U.S. patent application number 13/521025 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-25 for electrically conductive fabric and manufacturing method and apparatus thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to SILVERAY CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is Byung-Ok Jeon. Invention is credited to Byung-Ok Jeon.
Application Number | 20130102217 13/521025 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44304815 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130102217 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jeon; Byung-Ok |
April 25, 2013 |
ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE FABRIC AND MANUFACTURING METHOD AND
APPARATUS THEREOF
Abstract
The present invention discloses to relates to an electrically
conductive fabric, and a manufacturing method and an apparatus
thereof, and more specifically to an electrically conductive
fabric, and a manufacturing method and an apparatus thereof,
wherein part of electrically conductive wire woven together into
fabric is selectively exposed to the outside of the fabric to
perform the tying of electrically conductive wires and the
connection of various elements and modules quickly and
conveniently, so that workability and productivity can be
improved.
Inventors: |
Jeon; Byung-Ok; (Gimhae-si,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Jeon; Byung-Ok |
Gimhae-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SILVERAY CO., LTD.
Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
KR
|
Family ID: |
44304815 |
Appl. No.: |
13/521025 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
January 13, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR11/00232 |
371 Date: |
July 6, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
442/182 ;
139/116.1; 442/190; 442/203; 442/205 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D03D 15/00 20130101;
D03D 13/004 20130101; Y10T 442/3073 20150401; Y10T 442/3195
20150401; D03D 15/02 20130101; D10B 2401/16 20130101; D03D 15/0027
20130101; D10B 2101/20 20130101; D03D 1/00 20130101; D03D 1/0088
20130101; Y10T 442/3008 20150401; D04B 21/14 20130101; Y10T
442/3179 20150401; D03D 27/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
442/182 ;
442/203; 442/190; 442/205; 139/116.1 |
International
Class: |
D03D 15/00 20060101
D03D015/00; D03D 1/00 20060101 D03D001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 14, 2010 |
KR |
10-2010-0004164 |
Claims
1. An electrically conductive fabric comprising: multiple strands
of warps arranged lengthwise; multiple strands of wefts knitted
with the warps: and at least one strand of electrically conductive
wire arranged lengthwise and woven in a planar shape, wherein an
electrically conductive wire weaving section in which the
electrically conductive wire is knitted to the warp and/or weft to
be bound monolithically to the electrically conductive fabric and
an electrically conductive wire exposing section in which the
electrically conductive wire is not knitted to the warp and/or weft
but is exposed to the outside of the electrically conductive fabric
by a predetermined length are repetitively formed.
2. The electrically conductive fabric of claim 1, further
comprising a binding-and-releasing weft which is fed simultaneously
at the time of weaving the electrically conductive wire, wherein
the binding-and-releasing weft is knitted with the warp and/or weft
so that the electrically conductive wire is knitted so as to be
bound to the warp and/or weft in the electrically conductive wire
weaving section, and is knitted with the warp and/or weft so that
the electrically conductive wire is knitted so as not to be bound
to the warp and/or weft in the electrically conductive wire
exposing section.
3. The electrically conductive fabric of claim 1, wherein the weft
includes a first warp-knitting weft which is knitted with the warp
on the inside of the electrically conductive wire; a second
warp-knitting weft which is knitted with the warp so as to provide
a feeding free zone which is not knitted in the range of the width
corresponding to the placement width of the electrically conductive
wire on the outside of the electrically conductive wire; and a
binding-and-releasing weft which is knitted with the warp so as to
selectively bind the electrically conductive wire at the position
corresponding to the feeding free zone, and the
binding-and-releasing weft is knitted in such a way that the
electrically conductive wire is bound together to the warp and the
first warp-knitting weft in the electrically conductive wire
weaving section, and is knitted in the range where the electrically
conductive wire is not to be bound to the warp and the first
warp-knitting weft in the electrically conductive wire exposing
section.
4. The electrically conductive fabric of claim 3, wherein the warp
is stretchable fiber yarn so that the electrically conductive
fabric has stretchability lengthwise.
5. The electrically conductive fabric of claim 3, further
comprising support yarns which are woven so as to be arranged on
the left and right sides along the placement path in order to
prevent the twisting of the electrically conductive wire.
6. The electrically conductive fabric of any one of claim 1,
wherein the electrically conductive wire is woven so as to be
arranged in a straight form structure or wave form structure along
the direction of the warp.
7. The electrically conductive fabric of claim 6, wherein the
electrically conductive wire is a one bundle type wire including
plural strands of insulated electrically conductive yarn, and
plural strands of fiber yarn wound on the outer circumference of
the electrically conductive yarn to act as a sheath.
8. The electrically conductive fabric of claim 6, wherein the
electrically conductive wire is a stretchable wire including a
stretchable inner wire disposed in the inner center, plural strands
of electrically insulated wire wound on the inner wire, and outer
fiber yarn wound on the outer circumference of the electrically
conductive yarn.
9. An electrically conductive fabric manufacturing method
comprising a warp feeding process for feeding multiple strands of
warp lengthwise, a weft feeding process for feeding multiple
strands of weft, and a fabric weaving process in which the weft is
knitted to the warp by a weaving machine, the method characterized
by further comprising: an electrically conductive wire feeding
process for feeding at least one strand of electrically conductive
wire in the weft feeding direction, wherein the fabric weaving
process includes an electrically conductive wire weaving process
for weaving together the electrically conductive wire, and wherein
the electrically conductive wire weaving process includes an
electrically conductive wire weaving step for knitting the
electrically conductive wire with the warp, and an electrically
conductive wire exposing step in which the electrically conductive
wire is fed while the electrically conductive wire weaving step is
under way but is made not to be knitted with the warp so that the
electrically conductive wire is exposed to the outside of the
electrically conductive fabric by a predetermined length.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the warp feeding process
includes a binding-and-releasing weft feeding process for feeding a
binding-and-releasing weft to be used for knitting the electrically
conductive wire with the warp, and in the electrically conductive
wire weaving step the electrically conductive wire is knitted and
bound to the warp and weft through the process of knitting and
binding the binding-and-releasing weft to the warp, and in the
electrically conductive wire exposing step the
binding-and-releasing weft is knitted and bound to the warp without
the binding-and-releasing weft being knitted with the electrically
conductive wire.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the weft feeding process
includes a first weft feeding process for feeding a first
warp-knitting weft which is knitted with the warp inside of the
electrically conductive wire; a second weft feeding process for
feeding a second warp-knitting weft which is knitted with the warp
outside of the electrically conductive wire, while providing a
feeding free zone which excludes the feeding of the second
warp-knitting weft in the range of the width corresponding to the
placement width of the electrically conductive wire; and a
binding-and-releasing weft feeding process for feeding the
binding-and-releasing weft to be used for knitting and binding the
electrically conductive wire to the warp selectively at the
position separated to correspond to the feeding free zone, and the
electrically conductive wire weaving step includes a process of
knitting and binding the first and second warp-knitting wefts and
the binding-and-releasing weft to the warp simultaneously, in such
a way that the electrically conductive wire is knitted and bound to
both the warp and the first warp-knitting weft by the
binding-and-releasing weft, and in the electrically conductive wire
exposing step the first and second warp-knitting wefts are knitted
with the warp and the binding-and-releasing weft is knitted with
the warp, in such a way that the electrically conductive wire is
knitted within a range in which it is not bound to the warp and the
first warp-knitting weft.
