WO2010044018A1 - A textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, method for manufacturing the textile, and electronic textile comprising the textile - Google Patents

A textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, method for manufacturing the textile, and electronic textile comprising the textile Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010044018A1
WO2010044018A1 PCT/IB2009/054399 IB2009054399W WO2010044018A1 WO 2010044018 A1 WO2010044018 A1 WO 2010044018A1 IB 2009054399 W IB2009054399 W IB 2009054399W WO 2010044018 A1 WO2010044018 A1 WO 2010044018A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
textile
functional layer
film
electrically insulative
electronic
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2009/054399
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Martijn Krans
Mark Biesheuvel
Thomas Schüler
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. filed Critical Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Publication of WO2010044018A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010044018A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K1/00—Printed circuits
    • H05K1/02—Details
    • H05K1/03—Use of materials for the substrate
    • H05K1/038—Textiles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/12—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/30—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/30—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers
    • B32B27/304—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers comprising vinyl halide (co)polymers, e.g. PVC, PVDC, PVF, PVDF
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
    • B32B3/02—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions
    • B32B3/08—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by added members at particular parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
    • B32B3/26—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer
    • B32B3/266—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer characterised by an apertured layer, the apertures going through the whole thickness of the layer, e.g. expanded metal, perforated layer, slit layer regular cells B32B3/12
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/022—Non-woven fabric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/024—Woven fabric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/026—Knitted fabric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/14—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts, e.g. denser near its faces
    • B32B5/142—Variation across the area of the layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/12—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K1/00—Printed circuits
    • H05K1/02—Details
    • H05K1/0286—Programmable, customizable or modifiable circuits
    • H05K1/0287—Programmable, customizable or modifiable circuits having an universal lay-out, e.g. pad or land grid patterns or mesh patterns
    • H05K1/0289—Programmable, customizable or modifiable circuits having an universal lay-out, e.g. pad or land grid patterns or mesh patterns having a matrix lay-out, i.e. having selectively interconnectable sets of X-conductors and Y-conductors in different planes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/20—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular electrical or magnetic properties, e.g. piezoelectric
    • B32B2307/206—Insulating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/50—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
    • B32B2307/546—Flexural strength; Flexion stiffness
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/724—Permeability to gases, adsorption
    • B32B2307/7242—Non-permeable
    • B32B2307/7246—Water vapor barrier
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/726—Permeability to liquids, absorption
    • B32B2307/7265—Non-permeable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2457/00—Electrical equipment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2457/00—Electrical equipment
    • B32B2457/20—Displays, e.g. liquid crystal displays, plasma displays
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to printed circuits covered by H05K1/00
    • H05K2201/02—Fillers; Particles; Fibers; Reinforcement materials
    • H05K2201/0275—Fibers and reinforcement materials
    • H05K2201/029—Woven fibrous reinforcement or textile
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to printed circuits covered by H05K1/00
    • H05K2201/10—Details of components or other objects attached to or integrated in a printed circuit board
    • H05K2201/10007—Types of components
    • H05K2201/10106—Light emitting diode [LED]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to printed circuits covered by H05K1/00
    • H05K2201/10—Details of components or other objects attached to or integrated in a printed circuit board
    • H05K2201/10007—Types of components
    • H05K2201/10151—Sensor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to printed circuits covered by H05K1/00
    • H05K2201/10—Details of components or other objects attached to or integrated in a printed circuit board
    • H05K2201/10227—Other objects, e.g. metallic pieces
    • H05K2201/10287—Metal wires as connectors or conductors

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, and to a method for manufacturing the textile.
  • the invention further relates to an electronic textile comprising an electronic component and the textile.
  • a textile is a material comprised of interlacing fibers that can for instance be manufactured by weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, or pressing fibers together. Many types of textiles are used in our everyday life. When electronic components (i.e. devices that work by controlling the flow of electrons) are integrated into a textile new application fields emerge. When the textile is an integral part of the electrical circuit comprising the electronic components, an electronic textile is obtained.
  • An example of an electronic component is a LED package in the form of a surface mounted device (SMD-LED), which can be attached to a textile substrate by gluing, soldering, snap button connection or stitching.
  • SMD-LED surface mounted device
  • the resulting light-emitting textile could open up a wide range of new interior and apparel applications, ranging from illumination to atmosphere creation to messaging.
  • E -broidery Design and fabrication of textile-based computing
  • the keypad consists of a two-dimensional matrix of individually addressable, capacitive sensors, each sensor forming a key.
  • the object is realized by a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, the textile comprising a textile layer having an upper textile surface and a lower textile surface, a first electrically insulative film having a first upper film surface and a first lower film surface, the first lower film surface being attached to the upper textile surface, a first functional layer comprising a first plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires sandwiched between the upper textile surface and the first lower film surface, and a second functional layer comprising a second plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires attached to the first upper film surface.
  • the textile further comprises a hole in the first electrically insulative film, exposing a portion of a wire of the first functional layer to the second functional layer.
  • This facilitates interconnection of the two functional layers even further, either directly or via components.
  • a portion of a wire of the second functional layer may now be located across the hole, thereby forming a via interconnecting the first functional layer with the second functional layer.
  • the textile according to the invention further comprises a second electrically insulative film having a second upper film surface and a second lower film surface, the second lower film surface being attached to the first upper film surface, wherein the second functional layer is sandwiched between the first upper film surface and the second lower film surface.
  • the textile according to this embodiment has an electrically insulative top surface that may serve as a barrier, for example against water or corrosive substances in the atmosphere.
  • the textile comprises an incision or a hole in the second electrically insulative film, such that the incision or hole is located over and exposes a portion of a wire of any of the functional layers.
  • the textile facilitates connecting any additional electrical components to its surface. Preferably, this is done by connecting an electrical component to the exposed wire portion.
  • the wires of the second functional layer are substantially perpendicular to the wires of the first functional layer.
  • a grid of crossing points may be formed by the two substantially perpendicular pluralities of substantially parallel wires.
