WO2015150166A1

WO2015150166A1 - Supply cable and system for displaying operating states or warning signals in particular in a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2015150166A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/056241
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roland Schropp; Sebastian GOSS
Original assignee: Leoni Kabel Holding Gmbh
Priority date: 2014-04-04
Filing date: 2015-03-24
Publication date: 2015-10-08
Also published as: DE102014206599A1

Abstract

The cable (2) comprises a central power core (4) which has at least one supply wire (10) and is surrounded by an electroluminescent fluorescent sheath (6). The fluorescent sheath (6) has an inner electrode (20) which surrounds the power core (4) like a sheath and said inner electrode is sheathed under an intermediate layer of a dielectric (22) by an electroluminescent fluorescent sheath (24), which is in turn surrounded by an outer electrode (26). Due to this construction of the cable (2), an electroluminescent cable (2) is created with a simple and compact construction. This cable is integrated preferably in a system (54) for displaying operating states or warning signals, in particular in a motor vehicle.

Description

description

Supply line and system for displaying operating states or

Warning signals, especially in the motor vehicle

The invention relates to a supply line with a central core, which has at least one supply wire and the one of

surrounded by electroluminescent light coat. The invention further relates to a system for displaying operating states or warning signals, in particular in a motor vehicle with such a supply line.

Such a trained as an electric cable supply line can be found for example in US 2008/0277135 A1. In the known cable, the conductor core for forming the electroluminescent luminous element is wrapped by a plurality of luminous cords, which are surrounded by a transparent outer jacket of the cable. The individual luminescent cords are each connected to a control unit, via which the individual luminescent cords are activated in order to bring them to light as needed.

In such luminescent cords based on the electroluminescent effect, an electroluminescent material is generally excited to emit by applying an AC voltage. For this purpose, the luminescent cords regularly have a central inner electrode, which is surrounded by an insulation layer designed as a dielectric. On this a luminescent layer is applied, which in turn is surrounded by an outer electrode. Finally, this structure is still surrounded by an insulating jacket, which is at least translucent. Such a construction of a luminous cord can also be taken, for example, from US 2004/0247262 A1. The electroluminescent layer is excited by applying an AC voltage between the inner electrode and the outer electrode for lighting in a conventional manner. Frequently voltages of several hundred volts are applied. Based on this, the present invention seeks to provide a simplified structure of a supply line, in particular an electrical cable with an electroluminescent lighting element. The invention is further based on the object of specifying a system for displaying operating states or warning signals by means of such a supply line.

The stated in terms of the supply line object is achieved by a supply line with the features of claim 1. In this case, the supply line has a central core with at least one supply core and preferably with several supply cores.

In the present case, supply core is understood in particular to mean any fully functional electrical or optical transmission line as well as a line for the transmission of fluids. The electrical and optical lines are either data lines for the transmission of electrical or optical signals. Alternatively, these lines are also lines for power transmission. The invention relates in particular to supply lines designed as electrical cables.

Under line vein in the present case any electrical, optical, hydraulic or pneumatic and fully functional single supply line understood. An electrical conductor is an electrical conductor surrounded by an insulating jacket, for example a coaxial cable or an electrical conductor, in which a conductor (wire) is surrounded by an insulating jacket, etc. The pneumatic or hydraulic conductors are in particular to hydraulic or

Pneumatic tubes.

The supply core can also be designed as a combined supply core, in which a plurality of different conductor wires, so for example optical / electrical / hydraulic / pneumatic line wires, are combined. Preferably, the supply core generally has a plurality of line cores, in particular also of the same type, that is to say in particular a plurality of electrical line cores. The supply core generally serves to connect and supply second components to one another. Supply also means data transfer.

In an electrical supply core, the at least one supply wire is formed by a central conductor, which is surrounded by an insulating jacket. Usually, a plurality of such supply cores are combined in the line core, for example stranded together.

In all embodiments, the central core is additionally surrounded by an electroluminescent luminous element, which is designed as a luminous jacket, that is, as a hose-like, surrounding the core line structure. This luminous jacket itself has an inner electrode surrounding the line core, an insulating intermediate layer formed by a dielectric and an electroluminescent luminescent layer, which in turn is in turn surrounded by an outer electrode.

This central conductor core is finally surrounded by an electroluminescent luminous coat as an electroluminescent luminous element. The individual elements of the luminous element and thus of the luminous jacket, that is to say the inner electrode, dielectric, electroluminescent luminous layer and outer electrode, are therefore arranged in a concentric arrangement in the manner of annular layers around the central conductor core and thus form a multilayer luminous jacket.