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. An electrically conductive fabric manufacturing apparatus
comprising: a warp weaving unit for weaving lengthwise multiple
strands of warp fed from a warp feeding unit; a weft weaving unit
for weaving multiple strands of weft fed from a weft feeding unit;
an electrically conductive wire weaving unit for weaving at least
one strand of electrically conductive wire fed from an electrically
conductive wire feeding unit; a warp guiding unit which pulls the
warp on the side of the warp weaving unit to make possible the
weaving action of the warp, weft and electrically conductive wire
through interaction between the weft weaving unit and the
electrically conductive wire weaving unit, and a weaving unit
driving device which operates the warp weaving unit, the weft
weaving unit, the electrically conductive wire weaving unit and the
warp guiding unit to knit the weft in the direction perpendicular
to the warp, and selectively knits the electrically conductive wire
with the warp.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the weaving unit driving
device is composed so as to regulate selectively the action areas
of the weft weaving unit and the electrically conductive wire
weaving unit to carry out weaving in such a way that an
electrically conductive wire weaving section in which the
electrically conductive wire is knitted with the warp and/or weft
to be bound monolithically to the electrically conductive fabric,
and an electrically conductive wire exposing section in which the
electrically conductive wire is not knitted with the warp and/or
weft but is exposed to the outside of the electrically conductive
fabric by a predetermined length are repetitively formed.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the warp weaving unit
includes a plurality of warp needles positioned on a first support
installed laterally of a frame to be threaded with the warp, the
electrically conductive wire weaving unit includes at least one
electrically conductive wire needle positioned on a second support
installed laterally from above the warp weaving unit to be threaded
with the electrically conductive wire, the weft weaving unit
includes a plurality of weft needles positioned on a third support
installed laterally in contact with the second support to be
threaded with the weft, the warp guiding unit includes a plurality
of pull needles positioned on a fourth support installed laterally
in opposition to the first support to hook and pull the warp
threaded into the warp needle, and the weaving unit driving device
is connected so as to transmit the driving force to the first to
the fourth supports to have the first support make translational
motion upward and downward, and have the second and the third
supports make translational motion laterally and upward and
downward, and have the fourth support make translational motion
forward and backward.
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. An electrically conductive fabric manufacturing apparatus
comprising: a warp weaving unit for weaving lengthwise multiple
strands of warp fed from a warp feeding unit; a first weft weaving
unit which is positioned on one side of the electrically conductive
wire weaving unit to weave with the warp the multiple strands of
the first warp-knitting weft fed from the weft feeding unit so as
to form one side face of the electrically conductive fabric; a
second weft weaving unit which is positioned on the other side of
the electrically conductive wire weaving unit to weave with the
warp the multiple strands of the second warp-knitting weft fed from
the weft feeding unit so as to form the other side face of the
electrically conductive fabric; a warp guiding unit which is
positioned in opposition so as to pull the warp on the side of the
warp weaving unit, and operates so that the warp, the first and
second warp-knitting wefts and electrically conductive wire are
knitted through interaction between the first and second weaving
units and the electrically conductive wire weaving unit; and a
weaving unit driving device which operates the warp weaving unit,
the first and second weft weaving units, the electrically
conductive wire weaving unit and the warp guiding unit so that the
first and second warp-knitting wefts is knitted in the direction
perpendicular to the warp and the electrically conductive wire is
knitted selectively in the warp direction.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the weaving unit driving
device is composed so as to regulate selectively the action areas
of the first and second weft weaving unit and the electrically
conductive wire weaving unit to carry out weaving in such a way
that an electrically conductive wire weaving section in which the
electrically conductive wire is knitted with the warp and/or the
first and second warp-knitting weft to be bound monolithically to
the electrically conductive fabric, and an electrically conductive
wire exposing section in which the electrically conductive wire is
not knitted with the warp and/or the first and second warp-knitting
weft but is exposed to the outside of the electrically conductive
fabric by a predetermined length are repetitively formed.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the warp weaving unit
includes a plurality of warp needles positioned on a first support
installed laterally of a frame to be threaded with the warp, the
electrically conductive wire weaving unit includes at least one
electrically conductive wire needle positioned on a second support
installed laterally from above the warp weaving unit to be threaded
with the electrically conductive wire, the first weft weaving unit
includes a plurality of weft needles positioned on a third-a
support installed laterally to be threaded with the first
warp-knitting weft, the second weft weaving unit includes a
plurality of weft needles positioned on a third-b support installed
laterally to be threaded with the second warp-knitting weft, the
warp guiding unit includes a plurality of pull needles positioned
on a fourth support installed laterally to hook and pull the warp
threaded into the warp needle, and the weaving unit driving device
is connected so as to transmit the driving force to the first to
the fourth supports to have the first support make translational
motion upward and downward, and have the second, the third-a and
the third-b supports make translational motion laterally and upward
and downward, and have the fourth support make translational motion
forward and backward.
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an electrically conductive
fabric, and a manufacturing method and an apparatus thereof, and
more specifically to an electrically conductive fabric, and a
manufacturing method and an apparatus thereof, wherein part of
electrically conductive wire woven together into fabric is
selectively exposed to the outside of the fabric to perform the
tying of electrically conductive wires and the connection of
various elements and modules quickly and conveniently, so that
workability and productivity can be improved.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In general, fabrics such as knitted fabrics or woven fabrics
(below to be described commonly as fabrics) that are used to
manufacture bed covers, curtains, clothes, etc. are woven by
natural fiber yarn or man-made fiber yarn, and their kinds are
various, and they have properties and characteristics unique in
their own way according to the purpose of use, such as heat
conservation, absorptivity, stretchability, etc.
[0003] And as industrial society becomes more sophisticated and
uses more high technology, modern people demand fabrics having new
functions in addition, conventionally, to heat conservation for
keeping away coldness, stretchability for ensuring sufficient
freedom of motion and absorptivity for absorbing sweat.
[0004] For instance, fabrics in demand are those that can conduct
electric current for various electric appliances to be installed
for convenient use or those that perform heating action or cooling
action by themselves. For such fabrics can realize beds,
intelligent clothes, etc. which are light and thin and can be used
regardless of season.
[0005] Accordingly, in the textile industry various efforts and
research and development are being made to meet such social demand
and lead a future textile industry. As a representative result of
research, a planar heating unit made by weaving carbon fiber yarn
has been developed.
[0006] Such a planar heating unit woven by carbon fiber yarn
performs heating action when power is supplied, so it can be
applied to the goods that need warming action, but it has a
disadvantage that it cannot be applied to bed material that needs a
cushioning function or clothes that need stretchability and freedom
of motion because it does not have stretchability at all due to the
characteristics of carbon fiber yarn. And if friction force is
applied continuously while it is being used, the fine structures of
carbon fiber yarn become loosened and damaged or minute electrical
sparks are generated, so it was not possible to secure sufficient
durability and safety.
[0007] In addition, smart clothes equipped with electronic
appliances such as a wearable computer and an MP3 player need
conductive wires for electrically connecting operating buttons,
power supply unit, various electronic elements, etc. and for
transmitting electric signals, but a planar heating unit
manufactured with carbon fiber yarn has a limit that it cannot
perform such functions at all. As a way for solving such problems,
a method of stitching an extra conductive wire such as copper wire
to clothes can be suggested, but because a copper wire does not
have any stretchability at all, the freedom of motion and
wearability as clothes are not good. Another disadvantage is that
it is very inconvenient to use it because the conductive wire and
control buttons installed in the clothes have to be removed to wash
them.
[0008] Accordingly, as a scheme for solving the above mentioned
conventional problems, the present applicant has filed Korean
Patent Application No. 10-2008-0050545 (title of invention:
Electrically conductive pad and manufacturing method thereof),
Korean Patent Application No. 10-2008-0128928 (title of invention:
Electrically conductive pad), and Korean Patent Application No.
10-2009-0043932 (title of invention: Electrically conductive pad
and manufacturing method thereof).
[0009] According to these patents, it is possible to make fabrics
having stretchability by a method of weaving conductive wires, so
it is possible to make them perform heating action without sewing
extra conductive wires or realize beds or clothes that can conduct
electricity or perform the function of transmitting electric
signals.