  • a wire of the first functional layer can relatively easily be connected to a wire of the second functional layer, either directly or via electrical components or circuits. Any crossing can thereby be addressed individually.
  • the differing orientation of the two pluralities of wires facilitates connections to any side of the textile.
  • the textile according to the invention further comprises a third electrically insulative film attached to the upper textile surface to form a laminated textile having a coated upper textile surface.
  • the textile according to this embodiment has functional layers that are protected from exposure to any undesired solid or fluid, such as water or a corrosive substance present in the air, from below.
  • the electrically insulative films mainly consist of a polymer, preferably vinyl, which is inexpensive and readily available.
  • any of the laminate layers of the textile may be provided with a layer of a hot- melt adhesive, with an electrically insulative film having been attached by heat pressing.
  • the textile layer and the electrically insulative films have substantially the same width. This increases the durability as there will be no free edges of electrically insulative film on the textile surface.
  • the object is realized by a method for manufacturing a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, comprising the steps of providing a first electrically insulative film having a first upper film surface and a first lower film surface, providing a textile layer having an upper textile surface and a lower textile surface, locating a first plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires on the upper textile surface or on the first lower film surface to form a first functional layer, attaching the first electrically insulative film to the textile layer, such that the first functional layer is sandwiched between the upper textile surface and the first lower film surface, and attaching a second plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires to the first upper film surface to form a second functional layer.
  • This method results in a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile with increased versatility, as the two separate functional layers make it possible to make two independent electrical connections to a particular location on the textile.
  • it further comprises the step of forming a hole in the first electrically insulative film such that, prior to the step of attaching the second plurality of wires, the hole is located over, and exposes, a portion of a wire of the first functional layer.
  • This facilitates interconnection of the two functional layers even further, either directly or via components.
  • a direct connection between the functional layers may be obtained by attaching the second plurality of wires to the first upper film surface such that a portion of a wire of the second functional layer is located across the hole to form a via interconnecting the first functional layer with the second functional layer.
  • the second plurality of wires is attached to the first electrically insulative film by attaching a second electrically insulative film to the first upper film surface, such that the second functional layer is sandwiched between the first electrically insulative film and the second electrically insulative film.
  • a textile having an electrically insulative top surface is obtained.
  • the top surface of the textile may, using this method, form a barrier, for example against water or corrosive substances in the atmosphere.
  • the method may further comprise the step of forming an incision or a hole in the second electrically insulative film, such that the incision or hole is located over, and exposes, a portion of a wire of any of the functional layers.
  • This facilitates connecting any additional electrical components to the surface of the textile. Preferably, this is done by connecting an electrical component to the exposed wire portion.
  • it comprises the step of attaching a third electrically insulative film to the upper textile surface, to form a laminated textile having a coated upper textile surface.
  • an electronic textile comprising an electronic component and a textile for electrically addressing the electronic component, the textile comprising a textile layer having an upper textile surface and a lower textile surface, a first electrically insulative film having a first upper film surface and a first lower film surface, the first lower film surface being attached to the upper textile surface, a first functional layer comprising a first plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires sandwiched between the upper textile surface and the first lower film surface, and a second functional layer comprising a second plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires attached to the first upper film surface.
  • the electronic textile is an electrically addressable display, an electrically addressable LED matrix, and/or an electrically addressable sensor matrix.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic exploded view in perspective of a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, according to the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, according to the invention.
  • Fig. 3 is a top view of the textile shown in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic exploded view in perspective of an alternative embodiment of a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, according to the invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a top view of the textile shown in Fig. 4.
  • Fig. 6, 7a, and 7b illustrate the process of providing an electronic textile with connectors.
  • Fig. 1 is an exploded view in perspective of layers making up a textile 10 for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile.
  • the textile 10 comprises a textile layer 12, having an upper textile surface 14 and a lower textile surface 16.
  • the textile layer 12 may for example be a woven, knitted, or unwoven textile layer.
  • Two flexible electrical conductors 18 and 20, each consisting of e.g. a wire of stranded copper filaments, are arranged in parallel across the piece of textile layer 12.
  • the two conductors 18 and 20 constitute a first plurality of electrical conductors, and form a first functional layer.
  • plasticized polyvinyl chloride has an upper film surface 24 and a lower film surface 26.
  • the first polymer film 22 is provided with a layer of hot melt adhesive 28.
  • the first polymer film 22 with a hot melt adhesive 28 may e.g. be of the type commonly used for thermal transfer printing of t- shirts.
  • a first set of four holes 30 penetrate through the first polymer film 22 and its adhesive layer 28.
  • Two flexible electrical conductors 32 and 34 each consisting of a wire of stranded copper filaments, are arranged in parallel across the first polymer film 22.
  • the two conductors 32 and 34 constitute a second plurality of electrical conductors, and form a second functional layer.
  • a second polymer film 36 having an upper surface 38 and a lower surface 40, is provided with a layer of hot melt adhesive 43 on its lower surface 40.
  • the flow chart of Fig. 2 illustrates a method of manufacturing a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, from the pieces shown in Fig. 1.
  • step 110 the first plurality of electrical conductors 18 and 20 are stretched in parallel, and at a distance from each other, across the upper textile surface 14, to form a first functional layer.
  • step 112 the first polymer film 22 is aligned on top of the upper textile surface 14 of the textile layer 12, such that the first set of holes 30 are located above the first plurality of electrical conductors 18 and 20.
  • step 114 the first polymer film 22 is heat-pressed onto the textile layer 12, such that the first plurality of electrical conductors 18 and 20 are sandwiched between the upper surface 14 of the textile layer 12 and the lower surface 26 of the first polymer film 22.
  • the electrical conductors 18 and 20 are now covered with polymer film, except the portions that are exposed by the first set of holes 30.
  • step 116 the second plurality of electrical conductors 32 and 34 are stretched in parallel, and at a distance from each other, perpendicular to the first plurality of electrical conductors 18 and 20, across the upper surface 24 of the first polymer film 22, to form a second functional layer.