In contrast to the previous constructions, therefore, the line or cable sheath itself is formed directly by a multilayer structure as the light-emitting element. This eliminates the need to wrap the lead core with individual laces. Due to the design of the luminous element as a luminous jacket a simplified structure is achieved. In particular, the whole cable can be made more compact. Another advantage is the fact that the design of the luminous jacket, a full-surface luminous element is formed in contrast to the previous discrete luminescent cords that were wound around the core line. Overall, this leads to a more homogeneous, more uniform light emission.

In particular, in the embodiment with a plurality of supply cores these are surrounded by an example extruded inner jacket, on which then the inner electrode is applied. The inner jacket can penetrate into gussets and spaces between the individual supply wires. By means of this inner jacket made of an insulating material, in particular a circular, smooth surface is provided, onto which the inner electrode is then applied. In principle, a desired desired geometry, for example a round, but also a flat or oval desired geometry, can be formed via this inner jacket. As a shell material of this inner shell polymers, such as thermoplastics, duroplasts, but also crosslinkable polymers and foamed materials are used. The gusset areas between the individual supply cores can be filled either with this sheath material or additionally with filling elements such as filler threads, cotton fillers, dummy elements, strands and so on. When using filling elements is alternatively dispensed with the applied inner shell. Preferably, a combination of such filling elements is formed with the inner shell. The lead core in this case is therefore formed by the plurality of supply cores and the inner sheath and / or the filling elements. The filling elements are preferably beeheads or fillets, which are preferably used for improved contacting of the inner electrode. In a preferred development, the inner electrode is already formed as an inner sheath surrounding the lead core. Also, this is therefore a layer surrounding the lead core completely.

According to a first embodiment variant, the inner electrode is formed as an electrically conductive braid or has at least one such. In addition, it is expediently provided that beidewires are drawn in to form the inner electrode, which contact, for example, the braid in addition to its inner or outer sides electrically. In the braid is a known braid, as it is used for example for shielding cables. In particular, the braid is formed as a braided hose or applied in any other usual manner on the line core.

As an alternative to this braiding, the inner electrode has a conductive polymer extruded onto the central core, in particular. Therefore, conventional process concepts are used in the production of cables for the production. As an alternative to an extrusion process, the conductive polymer can also be applied by other application methods such as sputtering, painting, dipping, etc. Conveniently, a wire for electrical contacting is also arranged in this embodiment variant.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inner electrode is formed from a braid as well as from a surrounding conductive polymer, optionally with the addition of a Beidrahts. The conductive polymer therefore encases the mesh. As a result, the electrical resistance of the inner electrode is set as low as possible. By the jacket with the conductive polymer, for example by an extrusion process or by

Sputtering, painting, etc., the polymer fills up the structures of the mesh. As a result, a smooth jacket is formed overall, which extends continuously over the entire length of the cable. The dielectric can then be applied to this smooth jacket. In the present case, two-wire is generally understood to mean a strand-shaped, conductive body, in particular a metallic wire. Alternatively, it may be a conductive polymer strand or else a carrier strand provided with a conductive coating, for example an aramid fiber.

Alternatively, the inner electrode is formed as a banding or has at least one such. The banding for this purpose comprises a conductive band which is wound around the central lead core. The band may generally have any cross-sectional area, for example a rounded, oval or even square. Preferably, the band has an approximately rectangular cross-sectional area. Overall, the band can also be formed in particular concave or convexly curved. This may in particular be a banding with complete coverage, so that overlap so the individual windings of the tape. To improve the electrical conductivity, in turn, a drain wire is preferably arranged and / or additionally a further conductive layer, for example a conductive polymer.

In a particularly expedient embodiment, the luminescent jacket generally comprises a banding with a multilayer band which has a plurality of functional layers. The functional layers provide several of the functions of the inner electrode, dielectric, luminescent layer and outer electrode. By means of this embodiment, it is therefore achieved that a plurality of the functional layers are formed at the same time by a single method step, namely the application of the banding, and thus process steps are saved.

Conveniently, the multilayer tape is an at least four-layer tape having a conductive inner layer forming the inner electrode. On this conductive inner layer, a first dielectric layer forming the intermediate layer is applied. On the first intermediate layer then a second intermediate layer is applied, which forms the luminescent layer and on this in turn an outer layer is applied, which forms the outer electrode. This outer layer is at least one translucent layer, so that the light emitted by the luminescent layer can penetrate through the outer layer.

As an alternative to this at least four-layer structure, intermediate configurations are also possible. Thus, according to a further embodiment variant, a double-layered metal strip with an inner layer and the first intermediate layer for the dielectric is formed. The first intermediate layer generally consists of an insulating material.

