Fabric with electrical function element

Background of the Invention

The present invention is a sheet-like structure according to the preamble of claim 1. It can be used to, eg. As a sensor device, a steering device, a vehicle seat and in general for vehicles.

State of the art

Electric heaters, electromagnetic shielding and sensors are often difficult to position close to each other. This particularly space-cramped positions such as in a steering wheel. Also electromagnetic shields are providing elaborate on electrical conductors.

Therefore, there is need for technical solutions that provide a simple, safe and cost-effective arrangement, particularly close to each other.

The invention

Against this background, a technical concept with the features of claim 1 is proposed. Further advantageous embodiments are the remaining claims and the following description can be removed.

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In the following, details of the invention will be explained. These statements are intended to elucidate the invention. However, they have only exemplary character. Of course it is within the scope of the invention also be omitted, modified or complement one or more described features. The features of different embodiments can of course be combined with one another. It is crucial that the concept of the invention is implemented substantially. If a characteristic is to meet at least partially, so include this, that this feature is also fully met or substantially met in full. "Essentially" means in particular that the implementation allows achieving the desired benefits in a recognizable degree. This may mean in particular that a corresponding feature at least 50%, 90%, 95% or 99% is satisfied. If a minimum amount is specified, can of course be used even more than this minimum amount. What is described for an object that can also be applied to the majority of or the total of all other similar types of objects. Unless otherwise specified, intervals its border points with a. When the number of a component is provided with at least one, so in particular this includes embodiments with two, three or any other number of components.

Subsequently, reference is made to:

<figref>1</figref> Motor vehicle with the seat in partial longitudinal section

<figref>2</figref> Cross section through a steering wheel sensor and heating device with a planar structure according to the invention

<figref>3a)</figref> Perspective view of a sheet of <figref>2</figref> with sensor and shield means in the non-mounted state

<figref>3b)</figref> Perspective view of an optional additional heater

Description of the Invention

<figref>1</figref> shows a vehicle <figref>1000</figref>, This can be such. As an airplane, a railway vehicle, a ship or act like here to a motor vehicle.

The vehicle <figref>1000</figref> has at least one to be heated or to be monitored object <figref>10</figref> on. Among B. are in doubt all components understood by which a user of the passenger compartment can come into contact, such. A seat for vehicles, a dashboard, an armrest, a door trim, a seat pad, an electric blanket, a headliner, a cushion<figref>400</figref>, A reference <figref>500</figref>, Or, as here, a steering device <figref>100</figref>,

The object <figref>10</figref> preferably has at least one cushion <figref>400</figref>, Z. B. from upholstery foam, at least one reference <figref>500</figref>, Z. B. leather, and / or at least one to be heated or to be monitored surface.

The object <figref>10</figref> Preferably, at least a heating device <figref>3</figref>. <figref>3 '</figref> on. It serves eg. As the heating user-contacted surfaces in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

The object <figref>10</figref> preferably has at least one sensor device <figref>2</figref> on. It serves eg. As the detection of people or mechanical stress conditions of contact with the user space in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

At least one heating device <figref>3</figref>. <figref>3 '</figref> and / or at least one sensor device <figref>2</figref> have a sheet <figref>30</figref>. <figref>31</figref> on.

A sheet <figref>30</figref>. <figref>31</figref> is a body having a substantially larger in two dimensions &lt;?page 3?&gt;Expansion than with respect to a third dimension and / or its thickness. Examples are textiles, foils, plates, mats, networks, three-dimensionally preformed layers or the like. Preferably, the fabric is elastic and / or limp.

The sheet <figref>30</figref> has at least one carrier <figref>41</figref>. <figref>41 '</figref> on. This is preferably flat and at least partially formed from a textile fabric, a knitted fabric, woven fabric, nonwoven, flexible thermoplastics, air-permeable material and / or a film. These may also be the reference<figref>500</figref> act or another fabric.

The heater <figref>3</figref>, The sensor device <figref>2</figref> and / or the object <figref>10</figref> in particular have at least one electrical functional element <figref>70</figref> on. This is such. As an electrical conductor or leading strand<figref>60</figref>Operating at, on and / or in a carrier <figref>41</figref>. <figref>41 '</figref> is arranged. Preferably, a plurality of electrical function elements<figref>70</figref> or Leitsträngen <figref>60</figref> are provided which are preferably arranged next to one another meandering and / or electrically parallel.