  • step 118 the second polymer film 36 is aligned on top of the upper surface 24 of the first polymer film 22, such that the second set of holes 42 through the second polymer film 36 are located above the first set of holes 30 through the first polymer film 22, and such that the third set of holes 44 are located above the second plurality of electrical conductors 32 and 34.
  • step 120 the second polymer film 36 is heat-pressed to the upper surface 24 of the first polymer film 22, such that the second plurality of electrical conductors 32 and 34 are sandwiched between the first and second polymer films 22 and 36, respectively.
  • Fig. 3 is a top view of the textile 10 shown in Fig. 1, after lamination.
  • the second plurality of electrical conductors 32 and 34 are now covered with polymer film, except the portions that are exposed by the third set of holes 44. Portions of the first plurality of electrical conductors 18 and 20 are still visible through the first and second sets of holes 30 and 42, respectively, in the first and second polymer films 22 and 36, respectively.
  • the textile 10 has been provided with an addressable matrix structure, which in this case consists of a two-dimensional, two-by-two matrix, comprising four individually addressable cells 46a-46d.
  • Fig. 4 is an exploded view in perspective, illustrating another embodiment of a textile 210 prior to lamination, as well as how the textile 210 is fabricated.
  • the textile 210 comprises a textile layer 212a, having an upper textile surface 214a and a lower textile surface 216.
  • the textile layer 212a may for example be a woven, knitted, or unwoven textile.
  • a third polymer film 212b which may consist of plasticized polyvinyl chloride, has an upper surface 214 and a lower surface 216b. On its lower surface 216b, the third polymer film 212b is provided with a layer of hot melt adhesive 248.
  • the third polymer film 212b is heat pressed onto the textile layer 212a, thereby forming a polymer coated textile 212.
  • a first polymer film 222 which may consist of plasticized polyvinyl chloride, has an upper surface 224 and a lower surface 226. On its lower surface 226, the first polymer film 222 is provided with a layer of hot melt adhesive 228.
  • a first set of four holes 230 penetrate through the first polymer film 222 and its adhesive layer 228, and the first polymer film 222 is heat-pressed to the upper surface 214 of the coated textile 212 such that portions of the first plurality of electrical conductors 218 and 220 are exposed by the holes 230.
  • Four electronic temperature sensors 250 each being provided with a first electrical contact 252 on a first surface, and a second electrical contact 254 on a surface that is opposite to said first surface, are placed on the exposed portions of the wires 218 and 220.
  • One sensor 250 is placed at each hole 230, such that the sensor's second electrical contact 254 is connected to the respective exposed portion of the wire 218, 220.
  • the two conductors 232 and 234, constituting a second plurality of electrical conductors, are stretched across the first polymer film 222 such that each of the second plurality of conductors 232 and 234 crosses each of the first plurality of conductors 218 and 220 at the locations of the holes, thereby connecting the second plurality of electrical conductors to the first electrical contacts 252 of the sensors 250.
  • the second plurality of conductors 232 and 234 thereby form a second functional layer, and the first and second functional layers are interconnected by the sensors 250.
  • the sensors 250 isolate the two functional layers from direct contact.
  • Fig. 5 is a top view of the textile 210 of Fig. 4, after lamination.
  • the textile 210 has a waterproof barrier protecting the functional layers from below.
  • the top surface of the textile 210 can be made entirely waterproof, as it is not necessary to have any holes or incisions in the top surface for connecting components.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates an improved method for providing a textile 310 with a connector 360.
  • Connectors are useful, for example, for connecting external electrical devices to a textile.
  • a textile may be provided with connectors either on its surface, or, as is illustrated in Fig. 6, along an edge.
  • the textile 310 comprises an electrically conductive wire 318 stretched between a textile layer 312 and a piece of electrically insulative film 322, in this case a vinyl film provided with a layer of hot-melt adhesive 328.
  • a connector 360 comprising a connector pin 362 and a deformable clamp portion 364, is placed about an end of the wire 318.
  • the wire 318 is located such that the connector 360 will be accessible from an edge of the textile 310 after laminating the textile layer 312 to the electrically insulative film 322.
  • Figs. 7A-B show how the electrically insulative film 322 is heat-pressed onto the textile, such that the connector 360 is clamped to the wire 318 by the compressive force of the heat- pressing.
  • the illustrated method for providing a textile with connectors thus comprises: a) providing a flexible, electrically insulative film 322, a textile layer 312, and a connector 360 having a deformable clamp portion 364; b) locating an electrically conductive wire 318 on a surface of the textile layer 312 or on a surface of the electrically insulative film 322, to form a functional layer; c) placing the clamp portion 364 of the connector 360 about the piece of wire 318; d) attaching the electrically insulative film 322 to the textile layer 312 such that the electrically conductive wire 318 is sandwiched between the textile layer 312 and the electrically insulative film 322; and e) pressing the electrically insulative film 322 and the textile layer 312 together, such that the connector clamp 364 is clamped onto the electrically conductive wire 318.
  • the connector clamp may be hidden inside the textile, improving visual appearance and minimizing the risk of the clamp getting caught in, and damaging, other textile surfaces. Further, the bond between the textile and the electrically insulative film will assist in keeping the connector in place when exposing the textile to wear. It is not necessary that the steps a) to e) be executed in the consecutive order above; also other orders are possible, e.g. a)-c)-b)-e)-d).
  • the textile layer 312 and/or the electrically insulative film 322 is provided with a layer of hot-melt adhesive 328, and in step d), the electrically insulative film 322 is attached to the textile layer 312 by heat pressing.
  • both steps d) and e) may be performed simultaneously, i.e. the connector 360 is clamped to the wire 318 using the pressing force applied onto the textile during heat pressing.
  • This is a particularly efficient method of simultaneously forming a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, and attaching a connector to the same.
  • a flat-cable or a multi-plug connector is attached using the method above.