According to a further variant, a three-layered structure with inner layer, first intermediate layer and second, the luminescent layer-forming intermediate layer is formed. This therefore generally consists of an electroluminescent material.

In addition, in this three-layered structure, a contacting element, in particular a two-wire, is arranged directly on the band, which is thus part of the band. This contacting element therefore serves as an outer electrode. Therefore, this three-layered construction with the additional contacting element has all functional layers of the luminous jacket. It is therefore generally provided in an expedient embodiment that the multi-layered band combines all the functions required for the formation of the luminous jacket in itself.

In the mentioned four-layer structure with the outer electrode formed as outer layer, this layer as a whole consists of a conductive material which is at least translucent. For this purpose, for example, conductive material is embedded in a clear polymer matrix. Alternatively, the outer layer is an oxide layer, for example an indium-tin-oxide layer, as used for example in liquid crystal displays as transparent electrodes. Also suitable for the electrode are silver nanowires. Other materials which are suitable for such translucent external electrodes are FTO (fluorine-tin oxides), AZO (antimony-tin-oxide), PEDOT: PSS (poly 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and mixtures thereof. Furthermore, it is provided in an alternative embodiment that the outer layer is formed as a metallic thin film, for example, a vapor-deposited metal layer, for example made of silver. Due to the extremely thin layer in the range of typically less than 1 μηπ, the translucency of the outer electrode is ensured.

Other variants of the structure of the luminous jacket with the aid of a multilayer tape are also possible. For example, to form a layer structure with an electrically conductive layer and an insulating layer, a conductive coating or a braid is wrapped with an insulating film. Or a conductive coating is braided again with a braid to improve the conductivity.

As an alternative to the design with the multilayered and dielectric-comprising tape, the dielectric is expediently designed as an extruded foamed or even wound or folded sheath. Furthermore, the dielectric can be formed by immersion coating by immersion in a suitable bath. In the case of the wound or folded shell, therefore, the dielectric is formed as an insulating film wound or folded around the inner electrode. In the further alternative embodiments, the inner electrode is surrounded by an extrusion or foaming process directly by an extruded or foamed jacket. This therefore extends continuously over the entire length of the cable as a continuous jacket. In this case, the insulating material of the dielectric is generally applied as a viscous, plastically deformable, pasty material on the inner electrode during manufacture and then cured. The material is in particular a thermoplastic which is applied, for example, by a hot extrusion process. With regard to a foamed jacket, foaming takes place with the aid of chemical activators or else by physical means. The advantage of a foamed shell is that a high proportion of gas is integrated in the dielectric. As a result, a high voltage and dielectric strength is achieved. Generally, the dielectric must have a sufficiently high withstand voltage at the level of the typical operating voltage, which is in the region of several 100 volts. In addition, this dielectric strength must be sufficiently high even under mechanical and thermal stress, ie during bending, stretching or during a torsion of the cable and when exposed to heat and cold.

In the case of the foamed dielectric, for example, a

Polyurethane foam used in which a chemical reaction of two components, namely a polyol and an isocyanate takes place. These two components are mixed shortly before application to the line and then react on this to a stable and dry foam.

Finally, in a preferred embodiment, the luminescent layer is applied directly as a jacket, that is to say in the manner of a tubular structure on the dielectric. The jacket is, in particular, a thin-film jacket with a jacket thickness in the range of typically a few μm, for example in the range from 5 to 50 μm, in particular in the range from 15 to 35 μm.

To form the luminescent layer, this generally has electroluminescent particles, which are typically incorporated or applied in or on a carrier material. Such electroluminescent active materials are, for example, doped zinc sulfides, for example manganese, copper gold, silver or potassium-doped zinc sulfides. The use of phosphor-based phosphors is also known. Such electroluminescent particles are known as prefabricated products on the market, for example under the brand names Lyttron, Luxprint or Briflex. According to a first embodiment variant, the electroluminescent particles are introduced into a carrier matrix, that is to say into a carrier material which forms a viscous mass for application, which is then applied to the dielectric. This application is carried out either by an extrusion process, such as a cold or a hot extrusion, by a casting process in which the viscous mass is poured over the dielectric, or by spraying the viscous mass. The viscosity of the mass is adjusted appropriately according to the respective application method. This is done, for example, by adding a suitable solvent, so that the viscosity is adjusted to the desired value.

In the case of an extrusion process, a pasty mass is provided, which is applied in particular by means of cold extrusion. Here, temperatures are typically set from room temperature and up to a maximum of 40 to 60 ° C, optionally with active cooling. A screw conveyor of the extruder therefore serves exclusively to build up the required extrusion pressure, without an additional heating takes place or there is only a small heating.

