WO2011063540A1

WO2011063540A1 - Functional fiber and domestic object, in particular furniture, containing such a functional fiber

Info

Publication number: WO2011063540A1
Application number: PCT/CH2010/000297
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann; André Klopfenstein; Laurent Torriani
Original assignee: Creaholic S.A.
Priority date: 2009-11-25
Filing date: 2010-11-24
Publication date: 2011-06-03
Also published as: CH702290A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a functional fiber (10) comprising at least one damping channel (20) having a damping effect, containing an elastically deformable medium and at least one stabilization channel (3) that contains a flexible, deformable material and that has a form-stabilizing effect. The invention further relates to a domestic object containing or comprising one or more such functional fibers, and to a method for producing such a domestic object or parts thereof.

Description

FUNCTIONAL FIBER AND BUDGET, IN PARTICULAR FURNITURE, INCLUDING ONE SUCH

FUNCTIONAL FIBER

The invention relates to the field of household items, in particular furniture, and to a functional fiber for producing such household items or parts thereof, according to the preamble of the respective independent claims.

STATE OF THE ART

It is known, for example from CN2151669, to manufacture cushions wholly or partly from air-filled plastic cavities in order to achieve good elasticity and ventilation of the cushion. From JP2001204588 the introduction of a plurality of tubes in a mattress is also known. By introducing cold or warm air through these tubes, a temperature in the mattress can be correspondingly changed and cooled or heated. However, such cavities and tubes are not suitable as such for the preparation of a. Furniture to be used.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a functional fiber, as well as a household object made of one or more such functional fibers or parts of a household object, which fulfills a plurality of functions, and

confirmation copy which in particular allows a cushion effect of the functional fiber and dimensional stability of the household article made therefrom.

This object is achieved by a functional fiber having the features of patent claim 1.

The inventive functional fiber has at least one damping channel, which allows a damping effect of the fiber. For this purpose, the damping channel includes an elastically deformable medium, preferably a gas, such as air, or a liquid. But it can also be filled with a suitably deformable foam. Furthermore, the functional fiber has at least one stabilizing channel, which contains a flexible, deformable material. Function of the stabilizing channel (s) is to allow shape stabilization of the fiber or article made of a fiber. A shape stabilizing effect is achieved, for example, by introducing a ductile metal, a carbon fiber reinforced plastic or generally a solidifiable material. A solidifiable material may be, for example, a curable material such as resin, but also a material under physical influence, for example under pressure, solidifiable or solidifying material.

The functional fiber itself is preferably made of a plastic, for example by extrusion. The plastic is designed depending on the application of the fiber or the objects made thereof, so it is preferably also suitable for use in a moist, warm, cold and / or sun-exposed environment or has additional functions, which may also be added in a subsequent surface treatment , Such additional properties may include, for example, providing the fiber with a protective coating, eg mechanical, UV, protection against fungal attack, but also an antibacterial coating or a surface treatment which improves or alters the feel of the fiber. In the production of a fiber by extrusion, the materials of the stabilization channels, optionally also of the damping channel (s), are preferably incorporated simultaneously in the extrusion in a manner known per se. However, depending on the material, it is also possible or necessary, for example in the case of a liquid or granular material, for a material to be subsequently introduced into the fiber.

A design of the channels with laterally introduced slots, in the production itself or subsequently, allows, for example, a introduction of a solid material, such as a plastic tube or metal wire, into the fiber at a later date. A plastic closes after the introduction of the solid material, so there is no risk of falling out. This type of fabrication also allows easy adjustment of the fiber to desired or required stabilization functions.

Wider slots in the longitudinal sides of functional fibers may be used, for example, to insert a linkage mechanism, such as a snap mechanism, with another fiber or other article. This further fiber then preferably also has a slot along its longitudinal side. The connection mechanism preferably further allows bending of the fiber, but may also perform a stabilization function.