  • the invention relates to a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, having two separate functional layers of electrical conductors, the conductors of each functional layer being parallel to each other, and perpendicular to, and isolated from, the conductors of the other functional layer.
  • the textile thereby forms an addressable matrix, for example for sensor or LED display arrays.
  • wires such as stranded or solid metal wires, wires comprising electrically conductive polymers, or textile yarns being spun together with metal filaments.
  • adhesives are possible to use for attaching the electrically insulative films to each other and to the textile; the invention is not limited to hot-melt adhesive and heat-pressing.
  • the flexible, electrically insulative film is not limited to a polymer film; also other types of flexible, electrically insulative films can be used.
  • the invention is not limited to the 4x4 addressable matrices shown hereinbefore; it may advantageously be used for any other matrix size that may be found suitable, for example for a 176x144 matrix.
  • the step of attaching a second plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires to the first upper film surface to form a second functional layer may also be carried out immediately after providing a first electrically insulative film and a textile layer, but before locating a first plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires.
  • the method may be performed in any other order that may be found appropriate.
  • the invention is not limited to two functional layers; additional functional layers may be added, forming interconnect layers or additional addressable matrices.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a textile (10) for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, The textile (10) has two separate functional layers of electrical conductors (18, 20, 32, 34), the conductors of each functional layer being parallel to each other, and perpendicular to, and isolated from, the conductors of the other functional layer. The textile (10) thereby forms an electrically addressable matrix for use in an electronic textile comprising, for example, sensors or LEDs. The invention further relates to a method for producing the textile (10), and to an electronic textile comprising the textile (10).

Description

A textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, method for manufacturing the textile, and electronic textile comprising the textile
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, and to a method for manufacturing the textile. The invention further relates to an electronic textile comprising an electronic component and the textile.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A textile is a material comprised of interlacing fibers that can for instance be manufactured by weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, or pressing fibers together. Many types of textiles are used in our everyday life. When electronic components (i.e. devices that work by controlling the flow of electrons) are integrated into a textile new application fields emerge. When the textile is an integral part of the electrical circuit comprising the electronic components, an electronic textile is obtained.
An example of an electronic component is a LED package in the form of a surface mounted device (SMD-LED), which can be attached to a textile substrate by gluing, soldering, snap button connection or stitching. The resulting light-emitting textile could open up a wide range of new interior and apparel applications, ranging from illumination to atmosphere creation to messaging.
The publication "E -broidery: Design and fabrication of textile-based computing" (IBM Systems Journal, vol. 39, nos. 3-4, 2000) discloses a denim jacket provided with an embroidered keypad. The keypad consists of a two-dimensional matrix of individually addressable, capacitive sensors, each sensor forming a key.
However, the addressable matrix of the above referenced publication is limited to capacitive sensing. There is a strong need for more versatile addressable matrices. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, wherein the textile has a more versatile electrically addressable matrix. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of manufacturing such a textile.
It is an even further object of the invention to provide an electronic textile comprising an electronic component and such a textile.
According to a first aspect of the invention the object is realized by a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, the textile comprising a textile layer having an upper textile surface and a lower textile surface, a first electrically insulative film having a first upper film surface and a first lower film surface, the first lower film surface being attached to the upper textile surface, a first functional layer comprising a first plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires sandwiched between the upper textile surface and the first lower film surface, and a second functional layer comprising a second plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires attached to the first upper film surface.
In an embodiment of the textile according to the invention, it further comprises a hole in the first electrically insulative film, exposing a portion of a wire of the first functional layer to the second functional layer. This facilitates interconnection of the two functional layers even further, either directly or via components. A portion of a wire of the second functional layer may now be located across the hole, thereby forming a via interconnecting the first functional layer with the second functional layer.
In a further embodiment of the textile according to the invention, it further comprises a second electrically insulative film having a second upper film surface and a second lower film surface, the second lower film surface being attached to the first upper film surface, wherein the second functional layer is sandwiched between the first upper film surface and the second lower film surface. The textile according to this embodiment has an electrically insulative top surface that may serve as a barrier, for example against water or corrosive substances in the atmosphere.
Preferably, the textile comprises an incision or a hole in the second electrically insulative film, such that the incision or hole is located over and exposes a portion of a wire of any of the functional layers. In this way, the textile facilitates connecting any additional electrical components to its surface. Preferably, this is done by connecting an electrical component to the exposed wire portion.
Preferably, the wires of the second functional layer are substantially perpendicular to the wires of the first functional layer. By arranging the two pluralities of wires substantially perpendicularly, a grid of crossing points may be formed by the two substantially perpendicular pluralities of substantially parallel wires. At the crossing points, a wire of the first functional layer can relatively easily be connected to a wire of the second functional layer, either directly or via electrical components or circuits. Any crossing can thereby be addressed individually. Further, the differing orientation of the two pluralities of wires facilitates connections to any side of the textile.
In a further embodiment of the textile according to the invention, it further comprises a third electrically insulative film attached to the upper textile surface to form a laminated textile having a coated upper textile surface. The textile according to this embodiment has functional layers that are protected from exposure to any undesired solid or fluid, such as water or a corrosive substance present in the air, from below.
Preferably, the electrically insulative films mainly consist of a polymer, preferably vinyl, which is inexpensive and readily available.
Any of the laminate layers of the textile may be provided with a layer of a hot- melt adhesive, with an electrically insulative film having been attached by heat pressing. Preferably, the textile layer and the electrically insulative films have substantially the same width. This increases the durability as there will be no free edges of electrically insulative film on the textile surface.
According to a second aspect of the invention the object is realized by a method for manufacturing a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, comprising the steps of providing a first electrically insulative film having a first upper film surface and a first lower film surface, providing a textile layer having an upper textile surface and a lower textile surface, locating a first plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires on the upper textile surface or on the first lower film surface to form a first functional layer, attaching the first electrically insulative film to the textile layer, such that the first functional layer is sandwiched between the upper textile surface and the first lower film surface, and attaching a second plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires to the first upper film surface to form a second functional layer. This method results in a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile with increased versatility, as the two separate functional layers make it possible to make two independent electrical connections to a particular location on the textile.