[0010] However, the electrically conductive fabrics that the
present applicant earlier filed for a patent therefor has a
disadvantage that it is cumbersome to do the work of tying the
woven conductive wire together with the fabric yarn into a fabric
to configure connection or a circuit with the power supply unit or
the work of connecting various elements or modules. In other words,
because the worker has to find one by one the electrically
conductive wires contained in the fiber yarn configuring
electrically conductive woven fabrics to connect each other, it has
disadvantages that the work of finding the electrically conductive
wires is hard and takes time so as to cause the deterioration of
workability and productivity and the fiber yarns nearby are damaged
in the course of finding the electrically conductive wires.
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
[0011] The present invention is directed to solve conventional
problems described above and an object of the present invention is
to provide an electrically conductive fabric with workability and
productivity improved by quickly and conveniently carrying out the
tying of electrically conductive wires and connection of various
elements and modules by selectively exposing part of electrically
conductive wires woven together with the fabrics to the outside of
the fabrics, and a manufacturing method and an apparatus
thereof.
Technical Solution
[0012] In order to accomplish the foregoing purposes of the present
invention, there is provided an electrically conductive fabric
comprising: multiple strands of warps arranged lengthwise; multiple
strands of wefts knitted with the warps: and at least one strand of
electrically conductive wire arranged lengthwise and woven in a
planar shape, wherein an electrically conductive wire weaving
section in which the electrically conductive wire is knitted to the
warp and/or weft to be bound monolithically to the electrically
conductive fabric and an electrically conductive wire exposing
section in which the electrically conductive wire is not knitted to
the warp and/or weft but is exposed to the outside of the
electrically conductive fabric by a predetermined length are
repetitively formed.
[0013] The electrically conductive fabric may further comprise a
binding-and-releasing weft which is fed simultaneously at the time
of weaving the electrically conductive wire, wherein the
binding-and-releasing weft is knitted with the warp and/or weft so
that the electrically conductive wire is knitted so as to be bound
to the warp and/or weft in the electrically conductive wire weaving
section, and is knitted with the warp and/or weft so that the
electrically conductive wire is knitted so as not to be bound to
the warp and/or weft in the electrically conductive wire exposing
section.
[0014] Preferably, the weft includes a first warp-knitting weft
which is knitted with the warp on the inside of the electrically
conductive wire; a second warp-knitting weft which is knitted with
the warp so as to provide a feeding free zone which is not knitted
in the range of the width corresponding to the placement width of
the electrically conductive wire on the outside of the electrically
conductive wire; and a binding-and-releasing weft which is knitted
with the warp so as to selectively bind the electrically conductive
wire at the position corresponding to the feeding free zone, and
the binding-and-releasing weft is knitted in such a way that the
electrically conductive wire is bound together to the warp and the
first warp-knitting weft in the electrically conductive wire
weaving section, and is knitted in the range where the electrically
conductive wire is not to be bound to the warp and the first
warp-knitting weft in the electrically conductive wire exposing
section.
[0015] In order to accomplish the foregoing purposes of the present
invention, there is also provided an electrically conductive fabric
manufacturing method comprising a warp feeding process for feeding
multiple strands of warp lengthwise, a weft feeding process for
feeding multiple strands of weft, and a fabric weaving process in
which the weft is knitted to the warp by a weaving machine, the
method characterized by further comprising: an electrically
conductive wire feeding process for feeding at least one strand of
electrically conductive wire in the weft feeding direction, wherein
the fabric weaving process includes an electrically conductive wire
weaving process for weaving together the electrically conductive
wire, and wherein the electrically conductive wire weaving process
includes an electrically conductive wire weaving step for knitting
the electrically conductive wire with the warp, and an electrically
conductive wire exposing step in which the electrically conductive
wire is fed while the electrically conductive wire weaving step is
under way but is made not to be knitted with the warp so that the
electrically conductive wire is exposed to the outside of the
electrically conductive fabric by a predetermined length.
[0016] In order to accomplish the foregoing purposes of the present
invention, there is also provided an electrically conductive fabric
manufacturing apparatus comprising: a warp weaving unit for weaving
lengthwise multiple strands of warp fed from a warp feeding unit; a
weft weaving unit for weaving multiple strands of weft fed from a
weft feeding unit; an electrically conductive wire weaving unit for
weaving at least one strand of electrically conductive wire fed
from an electrically conductive wire feeding unit; a warp guiding
unit which pulls the warp on the side of the warp weaving unit to
make possible the weaving action of the warp, weft and electrically
conductive wire through interaction between the weft weaving unit
and the electrically conductive wire weaving unit, and a weaving
unit driving device which operates the warp weaving unit, the weft
weaving unit, the electrically conductive wire weaving unit and the
warp guiding unit to knit the weft in the direction perpendicular
to the warp, and selectively knits the electrically conductive wire
with the warp.
[0017] In order to accomplish the foregoing purposes of the present
invention, there is further provided an electrically conductive
fabric manufacturing apparatus comprising: a warp weaving unit for
weaving lengthwise multiple strands of warp fed from a warp feeding
unit; a first weft weaving unit which is positioned on one side of
the electrically conductive wire weaving unit to weave with the
warp the multiple strands of the first warp-knitting weft fed from
the weft feeding unit so as to form one side face of the
electrically conductive fabric; a second weft weaving unit which is
positioned on the other side of the electrically conductive wire
weaving unit to weave with the warp the multiple strands of the
second warp-knitting weft fed from the weft feeding unit so as to
form the other side face of the electrically conductive fabric; a
warp guiding unit which is positioned in opposition so as to pull
the warp on the side of the warp weaving unit, and operates so that
the warp, the first and second warp-knitting wefts and electrically
conductive wire are knitted through interaction between the first
and second weaving units and the electrically conductive wire
weaving unit; and a weaving unit driving device which operates the
warp weaving unit, the first and second weft weaving units, the
electrically conductive wire weaving unit and the warp guiding unit
so that the first and second warp-knitting wefts is knitted in the
direction perpendicular to the warp and the electrically conductive
wire is knitted selectively in the warp direction.
Advantageous Effects
[0018] According to the electrically conductive fabric and the
manufacturing method and apparatus thereof of the present
invention, there is provided an effect of being able to carry out
tying or connecting work quickly and conveniently by forming
electrically conductive wire exposing sections for the portions for
tying electrically conductive wires or connecting various elements
or modules, since they are provided with electrically conductive
wire weaving sections where electrically conductive wires are
knitted with warp and/or weft to be bound monolithically to an
electrically conductive fabric and electrically conductive wire
exposing sections where electrically conductive wires are not
knitted with warp and/or weft to be exposed to the outside of the
electrically conductive woven fabrics by a predetermined length.
Accordingly, it is possible to remarkably improve workability and
productivity in the manufacture, maintenance and use of goods using
electrically conductive fabrics.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] The above and other objects, features and other advantages
of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1a is a view for describing an electrically conductive
fabric according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIGS. 1b and 1c are sectional views schematically showing
the structure for describing the electrically conductive fabric
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 1d is a view showing a first modification of the
electrically conductive fabric according to the first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 1e is a view showing a second modification of the
electrically conductive fabric according to the first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 1f is a view showing a third modification of the
electrically conductive fabric according to the first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2a is a view showing the appearance of the whole to
describe an electrically conductive fabric according to a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIGS. 2b to 2d are views showing the major part for
describing the electrically conductive fabric according to the
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the process for describing the
manufacturing method of the electrically conductive fabric
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 4a is a schematic view showing the configuration of the
electrically conductive fabric manufacturing apparatus according to
the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 4b is a schematic view showing the configuration of the
electrically conductive fabric manufacturing apparatus according to
the modification of the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 5a is a front view schematically showing the overall
structure of the electrically conductive fabric manufacturing
apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 5b is an enlarged perspective view of portion F of FIG.
