Woven fabric, skin material, and interior component

Abstract

To provide a woven fabric capable of using 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 A-group constitution yarns and B-group constitution yarns corresponding to warp yarns or weft yarns are woven. The A-group constitution yarns include optical fibers 2 and non-light-guiding yarns A. The B-group constitution yarns include non-light-guiding yarns B. The optical fiber includes an exposed part 2a and non-exposed parts 2b. The A-group constitution yarns include a non-light-guiding yarn A1 disposed so as to be adjacent to the optical fiber. The B-group constitution yarns include a pair of non-light-guiding yarns B1 and B1 disposed, with the exposed part of the optical fiber interposed therebetween, so as to cross over the respective non-exposed parts. The pair of non-light-guiding yarns B1 and B1 include respective entangled parts XB1 entangled with a design surface side of the non-light-guiding yarn A1. The non-light-guiding yarn A1 is provided with a non-entangled region R which is not entangled with the B-group constitution yarn on the design surface side between the respective entangled parts XB1 and XB1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

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 one of the warp and weft yarns is generally known (for example, Patent Document 1 etc.). Patent Document 1 describes that, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, by setting the ratio (ds / df) of the fineness (ds) of the non-light guide yarn 103 constituting the skin material (fabric) 105 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 or the like), depending on the load applied to the skin material 105, the nail or the like contacts the optical fiber 102, and the surface of the optical fiber 102 is damaged, and the light emission state of the skin material 105 changes significantly.

[0005] Here, as a conventional skin material (fabric), for example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, as the weft yarns, there are an optical fiber 102 and a pair of non-light-guiding yarns A101 and A102 arranged with the optical fiber 102 therebetween, and as the warp yarns, there are two non-light-guiding yarns B101 and B102 arranged so as to cross the exposed portion 102a of the optical fiber 102. The non-light-guiding yarn B101 has an entanglement portion XB101 that is entangled with the design surface side of the non-light-guiding yarn A101, and the non-light-guiding yarn B102 has an entanglement portion XB102 that is entangled with the design surface side of the non-light-guiding yarn A102. Such a skin material 105' is widely used.

[0006] In the abrasion resistance test of the conventional skin material 105', for example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the cutting tool 132 is brought into contact while applying a load of about 200 g to the surface of the skin material 105', the surface of the exposed portion 102a of the optical fiber 102 is damaged, and it was confirmed that the damaged portion 133 becomes a significantly brighter bright spot than other portions (see FIG. 13). This is because in the conventional skin material 105', the entanglement portions XB101 and XB102 are set on both sides of the exposed portion 102a of the optical fiber 102. Therefore, when a load is applied to the skin material 105, the non-light-guiding yarns A101 and A102 are crushed and deformed next to the exposed portion 102a of the optical fiber 102, and one of the factors is that the cutting tool 132 comes into contact with the exposed portion 102a of the optical fiber 102.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object thereof is to provide a fabric capable of improving the abrasion resistance of an optical fiber by utilizing the deformation of a non-light-guiding yarn when a load is applied to the surface, a skin material including the same, and an interior component including the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The present invention is as follows. 1. A fabric in which A-group constituent yarns and B-group constituent yarns corresponding to either warp yarns or weft yarns are woven, wherein the A-group constituent yarns include a plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of non-light-guiding yarns A, and the B-group constituent yarns include a plurality of non-light-guiding yarns B. The optical fiber has an exposed portion exposed on the design surface side of the fabric, and non-exposed portions that are continuous with both ends in the length direction of the exposed portion and are not exposed on the design surface side of the fabric. The group A constituent yarn has a non-light-guiding yarn A1 disposed adjacent to the optical fiber. The group B constituent yarn has a pair of non-light-guiding yarns B1, B1 disposed across each of the non-exposed portions with the exposed portion of the optical fiber interposed therebetween. Each of the pair of non-light-guiding yarns B1, B1 has an entanglement portion XB1 that is entangled on the design surface side of the non-light-guiding yarn A1. The non-light-guiding yarn A1 is characterized in that a non-entanglement region that is not entangled with the group B constituent yarn on the design surface side is provided between the entanglement portions XB1, XB1. 2. The fabric according to 1. above, wherein the length of the non-entanglement region is not more than twice the length of the exposed portion. 3. The group A constituent yarn has a non-light-guiding yarn A2 disposed adjacent to the side opposite to the optical fiber of the non-light-guiding yarn A1. The group B constituent yarn has a non-light-guiding yarn B2 disposed across the exposed portion of the optical fiber. The fabric according to 1. above, wherein the non-light-guiding yarn B2 has an entanglement portion XB2 that is entangled on the design surface side of the non-light-guiding yarn A2. 4. The fabric according to 3. above, wherein a plurality of the non-light-guiding yarns B2 are arranged. 5. The fabric according to 1. above, wherein the non-light-guiding yarn A1 is a multifilament without twist or with a twist number of 50 T / m or less. 6. A skin material characterized by comprising the fabric according to any one of 1. to 5. above. 7. An interior component characterized by comprising a base material and the skin material according to 6. above that covers the surface of the base material.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the damage resistance of the optical fiber can be improved by utilizing the deformation of the non-light-guiding yarn when a load is applied to the surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] 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 plurality of drawings mentioned, where like reference numerals indicate like parts 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

