System with textile element and connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a system comprising a textile element and a connector for mechanically connecting a functional element to the textile element, wherein the textile element has at least two recesses, wherein the connector has at least two projections which are arranged corresponding to a corresponding number of recesses, wherein the projections and recesses are arranged so that the projections engage with the corresponding recesses and thus the textile element and the connector can be brought into a fixed state in order to attach the connector to the textile element.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system comprising a textile element and a connector for mechanically connecting a functional element to the textile element. The invention also relates to such a connector.

[0002] With textile elements, such as clothing, there is often a desire to attach a functional element of any kind to the textile element, especially in a detachable manner, i.e., to create a mechanical connection between the functional element and the textile element. The functional element can be, for example, a sensor or a decorative element. Very different examples are given here to illustrate that there are very different types of functional elements that can or should be attached to a textile element.

[0003] A widely used solution for this task is hook-and-loop fasteners. A mushroom-shaped fastener, for example, is also common and beneficial for the surrounding fabric.

[0004] These solutions lack flexibility in that one element of the hook-and-loop fastener or mushroom-shaped fastener is typically permanently connected, for example, sewn, to the textile element. Thus, the position of the hook-and-loop fastener or mushroom-shaped fastener is fixed and therefore inflexible. Furthermore, these permanently attached elements are unsightly when there is no connection, i.e., when no functional element is attached. Furthermore, these elements typically have little or no stretch, which may be acceptable when the functional element is attached, but is often undesirable and unnecessary when the functional element is not.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a flexible solution for attaching a functional element to a textile element.

[0006] This object is achieved by a system according to claim 1, and in particular in that the textile element has at least two recesses, wherein the connector has at least two projections which are arranged corresponding to a corresponding number of recesses, wherein the projections and recesses are designed such that the projections engage with the corresponding recesses and thus the textile element and the connector can be brought into a fastened state in order to fasten the connector to the textile element.

[0007] A respective recess is provided in the textile itself, i.e., in the surface of the fabric. For the purposes of this description, recesses are understood to be structures that are larger than the spaces between threads and / or stitches of the textile. In other words, the thread-free areas present in every textile are not the recesses. Rather, the recesses are preferably at least twice, in particular three times, the regular spacing between two adjacent threads or stitches in the textile element, particularly in one direction.

[0008] "Corresponding" means that the projections and recesses are positioned and shaped relative to one another in such a way that they can be brought into engagement with one another. For example, there may be as many recesses as there are projections. Alternatively, there may be more recesses than projections, for example, a plurality of recesses.

[0009] The projections can, for example, be connected to one another by a base body of the connector and / or positioned corresponding to recesses.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the connector has a first base body and a second base body, wherein at least one, in particular each, of the projections extends from one of the base bodies and wherein the other base body has a securing recess corresponding to the projection. The projection can in particular engage with the securing recess and thus be brought into a secured state in order to secure the base bodies to one another. The projection can preferably extend, in the secured and fastened state, between the first and second base bodies and through a recess in the textile element. This embodiment has the advantage that the projection is particularly well secured against slipping out of the recess. This makes the mechanical connection particularly secure. At the same time, it is a technically particularly simple solution.

[0011] The connector can, for example, have a first base body, with the projections extending from the first base body. The projections can preferably be integrally connected to the base body, for example, made of plastic as a single part, in particular an injection-molded part. This allows the base body and projections to be manufactured in a particularly simple manner.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the connector has a second base body, wherein the second base body has a number of securing recesses corresponding to the number of projections, which are arranged corresponding to the projections. The projections can preferably engage with the respective corresponding securing recesses and thus be brought into a secured state in order to secure the base bodies to one another. The projections can preferably extend, in the secured and fastened state, between the first and second base bodies and through the recesses of the textile element. This embodiment offers a technically particularly simple construction while simultaneously providing a good securing effect. The second base body here forms, in particular, a one-piece, common securing element.Alternatively, it is possible, for example, to provide multiple securing elements, for example, one securing element per projection. If there are more than two projections, combinations of these elements are also possible.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the connector has a securing device, e.g., a securing recess of the type described above, for at least one projection, in particular for all projections, wherein the projection is secured in a secured state, for example, in a corresponding securing recess, by means of a press connection or a snap-in connection. The projection can thus be pressed or snapped into a securing recess, in particular, to bring the connector into a secured state. The aforementioned connection types allow for particularly simple handling of the connector and particularly simple attachment of the functional element to the textile element.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the projection(s) can be releasably and / or repeatedly brought into a secured state by means of a securing device, in particular the corresponding securing recess. This further facilitates handling of the connector. Furthermore, a particularly flexible fastening solution is provided.