5a;
[0032] FIG. 6a is a perspective view of the major part of the
electrically conductive fabric manufacturing apparatus according to
the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 6b is a perspective view of the major part of the
electrically conductive fabric manufacturing apparatus according to
the modification of the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a block diagram for describing the manufacturing
method of the electrically conductive fabric according to the
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the
electrically conductive fabric manufacturing apparatus according to
the second embodiment of the present invention; and
[0036] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the major part of the
electrically conductive fabric manufacturing apparatus according to
the second embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE
[0037] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be described in detail in conjunction with accompanying
drawings, especially, FIGS. 1a to 9. Referring to FIGS. 1a to 9,
the same reference numbers are given for the same constitutional
elements. Conventional technical configurations and functional
effects thereof, which are easily conceived or understood by
persons having ordinary skill in the related art, will be briefly
described or omitted from detailed description. Instead, the
foregoing inventive drawings may substantially illustrate subject
matters relating to the present invention.
[0038] The attached FIG. 1a is a view for describing an
electrically conductive fabric according to a first embodiment of
the present invention, and FIG. 1b and FIG. 1c are sectional views
schematically showing the structure for describing the electrically
conductive fabric according to the first embodiment of the present
invention, wherein FIG. 1b shows the cross section of the
electrically conductive wire weaving section, and FIG. 1c shows the
cross section of the electrically conductive wire exposing section.
In the description below, the warp refers to linear yarn arranged
lengthwise of the electrically conductive fabric and the weft
refers to the linear yarn knitted with the warp.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c, the electrically conductive
fabric according to the present invention is a fabric selectively
comprising electrically conductive wires for heating that are
formed in planar cloth and performs a heating action when electric
current is supplied, electrically conductive wires for conduction
of electric current and electrically conductive wire for signal
transmission for transmitting electric signals. This fabric
includes the multiple strands of warp 11 arranged lengthwise,
plural strands of weft 12 knitted in the direction perpendicular to
the warp 11, and plural strands of electrically conductive wires 13
arranged lengthwise and woven.
[0040] Especially the electrically conductive fabric 1 according to
the present invention is characterized by being repetitively
composed of the electrically conductive wire weaving sections a in
which the electrically conductive wire 13 is knitted with the warp
11 and/or weft 12 to be monolithically bound to the electrically
conductive fabric as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, and electrically
conductive wire exposing sections b in which the electrically
conductive wire 13 is not knitted with the warp and/or weft but is
exposed to the outside of the electrically conductive fabric by a
predetermined length as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1c.
[0041] The warp 11 is composed by applying common fiber yarn for
the case of composing the electrically conductive fabric 1 so as
not to have stretchability lengthwise, and by applying stretchable
fiber yarn such as span yarn for the case of composing the
electrically conductive fabric 1 so as to have stretchability
lengthwise.
[0042] The weft 12 is composed by applying common fiber yarn; in
case high strength is needed, it is composed by applying
high-tension fiber yarn such as Kevlar yarn and aramid yarn.
[0043] The electrically conductive wire 13, as shown in enlargement
in FIG. 1a, is composed by applying the one that is wound and
formed into one bundle to sheathe plural strands of insulated
electrically conductive yarn 131 with plural strands of fiber yarn
132. At this time, the electrically conductive yarn 131 can
embodied by selecting yarns having various materials and diameters
if they can conduct electric current, but in the present
embodiment, they were selected from metal yarns (commonly called
enamel wires) in which insulated sheathed layers are formed on
stainless wires, titanium wires, copper wires, etc. having
diameters of tens to hundreds of micrometers (.mu.m) and plural
strands of fiber yarn 132 are wound on the outer circumference as
an outer layer. And the number of strands of the electrically
conductive yarn 131 composing the electrically conductive wire 13
can be varied according to the use, purpose, etc. of electrically
conductive fabric, but in the present embodiment the electrically
conductive yarn is composed by bundling 5 to 20 strands into
one.
[0044] And the electrically conductive wire 13 is woven so as to be
arranged in a straight form structure or wave form structure along
the direction of the warp. At this time, in the case that the
electrically conductive wire 13 is woven in a straight form
structure, it is preferable to compose such that the electrically
conductive wire has stretchability as shown in the second
modification to be described later.
MODE FOR INVENTION
[0045] Next, FIG. 1d is a view showing the first modification of
the electrically conductive fabric according to the first
embodiment of the present invention; as shown in the drawing, the
electrically conductive fabric includes support wires 15 which are
woven along the placement path of the electrically conductive
wire.
[0046] The support wires 15 are woven on the left and right of the
electrically conductive wire 13 to bind it to the warp and weft so
as to prevent deformation. Namely, if the electrically conductive
wire 13 is composed of metal yarn, it is protruded to the surface
or back of the electrically conductive fabric 1 due to the
difference in flexibility from the fiber yarn supplied as the weft
and warp. At this time, since the support wires 15 perform the
function of holding the weft and warp on the left and right as
reinforcement wires, the twist of the electrically conductive wire
can be prevented. For this purpose, it is preferable that the
support wire 15 has a plurality of fiber yarns twisted and a
diameter (denier) greater than the weft and warp.
[0047] FIG. 1e is a view showing a second modification of the
electrically conductive fabric according to the first embodiment of
the present invention. The fabric illustrated in this embodiment is
composed into a planar body having electrically conductive wire
weaving sections a and electrically conductive wire exposing
sections b by using the multiple strands of warp 11 arranged
lengthwise, multiple strands of weft 12 knitted in the direction
perpendicular to the warp, and plural strands of electrically
conductive wires 13 arranged and woven lengthwise. At this time,
the electrically conductive wire 13 is woven so as to be arranged
in a straight form structure along the warp direction.
[0048] At this time, the electrically conductive wire 13, as shown
in enlargement in FIG. 1e, includes a stretchable inner wire 133
disposed in the inner center and formed of material having
stretchability like span yarn, plural strands of insulated
electrically conductive yarn 134 wound on the inner wire 133, and
outer layer 135 wound so as to have stretchability by winding
plural strands of fiber yarn on the outer circumference of the
electrically conductive yarn 134.
[0049] FIG. 1f is a view showing a third modification of the
electrically conductive fabric according to the first embodiment of
the present invention, wherein the cross section of the
electrically conductive wire weaving section is illustrated, and
the electrically conductive wire exposing section is omitted.
[0050] With reference to FIG. 1f, the electrically conductive
fabric is composed in such a way that it has electrically
conductive wire weaving sections a in which the electrically
conductive wire is embedded in the planar body and electrically
conductive wire exposing sections b in which the electrically
conductive wire is exposed to the outside of the planar body, by
making the electrically conductive wire 13 bound selectively to the
warp 11 and/or weft 12 by an extra binding-and-releasing weft
14.
[0051] Namely, the binding-and-releasing weft 14 is supplied
together when the electrically conductive wire 13 is woven to be
knitted to the warp and/or weft so that it is bound thereto in the
electrically conductive wire weaving sections a, while the
electrically conductive wire 13 is knitted to the warp and/or weft
so as not to be bound to the electrically conductive fabric 1 in
the electrically conductive wire exposing section b.
[0052] FIG. 2a is a view schematically showing the appearance of
the whole for describing the electrically conductive fabric
according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and
FIGS. 2b to 2d are views showing the major part for describing the
electrically conductive fabric according to the second embodiment
of the present invention, wherein FIG. 2b is a view showing a part
of part C of FIG. 2a, which is the electrically conductive wire
weaving section; FIG. 2c is a view showing a part of part D of FIG.
2a, which is the electrically conductive wire exposing section; and
FIG. 2d is a view showing part B of FIG. 2a, which is an area where
the electrically conductive wire is not arranged. Duplicated
explanation is omitted for compositions identical or similar to the
first embodiment. Also, in the second embodiment of the present
invention, although the electrically conductive wire can be woven
in such a way that it can be arranged in a straight form structure
or wave form structure along the warp direction in the same manner
as in the first embodiment mentioned above, only the one arranged
in the wave form structure will be described.
