the both ends (core yarn) of the some conductive wire 20 are electrically connected. Connect in parallel. Then, the terminals of the power cable 9 a are connected to the pair of energizing means 18, 18 to form a parallel circuit of the plurality of conductive wires 20 on the knitted fabric 10.
In this embodiment, by forming a parallel circuit of the plurality of conductive wires 20 by the pair of energizing means 18, 18, the plurality of conductive wires 20 are heated at a relatively low voltage (the knitted fabric 10 is used as a heater). be able to.

As described above, in the present embodiment, by increasing the strength of the conductive wire 20 (the strength of the carbon fiber against bending), it can be suitably used as a constituent yarn of the knitted fabric 10. From this, according to this embodiment, the performance improvement of the knitted fabric 10 can be aimed at using the conductive wire 20 of a carbon fiber.
That is, the conductive wire 20 of the present embodiment is resistant to chemical changes such as oxidation and is difficult to break, so that the durability of the knitted fabric 10 is improved. Moreover, the knitted fabric 10 rich in elasticity can be produced by knitting a double jersey with the conductive wire 20 and another wire. Further, by causing the knitted fabric 10 (skin material 4S) to expand and contract as appropriate and cover the cushion material 4P, wrinkles and the like can be prevented from being generated as much as possible (a beautiful finish is achieved).
Further, by using the conductive wire 20 as a constituent yarn of the skin material 4S (knitted fabric 10), the temperature rise performance of the skin material 4S is improved and sensing with higher sensitivity is possible.
In the double jersey of the present embodiment, the first knitted fabric portion 10f and the second knitted fabric portion 10s are separated from each other at the next tissue repeat in which the conductive wire 20 is disposed. Then, the first knitted fabric portion 10f and the second knitted fabric portion 10s are connected by another wire material in another structure repeat, so that an excessive load is not applied to the conductive wire material 20 as much as possible.
In this embodiment, all of the plurality of conductive loops (Y3 and the like) are converted into the first old loop by the insulating loop (Y4 and the like). Thereby, it is possible to prevent an excessive load from being applied to some of the conductive loops (Y3 and the like).

<Second Embodiment>
Since the knitted fabric of the present embodiment has substantially the same basic configuration as the knitted fabric of the first embodiment, a detailed description of the common structure and the like is omitted.
The conductive wire 20 of the present embodiment is a coating yarn having a carbon fiber core yarn and a resin layer covering the core yarn (see FIG. 2). By covering the core yarn with the resin layer in this manner, the durability of the carbon fiber (particularly, durability against vertical shearing force and compression force) can be improved. Moreover, the knitting property of the conductive wire 20 and the durability at the time of use can be improved.

And when the carbon fiber weight per unit length of the conductive wire 20 is r and the coating yarn weight per unit length is R, the weight ratio R / r is preferably 1.5 to 6.0. When the weight ratio R / r is less than 1.5, the reinforcing effect of the resin layer with respect to the carbon fibers tends to be weakened, so that desired durability cannot be imparted to the carbon fibers.
Further, when the weight ratio R / r is larger than 6.0 (when the weight of the resin layer is increased), the design and feel of the conductive wire 20 are likely to be uncomfortable, and the handling during knitting deteriorates. There is a tendency.

(Formation of resin layer)
The method for forming the resin layer is not particularly limited, but typically, a coating agent is applied to the core yarn and then formed into a desired cross-sectional shape.
Examples of the coating agent include molten resins such as vinyl chloride and dispersion solutions. The dispersion solution can be prepared, for example, by dispersing aliphatic polycarbonate polyurethane in an aqueous solvent. The method for applying the coating agent can be appropriately selected from dry (coating the core yarn with molten resin) or wet (drying after applying the dispersion solution to the core yarn) according to the type of coating agent.
Here, the cross-sectional shape of the conductive wire 20 (resin layer) is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a substantially circular shape such as a circular shape and an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape such as a triangular shape and a rectangular shape, and a flat shape. In particular, the conductive wire 20 having a substantially circular shape (in cross section) is excellent in handleability.

<Third embodiment>
Since the knitted fabric of the present embodiment has substantially the same basic configuration as the knitted fabric of the first embodiment, common structures and the like are denoted by corresponding reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
In this embodiment, the energizing means 18 and the conductive wire 20 are electrically connected by the following two steps (see FIG. 14).
First step: The components other than the core yarn are melted or burned and removed by the heating means to expose the core yarn 22 from the end of the knitted fabric 10.
Second step: The energizing means 18 is electrically connected to the exposed core yarn 22.