In the case of over-pouring, the viscous mass has a lower viscosity compared to the luminous paste. The overmolding is preferably carried out inline within a plurality of successive process steps. It is expediently carried out several times, ie cascaded, in order to ensure the desired layer thickness and a desired coverage.

Even when immersing a prepared wiring harness with the only partially formed luminous coat in such a viscous mass, this has a low viscosity. For example, in this immersion coating process, the cable is pulled through a dipping bath in a continuous process. The immersion bath is therefore a basin filled with the viscous mass. After passing through this basin expediently the wiring harness is withdrawn vertically upwards, whereby a homogeneous uniform layer thickness is generated circumferentially. The wiring harness is guided in particular via pulleys.

Finally, a low viscosity is also set in the spraying or spraying, so that the mass can be sprayed onto the wiring harness to form a thin film.

In all cases, then the applied viscous mass is dried, in particular, the solvent contained are expelled again. This is done in particular by thermal means, ie with heating support. For this purpose, for example in the inline process corresponding ovens, radiant heaters or blowers are arranged, through which the prepared wiring harness is preferably passed continuously. Alternatively, the entire wiring harness, in particular the electrically conductive elements are heated by inductive heating, so that by the internal heating, the volatile solvent is expelled.

In alternative embodiments to the variant in which the luminescent particles are integrated in a solvent-containing mass, the particles are integrated in a thermoplastic plastic as a carrier material or in a one- or multi-component reactive plastic system. In the latter case, these are in particular two component systems, such as, for example, epoxy resins, polyurethane foams etc. Such reactive systems cure on account of the chemical reaction after application to the wiring harness.

Finally, in a further alternative embodiment, a UV-curing composition is used, which thus cures according to the principle of photopolymerization (radical polymerization). The application is carried out in particular by means of extrusion, preferably cold extrusion. The curing or drying is preferably also carried out in an in-line process by a continuous process. As an alternative to the configuration with the viscous mass with the luminescent particles introduced therein, the luminescent layer is formed in a preferred embodiment by applying the luminescent particles to an already formed carrier coat of the carrier material or by a galvanic process.

To apply the luminescent particles to a previously extruded carrier shell made of a suitable plastic, the luminescent particles, which are usually present as a powder, embedded in the soft carrier coat. For this purpose, for example, the powder is applied immediately after an extrusion head during the hot extrusion process, so that the carrier material is not yet cured and thus the surface is still very sticky. In this variant, it is sufficient to scatter the particles on the wiring harness, inflate or pull the wiring harness through a powder bath. Due to the sticky surface, the individual particles stick to it and are embedded in the still molten plastic.

Conveniently, then, for example after passing through the powder bath, excess and non-adhering particles are removed again, in particular by blowing off.

Alternatively, the support jacket is somewhat softened by heating, for example by a (pipe) furnace, a hot air blower, an infrared heater or the like, through which the wiring harness is passed. Subsequent to such an additional external heat source, the powder with the electroluminescent particles is then sprinkled onto the wiring harness, blown or the wiring harness is again passed through a powder bath. The prerequisite for this is that the carrier material of the carrier shell is a thermoplastic material, which can therefore be softened by the heat treatment. In an alternative method, finally, in a preferred embodiment, the individual particles are applied to the surface of the carrier shell with high kinetic energy, so that due to the high kinetic energy, the particles penetrate into the surface and embedded in it. For this purpose, the particles are shot up, for example by means of nozzles on the surface of the carrier jacket. Due to the high kinetic energy, which is converted into thermal energy upon impact, a local melting takes place and the particles in turn adhere to the surface. Again, the use of a thermoplastic carrier material is required or a material which is plastically deformable under attack with particles, so that they are embedded in the carrier material.

Finally, there is also the possibility of applying the individual particles by means of a galvanic process. In this case, the individual particles are dissolved in an electrolytic bath, through which the wiring harness is passed, so that a thin layer consisting of the luminescent particles is deposited in a manner known per se on the surface of the conductor strand.

With regard to the configuration of the outer electrode, in an expedient embodiment, this is likewise designed as a jacket surrounding the wiring harness in its entirety. The outer electrode itself is therefore again designed as a hose-like structure. In this case, it is necessary for the outer electrode to be at least translucent or else transparent, so that the light emitted by the luminous layer can reach the outside.

To form such a translucent jacket, the outer electrode is optionally formed as a conductive tape, a conductive extruded polymer or as a translucent oxide layer or at least comprises such a band, such a polymer or oxide layer. Conveniently, to further increase the electrical conductivity of the outer electrode, a two-wire is also formed, which thus contacts the translucent sheath formed, for example, by the extruded polymer or the translucent oxide layer. Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the outer electrode is formed by one or more such Beidrähte, which are arranged for example longitudinally or are wound around the wiring harness.