[0053] With reference to FIGS. 2a to 2c and FIG. 2d, the
electrically conductive fabric 1' according to the second
embodiment of the present invention includes multiple strands of
warp 11 arranged lengthwise, multiple strands of weft 12 knitted in
the direction perpendicular to the warp 11, and plural strands of
electrically conductive wires 13 arranged lengthwise and woven. At
this time, the weft 12 includes a first warp-knitting weft 12a that
is knitted with the warp 11 at the position corresponding to the
inside of the electrically conductive wire 13, a second weft 12b
(see FIG. 2d) for knitting the warp that is knitted with the warp
13 so as to provide a feeding free zone in the range of width
corresponding to the placement width of the electrically conductive
wire 13 at the position corresponding to the outside of the
electrically conductive wire 13, and a binding-and-releasing weft
12c (see FIGS. 2b and 2c) that is knitted with the warp so as to
selectively bind the electrically conductive wire 13 at the
position corresponding to the feeding free zone.
[0054] The binding-and-releasing weft 12c is composed by being
knitted such that the electrically conductive wire is bound
together with the warp 11 and the first warp-knitting weft 12a, in
the electrically conductive wire weaving section a (see FIGS. 2a
and 2b), and by being knitted within the range where the
electrically conductive wire 13 is not bound with the warp 11 and
the first warp-knitting weft 12a, in the electrically conductive
wire exposing section b (see FIGS. 2a and 2c).
[0055] And the electrically conductive wire 13 is woven so as to
make a waveform structure, and on both sides of the placement path
of the electrically conductive wire 13, it is possible to compose
in such a way that the support yarn 15 is woven to support the
electrically conductive wire, in a way similar to the first
embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the process for describing the
manufacturing method of the electrically conductive fabric
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] With reference to FIG. 3, the manufacturing method of the
electrically conductive fabric according to the first embodiment of
the present invention relates to the method of manufacturing an
electrically conductive fabric of a shape illustrated in FIG. 1a by
weaving machine. This manufacturing method comprises a warp feeding
process (S1) for feeding multiple strands of warp lengthwise, a
weft feeding process (S2) for feeding multiple strands of weft, an
electrically conductive wire feeding process (S3) for feeding the
electrically conductive wire in the weft feeding direction, and a
fabric weaving process (S4) for knitting the weft in the direction
perpendicular to the warp. The fabric weaving process (S4) further
comprises an electrically conductive wire weaving process (S41) for
weaving the electrically conductive wire 13 as well.
[0058] In the process for knitting the warp 11 and weft 12 with
each other, the electrically conductive wire weaving process (S4)
is characterized by including an electrically conductive wire
weaving step (S411) in which the electrically conductive wire 13 is
knitted with the warp 11 and/or weft 12, and an electrically
conductive wire exposing step (S412) in which the electrically
conductive wire 13 is fed while the electrically conductive wire
weaving step (S411) is under way but the electrically conductive
wire 13 is made not to be knitted with the warp 11 and/or weft 12
so that it is exposed to the outside of the electrically conductive
fabric by a predetermined length.
[0059] In the warp feeding process (S1) and the weft feeding
process (S2), the warp and weft, which are fiber yarns, are wound
and prepared on the reel respectively in the same manner as the
ordinary weaving process of fabrics, and the warp is fed to the
warp weaving unit of the weaving machine, and the weft is fed to
the weft weaving unit of the weaving machine.
[0060] In the electrically conductive wire weaving step (S411) to
weave an electrically conductive fabric of the shape as shown in
FIG. 1a, the weft 12 is knitted with the warp 11 in such a way that
the electrically conductive wire 13 is knitted and bound to both of
the warp 11 and the weft 12.
[0061] And in the electrically conductive wire exposing step
(S412), the weft 12 is knitted with the warp 11 in such a way that
the weft 12 is not knitted with the electrically conductive wire
13.
[0062] Meanwhile, in the case of weaving an electrically conductive
fabric of the shape as illustrated in FIG. 1f, the electrically
conductive wire 13 is not bound by the weft 12, but the
electrically conductive wire 13 is knitted and bound to the warp 11
and/or the weft 12. For this purpose, a separate
binding-and-releasing weft feeding process (S5) is implemented for
feeding the binding-and-releasing weft 14, so that an electrically
conductive wire weaving process (S41) becomes possible.
[0063] In the electrically conductive wire weaving step (S411), the
electrically conductive wire 13 is knitted and bound to the
electrically conductive fabric through the process for knitting the
binding-and-releasing weft 14 with the warp 11 and/or weft 12. And
the electrically conductive wire weaving step (S411) weaves in such
a way that the electrically conductive wire 13 is arranged in a
straight form structure of a waveform structure along the direction
of the warp.
[0064] In addition, the electrically conductive exposing step
(S412) carries out the process for knitting and binding the
binding-and-releasing weft 14 to the warp 11, in such a way that
the binding-and-releasing weft 14 is not knitted with the
electrically conductive wire 13.
[0065] The electrically conductive fabric manufacturing method
according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be
carried out by the electrically conductive fabric manufacturing
apparatus to be described in detail below.
[0066] FIG. 4a is a schematic view showing the configuration of the
electrically conductive fabric manufacturing apparatus according to
the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4b is a
schematic view showing the configuration of the electrically
conductive fabric manufacturing apparatus according to the
modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG.
5a is a front view schematically showing the overall structure of
the electrically conductive fabric manufacturing apparatus
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5b
is an enlarged perspective view of portion F of FIG. 5a, FIG. 6a is
a perspective view of the major part of the electrically conductive
fabric manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of
the present invention, and FIG. 6b is a perspective view of the
major part of the electrically conductive fabric manufacturing
apparatus according to the modification of the first embodiment of
the present invention. Specifically, FIGS. 6a and 6b are views
showing a warp weaving unit 310, a web weaving unit 320, an
electrically conductive wire weaving unit 330, and a warp guiding
unit 340.
[0067] With reference to FIGS. 4a, 5a, 5b and 6a, the electrically
conductive fabric manufacturing apparatus according to the first
embodiment of the present invention includes a warp feeding unit
210, a weft feeding unit 220 and an electrically conductive wire
feeding unit 230 for feeding the warp 11, the weft 12 and the
electrically conductive wire 13, respectively; and the warp weaving
unit 310, the weft weaving unit 320, the electrically conductive
wire weaving unit 330, and the warp guiding unit 340 which are
arranged on a frame 300 so as to carry out the weaving process; and
a weaving unit driving device 350.
[0068] The warp feeding unit 210, the weft feeding unit 220 and the
electrically conductive wire feeding unit 230 are reels on which
the warp 11, the weft 12 and the electrically conductive wire 13
are wound, respectively, as shown in FIG. 4a. They are composed in
quantities corresponding to the quantity of strands of the warp,
weft and electrically conductive wire required for weaving the
electrically conductive fabric, and are mounted on a reel mounting
deck 200. At this time, the reels are spools for winding the warp,
weft and electrically conductive wire, and they are of such a
structure in which circular retaining plates are installed on both
sides of the center winding rod.
[0069] The warp weaving unit 310 is of such a composition in which
multiple strands of warp 11 fed from the warp feeding unit 210 are
woven lengthwise, as shown in FIGS. 4a and 6a. There is a plurality
of warp needles 312, on which the warp 11 thread are arranged, on
the first support 311 installed laterally on the frame 300.
[0070] The electrically conductive wire weaving unit 330 is of a
composition in which at least one strand of the electrically
conductive wire 13 fed from the electrically conductive wire
feeding unit 230 is woven. There is at least one or more
electrically conductive wire needles 332, on which the electrically
conductive wire threads on the second support 331 that is
positioned above the warp weaving unit 310 and installed laterally
are arranged, and above the second support 331 is laterally
installed an electrically conductive wire guiding rod 333 to guide
the movement of the electrically conductive wire 13.
[0071] The weft weaving unit 320 is for weaving the multiple
strands of weft 12 fed from the weft feeding unit 220. In it are
arranged a plurality of weft needles 322 threaded with the weft 12
on the third support 321 which is laterally installed in contact
with the second support 331, and above this support 321 is
laterally installed a weft guiding rod 323 to guide the movement of
the weft.