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] The matters shown here are exemplary and for exemplarily explaining the embodiments of the present invention, and are described for the purpose of providing an explanation that is considered to be the most effective and easy to understand for 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.

[0012] <Fabric> The fabric according to this embodiment is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 8, a fabric in which group A constituent yarns and group B constituent yarns corresponding to either the warp or the weft are woven. The group A constituent yarns have a plurality of optical fibers 2 and a plurality of non-light-guiding yarns A, and the group B constituent yarns have a plurality of non-light-guiding yarns B. The optical fiber 2 has an exposed portion 2a exposed on the design surface side of the fabric 1 and non-exposed portions 2b connected to both ends in the length direction of the exposed portion 2a and not exposed on the design surface side of the fabric 1. And the group A constituent yarns have non-light-guiding yarns A1 arranged adjacent to the optical fiber 2, and the group B constituent yarns have a pair of non-light-guiding yarns B1, B1 arranged across each non-exposed portion 2b with the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2 interposed therebetween. Each of the pair of non-light-guiding yarns B1, B1 has an entanglement portion XB1 that entangles on the design surface side of the non-light-guiding yarn A1, and a non-entanglement region R is provided in the non-light-guiding yarn A1 between each entanglement portion XB1, XB1 where it does not entangle with the group B constituent yarns on the design surface side.

[0013] According to the above configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, when a part of the human body such as the claw 31 or an article contacts the surface of the fabric 1 and a load is applied, the non-interlacing region R of the non-light guiding yarn A1 is deformed so as to expand thinly by the pressing of the claw 31 or the like, and the design surface side of the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2 is covered by the non-interlacing region R. Therefore, contact between the claw 31 or the like and the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2 can be prevented or suppressed, and the scratch resistance of the optical fiber 2 can be improved.

[0014] The length L2 of the non-interlacing region R (specifically, the length L2 along the length direction of the non-light guiding yarn A1) is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of the deformability of the non-interlacing region R, it is preferably within 2 times the length L1 of the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2 (specifically, the length L1 along the length direction of the optical fiber 2), more preferably within 1.8 times, and still more preferably within 1.6 times (see FIG. 4 for example). Also, the lower limit of the length L2 of the non-interlacing region R is not particularly limited, but it can be a value exceeding the length L1 of the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2. Specifically, the length L2 of the non-interlacing region R can be 1 to 20 mm, preferably 1.5 to 10 mm, and more preferably 2 to 6 mm.