(Configuration other than core yarn)
Other wire rods, sheath yarns, backing agents, and resin layers can be exemplified as configurations other than the core yarn.
In the present embodiment, the configuration other than the core yarn is preferably a material that is easier to burn or melt than the carbon fiber (core yarn 22). That is, it is desirable that the components other than the core yarn have a melting point lower than that of the carbon fiber (core yarn 22) or a material having a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of less than 26.
Here, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) is an index of oxygen concentration (O ₂ %) obtained from the minimum oxygen amount necessary for a wire such as a synthetic fiber such as natural fiber to sustain combustion. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) is measured in accordance with “JIS K 7201 Oxygen Index Combustion Test Method for Polymer Materials” and “JIS L 1091 (1999) 8.5E-2 Method (Oxygen Index Method Test)”. be able to.

(Heating means)
Examples of the heating means include a heating device (such as a punch mechanism or a scissor mechanism) that can physically contact the knitted fabric 10 and an optical heating means such as a laser. Among these, the laser can accurately control the temperature (output), and can be suitably used as the heating means of this embodiment.
Here the type of laser is not particularly limited, CO ₂ laser, YAG laser, excimer laser, UV laser, semiconductor laser, fiber laser, LD laser, can be exemplified LD pumped solid-state laser. Among these, a CO ₂ laser that has high absorption in organic substances (other wire materials and the like) is preferable.

The laser can be irradiated from either the front or back surface of the knitted fabric 10. When the laser is irradiated from the surface side of the knitted fabric 10 (the knitted fabric side as the surface material), it is desirable to irradiate the laser while sensing the position of the conductive wire 20. In particular, it is preferable to irradiate the laser from the back side (pad material 14 or the back base fabric 16 side) of the knitted fabric 10 and fix the surface side to the fixed surface, so that the laser can be easily focused on the knitted fabric 10.
Further, an inert gas can be sprayed onto the knitted fabric 10 along with the laser irradiation. By performing the first step in the presence of an inert gas (such as nitrogen or helium), combustion (melting) of the core yarn 22 can be suitably prevented or reduced.

Then, by appropriately adjusting the set temperature of the heating means or the like, it is possible to burn (melt) only the components other than the core yarn while leaving the core yarn 22, or to burn (melt) the core yarn 22.
For example, a Mitsubishi carbon dioxide laser processing machine (model: 2512H2, transmitter model name: 25SRP, laser rated output: 1000 W) is used as the heating means. At this time, by setting the irradiation condition of the laser processing machine to an output of 15 W or more and less than 25 W (frequency 200 Hz, processing speed 1500 mm / min), the core yarn 22 remains as much as possible, and the components other than the core yarn are burned (melted). Can be made. Moreover, the core yarn 22 can be burned (melted) or cut by setting the irradiation condition to an output of 25 W (frequency 200 Hz, processing speed 500 mm / min) or more.

[First step]
In this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion including the core yarn is melted (burned) by the heating means, and the skin piece is cut out from the knitted fabric 10. After the skin piece is cut out, a laser beam is irradiated to a width corresponding to the length of the core yarn to be connected to melt (burn) constituent elements other than the core yarn. At this time, the components other than the core yarn are combusted by the heating means, but the core yarn 22 remains as it is without being combusted. Thereby, the core yarn 22 can be exposed from the side part of the knitted fabric 10.
In addition, when the knitted fabric 10 has the pad material 14 and the back base fabric 16, these pad material 14 and the back base fabric 16 can be cut | disconnected simultaneously with a heating means.

[Second step]
In the second step, the energizing means 18 (the conducting wire 18a, the cloth body 18b, and the plated layer 18c) is attached to the core yarn 22 exposed from the side portion of the knitted fabric 10.
For example, after the energizing means 18 is disposed at both ends of the knitted fabric 10, the energizing means 18 is electrically connected to the core yarn 22 in parallel. At this time, the plating layer 18c and the conductor 18a are attached in contact with the core yarn 22 (the core yarn 22 is sewn to the cloth body 10b). Then, by sewing (attaching) the fabric body 18b to the side of the knitted fabric 10, the relative positional relationship between the energizing means 18 and the core yarn 22 is suitably maintained, and the electrical connection stability between the two is improved. . And the terminal of the power cable 9a is connected to the electricity supply means 18, and the electric circuit of the some conductive wire 20 is formed in the knitted fabric 10 (refer FIG. 2).

