Woven fabric, skin material, and interior component

Abstract

To provide a woven fabric capable of suppressing deformation of a non-light-guiding yarn when a load is applied to a surface, thereby improving scratch resistance of an optical fiber; to provide a skin material including the same; and to provide an interior component including the same.SOLUTION: The present woven fabric is a woven fabric 1 in which optical fibers 2 are woven as at least one-side yarns of warp yarns and weft yarns. The one-side yarns include: a first non-light-guiding yarn 11 having a fineness greater than a fineness of the optical fiber; and a second non-light-guiding yarn 12 having a fineness less than the fineness of the optical fiber. The second non-light-guiding yarn is disposed between the optical fiber and the first non-light-guiding yarn which are adjacent to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fabric, a skin material, and an interior component, and more particularly to a fabric in which optical fibers are woven, a skin material including the same, and an interior component including the same.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional skin material, one in which an optical fiber (light guide yarn) is woven as at least one of warp and weft yarns is generally known (for example, Patent Document 1 etc.). Patent Document 1 describes that, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, by setting the ratio (ds / df) of the fineness (ds) of the non-light guiding yarn 103 constituting the skin material 105 (fabric) to the fineness (df) of the optical fiber 102 to 1.5 or more, the damage resistance of the optical fiber 102 is improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, when a part of the human body such as a nail or another article contacts the surface of the skin material 105 (for example, when scratching the surface of the skin material 105 with a nail etc.), depending on the load applied to the skin material 105, the nail etc. may contact the optical fiber 102 and the surface of the optical fiber 102 may be damaged, and the light emission state of the skin material 105 may change significantly.

[0005] Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, in the scratch resistance test of the surface material 105 where the above ratio (ds / df) is 2.0, when the cutting tool 22 is brought into contact with the surface of the surface material 105 while applying a load of about 200 g, it was confirmed that the surface of the optical fiber 102 was scratched and the scratched portion 23 became a significantly brighter spot than other portions (see FIG. 10). This is considered to be one of the factors that when a load is applied to the surface material 105, the non-light guiding yarn 103 is greatly deformed and the cutting tool 22 comes into contact with the optical fiber 102.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object thereof is to provide a fabric capable of suppressing the amount of deformation of a non-light guiding yarn when a load is applied to the surface and improving the scratch resistance of an optical fiber, a surface material including the same, and an interior component including the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention is as follows. 1. A fabric in which an optical fiber is woven as at least one of a warp and a weft, wherein the one yarn includes a first non-light guiding yarn having a fineness larger than that of the optical fiber and a second non-light guiding yarn having a fineness smaller than that of the optical fiber, and the second non-light guiding yarn is disposed between the adjacent optical fiber and the first non-light guiding yarn. 2. The fabric according to 1 above, wherein the optical fiber is disposed between a pair of the first non-light guiding yarns, and the second non-light guiding yarn is disposed between the adjacent optical fibers and the respective first non-light guiding yarns. 3. The fabric according to 2 above, wherein the second non-light guiding yarn is also disposed adjacent to the opposite side of each first non-light guiding yarn from the optical fiber. 4. The fabric according to 1 above, wherein the ratio (d2 / df) of the fineness (d2) of the second non-light guiding yarn to the fineness (df) of the optical fiber is 0.7 or less. 5. The fabric according to 1 above, wherein the first non-light guiding yarn is 10 or more multifilaments. 6. The first non-light guiding yarn and the second non-light guiding yarn are multifilaments, The fabric according to 1. above, wherein the second non-light guiding yarn has a twist number larger than that of the first non-light guiding yarn. 7. An epidermal material, characterized in that it comprises the fabric according to any one of 1. to 6. above. 8. An interior component, characterized in that it comprises a base material and the epidermal material according to 7. above that covers the surface of the base material.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, when a load is applied to the surface, the amount of deformation of the non-light guiding yarn can be suppressed, and the damage resistance of the optical fiber can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] The present invention will be further described in the following detailed description by way of non-limiting examples of typical embodiments according to the present invention, with reference to the multiple drawings mentioned. The same reference numerals indicate the same components throughout several views of the drawings.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The matters shown here are exemplary and for exemplarily explaining embodiments of the present invention, and are described for the purpose of providing an explanation that can most effectively and easily understand the principles and conceptual features of the present invention. In this regard, it is not intended to show the structural details of the present invention to an extent greater than necessary for a fundamental understanding of the present invention, but to clarify for those skilled in the art how some forms of the present invention are actually embodied by the description in combination with the drawings.