[0015] The diameter of the optical fiber 2 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of weaving property, for example, it is preferably 0.01 to 2.0 mm, more preferably 0.05 to 1.5 mm, and still 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. The length L1 of the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of light emission characteristics, it is preferably 1 to 10 mm, more preferably 1 to 5 mm, and still more preferably 1 to 3 mm.

[0016] The non-light-guiding yarn A1 can have a fineness (d1) greater than the fineness (df) of the optical fiber 2. The ratio (d1 / df) of these finenesses may be any value exceeding 1.0, but from the perspective of the deformability of the non-interfering region R, a value of 2.0 or more is preferable, 3.0 or more is more preferable, and 4.0 or more is even more preferable. Also, although the upper limit of the ratio (d1 / df) of the finenesses is not particularly limited, from the perspective of design, a value of 9.0 or less is preferable, 8.0 or less is more preferable, and 7.0 or less is even more preferable. Further, although the fineness (d1) of the non-light-guiding yarn A1 is not particularly limited, it can be 1000 to 4000 dtex, preferably 2000 to 4000 dtex, and more preferably 2500 to 4000 dtex.

[0017] The non-light-guiding yarn A1 may be a monofilament, but is usually a multifilament. When the non-light-guiding yarn A1 is a multifilament, the number of constituent filaments 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 filaments is not limited, but for example, it can be 10000 or less, 5000 or less, and 2500 or less. Also, from the perspective of the deformability of the non-interfering region R, the non-light-guiding yarn A1 is preferably a multifilament without twist or with a twist number of 50 T / m or less (preferably 40 T / m, more preferably 30 T / m).

[0018] The non-light-guiding yarn B1 may be a monofilament, but is usually a multifilament. When the non-light-guiding yarn B1 is a multifilament, the number of constituent filaments 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 filaments is not limited, but for example, it can be 10000 or less, 5000 or less, and 2500 or less. Also, when the non-light-guiding yarn B1 is a multifilament, its twist number is not particularly limited, but it can be 300 to 800 T / m, preferably 400 to 700 T / m, and more preferably 500 to 600 T / m.

[0019] The pair of non-light-guiding yarns B1, B1 may be arranged at different intervals S1, S1' with respect to the center Cf in the longitudinal direction of the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2 (see, for example, FIG. 8(b)). However, from the viewpoint of the deformability of the non-entangling region R, it is preferable that they are arranged at the same interval S1 with respect to the center Cf in the longitudinal direction of the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2 (or the axis C3 of the non-light-guiding yarn B3 described later) (see, for example, FIG. 4).

[0020] In the present embodiment, for example, in the non-light-guiding yarn A2 arranged adjacent to the side opposite to the optical fiber 2 of the non-light-guiding yarn A1, the portion corresponding to the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2 does not necessarily need to be entangled with the B-group constituent yarns on the design surface side (see, for example, 8(b)). However, from the viewpoint of the deformation restricting property or deformation suppressing property of the non-entangling region R to the side opposite to the optical fiber 2, the A-group constituent yarns have the non-light-guiding yarn A2 arranged adjacent to the side opposite to the optical fiber 2 of the non-light-guiding yarn A1, and the B-group constituent yarns have the non-light-guiding yarn B2 arranged across under the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2. It is preferable that the non-light-guiding yarn B2 has an entangling portion XB2 that is entangled with the design surface side of the non-light-guiding yarn A2 (see, for example, FIG. 2).

[0021] As the non-light-guiding yarn A2, a configuration substantially the same as that of the above non-light-guiding yarn A1 can be used. However, when the non-light-guiding yarn A2 is a multifilament, its twist number is preferably 10 to 300 T / m, more preferably 20 to 200 T / m, and still more preferably 30 to 150 T / m in order to ensure a good texture of the fabric 1.