[0072] The warp guiding unit 340 pulls the warp 11 on the side of
the warp weaving unit 310 and operates so as to have the warp 11,
the weft 12 and the electrically conductive wire 13 knitted through
interaction between the weft weaving unit 320 and the electrically
conductive wire weaving unit 330. In it are installed in array a
plurality of pull needles 342 which hook and pull the warp 11
threaded into the warp needle 312 on the fourth support 341
installed laterally in opposition to the first support 311. And the
pull needle 342 is formed in such a structure in which a hook
(nose) is formed at the end of the needle station, so that it can
hook and tie the warp 11 on the side of the warp needle 312 when
moving forward and can pull the warp when moving backward.
[0073] The weaving unit driving device 350 is of a composition for
operating the warp weaving unit 310, the weft weaving unit 320, the
electrically conductive wire weaving unit 330 and the warp guiding
unit 340 so that the weft 12 can be knitted in the direction
perpendicular to the progressing warp 11 and the electrically
conductive wire 13 can be knitted selectively with the warp 11.
Since it is composed in such a way that it is possible to
selectively regulate the operating area of the warp weaving unit
310, the weft weaving unit 320 and the electrically conductive wire
weaving unit 330, the electrically conductive wire 13 is woven,
while repetitively forming the electrically conductive wire weaving
section a in which the electrically conductive wire 13 is knitted
with the warp 11 and/or weft 12 to be bound monolithically to the
electrically conductive fabric 1, and the electrically conductive
wire exposing section b in which the electrically conductive wire
13 is not knitted with the warp and/or weft but is exposed to the
outside of the electrically conductive fabric 1 by a predetermined
length.
[0074] And the weaving unit driving device 350 is composed, as
shown in FIG. 5a, in such a way that it is connected so as to
transmit driving force to the first to fourth supports 311, 331,
321 and 341 to have the first support 311 make translational motion
upward and downward, have the second and the third supports 331 and
321 make translational motion laterally, upward and downward, and
have the fourth support 341 make translational motion forward and
backward. For this purpose, the weaving unit driving device 350
includes a first support driving unit 351, a fourth support driving
unit 352, a support lifting-lowering unit 353 and a lateral driving
unit 354.
[0075] The first support driving unit 351 is for moving the first
support 311 up and down. It elevates the first support 311 to lift
the warp needle 312 so that the pull needle 342 can hook and tie
the warp 11 easily as it moves forward according to the advancing
action of the fourth support 341 and moves the warp needle 312
downward as the first support 311 descends when the fourth support
341 moves backward. As long as the first support driving unit 351
is of a structure whereby the first support 311 can be moved up and
down, it can be composed in such a way that it has various
mechanisms without any particular limit. For example, the first
support driving unit 351 can be composed in such a way that a cam
(now shown) is installed on the axis rotated by a motor (not shown)
so as to move the first support 311 up and down according to the
rotating action of the cam, or can be composed of an electric
cylinder (not shown) or pneumatic cylinder (not shown) to move the
first support up and down according to the forward and backward
motion of the rod. Besides, the first support driving unit 351 may
as well be composed by a belt driving device (not shown) provided
with a motor, pulleys, and a timing belt, etc.
[0076] The fourth support driving unit 352 is of a composition for
moving the fourth support 341 forward and backward. As long as the
fourth support 341 can be moved forward and backward so that the
pull needle 342 can be moved forward and backward, it can be
composed in such a way that it has widely known various mechanisms
such as a motor with a cam, electric cylinder and pneumatic
cylinder.
[0077] The support lifting-lowering units 353 are for moving the
second and the third supports 331 and 321 up and down. They are
installed on both sides of the frame 300 as shown in FIG. 5a and
consist of a lifting-lowering block 353a into which the second and
the third supports 331 and 321 are inserted, and a lifting-lowering
device 353b for moving up and down the lifting-lowering block 353a.
At this time, the lifting-lowering device 353b may be composed of
an electric cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, motor with cam, belt
driving device, etc.
[0078] The lateral driving unit 354 is for moving the second and
the third supports 331 and 321 laterally as shown in FIGS. 5a and
5b. It includes a connecting rod 354a composed in a matching
quantity so as to be connected with the one end portion of the
second and the third supports 331 and 321 on one side of the frame
300, a cam member 354b connected to each connecting rod 354a, a
motor 354c which provides driving force to the second and the third
supports as the cam member 354b is connected to its output axis,
and a sensor 354d that detects the pivot angle of the cam member
354b and sends the detected signal to the control unit (not shown)
to control the drive of the motor 354c.
[0079] Meanwhile, the apparatus for manufacturing the electrically
conductive fabric of the shape illustrated in FIG. 1f may further
include a weaving unit 360 for binding and releasing to weave the
binding-and-releasing weft 14 that knits and ties the electrically
conductive wire 13 to the warp 11 and/or weft 12, instead of the
electrically conductive wire 13 which is not bound by the weft 12
as shown in FIGS. 4b and 6b.
[0080] The weaving unit 360 for binding and releasing is for
knitting in such a way that the electrically conductive wire 13 is
bound to the warp 11 and/or weft 12 in the electrically conductive
wire weaving section a by using plural strands of weft fed from a
weft feeding unit 240 installed on the reel mounting deck 200, and
for knitting with the warp 11 and/or weft 12 in the electrically
conductive wire exposing section b in such a way that the
electrically conductive wire 13 is not to be bound to the
electrically conductive fabric 1.
[0081] In addition, the weaving unit 360 for binding and releasing
is installed in such a way that a plurality of binding and
releasing needles 362, which the binding-and-releasing weft 14
threads on the fifth support 361 installed laterally at the
opposing position of the third support 321 opposed to the second
support 331, are positioned in the placement area of the
electrically conductive wire 13.
[0082] Also, the weaving unit driving device 350 is composed in
such a way that the fifth support 361 is moved laterally and in the
up and down directions, but the lateral translational motion of the
fifth support 361 is operated within the range where the
binding-and-releasing weft 14 is knitted to the electrically
conductive wire 13 in the electrically conductive wire weaving
section a, and the lateral translational motion of the fifth
support 361 is operated within the range where the
binding-and-releasing weft 14 is not knitted with the electrically
conductive wire 13 in the electrically conductive wire exposing
section b.
[0083] For this purpose, the fifth support 361 is inserted and
installed in the lifting-lowering block 353a of the support
lifting-lowering unit 353 composed to move up and down the second
and the third supports 331 and 321, and the weaving unit driving
device further includes another lateral driving unit 354, which is
composed of the connecting rod 354a, cam member 354b, motor 354c
and sensor 354d, to move the fifth support laterally.
[0084] Meanwhile, the numeral 301 shown in FIG. 5a is an input unit
for inputting the drive signals of the weaving unit driving device
350, and according to the signals inputted from the input unit 301,
the control unit (not shown) can control the weaving unit driving
device 350 to regulate the knitted shape of warp and weft, the
laterally moved distance of the electrically conductive wire, the
width of the electrically conductive wire bent portion if the
electrically conductive wire is knitted in a waveform structure,
the number of bent times, etc.
[0085] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the process for describing the
manufacturing method of the electrically conductive fabric
according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] With reference to FIG. 7, the manufacturing method of the
electrically conductive fabric according to the second embodiment
of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an
electric conductive fabric of the shape illustrated in FIGS. 2a to
2d, and likewise as the manufacturing method of the electrically
conductive fabric according to the first embodiment described
above, it comprises a warp feeding process (S1), weft feeding
process (S2), electrically conductive wire feeding process (S3) and
a fabric weaving process (S4), which includes an electrically
conductive wire weaving process (S41) for weaving electrically
conductive wires as well.
[0087] The electrically conductive wire weaving process (S41)
comprises an electrically conductive wire weaving step (S411) for
knitting the electrically conductive wire 13 with the warp 11, and
an electrically conductive wire exposing step (S412) in which the
electrically conductive wire 13 is fed while the electrically
conductive wire weaving step (S411) is under way but it is made not
to be knitted with the warp 11 so that it is exposed to the outside
of the electrically conductive fabric 1' by a predetermined
length.