[Modification]
In the first step (modified example), the core yarn 22 can be exposed by melting or burning the components other than the core yarn in a spot shape by the heating means. And after arrange | positioning a conducting wire to a knitted fabric so that a spot may be crossed, it fixes to the core yarn 22. FIG.

Hereinafter, although this embodiment is described based on an example, the present invention is not limited to the example.
[Example 1]
As the conductive wire of this example, a core yarn of carbon fiber (Toray Industries, Inc., “Treca T300-1K-50A”) and a sheath yarn of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) processed yarn (167 dtex-48 filament) were used. Then, the number of twists of the sheath yarn was set to 1000 T / m, and S and Z-twisted double covering of the sheath yarn was performed on the core yarn (T × √D = 12922).

In this example, 24 yarns were used. At this time, a conductive wire was used for some yarns, and three types of other wires (first wire, second wire, and third wire) were used as other yarns.
As the first wire, an original PET processed yarn (beige, 334 dtex-48 filament) was used. A PET processed yarn (usually crimped, 167 dtex-48 filament) was used as the second wire. As the third wire, PET processed yarn (strong crimp, 334 dtex-48 filament) was used.

(Production of knitted fabric)
As the weft knitting machine, a double-sided needle selection machine (“V-LEC4DS” manufactured by Fukuhara Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd., hook diameter 30 inches, 18 gauge, yarn feeder 48) was used.
Further, as the setting of the weft knitting machine, the needle dial for knit the conductive wire was set to 15, and the stitch dial for setting the next other wire was set to 12. As a result, the conductive wire (carbon fiber covering yarn with less elongation) has a longer pull-in amount so that the loop becomes larger, and the next other wire has a shorter pull-in amount.

And according to [Knitting example A] of FIG. 6, the knitted fabric of the double jersey was knitted with the conductive wire and the other wires (first wire to third wire).
At this time, 24 were used as the 48 inner yarn feeders, and the first wire was supplied from the yarn feeder of the weft knitting machine having the yarn feeder number (1 and "multiple of 4 + 1"). Further, the second wire rod was supplied from the yarn feeder of yarn feeder numbers (“even number excluding 4” and “multiple of 4 + 3”). Moreover, the conductive wire was supplied from the yarn feeder number (3). And the 3rd wire was supplied from yarn feeder number (4). For yarn feeder numbers 13 to 24, 9 to 12 knitting structure diagrams were used repeatedly. The knitted fabric was created in the middle table (total width of raw knitting: 1940 mm).
At the time of knitting the knitted fabric, the presence or absence of disconnection of the conductive wire material was observed (results will be described later).

Then, scouring (bath, 80 ° C.), intermediate setting (150 ° C. × 1 min), resin processing (WAX, urethane resin, Dip & drying), back coating of flame retardant, and finishing set were performed on the knitted fabric in this order.
The processed knitted fabric (raw fabric) had a total width of 1730 mm and a density of wale / course = 24/35 (pieces / 2.54 cm).

Next, the knitted fabric was irradiated with laser, and a skin piece having a predetermined size was cut out for main use of the seat seat surface (see FIG. 2). A Mitsubishi carbon dioxide laser processing machine (model: 2512H2, transmitter model name: 25SRP, laser rated output: 1000 W) was used as the laser. The laser irradiation conditions were a speed of 500 mm / min, an output of 30 W, a duty of 7.7%, and a frequency of 200 Hz.
Further, the core piece was exposed by irradiating the skin piece (back surface side) with laser and irradiating the laser to a width (15 mm) necessary for connecting to both sides. The laser irradiation conditions were a speed of 1500 mm / min, an output of 20 W, a duty of 7.7%, and a frequency of 200 Hz. At this time, the PET yarn (other wire) was melted and cut by a laser, but the core yarn (carbon fiber) remained without being cut.
And after energizing means (band shape) was sewn on the surface of the skin piece, the core thread (carbon fiber) and the energizing means were brought into close contact with each other and connected.

[Example 2]
As the conductive wire of this example, the core yarn of Example 1 and the sheath yarn of nylon yarn (122 dtex-34 filament) were used. And, the number of twists of the sheath yarn was set to 1000 T / m, and the wire obtained by performing S and Z twist double covering of the sheath yarn on the core yarn was used as the conductive wire material (carbon fiber covering yarn) of Example 2 ( T × √D = 111045).
Then, the knitted fabric of Example 2 was knitted by the same method as Example 1.