At least one of the sheets <figref>30</figref>. <figref>31</figref> has at least one seam <figref>40</figref> on. Under a seam is a single thread or a group of related threads understood that along a beam<figref>41</figref> is arranged according to its production and at least partially penetrate into regular or irregular intervals in the carrier. Under a thread, a strand of monofilament or multifilament fibers, textile or polymer material or the like is meant.

Preferably, at least one seam at least one suture <figref>42</figref> on. Preferably, the suture has at least two threads, in particular an upper thread<figref>43</figref> at the top of the support <figref>41</figref> and a lower thread <figref>44</figref> on the underside of the carrier <figref>41</figref>,

Upper and lower threads are to a large extent on mutually different surfaces of the sheet <figref>30</figref>. <figref>31</figref> arranged. Touch, embrace and / or holding each other, preferably at injection sites<figref>50</figref>. <figref>50 '</figref>Where at least one of suture threads forming penetrates the fabrics, especially this permeates.

Preferably, the suture is fixed <figref>40</figref> at least one accompanying strand <figref>55</figref>, Under accompanying strand a strand is understood to be the course of the seam<figref>40</figref> along the support <figref>41</figref> at least partly follows and is held by at least one suture at least partially. A strand is an elongated member whose length exceeds the dimensions of its cross section far. Preferably this accompaniment strand penetrates<figref>55</figref> not in the carrier <figref>41</figref> a, but is predominantly or exclusively as a companion strand <figref>56</figref> at the bottom or top companion strand <figref>57</figref> at the top of the support <figref>41</figref>,

When the seam <figref>40</figref> at least one accompanying strand <figref>55</figref> fixed, the function element is an electrical <figref>70</figref> represents, it nevertheless allows SEWING integration of functional elements <figref>70</figref>, The z. B. not even suitable because of their thickness or stiffness than sewing thread.

It may be provided that at least one strand of the types (so at least one needle thread, at least one under-thread, at least one upper accompanying strand and / or a sub-accompanying strand) at least one electrical functional element <figref>70</figref> and / or at least one electrically conductive leading strand <figref>60</figref> comprises or is formed exclusively therefrom. Such leading strand<figref>60</figref> can be, for. example, a heating section, a Kontaktierungsstrang, an electric fuse, a sensor conductor, a shield conductor and / or a connecting conductor.

It may also be provided that a plurality of four train types mentioned at least one functional element <figref>70</figref> or at least one leading strand <figref>60</figref> exhibit. For example, as in<figref>3a)</figref> an upper thread <figref>43</figref> comprise a sensor conductor or be formed by this. An associated lower thread<figref>44</figref> can a Schirmungsstrang against a carrier under the <figref>44</figref> arranged heater <figref>3</figref> or have a heating leading strand. The resulting sheet can be used as a shielded person detector or z. B. as a heating device and at the same time as a sensor device. If both on and under the carrier<figref>41</figref>. <figref>41 '</figref> Guide paths of similar function are arranged, so z. B. increases as available power, the heating power density of the heater. Also can be as twice as many heating guide paths sew in one step. sheet<figref>30</figref>. <figref>31</figref> with at least one carrier <figref>41</figref>. <figref>41 '</figref>, At least one seam <figref>40</figref> and at least two electrical functional elements can thus manufacture more efficiently, if at least two electrical functional elements <figref>70</figref> strand-like and in the seam <figref>40</figref> are integrated.

At least two of the electrical function elements <figref>70</figref> on mutually different sides of the carrier <figref>41</figref> are arranged, so can also be uninsulated or influencing each other functional elements <figref>70</figref> easy and secure close to each block.

It can also be provided that a string type has several different strands, particularly several different guide paths or at least temporarily used for distinct functions strands. For example,&lt;?page 4?&gt;an upper thread comprise a heating leading strand for heating and its control a running parallel to sensor-leading strand. Or a sensor-leading strand in a top-accompanying strand can be protected from mechanical loads by a likewise arranged in the upper accompanying train relief train.