In the embodiment of the outer electrode as a coat-shaped oxide layer applied this in turn is applied as a thin film, with a layer thickness <10 μηπ. As already explained for the multilayer tape, this is, for example, an indium tin oxide layer. Alternative materials include AG-NW, FTO, AZO, ATO, PIDOT: PSS and mixtures thereof.

To apply this translucent oxide layer, for example, a sol-gel process, a sputtering, a galvanic process or a vapor deposition process is used.

In the embodiment of the outer electrode as a jacket made of an extruded conductive polymer, an extrusion process, for example a hot or even a cold extrusion process with a conductive gel or a conductive paste is preferably used again.

In the variant with the conductive band, the outer electrode is designed as a bandaged conductive foil, which is wound around the cable. Alternatively, a longitudinal shrinkage of the film is possible.

The entire structure of the wiring harness with the light-emitting jacket is finally surrounded by an at least translucent or even transparent outer sheath, which thus forms a cable outer sheath and thus a protective sheath. This is preferably an extruded jacket. In addition to protection against environmental influences, such as, for example, mechanical, thermal and chemical stresses, this also serves to hold the outer electrodes in position, in particular in the case of Beidrähten. The outer jacket consists in particular of an optically clear polymer, such as polyurethane, silicone or a filler-free PVC. In addition, it is possible to introduce color concentrates into this thermoplastic material, so that overall a targeted coloring of the line is achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, the luminescent jacket is completely homogeneous overall and formed continuously over the entire length of the cable. Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, a segmentation of the luminous jacket is formed, so that it thus has luminous zones, between which inactive zones are formed, which are therefore not active light but rather are dark. The light zones are formed for example as longitudinal or horizontal stripes. Basically, a wide variety of design variants are possible here.

The object directed to the system is further achieved according to the invention by a system for displaying operating states or warning signals having the features of claim 18. This system is used in particular in a motor vehicle and comprises the previously described cable. This is used simultaneously for the transmission of data or for power supply. In addition, the cable is connected to a control unit for controlling the luminous jacket, so as needed to indicate operating conditions such as the cable or electrical components or to display signals.

In particular, overload situations are indicated via the cable and the luminous jacket, that is to say when, for example, an overload current is conducted via the central conductor core. This is detected by the control unit, which then activates the light jacket so that it lights up.

Alternatively, operating states are displayed, for example an on / off state of an electronic component supplied with the cable, a standstill By-state, a state of charging, for example, in a rechargeable battery, or the state of too low a capacity of the accumulator, etc. Moreover, of course, there is also the possibility of such cables in addition to their function as a data line or power supply line as a design element, for example, in the vehicle interior or for lighting Use contours.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. These show in simplified representations:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a cable with a central conductor core which is surrounded by a luminous jacket according to a first embodiment variant,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a line cord of a

3 shows a perspective view of a cable with a central conductor core, which is surrounded by a luminous jacket, according to a further embodiment variant, in an intermediate production stage according to a second embodiment variant;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a wiring harness of a

Cable in an intermediate production stage according to a further embodiment with a banding,

FIGS. 5a to 5e show different embodiments of a single-layer or multi-layered strip for banding to form the luminous jacket,

Figure 6a is a highly simplified schematic representation of a

Luminescent layer according to a first variant,

Figure 6b is a highly schematic simplified representation of a

Luminescent layer according to a second embodiment variant as well

Figure 7 is a highly simplified schematic representation of a system for displaying operating conditions or warning signals with a cable with a luminous jacket. In the figures, like-acting parts are provided with the same reference numerals. A cable 2 shown in FIG. 1 generally has a central conductor core 4, which is surrounded by a lighting jacket 6 and which in turn is surrounded by a translucent or transparent outer jacket 8.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the central line core 4 has a plurality of supply cores 10, namely three supply cores 10 in the exemplary embodiment. A respective supply wire 10 is formed by a central conductor 12, which is surrounded by an insulating jacket 14. This is usually an insulating jacket 14 extruded onto the conductor 12. In addition, the conductor core 4 according to FIG. 1 has filling elements 1 6, which are designed in the manner of strands. These are each arranged in a gusset area between the individual supply wires 10. Finally, the lead core 4 further comprises an inner jacket 18, which is in particular an extruded inner jacket 18. This consists of a polymer material, in particular a thermoplastic, which also penetrates in the gusset areas between the individual supply wires 10 and between the filling elements 1 6. About this inner shell 18, a desired outer contour of the cable 2 is defined. In the exemplary embodiment, a circular outer contour is determined.