[0088] The weft feeding process (S2) includes the first weft
feeding process (S21), the second weft feeding process (S22) and
the binding-and-releasing weft feeding process (S23).
[0089] The first weft feeding process (S21) is for feeding the
first warp-knitting weft 12a that is knitted with the warp 11
inside of the electrically conductive wire 13, and the weft face
arrayed on the inner surface of the electrically conductive fabric
1' after the electrically conductive wire weaving process (S41)
carried out is formed in this process.
[0090] In the second waft feeding process (S22, see FIGS. 2c and
2d), the second warp-knitting weft 12b that is knitted with the
warp 11 outside of the electrically conductive wire 13 is fed, but
in the range of width corresponding to the placement width of the
electrically conductive wire 13, the feeding of second
warp-knitting weft is excluded to provide a feeding free zone.
[0091] The binding-and-releasing weft feeding process (S23, see
FIG. 2b) is to feed the binding-and-releasing weft 12c to be used
for knitting and tying the electrically conductive wire 13
selectively to the warp 11 at a separated position corresponding to
the feeding free zone formed in the second weft feeding process
(S22).
[0092] The electrically conductive wire weaving step (S411, see
area a of FIG. 2a) simultaneously carries out the process of
knitting and tying to the warp 11 the first and second
warp-knitting wefts 12a and 12b and the binding-and-releasing wefts
12c (see FIG. 2d), in such a way that the electrically conductive
wire 13 is knitted and bound by the binding-and-releasing weft 12c
to both of the warp 11 and the first warp-knitting weft 12a (see
FIG. 2b). And in the electrically conductive wire weaving step
(S411) the electrically conductive wire 13 can be woven also in a
straight form structure along the direction of the warp 11, but in
the present embodiment the electrically conductive wire 13 is
arranged and woven in a wave form structure.
[0093] And in the electrically conductive wire exposing step (S412,
see area b of FIG. 2a) the first and second warp-knitting wefts 12a
and 12b are knitted to the warp 11 (see FIG. 2d), and the
binding-and-releasing weft 12c is knitted to the warp, but in such
a way that the electrically conductive wire is knitted within the
range where it is not bound to the warp and the first warp-knitting
weft (see FIG. 2c). If work is carried out in such a way that the
binding-and-releasing weft 12c is not knitted to the electrically
conductive wire but knitted only to the warp 11 by minifying the
laterally moving range of the fifth support 361 to be described
later, the electrically conductive wire 13 is exposed to the
outside of the electrically conductive fabric 1' to form an
electrically conductive wire exposing section b.
[0094] Meanwhile, in the electrically conductive wire weaving step
(S411), it is preferable to weave by feeding the support wire 15
together with the electrically conductive wire 13 so as to be
arranged on the left and right sides along the placement path, in
order to prevent the protrusion or twisting of the electrically
conductive wire 13 woven in the electrically conductive fabric 1'.
For this purpose, it is preferable to install a support wire needle
334 on the second support 331 that corresponds to the left and
right sides of the electrically conductive wire needle 332 for
weaving the electrically conductive wire 13 as will be described
later (see FIG. 9) and thread the support wire needle 334 with the
support wire 15 to feed it.
[0095] Such an electrically conductive fabric manufacturing method
according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be
carried out by an electrically conductive fabric manufacturing
apparatus to be described in detail below.
[0096] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the composition of an
electrically conductive fabric manufacturing apparatus according to
the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a
perspective view of the major part of the electrically conductive
fabric manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment
of the present invention. The overall appearance structure and a
weaving unit driving device 350 of the electrically conductive
fabric manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment
is similar to the first embodiment, so detailed illustration is
omitted. And a duplicated description is omitted for the
composition similar to the electrically conductive fabric
manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0097] With reference to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 8 and 9, the electrically
conductive fabric manufacturing apparatus according to the second
embodiment of the present invention includes a warp feeding unit
210 for feeding the warp 11, a weft feeding unit 220 for feeding
the first and second warp-knitting wefts 12a and 12b, and the
binding-and-releasing weft 12c, and an electrically conductive wire
feeding unit 230 for feeding the electrically conductive wire 13; a
warp weaving unit 310, a first weft weaving unit 370, a second weft
weaving unit 380, an electrically conductive wire weaving unit 330,
a warp guiding unit 340 composed on the frame 300 to carry out the
weaving process; and the weaving unit driving device 350.
[0098] The warp feeding unit 210, the weft feeding unit 220 and the
electrically conductive wire feeding unit 230 are composed of reels
on which the warp, weft and electrically conductive wire are wound,
respectively, in the same manner as the first embodiment, but since
the wefts of the second embodiment are divided into the first and
second warp-knitting wefts 12a and 12b, and the
binding-and-releasing weft 12c, each reel is installed
separately.
[0099] The warp weaving unit 310 is of a composition for weaving
lengthwise the multiple strands of the warp fed from the warp
feeding unit 210, and in it are installed a plurality of warp
needles 312 which the warp 11 threads on the first support 311
installed laterally on the frame 300.
[0100] The electrically conductive fabric weaving unit 330 is of a
composition in which at least one strand of electrically conductive
wire 13 is fed from the electrically conductive wire feeding unit
230 positioned above the warp weaving unit 310, and in it are
installed at least one electrically conductive wire needle 332 on
which the electrically conductive wire 13 threads in the second
support 331 installed laterally.
[0101] And it is preferable to install in the second support 331 a
support wire needle 334 on which the support wire 15 is thread on
the left and right of the electrically conductive wire needle 332,
so that it is possible to weave the support wire 15 so as to be
arranged on the left and right of the placement path of the
electrically conductive wire 13, as shown in FIG. 9. At this time,
the support wire needle 334 is installed at a given clearance from
the electrically conductive wire 332 so as to match the clearance
of the support wire 15.
[0102] The warp guiding unit 340 is positioned in opposition so
that it can pull the warp 11 on the side of the warp weaving unit
310. It is operated in such a way that the first and second
warp-knitting wefts 12a and 12b and the electrically conductive
wire 13 are knitted through interaction between the first and
second weft weaving units 370 and 380 and the warp weaving unit
310. In it are installed a plurality of pull needles 342 for
hooking and pulling the warp 11 threaded into the warp needle 312
on the fourth support 341 installed laterally.
[0103] The first weft weaving unit 370 is positioned on one side of
the electrically conductive wire weaving unit 330 to weave on the
warp 11 the multiple strands of the first weft 12a for knitting
warp fed from the weft feeding unit 220 so as to form one side face
of the electrically conductive fabric 1'. In it are arranged a
plurality of weft needles 372 into which are fed the first
warp-knitting weft 12a on a third-a support 371 installed laterally
in contact with the inner side of the second support 331, and above
the third-a support 371 is installed laterally a weft guiding bar
373 so as to guide the movement of the first warp-knitting
weft.
[0104] The second weft weaving unit 380 is positioned on the other
side of the electrically conductive wire weaving unit 330 to weave
with the warp 11 the multiple strands of the second warp-knitting
weft 12b fed from the weft feeding unit 220 so as to form the other
side face of the electrically conductive fabric 1'. On a third-b
support 381 installed laterally in contact with the outside of the
second support 331 facing the third-a support 371 are arranged a
plurality of weft needles 382 threaded by the second warp-knitting
weft 12, and above the third-b support 371 is installed laterally a
weft guiding bar 383 to guide the movement of the second
warp-knitting weft 12b.
[0105] The weaving unit driving device 350 operates the warp
weaving unit 310, the first and second weft weaving units 370 and
380, the electrically conductive wire weaving unit 330 and the warp
guiding unit 340 so that the first and second warp-knitting wefts
12a and 12b are knitted perpendicular to the warp 11 and the
electrically conductive wire 13 is knitted selectively in the
direction of the warp.