[0011] <Fabric> The fabric according to this embodiment is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7, a fabric 1 in which an optical fiber (light guide yarn) 2 is woven as at least one of the warp and weft yarns. One of the yarns includes a first non-light guide yarn 11 having a fineness (d1) larger than the fineness (df) of the optical fiber 2, and a second non-light guide yarn 12 having a fineness (d2) smaller than the fineness (df) of the optical fiber 2. And the second non-light guide yarn 12 is arranged between the optical fiber 2 and the first non-light guide yarn 11 adjacent to each other.

[0012] According to the above configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, when a part of the human body such as a nail 21 or an article contacts the surface of the fabric 1 and a load is applied, the first non-light guide yarn 11 will be deformed. However, a part of the deformed first non-light guide yarn 11 overlaps on the second non-light guide yarn 12 and the second non-light guide yarn 12 exerts a cushioning function, so that the amount of deformation of the first non-light guide yarn 11 is suppressed and the nail 21 or the like is prevented or suppressed from contacting the optical fiber 2. As a result, the damage resistance of the optical fiber 2 can be improved.

[0013] In this embodiment, for example, the optical fiber 2 is arranged between a pair of first non-light guide yarns 11. The second non-light guide yarn 12 may be arranged only on one side (the optical fiber 2 side) of one of the pair of first non-light guide yarns 11, 11 (see FIG. 7(c)). From the viewpoint of the damage resistance of the optical fiber 2, it is preferable that the optical fiber 2 is arranged between a pair of first non-light guide yarns 11, and the second non-light guide yarn 12 is arranged between the optical fiber 2 adjacent to each other and each of the first non-light guide yarns 11, 11 (see FIGS. 2 and 7(a)(b)).

[0014] Note that the former form (see FIG. 7(c)) can be used, for example, when a relatively easily deformable yarn is adopted as one of the pair of first non-light guide yarns 11, 11 and a relatively difficult-to-deform yarn is adopted as the other first non-light guide yarn 11, and the second non-light guide yarn 12 is arranged between one of the first non-light guide yarns 11 and the optical fiber 2.

[0015] In this embodiment, for example, the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 may be disposed only on one side (the side of the optical fiber 2) of each of the pair of first non-light-guiding yarns 11, 11 (see, for example, FIG. 7(b)). However, from the viewpoint of suppressing deformation of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11, it is preferable that the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 is also disposed adjacent to the opposite side of each of the first non-light-guiding yarns 11, 11 from the optical fiber 2 (see, for example, FIGS. 2 and 7(a)).

[0016] In this embodiment, for example, a plurality of second non-light-guiding yarns 12 may be disposed between the optical fiber 2 and the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 (see, for example, FIG. 7(d)). However, from the viewpoint of non-exposure or low exposure of the second non-light-guiding yarn 12, it is preferable to dispose one second non-light-guiding yarn 12 between the optical fiber 2 and the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 (see FIGS. 2 and 7(a)(b)(c)).

[0017] One optical fiber 2 may be disposed between the pair of first non-light-guiding yarns 11 (see, for example, FIG. 2), or a plurality of optical fibers 2 may be disposed between the pair of first non-light-guiding yarns 11 (see, for example, FIG. 7(a)). The diameter of the optical fiber 2 is not particularly limited. However, from the viewpoint of weavability, for example, it can be 0.01 to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.05 to 1.5 mm, and more preferably 0.1 to 1.0 mm. As the optical fiber 2, depending on the material and the like, for example, when the diameter is 0.25 mm, one with a fineness (df) of 607 dtex can be used.

[0018] The first non-light-guiding yarn 11 has a fineness (d1) larger than the fineness (df) of the optical fiber 2. The ratio of these finenesses (d1 / df) may be a value exceeding 1.0. However, from the viewpoint of the damage resistance of the optical fiber 2, 1.5 or more is preferable, 2.0 or more is more preferable, and 3.0 or more is still more preferable. The upper limit of the ratio of finenesses (d1 / df) is not particularly limited. However, from the viewpoint of design, 9.0 or less is preferable, 8.0 or less is more preferable, and 7.0 or less is still more preferable. The fineness (d1) of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 is not particularly limited, but can be 1000 to 4000 dtex, preferably 2000 to 4000 dtex, and more preferably 2500 to 4000 dtex.