In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, it further comprises the step of forming a hole in the first electrically insulative film such that, prior to the step of attaching the second plurality of wires, the hole is located over, and exposes, a portion of a wire of the first functional layer. This facilitates interconnection of the two functional layers even further, either directly or via components. A direct connection between the functional layers may be obtained by attaching the second plurality of wires to the first upper film surface such that a portion of a wire of the second functional layer is located across the hole to form a via interconnecting the first functional layer with the second functional layer.
Preferably, the second plurality of wires is attached to the first electrically insulative film by attaching a second electrically insulative film to the first upper film surface, such that the second functional layer is sandwiched between the first electrically insulative film and the second electrically insulative film. In this manner, a textile having an electrically insulative top surface is obtained. Further, the top surface of the textile may, using this method, form a barrier, for example against water or corrosive substances in the atmosphere.
The method may further comprise the step of forming an incision or a hole in the second electrically insulative film, such that the incision or hole is located over, and exposes, a portion of a wire of any of the functional layers. This facilitates connecting any additional electrical components to the surface of the textile. Preferably, this is done by connecting an electrical component to the exposed wire portion.
In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, it comprises the step of attaching a third electrically insulative film to the upper textile surface, to form a laminated textile having a coated upper textile surface. Using this method, it is possible to obtain a textile having functional layers that are protected from exposure to any undesired solid or fluid, such as water or a corrosive substance present in the air, from below.
According to a third aspect of the invention the object is realized by an electronic textile comprising an electronic component and a textile for electrically addressing the electronic component, the textile comprising a textile layer having an upper textile surface and a lower textile surface, a first electrically insulative film having a first upper film surface and a first lower film surface, the first lower film surface being attached to the upper textile surface, a first functional layer comprising a first plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires sandwiched between the upper textile surface and the first lower film surface, and a second functional layer comprising a second plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires attached to the first upper film surface.
In an embodiment of the electronic textile according to the invention, it is an electrically addressable display, an electrically addressable LED matrix, and/or an electrically addressable sensor matrix.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Examples of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic exploded view in perspective of a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, according to the invention. Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, according to the invention.
Fig. 3 is a top view of the textile shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a schematic exploded view in perspective of an alternative embodiment of a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, according to the invention. Fig. 5 is a top view of the textile shown in Fig. 4.
Fig. 6, 7a, and 7b illustrate the process of providing an electronic textile with connectors.
It should be noted that these figures are diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. For the sake of clarity and convenience, relative dimensions and proportions of parts of these figures have been shown exaggerated or reduced in size.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
In the following description, the present invention is described with reference to exemplary textiles according to the invention. Fig. 1 is an exploded view in perspective of layers making up a textile 10 for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile. The textile 10 comprises a textile layer 12, having an upper textile surface 14 and a lower textile surface 16. The textile layer 12 may for example be a woven, knitted, or unwoven textile layer. Two flexible electrical conductors 18 and 20, each consisting of e.g. a wire of stranded copper filaments, are arranged in parallel across the piece of textile layer 12. The two conductors 18 and 20 constitute a first plurality of electrical conductors, and form a first functional layer. A first polymer film 22, which may consist of e.g. plasticized polyvinyl chloride, has an upper film surface 24 and a lower film surface 26. On its lower film surface 26, the first polymer film 22 is provided with a layer of hot melt adhesive 28. The first polymer film 22 with a hot melt adhesive 28 may e.g. be of the type commonly used for thermal transfer printing of t- shirts. A first set of four holes 30 penetrate through the first polymer film 22 and its adhesive layer 28. Two flexible electrical conductors 32 and 34, each consisting of a wire of stranded copper filaments, are arranged in parallel across the first polymer film 22. The two conductors 32 and 34 constitute a second plurality of electrical conductors, and form a second functional layer. A second polymer film 36, having an upper surface 38 and a lower surface 40, is provided with a layer of hot melt adhesive 43 on its lower surface 40. A second set of four holes 42, and a third set of four holes 44, penetrate through the second polymer film 36 and its adhesive layer 43. The flow chart of Fig. 2 illustrates a method of manufacturing a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, from the pieces shown in Fig. 1.
In step 110, the first plurality of electrical conductors 18 and 20 are stretched in parallel, and at a distance from each other, across the upper textile surface 14, to form a first functional layer.
In step 112, the first polymer film 22 is aligned on top of the upper textile surface 14 of the textile layer 12, such that the first set of holes 30 are located above the first plurality of electrical conductors 18 and 20.
In step 114, the first polymer film 22 is heat-pressed onto the textile layer 12, such that the first plurality of electrical conductors 18 and 20 are sandwiched between the upper surface 14 of the textile layer 12 and the lower surface 26 of the first polymer film 22. The electrical conductors 18 and 20 are now covered with polymer film, except the portions that are exposed by the first set of holes 30.
In step 116, the second plurality of electrical conductors 32 and 34 are stretched in parallel, and at a distance from each other, perpendicular to the first plurality of electrical conductors 18 and 20, across the upper surface 24 of the first polymer film 22, to form a second functional layer.
In step 118, the second polymer film 36 is aligned on top of the upper surface 24 of the first polymer film 22, such that the second set of holes 42 through the second polymer film 36 are located above the first set of holes 30 through the first polymer film 22, and such that the third set of holes 44 are located above the second plurality of electrical conductors 32 and 34.
In step 120, the second polymer film 36 is heat-pressed to the upper surface 24 of the first polymer film 22, such that the second plurality of electrical conductors 32 and 34 are sandwiched between the first and second polymer films 22 and 36, respectively.