[0106] In particular, the weaving unit driving device 350 can
selectively regulate the operation areas of the first and second
weft weaving units 370 and 380, the electrically conductive wire
weaving unit 330, etc., so it is characterized by being able to
weave an electrically conductive fabric having the electrically
conductive wire weaving section a in which the electrically
conductive wire 13 is knitted with the warp 11 and/or the first and
second warp-knitting wefts 12a and 12b so as to be bound
monolithically to the electrically conductive fabric 1', and the
electrically conductive wire exposing section b in which the
electrically conductive wire is not knitted to the warp and/or the
first and second warp-knitting wefts but is exposed to the outside
of the electrically conductive fabric.
[0107] For this purpose, the weaving unit driving device 350
includes a first support driving unit 351, which is instrumentally
connected so as to transmit driving force to the first to fourth
supports in order to have the first support 311 make translational
motion upward and downward, and the second, third-a and third-b
supports 331, 371 and 381 make translational motion laterally and
upward and downward, and the fourth support 341 make translational
motion forward and backward, and a fourth support driving unit 352,
a support lifting-lowering unit 353 and a lateral driving unit 354.
Although detailed description is omitted because it is similar to
the aforementioned first embodiment, the lateral driving unit 354
further includes a connecting rod 354a for driving the third-b
support 381, cam member 354b, motor 354c and sensor 354d.
[0108] Meanwhile, the electrically conductive fabric manufacturing
apparatus according to the second embodiment is characterized in
that the second weft weaving unit 380 has a needle free section e
in which the weft needle 382 is not positioned in the range of
width corresponding to the placement width of the electrically
conductive wire needle 332, and that it includes a weaving unit 360
for binding and releasing which selectively knits the
binding-and-releasing weft 12c to the area corresponding the needle
free section e.
[0109] In the weaving unit 360 for binding and releasing, a needle
363 for knitting electrically conductive yarn in the area
corresponding to the needle free section e is arranged in the fifth
support 361 which is positioned in contact with the second weft
weaving unit 380 and is moved laterally and upward and downward by
the weaving unit driving device 350.
[0110] The fifth support 361 carries out the weaving process while
moving the electrically conductive yarn-knitting needle 362
according to the action of the weaving unit driving device 350 so
as to form the electrically conductive wire weaving section a and
the electrically conductive wire exposing section b. In other
words, as shown in FIGS. 2b and 9, in the electrically conductive
wire weaving section a, it operates the moved distance (the lateral
translational motion range of the fifth support) of the
electrically conductive yarn-knitting needle 362 by limiting to the
range in which the binding-and-releasing weft 12c is knitted with
the electrically conductive wire 13, and as shown in FIGS. 2c and
9, in the electrically conductive wire exposing section b, it
operates the moved distance (the lateral translational motion range
of the fifth support) of the electrically conductive yarn-knitting
needle 362 by limiting to the range in which the
binding-and-releasing weft 12c is not knitted with the electrically
conductive wire 13.
[0111] Meanwhile, the process for weaving electrically conductive
fabric will be described briefly by using the electrically
conductive fabric manufacturing apparatus according to the present
second embodiment.
[0112] First, the input unit 301 is set such that in the
electrically conductive wire weaving section a, the electrically
conductive wire 13 is knitted in a waveform structure and the
electrically conductive wire exposing section b is formed at a
predetermined interval and operates the weaving unit driving device
350, then the warp 11 is moved up and down by the action of the
first support driving unit 351 to be fed toward the pull needle
342. Accordingly, the pull needle 342 positioned in the fourth
support 341 that is moved forward and backward according to the
action of the fourth support driving unit 352 pulls the warp 11 to
form a loop, and the weaving process is carried out as the second,
third-a, third-b and fifth supports 331, 371, 381 and 361 make
translational motion upward and downward and laterally by the
action of the support lifting-lowering unit 353 and lateral driving
unit 354.
[0113] To describe this in more detail, as the fourth support 341
advances at the time of rising action of the first support 311, the
pull needle 342 advances, and simultaneously as the second,
third-a, third-b and fifth supports 331, 371, 381 and 361 are
elevated, it moves toward the lateral side (in the direction of
lateral driving unit side). Subsequently as the descending action
of the first support 311 and the backing action of the fourth
support 341 are carried out simultaneously, the pull needle 342
pulls the warp 11 to form a loop, and at this time, the second,
third-a, third-b and fifth supports 331, 371, 381 and 361 descend
gradually, continuing one lateral (toward the lateral driving unit)
movement by the moved distance set respectively, and the first and
second warp-knitting wefts, electrically conductive wire and the
binding-and-releasing wefts 12a, 12b, 13 and 12c are knitted with
the warp 11.
[0114] Subsequently, as the first support 311 rises and the fourth
support 341 advances the pull needle 342 advances, and the second,
third-a, third-b and fifth supports 331, 371, 381 and 361 move
toward the other lateral side (the opposite direction of the
lateral driving unit) together with a rising action. Continuously
the descending action of the first support 311 is carried out and
as the backing action of the fourth support 341 is carried out the
pull needle 342 pulls the warp 11 to form a loop. At this time, the
second, third-a, third-b and fifth supports 331, 371, 381 and 361
continue to move toward the other lateral side (the lateral driving
unit) as much as the moved distance set respectively, and the first
and second warp-knitting wefts 12a and 12b, the electrically
conductive wire 13 and the binding-and-releasing weft 12c are
knitted with the warp 11 one more time.
[0115] Thus, if the up and down actions of the first support 311
and the forward and backward moving actions of the fourth support
341 are carried out simultaneously with the up and down of the
second, third-a, third-b and fifth supports 331, 371, 381 and 361
and the actions of moving toward one side and the other side are
carried repetitively, an electrically conductive fabric 1' of a
shape (see FIG. 2b) in which the first and second warp-knitting
wefts 12a and 12b are arranged on both sides of the warp 11 and the
electrically conductive wire 13 is arranged at the position
corresponding to the inside of the binding-and-releasing weft 12c
is woven and discharged downward.
[0116] At this time, in the electrically conductive wire weaving
section a, the electrically conductive wire weaving section a of
the electrically conductive fabric 1 as shown in FIG. 2b is formed
under the control of the control unit (not shown) by increasing the
rotation range of the motor 354c of the lateral driving unit 354
connected with the fifth support 361 and operating by limiting the
moved distance (the range of the lateral translational motion of
the fifth support 351) of the electrically conductive yarn-knitting
needle 362 to the range in which the binding-and-releasing weft 12c
is knitted with the electrically conductive wire 13. Conversely, in
the electrically conductive wire exposing section b, the
electrically conductive wire exposing section b of the electrically
conductive fabric 1' as shown in FIG. 2c is formed under the
control of the control unit by decreasing the rotation range of the
motor 354c and operating by limiting the moved distance (the range
of the lateral translational motion of the fifth support) of the
electrically conductive yarn-knitting needle 362 to the range in
which the binding-and-releasing weft 12c is not knitted with the
electrically conductive wire 13.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0117] As mentioned above, the electrically conductive fabric and
the manufacturing method and apparatus thereof of the present
invention provide an effect of being able to carry out tying or
connecting work quickly and conveniently by forming electrically
conductive wire exposing sections for the portions for tying
electrically conductive wires or connecting various elements or
modules, since they are provided with electrically conductive wire
weaving sections where electrically conductive wires are knitted to
warp and/or weft to be bound monolithically to an electrically
conductive fabric and electrically conductive wire exposing
sections where electrically conductive wires are not knitted to
warp and/or weft to be exposed to the outside of the electrically
conductive woven fabrics by a predetermined length. Accordingly, it
is possible to use of goods using electrically conductive
fabrics.
[0118] Although an electric conduction pad and a method for
manufacturing the same according to preferred embodiments of the
present invention have been described in conjunction with
accompanying drawings, it is only illustrative. It will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications
and equivalents can be made to the present invention. Therefore,
the true technical scope of the present invention should be defined
by the appended claims.
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