It may also be provided that several train types a similar function or guide paths <figref>60</figref> exhibit with similar function. This particularly concerns the arranged respectively on the same side of a support thread and a companion strand. Are z. B. both the lower thread of a carrier<figref>41 '</figref> and the held by him under escort-strand heating sections, thus increasing the current carrying capacity and the reliability of the resulting structure, in particular if they are not insulated and electrically conductive with each other.

Preferably, at least have a thread of suture and fixed by means of this thread accompanying strand <figref>55</figref> at least temporarily distinct electrical functions. For example, a companion strand be a heating section and be him wearing suture a grounded electrical shield-leading strand.

If the available space is not sufficient or are needed, more than two levels to all necessary electrical function elements <figref>70</figref> to arrange, as well as several carriers may <figref>41</figref>. <figref>41 '</figref> are used and superposed. Your connection may eg., Via an adhesive layer to one another<figref>80</figref>, Via corresponding connection seams or not.

Guide paths preferably have metallic or otherwise electrically conductive wires or formed therefrom. but it can be also used monofilaments, or other structures.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, two carrier <figref>41</figref>. <figref>41 '</figref> superimposed and each arranged at least partially overlapping. Each of them carrying at least one seam, each with upper and lower thread. Each thread is assigned a companion strand. An outer upper accompanying strand serves as a heating section, an underlying sub-companion strand as a shield. A carrier arranged on the other sub-accompanying strand serves as a sensor. The fourth strand is available for added functionality or for reinforcing the above.

The invention allows a drastic reduction of production times, replacing an expensive and polluting metallization of textiles and unnecessary laminating processes. In addition, the product with its various levels is very flexible in use. These functions can be assigned simply electric, z. B. by swapping the connections other functional elements or other levels.

This means, for. Example, that at least one electrical functional element <figref>70</figref> in a first operating condition exerts a first electrical function and executes in a further operating state a second, opposite the first physically different type of electrical function, eg., by a clocked switching between heating function and sensor function.

It can also be provided that at least one electrical functional element <figref>70</figref> is in operation, while at least one further electrical function element <figref>70 '</figref> is turned off.

The sheet or a heating device made therefrom, sensor device and / or steering device can be operated z. B. so that heating guide paths are heated in a heating phase. In a detection phase, the heating current to be switched off and, instead, a ground or a different potential to be applied to protect the current sensor parallel strands at this stage from unwanted electromagnetic radiation. This is particularly important when the sensor is to detect if a driver has his hands on a steering wheel or not. This arises partly from the great safety significance, on the other hand, the relatively low mass, have hands compared to the whole body of a person. The heating and the sensor function may be fulfilled by the same strands or be assigned to mutually different strands.

It may be advantageous additionally or alternatively, that at least one carrier also having electrically or electromagnetically active ingredients, for. Example ferrites. This can be avoided additional shielding material and other laminating processes.

Preferably, an inventive fabric between a reference and a supporting structure or between reference and pad of a steering wheel is disposed. Such a steering wheel is heated. In addition, it can be seen whether a user has the hands on the wheel or not. This is for the coordination of control between a driver and an autopilot or a parking aid of importance.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

<dl><dt>2</dt><dd>Sensor device</dd><dt>3, 3 '</dt><dd>heater</dd><dt>10</dt><dd>object</dd><dt>30, 31</dt><dd>sheet</dd><dt>40</dt><dd>seam</dd><dt>41, 41 '</dt><dd>carrier</dd><dt>42</dt><dd>sewing thread</dd><dt>43</dt><dd>upper thread</dd><dt>44</dt><dd>bobbin thread</dd><dt>50, 50 '</dt><dd>Puncture sites</dd><dt>55</dt><dd>accompanying strand</dd><dt>56</dt><dd>Under companion strand</dd><dt>57</dt><dd>Upper companion strand</dd><dt>60</dt><dd>leading strand</dd><dt>70, 70 '</dt><dd>Electrical functional element</dd><dt>80</dt><dd>adhesive layer</dd><dt>100</dt><dd>steering device</dd><dt>400</dt><dd>pad</dd><dt>500</dt><dd>reference</dd><dt>1000</dt><dd>vehicle</dd></dl>