[Example 3]
As the conductive wire of this example, the core yarn of Example 1 and the sheath yarn of nylon yarn (56 dtex-40 filament) were used. And the wire which performed the S and Z twist double covering of the sheath yarn with respect to the core yarn by setting the number of twists of the sheath yarn to 1200 T / m was used as the conductive wire material (carbon fiber covering yarn) of Example 3 ( T × √D = 8979).
Then, the knitted fabric of Example 3 was knitted by the same method as Example 1.

[Example 4]
In this example, the conductive wire of Example 1 was used. Then, according to [Knitting Example B] in FIG. 7, a knitted fabric of a double jersey was knitted with the conductive wire and other wires (first wire to third wire). Other conditions were the same as in Example 1.

[Example 5]
In this example, the conductive wire of Example 1 was used. Then, according to [Knitting Example C] in FIG. 8, a knitted fabric of a double jersey was knitted with the conductive wire and other wires (first wire to third wire). Other conditions were the same as in Example 1.

[Example 6]
In this example, the conductive wire of Example 1 was used. Then, according to [Knitting Example D] in FIG. 9, a knitted fabric of a double jersey was knitted with the conductive wire and other wires (first wire to third wire). Other conditions were the same as in Example 1.

[Example 7]
In this example, the conductive wire of Example 1 was used. Then, according to [Knitting Example E] in FIG. 10, a knitted fabric of a double jersey was knitted with the conductive wire and other wires (first wire to third wire). Other conditions were the same as in Example 1.

[Example 8]
In this example, the conductive wire of Example 1 was used. Then, according to [Knitting Example F] in FIG. 11, a knitted fabric of a double jersey was knitted with a conductive wire and another wire.
In the first structure repeat, a PET processed yarn (667 dtex) was used as the first yarn (front yarn). A conductive wire was used as the second yarn (back yarn), and a PET processed yarn (167 dtex) was used as the third yarn (back yarn). In the second structure repeat, a PET processed yarn (667 dtex) was used as the fourth yarn (front yarn). PET processed yarn (167 dtex) was used as the fifth and sixth yarns (both are back yarns).
In the third to eighth tissue repeats, the first tissue repeat and the second tissue repeat were repeated. However, in the third to eighth structure repeats, PET processed yarn (500 dtex) was used as the front yarn, and PET processed yarn (167 dtex) was used as the back yarn.

[Example 9]
In the present example, a core yarn of carbon fiber (“Torayca (registered trademark) T300-1K-50B” manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) and a coating yarn having a vinyl chloride (PVC) resin layer were used as conductive wires. The cross-sectional shape of the conductive wire was a circular shape (φ0.4 mm), and the weight ratio (R / r) between the carbon fiber and the resin layer was set to 5.1. A double jersey knitted fabric was knitted according to Example 1 except for the conductive wire.

[Comparative Example 1]
As the conductive wire of this comparative example, the core yarn of Example 1 and the sheath yarn of nylon yarn (33 dtex-26 filament) were used. And the wire which performed the S and Z twist double covering of the sheath yarn with respect to the core yarn by setting the twist number of the sheath yarn to 1200 T / m was used as the conductive wire of Comparative Example 1 (T × √D = 6893) .
The knitted fabric of Comparative Example 1 was knitted by the same method as in Example 1.

[Results and discussion]
The presence or absence of breakage (thread breakage) of the knitted fabrics according to Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1 is shown in [Table 1] below. In the table, “×” indicates a thread breakage ant, and “◯” indicates a thread breakage pear.

(Discussion)
Referring to [Table 1], in Comparative Example 1, yarn breakage occurred frequently during knitting, and a good double jersey could not be knitted. Further, in the knitted fabric of Comparative Example 1, the broken carbon fiber appeared intermittently on the surface of the knitted fabric (inferior in surface design), and it tingled when touched.
In contrast, in Examples 1 to 3 and Example 9, the double jersey could be knitted well without yarn breakage during knitting. In addition, the conductive wire materials of Examples 1 to 3 had high sheath yarn coverage and almost no core yarn (carbon fiber) was exposed.
The knitted fabrics of Examples 1 to 3 and Example 9 had no irregularities on the surface and did not feel uncomfortable even when touched, and had excellent design and texture (excellent surface design). And when electric power (12W) was supplied to the knitted fabric of Example 1, it heated up rapidly.
From this, it was possible to realize further improvement in the performance of the knitted fabric by using the conductive wire materials of Examples 1 to 3 and Example 9 as constituent yarns of the knitted fabric.