[0015] One or all of the projections can, for example, be shaped like a mushroom or a pin. The mushroom shape is particularly advantageous in conjunction with a snap-in connection between the projection and the securing recess. The pin shape is particularly advantageous in conjunction with a press-fit connection between the projection and the securing recess. Both shapes are easy to manufacture and allow for simple and flexible securing.

[0016] The connector can preferably have at least one securing recess for at least one projection to secure the projection in the respective recess. Further preferably, at least one expansion recess, preferably at least or exactly two expansion recesses, can be provided for the at least one, in particular for a respective, securing recess. This ensures that the wall of the securing recess can be expanded more easily and the projection can be inserted and - if provided - pulled out of the securing recess more easily. The at least one expansion recess can preferably be arranged adjacent to the securing recess and / or such that a web is provided between the securing recess and the expansion recess, which web is movable in the direction of the expansion recess. This allows an enlargement of the securing recess when a projection is inserted into the securing recess.This makes securing the connector easier. The web is preferably elastically movable. This can advantageously facilitate and improve a snap-in connection and generally a releasable and / or repeatable securing.

[0017] The connector can therefore be designed in particular so that the web moves in the direction of the expansion recess when the projection engages with the securing recess. This facilitates securing and releasing, i.e., the movement of the projection in the securing recess.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the recesses and projections are arranged regularly such that the connector can be selectively attached at different positions and / or in different orientations relative to the textile element. This further increases the flexibility in attaching the functional element to the textile element. In particular, more recesses than projections of the connector can be provided. The recesses and / or projections can, for example, be arranged regularly in two mutually perpendicular directions.

[0019] The fastening is particularly flexible if more than ten, in particular more than 20, in particular more than 50, recesses are provided in the textile element. The number of projections on the connector is generally preferably at least three, more preferably at least four, and / or at most 20, more preferably at most 16, more preferably at most eight.

[0020] Preferably, the connector can be releasably and / or repeatedly attached to the textile element. This ensures particularly flexible usability of the connector. Furthermore, a releasable and / or repeatable attachment is particularly sustainable.

[0021] The projections can preferably be secured in the recesses in a releasable and / or repeatable manner, particularly by means of a securing device. This also ensures particularly flexible usability of the connector. Furthermore, a releasable and / or repeatable securing mechanism is particularly sustainable.

[0022] The connector, the first base body, the second base body, and / or at least one of the projections, in particular all of the projections, can preferably be made of plastic. This allows for simple manufacturing and facilitates design with regard to releasable or repeatable fastening or securing. Furthermore, plastic is lightweight, making the connector easy and comfortable to handle.

[0023] The textile element can preferably be a knit fabric element. This has the advantage that the recesses are particularly easy to incorporate, while still being relatively stable.

[0024] It is also generally advantageous if the recesses of the textile element are reinforced. In this case, the recesses are more stable and the attachment of the functional element to the textile element, as well as the textile element itself, are more durable.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the textile element is made of or comprises an elastic thread. This facilitates the insertion of the projection into the recess.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the textile element comprises an electrically conductive material. The connector can preferably be configured to establish an electrical connection and / or at least one contact between the functional element and the textile element or the electrically conductive material. This allows an electrical connection between the functional element and the textile element to be established in a particularly simple manner.

[0027] An electrical connection is advantageous, for example, in connection with electro-muscle stimulation. In this case, a piece of clothing is typically equipped with an electrode by means of which a voltage is transmitted to a muscle. Solutions are known for supplying the electrode with electrical energy in which lines are guided through the textile element and in which the lines can be connected to a separate power source at a connection point. A known connection, for example, is one using metal snap fasteners, which form a mechanical connection on the one hand and an electrical contact on the other. Compared to this known solution using snap fasteners, the invention allows for particularly flexible fastening and, in particular with additional securing of the projections in the recesses, a particularly high degree of secure fastening.Accordingly, it is advantageous if the textile element comprises at least one electrode for electromuscular stimulation. The textile element can, for example, be a piece of clothing with at least one electrode for electromuscular stimulation.