[0019] The first non-light guiding yarn 11 is usually a multifilament in order to ensure a good texture (feel) of the fabric 1. The number of its constituent yarns is not limited, but for example, it can be 10 or more, preferably 100 or more, and more preferably 200 or more. The upper limit of the number of constituent yarns is not limited, but for example, it can be 10,000 or less, 5,000 or less, and 2,500 or less.

[0020] The second non-light guiding yarn 12 has a fineness (d2) smaller than the fineness (df) of the optical fiber 2. The ratio of these finenesses (d2 / df) may be a value less than 1.0, but from the viewpoint of non-exposure or low exposure of the second non-light guiding yarn 12, it is preferably 0.7 or less, more preferably 0.5 or less, and still more preferably 0.3 or less. Also, the lower limit of the ratio of finenesses (d2 / df) is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of suppressing deformation of the first non-light guiding yarn 11, it is preferably 0.1 or more, and more preferably 0.2 or more. Also, the fineness (d2) of the second non-light guiding yarn 12 is not particularly limited, but it can be 10 to 2,000 dtex, preferably 20 to 1,000 dtex, and more preferably 30 to 700 dtex.

[0021] The second non-light guiding yarn 12 may be a monofilament or a multifilament. When the second non-light guiding yarn 12 is a multifilament, the number of its constituent yarns is not limited, but for example, it can be 10 or more, preferably 100 or more, and more preferably 200 or more. The upper limit of the number of constituent yarns is not limited, but for example, it can be 10,000 or less, 5,000 or less, and 2,500 or less.

[0022] When the first non-light guiding yarn 11 and the second non-light guiding yarn 12 are multifilaments, from the viewpoint of suppressing deformation of the first non-light guiding yarn 11, the twist number (T2) of the second non-light guiding yarn 12 is preferably a value larger than the twist number (T1) of the first non-light guiding yarn 11. The ratio of these twist numbers (T2 / T1) may be a value exceeding 1.0, preferably 3.0 or more, more preferably 4.0 or more, and still more preferably 5.0 or more. Also, the upper limit of the ratio of each twist number (T2 / T1) is not particularly limited, but can be 20 or less, preferably 15 or less, and more preferably 10 or less. Further, the twist number (T1) of the first non-light guiding yarn 11 is not particularly limited, but in order to ensure a good texture of the fabric 1, it can be 10 to 300 T / m, preferably 20 to 200 T / m, and more preferably 30 to 150 T / m. Also, the twist number (T2) of the second non-light guiding yarn 12 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of suppressing deformation of the first non-light guiding yarn 11 and the weavability of the fabric 1, it can be 300 to 800 T / m, preferably 400 to 700 T / m, and more preferably 500 to 600 T / m.

[0023] In addition, the following configurations can be used for the above-mentioned fabric 1, optical fiber 2, and non-light guiding yarns 3 (11, 12).

[0024] The fabric 1 is formed by weaving from the optical fiber 2 and the non-light guiding yarn 3. The optical fiber 2 may be included as a warp, may be included as a weft, or may be included as both a warp and a weft. Among these, it is preferably included as a warp or a weft, and more preferably included as a weft. The non-light guiding yarn 3 may be included as a warp, may be included as a weft, or may be included as both a warp and a weft. Among these, it is preferably included as a warp or a weft.

[0025] The weave structure of the fabric 1 is not particularly limited, and conventionally known weave structures can be appropriately used. Specifically, for example, plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, etc. can be used. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Furthermore, the weave structure of the fabric 1 is not limited, and conventionally known weave structures can be appropriately used. Specifically, it may be a single-layer weave, a multi-layer weave, or a combination thereof.

[0026] The fabric 1 can be provided with a converging end portion 13 that bundles the tip sides of the optical fibers 2 extending from the edge (see, for example, FIG. 1). The converging end portion 13 is a portion connected to the light source 14 (see, for example, FIG. 5). The converging end portion 13 may be provided with only one, or may be provided with a plurality of converging end portions 13 that bundle an appropriate number of optical fibers 2 according to the light-emitting design of the fabric 1 or the like.