[0022] Only one non-light-guiding yarn B2 may be arranged (see, for example, FIG. 8(c)). However, from the viewpoint of the deformation restricting property or deformation suppressing property of the non-entangling region R to the side opposite to the optical fiber 2, it is preferable that a plurality of non-light-guiding yarns B2 are arranged (see, for example, FIG. 2). In particular, it is preferable that at least two of the plurality of non-light-guiding yarns B2 are arranged at the same interval S2 with respect to the center Cf in the longitudinal direction of the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2 (or the axis C3 of the non-light-guiding yarn B3 described later) (see, for example, FIG. 4). Furthermore, as the non-light-guiding yarn B2, a configuration substantially the same as that of the above non-light-guiding yarn B1 can be used.

[0023] In this embodiment, for example, the constituent yarns of Group A have a non-light-guiding yarn A3 that is arranged with the optical fiber 2 sandwiched therebetween and the non-light-guiding yarn A1, and the constituent yarns of Group B have a non-light-guiding yarn B3 that is arranged across the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2. The non-light-guiding yarn B3 can have an entanglement portion XB3 that is entangled with the design surface side of the non-light-guiding yarn A3 (see, for example, FIG. 2).

[0024] Only one optical fiber 2 may be arranged between the non-light-guiding yarn A1 and the non-light-guiding yarn A3 (see, for example, FIG. 3), or a plurality of optical fibers 2 may be arranged (see, for example, FIG. 8(a)). Further, as the non-light-guiding yarn A3, substantially the same configuration as the above-described non-light-guiding yarn A2 can be used. Also, only one non-light-guiding yarn B3 may be arranged (see, for example, FIG. 2), or a plurality of non-light-guiding yarn B3 may be arranged. Further, as the non-light-guiding yarn B3, substantially the same configuration as the above-described non-light-guiding yarn B1 can be used.

[0025] Note that the following configurations can be used for the above-described fabric 1, optical fiber 2, non-light-guiding yarn A, and non-light-guiding yarn B.

[0026] The fabric 1 is formed by weaving from the optical fiber 2 and the non-light-guiding yarns A and B. 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 A 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 weft. Also, the non-light-guiding yarn B 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.

[0027] The weave structure of the fabric 1 is not particularly limited, and conventionally known weave structures can be used as appropriate. Specifically, for example, plain weave, twill weave, damask 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 used as appropriate. Specifically, it may be a single-layer weave, a multi-layer weave, or these may be combined.

[0028] The fabric 1 can be provided with a converging end portion 17 that bundles the tip sides of the optical fibers 2 extending from the edge (see, for example, FIG. 1). The converging end portion 17 is a portion connected to a light source 18 (see, for example, FIG. 6). The converging end portion 17 may be provided with only one, or may be provided with a plurality of converging end portions 17 that bundle an appropriate number of optical fibers 2 according to the light-emitting design of the fabric 1 or the like.

[0029] 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 perform light guiding based on the refractive index difference between these core and sheath. The core-sheath structure may be in a form having one core with respect to one sheath, or may be in a form having two or more cores with respect to one sheath.

[0030] 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 be yarns having light guiding performance, or only some of the yarns may have light guiding performance. Also, from the viewpoint of weaving property, 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.

[0031] 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 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 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.

[0032] The ratio of the optical fiber 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 - 90%, more preferably 20 - 80%, and even more preferably 30 - 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 - 90%, more preferably 20 - 80%, and even more preferably 30 - 70%.

[0033] The non-light-guiding yarns A and B are yarns having no light-guiding characteristics. The material constituting the non-light-guiding yarn is not limited and 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 A and B may be composed of different materials, but in order to match the shrinkage rate in the drying process during the production of the fabric, it is preferably composed of the same material.

[0034] The non-light-guiding yarns A and B may or 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.).

[0035] <Skin material> The skin material 5 according to this embodiment includes the above-described fabric 1 (see, for example, FIG. 6).

[0036] 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.

[0037] <Interior part> 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. 7).

[0038] 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. Also, 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. Also, 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 to 90% by mass, 25 to 75% by mass, 35 to 65% by mass, etc.

[0039] 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

[0040] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described by way of examples with reference to the drawings.