Depending on the use and according to the desired function of the fiber, the attenuation and stabilization channels are arranged in the fiber. Other auxiliary channels with additional functions can be incorporated in the fiber. Preferably, a functional fiber is constructed symmetrically with respect to a midpoint or a midplane. In this case, the fiber may have a rather flat or round shape, oblong or practically any shape, which shape as described below in an example preferably adjustable in a certain range and is adjustable. Optionally, an asymmetric design of the fiber may also be preferred given a particular arrangement and mutual interaction of fibers. In a preferred embodiment, a damping channel is filled with air or liquid. The shape of the fiber can be very easily varied by the amount of medium filled. The shape thus not only affects a strength of the fiber, but also their stability, so that the functions of the damping and stabilization channel also complement and can be matched to each other as desired.

The actual function of the channels or the materials introduced therein can also be extended. For example, a channel as such, or in combination with its main function, such as dampening or stabilizing, can also be used for heating or cooling or for transporting light, electricity, etc.

Functional fibers can now be used to produce objects, preferably household items or parts thereof. In a preferred embodiment, an article is made exclusively from functional fibers, in particular from a single contiguous functional fiber. In particular for seating and reclining furniture, the functional fiber according to the invention is particularly suitable. For example, by interweaving fibers, such a piece of furniture, similar to conventional tradition, can however be made with improved functions. The fibers are also suitable for example for the production of seat cushions as car accessories or for the lining of transport containers. In principle, wherever a damping effect, for example as protection against mechanical influences, should optionally be combined with a further function, such as cooling or heating. Also for walls or coating of walls, possibly with acoustic function, the fibers are suitable. It can also be only parts of objects, such as individual backs or seats of chairs made of functional fibers. It is also possible to produce individual parts of objects made of different functional fibers: for example, in a deck chair, a lying area can be configured differently, such as a head area.

In the manufacture of an article, the single or multiple functional fibers are processed into a grid or mesh. This can be done by braiding or weaving, but also by welding together, gluing, etc.

Either the net is subsequently formed into the desired article or the fibers are processed directly into the desired article during processing.

Depending on the structure of a functional fiber, for example, with a metal-filled stabilization channel, a shape stabilization by deforming and connecting the fibers is already achieved. However, it is also possible to create a subsequent stabilization. This can be done for example by curing or fixing a material, for example by curing a resin, a heat treatment of a thermoplastic material, but also for example by pressurizing not only the one or more stabilization channels, but also the damping channel or the damping channels. A special production of functional fibers is to make a whole composite of fibers in one manufacturing step. The individual functional fibers of the composite are connected to one another via easily separable connections, for example webs or thin walls, and can be separated as desired. The individual functional fibers can be configured as functional fibers according to the invention. However, they are preferably simplified partial functional fibers, which only have a single main function, such as damping, shape stabilization, current / light transport. Such composites can thus be used in many ways: so many subfunctional fibers are released from the composite so that they form an actual functional fiber with the desired functions. Depending on which functions are required for an item to be manufactured, a functional fiber can be easily extended or restricted with additional functions - and without a new functional fiber having to be manufactured first. Further preferred embodiments emerge from the dependent claims. Characteristics of the method claims are analogously combined with the device claims and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the invention will be explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In each case: FIG. 1 shows a cross section through a functional fiber;

Figure 2a, 2b is an oblique view through another, extruded elongated

Functional fiber, as well as a cross section through the fiber;

Figure 3 is a piece of furniture made of functional fibers;

4a, 4b are cross sections through further functional fibers, in which a hardness is defined by differently inflated states;

FIG. 5 shows a cross section through a flat functional fiber;

FIG. 6 shows a cross section through a functional fiber with fixed center;

Figure 7 shows a cross section through a functional fiber with metal spring;

FIG. 8 is an oblique view of a functional fiber with sand cavity;

Figure 9 shows a cross section through a functional fiber with ball cavities; FIG. 10 shows a cross section as in FIG. 9 with a fixed metal cavity;

FIG. 11 shows a functional fiber in the form of a double tube;

FIG. 12 shows a cross section through a functional fiber with metal reinforcement integrated in a cavity;

Figure 13 is an oblique view of a fiber composite;

FIG. 14 an oblique view of another fiber composite;

Figure 15 is an arrangement of asymmetric functional fibers;

Figure 16a-c a non-compressed, a compressed and superimposed functional fibers.