[0027] The optical fiber 2 is a side-emitting type that can leak light from its side surface while guiding the light incident from one end to the other end. Specifically, it has a core-sheath structure having a core and a sheath, and can guide light based on the refractive index difference between the core and the sheath. The core-sheath structure may be in a form having one core for one sheath, or may be in a form having two or more cores for one sheath.

[0028] The optical fiber 2 may be a multifilament, but is usually a monofilament. In the case of a multifilament, all of the constituent yarns constituting the filament may have light-guiding performance, or only some of the yarns may have light-guiding performance. Also, from the viewpoint of weavability, the optical fiber is preferably made of resin. Specifically, (1) an optical fiber in which a core resin and a clad resin are combined so as to have a refractive index relationship that does not cause total reflection at the core-sheath interface, (2) an optical fiber in which a light-scattering substance is blended in the core resin, etc. can be used.

[0029] The above (1) is a side-emitting optical fiber that utilizes the phenomenon where light guiding the core is not totally reflected at the core-sheath interface and leaks out from the sheath to the outside. On the other hand, the above (2) is a side-emitting optical fiber that utilizes the phenomenon where scattered light scattered by a light-scattering substance during the light guiding process leaks out from the side due to the blending of the light-scattering substance. Also, in the above (2), the luminance can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of the light-scattering substance to be blended. Furthermore, a side-emitting optical fiber with a configuration other than these may also be used. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0030] The proportion of the optical fiber 2 in the warp or weft is not particularly limited, but when the total number of warps is 100% or the total number of wefts is 100%, it is usually 10% or more with respect to the yarns in each direction, preferably 10 to 90%, more preferably 20 to 80%, and even more preferably 30 to 70%. Particularly when the optical fiber is included only as the weft, the optical fiber is 0% with respect to 100% of the total number of warps, and is 10% or more with respect to 100% of the total number of wefts, preferably 10 to 90%, more preferably 20 to 80%, and even more preferably 30 to 70%.

[0031] The non-light-guiding yarn 3 is a yarn that does not have light-guiding characteristics. The material constituting the non-light-guiding yarn is not limited, and it may be a natural fiber or a synthetic fiber. In the case of a synthetic fiber, examples of the constituent resin include polyamide-based resins such as nylon 6 and nylon 66, polyester-based resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyolefin-based resins such as polypropylene, and polyacrylic-based resins. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. Each of the non-light-guiding yarns 11 and 12 may be made of different materials, but it is preferably made of the same material in order to match the shrinkage rate during the drying process when manufacturing the fabric.

[0032] The non-light guiding yarn 3 may not contain a light transmission inhibiting component, but can contain a light transmission inhibiting component. When the non-light guiding yarn contains a light transmission inhibiting component, the light shielding property against the optical fiber can be improved. The light transmission inhibiting component may be any component that can inhibit light transmission. For example, it may inhibit light transmission by reflection / dispersion, by light absorption, or by other actions. Specifically, examples include colorants (pigments, dyes, etc.), light absorbers, extenders (various fillers, etc.).

[0033] <Skin material> The skin material 5 according to this embodiment includes the above-described fabric 1 (see, for example, FIG. 5).

[0034] The skin material 5 can further include, for example, a cushion layer 6 laminated on the back surface side of the fabric 1. The material of the cushion layer 6 is not particularly limited, but a sheet material made of soft polyurethane foam is often used. As long as it has sufficient cushioning properties, other soft resin foams can also be used.

[0035] <Interior parts> The interior part 7 according to this embodiment includes a base material 8 and the above-described skin material 5 that covers all or part of the surface of the base material 8 (see, for example, FIG. 6).

[0036] The base material 8 may be formed from any material, for example, it can be formed from a resin material. Examples of the resin material include polyolefin, polyester, polyamide, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Further, as the base material, a fibrous molded body formed by binding reinforcing fibers using a binder resin can be used. In this case, polyolefin can be used as the binder resin. Further, as the reinforcing fibers, plant fibers, resin fibers (such as polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, etc.), inorganic fibers (such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, etc.) can be used. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among the above, as the plant fibers, kenaf, hemp, jute, etc. can be used. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. In the fibrous molded body, the ratio of the amount of the binder resin to the amount of the reinforcing fibers is not limited, but when the total of the amount of the binder resin and the amount of the reinforcing fibers is 100% by mass, the ratio of the reinforcing fibers can be 10 - 90% by mass, 25 - 75% by mass, 35 - 65% by mass, etc.