[0041] The fabric 1 according to this embodiment is woven with weft yarns (exemplified as "Group A constituent yarns") and warp yarns (exemplified as "Group B constituent yarns"). The weft yarns have a plurality of optical fibers 2 (shown by broken lines in FIG. 1) and a plurality of non-light-guiding yarns A. Further, the warp yarns have a plurality of non-light-guiding yarns B.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the optical fiber 2 has an exposed portion 2a exposed on the design surface side of the fabric 1 and non-exposed portions 2b connected to both ends in the length direction of the exposed portion 2a and not exposed on the design surface side of the fabric 1. The length L1 of the exposed portion 2a is about 2 mm. Further, the optical fiber 2 is made of resin, has a diameter of 0.25 mm, and a fineness (df) of 607 dtex.

[0043] The non-light-guiding yarns A and B have a fineness (d1) of 1214 dtex. The ratio (d1 / df) of the fineness (d1) of the non-light-guiding yarns A and B to the fineness (df) of the optical fiber 2 is about 2.0. Further, the non-light-guiding yarns A and B have a diameter of 0.5 mm. That is, the non-light-guiding yarns A and B have a diameter larger than that of the optical fiber 2. Further, the non-light-guiding yarns A and B are multifilaments made of synthetic fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0044] The weft yarn (i.e., the non-light-guiding yarn A) has non-light-guiding yarns A1 to A3. The non-light-guiding yarn A1 is arranged adjacent to the optical fiber 2. Further, the non-light-guiding yarn A1 is a multifilament without twist. Further, the non-light-guiding yarn A2 is arranged adjacent to the opposite side of the optical fiber 2 of the non-light-guiding yarn A1. Further, the non-light-guiding yarn A3 is arranged with the optical fiber 2 sandwiched between it and the non-light-guiding yarn A1. These non-light-guiding yarns A2 and A3 are multifilaments with a twist number of 100 T / m.

[0045] The warp threads (i.e., non-light-guiding threads B) have non-light-guiding threads B1 to B3. The non-light-guiding thread B1 is arranged in a pair across each non-exposed part 2b with the exposed part 2a of the optical fiber 2 interposed therebetween. Each of the pair of first non-light-guiding threads B1, B1 has an entanglement part XB1 that is entangled with the design surface side of the non-light-guiding thread A1. The entanglement part XB1 is arranged at a position not adjacent to the exposed part 2a of the optical fiber 2 (i.e., a position adjacent to the non-exposed part 2b of the optical fiber 2). Further, the pair of non-light-guiding threads B1, B1 are arranged at the same interval S1 with respect to the center Cf in the length direction of the exposed part 2a of the optical fiber 2 (or the axis C3 of the non-light-guiding thread B3).

[0046] Two non-light-guiding threads B2 are arranged across the exposed part 2a of the optical fiber 2. However, one or three or more non-light-guiding threads B2 may be arranged. Each of the two non-light-guiding threads B2 has an entanglement part XB2 that is entangled with the design surface side of the non-light-guiding thread A2. The entanglement part XB2 is arranged at a position corresponding to the exposed part 2a of the optical fiber 2. Further, the two non-light-guiding threads B2, B2 are arranged at the same interval S2 with respect to the center Cf in the length direction of the exposed part 2a of the optical fiber 2 (or the axis C3 of the non-light-guiding thread B3).

[0047] One non-light-guiding thread B3 is arranged across the exposed part 2a of the optical fiber 2. The non-light-guiding thread B3 has an entanglement part XB3 that is entangled with the design surface side of the non-light-guiding thread A3. Further, the axis C3 of the non-light-guiding thread B3 is arranged to coincide with the center Cf in the length direction of the exposed part 2a of the optical fiber 2. Note that the non-light-guiding threads B1 to B3 are multifilaments with a twist number of 600 T / m.