[0028] Preferably, at least two, more preferably at least four, more preferably at least eight, contacts can be provided between a connector and the textile element. In principle, multiple connectors with electrical contacts can also be provided, so that a total of even more contacts can be established than a single connector itself comprises or can reasonably comprise. Particularly when the textile element is a garment with at least one electrode for electromuscular stimulation, it proves particularly advantageous for a connector to have eight or sixteen electrical contacts.

[0029] The electrical connection can in principle be designed and / or used for energy transmission and / or communication.

[0030] For example, a thread and / or yarn of the textile element can be conductive. However, a wire can also be guided to the recess. Another example provides for the conductive material to be a metal applied to a surface of the textile element, for example, by spraying.

[0031] In principle, for example, one or more, in particular all, projections can each form or comprise an electrical contact. However, it is also possible for one or more other elements of the connector to each form or comprise a contact. Combinations of these two approaches are also possible.

[0032] For example, the projections can be made of metal. This is a particularly simple way to establish electrical contact. A recess can, for example, be surrounded or reinforced by a conductive material. The conductive material can, in particular, form an electrical contact for the connector, for example, for a projection or for a contact opposite the connector.

[0033] The functional element can generally be attached to the connector in a detachable or non-detachable manner. For example, the functional element can be glued to the connector, connected in one piece, connected by means of a locking or snap connection, connected to at least one fastening element, such as a screw, by means of a hook-and-loop or mushroom-head fastener, and / or magnetically.

[0034] The functional element can, for example, also be connected or connectable to multiple connectors of the described type. Conversely, a connector can also be connected or connectable to multiple functional elements. The system can, in principle, also comprise one or more functional elements. The system can also comprise multiple connectors.

[0035] The functional element can be, for example, a bag, a mobile device, a sensor such as a motion or vital function sensor, another textile element, or a decorative element. In the case of an electrically conductive connector, the functional element can also be or include a power source and / or an electronic control device.

[0036] Preferably, the textile element can be a piece of clothing, e.g., trousers, a top, a sock, an arm or foot warmer, a headgear, an undergarment, a one-piece suit, or a body band, e.g., a headband or wristband. The textile element can also be part of a shoe, a bag, or a backpack, for example.

[0037] The system may, for example, also comprise more than one connector of the described type. The connectors may be connected or connectable to each other in addition to the textile element.

[0038] This object is also achieved by a connector according to the independent claim directed thereto. This connector is designed for the mechanical connection of a functional element to a textile element having at least two recesses. The connector has at least two projections, and the projections are designed such that the projections can be brought into engagement with the recesses in order to fasten the connector to the textile element.

[0039] The object is also achieved by a method for mechanically connecting a functional element to a textile element, wherein a connector is used for mechanically connecting a functional element to the textile element, wherein the textile element has at least two recesses, wherein the connector has at least two projections which are arranged corresponding to a corresponding number of recesses, wherein the projections engage with the corresponding recesses and thus the textile element and the connector are brought into a fastened state in order to fasten the connector to the textile element.

[0040] The system, the connector and the method can advantageously be further developed according to the individual features and embodiments of the respective other aspects.

[0041] The invention is explained below merely by way of example with reference to the schematic drawing. Fig. 1 shows a textile element with a multitude of recesses. Fig. 2 shows a connector. Fig. 3 shows a projection of the connector of the Fig. 2. Fig. 4 shows a textile element and the connector of the Fig. 2 in a first view. Fig. 5 shows a textile element and the connector of the Fig. 2 in a second view. Fig. 6 shows another connector attached to a textile element. Fig. 7 shows another connector attached to a textile element.

[0042] In Fig. 1 shows a textile element 10 which has a plurality of recesses 12 in a limited area. The recesses 12 are designed to engage projections of a Fig. 1. The textile element 10 can be, for example, a piece of clothing or a part of a garment.

[0043] In Fig. 2, a connector 14 is shown, wherein part figure a) shows a first sub-element 16 and part figure b) shows a second sub-element 18 of the connector 14. The sub-element 16 comprises a first base body 20 and a plurality of projections 22. The projections 22 extend from the base body 20 to the viewer of the Fig. 2 there.

[0044] The projections 22 each have a shape as shown in Fig. 3 is illustrated in more detail, namely a mushroom shape with a head 23.

[0045] The projections 22 can, for example, engage with corresponding recesses 12 of the textile element 10 of the Fig. 1 in order to fasten the connector 14 or the first base body 20 to the textile element 10, thus bringing the connector 14 and the textile element 10 into a fastened state.