[0037] The interior part 7 can be used as an interior part constituting vehicle products (for example, products for vehicles such as automobiles, trains, etc., aircraft, ships, etc.), such as door trims, instrument panels, roof trims, floor trims, luggage trims, rear side trims, rear parcel shelves, package trays, pillar garnishes, switch bases, quarter panels, armrests, center consoles, overhead consoles, sun visors, seats, etc. Further, it can also be used as an interior part constituting furniture such as sofas and chairs.

Examples

[0038] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described by way of examples with reference to the drawings.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fabric 1 according to this embodiment is woven with a side-emitting optical fiber 2 and a non-light-guiding yarn 3 as weft yarns, and a non-light-guiding yarn 3 as a warp yarn. The optical fiber 2 is made of resin. Further, the optical fiber 2 has a diameter of 0.25 mm and a fineness (df) of 607 dtex. Furthermore, the non-light-guiding yarn 3 is a multifilament of 10 or more strands made of synthetic fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0040] The non-light-guiding yarn 3 constituting the weft yarn includes a first non-light-guiding yarn 11 having a fineness (d1) larger than the fineness (df) of the optical fiber 2, and a second non-light-guiding yarn 12 having a fineness (d2) smaller than the fineness (df) of the optical fiber 2.

[0041] The first non-light-guiding yarn 11 has a fineness (d1) of 1457 dtex. The ratio (d1 / df) of the fineness (d1) of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 to the fineness (df) of the optical fiber 2 is about 2.4. Further, the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 has a diameter of 0.6 mm. That is, the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the optical fiber 2.

[0042] The second non-light-guiding yarn 12 has a fineness (d2) of 303 dtex. The ratio (d2 / df) of the fineness (d2) of the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 to the fineness (df) of the optical fiber 2 is about 0.5. Further, the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 has a diameter of 0.125 mm. That is, the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the optical fiber 2.

[0043] The twist number (T2) of the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 is larger than the twist number (T1) of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11. Specifically, the twist number (T1) of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 is about 100 T / m, and the twist number (T2) of the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 is about 600 T / m. The ratio (T2 / T1) of both twist numbers is 6.0.

[0044] The optical fiber 2 is disposed between a pair of first non-light guiding yarns 11. The second non-light guiding yarns 12 are respectively disposed between the optical fiber 2 adjacent to each other and the first non-light guiding yarns 11, 11. Further, the second non-light guiding yarns 12 are also respectively disposed adjacent to the side of each first non-light guiding yarn 11 opposite to the optical fiber 2.

[0045] The axis C2 of the second non-light guiding yarn 12 is offset in the thickness direction A of the fabric (specifically, on the side closer to the back surface of the fabric in the thickness direction A of the fabric) and the plane direction B with respect to the axis C1 of the first non-light guiding yarn 11. Also, the axis C2 of the second non-light guiding yarn 12 is offset in the thickness direction A of the fabric (specifically, on the side closer to the back surface of the fabric in the thickness direction A of the fabric) and the plane direction B with respect to the axis Cf of the optical fiber 2. Note that the plane direction B of the fabric is intended to be the plane direction orthogonal to the axis C2 of the second non-light guiding yarn 2 (i.e., the length direction of the warp).

[0046] In the longitudinal section of the fabric 1, the second non-light guiding yarn 12 is disposed such that the apex T2 on the design surface side thereof is located closer to the back surface side than the apex Tf on the design surface side of the optical fiber 2. More specifically, the second non-light guiding yarn 12 is disposed such that the apex T2 on the design surface side thereof is at substantially the same height as the axis Cf of the optical fiber 2. However, the second non-light guiding yarn 12 may be disposed such that the apex T2 is located closer to the back surface side than the axis Cf of the optical fiber 2.

[0047] In FIGS. 2 and 3 etc., as the second non-light guiding yarn 12, an example is shown in which a part is exposed on the design surface side of the fabric 1, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a second non-light guiding yarn 12 that is not entirely exposed on the design surface side of the fabric 1 may be employed. These second non-light guiding yarns 12 with a part exposed or not entirely exposed can be realized by disposing the second non-light guiding yarn 12 so as to overlap the first non-light guiding yarn 11 and / or the optical fiber 2 in the thickness direction A of the fabric 1.