[0048] Here, the non-light-guiding thread A1 has a non-entanglement region R that does not entangle with the warp thread on the design surface side between the respective entanglement parts XB1, XB1 of the pair of non-light-guiding threads B1, B1. The length L2 of the non-entanglement region R is a value that exceeds the length L1 of the exposed part 2a and is within twice the length L1 of the exposed part 2a. Specifically, the length L2 of the non-entanglement region R is about 3 mm. Further, the center in the length direction of the non-entanglement region R coincides with the center Cf in the length direction of the exposed part 2a of the optical fiber 2.

[0049] For the sake of clarity in the description of the fabric 1, in FIG. 2, a state is shown in which adjacent non-light-guiding yarns A are arranged closely and adjacent non-light-guiding yarns B are arranged with a gap therebetween. In FIG. 3, a state is shown in which adjacent non-light-guiding yarns A are arranged with a gap therebetween. In the actual fabric 1, adjacent non-light-guiding yarns A and / or non-light-guiding yarns B may be arranged with a gap therebetween, but they are often arranged closely.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, 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 be employed.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, 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 operation and effect of the fabric 1 having the above configuration will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, when a part of the human body such as a nail 31 or an article contacts the surface of the fabric 1 and a load is applied, the non-entangled region R of the non-light-guiding yarn A1 is deformed so as to thinly expand (specifically, deformed into an umbrella shape) by the pressing of the nail 31 or the like, and the design surface side of the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2 is covered by the non-entangled region R. Therefore, contact between the nail 31 or the like and the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2 is prevented or suppressed.

[0053] As described above, according to the fabric 1 of the present embodiment, the weft yarn has a non-light-guiding yarn A1 arranged adjacent to the optical fiber 2, and the warp yarns have a pair of non-light-guiding yarns B1, B1 arranged across each non-exposed portion 2b with the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2 interposed therebetween. Each of the pair of non-light-guiding yarns B1, B1 has an entanglement portion XB1 that entangles with the design surface side of the non-light-guiding yarn A1. The non-light-guiding yarn A1 is provided with a non-entanglement region R that does not entangle with the warp yarns on the design surface side between the respective entanglement portions XB1, XB1. Thus, when a part of the human body such as a nail 31 or an article contacts the surface of the fabric 1 and a load is applied, the non-entanglement region R of the non-light-guiding yarn A1 is deformed so as to thinly expand by the pressing of the nail 31 or the like, and the design surface side of the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2 is covered by the non-entanglement region R. Therefore, contact between the nail 31 or the like and the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2 is prevented or suppressed, and the scratch resistance of the optical fiber 2 can be improved.

[0054] Further, in the present embodiment, the length L2 of the non-entanglement region R is within twice the length L1 of the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2. Thereby, the non-entanglement region R is more effectively deformed so as to cover the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2.

[0055] Further, in the present embodiment, the weft yarn has a non-light-guiding yarn A2 arranged adjacent to the opposite side of the optical fiber 2 of the non-light-guiding yarn A1, and the warp yarn has a non-light-guiding yarn B2 arranged across under the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2. The non-light-guiding yarn B2 has an entanglement portion XB2 that entangles with the design surface side of the non-light-guiding yarn A2. Thereby, the deformation of the non-entanglement region R toward the side opposite to the optical fiber 2 is restricted or suppressed by the entanglement portion XB2. Therefore, the non-entanglement region R is more effectively deformed so as to cover the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2.

[0056] Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of non-light-guiding yarns B2 are arranged. Thereby, the deformation of the non-entanglement region R toward the side opposite to the optical fiber 2 is more effectively restricted or suppressed.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the non-light-guiding yarn A1 is a multifilament without twist. As a result, the non-entangled region R is more effectively deformed (specifically, deformed so that the surface area of the non-entangled region R increases) so as to cover the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2.

[0058] According to the skin material 5 of this embodiment, the above-described fabric 1 is provided. Thereby, when a part of the human body such as a nail 31 or an article contacts the surface of the skin material 5 and a load is applied, the non-entangled region R of the non-light-guiding yarn A1 is deformed so as to thinly expand by the pressing of the nail 31 or the like, and the non-entangled region R covers the design surface side of the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2. Therefore, contact between the nail 31 or the like and the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2 can be prevented or suppressed, and the scratch resistance of the optical fiber 2 can be improved.