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a cross section through a kidney-shaped functional fiber 1 with a centrally extending round or oval damping channel 2. The damping channel has the function of the functional fiber to give a cushioning damping effect, which also - depending on the filling of the Dämpfungskanals- adjustable. The filling thus preferably consists of air or a liquid, but it may also include a flexible foam. If necessary, the filling can also be pressurized, so that the flexibility and optionally also the shape of the fiber can be further influenced in a variable range.

Also, a temporarily different filling or pressurization can be used, for example, to achieve a massaging effect of an article made of the fiber.

Laterally and separated from the damping channel extend two stabilization channels 3, which are here filled with metal, such as aluminum. The function of the stabilization channels is to ensure the stability of the fiber. This can be done by a filling, for example with a ductile metal. However, it may also be a suitable other material, for example, a ductile plastic, Carbon fiber reinforced plastic, resin etc. can be used. Such an integrated reinforcing material not only allows reinforcement of the fiber per se, but also flexes the functional fiber into a desired shape and provides additional stability to this form.

Figure 2a shows a portion of an extruded functional fiber 1 1 in the form of a semicircle with rounded corners. In the middle of the functional fiber runs a mushroom-shaped damping channel 20. Laterally therefrom are two smaller stabilization channels 3, which are supplemented by two even smaller auxiliary channels 4.

The damping channel can in turn be filled with a medium, which is preferably air or a liquid, such as water. If a flowable medium is selected, cooling and heating of the functional fiber and thus of the articles made therefrom can also take place. Also a transport of the medium itself is possible.

The damping channel 20 can also be used for optical or therapeutic purposes, for example by introducing light. In this case, transparent or at least partially transparent material is used for the production of the functional fiber. With an adjustable, e.g. pulsating, damping function, this can be used for massage.

The two stabilization channels 3 are filled with a functional fiber reinforcing metal.

The two auxiliary channels 4 are provided for further functions, for example, to pass power cables or optical fibers. With a corresponding connection devices and other functions can thus be connected directly to the functional fiber or the objects made therefrom. Become one or more Made of special fiber furniture or parts of furniture, connections can be provided for example for radio, television, I-pods, light, ventilation, heating etc. The two stabilization channels are arranged symmetrically laterally of the mushroom trunk in the fiber. The auxiliary channels are also arranged symmetrically above the stabilization channels.

FIG. 2b shows the cross section through the functional fiber according to FIG. 2a. It is indicated by arrows, as the functional fiber can be influenced due to a filling of the damping channel 20. Due to the mushroom-shaped structure of the damping channel results in a relatively large outer surface of the fiber, which can be changed directly via a filling of the damping channel. By changing the shape of an additional dimensional stability, but also a changed appearance can be achieved.

Now, if functional fiber formed into desired objects, such as braided or welded, this can be done in a variety of ways. It is thus possible, for example, to produce very dense surfaces, but also very open and stable forms. In addition, the objects produced are coolable and heatable depending on the configuration of the fibers and ideally suited for suitably selected material for the functional fiber for household items, in particular for furniture in the outdoor area. The function of the individual channels can also be combined. For example, when performing a power cable through a stabilization channel, it may be possible to dispense with a further gain or an additional auxiliary channel. Exemplary values and materials for a semi-circular functional fiber according to the invention, especially suitable for the production of an outdoor seating or lying furniture are:

Use of a polyolefin-containing plastic for producing an extruded hollow fiber. Use of aluminum as reinforcement, for example a rod or tube of about 5-25mm, e.g. 10-20mm diameter; an exemplary width of such a fiber is about 30-70mm, e.g. 40-60mm; an exemplary height is about 5-40mm, e.g. 10-30mm. FIG. 3 shows a sitting or lying furniture which is produced exclusively from functional fibers according to the invention, in a preferred embodiment from a single fiber. In this embodiment, the fibers are or are laid into a very coarse-meshed net. The individual fiber strands are connected to each other, for example by ropes or connectors at the intersection points. However, it is also possible to braid or else to put one on top of another and to weld. An additional consolidation can also be achieved by a subsequent welding of a braided fiber network. In the furniture or connected to the corresponding connections with the furniture is preferably a control or monitoring unit with which monitors the functions of the furniture and optionally also can be adjusted.