The central core 4 is surrounded by an inner electrode 20, which thus forms an electrically conductive sheath, the core 4 preferably completely encloses both in the circumferential direction and in the longitudinal direction. The inner electrode 20 is in turn encased by a dielectric 22, which also preferably forms a preferably completely circumferentially as well as in the longitudinal direction enclosing jacket of an insulating material. The intermediate layer formed by the dielectric 22 in this case has a sufficiently high dielectric strength for the application.

The dielectric 22 in turn is directly encased by a luminescent layer 24 made of an electroluminescent material. The luminescent layer 24 is in turn surrounded by an outer electrode 26 which is also formed in the embodiment of Figure 1 as a completely circumferential jacket. These four functional elements, namely inner electrode 20, dielectric 22, luminous layer 24 and outer electrode 26 form the electroluminescent luminous jacket 6.

The central line core 4 serves either as a data line or as a line for current or voltage transmission. The individual supply cores 10 may be stranded conductors or even massive wire conductors or other supply cores 10, for example also coax conductors, etc. In principle, the most varied embodiments are possible for the central core 4 with the supply cores 10 arranged therein. It is crucial that this central lead core 4 is now surrounded by the light-emitting jacket 6 instead of a conventional outer sheath. By applying a suitable alternating voltage to the inner electrode 20 to the outer electrode 26, the luminescent layer 24 can be actively made to glow. As a result, a total illumination of the entire cable 2 is caused. The light imitated by the luminescent layer 24 is conducted through the at least translucent and preferably transparent outer sheath 8 to the outside. In the area of the active luminous jacket 6, ie in such areas where it actively emits light, the cable 2 is illuminated homogeneously and uniformly.

This fundamental structure with the sheathing of the central core 4 with a luminescent jacket 6 is basically identical in all embodiments described below. The individual functional layers of the dielectric 22, as well as the luminescent layer 24 in each case surround the central conductor core 4 in the form of a shell and in particular in concentric layers. This preferably also applies to the outer electrode 26.

The individual layers, namely inner electrode 20, dielectric 22, luminous layer 24 and outer electrode 26 can be constructed and manufactured differently. FIG. 2 shows a conductor strand 30 of a second embodiment variant, the conductor strand 30 being an intermediate production stage of the cable 2 and not all the cladding layers being formed yet.

In contrast to the embodiment of Figure 1, the embodiment of Figure 2, for example, no inner sheath 18. Rather, the central line core 4 is formed by the individual supply cores 10. Beidrähte 32 extend in the gusset of these supply wires 10. These are either massive wires or stranded wires. These

Beidrähte 32 form on one side of filling elements 1 6 for filling the gusset areas and on the other hand already form part of the inner electrode 20. The lead core 4 with the Beidrähten 32 is initially sheathed in the embodiment of a conductive mesh 34. The braid 34 is designed as a tubular structure. The braid 34 in turn is surrounded by a jacket of a conductive polymer 36. This jacket of conductive polymer 36 is preferably applied as a viscous mass on the braid 34, in particular extruded and then cured. As a result, any intermediate and free spaces between the individual mesh strands are filled. The braid 34 is a conductive braid 34. The bevy wires 32, the braid 34 and the sheath of the conductive polymer 36 form the inner electrode 20 from. By the jacket of the conductive polymer 36 has a substantially smooth outer surface with a defined outer contour, formed in the embodiment circular contour. The jacket of the conductive polymer 36 is finally encased by the dielectric 22. The further functional layers of the luminescent layer 24 and the outer electrode 26 (not shown here in detail in FIG. 2) and the outer sheath 8 follow.

As an alternative to the embodiment variant shown in FIG. 2, the inner electrode 20 is also formed, for example, only by the braid 34, only by the sheath of the conductive polymer 36 or in each case a combination of these two layers with beidrähte 32. Figure 3 shows a partial elevation view of a cable 2 according to another embodiment. The inner electrode 20 is in this case formed by a braid 34. This is then encased directly from a dielectric 22 forming jacket made of an insulating material. Therefore, the luminescent layer 24 is again attached as a jacket. To form the outer electrode 26, at least one drain wire 32 is attached to the luminescent layer 24. Preferably, a plurality of beidrähte 32 are attached, which are drawn in, for example, longitudinally or helically arranged circumferentially. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, an extruded jacket made of the conductive polymer 36 is additionally applied. Finally, this entire structure of the luminous jacket is still surrounded by the at least translucent outer jacket 8 (not shown here). In this embodiment, neither filling elements 16 nor an inner jacket 18 are provided in the lead core 4.

A further variant for the inner electrode 20 is shown in FIG. 4, which in turn shows a conductor strand 30 in an intermediate production stage.

Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2, beidewires 32 are also drawn into the interstices of the individual supply wires 10, which in turn contribute to improving the electrical conductivity of the inner electrode 20. The lead core 4 with the Beidrähten 32 is surrounded according to Figure 3 by a banding 38 to form the inner electrode 20. For this purpose, a band 40 of an electrically conductive material is wound around the lead core 4 with the beidrähte 32. In this case, an electrical contacting of the band 40 with the Beidrähten 32 takes place.

In the simplest embodiment, the band 40 is a single-layered band 40 made of an electrically conductive material, in particular of metal. This is as already mentioned as inner electrode 20. This is supplemented by the Beidrähte 32. Furthermore, in an alternative variant - similar to Figure 2 described - additionally formed a sheath of a conductive polymer 38 which surrounds the band 36 preferably or alternatively between banding 38 and Beidrähten 32 is placed. The variant with the braid 34 can be combined with the band 38. In the embodiment of Figure 4 is a full banding, in which the tape 40 is wrapped overlapping. Alternatively, the band 40 is wound on impact or on the gap, so that viewed in the longitudinal direction of the supply line 2, the individual band sections are spaced from each other. Finally, it is provided in a preferred embodiment that two or more in particular multi-layered tapes 40 are wound side by side, which are independently controllable, for example for the production of special lighting effects, such as a "running" light band or for the generation of different (signal) colors ,

The band 40 can be formed in different embodiments, of which several variants are illustrated below with reference to FIGS. 5a to 5e. In particular, it is designed as a multi-layered tape 40, which has a plurality of functional layers, wherein the individual functional layers form a plurality of the functions of inner electrode 20, dielectric 22, luminous layer 24 and outer electrode 26.

FIG. 5a initially shows a variant embodiment of a single-layered tape 40, for example the single-layered metal strip described for FIG. 4 for the inner electrode 20. FIG. 5b shows a two-layered strip with a conductive inner layer 42 and a first intermediate layer 44 made of an insulating material applied thereon. In this case, the conductive inner layer 42 forms, in particular, the inner electrode 20 and the first intermediate layer 44, the dielectric 22.

5c, a three-layer structure with three functional layers is shown, wherein, starting from the two-layer structure according to FIG. 5b, the luminescent layer 24 is additionally applied as a second intermediate layer 46 to the first intermediate layer 44.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5 d, a drain wire 32 is applied directly to the second intermediate layer 46 for the purpose of forming the outer electrode 26. so that during the wrapping directly all functional layers of the luminous jacket 28 are formed with a single process step.

The same is also the case with the embodiment of the band 40 according to the variant according to FIG. 5e. This shows a four-layered structure in which an outer layer 48 made of a conductive material for forming the outer electrode 26 is additionally applied to the second intermediate layer 46.

The luminescent layer 24 can be produced in different variants. It is usually formed by individual electroluminescent particles 50, which are embedded in a carrier material 52. According to a first variant, in which the luminescent layer 24 is formed, for example, by an extrusion method, the particles 50 are arranged homogeneously distributed in the carrier material 52 over the entire thickness of the carrier layer. The particles 50 are thus introduced into the carrier material 52 to form a viscous extrusion compound and mixed with the carrier material 52 and then extruded.

As an alternative to this variant shown in FIG. 6a, the particles 50 are applied to this carrier shell, for example, following an extrusion of a carrier jacket from the carrier material 52, so that they are embedded in the carrier material 52 only on the surface of the carrier material. This situation is shown in FIG. 6b. For this purpose, for example, immediately after the extrusion of the carrier shell as long as it is still viscous powder inflated with the particles 50 on the surface or the conductor strand 30 pulled through a powder bath, etc.

FIG. 7 also shows a greatly simplified system 54 for displaying operating states or warning signals. This is used in particular for integration into a motor vehicle. In the schematized illustration shown here, this system 54 comprises a control unit 56 as well as a first electrical component 58 and a second electrical component 60. These two components 58, 60 are actuated, for example, via the control unit 56. It is the first electrical component 58, for example to a charging station or a generator or an electric drive motor and the second electrical component 60 to an accumulator in the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is, for example, an electric or hybrid vehicle in which an electric traction motor is supplied with electrical energy from the accumulator.