[0048] Here, as shown in FIG. 4, when a predetermined load P (specifically 200 g) is applied radially to each of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 and the second non-light-guiding yarn 12, the ratios of the crushed thicknesses d1', d2' to the diameters d1, d2 when no load is applied (d1' / d1, d2' / d2) are defined as the deformation ratios. At this time, depending on the respective twist numbers (T1, T2) of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 and the second non-light-guiding yarn 12, etc., the deformation ratio (d1' / d1) of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 becomes 0.4, and the deformation ratio (d2' / d2) of the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 becomes 0.6. That is, the deformation ratio (d2' / d2) of the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 is a value larger than the deformation ratio (d1' / d1) of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11.

[0049] Note that the difference in the above deformation ratios (d1' / d1, d2' / d2) can also be realized by adopting different materials, etc. in addition to adopting different twist numbers for each of the non-light-guiding yarns 11, 12.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, the skin material 5 according to the present embodiment includes the above-described fabric 1. Further, the skin material 5 further includes a cushion layer 6 laminated on the back surface side of the fabric 1. However, a skin material 5 that does not include the cushion layer 6 may also be adopted.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the interior component 7 according to the present embodiment includes a base material 8 and the above-described skin material 5 that covers all or part of the surface of the base material 8. The base material 8 is formed in a plate shape from a synthetic resin. Further, the interior component 7 is a component that constitutes an interior product for a vehicle (for example, an ornament that constitutes a door trim).

[0052] Next, the effects of the fabric 1 having the above configuration will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, when a part of the human body such as a nail 21 or an article comes into contact with the surface of the fabric 1 and a load is applied, the minimum thickness s1 of the deformed portion of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 becomes 0.19 mm ((φ0.6 mm - φ0.125 mm) * deformation ratio 0.4), and the minimum thickness s2 of the deformed portion of the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 becomes 0.075 mm (φ0.125 mm * deformation ratio 0.6). That is, the sum of both s1 and s2 is 0.265 mm, which is a value larger than the diameter 0.25 mm of the optical fiber 2. Therefore, a part of the human body such as a nail 21 or an article does not come into contact with the surface.

[0053] As described above, according to the fabric 1 of the present embodiment, the non-light-guiding yarn 3 includes a first non-light-guiding yarn 11 having a fineness (d1) greater than the fineness (df) of the optical fiber 2, and a second non-light-guiding yarn 12 having a fineness (d2) smaller than the fineness (df) of the optical fiber 2. The second non-light-guiding yarn 12 is disposed between the optical fiber 2 and the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 adjacent to each other. Thereby, when a part of the human body such as a nail 21 or an article contacts the surface of the fabric 1 and a load is applied, the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 is deformed. However, a part of the deformed first non-light-guiding yarn 11 overlaps on the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 and the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 exhibits a cushioning function, so that the amount of deformation of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 is suppressed, and contact between the nail 21 or the like and the optical fiber 2 is prevented or suppressed. As a result, the scratch resistance of the optical fiber 2 can be improved.

[0054] Further, in the present embodiment, the optical fiber 2 is disposed between a pair of first non-light-guiding yarns 11, 11, and the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 is disposed between the optical fiber 2 and each first non-light-guiding yarn 11 adjacent to each other. Thereby, the amount of deformation of the pair of first non-light-guiding yarns 11, 11 is effectively suppressed by each second non-light-guiding yarn 12.

[0055] Further, in the present embodiment, the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 is also disposed adjacent to the opposite side of the optical fiber 2 of each first non-light-guiding yarn 11. Thereby, the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 deforms substantially evenly on the left and right second non-light-guiding yarns 12, making it easier to ensure sufficient thickness for the deformed first non-light-guiding yarn 11. Therefore, the amount of deformation of the pair of first non-light-guiding yarns 11 is effectively suppressed by each second non-light-guiding yarn 12.