It is also possible to install on furniture a distribution box in which the corresponding functions, e.g. Electricity, heating etc. can be tapped.

Figures 4a and 4b show cross sections of functional fibers 1 1 in different, hard 'states. The functional fiber is slightly oval and has a central damping channel 22. Integrated in the edge region of the fiber are several reinforcing stabilization channels 33 with, for example, a metal filling. These run at regular intervals in the material of the functional fiber. In FIG. 4b, arrows indicate the extent of the functional fiber 11 when the damping channel is completely filled and / or pressurized. Such a fiber has a very good static height and, like a honeycomb panel, is a good structural element.

In Figure 5, the arrangement of damping channel with cushion effect and reinforcing stabilization channels is changed. The reinforcing stabilizing channel 53 is formed by a flat approximately rectangular piece of reinforcing material, while the elastic cushioning effect is formed by a plurality of mutually separate damping channels 52. The damping channels run completely around the stabilization channel and surround it. With this embodiment of a functional fiber, it is possible to achieve very flat fibers with a very high dimensional stability. Such a fiber is well suited for example to produce seating.

With multiple damping channels, it is generally not necessary that all channels be filled with the same material or have an identically damping effect. If required, the channels can be attenuated to different degrees, or differently stabilized in the case of several stabilization channels.

In FIG. 6, a reinforcing fiber core is again enclosed by a plurality of damping channels 62. By forming the central stabilizing channel 63 with a round cross-section, the damping channels are arranged on a circle corresponding to this. This fiber offers advantages in that it behaves the same in all directions. This may facilitate the manufacture of an article but may also be substantially unaffected in use, for example, against twisting.

FIG. 7 likewise shows a flat configuration of a functional fiber. Therein the amplifying function is opened by two symmetrical against each other arranged metal springs 73 formed. Within the opened metal springs, two damping channels 72 are arranged in the form of triangles.

By filling the damping channels, the shape and suspension of the metal springs and thus the damping of the functional fiber can be influenced.

In FIG. 8, an oval functional fiber 81 has a likewise oval stabilizing channel 83 introduced therein. On one side between stabilizing channel and fiber wall is a narrow, the entire width of the fiber along running, damping channel 82. The stabilizing channel is filled with a fine-grained material, such as sand. When processing such a fiber, a vacuum can be connected to the stabilization channel. The sand is compressed and the fiber is held in its shape.

The functional fiber in Figure 9 has in its interior a damping channel 92 which is filled with air or other gas. Within the damping channel, two stabilizing channels 93 are connected by webs 94 to the wall of the fiber and thereby held in position in the fiber. Inside the stabilization channels a very coarse-grained material or balls, for example, is arranged. If the same pressure prevails in the damping channel as outside the fiber, then the balls can shift against each other and the fiber is flexible and malleable. If the damping chamber is now pressurized, the side chambers are compressed and the balls are fixed inside. As a result, a strength of dimensional stability of the entire fiber is again achieved. FIG. 10 shows a functional fiber which is shaped as a double hollow profile. The inner hollow profile forms a metal-filled stabilization channel 103. The stabilization channel is in turn connected via webs 94 to the outer hollow profile. In Figure 11, the functional fiber is a round Hohlprofi lfaser with a damping channel 1 12. The damping channel is located to reinforce a thin-walled metal tube 1 13, which may be preferably filled with air, but also with a liquid.

In FIG. 12, the functional fiber has only one damping channel 122. Embedded directly in the damping channel is a layer of reinforcing metal, which layer covers part of the inside of the damping channel. In this case, the metal itself forms a stabilization channel without being directly enveloped by parts of the fiber.

Figures 13 and 14 show a 3dim and 2dim composite of simplified functional fibers or subfunctional fibers 131, 131 '. The individual fibers typically have only a single main function: for example, a cushion function or an amplification function, optionally also an auxiliary function. The partial function fibers can be connected to one another, for example, by thin walls.

The composites are preferably manufactured in a single manufacturing process. Depending on requirements, then as many subfunctional fibers are separated from the composite for the desired functional fibers as to be used for processing to an object.