The control unit 56 is connected to the electrically first electrical component 58, for example via a conventional cable 62 for the transmission of electrical power. On the other hand, the control unit 56 with the second electrical component 60 via the previously described cable 2 with the

Luminescent jacket 28 connected. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the luminous jacket 28 is segmented and has an inactive zone 64 and at least one active luminous zone 66. In the exemplary embodiment, the inactive zone 64 is formed by a longitudinal region. Alternatively, a plurality of inactive zones 64 may be formed, for example, as annular dark zones or as spirally wound zones. Here are different patterns possible. The inactive zones 64 are formed, for example, in that one of the functional layers of the inner electrode 20, the luminous layer 24 or the outer electrode 26 is interrupted in these areas, so that therefore no active illumination takes place in this area. Alternatively, the outer sheath 8 is opaque in these areas of the inactive zones 64, so that no light can be emitted to the outside in these areas.

In particular, the control of the luminous jacket 28 is also carried out via the control unit 56. For this purpose, the two electrodes 20, 26 are connected to corresponding terminals of the control unit 56 and are applied in case of need, so if a light is desired, with an AC voltage. As a result, the luminous layer 24 is excited to shine. Depending on the electrical parameters of the alternating voltage, in particular the brightness is adjustable, ie dimable. The lighting is used in particular for displaying operating conditions. In the embodiment of Figure 7, for example, a lighting is initiated when a charging of the accumulator takes place. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2 cables 38 Banding

4 Central conductor core 40 band

6 Luminous jacket 42 Conductive inner layer

8 outer jacket 44 First intermediate layer

10 supply line 46 Second intermediate layer

12 conductors 48 outer layer

14 insulation jacket 50 particles

16 filling element 52 carrier material

18 inner jacket 54 system

20 inner electrode 56 control unit

22 Dielectric 58 First electrical component

24 Luminescent layer 60 Second electrical components

26 outer electrode te

30 Conductor strand 62 Conventional cable

32 two-wire 64 inactive zone

34 braid 66 light zone

36 Conductive polymer

Claims

claims

1 . Supply line (2) with a central line core (4), which has at least one supply wire (10) and which is surrounded by an electroluminescent luminous element,

characterized,

in that the electroluminescent luminous element is designed as a luminous jacket (6) surrounding the line core (4), which has an inner electrode surrounding the line core (4) which is surrounded by an electroluminescent luminescent layer (24) with the interposition of a dielectric (22), which in turn surrounded by an outer electrode (26).

2. supply line (2) according to claim 1,

characterized,

in that the lead core (4) has a plurality of supply core conductor cores (10) surrounded by an inner sheath (18) onto which the inner electrode (20) is applied.

3. supply line (2) according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized,

in that the inner electrode (20) is designed as an inner jacket (18) surrounding the lead core (4).

4. supply line (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that the inner electrode (20) has an electrically conductive braid (34).

5. supply line (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

the inner electrode (20) comprises a conductive polymer (36).

6. supply line (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

the inner electrode (20) has a band (38).

7. supply line (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

marked by

a banding (38) having a multilayer band (40) with a plurality of functional layers, the functional layers providing a plurality of the functions of inner electrode (20), dielectric (22), luminescent layer (24) and outer electrode (26).

8. supply line (2) according to claim 7,

characterized,

in that the multi-layered tape (40) is a four-layered tape (40) having an inner conductive layer (42) forming the inner electrode (20) with a first intermediate layer (44) thereon, which supports the dielectric (22 ) with a second intermediate layer (46) attached to the first intermediate layer (44) forming the luminescent layer (24) and having an outer layer thereon forming the outer electrode (26).

9. supply line (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that the dielectric (22) is formed as an extruded, foamed or wound or folded jacket, or else by a dip coating.

10. supply line (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized, the luminescent layer (24) is applied as a cladding to the dielectric (22).

1 1. Supply line (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that the luminescent layer (24) is optionally formed by extrusion, by casting, by spraying on a viscous mass or by immersion in such a viscous mass which has a carrier material (52) and luminescent particles (50) introduced therein.

12. supply line (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10,

characterized,

in that the luminescent layer (24) is formed by applying luminescent particles (50) to a carrier shell made of a carrier material (52) or by a galvanic process.

13. supply line (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

the outer electrode (26) is designed as an at least translucent jacket.

14. supply line (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

the outer electrode (26) optionally comprises a conductive tape (40), a conductive extruded polymer (36) or a translucent oxide layer.

15. supply line (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that the outer electrode (26) comprises at least one drain wire (32).

1 6. supply line (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

the outer electrode (26) is surrounded by an at least translucent outer jacket (8).

17. supply line (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

the luminescent jacket (6) is segmented and has at least one inactive zone (64) and a luminous zone (66).

18. System (54) for displaying operating states or warning signals, in particular in a motor vehicle with a supply line (2) according to one of the preceding claims, optionally or in combination with the aid of one or more line wires (10) for the electrical or optical transmission of data , is used for electrical or optical power supply or for the transmission of fluids and is additionally connected to a control unit (56) for controlling the luminous jacket (6).