[0056] Further, in the present embodiment, the ratio (d2 / df) of the fineness (d2) of the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 to the fineness (df) of the optical fiber 2 is 0.5. Thereby, the amount of deformation of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 is effectively suppressed by the second non-light-guiding yarn 12, and the non-exposure or low exposure of the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 to the design surface side of the fabric 1 can be achieved, and the design property can be enhanced.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 is composed of 10 or more multifilaments. Thereby, the fabric 1 having a good texture (feel) can be provided.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 and the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 are multifilaments, and the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 has a twist number larger than that of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11. Thereby, the fabric 1 having a good texture (feel) can be provided, and the amount of deformation of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 is effectively suppressed by the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 which is less likely to deform compared to the first non-light-guiding yarn 11.

[0059] According to the skin material 5 of this embodiment, the above-mentioned fabric 1 is provided. Thereby, when a part of the human body such as the nail 21 or an article comes into contact with the surface of the skin material 5 and a load is applied, the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 will deform. However, a part of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 deformed on the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 overlaps, and the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 exhibits a cushioning function, so that the amount of deformation of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 is suppressed, and contact between the nail 21 or the like and the optical fiber 2 is prevented or suppressed. As a result, the scratch resistance of the optical fiber 2 can be improved.

[0060] According to the interior component 7 of this embodiment, a base material 8 and the above-mentioned skin material 5 covering the surface of the base material 8 are provided. Thereby, when a part of the human body such as the nail 21 or an article comes into contact with the surface of the interior component 7 and a load is applied, the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 will deform. However, a part of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 deformed on the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 overlaps, and the second non-light-guiding yarn 12 exhibits a cushioning function, so that the amount of deformation of the first non-light-guiding yarn 11 is suppressed, and contact between the nail 21 or the like and the optical fiber 2 is prevented or suppressed. As a result, the scratch resistance of the optical fiber 2 can be improved.

[0061] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modified embodiments can be adopted within the scope of the present invention according to the purpose and application. That is, in the above embodiments, although a plurality of pairs of first non-light-guiding yarns 11 arranged with the optical fiber 2 interposed therebetween are provided, two adjacent pairs of first non-light-guiding yarns 11 may be configured without using the non-light-guiding yarn 11 (i.e., composed of four non-light-guiding yarns 11), or may be configured by also using the non-light-guiding yarn 11 (i.e., composed of three non-light-guiding yarns 11).

[0062] The foregoing examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. Although the present invention has been described by way of examples of typical embodiments, it is to be understood that the language used in the description and illustration of the present invention is not limiting but explanatory and exemplary. As detailed herein, changes are possible within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention in its form. Although specific structures, materials, and examples have been referenced in the detailed description of the present invention, it is not intended to limit the present invention to the disclosures herein. Rather, the present invention is intended to cover all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses within the scope of the appended claims.

Industrial Applicability

[0063] The present invention is widely used as a technology related to a fabric in which an optical fiber is woven.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0064] 1; Fabric 2; Optical fiber 5; Skin material 7; Interior part 8; Base material 11; First non-light-guiding yarn 12; Second non-light-guiding yarn.

Claims

1. A fabric in which an optical fiber is woven as at least one of the warp and weft threads, wherein the one thread comprises a first non-light-guiding thread having a fineness greater than that of the optical fiber and a second non-light-guiding thread having a fineness smaller than that of the optical fiber, and the second non-light-guiding thread is arranged between the adjacent optical fiber and the first non-light-guiding thread. A fabric characterized by this.

2. The optical fiber is arranged between a pair of the first non-light-guiding threads, and the second non-light-guiding thread is arranged between each adjacent optical fiber and each of the first non-light-guiding threads, respectively. The fabric according to Claim 1.

3. The fabric according to Claim 2, wherein the second non-light-guiding thread is also arranged adjacent to the opposite side of each first non-light-guiding thread from the optical fiber.

4. The fabric according to Claim 1, wherein the ratio (d2 / df) of the fineness (d2) of the second non-light-guiding thread to the fineness (df) of the optical fiber is 0.7 or less.

5. The fabric according to Claim 1, wherein the first non-light-guiding thread is a multifilament of 10 or more filaments.

6. The first non-light-guiding thread and the second non-light-guiding thread are multifilaments, and the fabric according to Claim 1, wherein the second non-light-guiding thread has a twist number greater than that of the first non-light-guiding thread.

7. A skin material characterized by comprising the fabric according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. An interior component characterized by comprising a base material and the skin material according to Claim 7 that covers the surface of the base material.

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