[0059] According to the interior component 7 of this embodiment, a base material 8 and the above-described skin material 5 that covers the surface of the base material 8 are provided. Thereby, when a part of the human body such as a nail 31 or an article contacts the surface of the interior component 7 and a load is applied, the non-entangled region R of the non-light-guiding yarn A1 is deformed so as to thinly expand by the pressing of the nail 31 or the like, and the non-entangled region R covers the design surface side of the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2. Therefore, contact between the nail 31 or the like and the exposed portion 2a of the optical fiber 2 can be prevented or suppressed, and the scratch resistance of the optical fiber 2 can be improved.

[0060] In addition, in the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modified embodiments can be adopted within the scope of the present invention according to the purpose and application. That is, in the fabric 1 of the above-described embodiment, usually, a large number of exposed portions 2a of the optical fiber 2 are formed along the warp and weft yarns. However, the non-entangled region R may be set corresponding to all the exposed portions 2a, or in a form in which there are portions with a high possibility of contact with nails or the like and portions with a low possibility of contact in the fabric 1, the non-entangled region R may be set corresponding to only some of the exposed portions 2a.

[0061] The foregoing examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Although the present invention has been described by way of examples of typical embodiments, the language used in the description and illustration of the present invention is to be understood as explanatory and illustrative rather than restrictive. As detailed herein, changes may be made 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 referred to in the detailed description of the present invention, it is not intended to limit the present invention to the disclosure 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

[0062] The present invention is widely used as a technology related to a fabric in which optical fibers are woven.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0063] 1; Fabric 2; Optical fiber 2a; Exposed portion 2b; Non-exposed portion 5; Skin material 7; Interior part 8; Base material A1, A2; Non-light-guiding yarns of group A constituent yarns B1, B2; Non-light-guiding yarns of group B constituent yarns XB1, XB2; Interlaced portion L1; Length of exposed portion L2; Length of non-interlaced region R; Non-interlaced region.

Claims

1. A fabric in which A-group component yarns and B-group component yarns corresponding to either warp yarns or weft yarns are woven, wherein the A-group component yarns have a plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of non-light-guiding yarns A, the B-group component yarns have a plurality of non-light-guiding yarns B, the optical fibers have an exposed portion exposed on the design surface side of the fabric and non-exposed portions connected to both ends in the length direction of the exposed portion and not exposed on the design surface side of the fabric, the A-group component yarns have a non-light-guiding yarn A1 arranged adjacent to the optical fibers, the B-group component yarns have a pair of non-light-guiding yarns B1, B1 arranged across each of the non-exposed portions with the exposed portion of the optical fiber interposed therebetween, each of the pair of non-light-guiding yarns B1, B1 has an entanglement portion XB1 that entangles with the non-light-guiding yarn A1 on the design surface side, the non-light-guiding yarn A1 is provided with a non-entanglement region that does not entangle with the B-group component yarns on the design surface side between the respective entanglement portions XB1, XB1. A fabric characterized by this.

2. The fabric according to claim 1, wherein the length of the non-entanglement region is not more than twice the length of the exposed portion.

3. the A-group component yarns have a non-light-guiding yarn A2 arranged adjacent to the side opposite to the optical fiber of the non-light-guiding yarn A1, the B-group component yarns have a non-light-guiding yarn B2 arranged across the exposed portion of the optical fiber, The fabric according to claim 1, wherein the non-light-guiding yarn B2 has an entanglement portion XB2 that entangles with the non-light-guiding yarn A2 on the design surface side.

4. The fabric according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the non-light-guiding yarns B2 are arranged.

5. The fabric according to claim 1, wherein the non-light-guiding yarn A1 is a multifilament without twist or with a twist number of 50 T / m or less.

6. An epidermal material comprising the fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. An interior component comprising a base material and the epidermal material according to claim 6 that covers the surface of the base material.

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