A simplest functional fiber according to the invention would result from the separation of two partial fibers, one having a cushion function and the other having a function enhancing the stability of the fiber.

In Figure 15 asymmetric functional fibers are shown, which are arranged twisted against each other. A functional fiber has a stabilizing channel 153 and two damping channels 152, 152 'mounted one above the other. The two Damping channels are preferably damped to different degrees. The shape of the functional fibers with a widened side in the region of a damping channel 152, allows a close juxtaposition of functional fibers. These are each rotated by 180 °, compared to the adjacent fibers.

FIGS. 16a-c show a construction of a functional fiber in which opposite elongate stabilizing channels 163, 163 'are able to compress an oval damping channel 162 arranged therebetween. This may, for example, be advantageous in processing the fibers if intertwining with the same height of a braided article is desired everywhere. The fiber has two additional additional round stabilization channels 173 laterally of the fiber. The elongated stabilization channels 163, 163 'are very thin in order to be bent as easily as possible.

This type of fiber is compressible without folding, as it simply expands in width.

FIG. 16a shows the uncompressed, in FIG. 16b the compressed and in FIG. 16c the superimposed fibers.

With the different embodiments of functional fibers has been shown that number, arrangement, shape and filling of the various channels depending on the function and application of the fiber can be changed within the scope of the invention at will, combined and supplemented.

Claims

1. functional fiber (1, 10, 1, 81) comprising at least one damping channel (2, 20, 22, 52, 62, 72, 82, 92, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 152, 152 ', 162) having a damping effect including an elastically deformable medium, characterized by at least one stabilizing channel (3,33,53,63,83,93,103,153, 163, 163 ', 173) comprising a flexible, deformable material having a shape-stabilizing effect.

Functional fiber (1, 10,1, 1,81) according to claim 1, made of extruded plastic.

The functional fiber (1, 10, 1, 81) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one damping channel (2, 20, 22, 52, 62, 82, 92, 92, 12, 12, 12, 152, 152, 162%) is a gaseous or liquid medium or includes a foam.

The functional fiber (1, 10, 1, 81) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one stabilizing channel (3, 33, 53, 63, 83, 103, 533, 163, 163 ', 173) is a ductile metal, carbon fiber reinforced Plastic or a solidifiable material includes.

Functional fiber (1, 10, 1, 81) according to one of the preceding claims, with a central damping channel (2, 20, 22, 52, 62, 72, 82, 92, 92, 12, 122, 152, 152 ', 162) and two laterally from the damping channel arranged stabilization channels (3,33,53,63,83,93, 103, 153, 163, 163 ', 173) or more surrounding stabilization channels.

Functional fiber (1, 10, 1, 81) according to one of Claims 1 -4, wherein a shape-stabilizing stabilization channel (3, 33, 53, 63, 83, 93, 103, 152, 633, 163 ', 173) is provided by one or more damping damping channels (2, 20,22,52,62,72,82,92,1 12,122,152,152 ', 162) is completely surrounded.

7. Household item, in particular furniture, comprising a functional fiber (1, 10.1 1, 81) according to one of the preceding claims.

Household article according to claim 7, wherein it is made of functional fibers (1, 10, 1, 81).

A household article according to claim 8, wherein it is made from a single contiguous functional fiber (1,10,1,81).

Household article according to one of claims 7-9, wherein the single or more functional fibers (1, 10,

1 1, 81) form a net, for example plaited, woven and / or welded.

Household article according to one of claims 7-10, wherein it can be heated and / or cooled by the functional fiber, or includes a pulsating adjustable damping.

12. A method for producing a household item or parts thereof, in particular a piece of furniture, by means of one or more functional fibers

(1, 10, 1, 81) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the following steps are carried out in the process:

Arranging the one or more functional fibers into a net-like structure,

- Forms the net-like structure to the desired

Household item or parts thereof.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the process steps a) and b) can take place simultaneously.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the one or more functional fibers (1, 10.1 1, 81) are braided, interwoven, welded together or connected to each other by means of connecting pieces.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein a method step c) a shape stabilization of the one or more functional fibers (1, 10.1 1, 81) is carried out as a final process step.