[0046] The textile element 10 of the Fig. 1 can preferably be designed elastically, and the recesses 12 can each be designed smaller than the largest circumference of the projections 22 or than the circumference of the respective head 23. Thus, the respective recesses 12 can be stretched to insert the respective projections 22 with their mushroom shape into the recesses 12. Below the head 23, i.e., at the smaller circumference of the projections 22, the respective recess can again be elastically reduced in size, thus ensuring a tight fit of the connector 14 or the first sub-element 16 on the textile element 10.

[0047] Thus, there is already an attachment of the connector 14 or the first partial element 16 to the textile element 10. In order to increase safety, the partial element 18 of the connector 14 forms a securing element which secures the respective projections 22 in the respective recesses 12 and thus secures the first partial element 16 to the textile element 10.

[0048] The subelement 18 of the connector 14 comprises a second base body 24. The first base body 20 and the second base body 24 are designed, for example, as circular discs. Other shapes are also possible.

[0049] The second base body 24 comprises a plurality of securing recesses 26, which are provided in a number and position corresponding to the projections 22. The projections 22 and the securing recesses 26 are configured so that the projections 22 can be brought into engagement with the securing recesses 26 in order to secure the first base body 20 relative to the second base body 24.

[0050] A locking connection is provided between a respective projection 22 and the corresponding securing recess 26.

[0051] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, each securing recess 26 is assigned two expansion recesses 28. Each expansion recess 28 is adjacent to the associated securing recess 26 and arranged such that a web 30, which is elastically movable, is provided between the securing recess 26 and the expansion recess 28. The largest circumference of the respective projection 22, i.e. the circumference of the head 23 of the mushroom shape, is larger than the securing recess 26. When the projection 22 is inserted into the securing recess 26, the web 30 therefore moves elastically in the direction of the expansion recess 28. Once the head 23 of the projection 22 has passed the securing recess 26, the web 30 moves elastically again in the direction of the securing recess 26 and engages behind the head 23 of the projection 22. Thus, a reliable locking connection is realized in a simple manner. In addition, the locking connection can be released and engaged repeatedly.

[0052] Corresponding expansion recesses 28 can also be provided with advantage, for example, if a press connection is provided between a pin-shaped projection 22, for example, and a securing recess 26.

[0053] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are the connector 14 of the Fig. 2 and a textile element 10 are shown, wherein the connector 14 and the textile element 10 are in a fastened state, and wherein the first base body 20 and the second base body 24 are in a secured state. Thus, the connector 14 is fastened to the textile element 10, and the fastening is secure.

[0054] In Fig. 4, the second basic body 24 is visible. The first basic body 22 is in Fig. 4 and is located behind the textile element 10 from the viewpoint of the observer. In Fig. 4, however, projections 22, namely the heads 23 of the first sub-element 16 of the connector 14, are visible, which are arranged in the securing recesses 28 and thus engage with them.

[0055] The textile element 10 is in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, between the first base body 22 and the second base body 24. The projections 22 extend through recesses 12, which are formed in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are not shown separately, but which, for example, are Fig. 1 can be executed.

[0056] In Fig. 5 also shows a functional element 32, which is attached to the first base body. The functional element 32 can be, for example, a sensor or a decorative element.

[0057] In Fig. 6 shows a connector 14 attached to a textile element 10. The textile element 10 is part of a garment (not shown in detail) that covers a body part 34. A functional element 32 is attached to the first base body 20.

[0058] The connector 14 of the Fig. 6 comprises a plurality of projections 22, each of which has a pin shape in this example. The projections 22 engage with corresponding recesses 12 of the textile element 10. The projections 22 thus form a positive connection with the textile element 10 with respect to the extension directions of the textile element 10, i.e., horizontally and perpendicularly to the image plane.

[0059] The connector 14 also comprises a second base body 24 with securing recesses 26 for the projections 22. The base body 24 forms or comprises a securing device for securing the first base body 20 in the state fastened to the textile element 10. The pins or projections 22 and the securing recesses 26 are designed with an interference fit, and the projections 22 are pressed into the securing recesses 26. This press connection can preferably be produced in a detachable and repeatable manner.