Fig. 3 is a top view of the textile 10 shown in Fig. 1, after lamination. The second plurality of electrical conductors 32 and 34 are now covered with polymer film, except the portions that are exposed by the third set of holes 44. Portions of the first plurality of electrical conductors 18 and 20 are still visible through the first and second sets of holes 30 and 42, respectively, in the first and second polymer films 22 and 36, respectively. Using the method described above with reference to Fig. 2, the textile 10 has been provided with an addressable matrix structure, which in this case consists of a two-dimensional, two-by-two matrix, comprising four individually addressable cells 46a-46d. This means that electronic components, such as LEDs, can now be connected between the two exposed conductors of each cell, and then be individually switched on or off by applying a voltage between the respective conductors. The conductors may be accessed at the edges of the textile 10. And by locating the first set of holes 30 with an offset from the crossing points between the conductors 18 and 20 of the first functional layer and the conductors 32 and 34 of the second functional layer, a direct electrical contact between the two functional layers is avoided.
Fig. 4 is an exploded view in perspective, illustrating another embodiment of a textile 210 prior to lamination, as well as how the textile 210 is fabricated. The textile 210 comprises a textile layer 212a, having an upper textile surface 214a and a lower textile surface 216. The textile layer 212a may for example be a woven, knitted, or unwoven textile. A third polymer film 212b, which may consist of plasticized polyvinyl chloride, has an upper surface 214 and a lower surface 216b. On its lower surface 216b, the third polymer film 212b is provided with a layer of hot melt adhesive 248. The third polymer film 212b is heat pressed onto the textile layer 212a, thereby forming a polymer coated textile 212.
Two flexible electrical conductors 218 and 220, each consisting of a wire of stranded copper filaments, are arranged in parallel across the coated textile 212. The two conductors 218 and 220 constitute a first plurality of electrical conductors, and form a first functional layer. A first polymer film 222, which may consist of plasticized polyvinyl chloride, has an upper surface 224 and a lower surface 226. On its lower surface 226, the first polymer film 222 is provided with a layer of hot melt adhesive 228. A first set of four holes 230 penetrate through the first polymer film 222 and its adhesive layer 228, and the first polymer film 222 is heat-pressed to the upper surface 214 of the coated textile 212 such that portions of the first plurality of electrical conductors 218 and 220 are exposed by the holes 230. Four electronic temperature sensors 250, each being provided with a first electrical contact 252 on a first surface, and a second electrical contact 254 on a surface that is opposite to said first surface, are placed on the exposed portions of the wires 218 and 220. One sensor 250 is placed at each hole 230, such that the sensor's second electrical contact 254 is connected to the respective exposed portion of the wire 218, 220. Two flexible electrical conductors 232 and 234, each consisting of a wire of stranded copper filaments, are arranged in parallel to each other and perpendicularly to the first plurality of electrical conductors 218 and 220. The two conductors 232 and 234, constituting a second plurality of electrical conductors, are stretched across the first polymer film 222 such that each of the second plurality of conductors 232 and 234 crosses each of the first plurality of conductors 218 and 220 at the locations of the holes, thereby connecting the second plurality of electrical conductors to the first electrical contacts 252 of the sensors 250. The second plurality of conductors 232 and 234 thereby form a second functional layer, and the first and second functional layers are interconnected by the sensors 250. The sensors 250 isolate the two functional layers from direct contact. A second polymer film 236, having an upper surface 238 and a lower surface 240, the lower surface 240 being provided with a layer of hot melt adhesive 242, is finally heat pressed onto the upper surface 224 of the first polymer film 222.
Fig. 5 is a top view of the textile 210 of Fig. 4, after lamination. Thanks to the third polymer film 212b, the textile 210 has a waterproof barrier protecting the functional layers from below. And thanks to the integration of the sensors 250 between the first and second polymer films 222 and 236, respectively, also the top surface of the textile 210 can be made entirely waterproof, as it is not necessary to have any holes or incisions in the top surface for connecting components.
Fig. 6 illustrates an improved method for providing a textile 310 with a connector 360. Connectors are useful, for example, for connecting external electrical devices to a textile. A textile may be provided with connectors either on its surface, or, as is illustrated in Fig. 6, along an edge.
The textile 310 comprises an electrically conductive wire 318 stretched between a textile layer 312 and a piece of electrically insulative film 322, in this case a vinyl film provided with a layer of hot-melt adhesive 328. A connector 360, comprising a connector pin 362 and a deformable clamp portion 364, is placed about an end of the wire 318. The wire 318 is located such that the connector 360 will be accessible from an edge of the textile 310 after laminating the textile layer 312 to the electrically insulative film 322. Figs. 7A-B show how the electrically insulative film 322 is heat-pressed onto the textile, such that the connector 360 is clamped to the wire 318 by the compressive force of the heat- pressing.
The illustrated method for providing a textile with connectors thus comprises: a) providing a flexible, electrically insulative film 322, a textile layer 312, and a connector 360 having a deformable clamp portion 364; b) locating an electrically conductive wire 318 on a surface of the textile layer 312 or on a surface of the electrically insulative film 322, to form a functional layer; c) placing the clamp portion 364 of the connector 360 about the piece of wire 318; d) attaching the electrically insulative film 322 to the textile layer 312 such that the electrically conductive wire 318 is sandwiched between the textile layer 312 and the electrically insulative film 322; and e) pressing the electrically insulative film 322 and the textile layer 312 together, such that the connector clamp 364 is clamped onto the electrically conductive wire 318. Using this method, the connector clamp may be hidden inside the textile, improving visual appearance and minimizing the risk of the clamp getting caught in, and damaging, other textile surfaces. Further, the bond between the textile and the electrically insulative film will assist in keeping the connector in place when exposing the textile to wear. It is not necessary that the steps a) to e) be executed in the consecutive order above; also other orders are possible, e.g. a)-c)-b)-e)-d).