In Example 4, although the conductive wire material appeared intermittently from the knitted surface (mesh shape), the double jersey could be knitted well without any yarn breakage (see FIG. 7).
In Example 5, although the conductive wire appeared from the surface of the knitted fabric and the conductive loop slightly slackened, the double jersey could be knitted without knitting yarn breakage (see FIG. 8).
In Example 6, although the conductive wire material appeared slightly from the surface of the knitted fabric, the double jersey could be knitted well without any yarn breakage (see FIG. 9).
In Example 7, although the conductive wire appeared from the surface of the knitted fabric and the conductive loop slightly slackened, the double jersey could be knitted without yarn breakage (see FIG. 10).
In Example 8, the obtained double jersey was flat as a plain knitted fabric, and the design was such that the carbon fiber covering yarn was slightly visible from between the knitted fabrics from the front surface (dial head side 30a side). And excellent wear durability (see FIG. 11).
From this, it was found that according to the conductive wire material of this example, the double jersey can be knitted without yarn breakage by various knitting examples.

The knitted fabric of the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can take various other embodiments.
(1) In the present embodiment, the first knitted fabric portion 10f and the second knitted fabric portion 10s are connected exclusively using the constituent yarns of the first knitted fabric portion 10f. Unlike this, the first knitted fabric portion 10f and the second knitted fabric portion 10s can be connected using the constituent yarn ( other wire ) of the second knitted fabric portion 10s. Further, the first knitted fabric portion 10f and the second knitted fabric portion 10s can be connected by using constituent yarns of both knitted fabric portions.
(2 )
(3) Further, in this embodiment, one of the tissue portions in the knitted example (e.g. third parties repeat R3 only), may be connected to the first knitted fabric part of the second knitted fabric portion.

(4) Moreover, in this embodiment, the example of the skin material 4S which functions only as a heater was demonstrated. The skin material 4S can be used as an electrode of a capacitive sensor. In this case, a single energizing means can be attached only to the end portion (one side) of the knitted fabric 10.
(5) Moreover, in this embodiment, the example which arrange | positions the some conductive wire 20 in parallel with respect to the knitted fabric 10 in the sheet | seat width direction was demonstrated. The arrangement | positioning relationship of the some conductive wire 20 is not specifically limited, For example, you may arrange | position in parallel in the sheet | seat front-back direction. In this case, a pair of energizing means is arranged in front of and behind the seat.
(6) Moreover, in this embodiment, the example which uses the knitted fabric 10 for a seating part was demonstrated. The knitted fabric 10 of the present embodiment can be used as a skin piece (skin material) having various configurations of a vehicle seat such as a top plate main portion, a top plate side portion, a stile portion, a back portion, and a headrest.
In addition to the vehicle seat 2, the knitted fabric 10 can be used as a skin piece (skin material) for vehicle interior parts such as a ceiling portion, a door portion, a handle, and a console box.

2 Vehicle seat 4 Seat cushion 6 Seat back 8 Headrest 10 Knitted fabric 10f First knitted fabric portion 10s Second knitted fabric portion 18 Energizing means 20 Conductive wire 30a Dial head side 30b Cylinder head side

Claims (2)

In a knitted fabric having a conductive wire that can be energized, an energizing means that can supply power to the conductive wire, and a weft knitted fabric,
The conductive wire comprises a carbon fiber core yarn and is used as a constituent yarn of the weft knitting, and the core yarn is covered with a twisted sheath yarn or resin layer ,
The weft knitted fabric is a double jersey formed by connecting a first knitted fabric portion on the front side and a second knitted fabric portion on the back side,
The first knitted fabric portion and the second knitted fabric portion each have another wire material different from the conductive wire material as a constituent yarn, and only the second knitted fabric portion has the conductive wire material as a constituent yarn. ,
The first knitted fabric portion and the second knitted fabric portion are configured with a structure repeat composed of the other wire material or the conductive wire material,
While the first knitted fabric portion and the second knitted fabric portion are in a separated state in the next tissue repeat in which the conductive wire material is disposed, all or part of another tissue repeat different from the next tissue repeat, A knitted fabric in which the first knitted fabric portion and the second knitted fabric portion are connected by the other wire rod . The weft knitted fabric has a plurality of conductive loops of the conductive wire parallel to the course direction of the knitted fabric and an insulating loop of the other wire,
The knitted fabric according to claim 1 , wherein all the conductive loops are configured to be old-looped by the insulating loops .

Images