[0060] The Fig. The connector 14 shown in Figure 7 corresponds in many respects to that of the Fig. 6. In contrast, the projections 22 of the connector 14 of the Fig. 7 is designed with a mushroom shape. The securing recesses 26 are adapted to the mushroom shape in such a way that a locking connection is realized. In order to insert the head 23 of the respective projection 22 into the securing recess 26 and into the locked state, as shown in Fig. 7, or conversely, to release the projection 22 from the securing recess 28, the upper end of the securing recess 26 must be expanded. This can be facilitated, for example, by an expansion recess (not shown here) arranged in the second base body 24 adjacent to the securing recess 26.

[0061] In the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 it is also visible that there are more recesses 12 than projections 22 and that the recesses 12 and the projections 22 are arranged regularly such that the connector 14 can be fastened to the textile element 10 at different positions with respect to the latter. List of reference symbols 10 textile element 12 recess 14 connectors 16 sub-elements 18 sub-elements 20 first basic body 22 lead 23 heads 24 second basic body 26 Safety recess 28 Expansion recess 30 jetty 32 functional element 34 body part

Claims

[1] System comprehensive a textile element (10) and a connector (14) for mechanically connecting a functional element (32) to the textile element (10), wherein the textile element (10) has at least two recesses, wherein the connector (14) has at least two projections (22) arranged corresponding to a corresponding number of recesses (12), wherein the projections (22) and recesses (12) are configured such that the projections (22) engage with the corresponding recesses (12) and thus the textile element (10) and the connector (14) can be brought into a fastened state in order to fasten the connector (14) to the textile element (10). [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the connector (14) has a first base body (20) and a second base body (24), wherein at least one of the projections (22) extends from one of the base bodies (20, 24) and wherein the other base body (20, 24) has a securing recess (26) corresponding to the projection (22), wherein the projection (22) can be brought into engagement with the securing recess (26) and thus into a secured state in order to secure the base bodies (20, 24) to one another, wherein the projection (22) in the secured and fastened state extends between the first base body (20) and the second base body (24) and through a recess (12) of the textile element (10). [3] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (14) has a first base body (20), wherein the projections (22) extend from the first base body (20). [4] System according to claim 3, wherein the connector has a second base body (24), wherein the second base body (24) has a number of securing recesses (26) corresponding to the number of projections (22), which are arranged corresponding to the projections (22), wherein the projections (22) can be brought into engagement with the respective corresponding securing recesses (26) and thus into a secured state in order to secure the base bodies (20, 24) to one another, wherein the projections (22) extend in the secured and fastened state between the first and the second base body (24) and through the recesses (12) of the textile element (10). [5] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (14) has a securing device (26) for at least one projection (22) in the fastened state and wherein the projection (22) is secured in a secured state by means of a press connection or a snap connection. [6] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one projection (22) can be brought into a secured state releasably and / or repeatedly by means of a securing device (26). [7] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one projection (22) has a shape of a mushroom or a pin. [8] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (14) has at least one securing recess (26) for at least one projection (22), wherein the connector (14) has at least one expansion recess (28) for the securing recess (26), in particular wherein the expansion recess (28) is arranged adjacent to the securing recess (26) and / or such that a web (30) is provided between the securing recess (26) and the expansion recess (28), which web is movable in the direction of the expansion recess (28), in particular wherein the connector (14) is designed such that the web (30) moves in the direction of the expansion recess (28) when the projection (22) is brought into engagement with the securing recess (26). [9] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recesses (12) and projections (22) are arranged regularly such that the connector (14) can be selectively fastened in different positions and / or in different orientations with respect to the textile element (14). [10] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (14) is detachably and / or repeatedly attachable to the textile element (10) and / or wherein the projections (22) in the recesses (12) can be secured releasably and / or repeatedly by means of a securing device (26). [11] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (14), the first base body (20), the second base body (24) and / or at least one of the projections (22) is made of plastic. [12] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the textile element (10) is a knitwear element and / or wherein the recesses (12) of the textile element (10) are reinforced and / or wherein the textile element (10) is made of an elastic thread or comprises an elastic thread. [13] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the textile element (10) comprises an electrically conductive material and wherein the connector (14) is adapted to establish an electrical connection between the functional element (32) and the textile element (10). [14] Connector (14) for mechanically connecting a functional element (32) to a textile element (10) which has at least two recesses (12), wherein the connector (14) has at least two projections (22), wherein the projections (22) are adapted to engage the recesses (12) to secure the connector (14) to the textile element (10).

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