In a preferred embodiment, the textile layer 312 and/or the electrically insulative film 322 is provided with a layer of hot-melt adhesive 328, and in step d), the electrically insulative film 322 is attached to the textile layer 312 by heat pressing. In this embodiment, both steps d) and e) may be performed simultaneously, i.e. the connector 360 is clamped to the wire 318 using the pressing force applied onto the textile during heat pressing. This is a particularly efficient method of simultaneously forming a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, and attaching a connector to the same. In one embodiment, a flat-cable or a multi-plug connector is attached using the method above. This is particularly useful when providing a connector to an electrically addressable matrix, as otherwise, several separate connectors would have to be attached simultaneously. The method described above with reference to Figs. 6, 7 A, and 7B may be used for providing connectors to many different kinds of textiles for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile; it is by no means limited to textiles having more than one functional layer, or to textiles comprising an addressable matrix. And even though, in the embodiment shown, a male plug is attached, it is of course also possible to attach a female plug to a textile using the same method.
In summary, the invention relates to a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, having two separate functional layers of electrical conductors, the conductors of each functional layer being parallel to each other, and perpendicular to, and isolated from, the conductors of the other functional layer. The textile thereby forms an addressable matrix, for example for sensor or LED display arrays.
The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, it is not necessary that the conductors 18 and 20 that are stretched across the textile layer 12 in step 110 be separate; one single wire may be given an S-shape, such that different portions of the wire constitute different conductors. The wire may then be cut after the final lamination step, to form separate conductors. Obviously, this may be applied to all functional layers.
Many different types of wires may be used, such as stranded or solid metal wires, wires comprising electrically conductive polymers, or textile yarns being spun together with metal filaments. Also, many different types of adhesives are possible to use for attaching the electrically insulative films to each other and to the textile; the invention is not limited to hot-melt adhesive and heat-pressing. Further, the flexible, electrically insulative film is not limited to a polymer film; also other types of flexible, electrically insulative films can be used. Still further, the invention is not limited to the 4x4 addressable matrices shown hereinbefore; it may advantageously be used for any other matrix size that may be found suitable, for example for a 176x144 matrix.
Even further, it is not necessary that all steps of the manufacturing method be carried out in the order described hereinbefore. For example, the step of attaching a second plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires to the first upper film surface to form a second functional layer, may also be carried out immediately after providing a first electrically insulative film and a textile layer, but before locating a first plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires. In fact, the method may be performed in any other order that may be found appropriate.
The invention is not limited to two functional layers; additional functional layers may be added, forming interconnect layers or additional addressable matrices.
Features disclosed in separate embodiments in the description above may be advantageously combined. The use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" in this disclosure does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, the textile comprising: a textile layer (12, 212) having an upper textile surface (14, 214) and a lower textile surface (16, 216); - a first electrically insulative film (22, 222) having a first upper film surface
(24, 224) and a first lower film surface (26, 226), the first lower film surface (26, 226) being attached to the upper textile surface (14, 214); a first functional layer comprising a first plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires (18, 218, 20, 220) sandwiched between the upper textile surface (14, 214) and the first lower film surface (26, 226); and a second functional layer comprising a second plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires (32, 232, 24, 234) attached to the first upper film surface (24, 224).
2. A textile according to claim 1, further comprising a hole (30, 230) in the first electrically insulative film (22, 222), exposing a portion of a wire of the first functional layer (18, 218, 20, 220) to the second functional layer.
3. A textile according to claim 2, wherein a portion of a wire of the second functional layer (232, 234) is located across the hole (230), thereby forming a via interconnecting the first functional layer with the second functional layer.
4. A textile according to any of the claims 1-3, further comprising a second electrically insulative film (36, 236) having a second upper film surface (38, 238) and a second lower film surface (40, 240), the second lower film surface (40, 240) being attached to the first upper film surface (24, 224), wherein the second functional layer is sandwiched between the first upper film surface (24, 224) and the second lower film surface (40, 240).
5. A textile according to claim 4, further comprising an incision or a hole (42,
44) in the second electrically insulative film (36), the incision or hole (42, 44) exposing a portion of a wire of any of the functional layers (18, 20, 32, 24).
6. A textile according to any of the claims 1-5, wherein the wires of the second functional layer (32, 232, 34, 234) are substantially perpendicular to the wires of the first functional layer (28, 218, 20, 220).
7. A textile according to any of the claims 1-6, further comprising a third electrically insulative film (212b) attached to the upper textile surface (214a) to form a laminated textile (212) having a coated upper textile surface (214).
8. A textile according to any of the claims 1-7 wherein each electrically insulative film (22, 222, 36, 236, 212b) mainly consists of vinyl.
9. A textile according to any of the claims 1-8, wherein the textile layer (12, 212) and the electrically insulative films (22, 222, 36, 236, 212b) have substantially the same width.
10. A textile according to any of the claims 1-9, wherein any two laminate layers
(12, 212, 22, 222, 36, 236, 212b) are attached to each other by means of a hot-melt adhesive
(28, 228, 43, 243, 248).
11. A method for manufacturing a textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, comprising the steps of: providing a first electrically insulative film (22, 222) having a first upper film surface (24, 224) and a first lower film surface (26, 226); providing a textile layer (12, 212) having an upper textile surface (14, 214) and a lower textile surface (16, 216); - locating a first plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires
(18, 218, 20, 220) on the upper textile surface (14, 214) or on the first lower film surface (26, 226) to form a first functional layer; attaching the first electrically insulative film (22, 222) to the textile (12, 212), such that the first functional layer is sandwiched between the upper textile surface (14, 214) and the first lower film surface (26, 226); and attaching a second plurality of substantially parallel, electrically conductive wires (32, 232, 34, 234) to the first upper film surface (24, 224) to form a second functional layer.
12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of forming a hole (30, 230) in the first electrically insulative film (22, 222) such that, prior to the step of attaching the second plurality of wires (32, 232, 34, 234), the hole (30, 230) is located over, and exposes, a portion of a wire of the first functional layer (18, 218, 20, 220).
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the second plurality of wires (32, 232, 34, 234) is attached to the first upper film surface (24, 224) such that a portion of a wire of the second functional layer (232, 234) is located across the hole (230) to form a via interconnecting the first functional layer with the second functional layer.
14. The method according to any of the claims 11-13, wherein the second plurality of wires (32, 232, 34, 234) is attached to the first electrically insulative film (22, 222) by attaching a second electrically insulative film (36, 236) to the first upper film surface (24, 224), such that the second functional layer is sandwiched between the first electrically insulative film (22, 222) and the second electrically insulative film (36, 236).
15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of forming an incision or a hole (42, 44) in the second electrically insulative film (36), such that the incision or hole (42, 44) is located over, and exposes, a portion of a wire of any of the functional layers (18, 20, 32, 34).
16. The method according to any of the claims 11-15, further comprising the step of attaching a third electrically insulative film (212b) to the upper textile surface (214a), to form a laminated textile (212) having a coated upper textile surface (214).
17. The method according to any of the claims 11-16, wherein any of the laminate layers (12, 212, 22, 222, 36, 236, 212b) is provided with a layer of a hot-melt adhesive (28, 228, 43, 243, 248), and an electrically insulative film is attached by heat pressing.
18. An electronic textile comprising an electronic component and a textile according to any of the claims 1-10.
PCT/IB2009/054399 2008-10-14 2009-10-07 A textile for electrically addressing an electronic component in an electronic textile, method for manufacturing the textile, and electronic textile comprising the textile WO2010044018A1 (en)

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EP2418739A1 (en) * 2010-08-09 2012-02-15 King's Metal Fiber Technologies Co., Ltd. Electrical connection structure and light emitting diode module, fabric circuits, and signal textile having the same
CN102386303A (en) * 2010-08-25 2012-03-21 金鼎联合科技纤维股份有限公司 Electrical connection structure and light-emitting diode module, weaving line circuit and signal fabric which use same
US8945328B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2015-02-03 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Methods of making garments having stretchable and conductive ink
US8948839B1 (en) 2013-08-06 2015-02-03 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Compression garments having stretchable and conductive ink
EP2699418A4 (en) * 2011-04-18 2015-07-01 Adidas Ag Process and apparatus for continuously encapsulating elongated components and encapsulated elongated components obtained
WO2016007090A1 (en) * 2014-07-09 2016-01-14 Mas Innovation (Private) Limited Electrically conductive textile assemblies and manufacture thereof
US9282893B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2016-03-15 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Wearable communication platform
US9817440B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2017-11-14 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Garments having stretchable and conductive ink
GB2554645A (en) * 2016-09-30 2018-04-11 Bae Systems Plc Improved processing
US10154791B2 (en) 2016-07-01 2018-12-18 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Biometric identification by garments having a plurality of sensors
US10159440B2 (en) 2014-03-10 2018-12-25 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Physiological monitoring garments
US10201310B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2019-02-12 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Calibration packaging apparatuses for physiological monitoring garments
US10462898B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2019-10-29 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Physiological monitoring garments
US10467744B2 (en) 2014-01-06 2019-11-05 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Systems and methods to automatically determine garment fit
US10653190B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2020-05-19 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Flexible fabric ribbon connectors for garments with sensors and electronics
US11246213B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2022-02-08 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Physiological monitoring garments

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CH621437A5 (en) * 1977-10-18 1981-01-30 Landis & Gyr Ag Crossbar distributor
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Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2418739A1 (en) * 2010-08-09 2012-02-15 King's Metal Fiber Technologies Co., Ltd. Electrical connection structure and light emitting diode module, fabric circuits, and signal textile having the same
CN102386303A (en) * 2010-08-25 2012-03-21 金鼎联合科技纤维股份有限公司 Electrical connection structure and light-emitting diode module, weaving line circuit and signal fabric which use same
US10189587B2 (en) 2011-04-18 2019-01-29 Adidas Ag Process and apparatus for continuously encapsulating elongated components and encapsulated elongated components obtained
US11084607B2 (en) 2011-04-18 2021-08-10 Adidas Ag Process and apparatus for continuously encapsulating elongated components and encapsulated elongated components obtained
EP2699418A4 (en) * 2011-04-18 2015-07-01 Adidas Ag Process and apparatus for continuously encapsulating elongated components and encapsulated elongated components obtained
US10653190B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2020-05-19 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Flexible fabric ribbon connectors for garments with sensors and electronics
US10201310B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2019-02-12 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Calibration packaging apparatuses for physiological monitoring garments
US9817440B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2017-11-14 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Garments having stretchable and conductive ink
US11246213B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2022-02-08 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Physiological monitoring garments
US9986771B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2018-06-05 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Garments having stretchable and conductive ink
US10045439B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2018-08-07 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Garments having stretchable and conductive ink
US8945328B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2015-02-03 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Methods of making garments having stretchable and conductive ink
US11013275B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2021-05-25 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Flexible fabric ribbon connectors for garments with sensors and electronics
US10736213B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2020-08-04 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Physiological monitoring garments
US9282893B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2016-03-15 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Wearable communication platform
US10258092B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2019-04-16 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Garments having stretchable and conductive ink
US10462898B2 (en) 2012-09-11 2019-10-29 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Physiological monitoring garments
US8948839B1 (en) 2013-08-06 2015-02-03 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Compression garments having stretchable and conductive ink
US10467744B2 (en) 2014-01-06 2019-11-05 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Systems and methods to automatically determine garment fit
US10159440B2 (en) 2014-03-10 2018-12-25 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Physiological monitoring garments
WO2016007090A1 (en) * 2014-07-09 2016-01-14 Mas Innovation (Private) Limited Electrically conductive textile assemblies and manufacture thereof
US10869620B2 (en) 2016-07-01 2020-12-22 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Biometric identification by garments having a plurality of sensors
US10154791B2 (en) 2016-07-01 2018-12-18 L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A. Biometric identification by garments having a plurality of sensors
GB2554645A (en) * 2016-09-30 2018-04-11 Bae Systems Plc Improved processing

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